Is the Church Too Exclusive?

-Introduction

-At the end of the lesson last Sunday morning, I said that when a person considers the

  topics of worship, church authority and church organization every man-made religious

  organization is exposed.

      -There are many good, sincere individuals who fail to follow the patterns that God

        has prescribed.

-Eph 4:4-6

      -The ideas of a single church and a specific doctrine are not popular in today’s

        society.

-There are increased claims - both exterior and, in some cases, interior - that members of

  the church are too exclusive and narrow minded.  There are those who are trying to

  influence the church to soften doctrinal distinctions and while broadening the circle of

  fellowship.

-In this morning’s lesson, we’ll consider whether we are too exclusive and narrow minded.

-Pondering Our God

-I’m afraid we don’t think about/contemplate/ponder the qualities/characteristics/attributes

  of our God nearly as much as we should!

      -We should stand in absolute awe of our God.

      -Isa 45:18-22, 55:8-9; Jer 10:23

      -Job 42:1-2

            -What an amazing God!

-Our God is good, pure, righteous, true, Holy...

      -1 John 4:8 - John summarized God’s attributes with one simple, profound statement.

-Atrocious Nature of Sinfulness & Our Deep Need

-When we contemplate the attributes of our God, we are reminded of the atrocious nature

  of sin.

      -Sin is a violations against our God - against all that God is - all that He wants - all that

        He commands.

      -Sin is disgusting in His sight - Isa 1:4-6.

-When we contemplate the attributes of God and combine with that the acknowledgement

  of our sins, we are driven to the realization of our dreadful condition in sin.

      -Luke 7:41-42

      -We don’t have to first be dreadfully sinful in order to love our Savior.  However, we

        do need to recognize the fact that we have sinned (Rom 3:23) and therefore need

        forgiveness.

-God’s Offer of Forgiveness & Our Response

-Forgiveness is exactly what God has offered to us.

      -He did not make such an offer because we deserve it.

      -His offer was not made because we have earned it.  It is a gift (Rom 6:23, Eph 2:8).

-Eph 2:1-10

      -God offers forgiveness to us due to his rich mercy and abounding love.

      -Even though we have done that which is contrary to our completely righteous, pure,

        holy and unlimited God, He offers us salvation.

            -You see, there is no salvation in sin.

            -Thankfully, God offers salvation from sin in Christ Jesus (Eph 1:3).

-So, what must take place?

-Some say there is no need for any specific response on the part of mankind.

      -Such an approach reveals a complete lack of understanding of God or a

        failure to acknowledge our sinful condition.  (Acts 2:37 - hearts pricked)

      -Does God’s greatness not warrant a response?

      -Does He not deserve a response?

      -To say that there is no need of a response is to belittle our God.

-Many realize that a response is needed but disagree on what the response must be.

      -To many, the idea of a single, specific response - both in an intial response of

        obedience and a continued response of faithfulness - is appalling.

      -Is it appalling to say that there is a specific way to respond to our Almighty God?

        Is the thought of “one body, one Spirit...one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God...”

        (Eph 4:4-6) distasteful?  The inspired scriptures don’t think so.  Neither should we.

            -Is it appalling to think that an Almighty God could specify a particular manner

              of worship to be offered to Him?  (see John 4:24, Matt 15:9)

            -Is it wrong for our Almighty God to institute a particular doctrine (Rom 6:17)?

-Unfortunately, too many people seemingly forget the greatness of God, and try to tell Him

  what we should do rather than submit to what He has already told us to do.

-Submitting to the Will of God

-We, as the created, have no right whatsoever to impose our will upon the Creator.

-He has initiated the plan of salvation.  He sent Jesus to die upon the cross.  He has

  offered His grace to us.

-So, how can we know what God requires of us?

      -1 Cor 2:9-11, 2 Pet 1:3, 2 Tim 3:16-17

-When we consider the wonderful attributes of our God, we are driven to the realization

  that we must submit to His will.

      -Matt 7:21, 24-27

-As a result, the idea of one body, one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one God, a specific

  doctrine will not seem too exclusive and narrow minded.  They are in accordance with

  the design and word of God - His will.

-Have you submitted to His will?  Have you responded to His offer of salvation?  If not,

  obey His word - Believe (John 3:16, 8:24), Confess (Matt 10:32, Rom 10:9-10), Repent

  (Acts 17:30, Luke 13:3,5), Be Baptized (Mark 16:16, Gal 3:26-29).

-If you’ve obeyed the Gospel but haven’t remained faithful (submissive to the will of God),

  then confess your shortcomings, repent of them and pray for forgiveness (1 John 1:7-9,

  Acts 8:22-24).

Date:  Feb 19, 2006