[By Ron Halbrook]

• Introduction:

1. Acts 17:23 Worship in ignorance: true & false worship different

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23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

• Introduction:

2. How to distinguish true & false religion, so our worship will be true & pure:

Gospel of Christ the only true religionGospel of Christ conquers all othersGospel of Christ demands total surrender

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I. Gospel of Christ the Only True Religion A. Christ Brought the Only True, Final,

Universal Revelation of GodJn. 1:1; 14:6; 16:13 Christ in his person & teaching: all truth

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1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

I. Gospel of Christ the Only True Religion A. Christ Brought the Only True, Final,

Universal Revelation of GodJn. 1:1; 14:6; 16:13 Christ in his person & teaching: all truth

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14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Jn. 1:1; 14:6; 16:13 Christ in his person & teaching: all truth

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16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

I. Gospel of Christ the Only True Religion A. Christ Brought the Only True, Final,

Universal Revelation of GodJude 3 His revelation full & complete: one time for all times

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Jude 3 His revelation full & complete: one time for all times

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3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

I. Gospel of Christ the Only True Religion A. Christ Brought the Only True, Final,

Universal Revelation of GodMk. 16:15 His teaching universal in scope

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15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

I. Gospel of Christ the Only True Religion B. Only His Teaching Is Based on Evidence:

Historical Reality & TruthActs 1:3 “Many infallible proofs” Fulfilled prophecy Genuine miracles His resurrection Eye-witness testimony

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I. Gospel of Christ the Only True Religion B. Only His Teaching Is Based on Evidence:

Historical Reality & TruthNo other religion has such evidence

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I. Gospel of Christ the Only True Religion C. Christ Warned: Every Other Religion False

Matt. 15:8-9 Man-made religion: vain

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8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

I. Gospel of Christ the Only True Religion C. Christ Warned: Every Other Religion False

Jn. 4:19-26 Taught true & false are different Vs. 20 Which worship is right? Vs. 22 “Ye worship ye know not what:”

false worship Vs. 22 “Salvation is of the Jews:”

true worship

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I. Gospel of Christ the Only True Religion C. Christ Warned: Every Other Religion False

Jn. 4:19-26 Taught true & false different Vv. 23-26 Christ brings full & final

revelation to supercede all other religions

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Vv. 23-26 Christ brings full & final revelation to supercede all other religions

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23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. 25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. 26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.

I. Gospel of Christ the Only True Religion C. Christ Warned: Every Other Religion False

Acts 17:23 Paul preached the one true God whom “ye ignorantly worship” All other religions false Their attempts to worship God false

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II. Gospel of Christ Conquers All Other Religions A. It Is the Only Religion Based Wholly

on Valid EvidenceMk. 16:15 Saves “every creature” if honest, even worst enemies such as Saul1 Pet. 3:15 Answers “every man” if honest2 Cor. 10:3-5 Subdues “every thought to the obedience of Christ” in honest souls

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II. Gospel of Christ Conquers All Other Religions A. It Is the Only Religion Based Wholly

on Valid EvidenceRev. 2:2 Signs which confirmed the gospel cannot be duplicated by false religions

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2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

II. Gospel of Christ Conquers All Other Religions A. It Is the Only Religion Based Wholly

on Valid Evidence1 Jn. 4:6 False religions cannot withstand the test of the confirmed truth today

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6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

II. Gospel of Christ Conquers All Other Religions A. It Is the Only Religion Based Wholly

on Valid EvidenceSome claim feelings validate Argue, debate against arguing, debating Propose truth is not propositional Spread their emotions by explanations Rationalize self-deceit

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II. Gospel of Christ Conquers All Other Religions B. Gospel Conquers Not Compromises

1 Cor. 1:18 Preached “foolishness:” crucified Savior as God’s wisdom & power Offended Greek idea of wisdom Offended Jewish idea of power

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18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

II. Gospel of Christ Conquers All Other Religions B. Gospel Conquers Not Compromises

Christ demanded unconditional surrender Jn. 4:22 Samaritan religion Mk. 12:12 Unbelieving Jews Matt. 15:8-9 Doctrines of men Matt. 22:29 Religious leaders 1 Thess. 1:9 Pagan religions

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II. Gospel of Christ Conquers All Other Religions B. Gospel Conquers Not Compromises

Matt. 15:12-14 Not soften truth to avoid criticism or gain popularity

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Matt. 15:12-14 Not soften truth to avoid criticism or gain popularity

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12 Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? 13 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. 14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

II. Gospel of Christ Conquers All Other Religions B. Gospel Conquers Not Compromises

Not modify the truth to escape slander: Treason: called Jesus “Lord” Blasphemy, idolatry: called Jesus “God” Atheism: exposed idolatry Blaspheme Moses & the Law: said fulfilled Immoral, cannibals: assemble, Lord’s Supper Hate, anti-social: not drink, dance, fornicate

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II. Gospel of Christ Conquers All Other Religions C. Gospel Waged War against False Religions

Acts 17:22-31 Contrasted the gospel & Greek religion

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GREEK IDOLATRY GOSPEL OF CHRIST 1. God unknown 1. God known 2. God in temples 2. God not in temples 3. God depend on men 3. Men depend on God 4. Greeks superior 4. God made all from one 5. Fate rules God & man 5. God rules destiny 6. Gods not accessible 6. God near 7. Made god images 7. God unlike images 8. Greeks enlightened 8. Greeks must repent 9. Eternal history cycles 9. God ends history10. Righteous judge dead 10. Christ judge dead11. No resurrection 11. Jesus & all men raised

II. Gospel of Christ Conquers All Other Religions C. Gospel Waged War against False Religions

Acts 2:22-40 Peter convicted Jews of murdering the Savior: must obey him to be saved

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Acts 2:22-40 Peter convicted Jews of murdering the Savior: must obey him to be saved

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38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

II. Gospel of Christ Conquers All Other Religions C. Gospel Waged War against False Religions

Gal. 1:6-9 Christ confronts sin & error within the church

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Gal. 1:6-9 Christ confronts sin & error within the church

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6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

III. Gospel of Christ Demands Surrender Today A. Gospel Distinguishes Truth & Error

1 Cor. 1:18 Men see gospel as foolishness, scandal, offense: wisdom & power of GodRather than retreat, compromise, or modify, contrast gospel of Christ & wisdom of men

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WISDOM OF MEN GOSPEL OF CHRIST 1. Saved in all religions 1. One right way (Eph 4:4-6) 2. Universalism 2. Saved if obey (Mk 16:16) 3. Truth relative 3. Truth absolute (2 Jn 9) 4. Moral people saved 4. Christ saves (Jn 8:24) 5. Join any church 5. One true church (Eph 4:4) 6. Ignore all differences 6. Expose error (Eph 5:11) 7. Not call names 7. Identify error (Matt 16:6) 8. All positive 8. Condemn sin (Acts 2:23) 9. Faith only 9. Faith, baptism (Mk 16:16)10. Change the church 10. Pattern (1 Tim 3:14-15)11. Accept immorality 11. Pure morals (1 Cor 6:9-11)

III. Gospel of Christ Demands Surrender Today B. Christ Calls Us to Submit in All Things

Matt. 28:18-20 Great Commission continues until end of time

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Matt. 28:18-20 Great Commission continues until end of time

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18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

• Invitation:

1. Acts 17:23 Worship in ignorance: true & false worship different

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23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

• Invitation:

2. How to distinguish true & false religion, so our worship will be true & pure:

Gospel of Christ the only true religionGospel of Christ conquers all othersGospel of Christ demands total surrender

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• Invitation:

3. Submit to Christ now! Submit to Christ now!

Submit to Christ now!