Unity and Denominationalism

Does it matter what we believe?

Yes, It does matter what we believe

• It is the only way to achieve true unity

• The exactness of God’s word – John 17:17, Matt. 24:35, 28:20

Yes, It does matter what we believe

• Passages•Matthew 7:13-14•Matthew 7:21-23•Matthew 7:24-27•Prov. 3:5-7•1 John 4:1

Yes, It does matter what we believe

• Danger in believing error• Ignorance – Acts 17:30-31Gal. 1:13-14, 1 Tim. 1:132 Thess. 2:10-12 – those who do not love the truth deceived.

Yes, It does matter what we believe

• Danger in believing error

• False teachers – 2 Peter 2:1-3Jude 3-4

Yes, It does matter what we believe

• Danger in believing error

• Fellowshipping error – 2 John 9-11Ephesians 5:11

Yes, It does matter what we believe

• Danger in believing error

• Influence – you might lead others into error Matthew 15:14

Yes, It does matter what we believe

• One day we will be judged

• It will be an absolute standard John 12:48Eccl. 12:13-14

Yes, It does matter what we believe

• We are told to rightly divide the word of truth

• 2 Tim. 2:15•Ephesians 3:3-5•2 Corinthians 4:11•1 Thess. 1:13•Acts 17:11

Yes, It does matter what we believe

• Rightly dividing implies there is a way to be wrong

•2 Peter 3:16•Ephesians 4:14•1 Timothy 1:3•Acts 20:29-30•Romans 10:1-3

Yes, It does matter what we believe

• Is sincerity enough?• Sincerity is important, but it

must be accompanied by truth. •Acts 10:1-6•Acts 18:24-28• Paul persecuted Christians

Acts 22:3-4, 1 Tim. 1:13

This is becoming an issue among brethren today as well. Some advocate that as long as a false

teacher is sincere, we can fellowship them. See 2 John 9-11

Yes, It does matter what we believe

• It matters because the way we conduct our lives is going to be determined by what we believe.

IF it doesn’t matter, then…

• Why did Christ take away the Old law? (Heb. 10:9)i.e. “But I say to you…”

• Why did He call traditions of men vain? (Matt. 15:8-9)

• Why did Paul change religions? (Gal. 1:13-14)

IF it doesn’t matter, then…

• Why did Paul persuade men? (2 Cor. 11:2-3, Acts. 18:13)

• Why did he warn the Ephesians elders? (Acts 20:30)

• Why did he tell the Corinthians to not fellowship idols? (1 Cor. 10:14-22)

IF it doesn’t matter, then…

• Why was Peter sent to Cornelius (Act 10:9-20)

• Why were 12 men baptized again? (Acts 19:1-5)

• Why was Cain’s sacrifice rejected? (Genesis 4:4-7)

IF it doesn’t matter, then…

• Why do false teachers exist? (2 Peter 2:1-5)

• Why do we need to defend our faith? (1 Peter 3:15)

• Why do scriptures emphasize one? (Ephesians 4:4-6)

Truly it does matter what we believe!

Does it matter to you?