OceanSide church of Christ

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Shattering Christian Misconceptions

By Aaron Cameron

I.                 Introduction

a.      There are some problems facing Christianity

                                                    i.     People think Christians are “dumb,” “prejudiced, etc.”

                                                   ii.     Many misconceptions about Christianity

b.      “Misconception” – a view or opinion that is incorrect because it is based on faulty thinking or understanding

                                                    i.     Is that not the case with people who have formed opinions of Christians?

                                                   ii.     Some people may be skeptical, or not have the patience to study.

                                                  iii.     Others are stuck in their denominational opinions

II.               “YOU’RE A BUNCH OF BIGOTS!”

a.      Civil rights

                                                    i.     We’ve come a long way

                                                   ii.     However, sinful things are being called “civil rights”

                                                  iii.     “Hate, bigotry, and intolerance” are thrown at Christians regularly

b.      If a Christian was truly intolerant of everything they didn’t agree with, they would be unable to function

c.      Christians commanded to deliver the Word of God to as many as possible (Matthew 28:18-20)

                                                    i.     Christian’s responsibility to inform individuals of their error

                                                   ii.     Christian is against sin, not the sinner

                                                  iii.     Free will does exist

d.      Abhor WHAT is evil (Romans 12:9)

                                                    i.     Not who, but what

                                                   ii.     Hate the person? No.  Hate the sin?  Unquestionably yes

e.      Freedom is a great thing

                                                    i.     People allowed to live their lives

                                                   ii.     Christians should be allowed to live ours as well

f.       Jesus was not as tolerant as people make him out to be

                                                    i.     Change must take place

                                                   ii.     John 15:14 – do whatever Jesus commands

                                                  iii.     Matthew 10:34-39 – we may have to turn from family

g.      Christians should not actively hate people.  They do, however, actively hate sin.

h.      Change IS possible – I Corinthians 6:9-10

                                                    i.     “Such WERE some of you” – I Corinthians 6:11

III.              “WHERE’S THE INSTRUMENTS?”

a.      Maybe you’re visiting with a denominational friend – what do you see?

                                                    i.     Instruments, stage, fog machines, lighting

                                                   ii.     Weird for us

b.      Denominational friend visits with us – what do they see?

                                                    i.     “Where’s the instruments”

                                                   ii.     Weird for them

c.      Christians should be engaged, and participate.  But worship is TO God, FOR God

                                                    i.     John 4:23-24

d.      Instrumental vs. a cappella

                                                    i.     Colossians 3:16, Ephesians 5:19

                                                   ii.     Commanded to SING – not play any other instruments

                                                  iii.     WE are commanded to sing – not listen to someone else sing

e.      Logical conclusions

                                                    i.     One preacher, one prayer leader, one song leader

                                                   ii.     Those LEAD – all can participate

                                                  iii.     If all were truly able to participate with instrumental music, everyone would have an instrument

                                                  iv.     Instrumental music highlights the attention man craves and the ego boost men desire

f.       The Talent Argument

                                                    i.     Some will say, won’t those talents (playing instruments) be squandered?

1.      Matthew 25:14-30

                                                   ii.     Some examples of other talents.  Are they permissible for worship?

                                                  iii.     It would surprise some to know how many preachers, elders, etc. have musical talent, but have respect for the Bible to leave the instruments at home.

IV.              “A PRAYER SAVES ME!”

a.      The Sinner’s prayer

                                                    i.     Convenience

                                                   ii.     Upkeep?

                                                  iii.     Changing of God’s Word

b.      Baptism is absolutely integral to salvation

                                                    i.     Baptism is to salvation as blood is to the body – without it, no functionality

                                                   ii.     Mark 16:15-16, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16

c.      Six steps to salvation

                                                    i.     Hear the Word – Romans 10:17

                                                   ii.     Believe Jesus is Christ – John 8:24

                                                  iii.     Repent, or make a life-changing turn, from sin (Acts 17:30)

                                                  iv.     Confess belief in Jesus as Christ and Son of God (Matthew 10:32)

                                                   v.     Be baptized for remission of sins (Acts 2:38)

                                                  vi.     Live faithfully until we die (Revelation 2:10b)

d.      Grace and mercy does save us, but not alone

                                                    i.     Prayer does not save us

                                                   ii.     It does not enter us into Christ’s body, in any sort of example

                                                  iii.     Baptism and the Word of God are the lifeblood of salvation

V.               CONCLUSION

a.      Being a Christian is hard work, but it is rewarding work

b.      We will deal with misconceptions, but we must try and correct them

c.      Study the Scriptures, read the articles put out by our preacher, other Biblical materials online, and prepare to let your light shine.

d.      We can correct misconceptions together.