The Falling Away

Temple Baptist Church - 1-22-2017

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Introduction:

A.  The “falling away” mentioned in our text is not the decline of the morality of the world.    This is to be expected because we know what time it is and human nature without God will always bring about moral decline.  You can expect sinners to be sinners and wickedness to increase.

B.  The “falling away” described in verse 2 is a spiritual decline.  A wrong spirit (disobedient to the Bible), a wrong word (a changing message from the pulpit), and a flawed authority (letters as from us).

C.  This chapter describes the times in which we now live. 

1.  Over the past 3 decades that I have been saved, I have seen a constant, serious decline in the fundamentalism of the local church.  By the way, fundamental is a good word that has been maligned in the spiritual sense.  Fundamentals get the job done in sports, at work, at home, and in the local church. 

2.  It amazes me, though I am familiar with what the Bible says on the subject, that we have come to this place of spiritual decline.  Us that are older remember the “good old days” when people all had a King James Bible and believed that it was the Word of God.  We remember when pulpits were not afraid of “naming sin.”  As morality failed and worldliness came into the churches, the message from the pulpits had to change also.  When the message changed, the Bible also had to change because it was the Authority and the people would not accept it.

D.  The phrase “falling away.”  It is from this phrase that we get the commonly used word “apostasy.”

APOSTASY – to defect from or to renounce a former belief or position or to stand away from a former position.

E.  Apostasy is a satanic conspiracy!  It is a planned attack!  It is a manned attack!  It is paving the way for “that Wicked,” mentioned in verse 8, to step into the limelight and be fully accepted by the religious but unsaved.  This apostasy has evolved through several mediums of which I will name two: 

1.  The arising of False Brethren and Prophets.  We are now generations into the recruitment and infiltration of lost preachers who now permeate the pulpits of churches.

a)  They are well disguised - Matthew 7:15  Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

2 Peter 2:1  But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

b)  They are articulate and well educated - Matthew 24:11  And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

Matthew 24:24  For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Mark 13:22  For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.

c)  They are well thought of in religious circles - Luke 6:26  Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

d)  They are heretical - 2 Peter 2:1  But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring indamnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

1)  They have left the Word of God - Isaiah 8:20  To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

2)  They have left the Traditions of the Church - 2 Thessalonians 2:15  Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

3)  They have left the Old Paths of Separation - Jeremiah 6:16  Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.  (Their churches are characterized by worldly dress, worldly music, worldly philosophies, and worldly “converts.”)

2.  The advancement of the Laodicean Church Age and, therefore, the apathy of its people. 

a)  The “Church” has taken a back seat to the materialistic world and the temporal outweighs the eternal.

b)  The apathy of the majority of Believers.  Though they realize to some degree that things are wrong, they are comfortable in the pews and do not wish to be disturbed.

c)  The acceptance of shallow, charismatic, philosophical “teachers.”  God’s people no longer allow strong doctrinal preaching. 

2 Timothy 4:3  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

d)  The avarice of the Local Church Pulpits.  Preachers are afraid of losing both members and money!  Men who once stood strong in fundamentalism have allowed their churches to compromise and are strangely silent!  Most of the old “bastions of the faith” are gone!  Churches and schools that once stood for truth and separation are now gone.

F.  True believers and churches are now defamed!  I have covered this issue many times but have found that one of the best teaching tools is repetition!  We have not move nor have we changed!  They have and, yet, they say that:

1.  Bible believing churches are called cultic.  We are not a cult!  We are Bible believing people who still hold to the old paths of inerrancy and infallibility of the Scriptures.

2.  Bible believing churches are called divisive.  We are divisive!  The Bible both creates and DEMANDS division. 

3.  Bible believing churches are called unloving.  We are not unloving!  We love both sinners and saints.  We also love the Lord, the Bible, and the Old Paths.  These three things take precedent over everything else.

4.  Bible believing churches are called ignorant.  We are neither ignorant of what God says nor are we ignorant of their devices!  We have a good grip on what the Bible says and reject any theology or teaching that is contrary to Scripture.

GOD COMMANDS SEPARATION FROM APOSTASY!

1.  We Must Learn To Identify Them!  1 Timothy 1:18-20  This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; 19  Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 20  Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.  (How do we recognize them?  By measuring their ministry by God’s Word.)

1 John 4:1  Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Isaiah 8:20  To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

2.  We Are To Mark Them!  Romans 16:17-18  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18  For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.  (This goes over like a “lead balloon” today.  Naming names is a vital part of “marking” the apostates.  Without naming them, they remain safe from discovery.  Wolf hunting is a vital part of the pastor’s ministry!)

MARK - AV-mark 2, take heed 1, look on 1, look at 1, consider 1; 6

1) to look at, observe, contemplate

2) to mark

3) to fix one’s eyes upon, direct one’s attention to, any one

4) to look to, take heed to thyself

3.  We Are To Avoid Them!  Romans 16:17-18  Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18  For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. 

2 Corinthians 6:14-18  Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15  And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16  And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17  Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18  And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

2 Thessalonians 3:6  Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

2 Thessalonians 3:14  And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.

1 Timothy 6:3-5  If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4  He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5  Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

2 Timothy 3:5  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Titus 3:10  A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

2 John 10-11  If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11  For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

4.  We Are To Reprove Them!  Titus 3:10  A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

Ephesians 5:8-12  For ye were sometimes darkness, but now [are ye] light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9  (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10  Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11  And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12  For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

The World Knoweth Us Not

Temple Baptist Church - 9-10-2014

1 John 3:1

 

Introduction:

A. “Us” in this verse does not mean “Christendom” in general. Christendom is generic term that represents all denominations that claim to be Christian. The majority of these churches and denominations are accepted by the world because they are of the world. They are worldly in their demeanor; they are worldly I their worship; they are worldly in their message; they are WORLDLY! A few days ago, I watched a video taken at one of the New Spring churches that showed a rock band singing “Highway To Hell,” a song sung by the rock band AC/DC. New Spring is one of the larger so called churches that has so appealed to the ungodly.

1. These modern churches have a message that is palatable to the world.

2. These modern churches have music that is mesmerizing to the world.

3. These modern churches have standards that are acceptable to the world.

4. These modern churches make no demands of the world.

B. The world rejects those who not only claim to be saved but also bear the straight and narrow fruit of righteousness. The world does not reject the message of the modern day churches but they completely reject the message of the bible.

1 John 4:5-6 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. (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.

John 8:47 He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

C. The first mention of spiritual division between God’s people and the people of the devil is found in the Garden of Eden.

Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. (The woman’s seed was posterity while the serpent’s seed was production!)

D. God’s people have never been popular in this world. The world hated God, God’s prophets and apostles, John the Baptist and the 12 apostles, believers, and Jesus Christ most of all. If we are who we say we are and if we act like God’s children, we will never be popular with this world because we are not of this world

1. Because biblical salvation produces righteousness - Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, (12) Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

2. Righteousness brings about persecution - 2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

1. The believer will be rejected, reviled, and persecuted by the world. Matthew 5:11-16 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. (12) Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. (13) Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. (14) Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. (15) Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. (16) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

a. The believer is rejected because Christ was rejected - John 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

b. The believer is reviled because Christ was reviled - Matthew 27:39 And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, (Revile is to vilify! We become the “bad guys” while the wicked become the “good guys.” Who have we hurt? We try to win the lost to Christ. We love the sinner and welcome him/her in our church.)

c. The believer is persecuted because Christ was persecuted - John 15:18-19 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. (19) If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

2. The believer will be divided from his/her own family. Matthew 10:34-36 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. (35) For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. (36) And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.

a. There will be division instead of peace. Your family may love you with all of their hearts, but they do not love what you have become to love: righteousness, holiness, and the Lord!

b. Your family will become your spiritual foes. They will try to keep you from following the Lord wholly. They will battle with you spiritually because the spiritual change made in your life will show up the lack of the same in theirs.

Conclusion: In Luke 6:22-23, our Lord said, “ Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. (23) Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.”

John 15:18-21 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. (19) If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. (20) Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. (21) But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.

The Except Of Apostasy

Temple Baptist Church - 7-29-2012
2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Introduction:

A. This chapter describes the times in which we now live. Over the past 3+ decades that I have been saved, I have seen a constant, serious decline in the fundamentalism of the local church. It amazes me, though I am familiar with what the Bible says on the subject, that we have come to the place where we now stand.

B. Now, let us look at the word except within the context. The Bible says that the Day of Christ cannot come without a general apostasy coming about.

1. Some theologians teach that the world will get better through revival which will bring about the coming of Christ and the setting up of His kingdom on earth.

2. The scriptures teach just the opposite: the world will wax worse and apostasy will be the rule of the day just prior to our Lord’s coming.

Luke 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

C. Apostasy is a satanic conspiracy! It is a planned attack! It is a manned attack! This apostasy has evolved through several mediums of which I will name two:

1. The arising of False Brethren and Prophets. We are now generations into the recruitment and infiltration of lost preachers who now permeate the pulpits of churches.

a) They are well disguised - Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

b) They are articulate and well educated - Matthew 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

Matthew 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Mark 13:22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.

c) They are well thought of in religious circles - Luke 6:26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.

d) They are heretical - 2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

1) They have left the Word of God - Isaiah 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

2) They have left the Traditions of the Church - 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

3) They have left the Old Paths of Separation - Jeremiah 6:16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. (Their churches are characterized by worldly dress, worldly music, worldly philosophies, and worldly “converts.”)

2. The advancement of the Laodicean Church Age and, therefore, the apathy of its people.
a) The “Church” has taken a back seat to the materialistic world and the temporal outweighs the eternal.

b) The apathy of the majority of Believers. Though they realize to some degree that things are wrong, they are comfortable in the pews and do not wish to be disturbed.

c) The acceptance of shallow, charismatic, philosophical “teachers.” God’s people no longer allow strong doctrinal preaching.

2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

d) The avarice of the Local Church Pulpits. Preachers are afraid of losing both members and money! Men who once stood strong in fundamentalism have allowed their churches to compromise and are strangely silent! Most of the old “bastions of the faith” are gone! Churches and schools that once stood for truth and separation are now gone.

d. True believers and churches are now defamed!

1. Bible believing churches are called cultic.

2. Bible believing churches are called divisive.

3. Bible believing churches are called unloving.

4. Bible believing churches are called ignorant.


1. The Gathering of the Saints – vs. 1 It has been prophesied and is eminent! We live in the day of His coming.

2. The Troubling of the Saints – vs. 2 Many of God’s people are amazed at the “spiritual” trends of our day and are troubled. We do not need to be troubled nor do we need to adopt the philosophy of fatalism. It does matter how we live and we can still make a difference!

3. The Rise of Apostasy – vs. 3 In this verse, we find the phrase “falling away.” It is from this phrase that we get the commonly used word “apostasy.” APOSTASY – to defect from or to renounce a former belief or position or to stand away from a former position. Virtually every church in our county once stood where we now stand. They had separation, believed the right Bible, preached unapologetically, and fought the worldliness that now permeates their churches. Were they all wrong in the old days? Are they right and we wrong today? I think not.

4. The Revelation of the Wicked One – vs. 3-4 In order for the antichrist to be acceptable with all of his wickedness and worldly philosophy, there must be a preparation of the minds of the people. Today, right is wrong and wrong is right. Thank God for Chick-fil-A! thank God that Billy Graham has been vocal in a right way lately. He has done so much damage through his ecumenism over the years but at least has come forth in his mid-90’s to say that we now must stand with the scriptures.

5. The Permeation of Sinfulness – vs. 5-7 Our nation and our world is wicked to the core. Sexual perversion, drinking, drugs, a general breakdown of authority, morality almost nonexistent, and apathy in general concerning all of the above.

6. The Destruction of The Wicked One – vs. 8 God can and will bring Satan down! Satan has no power against our God, therefore, he has no hope of survival. One day, old “slew foot” will be cast into the Lake of Fire for all eternity.

7. The Deception of the Unsaved – vs. 9-10 The deception is strong in our day. The world has been deceived. Most churches and denominations have been deceived. Most “Christians” have been deceived because they received not the truth of God’s Word that they might be saved. Religion is comfortable to the world. Salvation demands a change of heart, mind, and actions.

8. The Damnation of the Unsaved – vs. 10-12 There are no second chances for those “Left Behind!” The wicked writers of that series have strengthened the resolve of the religious world to continue in their rebellion to God’s Word. God’s Word says to repent or perish. If they have heard the gospel prior to the Lord’s Coming, the Bible is clear in these verses that “ALL” will be sent strong delusion and “ALL” will be damned!


GOD COMMANDS SEPARATION FROM APOSTASY!

1. We Must Learn To Identify Apostasy! 1 Timothy 1:18-20 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; 19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. (How do we recognize them? By measuring their ministry by God’s Word.)

1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Isaiah 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them.

2. We Are To Mark Apostasy! Romans 16:17-18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. (This goes over like a “lead balloon” today. Naming names is a vital part of “marking” the apostates. Without naming them, they remain safe from discovery. Wolf hunting is a vital part of the pastor’s ministry!)

MARK - AV-mark 2, take heed 1, look on 1, look at 1, consider 1; 6

1) to look at, observe, contemplate

2) to mark

3) to fix one’s eyes upon, direct one’s attention to, any one

4) to look to, take heed to thyself


3. We Are To Avoid Apostasy! Romans 16:17-18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

2 Thessalonians 3:14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.

1 Timothy 6:3-5 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

2 Timothy 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

Titus 3:10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

2 John 10-11 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

4. We Are To Reprove Apostasy! Titus 3:10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

Ephesians 5:8-12 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

We Are Baptist! - Part 2 - Baptists Are Separatists!

Temple Baptist Church - 11-28-2010

2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Introduction:

A. A few weeks ago, we saw what Baptists are not!

1. We are not reformers.

2. We are not Protestant.

3. We are not a denomination.

4. We are not Briders

5. We are not Calvinistic.

6. We are not Arminian.

B. We are Baptists! There are many so-called Baptists who do not hold to the doctrinal truths of God’s Word and have labored in their wrestling of the Scripture to the point of gross doctrinal error! I do not and will not apologize for being a Baptist but I do not think that only Baptists are saved or that the Bride of Christ is the Baptist Church!

C. I am a Baptist by conviction, not convenience. I am a fundamental, independent Baptist! Local churches of the New Testament era were fundamental, independent and I see no need of changing God’s program.

D. What makes Baptist churches distinct? Tonight, I want to deal with separatism! This is where “the rubber meets the road” in most churches. True Baptists are separatists! Separation has been taught as a negative and is now as unappealing as the word fundamental. Separation is a good thing, not a bad thing! Separation is that “good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God!” (Romans 12:1-2) Separation is as much for our protection as it is for our identification! We are not only to be separated from something; we are to be separation unto SOMEONE! As Christ suffered without the gate, we are to go unto Him without the camp. Separation is a sign of LOVE, not LEGALISM. Liberal churches have labeled separatism as an independent Baptist thing. Separatism is a Bible commanded thing! Separatists are not “legalists” nor are they “Pharisees.” Most of you know this pastor and I am neither of these. I believe in the “soul liberty” of the believer. Your walk with Christ is between you and God.

E. True Baptists Churches Have Always Been Separatists – Most denominations agree to disagree agreeably when it comes to major doctrinal differences. Their doctrine is set aside based upon the false premise of love and they fellowship and worship together without God’s Truth. Separation is not a negative but a God ordained and commanded blessing! The world views biblical separation in a negative light in order to denounce it but the Word of God not only upholds separation but also commands it! I had rather be on God’s side than to be a member of a denomination, association, or convention that compromises in this vital area of Christian walk. Both fellowship and worship must be based within the boundaries of God’s Word! Our Lord said that the Father sought worship in both truth and spirit. To walk, work, and worship outside of God’s Truth is totally unacceptable to Him. Believers by the multitudes have died over separation as they refused to hold hands, worship, or fellowship with the religionists of their times. What a price has been paid for this separation that now is given up on the slightest whim!

1. Christians Were Recognized And Respected As Christ-like By The Lost - Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

2. Christians Were Recognized And Rejected As Christ-like By The Convicted - Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

3. Christians Were Recognized And Reviled As Christ-like By The Persecutors - 1 Peter 4:16 Yet if [any man suffer] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

F. Today, believers are chameleons! They bend and blend with society around them and are only distinguished by their shallow profession of faith!

The following excerpt is taken from a booklet entitled “Why Baptists Are Not Protestants” which was written by Vernon C. Lyons of the Ashburn Baptist Church of Chicago, Ill.

“Twentieth century theologians have streamlined Christianity by reducing all the virtues to one – unity. In our generation the most respectable ‘ism’ is ecumenism. Few people discern that there is a false unity as well as a true unity and the each is purchased at a staggering price.

False church unity, which is the most popular kind, is purchased with freedom as the price. Gospel liberty is obliterated and liberty of conscience becomes impractical, if not impossible. The communion of saints is forfeited for a communion of committees. The minority speaks for the mass and the conscience of the individual Christian is by-passed for the consensus of a committee. This kind of church unity is also attained at the price of truth. Those who major on mergers tend to believe very little and after merging believe still less. They are more noted for their compromise than their convictions. Their spiritual discernment having been dulled, they move in a doctrinal dusk that calls non-churches churches and regard unbelievers as believers. In the mania to merge, fixed truths become forgotten tenets.

True church unity is also costly! It is to be obtained not be compromise, but by conflict. The faith must not be diluted, but defended (Jude 3). It may cost a man his unscriptural creed and his man-made catechism. This kind of unity flows from a humility which is willing to reject human tradition and subject itself to divine truth, as stated in God’s Holy Word. This unity is described by the words, ‘One Lord, one faith, one baptism’ (Eph. 4:5). The beginning of this unity is one Lord. The basis of this unity is one faith. The badge of this unity is one baptism.

This true unity will cost you your prejudice, your pride, and perhaps every your popularity.”

G. Separatism is what cost millions of believers their lives. As Christians, they were quietly “out of step with the world” and were mercilessly persecuted because of it.

Luke 6:22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake.

H. This separatism is separated into three distinct areas that we will look at tonight.

1. True Baptists Churches Stand For Ecclesiastical Separation – We are separate in our worship. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (They Are Separate In Worship. They Are Separate In Work. Simply stated, true Baptists do not hold hands with, worship with, or support any other religious organization that has compromised the integrity of Scripture! Many churches have sacrificed their sanctification upon the altar of “Popularity” in order to gain numbers.)

2. True Baptists Churches Stand For Doctrinal Separation – We are separate in doctrine. Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

2 John 9-11 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. (They are separate in walk. True Baptists are not for sale at any price! Many churches have sacrificed their doctrine upon the altar of “Fellowship.”)

3. True Baptists Churches Stand For Personal Separation – We are separate in our walk. Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (King Agrippa said, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian!” Christian means one who is like Christ or Christ-like! Believers were called Christians by the lost because of their testimony of Christ-likeness. Our outward demeanor is a reflection of our inward conversion.)

Conclusion: We are not “in your face” with our convictions but, at the same time, our convictions are biblical and, therefore, not for sale! Baptists are separatists!

The Old Path Of Separation

Temple Baptist Church - 6-6-2010

Hebrews 13:13-16

Introduction: Jeremiah 6:16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

A. Before we can move on to the “Old Path Of Separation,” we must have the “Old Path Of Scripture” settled. Here is the reason why: with no final authority to rely upon, every man will do that which is “right in his own eyes.” It is simply human nature! As a pastor, I have found that when you have no strict Bible standard (King James) separation begins to deteriorate. When you get off on the Bible, you get off on everything else over a period of time. With the controversy over which line of texts is right and over which bible is right, lack of separation came. No Bible equals no holiness!

B. God’s people have always been separate from this present evil world. Enoch was separate as He walked with God. Noah was separate as he was upright in his generations while the sons of God intermarried. Abraham was a pilgrim in the land of Canaan. Israel was to be a separate nation. They were to neither intermingle nor intermarry with the nations around them. The New Testament Church is no different. God has never changed His mind and neither should we. Separation is for several reasons:

1. Lack of separation destroys our holiness.

2. Lack of separation destroys our families.

3. Lack of separation destroys our testimony.

4. Lack of separation destroys our usefulness.

C. We that are saved are in the world but are not to be of the world. We have no choice concerning living here but we do have a choice about how we live here. I want to look at three areas of separation that the Bible makes mention of:

1. Separate In Our Walk

a. In Our Walk - Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (2) And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

b. In Our Companionship - 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: (10) Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. (11) But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. (12) For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? (13) But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

2. Separate In Our Worship

a. Ecclesiastically - 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (15) And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? (16) And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (17) Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, (18) And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

b. Doctrinally – Romans 16:17-18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. (18) For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

Conclusion: What is the results of a lack of biblical separation?

a. Agreement with the World - Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

b. Disagreement with the Lord - James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

God's Promise To The Separated Church

Temple Baptist Church

2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Introduction:

A. The past two Wednesday nights, we have seen the command of ecclesiastical separation and the reason for it. If evil communications still corrupt good manners—and they do—then the influence of evil upon the believer or church will overcome the benefit of good the lost.

B. The modern day ecumenical movement teaches just the opposite. They teach: lay aside the differences and let everyone be alike. That pertains to both individuals and denominations.

C. The Holy Spirit has used several words to both describe and contrast the saved with the lost.

1. Children vs. Unbelievers – 13-14a
2. Righteousness vs. Unrighteousness – 14b
3. Light vs. Darkness – 14c
4. Christ vs. Belial – 15a
5. Believeth vs. Infidel – 15b
6. Temple of God vs. Idols – 16

D. We are different positionally and need to remain so practically. God has made some precious promises to the believer in these verses in light of bearing the reproach of Christ.

2 Peter 1:2-4 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

E. Why is separation so important? Look at verse 17-18.

1. “I will receive you” – A Walk Of Agreement

a. We Have Been Received In Salvation
b. We Have Been Received In The Beloved
c. We Will Be Received Into Heaven
d. We Can Be Received Into Fellowship

Genesis 5:22-24 And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: 23 And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: 24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

Genesis 6:9 These [are] the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man [and] perfect in his generations, [and] Noah walked with God.

Genesis 17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I [am] the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

2. “And will be a Father unto you” - Psalms 103:13 Like as a father pitieth [his] children, [so] the LORD pitieth them that fear him.

a. “I will dwell in them” – vs. 16 - in His Spirit and grace
b. “I will walk in them” – vs. 16 - Communion and fellowship
c. “I will be their God” – vs. 16 - Not just Creator but Master and Lord, Abba Father
d. “They shall be my people” – vs. 16 - Loved with a peculiar love. God loves the world but we are a peculiar people.

3. “Ye shall be my sons and daughters”

a. Sonship Brings About Spiritual Direction - Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

b. Sonship Brings About Spiritual Heirship - Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint–heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together.

c. Sonship Brings About Spiritual Likeness - Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

d. Sonship Brings About Spiritual Relationship - Galatians 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

e. Sonship Brings About Spiritual Anticipation - 1 John 3:1-3 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Ecclesiastical Separation - Part II

Temple Baptist Church - 4-2-2008

2 Corinthians 6:11-18

Introduction:

A. I began last week with ecclesiastical separation and want to finish the subject tonight. We saw that it a subject of great controversy. With the world rapidly moving into a one world worship that denies the clear doctrinal teaching of the bible, denominational lines—which were once clearly defined—are not either blurred or missing. The teaching of “Doctrine divides and love unifies” in an unbiblical sense has vilified the true Bible believer.

B. We also saw that ecclesiastical separation is a command of God. The Corinthian Church had a mixed multitude within its fellowship and, according to the Apostle Paul, it was even evident who they were. Paul did not have to name them, he just gave their characteristics.

C. We, many times, used these verses to teach the pitfalls of unequal yokes such as who you marry; who your friends are; who you are in business with; secret societies, etc.. The the context is who you worship with and who you do the work of the Lord with.

D. Let’s look again tonight at the subject in light of “Why Practice Biblical Separation?”

1. Ecclesiastical Separation Is Obedience To God.

Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

Jude 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.

2. Ecclesiastical Separation Is Spiritual.

Psalms 119:128 Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way. (In this verse we see the attitude of the godly Psalmist toward the Word of God and toward every false doctrine and practice. This is the attitude of all truly spiritual people.)

3. Ecclesiastical Separation Is Fidelity To Truth And Our Lord.

1 Timothy 6:20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called. (1 Timothy 6:14-15; 2 Timothy 1:13; 2:2; 2 Peter. 3:1-2. Sound doctrine was a solemn trust from God and to betray a trust is to be a traitor.)

4. Ecclesiastical Separation Is Christ Honoring.

Hebrews 13:12-13 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. (This passage teaches that since the Lord Jesus Christ was crucified outside of the apostate religion of that day, and since He remains apart from such, we are to honor Him by doing the same.)

5. Ecclesiastical Separation Manifests A Love For Jesus Christ.

John 14:23-24 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.

6. Ecclesiastical Separation Is Pleasing To Jesus Christ

Revelation 2:2 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. (Here we see Christ's attitude toward those who practice discernment and separation and toward those who do not. He commended the church at Ephesus for practicing this ministry; He rebuked the church at Pergamos for not doing so.)

7. Ecclesiastical Separation Brings About Protection.

1 Corinthians 15:33 Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

Romans 16:17-18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

1 Corinthians 5:6-7 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

8. Ecclesiastical Separation Is Essential For A Full Reward

2 John 8-11 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

9. Ecclesiastical Separation Is The Way Of Blessing And Happiness.

Psalms 1:1-3 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Ecclesiastical Separation

Temple Baptist Church - 3-26-2008

2 Corinthians 6:11-18

Introduction:

A. God commands that the believer be separate from the things of this world. Separation has been both distorted and avoided. It has also become one of the churches greatest “battle fields” of our day and those who biblically separate are labeled as divisive, cultic, unlearned, and unloving. This simply is not so!

B. There are several areas in which God commands separation. God still demands Separation out of his children. I did not say isolation I said separation, I know the bible says in (Pr 11:1) "A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight." I know their must be a balance in our doctrine, but we are not out of balance as fair as being to separated we are out of balance not being separated enough!! Three areas of such separation are:

1. Personal Separation From Conformity To The World – Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but are ye transformed by the renewing of your mind that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (We have preached on this subject in an earlier message.)

2. Doctrinal Separation From Apostasy – Romans 16:17-18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. (We have preached on this subject in an earlier message.)

3. Ecclesiastical Separation From False Churches - 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

C. It will also do us well to understand that these are commandments of God, not preferences of men! I want to look at Ecclesiastical separation tonight. Ecclesiastical separation is not just separation just for the sake of avoiding people we don't like, or fighting just for the sake of fighting. It is a battle for the purity of doctrine and continuance of the church. Ecclesiastical separation is life or death!!

1. It Is An Ancient “Battle Ground.” – John 10:19-21 There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings. And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him? Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?

2. It Is A Continual “Battle Ground.” - John 6:67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

3. It Is A Blessed “Battle Ground.” – Luke 6:22-23 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

4. It Is An Important “Battle Ground.” - Psalms 11:3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?

D. We live in the ecumenical age of the church. Doctrine has previously defined church groups and denominations with very distinct lines. Today, in light of the one world church approaching, these distinct denominational lines have blurred, faded, and in many cases disappeared.

1. We now have the Charismatics who draw from every denomination from Catholic, Protestant, Baptist, Pentecostal, and cults.

2. We now have the Neo-evangelicals who also do the same: Chuck Swindol, etc.

3. We now have the Community Church Movement which does the same.

4. There are ecumenical worship services for Christmas and Easter where every “wind of doctrine” is both involved and comfortable with each other.

5. The local Ministerial Association has long been on the scene with Prayer Breakfasts and etc., involving preachers of every “stripe.”

6. Welcome to Laodicea! Welcome to the world of the Antichrist! Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
E. In these verses, we find some things to note:

1. The Concern Of The Apostle Paul – verse 11 - Paul spoke of his love for the Corinthian Church.

2. The Condition Of The People – verse 12 - They were “straightened” from within! They were distressed by some that were in their fellowship.

3. The Character Of The Enemy – verses 14-16 - They are easily discernable.

Righteousness vs. unrighteousness
Light vs. darkness
Christ vs. Belial (Belial – one of low ascent, a low life!)
Believer vs. unbeliever
Temple of God vs. idols

4. The Communion Of The Church – verse – 17-18

a. Come out – not stay in
b. Touch not
c. I will receive you
d. I will be a Father to you