Theme Verse: 2 Corinthians 11:1-4
There are two main points to this section. The first is that there is a stark contrast going on between churches and religions now. This can be confusing and frustrating to those seeking the truth, because the differences are often about outlandish things.
For example, the 28 different Buddhas in the Buddhist religion.
John 14:5-6 talks about how Jesus didn’t write a book about how to maintain a perfect life- because he did it FOR us. All we have to do is believe in it.
He IS the way. He didn’t tell us what it was or how to obtain it because He did it for us.
The second main point of this text is about how some differences can be more subtle.
The Devil didn’t beguile Eve through anything but subtlety.
Galatians 1:6-9: “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 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. 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.”
Galatians 3:1-4: “O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?”
If your pastor is the sole reason your church is standing, you’re already failing. Jesus and His rock should be the foundation, not the pastor.
Any kind of -ism is a schism.
What’s an ism?
An -ism is a set, denomination, etc that undermines our identity in Christ and should be avoided at all costs.