Church built in Jerusalem – 33 AD

It was not a denomination

It is the Pattern for Us to Follow

Apostles warned of departure

“For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.”

Acts 20:29

3. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 2 Thes. 2:3-4

Apostasy, defection

1 Tim. 4:1 “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;”

Shall Depart Apostasy

Gradual departure from the faithGradual departure from the faith

Organization

Doctrines

Creeds & Councils

I. Change in OrganizationI. Change in Organization

God’s PlanGod’s Plan

Plurality of Elders & Deacons

Bishop & Elder – same

Phil. 1:1 “...with the bishops and deacons.”

The Church Changes

Eldership

Presiding ElderPresiding ElderEldersElders

The Church Changes

Eldership

Presiding Presiding Bishops Bishops

Called Called Father, Father, (Papa)(Papa)

Presiding Presiding Bishops Bishops

Called Called Father, Father, (Papa)(Papa)

•Presiding Bishops vie for Supremacy

•Rome•Constantinople•Antioch•Jerusalem•Alexandria

•Rome Wins - 606 ADBoniface III thereupon secured from Emperor Phocas a decree acknowledging that the title of "Universal Bishop" should be reserved exclusively for the bishop of Rome.

•Roman Catholic ChurchClaim Apostolic Authority Over All Believers, RC Church Authorizes Changes to Name, Work, Worship of the Church

II. Change of DoctrinesII. Change of Doctrines

Lord’s SupperLord’s Supper

After 325 A.D. - sacrifice

Sacrament ~ forgiveness

Eucharist = giving thanks

Transubstantiation = literal body

II. Change of DoctrinesII. Change of Doctrines

Special days and SeasonsSpecial days and Seasons

Sacred seasons – more holy

Easter – resurrection

Epiphany – circumcision

Christmas - birth

II. Change of DoctrinesII. Change of Doctrines

Veneration of Saints - worshipVeneration of Saints - worship

Saint – used for certain people

Martyrs – honored / worshipped

Mary – prayers to her, images

II. Change of DoctrinesII. Change of Doctrines

BaptismBaptism

251 A.D. Novation – pouring

Infant baptism

Sprinkling / pouring

II. Change of DoctrinesII. Change of Doctrines

Extreme UnctionExtreme Unction

PurgatoryPurgatory

Holy WaterHoly Water

IndulgencesIndulgences

Latin MassLatin Mass

CelibacyCelibacy

Auricular Auricular ConfessionConfession

Instrumental Instrumental MusicMusic

III. Creeds and CouncilsIII. Creeds and Councils

44thth Century Century - Constantine – Emperor

Church was protected

325 – Council of Nicea

Gradual Fall of Roman Empire

Roman Catholic Church gaining

III. Creeds and CouncilsIII. Creeds and Councils

No Need for Creeds or Councils No Need for Creeds or Councils

Had the N.T. to follow

2 Tim. 3:16 -17

Nothing needed to be changed

Christ is the head – Mt. 28:18

2 Timothy 3:16, 17

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (NKJV)

Church of 1st century was quite different from church in 14th century

Organization, Doctrines

Worship, Practices

The Church had fallen away

1 Tim. 4:1 “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;”

Shall Depart Apostasy=

Jude 3 NKJV “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.”

Sermon by Arthur Pigman

Evans Church of Christ

515 Gibbs Road

Evans, Ga. 30809

706-855-1249

evanscoc@bellsouth.netevanscoc@bellsouth.net

www.evansgachurchofchrist.orgwww.evansgachurchofchrist.org

Sunday Evening July 15, 2007