CONFUSION???

One may encounter truth, but because of previous ideas feel very confused.

Some may want to do right, but don’t know which way to turn.

LOST!!!

Matthew 7:21-23 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

HOPE!!!

Deuteronomy 29:29 29 The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.

The Cause and Cure of Religious Confusion

The CauseTaught doctrines of men (Tit. 1:14)“Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of

men, that turn from the truth” Rely on traditions (Mk. 7:9, 13)9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the

commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. 13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

Ignorant of the scriptures (Mt. 22:19)“Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.”

The CauseGuided by people who don’t know (Mt.15:14)

“Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.”

Have never heard the full truth (Acts 19:2)“He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.”

No one ever guided them (Acts 8:30, 31, 35)30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? 31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

The CauseHave not search the scriptures (Acts 17:11)

“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”

Deceived by fakery (Acts 8:9, 10)9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: 10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.

Unwilling to accept the truth (Acts 17:22, 23, 32)22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. 23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. 32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.

The CauseTaught doctrines of men (Tit. 1:14)Rely on traditions (Mk. 7:9, 13)Ignorant of the scriptures (Mt. 22:19; Mt. 21:42)Guided by people who don’t know (Mt.15:14)Have never heard the full truth (Acts 19:2)No one ever guided them (Acts 8:30, 31, 35)Have not search the scriptures (Acts 17:11)Deceived by fakery (Acts 8:9, 10)Unwilling to accept the truth (Acts 17:22, 23, 32)

The CureGod’s part… His Word (Acts 17:11)

“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”

Man’s partRemove prejudice and have an open mind

Acts 17:11 “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”Acts 10:33 “Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done

that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.” Have a desire to obey (Jn. 7:17)

“If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.”

Two Specific ExamplesLord’s Supper

Tradition – “Once a quarter”Written into creed books

What one becomes accustom toNever studied it… no one ever guided

Acts 20:7If we ask

(without anything present to confuse), “When did the N.T. disciples come together

to break The bread?”

Two Specific ExamplesBaptism’s place in the plan of salvation

People taught to“Accept Jesus, and Pray the Sinner’s prayer”

Had an “experience” (Bible silent); assumed savedNo one had ever shown them the Bible facts

Did not search the scriptures to verifyResult… never obeyed… LOST!

Confused into thinking savedMk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; I Pet. 3:21

Every example in the book of ActsCommands… examples of commands being carried out

If you remove the confusion… it could not be plainer