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                                                    Is Baptism Essential For Salvation?
                                                       Scripture Reading: Rom. 6:1-11

Intro.:
A. There are so many different doctrines being taught in the world today, that it can be hard for the average person to figure out what to
believe.
1. Many good people in the world today are taught the doctrine of "faith only" for salvation. It sounds simple and easy, and is readily
accepted by most religious folk.
2. Anytime the subject of "what to do to be saved" comes up, you'll hear someone claim: "faith only" or "faith without works". They'll
maintain that the only thing that they have to do for salvation is to 'Believe on Jesus".
3. Eph. 2:8-9 are usually thrown down on the table as a proof text for this doctrine. But, is this what these verses are teaching?
a. If salvation is the gift of God, why then do I have to do anything to get it? Simple, God said so. He placed a condition upon His gift. If
men want it, they will do what God says to do in order to get it.
1. If I tell you that I will give you a $100.00 bill -- all you have to do is come up and get it -- would you? Or, would you argue that it is not
really a gift?
b. God placed conditions on the receiving of his gift -- faith for one. And, because it is a gift, we cannot obtain salvation apart from God, and
we cannot earn it. We can only come to terms with God's conditions.

B. Actually, the Bible teaches that there are many things that must be done by the one who would be saved -- faith, confession, repentance --
to name a few.
1. In fact, most people when actually shown what the scriptures say, will accept the fact that believing is a comprehensive term that usually
includes repentance and confession. But, for some reason, folks will put up the biggest fight against baptism.
2. Most folks claim that baptism is a command that a person obeys after they are already saved. Or, that it was never ever mentioned or
needed before the N.T. age.

C. Well, baptism may be thought of as being something new, or even unnecessary, but what does the Bible say?

I. O.T. Washings: a Preview to Baptism.
A. Water Baptism in the Christian age is not without antecedents in the previous era. It was foreshadowed by the O.T. ritual purification
ceremonies also called 'lustrations' or washings.

B. Under the Mosaic Law, some acts and conditions caused a state of ceremonial uncleanness.
1. Certain bodily discharges (Lev. 12:2, 5; 15:1-33), skin spots or infections (Lev. 13), touching a corpse (Num. 19:11-22), and certain
other situations (Lev. 5:2-3; 7:19-21; 11:24; 17:15-16) brought about this uncleanness and guilt.
2. Now the uncleanness was not moral (due to sin) as some of these situations were not only natural but were unavoidable; but, it was
considered to be ceremonial uncleanness.
a. The primary effect of the uncleanness rendered the affected person unfit to come before God (Lev. 22:3-7).
b. To remove this ceremonial defilement, certain purification rites were prescribed, most of them involving water (Lev. 11:28, 32, 40; 13:6,
34, 54; 14:8; 15:5-13; Deut. 23:10-11). See also. Num. 19:16-19, 21-22).

C. On certain occasions and for priests, water purification was required before one could approach God (Ex. 19:10-11, 14; 29:4, 9; Lev.
16:4).
1. This is true even when no specific offense was in view.
2. The bronze laver used for priestly washing was particularly significant. The ministering priests were required to wash themselves in it
before serving in the tabernacle or face a harsh penalty (Ex. 30:20-21). Was there anything special about the water? Did it have any
unnatural ingredients or mystical qualities? No.

D. Now, in what sense did the water or the act of washing bring about purification?
1. Neither the water nor the act of washing actually brought about any real change. But, God decreed these actions nonetheless. And, He
declared that before the washings the subjects were unclean and unacceptable; yet, after the washings, they were both clean and acceptable.

E. These ritual washings that cleansed them of their ceremonial uncleanness were indeed symbolic in their nature and purpose. They were a
part of God's 'types and shadows' of the Old Law pointing to things to come (Col. 2:17; Heb. 8:5; 10:1).
1. The system of ceremonial uncleanness and purification taught the people a lesson about moral pollution and legal guilt before God. In fact,
the prophets would use these very lessons to teach the people of their sins and guilt. Ritual cleansing was analogous to moral cleansing, with
which God was especially concerned.
2. Such passages that use these illustrations are: Ps. 26:6; 51:1-3, 7-9; 73:13; Isa. 1:16-18; Jer. 4:14; Ezek. 36:25-26; and others.

F. Thus these Old Testament water ceremonies, together with the prophetic imagery of divine spiritual cleansing, are the forerunners of
Christian baptism. Baptism unites outward washing and inner moral cleansing into a single act; i.e. "baptism for the forgiveness of sins".
1. Therefore, baptism is to moral and spiritual defilement what the O.T. washings were to ritual defilement.

II. John The Baptist Used A 'Washing'.
A. John the Baptizer's washing (baptism) also had a connection with forgiveness.
1. It was a baptism "unto (for) repentance" (Mt. 3:11), "a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins" (Mk. 1:4; Lk. 3:3). And, those
who were baptized confessed their sins in the process (Mt. 3:6; Mk. 1:5).
2. Thus repentance, confession of sin, and forgiveness of sin were all related to John's baptism. Yet, even John's baptism was a shadow of
what would soon come under the Law of Christ.
3. Notice also, what is said about those who rejected John's baptism: Lk. 7:29-30.
a. If one can be saved w/o baptism, he can be saved apart from God's will.
b. Despite this, however, people still reject baptism for various theological reasons.

B. Now, the relationship between Christian baptism and forgiveness of sins is much more clear and specific in the N.T., especially where it is
said to be "for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38).
1. Through it one 'puts off the body of the sins of the flesh' (Col. 2:11), and it 'washes away sins' (Acts. 22:16).

III. The Connection That Baptism Has To Salvation Is Unmistakably Clear.
A. What do the scriptures teach us, then, regarding water baptism?
Mt. 28:19-20 -- To make the nations into disciples; To identify with Godhead.
Mk. 16:15-16 -- Bel + Bap > S; But, some Bap > S then Bel; Bel > S then Bap; B only.
Acts 2:38 -- Repent, then want forgiveness; Baptism follows Hearing and Repentance; We see, what it is for: Remission of sins.
Acts 2:40-41 -- Baptism follows receiving the word; To be saved; added to His church (vs. 47).
Acts 8:12 -- Baptisms followed belief; preaching the kingdom of God + name of Christ included baptism.
Acts 8:35-36 -- Preaching Jesus involved the purpose of baptism, and it involved water.
Acts 8:37-39 -- Bel before Bap; Upon a confession of faith, Baptism is in water (immersion); rejoiced after.
Acts 16:30-31 -- Bel, not Bel only;
Acts 16:32-34 -- Hear then bap >> called believing; Bap immediately!; rejoice after.
Acts 22:16 -- Baptism washes away sins (we obey, God takes them away). See 2 Kgs. 5:10-14 about Naaman.
Rom. 6:3-4 -- Baptism is "into" Christ; Bap is a burial. Where we get newness of life -- freedom from sin.
Gal. 3:26-27 -- Sons thru faith; Not faith only; Baptism into Christ; 2 Cor. 5:17 'in Christ' = new creation.
Col. 2:11-12 -- Baptism is a spiritual circumcision/ puts off sins; Burial; Raised to life; Working of God (not men).
1 Pet. 3:21 -- Souls saved thru water (sins washed away); Baptism saves.

B. Several facts about baptism, as taught in the Bible:
1. Recipients - believers not infants (Mk. 16:16; Mt. 28:19-20).
2. Method - immersion, not pouring or sprinkling (Rom. 6:4; Acts 8:36-38; Col. 2:12; Eph. 4:5).
3. Purpose - to receive the forgiveness of sins, not to proclaim that sins have already been forgiven (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16). Not 'because
of', but 'in order to' (Mt. 26:28)

Conc.:
A. Remember, Baptism alone won't save you, just like faith alone, or repentance alone won't save you. They all have their place, and do
their part.
1. Heb. 5:9 tells us that Jesus "became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him." What is keeping you from obeying the gospel,
and having your sins washed away?

Sam Csonka-Minister

Bible Basics Podcast

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God's Answers to Our Questions 2

Blurring the Lines of Distinction

Parents Responsibility to Children

The Apostle Paul A Model Christian

Searching the Scriptures

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your
own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He
shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear
the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones." Proverbs 3:5-8

Does It Really Matter Where You Go To Church?
Scripture Reading: 1 Sam. 15:10-23

I. "Just Attend The Church Of Your Choice"?
A. We All Like Choices.
1. What brand of toothpaste do you use? What flavor of soft-drink do you prefer? There are a hundred different kinds of cars available,
which model did you buy?
a. As Americans, we enjoy the privilege of choice. We can choose Crest instead of Colgate, Pepsi over Coke, or GM rather than Ford.
We all have a choice as to exactly what we want.
b. Is it the same with religion?
2. When religious folk wake up on Sunday morning, they want to go to worship. Most Americans say "Just attend the church of your
choice!" "As long as you go somewhere -- that's all that matters".
a. It may not matter which toothpaste you use; they all do about the same thing -- just as long as you brush. But, are churches the same
way? Is it all the same to God -- just as long as you go somewhere?
3. My friends, contrary to popular opinion, worship is not like toothpaste, soft-drinks, or cars. Despite what most denominations teach, the
Bible teaches that there is one and only one right choice.
a. My own personal preference means nothing if it is not based on scripture. The Lord's choice is what matters.
4. Now, pointing out the fact that many religious groups practice and teach error is not popular. A lot of people will stop right here, close
their ears, and ignore the rest of this lesson.
a. But, honest, sincere folks will listen and see for themselves. Because, the Bible (not just me) teaches that the idea of "go to the church of
your choice" is fraudulent and deceptive. The Bible teaches that it does matter where you go to church. Please notice:

II. It Really Matters Where You Go To Church, because:
A. It Matters How We Worship.
1. When you read about people worshipping, in the Bible record, did it make a difference whether or not people worshipped Jehovah or
Baal? Certainly it did!
a. In fact, in 1 Kgs. 18 we can read of 450 prophets of Baal worshipping and calling upon Baal, but it did them no good. Yet, when Elijah
called upon God, Jehovah sent fire down to consume the sacrifice and prove that He was the real God.
b. Likewise, when we worship, for there to be any benefit at all -- Jehovah must be the object of our worship (Mt. 4:10).
c. Hear what Jesus said in Mt. 4:10 -- " ...it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve’."
2. Now, is God obligated to accept anything and everything that people do under the guise of worship? What does the Bible say?
a. In Gen. 4:1-7, we find that certain worship is acceptable to God, and other worship is not. Notice that "the Lord respected Abel and his
offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering." (vss. 4-5). Verse 7 tells us that Cain did not do well regarding his offering.
b. Perhaps, Cain thought that God should have accepted anything that he offered, regardless of what it was (kinda like folks do today)? But,
as we can clearly see, not everything is acceptable to God.
3. Lev. 10:1-3 tell us of another incident where God made perfectly clear that He did not accept 'anything and everything' as worship.
a. Nadab and Abihu "offered profane fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them. 2 So fire went out from the Lord and
devoured them, and they died before the Lord.". If we do not worship God in a pleasing manner which He prescribes, how can we be
regarding Him as holy? Is He glorified when we do as we please? (vs. 3).
b. Now, I have cited these Old Testament scriptures -- not because we are under them today (for we are all under Christ's New Testament
Law) -- but because God's Book teaches us that the Old Testament scriptures "were written for our learning" (Rom. 15:4).
4. What else can we learn about worship from God's Word? Looking to the New Testament, we also find examples of worship that did not
please God.
a. One is found in 1 Cor. 11:17-22. In these passages we find that the apostle Paul is very upset with the brethren at Corinth. He said that
they came together "for the worse." What they did was not good. When they came together, instead of partaking of the Lord's Supper
(communion) in the proper way, they were making a mockery of this solemn event. They had turned it into a common meal, and some were
grievously sinning! Paul actually told them that what they were doing was not in any fashion the Lord's Supper (vs. 20).
b. Now, should God have accepted this behavior anyway? It was 'their way' of supposedly worshipping God, and remembering Christ's
death on the cross (vs. 26). Was God obligated to appreciate what they were doing under the guise of religion? Certainly not.
5. So, in these few examples, we see that it is possible to offer worship unto God which is not at all acceptable. In fact, in Mt. 15:9, Jesus
Himself said that vain (empty, worthless) worship is possible -- because these people were currently doing it. They did what they wanted to
in their worship -- and not what God wanted them to.
a. Were they not sincere? Were they not religious? Did they not try? Certainly, 'YES' to all these questions. But, regardless of their efforts,
their worship was unacceptable, because it was not according to God's Will.
6. As we have seen in all of these cases -- God does care about how people worship Him, and He rejects what is not pleasing.
a. Jn. 4:23-24 states that "…the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the
Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."
b. This suggests that we are either true worshippers, or false ones. God is seeking true ones; and those who would worship God must
worship in a certain fashion.
c. The passage mentions two very important criteria: spirit and truth. 'Spirit' here denotes not the Holy Spirit, but the frame of mind. Truth
designates that which is according to God's will (Jn. 17:17). So then, our mode and our motivation must be right. The 'How' and the 'What'
must be correct.
7. Rom. 10:1-3 deals with this same issue. Paul said that his brethren in the flesh, the Jews, were very zealous -- but zeal alone is not
enough. If they would have had the same zeal, and also had followed God's righteousness (God's plan of righteousness), then they would not
have rejected Christ, but would have become Christians. Instead, they rejected God's plan, and were condemned (they were not saved, vs.
1), even though they were religiously zealous.
a. So then, people can be religious, even very religious, and still be unacceptable to God. Therefore, we ourselves must take great care to
find a church to worship with, that worships in spirit and in truth.
1. Some churches pray to and venerate (and even worship) humans (both dead and alive) and angels; but what did Jesus say? -- " ... ‘You
shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve’." (Mt. 4:10).
2. Some churches worship God with bands and orchestras, but God has not asked for this kind of worship.
Eph. 5:19 -- "speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,"
Col. 3:16 -- "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and
spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."
3. Some churches have women teaching and preaching over men, but God has spoken about this also:
1 Cor. 14:34-35 -- "Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the
law also says. 35 And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in
church."
1 Tim. 2:11-12 -- "Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a
man, but to be in silence."
b. We must diligently seek for those who will worship acceptably, as the early church did (Acts 2:42) -- because our worship matters.

It Really Matters Where You Go To Church, because:
B. Doctrine Matters.
1. It is very important that what is preached from the pulpit, or taught in classes, is the truth, and nothing but. When one claims to preach
God's Word, people usually listen and accept it as such.
a. It's good when people want to hear Bible teaching; but what happens when the whole truth is not being taught? What happens when
people are taught opinions or doctrines of men either by accident or on purpose?
b. The Muslim religion teaches that Christians are in error. The Branch Davidians thought that David Koresh was the Messiah. Certainly
churches have been used throughout the ages for the public teachings of many human opinions and errors (Spanish inquisitions, etc.). We
must be careful!
2. In 1 Tim. 4:16, Paul cautioned the young evangelist Timothy: "Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this
you will save both yourself and those who hear you." We see here that Timothy was to be careful of not only what he did, but also of what
he taught people as being God's Word.
a. If we desire to be saved, we too must be careful as to what we teach and adhere to. 2 Jn. 9 says "Whoever transgresses and does not
abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son." This verse
teaches that abiding in the doctrine (teaching) of Christ is very important. It's the difference between having (fellowship with) God, and not
having Him.
3. Now, we might hear someone say "Everyone has their own interpretation of the scriptures -- who is right?" Certainly we can see the
honesty in this question. -- It's a good question. And the Bible itself gives us a good answer to it.
a. In Mt. 16:1-12 Jesus warned His disciples to "beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." By this, He meant that they taught
and believed a skewed doctrine (vs. 12).
b. Also, Jesus showed in Mt. 22:23-33 that "the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection", were totally wrong in their interpretation of
scripture. "Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God." (vs. 30).
c. Whether we realize it or not, Jesus is giving us the answer to our question. When two or more people differ as to what they think the
scriptures say, either one or both of them must be mistaken. The reason is: someone does not really know the scriptures, and is not rightly
dividing the Word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). The Holy Scriptures cannot mean many different things -- God is not the author of confusion (1
Corinthians 14:33).
d. Furthermore, Paul the apostle commands God's children to "…not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is." (Eph. 5:17).
Does God command (thru His Word) for us to do things that are impossible? Paul himself wrote so that the reader "may understand" his
knowledge of God's will (Eph. 3:4). But, we must be careful how we read, and how we understand.
4. The Bible contains objective truth -- not subjective truth. It is what it is, regardless of what I think. My opinion does not change what the
scriptures mean. I can't just feel how I want to feel.
a. For example, the scriptures teach us that Jesus came to this earth (Jn. 3:13; 6:41), He died on the cross (1 Cor. 15:1-3), and that He will
come again in judgment (Acts 17:30-31). Now, these statements are True (Jn. 17:17).
b. When a man teaches that He did not come -- is he true or false? If I believe the man who teaches that which is false, will I still be saved?
2 Tim. 2:16-18 give us the answer. Right after the warning to rightly divide (carefully discern) the truth, Paul states "But shun profane and idle
babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort,
18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some."
c. These two men that Paul mentioned were absolutely wrong on the subject. The fact that they strayed (erred) meant that they missed the
truth. Even worse than that -- some people believed what they were taught by these men, and their faith was overthrown.
d. Thus, these passages alone teach us that it is possible be taught error and to subsequently have to suffer the consequences. That is why it
is so important that we not just take a man's word for it (Acts 17:11).
5. Notice what Paul charged Timothy with in 2 Tim. 4: "I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the
living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort,
with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires,
because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned
aside to fables." (2 Tim. 4:1-4).
a. When people refuse sound doctrine, and hearken to their own desires, nothing good can result.
1. Some churches proudly teach that Hell does not really exist, but what do the scriptures actually say?
Mt. 18:8-9 -- "If your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed,
rather than having two hands or two feet, to be cast into the everlasting fire. 9“And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from
you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire."
Mt. 23:33 -- "Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?"
2. Other churches vehemently proclaim that water baptism is not essential for salvation. But, what did Jesus Himself say about it?
Mk. 16:15-16 -- "And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 “He who believes and is baptized
will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned."
Acts 2:38 -- "Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins;
and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
1 Pet. 3:12 -- "There is also an antitype which now saves us — baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good
conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,"
b. Churches of today teach and preach things which either cannot be proven by the scriptures, or things which the scriptures clearly refute.
My friend, the Bible says that doctrine matters.

It Really Matters Where You Go To Church, because:
C. Membership Means Something.
1. When someone is a member of the 'NRA', it means that they support the right to own a fire-arm. If one is a member of the Audubon
Society, it means that they support the conservation and protection of wildlife. We all understand that membership in something means
'endorsement and agreement'.
2. Look once again with me at 2 Jn. 9-11 where John stated this warning: "Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ
does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring
this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds."
a. Here-in, the apostle plainly affirms that we cannot support false doctrine. We will be an accessory to the crime -- aiding and abetting a
group which teaches or supports evil!
3. If someone comes up and tells me "Hi, I'm a member of "Al Qaeda" or "Hamas" -- What am I to think? Well, he must be a racist,
prejudiced, a terrorist, or a murderer. At any rate, he is a partaker in evil works of darkness.
a. But, what if he says "Well, I'm a member, but I don't agree with everything that they do."?
Does he attend their meetings? -- Yes.
Does he pay dues or give monetary support? -- Yes.
Does he admit that he's a member? -- Yes.
Then he's a part of it! He's an accessory to their crime!
b. But, on the other hand, what if he says "I'm a member of the XYZ Church. But, I don't agree with everything that they do. Am I OK?"
Well, does he attend all of their meetings? -- Yes.
Does he give them his financial support? -- Yes.
Is he on their membership roll? -- Yes.
Then he's a part of it! And, if they teach error and false-doctrine, then he's an accessory to their crime! He shares in their evil deeds. "But, I
don't agree with the things they do which are not taught in the Bible... I go for other reasons!"
4. Folks, we cannot please God while being a member of a church that does not practice New Testament Christianity, just because we might
like the speaker, the recreation, the location, the people, etc.!
a. When I am a member of a group -- I am together with them. This is what the Bible calls fellowship. Scriptural, spiritual fellowship is not
food, fun, and frolic! It's having a part in something spiritual. This term 'fellowship' comes from the Greek word 'KOINONIA' and means
"communion, fellowship, sharing in common".
b. The Bible says "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them." (Ephesians 5:11). If I'm a member
of a church which does something unscriptural (having no authority from scripture) -- and which they refuse to correct -- I cannot continue to
participate in that church without being held responsible for supporting their sinful actions.
5. In 2 Chr. 11:13-16 we read of the reaction of all of the faithful people of Israel. They refused to stay with Jeroboam, but instead went
over to Rehoboam: "And from all their territories the priests and the Levites who were in all Israel took their stand with him. 14 For the
Levites left their common-lands and their possessions and came to Judah and Jerusalem, for Jeroboam and his sons had rejected them from
serving as priests to the LORD. 15 Then he appointed for himself priests for the high places, for the demons, and the calf idols which he had
made. 16 And after the Levites left, those from all the tribes of Israel, such as set their heart to seek the LORD God of Israel, came to
Jerusalem to sacrifice to the LORD God of their fathers."
a. The God-fearing people left. They didn't say "But, this is where my momma lived; and my friends all live here; and it's close to home; and I
like the governor here."
b. Likewise, faithful, God-fearing people will refuse to stay in a church where there is compromise, error, and otherwise unscriptural activity.
They won't say "But, this is where my momma went to church; and my friends all attend here; and it's close to home; and I like the preacher
here." My friend, it will not work. You cannot serve God and mammon (Mt. 6:24)! Seek first the Kingdom of God (Mt. 6:33)!
c. If the church where you regularly attend teaches that homosexuality is OK -- that it's just an alternate lifestyle -- (1 Cor. 6:9), that a person
may divorce and remarry for any cause (Mt. 19:3ff), that you can call a mere man your 'spiritual father' (Mt. 23:9-10) and that he can absolve
your sins; then it's high time you get out!
6. You see folks -- membership means something.

It Really Matters Where You Go To Church, because:
D. Jesus Must Be Our Lord.
1. Have you ever driven into a town and seen a sign that read "Jesus is Lord over 'XYZ'-ville"? Well, was Jesus really Lord over that town?
a. 'Lord' comes from the Greek word 'Kurios' which means "lord, master, or owner". If I claim that Jesus is my Lord, I am professing that
He is my Master, my Owner. If He is indeed my Master, then I am His servant. If He is my Owner, then I am His possession.
b. Now, does a servant follow his own will, or the will of his master?
2. In Lk. 6:46, Jesus was rebuking some people who evidently claimed Him as their Lord. He said to them "But why do you call Me ‘Lord,
Lord,’ and do not do the things which I say?".
a. Is he a very good servant, who disobeys his master? Simply claiming Jesus as our Lord, doesn't cut it; we must do what He says.
3. Now, most people usually choose a church based on their own desires: music, sports, various secular ministries, entertainment, social
groups, etc. What about what Jesus desires?! What about what He wants?
a. 'What suits me' is the wrong starting point. I need to ask "What suits the Lord?".
b. Can Jesus be my Lord while I'm accepting or supporting something contrary to what He says? Will I go to Heaven based solely on what I
think religion ought to be? No! Jesus said that we will be judged by His words (Jn. 12:48).
4. In Mt. 7:21-23 Jesus said "Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of
My Father in heaven. 22 “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your
name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice
lawlessness!’". Now, what was it that these people were doing wrong? Weren't they sincere? Weren't they religious? Didn't they 'go to
church' somewhere?
a. Why -- their pastor may have been on TV. They may have had pageants and bazaars; bake sales and charity fundraisers.
b. They claimed to do many 'wonderful works' in His name! They may have led the cancer drive, or brought in the blood-mobile. They may
have been the biggest church in the whole town. And, there may have been lots of praying, singing, and preaching…
c. But, their religion was lawless! -- It was unacceptable.
5. How could their religion have been 'lawless' and unacceptable while they were so busy doing all these 'wonderful works'?
a. They did not have authority for doing some of the things that they did. They were operating outside of Christ's law, and they were
condemned to Hell for it. They did things 'in His name', but had no real, Christ given authority to actually do them.
6. You see, simply claiming that we're doing something 'in Jesus' name' is not the same as actually doing that thing 'in His name'.
a. Col. 3:17 says "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus" -- this means 'by His authority'. That's like
the phrase "Stop, in the name of the law!" --it's by the authority of the law.
b. If those works had really been done 'in His name', then those people would have had a "thus saith the Lord". They would have had a
"book, chapter, and verse" for what they did.
c. Some churches take the Lord's money and send it to various charities, support hospitals, colleges, and even orphan homes. Now, these
may be some real good institutions... and I can decide to help them if I want, out of my pocket. But, for me to take money out of the Lord's
pocket without His approval is stealing and presumptuous. God never gave us the OK to do such a thing. He tells us what the work of the
church is, and none of these things fall into that category. They are individual responsibility.
d. Yes, Jesus said that there are going to be a lot of religious, well-meaning folks in Hell.
7. Do you believe what Jesus said? This is serious business, my friend! Jesus must be our lord.

It Really Matters Where You Go To Church, because:
E. There Is Only One Right Way.
1. In Mt. 7:13-14 Jesus warned: "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are
many who go in by it. 14 “Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." Our Lord
said that there are only two ways in which people can go -- towards eternal life, or towards eternal destruction.
a. Let me ask you a question: "Are you of the many or the few?"
2. In 2 Pet. 2, Peter tells his readers that there is only one right way -- it is the Lord's way. Notice what he says in verse 2 of false teachers:
"And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed." Notice, he said "the way of truth"
(singular, not ways). If there is a "way of truth", then all other ways are ways of error.
3. Notice also in verse 15 that Peter says "They have forsaken the right way and gone astray…". Now if there is a "right way" (singular, not
ways), then all other ways are wrong ways.
4. Finally, look at what he says in verse 21: "For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having
known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them." He said "the way of righteousness", not ways (plural) of righteousness. So,
any other way is a way of unrighteousness.
5. The Lord's way is the only way (Jn. 14:6). In which way are you headed?

It Really Matters Where You Go To Church, because:
F. There Are Many Options, But Only One Right Choice.
1. In Acts 17:16-31, when the apostle Paul was in Athens, he saw that the city was full of idols. There was even an altar for an 'unknown
god'.
a. Did Paul tell them "just pick the god of your choice"? No; Paul said "the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you".
b. There is only one God and Father (Eph. 4:6). Though, people like to have a broad selection, Paul gave them only one right choice.
2. In Mt. 27:38, when the Lord was crucified at Calvary, there were two others crucified there. -- There were a total of 3 crosses.
a. Did Peter, on the day of Pentecost, tell the people to "just pick the cross of your choice"? No; Peter said "God made this Jesus, whom
you crucified, both Lord and Christ."
b. Despite the fact that people like to have their own choice, there is only one Lord and Savior who was crucified for you.
3. In Mt. 16:18, when Jesus was speaking to His apostles about building a church, did He give them a choice about which one to join? He
said "I will build My church", not churches.
a. We need to join the church of the Lord's choice! All churches are not equal; and, despite the fact that folks like to choose, there is only
one that is acceptable to God.
4. Now, since Christ said that He would build His church (singular -- not churches). And, since Christ is head of His body (Col. 1:18), the
church (singular -- not bodies or churches). How many does He have?
a. Eph. 4:1-6 ought to clinch this idea. Regarding the essential grounds of Christian unity, Paul said "There is one body and one Spirit, just as
you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through
all, and in you all."
b. Did you notice how many God's there were? -- Just One. How many Lord's did Paul say that there were? -- Just One. And, how many
bodies? -- Still just One.
c. Which church is this "one body"? -- The one you can read about in your Bible. It is referred to as Christ's church (Rom. 16:16), and
God's church (1 Tim. 3:15).
5. You can read about the church of Christ in the Bible; but, how many denominations are named in God's Book? -- None! So, none of the
others are the Lord's church, no matter how similar they may seem.
a. See folks, there is only one right choice.

Conc.:
In this lesson, I have proven through the scriptures that it really does matter where you go to church, because:
A. It Matters How We Worship. Sincerity and zeal alone are not enough.
B. Doctrine Matters. We must abide in the doctrine of Christ to have God.
C. Membership Means Something. It means that I have a share in it for good or evil.
D. Jesus Must Be Our Lord. We must follow Him in all that we do.
E. There Is Only One Right Way. It is the Lord's way, and no other.
F. There Are Many Options, But Only One Right Choice. There is indeed only 1 true church of Jesus Christ.
In all of the choices that we have to make, how many are there when it comes to religion? Two -- God's way and man's way. Friend, which
one will you choose?

Sam Csonka-Minister

A Plea For Christ
Scripture Reading: Eph. 4:1-6

Intro.:
A. There are hundreds of religions in the world that follow human agendas, teach different doctrines, and accept adverse creeds.
1. We sometimes hear of religious groups that hate and kill people who believe something different.
2. Those who worship and serve the True God, and obey Jesus Christ His Son, do not treat those with whom they differ in these kinds of
barbaric ways. God gives people the freedom to listen and make rational decisions as to whether or not they desire to follow the One True
Way that you read about in the Bible.

B. We, as followers of Jesus Christ, seek for others to have the same fellowship that we have with Christ, based upon the truth of His Gospel.
1. Our plea is the same plea of John the apostle, who said: "that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have
fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ." (1 Jn. 1:3).
a. Just like the early Christians, we also strive to have, and maintain, fellowship with the Father and the Son.
2. Our plea is also the same as the apostle Paul, who said: "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." (1 Cor. 11:1).
a. And, just like Peter teaches, we only wish to "follow in His steps" (1 Pet. 2:21), and be an example unto others.

C. But, again, we can only have fellowship with those who are following the truth, and not some mixed-up, watered-down version of the truth.
1. That is why we plead with others to faithfully follow the simple gospel of Christ. And, here are some of the things in the Gospel for which
we plead:

First:
I. WE PLEAD FOR THE NAME OF CHRIST
A. In the beginning of the gospels we read of the lineage of Jesus of Nazareth. He got the name Jesus, because Jesus means 'Savior' (Mt. 1:
21-23). But, He is also called the Messiah, and the Christ.
1. Christ is the Greek word for 'anointed'; as Messiah is the Hebrew word for 'anointed one'.
a. In Mt. 1:16, Jesus is referred to as the Christ: "And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus who is called
Christ.".
b. Acts 4:27 shows us that He was anointed by God: "For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and
Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together"
c. And Mt. 21:5 is a fulfillment of prophecy in which He is called the King. So, He truly was the "anointed one".
2. Now, Jesus was a king, but it was not simply because He was of the line of David. Because of what Jesus was willing to do for the sake of
man, Paul writes: "Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of
Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should
confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Phil. 2:9-11).
3. Jesus left His place in glory, endured this sinful world, and gave His own life to save us. Therefore, we plead for the name of Christ.
a. Our plea is not for people to spell His name correctly, but for who He is and what His name stands for.
b. In 1 Tim. 6:15 Paul calls Him "the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords". He has all authority in heaven and on
earth (Mt. 28:18). "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be
saved." (Acts 4:12).
c. Jesus truly is 'Salvation' sent from God, and we strive for all men everywhere to recognize this, so that they'll come to God thru Christ.
d. Jesus exclaimed: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (Jn. 14:6). And, this simple fact is
still true today. If we wish to be reconciled unto God, it will have to be on His terms. It will have to be thru His Son, Jesus Christ our Savior
and King.
4. Therefore, we plead for the name of Christ.

Second:
II. WE PLEAD FOR THE PERSON OF CHRIST
A. Jesus the Christ was God and He was also man.
1. Jn. 1:1, 14 both teach us that Jesus was the "God-Man".
a. He was God: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (vs. 1)
b. And, He was man: "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the
Father, full of grace and truth." (vs. 14)
c. You may have a hard time understanding this, but the scriptures explain how this happened: a body of flesh was prepared for the Word to
dwell in. "Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: “Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, But a body You have prepared for
Me." (Heb. 10:5).
d. Who is the 'Me'? It is Christ, the pre-incarnate Word. The second being of the Godhead, if you will. He existed in heaven before the
world was. Then, when the fullness of time came, He took on flesh and blood.

B. Again, He was fully God.
1. "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, God with us." (Mt. 1:23).

C. But, He was also fully human.
1. "Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might
destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil," (Heb. 2:14).

D. For this reason, Paul reminded the brethren at Colosse that "...in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;" (Col. 2:9)
1. Some folks still might have a problem understanding how Christ could be God while being in the flesh. But, remember this: Jehovah took
on flesh, as a man, and ate and drank with Abraham in Gen. 18.
2. Was the LORD any less than God when He came 4000 years ago? Then why would the Word be any less than God when He came
2000 years ago as Jesus?

E. So, Jesus was not "just a man, an ordinary guy like you and me".
1. He was born of a virgin (Gal. 4:4).
2. He came forth from God the Father (Jn. 16:27-28).
3. And, He came down from heaven (Jn. 6:38).
4. So, this is the Christ for which we plead; and, this is the Savior whom we serve.

Third:
III. WE PLEAD FOR THE WORDS OF CHRIST
A. God's Word provides us direction.
1. Ps. 119:105 teaches us that God's word "... is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path." It shows us the way in which to go for salvation
and righteousness.
2. Also, David in Ps. 119:89 says "Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven."
3. But, God's words were Christ's words:
a. In Jn. 7:16 "Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me." So, Jesus didn't just make up His own plan,
rather He was following the Father's already determined plan.
b. Jesus later prayed: "...I have given to them the words which You have given Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that
I came forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me." (Jn. 17:8).
c. So, we clearly see that what Jesus taught came from the Father.

B. Another fact that we see in the scriptures is that God will judge all men (Heb. 13:4). But, Acts 17:31 tells us that He will accomplish this
thru Jesus.
1. In fact, Jn. 12:48 shows us that Christ's words will judge us, for Jesus warned: "He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has
that which judges him — the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day". This is why it's very important that we listen to and obey
all the words of Christ.

C. Now, I've heard of some folks who accept Jesus' words, but who will not accept the words of His inspired apostles.
1. Why would anyone try to play the apostles of Christ against Christ Himself? Did Jesus' Holy Spirit-led apostles preach or teach anything
contrary to what God wanted to be taught? Did the apostles just go out on their own, devising their own doctrines? No.
2. Jesus taught them that what they preached would come straight from Heaven:
a. In both Mt. 16:19 and Mt. 18:18 Jesus told His apostles that their doctrines would be those which God had already settled. "Assuredly, I
say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven".
b. The "will be-s" in these verses are not future (will be), but past tense (will be already). They didn't have carte-blanche authority to do
whatever they dreamed up. God was in control of their doctrine. He gave them the words to say.
c. Also, when Jesus promised them the Holy Spirit as a helper, He made it clear who would be in control of what was taught. Notice these
two passages:
Jn. 14:25-26 -- "These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. 26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will
send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you."
Jn. 16:13 -- "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but
whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come."
3. Now, someone might retort "How do we know that they taught God's will, and not their own?" Well, the Bible itself teaches us that God
confirmed the things they taught, as being the truth from God.
a. Mk. 16:20 says "And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the
accompanying signs." Can you imagine an apostle of Christ substituting his own thoughts or ideas for the doctrine of Christ? If that would
have ever happened, the Holy Spirit would have immediately stopped confirming the word thru the miraculous signs. For God would not
confirm error.
b. The apostles and others could also verify the things that each other had been given from God -- to make sure the truth of God was always
being taught. That was one of the gifts of the Spirit that Paul referred to in 1 Cor. 12, where verifying another's words could be done with the
Holy Spirit's help.
c. So, we can rest assured that what we have is divine truth.

D. Therefore, we plead for all men everywhere to heed the words of Christ as they have been revealed and recorded for us in the Bible, by
His holy apostles and prophets.

Fourth:
IV. WE PLEAD FOR THE CHURCH OF CHRIST
A. In Mt. 16:18 Jesus promised to build His church.
1. In His statement to Peter, He said "...on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it."
2. When Jesus said things, they always came true.

B. A short while later, on the day of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2, we find the very fulfillment of Jesus' statement. It is here that we see
His church established, for baptized believers were added to it (vss. 41, 47).

C. Here are some facts about the church of Jesus the Christ, for which we plead.
1. The terms of entrance (Acts 2:36-41, 47): Penitent believers who were baptized in the name of Christ for the remission of their sins were
added to the church by the Lord.
2. The form of government (Phil. 1:1; Eph. 1:22-23): It is an organization with Christ as it's Head, made up of saints, overseen locally by
elders, and served locally by deacons.
3. The worship (Jn. 4:24): Jesus teaches us the proper Motivation and Mode for our worship to God the Father -- it must be in Spirit and in
Truth.
4. The extent of fellowship: thru the gospel (1 Jn. 1:3) as we have already read. John also taught that we must walk in the light to remain in
fellowship with God (1 Jn. 1:7). This is the only way that we can remain in fellowship with one another.

D. Because Christ established only one church, and because we can read of only one church in the scriptures, we plead for this one, true
church of Jesus Christ.

Last:
V. WE PLEAD FOR UNITY IN CHRIST
A. In His prayer to the Father recorded in Jn. 17:20-21 Jesus prayed that His disciples might be one.
1. In keeping with the doctrine of Christ taught by His apostles, the disciples continued with one accord (Acts 2:46). They became as one
heart and one soul (Acts 4:32). Likewise, we too should strive for unity.

B. Paul told the Ephesians that they were to put forth great effort towards keeping unity. He said: "I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord,
beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one
another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Eph. 4:1-3).
1. He also admonished the Corinthians to be likeminded (1 Cor. 1:10). "Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind
and in the same judgment."
2. In order for us to do that, we must all speak the same thing, for that's the only way that we can keep division from happening. How do we
speak the same thing? By having book, chapter, and verse for everything that we do.
a. Whatever we do in word or in deed, we should have Christ's approval and authority to do it (Col. 3:17).
3. How do I know what my brethren really believe and understand, so that we can be perfectly united in the Word? Well I can't, unless I
have a relationship with them that's more than just having my name in the same church directory.
a. This means knowing them as a family -- as brothers and sisters; and knowing what they believe, and why. It means taking the time and
putting forth the effort to have a relationship with my brethren. I have to be selfless, and concerned about others.
b. It's real easy to just "write off" someone we don't know or don't care about. How easy is it to do that with someone in your family? Yet,
we're all supposed to be a family in Christ. Nothing but doctrinal issues should ever divide us; and that only when we have exhausted every
avenue of study, reasoning, and prayer.

Conc.:
A. We call on everyone within the sound of our voice to join us 'in Christ'.
1. But, before we can all be united in Christ, we must first be united in our pleas for the Name, Person, Words, and Church of Jesus Christ
our Lord, as these are some of the very basic principles of unity as taught by Paul in Eph. 4:4-6.
2. We hope you will join us in our efforts for Christ.

Sam Csonka-Minister