TITLE:  Do not Copy what is Wrong
TEXT:  3 John 11
PROPOSITION:  We should not imitate what others do which is wrong.
QUESTION:  How?
KEY WORD:  Ways
SCRIPTURE READING:  Same

 INTRODUCTION:

1. Religious world is confusing, conflicting, contradictory
2. Some things denominations do – good ideas, take it and use it for right
   1. Bus ministry, Sunday School, preach on radio and TV
   2. Use the internet
   3. Use tracts, BCC, door-knocking
3. Just because the JW’s knock doors does not make it wrong
4. BUT – sometimes we imitate denominations in what is wrong

 Soft on Doctrine

1. We want to be politically correct (PC)
2. We don’t want to offend anyone
   1. Don’t preach doctrine
   2. Don’t tell anyone they are wrong
3. Doctrine becomes unimportant
   1. Communion on Thursday
   2. Women in leadership roles
   3. Premillennialism, Total depravity, OSAS

 Accept any form of baptism

1. Down at the River to Pray – all forms are OK
2. As long as they believe in Jesus

 Observing “religious” holidays

1.        Jews – many holy days – weekly, monthly, annually

2. Catholics – some holy day – every day of the year
3. Denominations – limit these to 2 – 10 major ones
   1. Easter, Christmas
   2. Pentecost, Whitsuntide, Ash Wednesday, Lent
   3. Baby dedications, pet blessings
4. Any leader who (forces, imposes, demands) these is wrong
   1. Galatians 4:9-11

 Change worship to entertainment

1. Singing > praise teams, solos
2. Sermons > skits, dramas, movies
3. Bible Study > watching Andy Griffith

 Reasons for Concern

1. Contradictory messages – do we or don’t we?
2. No reason to leave denomination where they are
3. Doctrine becomes unimportant