"The Community Church" Ephesians 5:27 I. Introduction. A. Discuss the "mega church." 1. Often referred to as "community churches." a. Does not have to be large to borrow the concept. b. This model "is a result of the fundamental fallacy of denominationalism"(Ron Halbrook). c. Goes beyond the traditional churches of denominationalism. d. Often built around the personality of one person. e. Among the fastest growing religious approaches in America. 2. The "Community Church" promotes a system of "ever- changing" doctrines. a. They adapt to the society in which they exist. b. Such groups offer what the public wants instead of what humanity needs. (1 Makes for a great approach. (2 Draws the interest of those who are seeking religion--but want that which satisfies and please men. (3 Why they can draw such large crowds. (4 Imagine Paul in Athens. B. "The Community Church" is the product of the social gospel of the past(& present). 1. The focus is on this life, not the next life. 2. The aim is to please me rather than a concern for pleasing God. 3. The attraction: One can hold his/her individual beliefs and still be accepted into fellowship(you do not have to give up anything?). 4. Let us never forget: The basic cause of denominationalism is an unwillingness to follow the scriptures completely. C. "The Community Church" offers an approach that appeals to the "mind-set" of our age. 1. "You are all right--I am all right." 2. Nothing negative should be said--make it all positive. 3. "How to win friends and influence people" could be the Bible for such groups. II. Body. The Community Church.... A. Preaches a changing gospel for a changing age. 1. Such groups adapt to the moment: not to the truth. 2. If it satisfies the concepts/standards of the community, it is OK. 3. Several hundred years ago, many of the Lord's people adjusted to the society in which she lived: The Roman Catholic Church was the result. 4. Every human creed embodies this idea. a. Even though many try to appeal to the Bible. b. Rejects the word of God as the final and complete authority. c. "Community Churches" go a step further and place the creed in the individual. 5. Jesus declared: Mark 16:15. a. This is the gospel taught by the apostles. b. Peter said it: I Peter 1:24-25. c. Nothing but that gospel can save men: Romans 1:16- 17. 6. Sin is still sin; what washes away sin now is the same as in the past. 7. May we never ignore: I Timothy 3:15. B. Utilizes a "contemporary" approach to attract the masses. 1. Allows a freedom of belief(I believe in a freedom to believe). a. On moral issues, belief(or un) of miracles, evolution, inspiration, Hell and Heaven, etc. b. Do not want to upset or turn away any person. c. Ignores that God set a standard--that disciples of all ages are to abide in the faith: II John 9. d. "Unity-in-diversity" carried to an ultimate end. e. Rejects the prayer of Christ: John 17:20-21. 2. Promotes a "contemporary" and "stylish" worship. a. Rejects "traditional" worship and pushes a format of entertainment(concerts, choirs, bands, dramas, etc.) b. Appealing to the flesh, adherents leave "feeling good"(regardless of moral or spiritual condition). c. The worship emphasizes the casual approach. (1 Nothing casual about worshipping God: Hebrews 10:22-25. (2 Note: Colossians 2:23. 3. The simple worship activities of the early church(and the Lord's church through the centuries) does not satisfy the fleshly appetites of many: Philippians 3:3. 4. Even disciples are not immune: "Same old songs, same old lessons, same old book, chapter and verse," etc. C. "The Community Church" desires to create a "sense of community." 1. Offer pastoral counseling, wide range of social services, entertainment and recreation. 2. The Lord's church never adapted to the community mores and standards in any place. 3. There is a place for the social services offered--but not in the church of Jesus Christ: Ephesians 5:27. 4. The approaches of these groups are very appealing to the community and to people who do not know the Bible. III. Conclusion. A. The church of Christ should be the church for the community, but not a community church(it belongs to Christ). B. The world is to change to fit the teachings and patterns outlined in the New Testament--not the reverse.-jy (Note: Much of this material gleaned from Truth Magazine, January 7, 1999)