OLD TIME RELIGION I. Introduction. A. A lot is said about O. T. Religion. 1. Usually refers to an emotional experience that includes shouting, mourners bench, etc. 2. The world does need a good shot of religion: the right kind. B. Just how old would religion have to be to be old time? C. Does this mean it can be "outdated?" D. "Old time" should be almost 2000 years in existence. 1. If one accepts the Bible, realizes the early church taught & practised truth. a. To have the same, must follow the model. b. Must sow the same seed: Luke 8:11. (1 Produces same religion: Gal. 6:7. (2 If different, wrong seed. 2. Cannot "take from" nor "add to" if expect to follow the model: Proverbs 30:6. II. Body. A. The O.T. religion teaches truth concerning the oldest church. 1. Agree: Christ built church or deny scriptures. Matthew 16:18. 2. What method use to identify? a. Remember the seed? b. Identical in doctrine and practice. c. Find what early church was like and compare! d. Not just similar: identical! B. The O.T. religion accepts the oldest purchase price. 1. It was the BLOOD OF CHRIST(Acts 20:28). 2. Contact with that blood is in the church: Eph. 5:25; I Peter 1:18-19). C. O.T. religion accepts the oldest foundation. 1. Strength of a building depends on foundation. 2. The true and only foundation: I Cor. 3:11. D. Christ is the oldest(and only) head of this church. 1. No religious body surpasses its head. 2. The apostles testify: Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:22-23. 3. Human religions have human heads. a. Popes, presidents, councils, etc. b. Even when say "Christ is head", will not let him be the head! c. Either Christ rules or he does not! E. O.T. religion identified by oldest name of body. 1. What is it? Romans 16:16. a. Why? Matthew 16:18. b. Who could disagree? Then why not follow? 2. Significance of a name. a. Not just to give a name. b. Not to distinguish from other groups. F. This O.T. religion uses the oldest name for members. 1. What is it? Acts 11:26; 26:28; I Peter 4:16. 2. What about other names? a. Not if follow Christ. b. But--wear if do not intend to follow. 3. Note the relationship: Acts 4:12. G. Oldest law of pardon is part of O.T. religion. 1. Modern theories: a. "Get religion." b. "Only believe." c. "Just repent and believe." d. "Pray through..at mourner's bench." e. "When you feel it...shout...jump...express yourself." f. Note: I Corinthians 14:40; 14:33). 2. What is that law of pardon? a. On Pentecost: Acts 2. b. In Samaria: Acts 8. c. On the way to Ethopia: Acts 8. d. In Damascus: Acts 9. e. In Caesarea: Acts 10. 3. These requirements added one to the oldest church: Acts 2:47. III. Body. A. "Give me that O.T. religion" if it is Christ's way!