two attitudes toward god’s word: conservative & liberal

TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD GOD’S WORD:

CONSERVATIVE & LIBERAL

Jer. 6:16

[By Ron Halbrook]

2

• Introduction1. Jer. 6:16 God has always recognized

two attitudes in men toward His WordConservative: strict to follow the truth, not taking liberties in departing from itLiberal: taking liberties not granted by God, thus departing from the truth



Jer. 6:16

3

1. Jer. 6:16 God has always recognized two attitudes in men toward His Word

16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

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• Introduction2. God appeals to man to conserve or preserve

what He reveals:Jer. 6:16 “the old paths”



16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths…

Jer. 6:16

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what He reveals:2 Tim. 1:13 “the form of sound words”



13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

Jer. 6:16

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what He reveals:Jude 3 “the faith…once delivered”



3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

Jer. 6:16

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• Introduction3. God warns man not to be liberal minded

in departing from what He reveals:Jer. 6:16 “we will not walk therein”



16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths…. But they said, We will not walk therein.

Jer. 6:16

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in departing from what He reveals:Gal. 1:6-9 “pervert the gospel”



Jer. 6:16

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Gal. 1:6-9 “pervert the gospel” 6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

Gal. 1:6-9

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in departing from what He reveals:1 Tim. 4:1 “depart from the faith”



1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

Jer. 6:16

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in departing from what He reveals:2 Jn. 9-11 “transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ”



Jer. 6:16

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9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

2 Jn. 9-11 “abideth not in the doctrine of Christ”

• Introduction4. These two attitudes were reflected in issues

which divided churches of Christ beginning in the 1950’s:

Revelation Authorizes VS Silence AuthorizesLocal Church Action VS CentralizationSpiritual Work VS Social-Recreational WorkBenevolence to Saints VS to SinnersPreach All God’s Word VS Worldly Weakness

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Jer. 6:16

I. Revelation Authorizes VS Silence Authorizes A. The Bible Is Clear: Revelation Not Silence

AuthorizesGen. 6:14 Revelation authorized gopher wood

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Silent: any other kind of wood

14 Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.

Jer. 6:16

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I. Revelation Authorizes VS Silence Authorizes A. The Bible Is Clear: Revelation Not Silence

AuthorizesGen. 6:14 Revelation authorized gopher wood

Conservative: follow only the truth revealed, do not take additional libertiesLiberal: “It does not say ‘gopher only,’ or, ‘Do not use coco wood.’” Silence (no specific prohibition) permits



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I. Revelation Authorizes VS Silence Authorizes B. This Difference Separates Churches of Christ

from All DenominationsCol. 2:12 Baptism is immersion, burial



12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.Silent: any other kind of action

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from All DenominationsCol. 2:12 Baptism is immersion

Conservative: follow only the truth revealed, do not take additional libertiesLiberal: “It does not say ‘Immerse only,’ or, ‘Do not pour or sprinkle.’” Silence (no specific prohibition) permits



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from All DenominationsCol. 3:16 Singing is authorized in worship

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.

Silent: any other kind of music

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from All DenominationsCol. 3:16 Singing is authorized in worship

Conservative: follow only the truth revealed, do not take additional libertiesLiberal: “It does not say, ‘Sing only,’ or ‘Do not use instruments.’” Silence (no specific prohibition) permits



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II. Local Church Action VS Centralization A. The Bible Is Clear: God Revealed

Local Church Organization & ActionActs 14:23 God ordained each church independent, autonomous



23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

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Local Church Organization & ActionActs 20:28 Elders oversee all functions & phases of local church work

28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.Silent: any other organization for church work

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Local Church Organization & ActionActs 6:1-7 God ordained each church as sufficient organization to do its own work



Silent: any other organization for church work

Jer. 6:16

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1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

Acts 6:1-7 God ordained each church as sufficient organization to do its own work

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II. Local Church Action VS Centralization B. Centralizing Local Church Work

through Human Institutions Is a Departure from the Bible Pattern



Jer. 6:16

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Divine VS Human OrganizationAuthorized

Evangelism

Edification

Benevolence

WorkLocalChurch

Phil. 4:16 “ye sent once & again”

2 Cor. 11:8 “I robbed other churches”

Acts 11:27-30 “sent it to the elders” LocalChurch

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Divine VS Human OrganizationAuthorized Unauthorized

Evangelism

Edification

Benevolence

WorkLocalChurch

Human Institution:

BrotherhoodEldership

MissionarySocietyCollege

OrphanageLocal

Church

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Pattern of Apostasy in Church GovernmentIn History Today

Israel Desired a King (1 Sam. 8:5)

Catholic Church Pope

Christian Church Missionary Society

Evangelism Herald of Truth Gospel HourBenevolence Institutional OrphanageEdification Area-wide work Colleges Camps

Centralized Gov’t

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II. Local Church Action VS Centralization C. Churches of Christ Have Divided

Over Church Organization & ActionActs 14:23; 20:28; 6:1-7 The Bible reveals local church action without centralization

Conservative: follow only the truth revealed, do not take additional libertiesLiberal: “It does not say, ‘Local church only,’ or ‘Do not use human centralized institutions.’” Silence (no specific prohibition) permits



Jer. 6:16

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III. Spiritual Work VS Social-Recreational Work A. The Bible Is Clear: God Revealed

the Spiritual Work of the Church1 Tim. 3:15 Evangelism is the church’s work



15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

Jer. 6:16

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the Spiritual Work of the ChurchActs 2:42 Worship, edification is its work



42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Jer. 6:16

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the Spiritual Work of the Church2 Cor. 9:1 Benevolence to needy saints is its work



1 For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:

Jer. 6:16

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the Spiritual Work of the Church1 Cor. 11:23-25, 34 The church provides the Lord’s Supper not social meals



Jer. 6:16

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1 Cor. 11:23-25, 34 The church provides the Lord’s Supper not social meals

23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: 24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

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34 And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.

1 Cor. 11:23-25, 34 The church provides the Lord’s Supper not social meals

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III. Spiritual Work VS Social-Recreational Work B. The Shift to Church Sponsored

Social & Recreational Activities Is a Departure from the Bible Pattern

Churches plan & provide social & recreational activities, & facilities: parties, games, kitchens, gyms, youth directors, etc.



Jer. 6:16



Churches sponsor secular education: day care, kindergarten, grade school, high school, colleges

On-site servicesDonating church funds to institutions

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Jer. 6:16



Churches sponsor political, social, & economic agendas

Invite political speakersVoter registration drivesOrganize protest movements

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Jer. 6:16

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Churches donate funds to sinners in need & to social welfare organizations



Jer. 6:16

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III. Spiritual Work VS Social-Recreational Work C. Churches of Christ Have Divided

Over the Church’s Mission or WorkThe Bible pattern is evangelism, worship, benev.

Conservative: follow only the truth revealed, do not take additional libertiesLiberal: “It does not say, ‘This work only,’ or ‘Do not sponsor other activities.’” Silence (no specific prohibition) permits



Jer. 6:16

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IV. Benevolence to Saints VS to Sinners A. The Bible Is Clear: Benevolence

from the Church Treasury Is Limited to SaintsAll passages on church benevolence show the funds were given to saints



Jer. 6:16

Benevolence from Church Treasury Limited to Saints

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ACTS 2:44-45 “all that believed”ACTS 4:32-37 “them that believed”ACTS 6:1-7 “the disciples”ACTS 11:27-30 “the brethren”1 COR. 16:1-2 “the saints”2 COR. 8:4 “the saints”2 COR. 9:1 “the saints”ROM. 15:26 “the poor saints”1 TIM. 5:16 “widows indeed”

9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

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IV. Benevolence to Saints VS to Sinners B. These Passages Do Not Teach Church Funds

Were Given to Sinners2 Cor. 9:13 Benevolence given “unto all”

13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;

Distribution is fellowship: church treasury represents fellowship between God & saints

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Recipients: saints who glorify God for the gospel, pray for brethren (vv. 13-14)

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“All men:” saints in other places besides Jerusalem

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Were Given to SinnersGal. 6:10 Benevolence given “unto all”

10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.We: not we churches but we individuals (vv. 1-9 thyself, a man, every man, he)

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IV. Benevolence to Saints VS to Sinners C. Churches of Christ Have Divided

Over Church Benevolence.The Bible pattern is fellowship to saints

Conservative: follow only the truth revealed, do not take additional libertiesLiberal: “It does not say, ‘Saints only,’ or ‘Do not give to sinners.’” Silence (no specific prohibition) permits



Jer. 6:16

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V. Preach All God’s Word VS Worldly Weakness A. The Bible Is Clear: We Must Preach All Truth

Without Fear, Favor, or CompromiseActs 20:26-27 Preach “all the counsel of God”



Jer. 6:16

26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

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Without Fear, Favor, or Compromise2 Tim. 4:2 “Preach the word”



Jer. 6:16

2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

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Without Fear, Favor, or CompromiseMk. 16:16 Baptism is necessary to salvation: unbaptized people & unscripturally baptized people are lost

Many liberals will not preach the full truth—”we don’t condemn others”— some accept denominational baptism



Jer. 6:16

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

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Without Fear, Favor, or CompromiseMatt. 16:18; Eph. 4:4-6 Christ has one true church: denominations are not his church



Jer. 6:16

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Matt. 16:18; Eph. 4:4-6 Christ has one true church: denominations are not his

18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are 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.

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Without Fear, Favor, or CompromiseMatt. 16:18; Eph. 4:4-6 Christ has one true church: denominations are not his church

Many liberals will not preach the full truth—”we don’t condemn others”— some fellowship denominations



Jer. 6:16

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Without Fear, Favor, or CompromiseCol. 3:16 Singing is authorized in worship: instrumental music is unauthorized & sinful

Many liberals will not preach the full truth—”we don’t condemn others”— some say “singing” is only our tradition, & they use instruments in some services



Jer. 6:16

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.


Without Fear, Favor, or CompromiseActs 14:23 The local church is ordained by God: centralized denominational organizations are unauthorized & sinful

Many liberals will not preach the full truth—”we don’t condemn others”— liberals cannot condemn what they practice! 54



Jer. 6:16

23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

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Without Fear, Favor, or CompromiseActs 20:7 The Lord’s Supper every Sunday is ordained by God: Christmas, Easter, & other “holy days” are unauthorized & sinful

Many liberals will not preach the full truth—”we don’t condemn others”— some liberal churches observe these days



Jer. 6:16

7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

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Without Fear, Favor, or Compromise1 Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21 We must live holy, worldliness condemns: Fornication, adultery, pornography, dance, social drink, gamble, curse, immodest dress, forsake assembly, etc.



Jer. 6:16

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1 Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21 We must live holy, worldliness condemns: Fornication, adultery, pornography, dance, social drink, gamble, curse, immodest dress, forsake assembly, etc.

9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

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1 Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21 We must live holy, worldliness condemns: Fornication, adultery, pornography, dance, social drink, gamble, curse, immodest dress, forsake assembly, etc.

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

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Without Fear, Favor, or Compromise1 Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21 We must live holy, worldliness condemns: Fornication, adultery, pornography, dance, social drink, gamble, curse, immodest dress, forsake assembly, etc.

Many liberals will not preach the full truth—”we don’t condemn others”— some freely practice these sins



Jer. 6:16


Without Fear, Favor, or Compromise1 Thess. 5:14; 2 Thess. 3:6 Admonish unfaithful, worldly members: If they refuse to repent, withdraw fellowship

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Jer. 6:16

1 Thess. 5:14; 2 Thess. 3:6 Admonish unfaithful, worldly members: If they refuse to repent, withdraw fellowship

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14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.


Without Fear, Favor, or Compromise1 Thess. 5:14; 2 Thess. 3:6 Admonish unfaithful, worldly members: If they refuse to repent, withdraw fellowship

Many liberals will not preach the full truth—”we don’t condemn others”— few liberal churches practice discipline

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Jer. 6:16


Without Fear, Favor, or CompromiseMatt 25:46 Heaven is the saints’ eternal reward, hell the sinners’ eternal punishment: We must preach both!

Many liberals will not preach the full truth—”we don’t condemn others”— some have not preached on hell in years

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Jer. 6:16 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

V. Preach All God’s Word VS Worldly Weakness B. Churches of Christ Have Divided

Over What to Preach.The Bible pattern is to preach all truth

Conservative: preach all the truth revealed, do not take liberties to avoid some truthLiberal: “We believe in positive preaching,” “We don’t condemn others”— Preaching weakened by worldly pressure

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Jer. 6:16

65

• Invitation1. Jer. 6:16 God has always recognized

two attitudes in men toward His WordConservative: strict to follow the truth, not taking liberties in departing from itLiberal: taking liberties not granted by God, thus departing from the truth



Jer. 6:16

66

1. Jer. 6:16 God has always recognized two attitudes in men toward His Word

16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

67

• Invitation2. These two attitudes were reflected in issues

which divided churches of Christ beginning in the 1950’s:

Revelation Authorizes VS Silence AuthorizesLocal Church Action VS CentralizationSpiritual Work VS Social-Recreational WorkBenevolence to Saints VS to SinnersPreach All God’s Word VS Worldly Weakness



Jer. 6:16

68

• Invitation3. The gospel calls all men out of sin & error:

2 Cor. 6:17 Saints fallen into liberalism, worldliness, & other sins



Jer. 6:16

17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

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• Invitation3. The gospel calls all men out of sin & error:

Acts 22:16 Sinners who have never obeyed the gospel:



Jer. 6:16

16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

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