THE SECT EVERYWHERE SPOKEN AGAINSTACTS 28:22

INTRODUCTION:
A.  Contents of this last chapter regarding Paul's perils and labors.
B.  Course different from people today--they wanted to hear.
C.  In the interest of peace and progress we want to be understood.
1.  Text reveals that this is not always the case.
2.  Some looked upon the church as a "sect" and a gospel "heresy."
D.  The words "sect and heresy" come from the same Greek word.
1.  Never used in a favorable sense.  Acts 28:22; 24:14.
2.  Thayer - "a body of men separating themselves from others and following 
Their own tenets...(in both instances with a suggestion of reproach."
3.  Listed with the blackest of sins--Gal. 5:20.
4.  Vine: "a choosing, choice, then that which is chosen, and hence an opinion,
especially a self-willed opinion, which is substituted for submission to the
power of truth, and leads to division and formation of sects; such erroneous
opinions are frequently the outcome of personal preference or the prospect
of advantage.
E.  Was this religion a "sect" and its message "heresy?"
1.  Paul used this word to represent a party cut off from the true church of
Christ.  Therefore the true Church is not a sect--rather it opposes sectarianism
Eph. 4:4; I Cor. 1:10-12.
2.  The Jews used this word to describe these Jews who embraced Christianity
As a party cut off from the great body of the Jewish nation.
F.  Discuss the three things about this "sect everywhere spoken against" that Paul was a
Member of:

I.  UNDISPUTED FACTS ABOUT THIS "SECT" THAT PAUL WAS A MEMBER OF:
A.  Many uncomplimentary things were said about them.
1.  Violators - Acts 16:21.
2.  Disorganizers - Acts 17:6.
3.  Innovators - Acts 18:3.
4.  Separators - Acts 24:14; 28:22.
B.  They were the only recognized party in the sight of God.  Prov. 14:12; I Cor. 1:18 
(Men opposed, God approved.)
C.  They were the only authorized party in the sight of God.
1.  Judiasm had been removed - Col. 2:14; Eph. 2:14-16.
2.  Bible authority is divine authority - Heb. 1:1,2; Mt. 28:19; Jn. 12:48.
3.  Where does the Bible authorize two churches? Col. 3:17; I Pet. 4:11.

II.  DISTINGUISHING PECULIARITIES ABOUT THIS CHURCH:
A.  Creed: II Tim. 3:16,17; Eph. 2:19-20.
1.  Not "nicene" or any since--they are too new.
2.  Creed is either: more, less, different, or same.  Therefore is either damnable
(Gal. 1:6-9) or useless.
B.  Name - Isa. 62:2; I Pet. 4:16.
1.  Collectively: I Cor. 1:1; Acts 20:20; I Tim. 3:15; Rom. 16:16.
2.  Individually: Eph. 1:2; Gal. 6:1; Acts 20:7; Acts 11:26.
3.  They would have never responded to denominational designation (Letters to
them with such--still retained at post office)
C.  Government - Eph. 1:22,23.
1.  Elders - Phil. 1:1,2; Acts 20:28; I Pet. 5:2; Heb. 13:7,17; Tit. 1:5-7.
2.  Deacons - Phil. 1:1,2; Render service - temporal affairs.
3.  Evangelist - II Tim. 4:5; II Tim. 4:2; 2:2; I Tim. 4:13.
D.  Worship - Jn. 4:24; Mt. 15:7-9
1.  Lord's Day - I Cor. 16:1,2; Acts 20:7 (Lord's Supper, Giving)
2.  Praise - Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; Acts 2:42 (Prayer)
3.  Message - Acts 2:42; Rom. 1:16.
E.  Manner of converting sinners.
1.  Not by tricks or shows - II Cor. 4:1,2; Eph. 4:14.
2.  They reached hearts with the gospel urging obedience - Acts 2:36-38; 40,41,
47; II Cor. 5:11.

III.  THE CONTINUED EXISTENCE OF THIS CHURCH:
A.  Does it now exist?
1.  Conflict between claims of Rome, England and Protestants.
2.  Church of England claims its the muddy man - washed.
3.  Protestants claim they see difference between Pope and True!
B.  What does the Bible say about this question?  Dan. 2:44; Mt. 16:18; Lk. 8:11.
1.  It is the new man.  Eph. 2:14-16.
2.  It has always--head, members, spirit, blood, law of life.
3.  These are the things required for continued existence.
C.  Illustration.
1.  If cast-a-ways found a Bible--practiced it--what would they be?
2.  Would it be a new Church or the same, old Church?

CONCLUSION:
A.  I believe these points to be without controversy.
1.  I leave it to you whether we are right.
2.  I hope you have a personal interest in these matters.
3.  And the honesty of heart and nobility of the soul to act.
B.  This has been no ordinary subject.
1.  The importance of this theme reaches over the cold boundaries of time and\
lab hold on eternity.
2.  You interest in both worlds will determine what you will do with this
message.
C.  I'm just asking you to be honest with yourself.  Your conscience, your Bible, your
God, your soul and act for eternity now!