This lesson goes over the reasons why there is so much confusion in the world regarding the gospel, and what we as Christians can do to help combat the issue through study. Both audio and slides can be found together at www.cmcoc.org

1. The simplicity of the gospel
By: Brian Birdow
Sermon text Matthew 28;18-20

2. Objective of Lesson
1. Why so much confusion in religion?
2. The simplicity of the gospel message.

3. Confusion in religion
• The World Christian Encyclopedia estimated almost
21,000 denominations, and the updated World Christian
Encyclopedia estimated at least 33,000.
• Is this what God intended when He built and purchased
His church/body?
• How can all 33,000 say they are worshipping God in
Spirit and truth (John 4:24)?
• 1 Corinthians 14:33 for God is not a God of confusion
but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

4. Why so much confusion in religion?
Matthew 19:1-5, Ephesians 3:1-6

5. We need to studious
• 1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit,
but test the spirits to see whether they are from
God, for many false prophets have gone out into
the world
• 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved
unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
• Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger
and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be
filled.

6. We need to studious
✓2 Timothy 3:15-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God
and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction,
and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God
may be complete, equipped for every good work.
✓ John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which
believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye
my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth,
and the truth shall make you free.
✓ 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 Prove all things; hold fast that
which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

7. We need to studious
✓Acts 17:11-12 Now these were more noble-minded
than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word
with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to
see whether these things were so. Therefore many of
them believed, along with a number of prominent
Greek women and men.
✓A serious minded person will look into the Bible and
want to see if what they believe, think, teach, and
practice is found authorized by God’s inspired Word.

8. The simplicity of the gospel
Mark 16:15-16, Acts 18:8; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

9. Simplicity
• 2 Corinthians 11:1-4 Would to God ye could bear with
me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. 2 For I am
jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused
you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste
virgin to Christ.
• 3But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled
Eve through his subtilty (cunning), so your minds should
be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if
he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have
not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have
not received, or another gospel, which ye have not
accepted, ye might well bear with him.

10. Denominationalism Teaches The Bible Teaches
There are many bodies or
churches
One body/church
1 Cor. 12:20; Eph. 4:4
Churches founded by men
Church founded by Christ
Mt. 16:18
Human heads of the church
Christ is the Head Ephesians
1:22-23
The Bible is the only guide 2

11. Denominationalism Teaches The Bible Teaches
Membership not essential
Saved added to the church
Acts 2:47
Preach many gospels
Only one gospel Galatians
1:6-9
Claim doctrine unimportant
Doctrine is important 1 Tim.
4:16; 2 Jn. 9; Acts 2:42
Walk by the same rule