The document outlines the steps of apostasy that occurred from Jerusalem to Rome, moving the church away from the complete standard of the apostles' doctrine. It describes how small deviations accumulated over time, following a logical pattern as people tired of God's way and sought new doctrines. The apostles were concerned with any changes or additions to their teachings. Over time this led to a shift from an inward focus on Christ to an outward focus represented by cathedrals, as the church moved further from divine authority and Jerusalem above.

1. From Jerusalem to Rome
The Steps of Apostasy

2. The apostles’ doctrine = the complete
standard
• Acts 2:42 – “continued steadfastly in the
apostles’ doctrine”
• Acts 20:17 – “the whole counsel of God”
• Gal.1:6-10 – any other….than what we
preached”
• 2 Tim.3:15-17 – completely furnished
• 2 John 9-10 – abide in the doctrine of Christ

3. There was a pattern of sound words
People have
always tired of
God’s way and
yearned for the
new and
different

4. The apostles’ concern = deviations
• Circumcision bound –just a small deviation?
• Forbidding to marry (greater dedication?)
• Commanding to abstain from meats
• Doctrines of men
• Changing the Lord’s Supper
• Losing orderly assembly to spontaneity
• Presiding Elder
• Arch bishop

5. From an inward cross to a cathedral
• The apostles’ doctrine = the complete standard
• The apostles’ concern = deviations
• The doctrines of demons
• The itching ear syndrome
• The teachers willing to tickle
• Seeking an outward stimulant
• Cutting off the voices of truth
• The way to Rome is away from Jerusalem above

6. From Jerusalem to Rome
• The Steps of Apostasy
– Were small but accumulative
– Were logical from the first minor step off-track
– Were seemingly successful
– Were always appealing to human vanity
– Were away from divine authority
– Were predicted but ignored

7. Staying with Jerusalem Above
• Christ is all sufficient
• Christ is all in all
• Christ is head over all things to the church
• Hold fast to the Head!