IF…, THEN WHY?

Introduction:
	A. Scripture reading:  Luke 20:1-8.
		1. Expand on theme “If and Why.”
		2. Sometimes the best answer to a question concerning our faith is
		    another question.
		3. 1Peter 3:15 - A good answer can be a question.
	B. Many things hinge on the word “if.”
		1. “You are a new creature, if...” - 2Cor. 5:17.
		2. “You are a disciple, if...“ - John 8:31.
	C. Some “ifs” call for a “why.”

I. IF HUMAN CREEDS ARE NECESSARY TO RELIGION, THEN WHY...
	A. Does the word of God thoroughly furnish all needs? - 2Tim. 3:14-17.
	B. Has God already given us all things? - 2Peter 1:3.
	C. Is one condemned for going beyond Christ’s doctrine? - 2John 9.

II. IF ONE CAN FOLLOW THE RELIGIOUS LEADERSHIP OF MEN, THEN WHY...
	A. Is religious division condemned? - 1Cor. 1:10-13.
	B. Are we commanded not to indulge the religious fashions of men? - Gal. 1:6-10

III. IF MEN HAVE RELIGIOUS AUTHORITY, THEN WHY...
	A. Does Christ claim all authority? - Matt. 28:18-20.
	B. Is Christ pre-eminent in the church? - Col. 1:18.

IV. IF ONE CAN BE SAVED IN ANY DENOMINATION, THEN WHY...
	A. Is salvation only in Christ? - Acts 4:12.
	B. Is the name “Christian” specified in the word? - 1Peter 4:16.
	C. Are denominational names not given in the word? - Col. 3:17.
	
V. IF ONE CANNOT FALL FROM GRACE, THEN WHY...
	A. Does the Word say one can fall from grace? - Gal. 5:4.
	B. Why did Paul warn Christians about leaving the faith? - 1Tim. 4:1-2.
	C. Did the apostle warn about drawing away? - Acts 20:28-31.
	D. Why be concerned about falling? - 1Cor. 9:27.

VI. IF ONE CAN BE SAVED OUTSIDE OF THE CHURCH, THEN WHY...
	A. Are the saved added to it? - Acts 2:47.
	B. Is Christ the savior of the body? - Eph. 5:23.
	C. Why was the blood of Deity the price for the church? - Acts 20:28.

VII. IF INFANT BAPTISM IS SCRIPTURAL, THEN WHY...
	A. Is the subject to be taught? - Matt. 28:19.
	B. Is the subject to believe? - Mark 16:16.
	C. Is the subject to repent? - Acts 2:38.
VIII. IF BAPTISM IS BY SPRINKLING, THEN WHY...
	A. Does the subject go down into the water? - Acts 8:38.
	B. Is baptism called a burial? - Rom. 6:3-4; Col. 2:12-13.

IX. IF MECHANICAL INSTRUMENTS OF MUSIC ARE ACCEPTABLE IN WORSHIP, 
      THEN WHY...
	A. Does the New Testament only authorize singing? - Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:19.
	B. Didn’t they use instruments in the first century church? - Matt. 26:30; 
	     1Cor. 14:15.

X. IF THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH, THEN WHY...
	A. Do so many believe that they are exempt? - Matt. 7:13-14, 21.
	B. Are you putting off obedience to the gospel of Christ?