Spanish explorer 1513 led the first known European

• Spanish explorer • 1513 led the first known European expedition to Florida • Landed on the east coast of FL • Became first governor of Puerto Rico • Popular culture says he was in search for the Fountain of Youth (perhaps a myth) Ponce de Leon 1474 - 15 21 “Encouraged by the Spanish crown to discover more lands, Ponce de León decided to follow rumors he had heard from local Indians about an island known as Bimini, home to a magical spring or fountain whose waters would rejuvenate those who drank from it. In search of this ‘fountain of youth, as well as more lands and gold, he set sail from Puerto Rico in March 1513. ” (History. com)

There is a “fountain of youth” in St. Augustine, FL Ponce de Leon credited with discovering Water said to be good – but no evidence restores “youth” The Point: One who searches for a fountain that restores one’s youth – searching for the impossible

Searching for the Impossible

Searching for the Impossible I. Salvation without the Church

I. Salvation without the Church Common idea : One is saved & later joins the church (if they choose) Could be saved & never be in the church A. To be in the church and be saved are the same (Acts 2: 47) B. Christ only promises to save the body (Eph. 5: 23) C. Reconciliation is in the one body (Eph. 2: 16) D. Church was bought with blood of Christ (Acts 20: 28)

Searching for the Impossible I. Salvation without the Church II. Salvation without Repentance

II. Salvation without Repentance Common idea : One can be saved (by faith) without a change of life Even some who believe repentance is essential – acknowledge (report) and continue in same sin A. Repentance is required for any forgiveness 1. Alien sinner (Acts 17: 30 -31; 2: 38) 2. Erring Christian (Acts 8: 22) B. If there is no change – no repentance (Rev. 9: 20 -21; 2 Cor. 12: 20 -21) C. Sin must cease 1. Not to continue in sin (Rom. 6: 1 ff) 2. Not to practice sin (1 John 3: 4 -9)

Searching for the Impossible I. Salvation without the Church II. Salvation without Repentance III. Salvation without Faithful Service

III. Salvation without Faithful Service Common idea : Once saved – always saved Once baptized – matters little how diligent I am (attend) A. Faithfulness is required even to point of death (Rev. 2: 10) B. God expects diligence – giving it our best (2 Pet. 1: 5, 10) C. Faithfulness is driven from spiritual mindset (Col. 3: 1 -2) D. Assembling is extremely important 1. God is worshipped and praised (Eph. 5: 19; Col. 3: 16) 2. Saints are edified (1 Cor. 14: 1 -5) 3. Even in persecution expected to attend (Heb. 10: 25)

Searching for the Impossible I. Salvation without the Church II. Salvation without Repentance III. Salvation without Faithful Service IV. False Teaching without a False Teacher

IV. False Teaching without a False Teacher Common idea : Agree the teaching is wrong – to practice it is sin But the one who teaches it is not a “false teacher” Attitude (of the teacher) is what makes a difference A. False teachers are measured by whether their teaching agrees with the revealed will (1 John 4: 1, 6) B. Otherwise one who has good attitude – not false teacher even though: 1. 2. 3. 4. Teaches Jesus is not the Son of God Teaches that saved by faith alone Teaches world began by big bang – took billions of years…. Teaches any second marriage is scriptural

Searching for the Impossible I. Salvation without the Church II. Salvation without Repentance III. Salvation without Faithful Service IV. False Teaching without a False Teacher V. Discipline without Pain

V. Discipline without Pain Common idea : Seek to exercise self-discipline without sacrifice Want to train our children – but don’t want be hard Want to correct sin in church – but can’t withdraw or pull away A. Self discipline can involve pain (1 Cor. 9: 24 -27) B. Correcting our children is not pleasant (Prov. 19: 18; 22: 15; Heb. 12: 11) C. Church discipline can make all uncomfortable (1 Cor. 5: 113; 2 Thess. 3: 6 -15)

Searching for the Impossible I. Salvation without the Church II. Salvation without Repentance III. Salvation without Faithful Service IV. False Teaching without a False Teacher V. Discipline without Pain VI. Knowledge without Study

VI. Knowledge without Study Common idea : Want to know more of the Bible But, don’t want to have to work hard – or put a lot of time into it A. The Christian is to grow in knowledge (2 Pet. 1: 5 -10; 3: 18) B. Growing in knowledge involves 1. 2. 3. 4. Learning text in context (2 Pet. 3: 16 -18) Advancing beyond the basics (Heb. 5: 12 -14) Learning the sense – application (Neh. 8: 7 -8) Reading and meditating (1 Tim. 4: 13, 15) C. Those that know their Bible well – worked hard - studied

Searching for the Impossible I. Salvation without the Church II. Salvation without Repentance III. Salvation without Faithful Service IV. False Teaching without a False Teacher V. Discipline without Pain VI. Knowledge without Study VII. Gospel that Does not Exclude

VII. Gospel that Does not Exclude Common idea : Want to reach friends with gospel – but they are offended at…. That part of the word excludes so many A. Truth (by its nature) excludes (John 17: 17; 1 Jno. 4: 6) B. Preaching in NT offended 1. John’s message (Luke 3: 19 -20) 2. Jesus’ preaching (Luke 4: 28 -29) 3. Paul’s sermons (Acts 13: 50; 14: 19)

VII. Gospel that Does not Exclude Common idea : Want to reach friends with gospel – but they are offended at…. That part of the word excludes so many A. Truth (by its nature) excludes (John 17: 17; 1 Jno. 4: 6) B. Preaching in NT offended C. When truth is proclaimed – it offends / excludes 1. 2. 3. 4. Truth: there is a God – excludes the atheist Truth: God created the world – excludes the evolutionist Truth: Jesus is Son of God – excludes JW/ Muslims/ Jews Truth: baptism is essential – excludes the denominationalist

Searching for the Impossible I. Salvation without the Church II. Salvation without Repentance III. Salvation without Faithful Service IV. False Teaching without a False Teacher V. Discipline without Pain VI. Knowledge without Study VII. Gospel that Does not Exclude