Finally he said, "And I thought I was the only one."� So I said, "There's a whole congregation I attend that puts the Bible above everything and everyone else."� He could hardly believe his ears.
YOU ARE WELCOME TO JOIN OUR GODFIND DISCUSSION GROUP.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| How Far is Too Far? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ������� When does a congregation quit being accepted by God?� Revelation 2 and 3 point this out with seven congregations, all of which Jesus was about to disown if they didn't change their ways. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� The church in Ephesus was full of good works, did not tolerate wicked men, tested and rejected those claiming to be apostles, endured hardships, never grew weary, and hated Nicolaitans (explained below).� BUT, they were doing all this either because it was fun or out of legalism, but not out of love.� A CONGREGATION WITH NO LOVE is not accepted by God. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� The church in Smyrna endured afflictions, poverty, and slander by Jews.� Further, they were about to endure imprisonment and even executions.� In such a state, this congregation must have drawn very close.� They had nothing to brag about but Jesus.� God had nothing against them. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� The church in Pergamum remained true to Jesus even where "Satan has his throne," did not renounce faith in Jesus even when one of their members was put to death.� BUT, they ate food sacrificed to idols and were sexually immoral.� Further, they upheld Nicholaitans.� Nicholas means conqueror or controller; laity means the commoner.� They'd developed a clergy-laity system and let their leaders get by with it.� A CONGREGATION THAT TOLERATES IDOLATRY, IMMORALITY AND A SEPARATE CLERGY is not accepted by God. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� The church in Thyatira performed deeds of love and faith, and did so more all the time.� BUT, they tolerated sexual immorality, eating food sacrificed to idols, and a prophetess who taught "deep secrets" (occult).� A CONGREGATION THAT TOLERATES IMMORALITY, IDOLATRY AND NEW AGE VIEWS is not accepted by God. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� The church in Sardis did some good deeds.� BUT they were dead, asleep because they were not doing enough good deeds.� A CONGREGATION THAT DOES NOT CENTER ACTIVITIES AROUND GOOD DEEDS is not accepted by God. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� The church in Philadelphia� had many good deeds, kept their faith even in weakness, and remained loyal despite pressure from Jews, and endured all this patiently.� God had nothing against them. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� The church in Laodicea had no good points.� Their deeds were done haphazardly.� They were luke warm.� Instead they bragged about their wealth.� A CONGREGATION THAT IS CENTERED AROUND MATERIALISM INSTEAD OF GOOD WORKS is not accepted by God. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� To recap, then, what types of congregations are not acceptable to God?� Those who.... | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1.�������� have no love. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2.�������� tolerate those who do not believe in Jesus. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3.�������� tolerate immorality. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4.�������� have a clergy-laity system. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5.�������� do not emphasize and carry out good works. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6.�������� are known primarily for their big building and important members. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� God, this is a real eye opener.� I'd heard so many things that I thought God would hate or love.� Your Word is so clear.� Thank you for caring enough to write it for us. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ....Or Not to Compromise | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ������� But there is a limit to compromise.� If we compromise too far, we can get involved in heresy.� Heresy, sectarianism (denominationalism), and choice come from the same word in Greek, "haimorrhoeo, haireomai, hairesis," depending on how the word is used.� | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Technically, the word heresy in its simplest form means� choice, and therefore is not necessarily good or bad.� For instance, Jesus was chosen to be God's servant on earth (Matthew 12:18); Paul had trouble choosing whether to prefer being on earth to preach or going to heaven to see Jesus (Philippians 1:22); God chosen Christians to be saved through his divine plan (2 Thessalonians 2:13); and Moses chose to be mistreated rather than stay royalty (Hebrews 11:25). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� All of these examples of choice ("hairesis") involved life-or-death situations.� None of the choices involved anything simplistic.� And none of these choices were made on the spur of the moment.� They were made after weighing the evidence. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Furthermore, if groups of people make the same choice and it involves religion, the group is called choosers or sectarians. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Acts 5:17; 15:5, and 26:5 all refer to the sects of the Jews, either the Sadducees who did not believe in a literal resurrection of the dead but also believed people should follow just the Bible, or the Pharisees who did believe in the literal resurrection of the dead but also believed people should follow priestly traditions/creeds as just as holy and binding as the Bible. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� When Christianity first began, it, too, was considered a sect of the Jews.� In Acts 24:5, the Jews in Jerusalem referred to Paul's teaching on behalf of "the Nazarene sect," of course referring to Jesus being from Nazareth.� In verse 14, Paul referred to it as the sect called "the Way."� Even the Jews in Rome referred to "this sect" (Acts 28:22). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Thus far, heresy has been identified with private decisions and group decisions.� What about decisions an individual tries to FORCE ON groups of people?� These are what are normally translated "heresy" in the Bible.� These are the kinds of choices that are sinful. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� In instances below where the entire passage is quoted, the word translated from this Greek word for heresy is underlined.� (In the KJV, these underlined words are translated "heresy".) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� MISAPPLICATION OF A RITUAL IS HERESY.� In 1 Corinthians 11:17-19 Paul says there were divisions regarding how to keep the Lord's Supper because they had turned them into large feasts, kind of like potluck dinners where the poorer members couldn't come because they couldn't bring their share of the food.� Paul concluded that these differences [heresies] "show which of you have God's approval." | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� HATEFUL ATTITUDES RUBBING OFF ON OTHERS IS HERESY.� Galatians 5:19-21 lists works of the flesh.� Most involving "heresy" are in verse 20 ~ hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions [heresies]. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Just before he died, Peter described and warned about heresy in his second letter 1:15 - 3:2.� It is interesting that it has been in Peter's name that many heresies have come about, yet he is the one who warned about it so vehemently. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live....And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things...." | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� DENYING JESUS IS LORD IS HERESY.� "....But there were also false prophets among the people [of Old Testament times], just as there will be false teachers among you.� They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them - bringing swift destruction on themselves..." | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� MAKING UP STORIES OF VISIONS OR TWISING THE TRUTH IS HERESY.�� "....Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.� In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up.� Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping...." | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� God will punish such people severely.� "....For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment; if he did not spare...the flood...if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning..." | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� DESPISING THE AUTHORITY OF THE BIBLE IS HERESY.� "...if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials, and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment.� This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority...." | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� INVOLVEMENT IN THINGS THE BIBLE IS SILENT ABOUT IS HERESY.� "....Bold and arrogant, these men are not afraid to slander celestial beings; yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not bring slanderous accusations against such things in the presence of the Lord.� But these men blaspheme in matters they do not understand...." | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� God will do unto heretics as they have done unto him.� "....They are like brute beasts, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like beasts they too will perish.� They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done...." | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� BOASTFUL WORDS TO FILL PERSONAL EGOS IS HERESY.� "....These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm.� Blackest darkness is reserved for them.� For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error...." | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� TAKING PEOPLE BACK INTO WORLDLINESS IS HERESY.� "....They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity ~ for a man is slave to whatever has mastered him.� If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.� It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them.� Of them the proverbs are true:� 'A dog returns to its vomit,' and, 'A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud.'" | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� To recap, then, heresy is... | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������������������� ...misapplication of a ritual. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������������������� ...hateful attitudes rubbing off on the others. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������������������� ...denying Jesus is Lord. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������������������� ...making up stories of visions or twising the truth. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������������������� ...despising the authority of the Bible. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������������������� ...involvement in things the Bible is silent about. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������������������� ...boastful words to fill personal egos. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������������������� ...taking people back into worldliness. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� God, this really helps.� Now I understand heresy.� Now it is clear.� Now I know that sometimes I have been guilty of heresy myself.� I'm so sorry, God.� I didn't mean to. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back to the Bible | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� The only way to avoid heresy is to compare everything with the Bible.� "I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles" (2 Peter 3:2). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� How do we do that?� In our rushed world today, we are blessed to have a complete index to the Bible the size of a large phone book called a concordance.� By using it, we can look up everything God has to say about any topic.� Then we will have the whole story, God's point of view, all we need.� | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Then it is up to us to accept it ~ no more and no less.� Is this easy?� Is it easy to give up previous ideas and notions and beliefs?� Absolutely not.� | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Each congregation might list all its beliefs and practices, then go through the New Testament by subject to examine God's opinion of those beliefs and practices.� If they are in the Bible, they should be continued.� If they are not in the Bible, they should be discontinued.� And if, in the process, we find beliefs and practices that are in the Bible but never adhered to by the congregation, these can be adopted. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Is that possible?� With an open mind it is.� If egos enter in and people become afraid their pet projects or their pet practices or their pet offices are being threatened, it doesn't matter what is in the Bible.� People will justify; that is, create a justification of their own rather than of God.� | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� On the other hand, it would be much easier for a congregation to start with a blank sheet of paper and decide that whatever type of worship is found in the New Testament, that will be practiced.� If it is not found there, that will not be practiced. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Be careful that only the New Testament is referred to.� The Old Testament tells of worship under the Law of Moses.� If we copy one way in which they worshipped, we must copy it all ~ including animal sacrifices (James 2:10).� Jesus nailed the old law to the cross (Galatians 3:10; Colossians 2:14). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Therefore, before such a search is made, it must be decided that the congregation will follow the Bible and be willing to give up whatever is necessary with the understanding that their beliefs and activities will be elevated in the process. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� The apostle Paul warned Timothy shortly before his death, "fight the good fight, holding on to faith and a good conscience.� some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith" (1 Timothy 1:18-19).� How does this happen?� How do people shipwreck their faith?� | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith....Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.� They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods" (1 Timothy 4:2-3). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Oh Father, from now on I want to worship you only the way you want to be worshipped.� Help me as I search.� I want to draw closer to you, not in the ways I want, but in the ways you want.� I no longer want to worship my desires, but yours.� I love you, God. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A Personal Restoration Movement | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� There is a difference in a Reformation Movement and a Restoration Movement.� Reformation is Reactionism.� For example, in the Reformation Movement if the Catholics do something one way, Reformers will do it the opposite way.� | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� For example, Catholics use unleavened bread for the Lord's Supper; therefore, reactionaries will use leavened bread for the Lord's Supper.� Catholic priests wear ornate vestments; therefore, reactionary leaders will wear plain vestments.� Catholics practice baptism for salvation; therefore, reactionaries will eliminate baptism.� No one checks to see what God has to say about it in the Bible.� They just react to what has been done in the past. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Many people and congregations have been involved in a Restoration Movement without identifying themselves as restorers.� Any individual or congregation who insists on only the Bible with no creeds or requirements set forth in its world headquarters is involved in a restoration movement.� But a restoration movement can only be carried out with access to the Bible.� | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Restoration movements have popped up through the centuries.� The New Testament church has never really died.� Some of the movements through the centuries to restore the church of Christ, appear in a later chapter.� | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Its history is fascinating.� Each movement was its own restoration movement.� Restoration movements are spontaneous and local.� It is often difficult to find these movements, because they normally did not meddle with what other congregations were doing and refused to become the official national religion declared by their parliaments.� All they wanted to do was please God and not man. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� There are many lonely people out there who think they are the only ones who read the Bible for themselves and the only ones who want to follow it.� When I first met a certain man named John Wilkins, he was one of those people.� He had drifted from one church to another, trying to find the church of the first century, the church of the New Testament. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "I finally decided there was no such thing." So he quit going to church anywhere.� His frustration was unbelievable. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Then, when we met, he said one day, "What do you think about...."� I gave him my reply, and he suspiciously said, "How did you know that?"� I said, ";Because the Bible says so right in such-and-such passage." | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� So he said, "Well, what do you think about...."� I replied to that, his eyes got wide, and he said once again, "How did you know that?"� Once again I said, "Because the Bible says so right in such-and-such passage." | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� He sat down.� This was not happening.� Not after all those years of searching.� He said, "Well, try this one.� What do you think about...."� Once more I gave him a reply out of the Bible.� �He just sat there staring.� Finally he said, "And I thought I was the only one."� So I said, "There's a whole congregation I attend that puts the Bible above everything and everyone else."� He could hardly believe his ears. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� What was most sad about it is that he had attending a congregation like that which I normally attend and he was put off by it because of the reputation of the minister and some of the members in town.� He also said, "All they ever wanted to do was debate."� How sad.� All those empty years he wasted searching. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Every time we find a Restoration Movement, we find individuals and congregations who answer only to themselves and to God.� Do we need to have a world headquarters to decide what to believe?� Do we have to consult with representatives of other congregations to decide what to believe?� | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Do we have to even check up on other congregations to be sure they conform?� Although it is encouraging to know which other congregations there are who are like minded with us, we do not need to get with them to decide what to believe, nor do we need to get with them to check them out.� That is when we get into trouble.� That is when we take the place of God.� | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� For an effective Restoration Movement, we must let loose of control.� We must quit trying to control other congregations by attending synods to vote for what we should believe in or pressuring them through church papers.� The Bible allows only for such decisions to be made on the congregational level.� To be the true church of Christ, the body of people Jesus named after himself, we must follow his instructions through his apostles found in the New Testament.� Do we have the courage? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Dear Father in heaven.� Sometimes I forget you are the Father and I am the child.� Sometimes I want to take your role.� Forgive me.� Help me let go.� Help me concentrate on my own worship, and the worship only of my own congregation.� And help us understand as you do. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Holy Wars | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "Holy wars" have been fought trying to win over people who did not see a need to change because they did not understand the potential for a greater good by changing.� | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "Holy wars" were fought to try to win converts.� The crusaders went out and murdered Moslems who refused to become Christians.� "Holy wars" have also been fought in a sort of civil war, Christians arguing with fellow Christians over often vague points of doctrine. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� One way to contain our "holy wars" is to eliminate discussions of opinion. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� We get side tracked from our main purpose of the church's existence ~ to save souls ~ in order to argue with each other within our denomination or with people of other denominations.� Is winning that important to us?� What about cooperation? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� It's our arguing that creates our divisiveness.� And usually our arguing is a matter of semantics. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� 1 Timothy 1:3-7; 6:4-5 says false doctrines "promote controversies rather than God's work ~ which is by faith.� The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.� some have wandered away from these and turned to meaningless talk.� They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm." | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "....he is conceited and understands nothing.� He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between m en of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain." | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� H. G. Wells, the famous historian, said, "Jesus had called men and women to a giant undertaking, to the renunciation of self, to the new birth into the kingdom of love.� The line of least resistance for the flagging convert was to intellectualize himself away from this plain doctrine, this stark proposition, into complicated theories and ceremonies, that would leave his essential self alone.... | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "Jesus called himself the Son of God and also the Son of man; but he laid little stress on who he was or what he was, and much upon the teachings of the Kingdom....By the fourth century of the Christian Era we find all the Christian communities so agitated and exasperated by torturous and elusive arguments about the nature of God as to be largely negligent of the simpler teachings of charity, service, and brotherhood that Jesus had inculcated." [5] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� 2 Tim. 2:23-26 warns, "Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.� And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.� Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will." | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Finally, after reminding Christians we were all saved from sin by Jesus Christ, he goes on to say, "But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.� Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time.� After that, have nothing to do with him.� You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned" (Titus 3:9). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Jehovah God.� I fall at your feet, a sinner.� I have argued with people in the church we both should have remained silent about.� I've caused you grief and pain.� There are so many important things to talk about - like lost souls.� I got side tracked.� I promise to do better. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Matters of Opinion | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� What makes something a matter of opinion?� It is something that cannot be proven, or something that the Bible seems to provide two points of view on which we humans still have not figured out how to reconcile and balance. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� The Apostle Paul explained this in his encouraging letter to the church in Rome which consisted of people of all nationalities and religious backgrounds: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "So whatever you believe about these things KEEP BETWEEN YOURSELF AND GOD" (Romans 14:22). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Let us cover some of those matters of opinion. It will probably make you nervous; it did me. But let's think about it.: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Once Saved, Always Saved: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� John Calvin began this theory.� He said that once a person is born again and becomes a child of God, they never get unborn and unfathered.� This is logical enough.� On the other hand there are those who say it is possible for a child of God to fall away and cite scriptures to prove it, including the parable of the prodigal son.� Perhaps if we'd stop to understand what each other is saying, we'd see that we are talking about two sides of the same coin.� Proponents of the first issue are trying to reassure people that once they are saved, they don't have to guess whether they are saved.� Proponents of the second issue are trying to warn people that they must continue to live the Christian life and not fall back into old sinful practices.� Just keep your opinion to yourself. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Predestination: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Another theory which John Calvin spent a lot of time on is his insistence that we are chosen by God and that we do not do the choosing.� Yet we find scriptures relating to both.� God calls the church out of the world.� The church is made up of Christians.� A careful study will reveal that God chooses those who qualify based on God's standards.� A Greek study of the word '"choose" and the word "church" reveals this.� Why do we pick away at each other on all the various possibilities of a should-be-simple concept?� All we do is tear and destroy each other for whom Jesus died!� Just keep your opinion to yourself. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Baptism: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Another argument is that baptism does not save us even though I Peter 3:21 says it does, but rather the blood of Jesus does.� Both are true.� We could also say the Bible saves us because it is the Word of God and that is what gives us faith (Romans 10:17).� We could also say it isn't the blood of Jesus� that saves us, but his resurrection, his overcoming of death.� Some say we are saved before our baptism but should be baptized.� Some say we are saved once we are under the water.� Some say we are saved once we come up out of the water.� Our real problem is that we are choosing just one element in the process of saving us.� We are isolating just one portion of all the things that work together for our salvation.� Why?� Why?� Why do we nitpick and argue?� Oh how Jesus must ache when he sees his children act this way. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Premillenialism: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Still another argument is about premillenialism.� This is a fancy term for the thousand year reign of Christ on earth.� Many people believe this will literally happen.� Other people quote 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 that says, "the dead in Christ will rise first.� After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.� And so we will be with the Lord forever."� But what difference does it make?� We don't understand everything about the end of the world anyway.� Would it change our Christian life to switch opinions? Just keep your opinion to yourself. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| End of World: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Another argument somewhat related to this is the recent predictions that the world will come to an end very soon since the third millinneum after Christ has arrived.� This is based on adding the approximate age of mankind since Adam, and the conclusion that we are now entering the seventh millennium of the world, which we should consider the "day of rest."� Others quote such scriptures as Acts 1:7, "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority." Once again, what difference does it make?� The important thing for all of us is that the end of the world for us may be tomorrow in an auto accident.� We must always be ready. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ordination: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� There are people who believe a minister should be ordained, and that it must be by a higher power in the church as a whole.� Others believe ministers do not have to be ordained at all.� A search of the scriptures reveals that sometimes it was an assistant to an apostle, sometimes it was the eldership, and sometimes it was the congregation (the laity) that ordained ministers.� Does it matter as long as what they teach is truth and as long as any ordination stays within the congregation? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Baby Baptism: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� There are people who believe their baby was born in the original sin of Adam, and therefore must be baptized to get rid of "their sin."� Others believe babies are innocent and cannot repent of what they do not understand.� If parents want to privately "baptize" their baby in their home, it certainly will not hurt the baby any.� Those who believe the baby was already saved will not consider the baby now lost.� Other parents would like an opportunity to dedicate their baby to God.� This is not in the Bible, but as long as it is not a requirement within a congregation, what does it hurt?� Do we have to flaunt in front of each other what not everyone understands alike?� If it is so important to us, can we not do some things in private and keep our opinions to ourselves?� If we're not willing to do them in private, just what are we trying to prove? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foot Washing and Anointing: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� There are people who believe Christians should wash each others' feet as a sign of humility, and anoint each others' heads with oil when they are sick.� Both are mentioned in the Bible.� But there are other people who believe the foot washing - common in every household in the Orient ~ represented Christian fellowship in each other's homes, part of which required foot washing before going into the house.� And many believe the anointing of the sick was typical of first-century medical treatments.� But if someone wants to believe these things are literal, as long as it is not made a requirement for membership, they can go into another room together while the rest of the congregations sings, or they can do it with each other in their homes.� Why tear each other up over something so harmless? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Closed Communion: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Some people believe only Christians are entitled to partake of the Lord's Supper.� Therefore, they have a special service with only members allowed in where they commune together.� Other people react as though to say, "Is the lost person who partakes of the Lord's Supper any more lost by doing so than they were?� Would we be sending them from hell #1 to hell #2 by letting them do what their conscience allows?"� Let us not devour each other and the lost over something that may help the lost understand the significance of Jesus' death for us. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| God-Caused Death Means Hell: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Many people believe that God causes all deaths and that is unfair to the person who never got a chance to really live.� They act as though such people are doomed to hell and their life on earth was their only chance at happiness.� Others believe that, as with Moses whom God caused to die, sometimes God is in a hurry for us to be with him.� We have no way of understanding everything God does.� If we understood everything God did, we'd be gods ourselves.� If we as simple Christians love God, we will give him the benefit of the doubt. Just keep your opinion to yourself. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transubstantiation: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Some people believe the bread and wine of the Lord's Supper become the actual body and blood of Jesus.� But, do these people have to force this belief on others?� And do we who disbelieve this have to force our belief on them? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� As H. G. Wells said in his history of the world, "It will be obvious that any doctrine, such as...consecration of the elements [bread and wine] in the sacrament a miraculous process performed by the priest, and only to be performed by the priest, and which makes the sacrament the central necessity of the religious system, enhances the importance of the priestly order enormously.� On the other hand, the view which was the typical 'Protestant' view, that this sacrament is a mere eating of bread and drinking of wine as a personal remembrance of Jesus of Nazareth, does away at last with any particular need for a consecrated priest at all." [6] Just keep your opinion to yourself. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trinity: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Probably the oldest argument in the church is centered around the Trinity, a term which is not even in the Bible.� Since the days of the apostles, Christians have tried to understand how there can be a Father called "he" in the Bible, a Son called "he" in the Bible, and a Holy Spirit called "he" in the Bible, and yet there be but one God.� The first great major split in the church came because of this, doctrines which formed the original basis for the groups we today identify as the Eastern (Greek) Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church.� Why do we have to understand it?� People have been known to be burned at the stake over this (as well as many of the other above arguments).� Why? Just keep your opinion to yourself. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� As H. G. Wells explained, "These fine differences about the constitution of the Deity interwove with politics and international disputes....[Arians who believed in Father and Son, but not a separate Holy Spirit] probably because of their simple minds found the Trinitarian position incomprehensible." [7] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Conclusion: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| I have just mentioned some very touchy subjects. It bothered me to bring up some of them, for some I care about very dearly and would go to my death for them. But in the 21st Century, the church is in jeopardy. Can we stop talking about matters that don't interfere with salvation or worship long enough to unite somehow and return the church to its former strength, or even stronger? All we need to agree on is (1) how to be saved/become Christians (so we know who to recognize), and (2) how to worship (because we do that together). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Wells concluded in another place that "we are bound to recognize that beneath these preposterous refinements of impossible dogmas there lay often a real passion for truth ~ even if it was truth ill-conceived.� Both sides produced genuine martyrs.� And the zeal of these controversies...a base and often malicious zeal." [8] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� What God through the Apostle Paul said in Philippians 1:15-18 should frame our attitudes toward others claiming Christ: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.� The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here [in jail] for the defense of the gospel.� The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.� BUT WHAT DOES IT MATTER?� The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, CHRIST IS PREACHED.� And because of this I REJOICE!" | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Must we be enemies over our opinions? �Can we not keep them to ourselves? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� I may think that I am strong and you are weak, while you may think you are strong and I am weak.� Who is to say who is right?� If it has nothing to do with salvation, it could be opinion.� God told us, "Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters" (Romans 14:1). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Everyone is at a different place in their Christian maturing process, sometimes because of previous training, sometimes because of age, sometimes because of different backgrounds, sometimes simply because of personality.� | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Because I make myself go to church every Sunday, does that make me spiritually superior to the one who does not, but who has converted two people to Christ in the last year compared with my none?� Because I read the Bible through every year, does that make me spiritually superior to the one who does not, but who reads selected scriptures to people in nursing homes? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� "Who are you [we] to judge someone else's servant.� To his own master he stands or falls....So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God" (Romans 14:4, 12). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Father, I'm a sinner just like everyone else.� Forgive my arrogance over things that are just a matter of opinion.� Help me to return to matters that really are important.� Help me spend my time ~ not in arguing with my brothers and sisters ~ but in snatching people out of the jaws of Satan.� I have let you down.� I have let the church down.� I have let the lost down.� I promise from now on I will do better. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Second-Century Church | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� About AD 96, Clement wrote in his Epistle to the Corinthians, verse 21, "It is right therefore that we should not be deserters from His will.� Let us rather give offence to foolish and senseless men who exalt themselves and boast in the arrogance of their words, than to God.� Let us fear the Lord Jesus, whose blood was given for us." [9] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� About AD 100, Ignatius wrote in his Epistle to the Ephesians, verse 3, "Even though I am in bonds for the Name's sake, I am not yet perfected in Jesus Christ.� Now am I beginning to be a disciple....For I ought to be trained by you for the contest in faith, in abomination, in endurance, in long-suffering." [10] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ����������� Soon after, Ignatius wrote in his Epistle to Polycarp, verse 1, "...exhort all men that they may be saved....Suffer all men in love, as also you do.� Give yourself to unceasing prayers.� Ask for larger wisdom than you have.� Be watchful, and keep your spirit from slumbering.� Speak to each man severally after the manner of God.� Bear the maladies of all." [11] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS ABOUT THIS CHAPTER, YOU ARE WELCOME TO JOIN OUR GODFIND DISCUSSION GROUP. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Detailed Table of Contents | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Return to Table of Contents | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Endnotes for This Page | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| [5].� Wells, H. G., The Outline of History, Garden City Books, Garden City, NY, Doubleday, 1961, Bk 6, Ch. 28, pg. 432 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| [6].� Wells, Book 6, Part 33, pg. 589 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| [7].� Wells, Book 6, Pt. 28, pg. 432 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| [8].� Wells, Book 6, Pt. 28, pg. 434 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| [9].� Lightfoot, J. B., The Apostolic Fathers, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, 1965, pg. 22-23 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| [10].� Ibid., pg. 64 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| [11].� Ibid., pg. 86 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||