Because this blog is about the Bible and what the Bible says, I don't want to be in a position of judging various denominations. As we have noted in previous blog entries, the Bible is specific that division is not what God wants among His people. But let's look at this matter from a different perspective.
Consider that you are a completely open-minded individual with no prior knowledge or experience with Christianity. You go to the Bible to see what it says that the church is to be. Here are a few things that you would note:
1. The first church was in Jerusalem, established by the apostles, as recorded in Acts 2.
2. The first church was made up of Christians who had repented and been baptized. (Acts 2:38, 41, & 47.)
3. The first Christians remained in Jerusalem until we see persecution causing them to scatter into other areas establishing other churches in Acts 8:1.
4. Paul and Barnabus were traveling and preaching and "appointed elders in every church." Acts 14:23.
5. The early Christians were taking the Lord's Supper on Sunday. Note Acts 20:7, "Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread......"
Today's church needs to be patterned after the church of the New Testament. It is made up of Christians who gather to partake of the Lord's supper on Sunday, the first day of the week. There is no superstructure of management for the church, just like we see in the early church. Each church had a group of elders overseeing the local church. And each church was autonomous, responsible for itself, with no overseeing body. Division did not exist in the New Testament church. They understood that God was not accepting of myriads of varying faiths.
We need to be as simplistic. Thanks for reading. See you next week.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Question: Judging other Christians
A couple of people have questioned the subject of judging other Christians; should we judge, how can we not be discouraged by the inconsistencies of others? This has been discussed some already, but let's go a little further.
One thing that we know with absolute certainty is that people will disappoint us. They may be our friend, our spouse, a parent, our leaders, our preacher. It may even be us; we may be the one to fall and fail others. It shouldn't go that way, but it does sometimes. A very smart person close to me has always said "I won't let the actions of another person affect my faith in God." I think that is great advice.
The Bible provides us lots of examples of this. At the very time that Jesus is being taken and tried and headed for crucifixion, Peter was denying Jesus 3 times. Peter cursed and said, "I do not know the man." And yet, just a few weeks later, Peter is up in front of all preaching the first sermon after Jesus has left the earth. Peter's prior actions could have been quite a discouragement to his fellow disciples; but instead, they rallied, gathered themselves and went about the work. And Paul, what a great man he became. He had been persecuting Christians, went on to travel and preach and convert and to build. But he wasn't a perfect man. He says in Romans 7, "For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do."
The answer to all this is to build our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We cannot focus on the actions or inactions of others. We must do what we should do, focusing on our own selves, and living the best that we can. We still are encouraged to associate with others through the church and to help them with their faith. And we are to evangelize, reach out to those who don't know Jesus. Remember, the only perfect person to ever live was Jesus Christ himself; He never sinned and never disappoints. Have a good week.
One thing that we know with absolute certainty is that people will disappoint us. They may be our friend, our spouse, a parent, our leaders, our preacher. It may even be us; we may be the one to fall and fail others. It shouldn't go that way, but it does sometimes. A very smart person close to me has always said "I won't let the actions of another person affect my faith in God." I think that is great advice.
The Bible provides us lots of examples of this. At the very time that Jesus is being taken and tried and headed for crucifixion, Peter was denying Jesus 3 times. Peter cursed and said, "I do not know the man." And yet, just a few weeks later, Peter is up in front of all preaching the first sermon after Jesus has left the earth. Peter's prior actions could have been quite a discouragement to his fellow disciples; but instead, they rallied, gathered themselves and went about the work. And Paul, what a great man he became. He had been persecuting Christians, went on to travel and preach and convert and to build. But he wasn't a perfect man. He says in Romans 7, "For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do."
The answer to all this is to build our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We cannot focus on the actions or inactions of others. We must do what we should do, focusing on our own selves, and living the best that we can. We still are encouraged to associate with others through the church and to help them with their faith. And we are to evangelize, reach out to those who don't know Jesus. Remember, the only perfect person to ever live was Jesus Christ himself; He never sinned and never disappoints. Have a good week.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Denominations
God said, "Let them be one." Man said, "Let us divide." By the very term, "denomination," we admit that we are dividing, or fracturing, the church that He meant to be unified. Let's look at a few verses that give us instruction about this subject.
When Jesus was preparing to leave this earth and leave His disciples to carry on without Him, He prayed in John 17 saying, "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one...", (vs 20). In Ephesians 4, it says, "...endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all who is above all, and through all, and in you all."
I Corinthians chapter 1 is interesting on this subject. Paul says in verse 10, "Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it has been declared to me.....that there are contentions among you. Now I say this, that each of you says, 'I am of Paul,' or 'I am of Cephas,' or 'I am of Christ." 'Is Christ divided?" It is obvious that the teaching of the Bible is that we are to be unified, just "Christians," and that this whole concept of denominations is not what God wanted for His people. We are not to be Paul Christians, or Peter Christians, but we are to be simply Christians.
I will grant you that it is difficult to solve this problem now that we have formed all of these different churches. But our goal needs to be for unity. We need to be part of a group that is not a "denomination" but rather simply "Christians." This is just basic New Testament teaching.
Thank you for sticking with me here. Have an excellent and blessed week!
When Jesus was preparing to leave this earth and leave His disciples to carry on without Him, He prayed in John 17 saying, "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one...", (vs 20). In Ephesians 4, it says, "...endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all who is above all, and through all, and in you all."
I Corinthians chapter 1 is interesting on this subject. Paul says in verse 10, "Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it has been declared to me.....that there are contentions among you. Now I say this, that each of you says, 'I am of Paul,' or 'I am of Cephas,' or 'I am of Christ." 'Is Christ divided?" It is obvious that the teaching of the Bible is that we are to be unified, just "Christians," and that this whole concept of denominations is not what God wanted for His people. We are not to be Paul Christians, or Peter Christians, but we are to be simply Christians.
I will grant you that it is difficult to solve this problem now that we have formed all of these different churches. But our goal needs to be for unity. We need to be part of a group that is not a "denomination" but rather simply "Christians." This is just basic New Testament teaching.
Thank you for sticking with me here. Have an excellent and blessed week!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
The Gospel gets reaction
The Gospel gets reaction. Some is positive, some negative; but there will be some reaction when people are faced with it.
In Acts 7, Stephen preached forcefully to the Jews. Read verses 51-53 where he comes down hard on them. They could have been positively moved, but we see in verse 54, "they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth." They killed him. This is the first recorded Christian martyr.
In Acts 2, Peter preached much the same lesson, though shorter. In Acts 2:37, "Now when they (Jews) heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said.....'what shall we do?' And Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let everyone of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Here, in contrast to the story of Stephen in Acts 7, when challenged with the Gospel, people reacted with, "What shall we do?"
We see a similar contrast in Acts 17 where Paul and companions go to Thessalonica only to find trouble awaiting them. When they leave and go to Berea, the reception is completely different. Acts 17:11 says, "These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so."
That needs to be us; fair-minded, searching the Scriptures daily, believing...and following. Let's serve God and go to heaven together. Maybe I'll see you there soon......or maybe we'll just meet back here next week. In either case, feel the love.
In Acts 7, Stephen preached forcefully to the Jews. Read verses 51-53 where he comes down hard on them. They could have been positively moved, but we see in verse 54, "they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth." They killed him. This is the first recorded Christian martyr.
In Acts 2, Peter preached much the same lesson, though shorter. In Acts 2:37, "Now when they (Jews) heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said.....'what shall we do?' And Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let everyone of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Here, in contrast to the story of Stephen in Acts 7, when challenged with the Gospel, people reacted with, "What shall we do?"
We see a similar contrast in Acts 17 where Paul and companions go to Thessalonica only to find trouble awaiting them. When they leave and go to Berea, the reception is completely different. Acts 17:11 says, "These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so."
That needs to be us; fair-minded, searching the Scriptures daily, believing...and following. Let's serve God and go to heaven together. Maybe I'll see you there soon......or maybe we'll just meet back here next week. In either case, feel the love.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Question about "Tolerance"
We had a question about tolerance, saying that we know right from wrong for ourselves, but how do we deal with the wrong in other people, how do we treat them? This is a very good question and one that causes us all to stretch a little. A simple answer is that we "hate the sin but love the sinner." The example of homosexuality was cited in the question.
We can note in the last blog entry regarding "Tolerance" that homosexuality is clearly taught as a sin in the Bible. Thus, in light of the question, we know that we are not to practice homosexuality. If we have these tendencies, we are not to practice, or carry them out. But what does the Bible teach that we are to do with those who do practice these things, who are violating God's teaching?
The very first point must be to note that Jesus came to save sinners, not the "perfect" people of this world! He was constantly criticized for eating and associating with the worst of people, the common people, the sinners. But He also expected them to change. Zacchaeus in Luke 19 is a good example. He was a hated tax collector, but Jesus chose to spend time with him, stayed at his house. And Zacchaeus repented of his past wrongs.
The second point is that we must sometimes treat sinners in the church differently from those outside the church, at least for a time. 1 Cor 5 gives a good summary of this, differentiating between the sinner "inside" the church from the sinner outside. The point here is that we are not even to eat with the church sinner "that his spirit may be saved." But Jesus showed us over and again that we are to reach out to sinners in "the world", vs 10.
Point three is that we are to love everyone. 1 John talks a lot about our love for others; 3:10 says, "love one another." 1 Corinthians 13 ends with, "now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love."
But with all of that said, we must not condone sin. The reader likely doesn't need me to cite a lot of verses regarding sin, that God hates sin, He is Righteous and has no tolerance for sin. But I'll mention one passage in Ephesians 5:1-17 that is typical of the Bible stance that God's people are not to be drawn in by sin, nor to associate with sin. Note verse 11, "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them." So, in summary, we are to associate with sinners "in the world," but are not to condone their sin, and in fact, we are to expose, or speak out against, sin when the opportunity arises.
See you next week!
We can note in the last blog entry regarding "Tolerance" that homosexuality is clearly taught as a sin in the Bible. Thus, in light of the question, we know that we are not to practice homosexuality. If we have these tendencies, we are not to practice, or carry them out. But what does the Bible teach that we are to do with those who do practice these things, who are violating God's teaching?
The very first point must be to note that Jesus came to save sinners, not the "perfect" people of this world! He was constantly criticized for eating and associating with the worst of people, the common people, the sinners. But He also expected them to change. Zacchaeus in Luke 19 is a good example. He was a hated tax collector, but Jesus chose to spend time with him, stayed at his house. And Zacchaeus repented of his past wrongs.
The second point is that we must sometimes treat sinners in the church differently from those outside the church, at least for a time. 1 Cor 5 gives a good summary of this, differentiating between the sinner "inside" the church from the sinner outside. The point here is that we are not even to eat with the church sinner "that his spirit may be saved." But Jesus showed us over and again that we are to reach out to sinners in "the world", vs 10.
Point three is that we are to love everyone. 1 John talks a lot about our love for others; 3:10 says, "love one another." 1 Corinthians 13 ends with, "now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love."
But with all of that said, we must not condone sin. The reader likely doesn't need me to cite a lot of verses regarding sin, that God hates sin, He is Righteous and has no tolerance for sin. But I'll mention one passage in Ephesians 5:1-17 that is typical of the Bible stance that God's people are not to be drawn in by sin, nor to associate with sin. Note verse 11, "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them." So, in summary, we are to associate with sinners "in the world," but are not to condone their sin, and in fact, we are to expose, or speak out against, sin when the opportunity arises.
See you next week!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Question about heaven
I received a question about heaven as to how God rewards; is it done in measure, more to the one who lived better? My answer is quite limited by what God's Word says, or doesn't say, about this. But here is what I read, the most descriptive passage being in Matthew 19:16 through 20:28. Before you finish this article, take the time to read every word of this passage. Therein lies the answer. But here are a few key excerpts:
To the rich man he said, give away all that you treasure..."you will have treasure in heaven; and come follow Me." (19:21)
"The disciples were greatly astonished, saying, 'Who then can be saved?'" Jesus said, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
Peter says, "See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore, what shall we have?" He says the Apostles will have a special place, but immediately says that "everyone who has left houses...(etc)....for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life."
"For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner...." He proceeds to tell a detailed story of the landowner who hires laborers at different times of the day, but ends up paying them all the same, only to have the laborers complain. Note Jesus' conclusion to this whole story: "Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen."
"But many who are first will be last, and the last first."
So the Bible has made its own points, but I must summarize.
1. It is not for us to ask about ranking or reward in heaven, only to get there.
2. God chooses who will receive eternal life, not through our works.
3. It isn't our works, but our commitment. It is our willingness to leave all, give all, give away all if that is what it takes to be truly committed.
4. There follows a discussion of the two brothers who want a prominent position in heaven. Jesus concludes by saying, "it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave...."
5. Not many will be saved. I repeat, not many will be saved. "Many are called, but not many are chosen." Thus, ranking is not the issue; getting there is the issue.
Our job is to serve, to obey, to follow Him, commit all to Him, and do everything it takes to show our love for Him. We won't have earned eternal life, but He has promised it if we give Him our heart and obey. Sometime maybe I'll give some Bible specifics on how we can KNOW if we are in a saved condition. Until then, feel the love.....
To the rich man he said, give away all that you treasure..."you will have treasure in heaven; and come follow Me." (19:21)
"The disciples were greatly astonished, saying, 'Who then can be saved?'" Jesus said, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
Peter says, "See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore, what shall we have?" He says the Apostles will have a special place, but immediately says that "everyone who has left houses...(etc)....for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life."
"For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner...." He proceeds to tell a detailed story of the landowner who hires laborers at different times of the day, but ends up paying them all the same, only to have the laborers complain. Note Jesus' conclusion to this whole story: "Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen."
"But many who are first will be last, and the last first."
So the Bible has made its own points, but I must summarize.
1. It is not for us to ask about ranking or reward in heaven, only to get there.
2. God chooses who will receive eternal life, not through our works.
3. It isn't our works, but our commitment. It is our willingness to leave all, give all, give away all if that is what it takes to be truly committed.
4. There follows a discussion of the two brothers who want a prominent position in heaven. Jesus concludes by saying, "it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave...."
5. Not many will be saved. I repeat, not many will be saved. "Many are called, but not many are chosen." Thus, ranking is not the issue; getting there is the issue.
Our job is to serve, to obey, to follow Him, commit all to Him, and do everything it takes to show our love for Him. We won't have earned eternal life, but He has promised it if we give Him our heart and obey. Sometime maybe I'll give some Bible specifics on how we can KNOW if we are in a saved condition. Until then, feel the love.....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
