I recently received a question regarding denominations, wanting scripture that deals with denominations. There has been previous discussion about this subject in this blog, but lets review a few basics.
That there are many Christian denominations is a clear fact; Wikipedia says that there are 41,000 in existence today, though this obviously cannot be an exact count, and some of these are not significant. The question is: Does God approve of this arrangement? Just by our math background, we know that the word means division. And if we research where all of these different groups with different names and beliefs, at least to some extent, came from, we must conclude that these are started with men, men with different ideas of what the church should be. In many cases, the beginnings came with a split off of another group, sometimes due to doctrinal issues, sometimes personal.
We can note that there is no scripture in the Bible that specifically supports denominations. But there is a lot said about the opposite, stating the importance of unity in the Lord's church.....and denouncing division. So here are a few thoughts from the New Testament on the subject:
John 17: Jesus was saying a prayer to the Father just before going to His death. He is speaking of the apostles; "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in Me and I am in You." Several times in this one prayer, Jesus prays that in in the future His disciples would be "one." (Unified, not divided, not denominationalized).
Ephesians 4: Paul teaches the Ephesian Christians; "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to one hope when you were called--one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." It is clear that with God there is "one."
1 Corinthians 1: Paul taught the Corinthian church; "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, 'I follow Paul'; another, 'I follow Apollos'; another, 'I follow Cephas', still another, 'I follow Christ.' Is Christ divided?" He makes clear here that division is unacceptable in the Lord's church.
The first century writers were working to ensure that all churches were following the same gospel, the same pattern. The NT is compiled of these writings to give us a pattern to follow today, that we might all be a part of a unified church following the same Bible guidelines.
With all of this teaching, there is no way to conclude that God wants a splintered church....with 41,000 branches. This practice of denominations is unacceptable and contrary to God's plan and His Word.
Thanks for reading. Have a great week, a great 4th of July week!
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Lessons from Hebrews 11
Hebrews 11 is often called the faith chapter. Here we will look at a few key points that are particularly significant. In fact, the whole chapter is especially powerful and worthy, for sure, of our more close examination.
The chapter begins with the definition of faith. And we should note that when we read here of faith, it is talking about the specific faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Note verse 1: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." In other words, if we know something to be true, there is no faith required. But here faith is defined as being certain of something that we cannot see. That takes faith.
Then in verse 6, we read: "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek him." It is not enough to believe that God exists; we must believe that He is a rewarder of His people. And another important point here is that He rewards those who "earnestly (or diligently) seek Him." We have to be people who believe in Him, believe that He rewards His own, and we must be earnestly seeking Him.
Most of the rest of the chapter deals with Old Testament characters, great men and women, who served God and sacrificed greatly to follow Him. These include Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and even many unnamed men and women who were great in their faith; many even gave their lives for the cause. But.............
The final key point in the chapter is very powerful. Listen to the end of the chapter: "These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect." As great as all of these people were, they didn't receive the very important "promise" of God. This refers to the promise from Genesis 12 where God told Abraham that through his "seed," his descendants, all of the world would be blessed. This would come in the form of Jesus....and of course, would come much later, much after all of these great people were dead. This final point says "God had planned something better for us..." This is Jesus. The people of old did not get the full blessing of having Jesus; but we do! And that is the main point of all of Hebrews chapter 11. We are blessed people.....but we must be people of faith....and followers of Him!
Thanks for reading. Come again!
The chapter begins with the definition of faith. And we should note that when we read here of faith, it is talking about the specific faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Note verse 1: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." In other words, if we know something to be true, there is no faith required. But here faith is defined as being certain of something that we cannot see. That takes faith.
Then in verse 6, we read: "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek him." It is not enough to believe that God exists; we must believe that He is a rewarder of His people. And another important point here is that He rewards those who "earnestly (or diligently) seek Him." We have to be people who believe in Him, believe that He rewards His own, and we must be earnestly seeking Him.
Most of the rest of the chapter deals with Old Testament characters, great men and women, who served God and sacrificed greatly to follow Him. These include Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and even many unnamed men and women who were great in their faith; many even gave their lives for the cause. But.............
The final key point in the chapter is very powerful. Listen to the end of the chapter: "These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect." As great as all of these people were, they didn't receive the very important "promise" of God. This refers to the promise from Genesis 12 where God told Abraham that through his "seed," his descendants, all of the world would be blessed. This would come in the form of Jesus....and of course, would come much later, much after all of these great people were dead. This final point says "God had planned something better for us..." This is Jesus. The people of old did not get the full blessing of having Jesus; but we do! And that is the main point of all of Hebrews chapter 11. We are blessed people.....but we must be people of faith....and followers of Him!
Thanks for reading. Come again!
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Some Characteristics of God
We learn a lot about God and His nature by studying the Old Testament. We know from our study of the NT that God brings about His new way in the NT, through Jesus. But God is still the same God in OT times as in NT times; He doesn't change.
And we learn throughout the Bible that God is love....and forgiveness, and patience, and tolerance...to a point. But God is also a specific God. We see that in the NT in the teachings of Jesus. Jesus made it clear that only those who truly followed Him would enter His kingdom. And in Acts 5, we read of 2 people who lied to God and He killed them. God has a specific and demanding side; after all, He is God.
In the OT, we read of many examples where God didn't put up with disobedience. He loved His people and showed that over and over again through His patience and His leadership. But as an example, Saul in 1 Samuel 15, did not follow God's specific commands and he was removed from being king. Another case is Naaman in 2 Kings 5, where Naaman was told by God's prophet that all he had to do to be cured of his leprosy was to dip 7 times in the river Jordan. Naaman was furious about this, thinking this to be a silly request--dip in a dirty river 7 times. But God is a specific god, and Naaman was not going to be healed until he did exactly what God said.
We could go on and on with examples of God's expectations of man; how He required that man submit to His way, and His way only. God has that right, of course; and it is imperative that we understand this key characteristic of Him....and do what He says. That is not always easy, because we want to do things our way; still we must realize that he is serious about His will being done.
Once again, thanks for reading. Feel the love.
And we learn throughout the Bible that God is love....and forgiveness, and patience, and tolerance...to a point. But God is also a specific God. We see that in the NT in the teachings of Jesus. Jesus made it clear that only those who truly followed Him would enter His kingdom. And in Acts 5, we read of 2 people who lied to God and He killed them. God has a specific and demanding side; after all, He is God.
In the OT, we read of many examples where God didn't put up with disobedience. He loved His people and showed that over and over again through His patience and His leadership. But as an example, Saul in 1 Samuel 15, did not follow God's specific commands and he was removed from being king. Another case is Naaman in 2 Kings 5, where Naaman was told by God's prophet that all he had to do to be cured of his leprosy was to dip 7 times in the river Jordan. Naaman was furious about this, thinking this to be a silly request--dip in a dirty river 7 times. But God is a specific god, and Naaman was not going to be healed until he did exactly what God said.
We could go on and on with examples of God's expectations of man; how He required that man submit to His way, and His way only. God has that right, of course; and it is imperative that we understand this key characteristic of Him....and do what He says. That is not always easy, because we want to do things our way; still we must realize that he is serious about His will being done.
Once again, thanks for reading. Feel the love.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Church Organization
I makes sense to have the church today be like the church of the Bible. There are many logical challenges to this: customs have changed, 2000 years have passed, life is much different now, there are no apostles today.
Let's review the situation with the church in the Bible. Much of what we see of the church is covered in the book of Acts, though the letters to follow give additional detail. The first four books of the NT, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John tell about the life and death and resurrection of Jesus. Acts then tells of the beginnings of the church.
Here are some basic facts:
Jesus had, and still has, all authority. "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and earth."(Matt.28:18).
He left the apostles to teach all people and to establish the church. (Matt.28:19)
The apostles could pass on the ability to do miracles. (Acts 8:14)
Other Christians could do miracles but could not pass it on. (Acts 8:16)
The apostles went about establishing churches and appointing elders in each church. (Acts 14:23)
Meanwhile, the Lord knew that the apostles and those blessed with spiritual gifts (ability to do miracles) would not live but so long. He saw to it that the entire record would be written to provide eye witness accounts to those of us who would follow. It began as writings that were circulated among the churches. These writings provided teachings and continuity for the church after the apostles and others were gone. Perfection followed when these writings were compiled into the Bible.
Today we only need to follow the Bible pattern. We continue to have elders in the local churches to provide leadership and oversight there. And the Bible provides all that we need: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy3:16)
Thanks for reading. Have a great week!
Let's review the situation with the church in the Bible. Much of what we see of the church is covered in the book of Acts, though the letters to follow give additional detail. The first four books of the NT, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John tell about the life and death and resurrection of Jesus. Acts then tells of the beginnings of the church.
Here are some basic facts:
Jesus had, and still has, all authority. "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and earth."(Matt.28:18).
He left the apostles to teach all people and to establish the church. (Matt.28:19)
The apostles could pass on the ability to do miracles. (Acts 8:14)
Other Christians could do miracles but could not pass it on. (Acts 8:16)
The apostles went about establishing churches and appointing elders in each church. (Acts 14:23)
Meanwhile, the Lord knew that the apostles and those blessed with spiritual gifts (ability to do miracles) would not live but so long. He saw to it that the entire record would be written to provide eye witness accounts to those of us who would follow. It began as writings that were circulated among the churches. These writings provided teachings and continuity for the church after the apostles and others were gone. Perfection followed when these writings were compiled into the Bible.
Today we only need to follow the Bible pattern. We continue to have elders in the local churches to provide leadership and oversight there. And the Bible provides all that we need: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy3:16)
Thanks for reading. Have a great week!
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Things
Things, the desire for things, materialism, is a problem for all of us. We live in a rich society; we all know that. And there is nothing wrong with having things, having money. The problem comes with our attitude. It is the wanting of things and money and more and more that gets us into trouble.
Note the passage in 1 Timothy 6:6-10: "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."
And the words of Jesus fit that perfectly. Note Matthew 6:25: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.......But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
In Luke 12:16, Jesus told this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I'll say to myself,"You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry." ' But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself? This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.' " Being "rich toward God" is not so much in money; it is about attitude, love, commitment, a desire to serve.
Let us have this attitude within us. Have a great week. And feel the love........
Note the passage in 1 Timothy 6:6-10: "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."
And the words of Jesus fit that perfectly. Note Matthew 6:25: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.......But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
In Luke 12:16, Jesus told this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I'll say to myself,"You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry." ' But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself? This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.' " Being "rich toward God" is not so much in money; it is about attitude, love, commitment, a desire to serve.
Let us have this attitude within us. Have a great week. And feel the love........
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