DANGERS FACING THE CHURCH TODAY

The church is not protected by a large bubble that prevents danger from getting to it. It never has had that kind of protection and never will.  In a sense, in certain areas, we are protected (1 Corinthians 10:13), but in others there is none as God will not force us to look for or use the “way of escape” He provides. During the time following the death of Christ and the institution of the church we see that the church suffered many dangers.

There was the danger of division – John 17:21; 1 Corinthians 1:10

 

The danger of false teachers – 2 Peter 2:1; 2 Corinthians 11:26

 

And the danger of backsliding – 2 Timothy 4:10; Acts 13:13; 15:38

 

In many places the early church faithfully faced its dangers and we should be prepared to do so. In this article I would like for us to examine a few of these dangers so as to be better prepared for them when they come our way.

THE DANGER OF SUBSTITUTING WORSHIP FOR  CHRISTIAN LIVING – I fear that we have reached the point where many brethren believe that baptism and attendance is the only true mark of discipleship. This is seen when we ask someone if they believe if another is faithful and as we take note of the criteria they use to determine their faithfulness.  By saying this, I am not denying that attendance is important (Hebrews 10:25), but what I am denying is the idea that if one attends services they are “faithful” based solely upon that.  The reason I say this is for true faithfulness to be found in our lives we must continue to stress Biblical concepts such as “growing,” “every good work,” “complete,” and “perfection.”

 

I also fear that many brethren have a good dose of what I call “churchianity,” but have no idea what “Christianity” is. Of course one cannot be a Christian without faithfully attending the services of the church, but one can attend with the regularity of a Pharisee and never be a Christian. Over the years I have known of a number of people that attended on a regular basis who had never obeyed the gospel.

 

THE DANGER OF THE CARES OF THE WORLD – It has been said of the present generation that we are a busy people who do nothing. There is no question, we are always on the go, but it seems that we are not getting anywhere. We constantly “complain” about not having enough time, but what do we want additional time for?  Looking around us, we take note that we face the following struggles of the day.

 

Making a living

Entertaining and being entertained

 

The education of our children

 

Running a busy “bus” schedule for a family on the go

 

Ball games, trips, side trips, the newspaper, and T.V.           

 

In so many cases people’s lives will pass as a “vapor,” (James 4:14), yet they have not taken the “time to be holy.” This is one of the greatest dangers facing the church today. Our streamlined society has almost excluded the church. Rather than the church being the center of our lives, with everything revolving around it, it has become one of those things which revolve around something else. Many people are only an hour or two away from quitting the Lord. Too many people attend the services of the church when they have time. However, this seldom happens because they are too busy taking care of the cares of the world. So what is the answer to the problem?  The only answer I know is found in the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:33.

 

THE DANGER OF CHRISTIAN HOMES BREAKING DOWN – Marriages are ending in divorce to the tune of approximately one out of every two, which has been the case since 1975. We are living in an age of “freedom,” which is simply another word for moral decay. Marriage vows are no longer sacred. Marriage ceremonies are nothing more than a formality that people go through in order to live together until they grow tired of one another.

 

God, on the other hand, intended that marriage begin and end in success. When only Adam existed, God said it was “not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18), but when Eve was created things became “very good” (Genesis 1:31). When God said that marriage was good or honorable (Hebrews 13:4), He did not have Hollywood type marriages in mind. Our society has become so lax in regard to this matter that people obtain a divorce for no reason at all as seen in the “no fault” divorces that are being decreed every day.

How do we resolve this matter?  If we have a headache, we get rid of the ache, not the head. And if we are having trouble in our marriage, we ought to get rid of the trouble rather than the marriage. The sad reality is, in our society today, marriages are as disposable as razors.

THE DANGER OF INDIFFERENCE TO THE LOST WORLD - The church should be vitally interested in evangelism. This includes preaching the gospel to every country, every state, every city, and every soul (Mark 16:15).  It has been said, “The whole purpose of the whole church is to take the whole gospel to the whole world.” The pulse of a person helps determine whether that person is living or not. The “pulse” of the church can determine the same. The “pulse” of the church can be checked by several means.

In the interest we have in bringing others to services and the Lord

 

In the training of our children – Ephesians 6:4

By our growth

 

As we look about us today, and look to the future of the church, we need to pay attention to these dangers while we have the opportunity. Careful consideration of a number of communities reveals the fact that when such has not been done in the past; the Lord’s church no longer exists in them. Let us be care that such does not become the case here.

 

 

 

 

WHO IS A CHRISTIAN

Just nine words introduce our study of the title of this article, “And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” (Acts 11:26).  In these nine words we find the “family name” of all those who are saved.  On three occasions in the New Testament, we find the use of the word Christian to describe those who sought to pattern their lives after Christ.  First, in the text above (Acts 11:26), secondly, King Agrippa, after hearing Paul preach Christ stated “Almost thou persuaded me to be a Christian” (Acts 26:28), and thirdly, the Apostle Peter wrote, “But if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in his name” (1 Peter 4:17).  In the scriptures there are many terms telling us what God’s people are, but this name tells us who they are.  In this article we want to briefly look at who is a Christian.

A CHRISTIAN IS A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST – From Acts 11:26 we plainly see that a Christian is a disciple.  To simplify what that is, a disciple is a follower, a learner, one taught or trained by another.  Jesus clarified this in John 8:31, 32.  The true “badge of discipleship” will be genuine love for all of God’s family. This is love that is not just in word, but also in deed (1 John 3:18).  A disciple is fruitful in the service of God (John 15:8).

A CHRISTIAN IS THE SALT OF THE EARTH – Jesus taught this in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:13).  Many will agree that nothing can substitute for good salt, but if it has lost is flavor, it is worthless.  In Matthew 5:13, Jesus was not speaking of the saving or preserving factor when it came to salt.  Rather, it seems, he was speaking of the quality of good salt to flavor food and make it more appetizing.  The work for which salt was invented is not to call attention to itself,   but to that which it has been added to.

Likewise, Christians seek not personal glory, but to make the world “hunger and thirst after righteousness” (Matthew 5:6).  An in doing so, they bring glory to God (Matthew 5:16).  As such, true disciples “season” the gospel of Christ by godly lives. 

A CHRISTIAN IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD – Again, Jesus spoke of this in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 4:14-16).  The purpose of the Christian’s life before the world is to illuminate the world that all may see the way to God.  Consider what Solomon said concerning the path of the just, “But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18).  The light of the Christian is reflected from that “true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:8).  

Jesus was not to be in the world forever, but He promised those who would come after Him that they would not need to walk in darkness (John 8:12).  As long as He was in the world, He was the light of the world (John 9:5).  However, after His ascension, that light was to shine through His disciples (Ephesians 5:8).  Christians must seriously consider their obligation to shine forth that light to a lost world (2 Corinthians 4:6).  His reflected glory must be seen in us as described by Paul (Philippians 1:20).

A CHRISTIAN IS A BRANCH OF THE TRUE VINE – Jesus is the vine and we are the branches (John 15:1, 5, 6).  Herein we find another relationship to Christ and the world.  Far too many times these passages have been mistakenly used to refer to denominationalism instead of individual Christians.  But it is evident that Jesus was speaking of individuals and not denominational groups.  The Christian, as a branch, draws sustenance and support from the True Vine, Jesus Christ.  As a branch, the Christian is to bear bruit before the world (John 15:4).  Failure to bear fruit will cause the branch to be cut off (John 15:6).  Since Jesus cursed the barren fig tree for its barrenness, what can we expect if we, as vines, are barren (Matthew 21:19, 20)?

A CHRISTIAN IS A MEMBER OF CHRIST’S BODY – The Apostle Paul asked a question that every Christian must consider, as seen in 1 Corinthians 6:15.  It is evident that every Christian is a member of Christ’s spiritual body, the church (Ephesians 1:22, 23).  We are told of this relationship, and how it must be obtained (1 Corinthians 12:12, 13).  The conclusion of this text is found in verse 27.  Think how close the church would be if we fully understood this relationship?

We have noted some of the descriptive terms that apply to the Christian.  The question is will we seek to develop these characteristics in order to be what God wants us to be?

CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH

Contrary to the thinking of some, there is as much of a need today to contend for the faith as there was in the first century. False doctrine is steadily tearing the church apart. It has come to the point where many within the church are willing to accept any kind of teaching regardless of how it may contradict the Bible.  To stop the spiral into liberalism, faithful children of God must be willing to contend for the faith (Jude 3).  In this article, we want to note some things the Bible has to say about this matter.

A FATIH TO BE CONTENED FOR – We must first understand that the Bible teaches the singularity of the faith (Ephesians 4:5). One of the greatest causes of religious error is the false concept that there are many faiths approved of by God.  We would expect such a belief from the denominational world, but many of our congregations have adopted a similar philosophy.  God has given His word, which produces faith (Romans 10:17), to guide man into compliance to His will (2 Timothy 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 1:3).  Once we begin to see the truth concerning this, we will better understand the need to contend for it.  So long as man incorrectly believes that it does not make any difference what we believe, we will never take a stand.

INCENTIVES FOR CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH – We have a common faith (Jude 3). The commonality here is seen in the fact that it has been offered to all men (1 Timothy 2:4; Titus 2:11, 12).  Numerous New Testament passages help us to further see that God desires that all mankind has an opportunity to be saved (Mark 16:15; 16; Acts 17:30; 2 Peter 3:9).  Man will be judged according to God’s word (John 12:48).  Judgment lies ahead for every accountable person (Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10).  Therefore, if faith is not contended for, and is ultimately allowed to be destroyed, man will face God completely unprepared, with no way to be prepared. The enemies of the faith abound.  One would have to be blind not to see the fact that the enemies of the gospel have crept in unawares (Jude 4; Galatians 2:4).  With them have come mockers sneering at Biblical truths (Jude 18).  There are, also, those who would turn the truth of God into a lie, as had been previously done (Romans 1:25).

IMPERATIVES FOR CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH – We must build ourselves up in the faith (Jude 20).  This demands we grow spiritually and in knowledge (Ephesians 4:15; 2 Peter 1:5).  In order to defend the truth, we must know it (2 Timothy    2:15; 1 Peter 3:15).  We must keep ourselves in the love of God (Jude 21).  Doing this implies the necessity of our compliance with the commands of God (John 14:15; 1 John 5:3).  One cannot hope to keep himself in the love of God while rejecting His will (Mathew 7:21-23). We must continue to depend upon Christ (Jude 21).  This dependency involves our continued fellowship with the Lord through walking in the light (1 John 1:7).  We must have a love for those who have fallen into error (Jude 23).  This love is for the soul of the one beset by sin (Galatians 6:1).  Moreover, it is a hated of the sin that drives a wedge between God, man, and truth.

THE RESULTS OF CONTENDING FOR THE FAITH – In the Scriptures we note that truth is exalted (Galatians 2:14).  People who have turned away from the truth can be turned back to it (Galatians 6:1).  As such, it is important that we work to see that those who may have turned away from the Word are brought back to a proper understanding and application in life.  Since it is by the truth that man is set free from condemnation (John 832; Romans 8:1), we must be active in the proclamation of it.  The only way that man can be saved is by doing the will of God (Hebrews 5:8, 9).  Let us not grow weary in the preaching of the word (Galatians 6:9; 2 Timothy 4:2), for in doing so we will provide man with the opportunity to stand where the Lord would have him to do so.

WHAT SHOULD BE OUR ATTITUDE TOWARD THOSE THAT TEACH ERROR?

Our last Blog article addressed the question of “What Should Be Our Attitude Toward Error?”  In this article, we want to go a step further and give some thought to those who teach error and determine what our attitude toward them should be. As Christians, we can expect to encounter false doctrine and false teachers.  If truth exists, and it does, error can also exist.  It is evident that grave problems are present for the church and for salvation when false doctrine is taught by brethren.  False teachings are evident in history and present in the church of the 21st century.

In view of such, we are confronted not only with the teachings, but with the problem of what we are to do with those who teach error. The reality is those who have veered off the straight and narrow path of truth, embrace and teach error, are often those who are our friends or loved ones.

This presents us with an emotional issue. What are we to do? In this article, we want to give some thought to this matter.

WHY SHOULD WE BE CONCERNED? – When we consider this question, we see that false doctrines destroy (Galatians 2:4), while the truth saves (John 8:32).  As Jesus taught, the blind lead the blind (Matthew 15:14).  Jesus gave numerous clear and to the point warnings concerning the presence of false teachers (Matthew 15:9; 16:6, 11, 12).  When we consider such teaching, we must acknowledge the fact that there is no doubt; God hates every false way (Psalm 119:104).  The Apostle Paul, by inspiration, warned the Galatians concerning the Judaizing teachers and any others who would pervert the gospel (Galatians 1:8, 9).  Surely, none among us would say that false doctrine is good, but some seem to think that the teaching of such makes little difference in the end.  The truth is, though, as the Apostle Paul taught the Corinthian and Galatian brethren, “a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” (l Corinthians 5:6, 7; Galatians 5:9).  Here, the use of leaven was done in the sense that there is a clear negative result that comes from the “leaven” of false doctrine or practice.

HOW THE CHURCH GETS INVOLVED WITH ERROR, DIGRESSION, AND APOSTASY – This problem comes from mixing truth with error.  As it was with the Galatian brethren, many members of the church are easily deceived today (Galatians 3:1). Liberalism comes into the church one step at a time and not all at once.  If it were to present itself in its fullness at the very beginning of its attempted entrance into the local congregation, most would raise up in opposition.  But when it comes into the local congregation one small step at a time, we find ourselves engulfed in it before we recognize what has happened.

 The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy of “some” who would depart from the truth (1 Timothy 4:1) while Peter wrote of “many” who would follow the “pernicious (malicious) ways” of the false teacher (2 Peter 2:1, 2).  History has shown how that many are lead away by the magnetism of personalities, friends,  family, marriages, and children.  When looking at the Old Testament, we see that Israel was misled by their peers, the false prophets, princes, priests, and people.  As it was in the first century, many in the present century have “slipped” or “drifted” away from the truth (Hebrews 2:1).  The English Standard Version’s rendering of this passage is revealing, “Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.”  The word  “slip” or “drift” (pararheo) is interesting in the fact that it speaks of one that finds himself “flowing or passing by, without giving due heed to a thing” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, p. 341).  This is an excellent description of so many today that are simply “drifting along,” paying no attention to the truth like a twig floating downstream with no concern as to where it is going.

WHEN CONFRONTED WITH THE PROBLEM OF FALSE TEACHERS, WHAT IS THE RIGHT ATTITUDE AND ACTION TO BE TAKEN?  First, we need to attempt to correct the error, recover the one in error, and show love by rebuke (Galatians 6:1).  Like the Apostle Paul, we should never compromise, or “go along to get along” (Galatians 2:4, 5).  When considering our response to such individuals, we must be careful to not confuse cowardice with love.  It is never a sign of love of the brethren if we compromise on the truth!

Secondly, we must honestly seek to prove all things by the Word of God (1 Thessalonians 5:21).  God’s Word has been given to us for that purpose, which is why we are encouraged to study it so as to be “approved unto God” (2 Timothy 2:15).  We need to continue to follow the “advice” given by the Apostle John to “try the spirits” to see “whether they are of God” (1 John 4:1).  Additionally, we must understand that God will hold us accountable for this (John 12:48).

Thirdly, we need to give careful consideration to such passages as 2 John 9-11 and Ephesians 5:11.  If Aquila and Priscilla had possessed the same attitude toward error that some do today, Apollos would never have been corrected (Acts 18:24-26). Instead, we might read where they said to Apollos, “Let’s just agree to disagree.”  

We need to be careful to not accept error because some good is mixed in.  Would we drink a cola mixed with one percent poison?  Of course not, even though it is 99% pure cola!  We need attitudes and actions like John the Baptist, Paul, and Christ who all stood firm when it came to the truth and the defense of it!

WE MUST ACKNOWLEDGE THAT NOT ALL IN ERROR ARE EMBRACING SUCH AS THE RESULT OF DISHONESTY - Someone has said, “Oh, for an honest false teacher.”  Well, we have a couple examples of such in the New Testament.  For example, Saul of Tarsus was honest (Acts 23:1), yet wrong, as was Apollos as noted above.  There is no way that we can accuse either of these men of dishonesty in how they conducted themselves before their conversion.  The same would be true of some today that are in need of additional teaching to correct the error they embrace.  Our attitude toward the honest but mistaken must allow for growth, time to repent, and opportunity for us to teach them “the way of God more perfectly” (Acts 18:26).  But the time may come when we must turn from them because of their unwillingness to accept the truth (Romans 16:17, 18; 2 Thessalonians 3:16; Titus 3:10, 11). If that time comes, then we must be willing to do so in order to please God rather than man (Galatians 1:10).

THE ONLY SOLUTION AND RIGHT ATTITUDE TOWARD FALSE DOCTRINE AND FALSE TEACHERS IS REVEALED IN THE SCRIPTURES – We must continue to “preach the Word” (2 Timothy 4:1-5) regardless of who it is or what it is they are teaching.  If correction cannot be attained, marking and withdrawal of fellowship must be practiced (Romans 16:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:6).  We must acknowledge the fact that we have been commanded by God relative to the proper process.  Failure to follow His command will not only result in the false teacher being condemned, but also those that refuse to comply with what God has commanded concerning dealing with false teachers.  The facts are clear; we must respect the Word and obey it, regardless of personal cost.

THE PROBLEM OF FALSE DOCTRINES AND TEACHERS IS WITH US AS IT WAS WITH GOD’S PEOPLE IN THE PAST – It will always exist as long as earth time exists!  Men go their own way, regardless of what God says.  Error cannot be supported or ignored. It can only be opposed.  Being friends wth God’s enemies is spiritual treason, and will cost us our souls.  It may not be popular to take such a stand for the truth.  But it will always be right. In the end, we have to acknowledge that God has not called us to be popular; He has called us to be right.  In many cases, it is now or never.  As we tarry, failing to comply with what God has commanded, souls are being lost, and congregations are being torn asunder.          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT SHOULD BE OUR ATTITUDE TOWARD ERROR?

The church is becoming more lax in its attitude toward error, both within and without.  As we examine what is going on, we see too many are willing to compromise.  In many congregations elders and preachers are afraid to take a stand on anything.  They are afraid they will lose friends, offend relatives, and become unpopular.  However, it should be understood that there is no saving power in error, regardless of who it is that pronounces a “blessing” on it.  It is like poisoned food or water.  It fills the hungry and quenches the thirst of the thirsty, but then it destroys them.  In view of this, we want to examine what our attitude should be toward error and be encouraged to turn back to the truth from which we have moved, if we have done so.

THE CHURCH IN THE WORLD – Literally the church, as the ekklesia of God, is the “called out” from the world.  It is therefore separate from the world and worldliness (2 Corinthians 6:17; 1 John 2:15-17)).  It is in the world, but not of the world, as seen in the words of Jesus in John 18:36.  As the church, we cannot isolate ourselves from those of the world as we must be among them in order to bring them to salvation (Matthew 28:18, 19; Mark 16L15, 16; Luke 19:10).  But, even as we do so, we must be careful to shun the evils that those of the world are participating in.

The terms used in the New Testament to describe the church help us to see its position in the world. It is viewed as:

                                    Light and salt – Matthew 5:14-16

                                    Saints – 1 Peter 2:9; Titus 2:14; 1 Corinthians 1:2

                                    A glorious church – Ephesians 5:25-27.

The “fight” that the church is involved with today is both an inward and outward one.  We must have the proper attitude toward this fight against error.  But what is that attitude to be?  No doubt we need to look to the Bible to see the answer to that question.

WHAT IS THE FATHER’S ATTITUDE? – It will help us to understand what our attitude should be when we note what the Father’s attitude is.  From the Scriptures, it is easily seen that He is against those who teach error (Jeremiah 23:30-32; Romans 16:17).  He demands that His children condemn error (2 Timothy 4:1, 2).  He demands that we refuse to endorse those in error (2 John 9-11).  Further, He demands that we test preachers to verify that what is being taught is true to His Word  (1 John 4:1).  And,He pronounces a curse upon those who teach error (Galatians 1:6- 9). 

WHAT IS CHRIST’S ATTITUDE? – The New Testament provides us with ample evidence as to the attitude that Christ has toward error (Matthew 7:15; 15:7-9).  Although speaking primarily concerning the writings of the book of Revelation, we find the whole principle as viewed by Christ summed up in the closing few verses of the book (Revelation 22:18, 19).  As we see His attitude, if we are truly seeking to be like Him, then we will put forth effort to develop the same attitude that He has.

ONE’S ATTITUDE TOWARD ERROR MAY BE DETERMINED BY ONE’S ATTITUDE TOWARD TRUTH – To understand this, we begin by asking a couple questions. First, do we love God’s Word?  And secondly, do we love truth?  Consider the following passages in view of these questions (Jeremiah 20:9; Psalm 119:11, 104; Proverbs 23:23). When we study the life of the Apostle Paul, we see that he loved the truth, and it was seen in his life (Acts 17:16, 17, 22, 23).  We must grasp the fact that for us to please God, we must also love the truth in a similar fashion.

TRUTH AND ERROR DO NOT HARMONIZE – A careful consideration of the Scriptures reveals the fact that there is no harmony existing between the two (2 Corinthians 6:14-18).  When we look at passages such as Exodus 32:26, we note that Moses did two things that showed the fact of the lack of harmony between truth and error.  We note that he drew lines of distinction and he condemned the people for their error.  It is important for us to see that if we are not in harmony, we cannot have agreement with one another (Amos 3:3; Daniel 6:4, 5; Acts 13:10).

THE CAUSE OF CHRIST WILL MAKE PROGRESS WITH A RIGHT ATTITUDE – The early Restoration Movement, like a giant army, made progress by conquering all its foes.  As more life came to the Movement, denominational life slowed down.  Tragically, though, on the other hand, as digression and compromise came, the Restoration Movement lost ground. The results of this are various religious movements today that border on being the true church.  But that is as close as they are to the truth, on the border.  Since I was a child, I recall having heard it said, “Close only counts in atom bombs and horseshoes.”  Although other things might be added to this list, the matter of being close to the truth, but not embracing the truth, is not one of them!

As the church, we need to maintain a proper attitude and be willing to take a stand on the firm foundation of God’s eternal Word.  When we do so, we must stand against digression, error and worldliness in all forms.

Christ is not personally here to convert the world as He was in the early years of the first century. Now, He depends upon us for the conversion of the world, the overthrow of error, and the maintaining of purity in the church.  Not only does He depend upon us for these things, He will hold us accountable if we fail to do so!

 

 

“SMOOTHING OUT THE ROUGH EDGES”

Several years ago one of my students spoke with me about a conversation he had with a brother just a few days earlier. It seems the student had preached a lesson that “stepped on some toes,” and the brother under consideration said that was “Okay, but as the student got more mature he would learn to smooth out the rough edges.”  It may well be that the student misunderstood what was being said about such a need, but his interpretation was that the need for “maturity” was not in his speaking ability, as he was told he had not been rude or crude, but, rather, in knowing how to “smooth out the edges” of the message itself.  After he told me this, I thought of how that has already been done, and the results of such.

For example, people have “smoothed out the edges” concerning the biblical teaching on the oneness of the church (Matthew 16:18, 19; Ephesians 1:22, 23; 4:4) to the point that we now have brethren who do not know that such a doctrine even exists within the Bible. For years we have “done battle” with the denominational world over this matter. Now we have to deal with brethren who are parroting what the denominations have been saying.  Brethren, the “edges” on the doctrine of the church need to be left right where God put them, and who are we to “know better” than God in how to “better say” what has been said?

Others, over time, have found a way to “smooth out the edges” when it comes to the plan of salvation.  It does not seem to matter that the New Testament teaches that if a person wishes to obey God they must obey the “form of doctrine” delivered unto them by God (Romans 6:17).  It appears that in our attempt to “smooth things out for God,” we have overlooked that the “gospel of Christ…is the power of God unto salvation” (Romans 1:16).  Likewise, we have failed to understand that in order for mankind to be “pricked in their heart” (Acts 2:37); the Word in its fullness and power must be proclaimed. God’s Word is still “quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword” possessing the ability of discerning “the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12) when preached as God would have it preached. When the “edges” are “smoothed out” this takes away the necessary power for the Word to do as God would have it. I have a metal trowel at home that is used to spread glue on the floor before laying floor tile or other type of floor covering. On the edges of this trowel are little notches designed to assist in the spreading of the glue in a way to hold the floor covering in place. I wonder what would happen if I smoothed those little notches out? I might think I could create a better trowel but, guess what; it would be better to leave it just as its “creator” designed it.  Likewise, it seems best to me to leave the “edges” right where God put them on this matter also.

Others would have us to “smooth out the edges” when it comes to our worship of God. The “battle” over the use of mechanical instruments of music has raged for years. For a while it looked as if the “battle” had come to an end within the church, but it has raised its “ugly head” once again, in some congregations, which no longer see this as an issue over which we want to take a stand one way or the other. Never mind that there is nothing in the New Testament that even comes close to authorizing the use of such. The whole of the matter is what do “I” want, instead of what does God want, which is very similar to what Paul called “will worship” in Colossians 2:23. As this type of worship continues, what we end up with is one that seeks to please themselves, regardless of what the Lord has said on the matter.  Keep in mind; God has spoken on this matter. Our worship is to be such that it is in “spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). It is to be such wherein we seek to draw near the Lord with more than our lips, as we put our hearts into the worship of God (Matthew 15:8, 9). Some are seeking to bring in “special singing,” and other entertainment types of activities, just to please modern man and his attempt to “smooth out the edges.”  But here, too, wisdom would seem to suggest that it is better to leave the “edges” just how God left them (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).

As we look at the “edges” of the leadership of the church many would have us to “smooth” things out on this matter. For example, many congregations have found a way to “ignore” the qualifications set forth by the Apostle Paul concerning the eldership of the church (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-11). The reason I say “ignore,” is there is no way around them, so they must just be disregarded as if they are not important.  Some of “our” congregations are now busy putting women in the role of deacons and even elders, regardless of what Paul had to say in the texts previously mentioned. It is long past the time that we leave the “edges” on this issue alone. I used to see a bumper sticker that said, “God said it, I believe it, and that settles it.”  But you know, whether I believe it or not, once God said it, it was settled, and He had settled the matter of the leadership of the church, and we need not meddle with it.

Needless to say, an article like this could go on “forever” as we ponder the areas where people have sought to “smooth out the edges” when it comes to the church and her practices. What really needs to be understood is that the church that our Lord died for does not have “rough edges” needing to be “smoothed out!”  We need to restore the sentiment of “where the Scriptures speak, we speak, and where the Scriptures are silent, we are silent.”  Let us pray that those among us who clamor for change will come to the understanding of the danger of such before it is eternally too late.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE CHURCH AND DENOMINATIONS

In this article we will deal with the subject of the church in contrast to the denominational world strictly from a Biblical perspective.  To do this properly, we will give book; chapter and verse for all that is said.  In doing so, it must be accepted that if it is not in the Bible, then it is not of the Lord, and does not deserve consideration when such a subject is considered.  The Bible has been given to man to serve as his guide in life, and is the standard by which we shall be judged in the end (2 Timothy 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 1:3; John 12:48).

In the Apostle Paul’s day there were many “lords” and many “gods”, but he wrote “But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him” (1 Corinthians 8:6).  From a study of Biblical history, we note that the people of his time made “gods” of certain men and forces among them, idolizing and paying homage to them.  They followed them as “lords” failing to recognize that such come and go with time.  Paul’s point to the Corinthians was, to those that are properly taught, there is only “one God” and “one Lord”.

Today, there are many churches or denominations with many doctrines, contrary one to another. But to the true Bible student, there is but one church, the body of Christ.  Likewise, there is but one doctrine – the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9).  Satan has always sought to counterfeit everything God has done, and tries to make men think it is just as good as the genuine.  Many times he attempts to present the counterfeit in such a way that man will not easily see the difference.  The New Testament is clear, indicating that the Lord has built his church (Matthew 16:18).  In looking around us, we see that Satan offers a counterfeit instead; making man think it is just as good as the original.  Likewise, there are as many bodies of doctrine as there are denominations, but there is only one true church and one true body of doctrine for that church.  The Apostle Paul clearly pointed to the fact that there was at the time he wrote that which was “contrary to sound doctrine” (1 Timothy 1:10).  Such “unsound” teaching is still found in religious bodies that fail to “preach the word” as “charged” by Paul to Timothy (2 Timothy 2:1-4).

Following the institution of the Lord’s church, it was carried away with the flood of false doctrines resulting in the world being filled with denominations built on these false doctrines (Ephesians 4:14; 2 Peter 3:17).  It was not until men determined to return to the true Word of God that the church returned from obscurity and stood forth once again as in the days of the apostles.  With this in mind, we want to look at the difference between the church and denominationalism.

THE NEW TESTAMENT TEACHES THE ONENESS OF THE CHURCH – When discussion of the church is conducted, one must come to an understanding of how the church came into existence.  During His “public ministry,” Jesus said he would build his church (Matthew 16:18).  No matter what people claim, this cannot be said of any denomination, because of the fact they were not built by Jesus.  The facts are clear, if the “church” that we are considering was not built by Jesus, it is not His (Psalm 127:1; 1 Timothy 3:15).  Religious institutions were built by different men, and have not been built on the proper foundation necessary to allow them to stand the test of God (1 Corinthians 3:11; Matthew 7:24-27).

Looking around us today, it is easy to see that there are thousands of religious organizations that are not built on the doctrine of Christ.  As such, they, therefore, rest entirely on the doctrines of men and have no connection with Christ (Colossians 1:22).  The Lord’s church began on the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ (Acts 2:29-47), while present denominations cannot trace their roots to this time.  It can truthfully be said that, that which cannot trace its roots to that time cannot be the one true church built by the Lord.  One who cannot trace their spiritual roots to that time cannot lay claim on the heritage that comes from the Lord.

THE ONE BIBLICAL CHURCH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST – From a study of the New Testament, one may easily take note of the fact that Christ has only one body, hence, there is only one church.  The Apostle Paul clearly taught this oneness in a number of locations found in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 11:20; Ephesians 4:4; Colossians 1:18).  Everyone who belongs to Christ is a member of that one body, the one church, added to it by the Lord Himself (Acts 2:47).  That cannot be said of any denomination existing on earth today.  Regardless of the claims that are made, denominations are not members one of another.  Each has its own particular doctrine, its own pattern of worship, its own organization, and its own government. When considering these matters, we easily note that many of them clearly contradict the teachings of the Bible and the beliefs and practices of other denominations.  For there to be the oneness that the Lord demands, there must be unanimity in all of these areas.  That is what the Lord prayed for (John 17:20-23), and that is what is expected (1 Corinthians 1:10) in order for the true church to exist at any time.

The New Testament church is pictured as God’s house or household, depending on which translation you may be using (1 Timothy 3:15).  You will notice a singularity found in the words of Paul.  He did not write of the “houses of God” but, rather, the “house of God”.  It is easy to see from the New Testament Scriptures that God has only one family (Ephesians 4:6, Hebrews 2:11).  Nothing even hints at the idea of His having a number of families.  Further, no denomination can correctly claim to be the family of God.  This is so, as it must be seen that all of God’s children are born into His family (John 3:3; 1 Peter 1:23; 1 John 2:29).  All that are born into the family of God have been born alike.  People in religious organizations built by men do not get into them by doing what it takes to constitute the new birth.  Those “born” into the denominations are “born” differently and are, therefore, not in the church of the New Testament (John 3:5).

The church of the New Testament is the kingdom of God. The One who is the head of the church is the King of His kingdom (Colossians 1:12-14). He is King of kings, and Lord of lords  (1 Timothy 6:15).  As all members of the church are subject to Christ, they are citizens of His kingdom. When the kingdom is delivered up to the Father, all faithful members of the body, the church, will be in it (1 Corinthians 15:24-26).  Denominational churches do not have this hope contrary to what they may believe and teach.

The church of the New Testament is the temple of the living God (2 Corinthians 6:16).  No denomination organization built by man can correctly make that claim.  All that are in the church built by Jesus are subject to the King of the kingdom and obey the same system of law   (1 Timothy 6:15).  They, likewise, have the same worship, organization, means of entrance, and government.

The church of the New Testament is the Lord’s Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16).  All that serves Him work in the same vineyard.  All are called alike and sent into the same vineyard.  All are given the same instructions.  And all will be judged alike.  When we examine the religious institutions that exist today, it does not take long to see how they differ greatly on these important matters.

The church of the New Testament is God’s Sheepfold (John 10:1-16).  From a study of the New Testament, we see that there is only one fold and one Shepherd (John 10:16). Further, it is easily seen that there is but one door into that one sheepfold (John 10:9).  As such, then, there is only one way into the one fold, regardless of what is said by man (John 14:6).

All references in the New Testament to the church are in the singular, except for Romans 16:16 where the collective “churches of Christ” were said to salute the Roman church.  The plural was used there by Paul to express the congregational concept, indicating that congregations scattered abroad “saluted” them.  When a careful study of the New Testament is conducted, we are left with the inescapable conclusion that there is only one church, with one foundation, one head, one law, one worship, one door of entrance, and one hope of salvation.  To be a part of any other religious organization leaves us separated from all hope of eternal life found in that one institution (Ephesians 4:4).  In view of all of this, we dare not allow the devil to lead us astray by becoming a part of a counterfeit church.  May we be determined to study the Scriptures carefully, and follow them as God would have us to do (James 1:22).