Tag Archives: unity

The Lord’s Prayer

31 Saturday Aug 2019

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It was Jesus’ prayer to the Father for those who belong to Him to be one (John 17:21), that is, to be one in spirit and purpose. This will be the case if those who belong to Him allow the Word to control their lives and the way things are done relative to religious matters. Unfortunately, one can look around and see those who call themselves Christians are hardly one in spirit and purpose. They are not one in name (Baptist Church, Catholic Church, Methodist Church, Lutheran Church, etc.) and neither are they one in doctrine (saved by faith alone, not saved by faith alone, once saved always saved, one can lose their salvation, women preacher and elders, no women preachers nor elders, etc.).

Did Jesus’ prayer fail? No, it did not fail, and neither will it fail when those who abide in His word (John 8:31-32) do things in Bible ways and call things by Bible names. This cliché is a powerful one. While some denigrate it, they do so because they have failed to understand and appreciate its influential drawing power. Back in 1982-83, this phrase took me from a man-made institution and started me on my path to study the Scripture in order to be sure I am on the Lord’s path. I don’t want to be on a path set in place by man.

There were consequences (or a fallout) to my decision; I made many, far too many, mistakes in my learning and walking with the Lord. Still, I stayed the course. I was convinced of its rightness then, and no less so today. I desired conversation with any and all in matters pertaining to wisdom of the approach, would even debate any who challenged it. I now have nearly 40 years of experience.

In John 18:38, Pilate asked, “What is truth?” This, too, is a powerful expression. What is truth? From the words of Jesus, His words are truth. That means, in matters pertaining to God, anything that comes from man is not the truth of God. Such things that come from man that are not connected to the truth of God are 1) a person is saved by faith alone. This is not a teaching of the New Testament (James 2:24). Try as one might, it won’t be found. What will be found is one is saved by faith. The two expressions are not the same. If one is saved by faith alone, that means God’s essential command of repentance is not required. Who will argue for this? Some, in reply, say faith and repentance are two sides of the same coin. Really? It was John who said this is not so when he said some believed but would not repent (John 12:42-43). 2) Some will say, in religious matters, there is nothing in a name. What they mean is this: there is nothing in the name of a religious group of people who call themselves by a name not found in the Bible. As far as they are concerned, all roads (in Protestant Christianity) lead to heaven. Is that true, however? Think along this line. You are a male/husband/father, would you want your wife to take the name of another man when she is married to you? In Ephesians 5, the Lord’s apostle said as the husband is the head of the wife, so Christ is the head of the church (5:23), the church is presented to Himself as a people unblemished (5:26). There is no chance the Lord is going to accept a name He does not recognize. A name denotes identification, possession, even doctrine. Do you think I am wrong? 3) Related to the previous point, in the New Testament, the local church is set up, organized after God’s pattern. In Philippians 1:1, Paul addressed his letter to the elders, deacons and the congregation. Elders? This word corresponds to other English words such as bishop, overseer, pastor and presbyter. In the New Testament, these men are married and with children, but not just children, faithful children. In fact, Paul left Timothy in Ephesus to set up the church appointing elders and deacons in every church. Yet, in today’s Protestant churches, we hardly have this. We have “pastor” who is the preacher, married or not, children or not; male or not. Does any of this matter? To the Lord it does.  

The above long paragraph is to illustrate the importance of staying with the Lord’s way, doing Bible things in Bible ways and calling Bible things by Bible names. Some may dismiss it for any number of reasons, but if one’s heart is loyal to the Lord, obedient to the Lord and His way, if one listens and obeys the Lord’s prayer of John 17, this is what he and she will do. RT

BOND OF PEACE AND DOGS

17 Saturday Aug 2019

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The scriptures are clear. The Lord’s apostle said the saints are to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:3). That can hardly happen where there is present a “Mr. Diotrephes” or a “Mrs. Diotrephes.” John wrote with regard to the “Diotrephes” spirit, “I wrote somewhat unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not” (3 John 9). This is the disposition of a person who wants his (or her) say and way. Those who are of this attitude and spirit have no regard for the words of the Holy Spirit.

In the “funnies” section of the newspaper, the cartoon “The Middletons” make a perfect illustration. There are two dogs barking continuously (like dogs sometimes do). One dog stops and asks, “What are we barking at?” The other dog replies, “A leaf fluttered to the ground.” “Oh” came the reply. The dogs resume barking fervently. This a perfect illustration of the Diotrephes spirit that exists with some. It begins with a lack of biblical knowledge, continues with failure to gain knowledge of the situation as it needs to be properly understood, then proceeds with a lack of a charitable disposition toward the thinking and ways of someone else, coupled with a desire to have control / power / influence over others (all in a compelled sort of way, at least some of the time), all to arrive at a point of “we don’t need a reason of substance, let us just make up one.”

The Diotrephes spirit in a local congregation is exhibited in more than just what the Lord’s apostle wrote; it’s exhibited in identifying “sound brethren” and only those who are identified can be fellowshipped, in telling a preacher from what exclusive translation he can preach (and it better not be the Greek text!), how the preacher can make no use of illustrations that come from life but can only come from Genesis to Revelation (Paul and Jesus would both have been condemned by the Diotrephes spirited person). The Diotrephes spirit splits churches, sometimes those splits manifest themselves in a congregation imploding, the majority of the saints walking out to start a new work or wandering off “back into the mire.”  

Maybe you know someone in the congregation where you worship manifesting all of this, or only some of it. If so, you are headed down a path that brings frustration, confusion and heartache.

What the Lord’s apostle said in Ephesians is not an option or suggestion, it is a command of the Holy Spirit. Those who divide churches because of the Diotrephes spirit will answer the Lord for their self-exultations. We may wonder, sometimes, who is guilty of this sort of thinking. Generally speaking, however, the Diotrephes spirited person is manifest to all. When we wonder, we can be sure the Lord knows! “I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:1-3, ASV). RT

Two into One…Republicans and Democrats

04 Monday Jun 2018

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Paul taught the blood of Christ has brought near to God those who once were afar off. “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Eph. 2:132, ESV). The meaning of this phrase or idea is in relation to the once “nearness” of the Israelite people to God because of His covenant to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob. “…remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world” (2:12). Now, because of the blood of Christ, God’s intent to save all people everywhere, the earlier covenant to an exclusive people has been done away with; consider the following: “For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near (2:15-17).

To abolish in his flesh the “law of commandments” means that Jesus came to an exclusive people, obeyed the dictates/teachings of that law (otherwise known as the Law of Moses) given to the exclusive people (Israelite), fulfilling the Father’s purpose of Him coming to this earth. While on the cross, the Lord Jesus said, “It is finished” (John 19:30). What is finished? The redeeming purposes of God wherein two people are reconciled; “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished” (Matt. 5:17-18).

From Ephesians 2:14, the middle wall of separation has been broken down. That “middle wall” was the commandments to an exclusive people, the Lord Jesus having now “nailed it to the cross” with His death. Therefore, what is called the Old Testament is actually the Old Covenant of God to an exclusive people. With that which the Lord Jesus did, a New Covenant is given to all people, not to anyone exclusively, but to all. In Jerusalem, on the Day of Pentecost, Peter made reference to the words of God’s prophet Joel: “And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day. And it shall come to pass that everyone who -calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:17-21).

Some points of emphasis from the above passage. First, Peter said the words of Joel would be in the last days, and that what he (Peter) spoke on this occasion was a fulfillment of Joel’s words; thus the “last days” on upon us, that is, we are in the midst of them and have been since the days of Peter’s preaching. Second, God’s Spirit is poured out on all, not only on some. To the Jewish audience, this would not be missed; Peter said God’s Spirit was to both the Jew and non-Jew. Thus, all (Jew and non-Jew alike) who call on the Lord will be saved (Acts 2:21). All too often, people put emphasis on God’s Spirit given to someone rather than on God’s Spirit unifying, that is, making a separated people into one.

Comparison: when a male and female come together in marriage, God made two people into one. God made two people into one with the redeeming work of the Lord Jesus. Consequently, if I hold on to my secular ideology, then I am a republican, democrat, liberal, conservative, anarchist, radical—and I maintain separation with my political party of choice. On the other hand, if I allow the blood of Jesus to “do its work,” then I am none of the above, but a Christian only. In fact, it is only in Jesus that the separations of man can be bridged.

Will you stand on Jesus’ side? RT

Some people bring happiness wherever they go; others bring happiness whenever they go!

GUN VIOLENCE SOLUTION

03 Tuesday Oct 2017

Posted by in Behavior, God, Morality

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In an editorial (10.3.2017), the Columbus Dispatch admonished readers “not to leap to conclusions about how best to combat this kind of violence” before the facts are all in. The kind of violence the editorial had in mind was that perpetrated by a morally deranged man in Las Vegas, having killed nearly sixty people and injured eight times as many!

One man, however, produced a commentary meme (on Facebook) about how much easier it is to own a particular firearm than it is at being a barber. He would resist my characterization of his commentary-jumping to a conclusion, but in this context, he certainly did. He has often spoken in favor of gun-control (as a very thoughtful man, though one may disagree with him, his words need to be considered).

The man guilty of a deranged act was himself morally deranged. He fires and hope to escape judgment. Escape, he did not. Though he killed himself to escape police arrest. He now is before the Lord Almighty! In a context where the writer speaks of why Jesus came to this earth, and that He is coming again, the Holy Spirit said this: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27, KJV). The morally deranged man did not escape judgment. Yet, in our society, one would not know this at all; apart from some religious folk, nothing is said about such things.

Though the Dispatch heeded us to be more discriminating in conclusion jumping, they also noted the frequency of gun violence escalating in society. What kind of solution is there to these violent atrocities? They admit there are no easy solutions, but a number of options are available to be pursued. Such options are 1) better mental health care, 2) “regulations making it harder for people with mental illness and those with violent pasts top own guns”, 3) “aggressive enforcement against illegal sales.”

Perhaps these suggestions are worthy of serious consideration, but the one solution that should have been proffered, but was not is what is most troubling. The solution I have in mind is much longer in implementation, at the very least a generation’s amount of time. But, given the “solutions” in place already, “the deep cultural rift that makes the problem so difficult to even talk about” will be, and currently are, a waste of time.

What solution do I have in mind?

In the latest issue of Apologetics Press (October 2017, p. 10), Kyle Butt wrote a brief article on how “people all over the world associate atheism with immorality.” It is true, and recognized within the article, that some atheists are moral people. Their morality, however, is not based on atheistic ideology, but an ideology that has its source in theism. It is theism, especially Christian theism, that speaks of transcendent love, kindness, courtesy, respect and behavioral qualities of this sort. Of course, atheists will affirm the same, but as mentioned, they have no foundational reason to do such. Moreover, what separates atheistic approach from the Christian approach is its lack of accountability.

Christian philosophy/ideology teaches that actions and thoughts lived on this earth are accountable to Almighty God, who will bring all into judgment. “For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:30-31, KJV). Atheism can’t give any good reason for a moral foundation that obligates man to act in a certain way; all atheistic ideology can hope to accomplish is that others agree with them, with society compelling behavior norms; of course, this is not a morality based on moral virtue of a righteous Judge, but a “morality” based on self-preservation. Yet, as we look at society as it has implemented this approach, not much is accomplished.

On the other hand, in accordance with the Lord’s way, Jesus said “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). In this exhortation from the Lord we have: 1) a community standard (peace), 2) there is a moral standard (holiness), 3) and accountability.

Yes, it is true the morally deranged will not heed the Lord’s counsel. It’s also true, the Lord’s way is the best solution known to man; man won’t implement, however, because he wants an atheistic society.

Why Churches Grow

17 Thursday Sep 2015

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It seems that each generation thinks of itself as being smarter than the previous generation. This applies in just about every area of life. Congregations, or many of them anyway, of the Lord’s people think they are more spiritual than previous generations because they spent time in prayer, studying the Scripture, and coming to learn that the previous generation might have been mistaken in their understanding of Scripture.

Thus arrogance!

I bring this up because that which encourages a church to grow today is the same that encouraged a church to grow over 50 years ago. In the February 1957 issue of 20th Century Christian, Mont Whitson offered 6 contributing factors to a church growing. I would like to speak of two of those he mentioned.

First, the local church will grow when people within and without see the spirit of love, unity, and understanding amongst those attending at, in our case, the Highway Church of Christ. The word love pertains to one’s response to God first and foremost (cf. 1 John 5:1-3). The word unity is associated with that which Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus, that is, keeping the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3). The word understanding, in my view, is in understanding that we are not all at the same level of spiritual knowledge/understanding (cf. Romans 12:3-8; 14:1-13).

Second, the church grows when the members within are willing to work. That means they are all willing to work. It is not the “job” of the elders, the “job” of the preacher, or the “job” of someone else. It is my job, and yours also (perhaps it is better to say it this way: “It is my privilege and responsibility.”). What is it that you are doing to make a difference in the growth of the congregation? Are you teaching others?

Third, though not mention by brother Whitson, it is certainly worthy of mention – the local church that belongs to the Lord must (not optional) preach and teach the purity of God’s word. There is no room for opinions that correspond to a “thus saith the Lord.” If any man speak, Peter said, let him speak the very words of God (1 Peter 4:11).

Dwelling together in unity

29 Friday May 2015

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How pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity (Psalm 133:1). This is a very difficult thing to accomplish, but one that can be met. It can only be met, however, if there exists within the heart of each saint the heart of a servant. In a close nit family there will exist some variation of opinions amongst those who have the strongest of ties between themselves. Within the “walls” of the Lord’s house, there will exist differences of opinions also. Yet, with these differences that exist in one’s physical family and with those in God’s spiritual family, how can there be unity?

Here is an old saying that many people live by: “blood is thicker than water.” What this saying means is that when it comes to one’s “blood relatives,” there is no water of religion (baptism) that can interfere or get in the way of one’s family relationship. Of course, this is not necessarily true in all cases, but it conveys a point that can’t be missed. For those who adopt this unity, unity (or protection) is at its best when harm is coming from those not part of the family.

In God’s family, the unity that is to exist will not be based on one’s physical family principles, but on the Lord’s principle. In Psalm 127:1, the Scripture reads, “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it…” The meaning of this phrase is this: if the Lord does not build the structure that protects, there will be no structure to protect. Thus, the arsenal of Satan can easily hit exposed targets.

The saying, then, that blood is thicker than water is an adage that is empty of substance before the Lord. To the Lord and, therefore, to God’s servants, unity is important, but that unity must be based on God’s word, and not matters of the physical family. The way for unity between people who belong to God is for those people to live by the Galatians 2:20. Do you understand and live by what Paul said? Those who love the Lord do!

UNITY AND DEFEAT

10 Tuesday Sep 2013

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When Paul wrote his first epistle to the Corinthians, he wrote in view of a word that came back to him from a source he considered reliable (Chloe’s household). After his greeting and reassurance to them concerning their relationship in Christ, he appealed to them by the Lord’s authority (1:10) to be of the same mind. This is an important point not to be missed. We all have different opinions on any
number of topics, subjects. When it comes to the teachings of Scripture, when it comes to our submitting to the “opinion” of God, then we all must come under the banner (and love) of Christ. This will, invariably, reshape our opinions on a number of topics and subjects. Some people realize this and refuse the Lord’s guidance. Those who refuse the Lord’s guidance/opinion are the reason for division in the local congregation.

UNITY AND DEFEAT

02 Monday Sep 2013

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Simply because there is unity of purpose does not mean the purpose is right. A great many people believe there is unity in promoting Planned Parenthood so a woman can have the right to an abortion; some think there is unity in opposing particulars of the immigration debate; in either case, the unity associated in these agendas does not make for either one (or any other) to be right. This approach was taken in Judges 20 when there was unity of purpose with regard to the moral outrage committed against the people of Israel (20:2, 11, 14), and a woman in particular. Just as the Lord defeated those who were unified in purpose, the Lord will defeat any and all those agendas that are contrary to His purposes. Unity of purpose is good, but God is right. RT