Is There a Way to Religious Unity (Part 2)

Religious Unity (Part 2)

As indicated by the last article, there was an attempt to clear the minds and reasons for religious division and appeal to the better judgment of you, the reader to turn back to Bible unity. The apostle Paul said, “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are 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” (Ephesians 4:1-6).

Religious Division takes willing hearts to resolve.

Religious Division takes willing hearts to resolve.

Since the Lord’s plan is always right, always plain, then it must always be workable. Which is why His plan brings peace and comfort to those who have the proper faith in Him and His authority (Hebrews 11:6; Romans 10:17). And, though men attempt to submit a thousand paths to religious unity, the Lord’s way only is still always right. There was never a doubt in the minds of the early Christians, nor in the minds of true Christians today, that Jesus meant for His disciples to be united in a fellowship of love and truth. For, this is the unity that Jesus prayed for in John. 17:20-21. He did not pray for something that is impossible! Therefore, He forbids any man to change, twist, or add to His plan even if one is practicing such ways attempting to bring about religious unity (Revelation 22:18-19; Galatians 1:8-9). There are several reasons why division in denominationalism is harmful and wrong. Here is another reason to consider.

DIVISION WEAKENS

Some today are speaking of “Unity in Diversity.” “You go your way and I will go mine, but we will agree to disagree and have unity.” Unity and Diversity are opposite terms that make folly of any hope for unity! These want all to come together, but without being agreed on the one standard of Truth (John 17:17). Though some are heard to thank God for religious division, it is a known fact that it weakens Christian influence in all areas of life. Amos rightly asked, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed (Amos 3:3)?

When those professing to be Christians follow their own ways instead of the Lord’s Way, there is no united front against juvenile crime or any of the other wicked forces attacking the people of our nation and world, moral or otherwise, whether young or old (Isaiah 55:8-9). This “crack in the armour,” of what we ought to be as followers of the Lord, is inexcusable! Division and disunity makes it impossible to convince the world of the right Way of the Lord when these we are trying to teach see and see only strife and alienation. This condition poisons all human relations, especially ones of a spiritual or religious nature.

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Religious Unity? (Part 1)

Is There a Way to Religious Unity? (Part 1)

Many among those who profess to be Christians speak favorably about seeking for unity. Even among those who are leaders of religious movements rhetoric is often heard, even though some councils with humanly devised plans for unity are offered. But, while these efforts seem to fizzle out quickly, we commend those who at least have the thought in mind. Some even speak of being “Ecumenical” which is a word invented by Protestants to designate a movement to bring all professed Christians together in some kind of unity. However, they generally speak of union instead of real unity. There is the old illustration of two cats tied together by the tails and thrown over a clothes line . . . it is correctly stated that there is a union, but no unity! Some denominational and inter-denominational mergers have been accomplished, but generally as soon as the announcement is made the humanly concocted unity scheme has already ruptured! What must be sought for real unity is non-denominational Christianity.

Religious unity, is far more than different colors getting along.

Religious unity, is far more than different colors getting along.

ARE WE ALL GOING TO THE SAME PLACE?

Even among those who contend all religious people are going to the same place, there are at great cost (waste) separate buildings, creed books, publishing houses, and differing human plans of salvation, worship and names. Thousands and perhaps millions of dollars are spent in erecting several church buildings in one small community, while one building would be sufficient to meet the needs, if there existed true Bible unity. The popular doctrine of some denominations is that one does not have to be a member of any church to be saved . . . not even theirs! Yet, teachings like this are foreign to the Bible which bring schisms. The mission, as taught by the Lord for his people is seen in the following verses. He said, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10). “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6). “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:18-20).

The very division of many religious people, when viewed by the Word of God, is confusing, contradictory, and deadening to those who otherwise might be seeking the true unity of the New Testament. This is the exact thought which the Lord expressed would be the case when he prayed to His Father. Please read in your own copy of the Bible John 17:20-21.

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Flying Away on a Sin Wagon (To Hell)

Flying Away on a Sin Wagon (To Hell)

I don’t know if many people listen to “country” music in our congregation. I listen to this music driving home from work and lately there has been a song on the air by the Dixie Chicks called “Sin Wagon.” This song glorifies the concept of sin like none other I have heard before. We have all heard songs that glorify specific sins such as fornication or adultery–these are bad enough. But this particular song praises and glorifies the concept of living a life of sin.

Evil, is not good. Sin will not be rewarded. Hell will not be joyful.

Evil, is not good. Sin will not be rewarded. Hell will not be joyful.

In the song, a woman leaves her husband because she does not want to submit to him. The woman subsequently seeks debauchery and profligate extra-marital sex. In the song, the woman asks for forgiveness, but with no intention of repenting. The last chorus of the song, the woman refers to sex as salvation and says that the Lord will have to “take me with my feet draggin'” presumably to heaven. And in the very last line of the song, the woman vociferates, “I’ll fly away, on a sin wagon.” The words “I’ll fly away” are sung to the melody of the well-known hymn.

The very concept of a “sin wagon” filled with debauchery and licentiousness should repulse and nauseate every moral person alive. However, the more deadly thought in this song is that people can live a life of rancorous sin and expect to go to heaven when they die. This is, however, an old doctrine. Every true Calvinist believes the doctrine of once saved always saved. Perhaps the Dixie Chicks will help every Calvinist realize just how wrong and sinful this doctrine is. The Bible plainly teaches otherwise.

God hates sin (Proverbs 8:13; Isaiah 59:2; Zechariah 8:17). Satan is the father of all evil (John 8:44). Those who die in sin will earn the wages of sin–spiritual death (Romans 6:23). Sinning is falling short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. . .” (1 John 3:8). Jesus said, “Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin” (John 8:34).

Jesus came to the earth to take away sin (John 1:29). He lived a sinless life (Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:22; 1 John 3:5). He died on the cross so that we might have forgiveness from our sins (Romans 5:8; Romans 8:3; Hebrews 9:26). Those who willfully sin against him spit in his face and despise His death (Hebrews 10:26-28).

The Dixie Chicks and every person who listens to this song will die. If they are unrepentant, they will be kindling for the fires of hell (Rev. 21:8). “Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God; I speak this to your shame” (1 Corinthians 10:34).

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Forgiveness and Consequences

Forgiveness and Consequences

2 Samuel 11–12 highlights one of the most infamous stories of the Hebrew Bible; the sin of David and Bathsheba. While this sin was so grievous David was still able to find forgiveness in the eyes of the Lord. However, the consequences of his sin ushered in possibly the darkest period of his reign over Israel. While David himself suffered from the effects of his sin for years to come. David though, never charged God with being unrighteous or unjust.

No matter what our action, there are consequences for it.

No matter what our action, there are consequences for it.

Many people today desire both forgiveness of their sins and absolution from the consequences of those sins. They equate the two as being concordant and if they continue to suffer from the consequences of their actions they cry foul claiming they have not truly been forgiven. Sadly many I fear only want to be absolved of the consequences of their sins and have little concern for the forgiveness. This is true because the consequences are often immediate and temporal, with which the majority are mostly concerned, while forgiveness is spiritual and eternal and less evident in this world.

While God does forgive we need to understand that there will inevitably be consequences for our sins in this life. We must turn our focus from the temporal consequences to the eternal. There is a powerful force behind the forgiveness that God grants to those who seek it. Thanks be to God that Jesus paid the price for our sins spiritually that we should not have to face the eternal, spiritual consequences of our sins. The best course of action is to be faithful!

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Gaps in the Walls Must Be Filled

Gaps in the Walls Must Be Filled

The Bible is filled with illustrations from the lives of ancient times which are then used to make great spiritual applications. When God spoke to Israel through His prophet Ezekiel, He used the expression of “a man standing in the gap” (Ezek. 22:30). We may not readily see what this man was doing, but it was well understood by the men in Ezekiel’s day.

Are you willing to stand in the gaps? To fill up what is needed?

Are you willing to stand in the gaps? To fill up what is needed?

Men in the gap, breaches in the city walls and ancient warfare. The cities in the Old Testament were protected by walls, watchmen on top of those walls and fortified gates. The most skilled soldiers were posted atop the walls to ensure the safety of the city. However, there were those times when enemy soldiers were able to break down the wall and create gaps so they could enter and plunder the city. When such emergencies occurred, it was imperative that someone, even if he was not a highly trained soldier, stand in that gap and protect the city at all cost.

Gaps in the wall around the city of Jerusalem in Ezekiel’s day. This imagery was used by Ezekiel to describe what was spiritually happening to Israel. Spiritual gaps were in the walls, yet not one person was willing to do anything about them. There were political gaps. The rulers were self-centered and unashamedly taking bribes to become wealthy (Ezek. 22:27). There were religious gaps created by their leaders who used their positions to take the possessions of the people and oppressed the poor, especially widows (Ezek. 22:25). They also covered their actions by acting like they were working on these gaps and claimed to see visions from God (Ezek. 22:23-28). They were even making up messages and saying, “Thus says the Lord.”  Inside the walls there were the citizens creating “gaps” by oppression and robbery (Ezek. 22:29). The gaps were obvious, but nothing was being done to close them. God said, “So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall and stand in the gap before Me…but I found no one” (Ezek. 22:29).

Gaps in our walls, and God looks for a man. There are gaps all around us locally and nationally. There are gaps in our homes when parents are too busy to stand for what is right. There are gaps in the church when preaching has so little Scripture.

God looks for those to stand in the gaps. They must be vigilant. They must be courageous. They must be focused and determined to stand at all costs.

The question is whether you are willing to be that person to deal with the reality of gaps in the wall. Consider this. God is looking for just one person to stand in the gap. Godly men and women have stood in the gaps in the past. God is looking for a man to stand, and that person can be you!

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