The Truth in Print Vol. 20 Issue 7, August 2014

A Publication of the Valley church of Christ,

2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364 (928-782-5058)

 

Website Address ~ http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com

 

Why Churches Fear Applying “Scriptural Authority” ~ Selected

Newspaper Articles

 

Why Churches Fear Applying “Scriptural Authority”

 

   Each local church is required to follow New Testament authority for its organization, work and worship (cf. Phil. 1:27; Jude 3). This is a frightening thing to leaders who are using human wisdom, emotions and lies; whose goals are power, prestige, pleasing self and material gain. Members themselves love the false position that all that is necessary is to believe that Jesus is the Son of God -- then go and fulfill your own desires. Their leaders let them fulfill their lusts, Paul said (cf. 2 Tim. 4:3). When members themselves study, and apply scriptural authority, the things such leaders and carnal members seek are taken away from them (cf. I Cor. 5:1-2; Rom. 16:17).

   Accepting the above elements in this shared arrangement led to Unity in Diversity among denominationalists (I’m Ok, you’re Ok); a mutual agreement that we’ll soft pedal on doctrinal differences and fellowship one another. This deliberate deception to ignore the authority of the Scriptures expanded as Prayer became an ecumenical tool used to unify the Inter-Faith Movement (So called “Christians,” Jews, Muslims, and those of Eastern faiths joined together in worship); “One God many faiths” flies in the face of “one Lord,” “one body” and “one faith” (cf. Eph. 4:1-4).   

   The commands, instructions, and rebukes demanding repentance given to the New Testament churches do not produce the above false plans for unity. Moreover such plans cast aside “sound doctrine” in order to accept those practicing the grossest of immoralities into fellowships (cf. I Cor. 5, 6; I Tim. 1:10). To learn about the necessity of a church establishing scriptural authority for its work go to: http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com/articles/scripturalauthority.htm

 

Surely Not a Protector of Corruption – Political Correctness

 

     The use of Scriptural authority (God’s word not man’s, 2 Tim. 3:16-17) brings into the light those who hate the application of His Word. Jesus spoke of those who hated His word thus Himself, stating they’d also hate those who apply His word (cf. Jo. 3:19-20; 15:18-20). Christians do not promote the Gospel with physical warfare; we fight the good fight by using “the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God” (Eph. 6:17). The Word exposes the hearts and wrongdoings thus demanding repentance and obedience (Heb. 4:12). It is the Word when spoken that the world hates! Moreover, the “world” is often seen in those claiming to be Christians and going to church (Ja. 4:4).

   Making hatred a political thing is seen in Pilate caving in when told “thou art not Caesar’s friend” IF you let Christ go (Jo. 19:12). In Ephesus (Acts 19) as many were learning about God you find a silversmith, Demetrius, who gathered his co-hearts (fellows who made a living making shrines of Diana), spoke to them of the danger their “pocket books” were in, and caused an uproar. Some “politicals” (Asiarchs) as well as the town Clerk willingly helped Paul and his companions here (Acts 19:28-31).

   Secular institutions influenced by PC have become protectors and enforcers for those who despise God’s Word. With frequency we read of those who have been pursued by such despisers that led to their being fired, threatened, replaced or cancelled. All the worldly despiser has to do is complain to the “establishment” – be it a company, network, the press etc. expecting to and most often getting their own way.

 

Surely Respect for Religious Freedom of Speech – Your Phobia! Hate!

 

   Local churches are to be the pillar and support of the truth even though it is not the popular consensus (I Tim. 3:15; 2 Tim. 4:1-4). Just because something becomes a “civil statute” thus acceptable by civil law -- take no fault divorce -- that does not automatically make it moral and right in God’s eyes. Divorce in the New Testament is “also” a religious matter before God; at times it is a sin to divorce and remarriage can issue in an adulterous union (cf. Matt. 19:3,6, 9; 5:32; Lk. 16:18).

   Although gay marriage is recognized “civilly” by some states that will not make it “spiritually” right in God’s sight (cf. Matt. 19:5-6). Christians have a right to oppose this just like a guest column for the Sun recently explained: “Of course, religious groups have a constitutional right to oppose gay marriage and to refuse to perform same-sex weddings. And as long as we uphold the First Amendment, that will continue to be the case.” When a group practicing that which is immoral is given status “civilly” ---- then suddenly it is “hate speech” when others continue as they always have to identify “religiously” a specific immorality; those claiming to be for freedom of speech want censorship while crying Phobia! Hate! All must uniformly speak as “they” else the motives are to be impugned and the characters assassinated.

     A great weakness and lack of respect for “religious” freedom of speech is seen in objecting to specific sins being identified and requiring that others speak in generalities. 

 

 By Bob Lovelace

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