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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To learn
more call, visit or visit our website at:
http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com