3/13/15

The Benevolent, "Leavening" Influence of Christianity by Wayne Jackson, M.A.

http://apologeticspress.org/APContent.aspx?category=10&article=248

The Benevolent, "Leavening" Influence of Christianity

by Wayne Jackson, M.A.

In one of his delightfully instructive parables, Jesus set forth the following concept regarding his approaching reign:
The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till it was all leavened (Matthew 13:33).
It is agreed among Bible expositors that the “leaven” of this parable signifies the pervasive and benevolent influence of the kingdom of Christ, as this leaven would make its presence felt from the first century onward. In his classic work on the parables, Trench noted that Christianity, “[w]orking from the centre to the circumference, by degrees...made itself felt, till at length the whole Roman world was, more or less, leavened by it” (1877, p. 121). In his important treatise on the parables, Taylor affirmed that the leaven represents “the good, wholesome, aggressive influence which Christ introduced into the world when he came to earth, and lived and died, and rose again, as the Savior of sinners” (1928, p. 60).
There is, perhaps, no more graphic portrait of the vileness of the Mediterranean world than that which is painted by Paul in the opening chapter of his epistle to the Romans. It is dismal indeed. William Barclay observed:
When we read Romans 1:26-32 it might seem that this passage is the work of some almost hysterical moralist who was exaggerating the contemporary situation and painting it in colours of rhetorical hyperbole. It describes a situation of degeneracy of morals almost without parallel in human history. But there is nothing that Paul said that the Greek and Roman writers of the age did not themselves say (1957, p. 23).
The Scottish scholar then proceeded to document his depiction with ample citations from ancient historians who commented upon this period of depraved history. It was into this hostile environment that the religion of Jesus was inaugurated, gradually but surely changing—much for the better—the moral climate of that world. If one is inclined to think that this appraisal is biased, perhaps we may appeal to the testimony of a writer who never could be accused of entertaining sympathy for Christianity.
Bertrand Russell (1872-1970), an agnostic, has been characterized as the most influential philosopher of the twentieth century. In 1950, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature. He was a militant opponent of the religion of Jesus Christ, even producing a popular essay titled, “Why I am not a Christian.” I mention this to argue that whatever testimony we elicit from him certainly will not arise from a heart that is disposed toward the Teacher from Nazareth. Be that as it may, Russell, oddly enough, became an unwitting witness to the truth of the “leavening” activity of the Christian system in the Roman world.
First, the philosopher commented concerning the barbarous practice of infanticide (i.e., the destruction of newborn infants)—a practice so common in the Roman world.
Infanticide, which might seem contrary to human nature, was almost universal before the rise of Christianity, and is recommended by Plato to prevent over-population (1950, p. 92; emp. added).
Second, Russell gave a nodding tribute to the influence of Christianity relative to the status of women in the Roman world.
In antiquity, when male supremacy was unquestioned and Christian ethics were still unknown, women were harmless but rather silly, and a man who took them seriously was somewhat despised (p. 101; emp. added).
Third, there is this comment regarding Christian benevolence in general.
Christianity, as soon as it conquered the state, put an end to gladiatorial shows, not because they were cruel, but because they were idolatrous. The result, however, was to diminish the widespread education in cruelty by which the populace of Roman towns were degraded. Christianity also did much to soften the lot of slaves. It established charity on a large scale, and inaugurated hospitals (p. 137; emp. added).
Our world may be thankful indeed for the lingering influence of Jesus’ life and teaching upon this Earth.

REFERENCES

Barclay, William (1957), The Letter to the Romans (Philadelphia, PA: Westminster).
Russell, Bertrand (1950), Unpopular Essays (New York: Simon & Schuster).
Taylor, William (1928), The Parables of Our Savior (New York: Doubleday).
Trench, R.C. (1877), Notes on the Parables (London: Macmillan).

From Mark Copeland... "CHALLENGES CONFRONTING THE CHURCH" Factionalism


                  "CHALLENGES CONFRONTING THE CHURCH"

                              Factionalism

INTRODUCTION

1. In previous lessons, we examined the challenges of...
   a. Denominationalism
   b. Sectarianism

2. Both of these challenges have often by exacerbated by 
   factionalism...
   a. Leading to the rise of new denominations (38,000 and rising!)
   b. Contributing to many sectarian views of the church

[What is factionalism?  How is it often manifested?  How can it be avoided?  Let’s begin with...]

I. THE DEFINITION OF FACTION AND FACTIONALISM

   A. FACTION...
      1. A group of persons forming a cohesive, usually contentious
         minority within a larger group
      2. Conflict within an organization or nation; internal dissension
      -- American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language

   B. FACTIONALISM...
      1. The splitting of a group into factions - Wiktionary
      2. Factional: self-interested; partisan - Dictionary.com

   C. IN THE GREEK NEW TESTAMENT...
      1. The word translated "factions" is hairesis - cf. 1Co 11:19
         a. A division of people into different and opposing sets
            - ‘division, separate group.’ ‘for it is necessary that
            divisions exist among you’ or ‘the existence of divisions
            among you is inevitable’ 1Co 11:19 - Louw-Nida
         b. This Greek word is also translated as "heresies" - 2Pe 2:1
         c. Which is included among the works of the flesh - Ga 5:20
         d. Together with "dissensions" (dichostasia) - those who cause
            divisions - cf. Ro 16:17
      2. A derivative is hairetikon - cf. Tit 3:10
         a. Pertaining to causing divisions - ‘divisive, one who causes
            divisions.’ - Louw-Nida
         b. A divisive (factious) man is to be warned and then rejected
            if he does not repent!

[I would define factionalism as the tendency to split into factions,
prompted by a contentious, partisan spirit or disposition.  Let’s now consider some...]

II. MANIFESTATIONS OF FACTIONALISM

   A. WITHIN CHURCHES...
      1. The problem at Corinth - 1Co 1:10-12
         a. Symptomatic of spiritual immaturity and carnality - 1Co 3:1-4
         b. Manifested also in their observance of the Lord’s Supper
            - 1Co 11:17-20
      2. The problem today often exists due to:
         a. Generational, racial, cultural, or doctrinal issues
         b. The development of cliques, and then the formation of factions
   B. AMONG CHURCHES...
      1. The issue of circumcision in the early church - Ac 15:1-2
         a. Led by a faction from the church at Jerusalem
         b. Creating problems with churches in Syria and Galatia - Ga 2:11-13; 6:12
      2. Intra-church factions today often occur
         a. Where congregations often align themselves into a faction
         b. Usually the first step into sectarianism and denominationalism

   C. INFLUENCES OF FACTIONALISM...
      1. Undue allegiance - cf. 1Co 1:12
         a. To notable persons like a preacher, writer, editor
         b. To an institution such as a college, missionary or benevolent society
         c. To brotherhood magazines, lectureships, websites
      2. Compounded by the same spirit found at Corinth - cf. 1Co 3:1-4
         a. Spiritual immaturity - 1Co 3:1
         b. Carnality - 1Co 3:2-4

[Factionalism needs to be taken seriously.  Here are some thoughts For...]

III. AVOIDING FACTIONALISM

   A. REMEMBER THE IMPORTANCE OF UNITY...
      1. Jesus prayed for unity, He died to create unity - Jn 17:20-21; Ep 2:14-17
      2. Paul condemned division, it is a work of the flesh - 1Co 1:10-13; Ga 5:20

   B. DEVELOP SPIRITUAL MATURITY...
      1. Remember, division is often the result of carnality - 1Co 3:1-4
      2. We need the mind of Christ:  lowliness of mind and concern for others - Php 2:1-5
      3. We need to learn gentleness, longsuffering, forbearance, love, diligence - Ep 4:1-3

   C. CONTEND WITHOUT CONTENTIOUSNESS...
      1. Contending for the faith is essential - Jude 3; Php 1:27
      2. But we can contend without contentiousness, disagree without being disagreeable
      3. By displaying the gentleness and meekness of Christ, which
         together with truth are "weapons mighty in God" - 2Co 10:1-6

   D. AVOID A PARTISAN SPIRIT ...
      1. That is, being quick to align oneself with a party, faction, group
      2. Instead, strive to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace - Ep 4:3-6
      3. Working toward unity if at all possible
      4. Being a part of the solution, not the problem

CONCLUSION

1. Factionalism is a terrible, destructive, work of the flesh - Ga 5:20; Tit 3:10
   a. Like denominationalism, it hinders unity
   b. Like sectarianism, it fosters division

2. Unity among brethren is a beautiful thing - Ps 133:1; Jn 17:21
   a. It is good and pleasant
   b. It helps the world to believe in Jesus

   Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one
   another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;

   not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the
   contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you
   may inherit a blessing.

   For "He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain
   his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit. Let him
   turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it.

   For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are
   open to their prayers; But the face of the LORD is against those
   who do evil."
                                                       - 1Pe 3:8-12

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

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From Gary... Rejoice in your blessings!!!


I laughed when I saw this today. Why? Because it reminded me of my dogs and treat-time.  What started out with one dog, has now become a pack of four. And treat-time has changed as well.  The pack is more aggressive, with Hercules (AKA chicken) being the most zealous.  Yet, they still will sit for their treats and often the way they act causes me to laugh. To me, this is nothing less than a blessing from God...

Genesis, Chapter 21 (WEB)
5 Abraham was one hundred years old when his son, Isaac, was born to him.  6 Sarah said, “God has made me laugh. Everyone who hears will laugh with me.”  7 She said, “Who would have said to Abraham, that Sarah would nurse children? For I have borne him a son in his old age.” 

Look, see God's blessings in your life- BE HAPPY!!!  And to be on the safe side- BUY PLENTY OF DOG TREATS!!!!