4/11/22

"CHALLENGES CONFRONTING THE CHURCH" Factionalism by Mark Copeland

 









"CHALLENGES CONFRONTING THE CHURCH"

Factionalism

INTRODUCTION
  1. In previous lessons, we examined the challenges of...
    1. Denominationalism
    2. Sectarianism
  2. Both of these challenges have often by exacerbated by factionalism...
    1. Leading to the rise of new denominations (38,000 and rising!)
    2. 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...]

  1. THE DEFINITION OF FACTION AND FACTIONALISM
    1. 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
    2. FACTIONALISM...
      1. The splitting of a group into factions - Wiktionary
      2. Factional: self-interested; partisan - Dictionary.com
    3. IN THE GREEK NEW TESTAMENT...
      1. The word translated "factions" is hairesis - cf. 1Co 11:19
        1. 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
        2. This Greek word is also translated as "heresies" - 2Pe 2:1
        3. Which is included among the works of the flesh - Ga 5:20
        4. Together with "dissensions" (dichostasia) - those who cause divisions - cf. Ro 16:17
      2. A derivative is hairetikon - cf. Tit 3:10
        1. Pertaining to causing divisions - 'divisive, one who causes divisions.' - Louw-Nida
        2. 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...]

  2. MANIFESTATIONS OF FACTIONALISM
    1. WITHIN CHURCHES...
      1. The problem at Corinth - 1Co 1:10-12
        1. Symptomatic of spiritual immaturity and carnality - 1Co 3:1-4
        2. Manifested also in their observance of the Lord's Supper - 1Co 11:17-20
      2. The problem today often exists due to:
        1. Generational, racial, cultural, or doctrinal issues
        2. The development of cliques, and then the formation of factions
    2. AMONG CHURCHES...
      1. The issue of circumcision in the early church - Ac 15:1-2
        1. Led by a faction from the church at Jerusalem
        2. Creating problems with churches in Syria and Galatia - Ga 2:11-13; 6:12
      2. Intra-church factions today often occur
        1. Where congregations often align themselves into a faction
        2. Usually the first step into sectarianism and denominationalism
    3. INFLUENCES OF FACTIONALISM...
      1. Undue allegiance - cf. 1Co 1:12
        1. To notable persons like a preacher, writer, editor
        2. To an institution such as a college, missionary or benevolent society
        3. To brotherhood magazines, lectureships, websites
      2. Compounded by the same spirit found at Corinth - cf. 1Co 3:1-4
        1. Spiritual immaturity - 1Co 3:1
        2. Carnality - 1Co 3:2-4

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

  3. AVOIDING FACTIONALISM
    1. 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
    2. 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
    3. 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
    4. 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
    1. Like denominationalism, it hinders unity
    2. Like sectarianism, it fosters division
  2. Unity among brethren is a beautiful thing - Ps 133:1; Jn 17:21
    1. It is good and pleasant
    2. 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, 2022

Notice by Gary Rose

 

Sounds like a lot of double-talk, doesn’t it? Recently, I needed to review some insurance documents and they were full of “communication” like this. I use the word communication very loosely, because the level of communication is very, very low. Like the insurance documents, one has to read this quite slowly to understand what is being said. Also, being a lawyer would be very helpful.

For almost my entire adult life, I have been reading the Bible. Some things in it are hard to understand, like prophecies for example. But the things that matter a great deal are quite straightforward. Consider the book of Acts. This book is a history of people becoming Christians; here is but one example ( but a very good one ).

Acts 2 ( World English Bible )

1 Now when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all with one accord in one place.

2 Suddenly there came from the sky a sound like the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

3 Tongues like fire appeared and were distributed to them, and one sat on each of them.

4 They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability to speak.

5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under the sky.

6 When this sound was heard, the multitude came together, and were bewildered, because everyone heard them speaking in his own language.

7 They were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Behold, aren’t all these who speak Galileans?

8 How do we hear, everyone in our own native language?

9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia,

10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the parts of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,

11 Cretans and Arabians: we hear them speaking in our languages the mighty works of God!”

12 They were all amazed, and were perplexed, saying one to another, “What does this mean?”

13 Others, mocking, said, “They are filled with new wine.”

14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and spoke out to them, “You men of Judea, and all you who dwell at Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to my words.

15 For these aren’t drunken, as you suppose, seeing it is only the third hour of the day.

16 But this is what has been spoken through the prophet Joel:

17 ‘It will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions. Your old men will dream dreams.

18 Yes, and on my servants and on my handmaidens in those days, I will pour out my Spirit, and they will prophesy.

19 I will show wonders in the sky above, and signs on the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and billows of smoke.

20 The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and glorious day of the Lord comes.

21 It will be, that whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

22 “Men of Israel, hear these words! Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved by God to you by mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him in the midst of you, even as you yourselves know,

23 him, being delivered up by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by the hand of lawless men, crucified and killed;

24 whom God raised up, having freed him from the agony of death, because it was not possible that he should be held by it.

25 For David says concerning him, ‘I saw the Lord always before my face, For he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved.

26 Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced. Moreover my flesh also will dwell in hope;

27 because you will not leave my soul in Hades, neither will you allow your Holy One to see decay.

28 You made known to me the ways of life. You will make me full of gladness with your presence.’

29 “Brothers, I may tell you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.

30 Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, he would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne,

31 he foreseeing this spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was his soul left in Hades, nor did his flesh see decay.

32 This Jesus God raised up, to which we all are witnesses.

33 Being therefore exalted by the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this, which you now see and hear.

34 For David didn’t ascend into the heavens, but he says himself, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit by my right hand,

35 until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”’

36 “Let all the house of Israel therefore know certainly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

39 For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all who are far off, even as many as the Lord our God will call to himself.”

40 With many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”

41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls.

The Jews had Jesus crucified. They were guilty of his execution. They needed to repent and turn to God and be baptized and become a members of THE CHURCH bought with Jesus’ own blood. This is how someone becomes a Christian. No double-talk, just plain language. Follow their example: Believe in Jesus, repent of sin, submit to God’s will for your life by being baptized for the remission of sins. Do this and live with God forever.

4/4/22

How To Win When You Lose by Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

 

https://thepreachersword.com/2016/02/11/how-to-win-when-you-lose/#more-8459

How To Win When You Lose

Cam Newton

“I’m on record as being a sore loser. I hate losing,” said quarterback Cam Newton. “You show me a good loser and I’ll show you a loser.”

Newton shared his philosophy on losing to reporters Tuesday in response to his aborted press conference following a devastating loss in Sunday’s Super Bowl.

Newton pouted during the post game news conference, channeling his inner Bill Belichick, by giving petulant answers to reporters’ questions. After mumbling single, short answers to seven questions he abruptly walked away saying, “I don’t know what you want from me.”

Newton is a talented athlete. He was a star at Auburn. A Heisman trophy winner. And led his Carolina team to 17 victories out of 18 games before being humbled by the Broncos and their vaunted defense. Newton’s post game actions reminded me of the quote by the great sportswriter Heywood Hale Broun, “Sports do not build character; they reveal it.”

However, in Newton’s defense, I understand what it means to be a sore loser. I’ve been there. We all know sportswriters can ask some pretty lame questions. And after losing the biggest game of your life, emotions are raw and you’re in no mood to talk about why you lost. His coach and team mates defended him. Even Broncos quartrerback, Peyton Manning, said that Newton was humble and gracious to him following the game.

But his behavior, critiqued and criticized by the media and the public, does raise a good question, “How do you win when you lose?”

I was reminded of the words by the apostle Paul in Philippians 4:11-13. “….have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Granted Paul never played in the Super Bowl, but he faced incredible challenges in his ministry. Paul was the rising star of his day in Jewish circles. He was well educated, had connections with the people in high places, and was by his own admission “a Hebrew of Hebrews.”

After becoming a Christian, Paul became a great apostle and spokesman for Christ. He traveled the world. His missionary tours resulted in many conversions and churches established. He wrote more letters than any other apostle. And is more often quoted. Yet, he didn’t always win.

Paul suffered persecution. Rejection by his own countrymen. A physical “thorn in the flesh.” And unfounded accusations regarding his motives for preaching.

Paul didn’t always win in life. But he did learn something. He learned how to deal with it. How to develop inner contentment. How to rise above his circumstances. How to “be brought low,” yet maintain his honor, dignity and character.

The wise man wrote in Ecclesiastes 3:6 that there is a time “to gain and a time to lose.” Life, like sports, is filled with gains and lossses. Ups and downs. Prosperity and adversity. Winning and losing. We need to learn, and to teach our children, that losing doesn’t make you a loser.

Author and educator, the late Warren Bennis once noted that all successful people are tested by adveristy. Even when they are initially defeated, they did not allow the defeat to define them. Even in losing, winners use the experience to stimulate them to persevere and achieve.

I’m reminded of a great book by leadership guru, John Maxwell, entitled “Failing Forward.” The premise of the book is how to turn mistakes into stepping stones for success. Maxwell correctly observes, “The more you do, the more you fail. The more you fail, the more you learn. The more you learn, the better you get.”

Failing doesn’t make you a failure. Losing doesn’t make you a loser. This is true in sports, business, ministry, and in our Christian walk of life.

Use losing to make you better not bitter. Stronger not weaker. Gracious not grumpy. Kind not  cantankerous

Show me a good loser and I’ll show you an eventual winner.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman



Was Jesus' Body "Broken"–Or Not? Dave Miller, Ph.D.

 

https://apologeticspress.org/was-jesus-body-brokenor-not-5974/


Was Jesus' Body "Broken"–Or Not?


Dave Miller, Ph.D.
Reason & Revelation Doctrinal Matters Jesus
From Issue: R&R – June 2021

One of the fascinating incidents that occurred while Jesus hung on the cross is reported by John:

Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs.… For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken” (John 19:31-36).

To account for the Roman soldiers excluding Jesus from the customary breaking of the leg bones of crucifixion victims,1 John quotes the words of David in Psalm 34:19-20—“Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. He guards all his bones; not one of them is broken.”

Despite this plain declaration regarding the bones of Jesus, in his directives to the Corinthians regarding the Lord’s Supper, Paul explained:

For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me” (1 Corinthians 11:23-24).

Notice the tension, if not seemingly outright contradiction, that is created by the word “broken” when juxtaposed with John’s quotation of Psalm 34:20 in John 19:36. How are these disparate remarks to be reconciled?

This alleged contradiction is easily dispelled by taking into consideration the transmission of the New Testament text. “Textual criticism” is the science of ascertaining the original wording of a text.2 Since we do not have the original autographs that came from the hands of the inspired writers, we must examine the copies that have survived and “sort out” the differences between them. This pursuit has been in progress for centuries and has, in fact, accomplished its purpose. Abundant evidence exists by which one can know that the books of the Bible have been transmitted accurately through the centuries. We can be confident that the Bible has been adequately preserved from error and continues to serve the purpose God intends for it to serve.

It so happens that the term “broken” in 1 Corinthians 11:24 is a “textual variant”—an instance where manuscripts differ with each other. Some English translations include the word, while others do not. For example, those that keep “broken” include the KJV, NKJV, GNV, MEV, NLV, NMB, OJB, WEB, and YLT. Those that omit the word “broken” constitute the vast majority of English translations, including the ASV, ESV, NASB, RSV, NRSV, NIV, and many others. Why the difference?

Without going into technical detail, here are several observations that come from the manuscript evidence. First, while the external evidence for the inclusion of “broken” is varied and diverse, it is not as ancient as the evidence for omitting “broken.” Second, generally speaking, when textual critics pore over manuscripts and their textual variants, they have discovered that the shorter reading is typically the original. The exclusion of “broken” is the shorter reading. Third, they have observed that the more difficult reading (i.e., difficult for the scribe to understand or reconcile) is generally the original. In this case, insertion of the word “broken” could have been due to the scribe’s tendency to want to clarify, explain, or make sense of in what way Jesus’ body was “for you.”

Fourth, verbal dissidence exists between the words “for you” and “broke” earlier in the same verse, suggesting that a copyist was unduly influenced by the presence of the earlier form of the word for “broken.” We know that not one of Jesus’ bones was broken on the cross—as forthrightly affirmed by John’s inspired commentary on the actions of the Roman soldiers at the cross. If “broken” was originally included in Paul’s letter, one must resort to making sense of the term. Did Paul intend to refer to the breaking or tearing of Jesus’ skin? Or was he merely speaking metaphorically, using the concept of “broken” in the sense that Jesus was a broken man—having experienced extensive physical and mental torture? These possibilities—which arguably settle the issue of an alleged discrepancy—nevertheless seem unlikely.

Of course, nothing doctrinally significant is at stake with this textual variant—which is most certainly the case with the overwhelming majority of variants. But the external and internal manuscript evidence leans more to the conclusion that Paul originally wrote: “This is my body, which is for you.” No contradiction exists between the words of John and the words of Paul.

Endnotes

1 For more on this custom, see Dave Miller (2020), The Bible is From God: A Sampling of Proofs (Montgomery, AL: Apologetics Press), pp. 61ff.

2 See Bruce Metzger (1968), The Text of the New Testament (New York: Oxford University Press).

Published

God loves a cheerful giver by Roy Davison

 

http://www.oldpaths.com/Archive/Davison/Roy/Allen/1940/give.html

God loves a cheerful giver

“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). The Revised Standard Version has “not reluctantly or under compulsion.”


Do not give grudgingly or under compulsion!

In the church of Christ each one is to give as he purposes in his own heart and there is to be no compulsion.

I once attended a Pentecostal tent meeting in Canada where plastic buckets were passed around several times to collect money. For a half an hour the preacher pled with the people to give more and more. He himself drove a Cadillac.

I once attended a Catholic mass as a visitor in West Flanders where the priest went up and down each row of chairs, holding out the collection basket and looking each person straight in the eye. When he came to me, I said: “No, thank you.”

Worldly churches often use unscriptural methods of obtaining money. When I was a boy there was a building near our home that we called “The Bingo Church.” The only sign was a large billboard with the words: “Bingo Every Thursday Night!” Some denominations sell lottery tickets, have rummage sales and use all kinds of gimmicks to raise money.

Some misuse religion for material gain. Paul warned Timothy about such people, “men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself” (1 Timothy 6:5).

Giving is an important aspect of being a Christian, and an opportunity to give is provided on the Lord’s day (1 Corinthians 16:2). But in the church of Christ we may not pressure people to give or use worldly devices to obtain money. Christians give as they have purposed in their own heart and as the Lord has prospered them.

Church leaders have no right to tell people how much to give or to ask for pledges. How much someone gives is between him and God. We should not ask for funds from non-Christians and visitors are not expected to contribute.

Paul wrote to Philemon: “But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary” (Philemon 14).

God wants us to give willingly out of love.


We give cheerfully because God has given so much to us.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17). “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16). Jesus “gave Himself for our sins” (Galatians 1:4). “Walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us” (Ephesians 5:2). God is generous and He wants us to be like Him.


God wants us to give ourselves to Him.

Even though they were poor, the churches of Macedonia gave generously because they had first given themselves to God: “Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we had hoped, but first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God” (2 Corinthians 8:1-5).

Christians are generous with their time and resources because they have given themselves to God and they love their fellow man.


God wants us to be generous.

“He who has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor” (Proverbs 22:9).

We are to be generous even to our enemies: “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for so you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the Lord will reward you” (Proverbs 25:21, 22).


We are to share.

When the people asked John the Baptist, “What shall we do then?” he replied, “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise” (Luke 3:10, 11).

Paul wrote: “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:17-19).


God wants us to lay up treasure in heaven.

Jesus said: “Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:33, 34).


God will bless us if we are generous.

“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38). If we use a teaspoon to measure out our gifts, God will use a teaspoon for our blessings. If we use a dump-truck to bless others, God will use a dump-truck to bless us.

Paul explained to the Corinthians that God would provide for their needs if they were generous: “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: ‘He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness remains forever.’ Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God” (2 Corinthians 9:6-11).

He explains that their sharing brings glory to God: “For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men” (2 Corinthians 9:12, 13). The churches of Galatia were told: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).


God wants us to work so we can give.

Paul had set an example in this for the Christians at Ephesus: “Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:34, 35).

In his letter to this same church, he wrote: “Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need” (Ephesians 4:28).


God wants us to give both personally and through the church.

Our good deeds are to be done discreetly. Jesus said: “But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly” (Matthew 6:3, 4).

Christians give on the first day of the week. Paul told the Christians at Corinth: “On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come” (1 Corinthians 16:2).

Gifts can also be given at other times to meet special needs. We read about the church at Jerusalem: “Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need” (Acts 4:34, 35).


A gift that we do not miss is not a real gift.

“Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. So He called His disciples to Him and said to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood’” (Mark 12:41-44).

We are not really giving if we just give what is left over. Our giving should be planned. We are to give as we have purposed in our heart.


How then are we to give?

May we not be like the little girl who was given two coins, one to buy candy and one to put in the collection. As she skipped along the street she dropped one of the coins and it rolled into a drain. As she peered through the grate she said: “Whoops! There went the Lord’s money!”

What have we learned?

  • “Let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
  • No compulsion is to be used in the church of Christ.
  • We give cheerfully because God has given us so much.
  • God wants us to give ourselves to Him.
  • He wants us to be generous and to share so we can lay up treasure in heaven.
  • God will bless us if we are generous.
  • He wants us to work so we can give.
  • We give both personally and through the church.
  • A gift that we do not miss is not a real gift.
May the Lord bless you richly. Amen.

Roy Davison

The Scripture quotations in this article are from The New King James Version. ©1979,1980,1982, Thomas Nelson Inc., Publishers unless indicated otherwise. Permission for reference use has been granted.

Published in The Old Paths Archive
(http://www.oldpaths.com)

"CHALLENGES CONFRONTING THE CHURCH" Sectarianism by Mark Copeland

 









"CHALLENGES CONFRONTING THE CHURCH"

Sectarianism

INTRODUCTION
  1. In our previous lesson, we examined the challenge of denominationalism...
    1. Which involves the organization of local churches under various hierarchies
    2. Each denomination with its unique names, presenting a divided picture of church
    3. Contrary to the prayer of Jesus and the doctrine of Paul - Jn 17:20-23; 1Co 1:10-13
  2. A similar challenge confronting the church is what I describe as sectarianism...
    1. Though I use the term in a rather unique and limited sense
    2. But as a problem I have seen arise even in opposition to denominationalism
    3. Leading to a perspective of the church that is akin to a denominational mindset

[What do I mean by sectarianism? Let's begin by considering some dictionary definitions...]

  1. DEFINING SECT AND SECTARIANISM
    1. WHAT IS A SECT....?
      1. A group of people forming a distinct unit within a larger group by virtue of certain refinements or distinctions of belief or practice
      2. A religious body, especially one that has separated from a larger denomination
      3. A faction united by common interests or beliefs
      -- The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language
    2. WHAT IS SECTARIANISM...?
      1. Of, relating to, or characteristic of a sect or sectarian
      2. Limited in character or scope: parochial
      -- Merriam-Webster's Online Dictionary
    3. OBSERVATIONS...
      1. Sect and sectarianism are often used as synonyms for denomination and denominationalism
      2. In this study, I am limiting my use of the terms to these definitions:
        1. Sect: a faction united by common interests or beliefs
        2. Sectarianism: Limited in character or scope: parochial
      3. I am making what may be an arbitrary, but hopefully useful, distinction
        1. Denominationalism: a mindset that sees nothing wrong with dividing up the body of Christ into various denominations
        2. Sectarianism: a mindset that views the body of Christ as limited to a select group of churches identified by a particular and somewhat arbitrary set of doctrinal practices

        [Using these two terms as such, perhaps I can clarify the distinction further by reviewing two erroneous views of the church of Christ...]

  2. MISCONCEPTIONS OF THE CHURCH
    1. THE DENOMINATIONAL MISCONCEPTION...
      1. The Church of Christ is made up of those churches with the name "Church of Christ"
      2. The "Church of Christ" (as such) is but one denomination among many
      3. Together with other denominations, they constitute the universal church, the Body of Christ
      4. Those who hold this view include:
        1. Those in other denominations, because of their denominational mindset in which they view their own church (denomination) as but a part of the Body of Christ
        2. Sadly, many in "mainstream" churches of Christ, who are increasingly accepting a denominational view of the church
    2. THE SECTARIAN MISCONCEPTION...
      1. The Church of Christ is made up only of those churches with the name "Church of Christ"
      2. Those churches (as such) constitute the one, true church, the Body of Christ
      3. People in any other congregations cannot possibly be members of the Body of Christ
      4. Those who hold this view include:
        1. Many in "mainstream" churches of Christ, especially those who view "Church of Christ" as the official and exclusive name for the Lord's church
        2. Many in "non-mainstream" churches of Christ, including those tending to identify themselves on the basis of one particular issue

        [With this peculiar distinction between denominationalism and sectarianism hopefully made clear, let me suggest two...]

  3. EXAMPLES OF SECTARIANISM
    1. INSISTING ON ONE EXCLUSIVE NAME...
      1. The Scriptures use a variety of terms describing the Lord's church - e.g., Ro 16:16; 1Co 1:2
      2. But some insist there is only one scriptural name (e.g., Church of Christ)
      3. This limits one's view of the church universal to only those churches with the "right name"
      4. When there could be other New Testament churches scriptural in every way, but who choose to use a scriptural designation other than "Church of Christ"
    2. IDENTIFYING FAITHFULNESS BY ONE PARTICULAR DOCTRINE...
      1. Churches are often judged by their stand on particular issues
        1. E.g., the issue of institutionalism
        2. E.g., the issue of divorce and remarriage
      2. This can lead to rather arbitrary standards of faithfulness
        1. For example, a church is deemed faithful if it is "non-institutional"
        2. While in fact it may engage in other unscriptural practices or be lacking in critical Christian attitudes (e.g., love)
      3. I often hear people asking: "Can anyone recommend a NI Church of Christ?"
        1. Is this not reflecting a sectarian mindset, "limited in character or scope"?
        2. Why not ask for "...a Baptist Church of Christ?" or "...an Episcopal Church of Christ?"
      4. Is this not dangerously close to a denominational mindset?
        1. Inadvertently creating a new denomination?
        2. Perhaps lLeading to "The NI Church of Christ"?

        [This is not to lessen the seriousness of erroneous doctrines and practices, for Jesus clearly warned of the danger of false doctrine among churches (Re 2-3). But how can we avoid the sectarian mindset that can easily lead to denominationalism...?]

  4. AVOIDING SECTARIANISM
    1. WITH A PROPER VIEW OF THE CHURCH UNIVERSAL...
      1. Remember what we covered in our first lesson on the universal church:
        1. Began on the day of Pentecost, composed of all Christians
        2. The Lord adds those who are being saved, He determines membership
        3. There is just one spiritual body, there is no earthly organization
      2. Thus the church universal is not composed solely of a select group of churches:
        1. Wearing one official name
        2. Defined by one particular issue
        3. Listed in a specialized directory of churches
    2. WITH A CAREFUL EVALUATION OF LOCAL CHURCHES...
      1. The faithfulness of local churches are determined ultimately by the Lord
        1. Jesus knows and judges His congregations - e.g., Re 2:2-3
        2. Congregations with false teachers might be tolerated for a time - Re 2:4-6
      2. Any evaluation we make is subject to our limited knowledge
        1. Certainly we should do our best to be faithful, and find faithful, churches
        2. But we must be careful in our judgment of other churches - cf. Jm 4:11-12
      3. Careful not to discount the possibility of other faithful churches unknown to us
        1. Scriptural in every way, but perhaps using a different scriptural name
        2. Though not listed in "our" directory of churches, or known by our association
CONCLUSION
  1. Denominationalism and sectarianism can be distinguished by their views of the church...
    1. Denominationalism's view of the church too broad
    2. Sectarianism's view of the church is too narrow
  2. Yet sectarianism often leads to denominationalism...
  3. By inadvertent use of denominational language ("NI Church of Christ")
    1. By a backlash to improper narrow-mindedness typical of sectarianism

My prayer is that we might avoid both denominationalism and sectarianism with a proper view and understanding of the Lord's church universal and His churches local, while serving the Lord simply as Christians in congregations faithful to His Word...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

Mouse lessons by Gary Rose

 

 

Now, that is a MOUSE! Imagine, praying for someone who wants to kill you in one of the most terrifying ways possible – by eating you alive. Yet, that is what this mouse is doing, praying for his mortal enemy.

What a lesson for those who follow Jesus! Remember, Jesus said…

Matthew 5 ( World English Bible )

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.’

44 But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you,

45 that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust.

46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same?

47 If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same?

48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.


Almost everyone has the capacity to pray for your friends ( or perhaps even your close relatives ), but your enemies? Yet, this is what Jesus tells his followers to do. Then, Jesus draws a conclusion from this instruction – by doing this, you will be perfect ( as your heavenly Father is perfect ). This perfection is not just a mental state, it is a practice to follow when interacting with everyone.

Consider the following Old Testament passages…

Leviticus 19 ( WEB )

18 “‘You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people; but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am Yahweh.

Proverbs 25 ( WEB )

21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat. If he is thirsty, give him water to drink:

Exodus 23 ( WEB )

4 “If you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey going astray, you shall surely bring it back to him again.

5 If you see the donkey of him who hates you fallen down under his burden, don’t leave him, you shall surely help him with it. 

 

All these things combine attitudes and actions that God would do. To summarize- love like God does. Its amazing the things that you can learn from a mouse, isn’t it?


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