Denominationalism

Denominationalism
Tim Haile, for the Parkway church of Christ

Religiously speaking, a “denomination” is one particular branch of a larger body of religious people. Many people have the idea that the universal church of Christ is composed of such denominations. Consequently, the members of these various denominational churches accept the religious people of all other “denominations.” How is this done? Doctrinal and moral differences are ignored or dismissed in order to maintain denominational “unity.”

Sadly, many people believe that religious diversity is a good thing. They reason that more and different churches provide people with greater opportunity of choice. Billy Graham and others have taught millions of people to join the church of their choice. This suggests that one church is as good as another. The reality is that some churches are not “as good as” other churches, for they do not respect or follow God’s word. Two misconceptions need to be considered:

1. “Denominationalism” is not good, for it constitutes division. To say that denominationalism is good is to say that division is good. The Bible condemns division (1 Cor. 1:10). The apostle Paul classified division as a work of the flesh. As such, it will keep people out of heaven (Galatians 5:20, 21). Religious division is produced by one or more parties deviating from the Bible standard. The interesting thing about the denominational mindset is that it allows people to maintain fellowship with one another while disagreeing over moral and doctrinal issues. This brings us to our next point:

2. True unity is not established upon moral and doctrinal compromise. It is established upon the infallible standard of God’s word. Bible unity is accomplished by “speaking the same thing” (1 Cor. 1:10), and the “thing” that we are to speak is “the word of God” (1 Pet. 4:11). Paul tells us that these words are contained in “Scripture” (2 Timothy 3:16). Jesus prayed for people to be “one” (John 17:20, 21) It is comforting to be able to get along with others, but the basis and bounds of fellowship have been determined by God (Philippians 3:16; 2 John 9-11).

View past articles at http://parkwayarticles.blogspot.com. Please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: timhaile@mac.com. Visit www.parkwaychurchofchrist.com.

Some Thoughts on "Organized Religion"

Some Thoughts On “Organized Religion”
Tim Haile, for the Parkway church of Christ

People often excuse their lack of religious affiliation on the basis that they are not comfortable with “organized” or “formal” religion. Some of these people claim to believe in God and in the Bible. They take comfort in their personal beliefs and individual practices. What does the Bible say about “organized” religion?

It is true that the Scriptures emphasize the importance of individuality in service to God. Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). And it is individuals that will stand before the judgment seat of Christ where “each one” will be judged according to “his deeds” (2 Corinthians 5:10).

It is also true that some levels and types of “organization” are unscriptural and wrong. For example, the gospel of Christ does not authorize any organizational connections between local churches. Each local church is to have its own “elders” (Acts 14:23). These elders, also called “pastors” and “bishops” (see Acts 20:17 and 28), are to superintend the flock that is “among them” (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2). No scriptural authority exists for them to rule over the members of other churches where they are not members. Furthermore, no scriptural authority exists to form any organization larger than the local church.

Having said these things, Christ is the Savior of the church (Ephesians 5:23) Baptized believers are added by God to the universal church (Acts 2:38, 47; 5:11, 14). Once saved, these saints join together in their respective communities in a local church for the purpose of collective function (Acts 9:26; Ephesians 4:12-16). As noted above, each local church is to be ruled by qualified elders, and individual saints are to submit to their rule in the local church (Hebrews 13:17). God commands Christians to “assemble” (Hebrews 10:25), and the New Testament gives the reasons for these assemblies (Acts 2:42; 20:7…etc). So, even though it is good to reject some types of “organized” religion, one must be careful not to shirk his God-given responsibility to the local church.

View past articles at http://parkwayarticles.blogspot.com. Please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: timhaile@mac.com. Visit www.parkwaychurchofchrist.com.

Whose Prayers Are Answered?

Whose Prayers Are Answered?
Tim Haile, for the Parkway church of Christ

The initial response of most people to this question will be that “God answers the prayers of all people.” And while it would be quite comforting to believe this, the Bible actually teaches something very different. God has given certain rules and guidelines that govern prayer:

1. God will not listen to those who refuse to listen to him. Proverbs 28:9 says, “One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be an abomination.”

2. God will not listen to those who refuse to obey him. 1 John 3:22 says, “And whatever we ask we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.”

3. God will not listen to evildoers and sinners. 1 Peter 3:12 says, “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.” John 9:31 says, “Now we know that God does not listen to sinners; but if anyone is a worshipper of God and does his will, he listens to him.”

4. God will not listen to those who refuse to worship and serve him. I again refer to John 9:31, cited just above. Some people question the legitimacy of using John 9:31, on the grounds that these words were spoken by the blind man. The objection is overruled on the basis that the blind man’s comments are perfectly consistent with the tenor and teaching of the Law of Moses on the subject of prayer (Prov. 15:8; Psa. 34:15).

5. God will not listen to those who do not ask according to his will. 1 John 5:14 says, “Now this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” The inspired James spoke of some who prayed unscriptural prayers: “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures” (James 4:3). God hears prayers that are in harmony with his will.

Prayer is a great privilege and blessing, but it is regulated by God. Let us do what God tells us to do so that our prayers will be heard.

View past articles at http://parkwayarticles.blogspot.com. Please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: timhaile@mac.com. Visit www.parkwaychurchofchrist.com.

"Liberal" Versus "Conservative"

“Liberal” Versus “Conservative”
Tim Haile, for the Parkway church of Christ

Those who are familiar with religion and politics are accustomed to hearing people classified as either “liberal” or “conservative.” Some people are offended by the use of these terms because they are sometimes used in an insulting and derogatory way. However, this is not always true. It is possible for the terms to be used quite properly and usefully.

The word “liberal” means, “broadly construed or understood; not strictly literal or exact.” A constitutional liberal is, therefore, one who does not take a strict approach to interpreting and applying our nation’s Constitution. A religious liberal is one who does not take a strict approach to interpreting and applying the Holy Scriptures. Conversely, a conservative is one who takes the law literally, whether civil or spiritual law, and he strictly interprets and applies that law. I sometimes illustrate this point with a tape measure. The liberal use of a standard is like one who attempts to measure the distance between two points while allowing the tape measure to drape down loosely between those two points. Failure to pull the tape tight between the points will result in an inaccurate measurement. The one who has confidence in his measuring standard will use it responsibly. Interestingly, carpenters and fabricators will not long survive in their business if they are careless in their use of a measuring standard. Why is it that people are so careless in their handling of God’s standard given the eternal nature of the consequences?

God commands people to take his Scriptures literally, and to take a conservative (strict) approach to their interpretation and use. Jesus emphasized the strictness of the Scriptures when he announced that his fulfillment of Mosaic law would involve the fulfillment of every “jot” and “tittle” of the law (Matthew 5:18). A “jot” was a small letter, and a “tittle” was a small accent mark. Jesus’ mother told the servants “whatever he says to you, do it” (John 2:5). This is what we should do today. And we should do so without adding to or taking from God’s words (Rev. 22:18, 19; Galatians 1:8, 9). Let us handle the Scriptures correctly (2 Tim. 2:15). Let us refrain from handling them liberally and loosely.

View past articles at http://parkwayarticles.blogspot.com. Please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: timhaile@mac.com. Visit www.parkwaychurchofchrist.com.

The New "Corban"

The New “Corban”
Tim Haile, for the Parkway church of Christ

The Pharisees and Scribes of Jesus’ day avoided providing financial assistance to their parents by designating the money as “Corban.” This meant that any money that might otherwise be given to their parents had already been dedicated as a “gift” to the Temple. Jesus therefore accused these men of disobeying the divine commandment to “honor” their “father and mother” (Ex. 20:12; Mark 7:9-12).

The “Corban” concept is still around, but with a different twist. For some, the Temple is replaced with the church. For others, it is replaced with the civil government. Rather than fulfill their God-given duty to care for their needy parents and relatives, many people pass this responsibility to the church or government. The apostle Paul taught that the responsibility to provide for the needy falls first to immediate family members. “If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, so that it may care for those who are really widows” (1 Timothy 5:16). This principle of primary obligation applies equally in the care of family members who are not “widows.”

Like the Pharisees of old, many people have a practice of scapegoating their most basic duties and responsibilities to others. Our modern culture is witnessing a full-blown dependency syndrome. Many people believe that their livelihood, happiness and well-being are owed to them by society or government. Many people have actually been culturally conditioned to look to others for their sustenance and survival. The Bible tells people to “work in quietness and eat their own bread.” The apostle Paul said, “if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12). We need to help ourselves to help others (Eph. 4:28). Paul set a noble example in this regard (Acts 20:34; 1 Thess. 2:9; 2 Thess. 3:9). Rather than doing what the Bible says, many people expect aid from others, looking primarily to government. In it they place their trust. Upon it they invest their hopes and dreams. From it they receive their sustenance. Sadly, human government has become the god of many.

View past articles at http://parkwayarticles.blogspot.com. Please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: timhaile@mac.com. Visit www.parkwaychurchofchrist.com.

Religious Changelings (Part 2)

Religious Changelings (Part 2)
Tim Haile, for the Parkway church of Christ

As discussed last week, Solomon warned of the dangerous influence of those who are “given to change” (Proverbs 24:21). Not all change is good! Some change constitutes rebellion against God’s established norms.

Some changers are busy converting local churches from once spiritual fortresses into dens of compromise. Those who were once bold apologists for Christ are now apologizing for Christ. Like the disciples in Matthew 15:12, these brethren are worried that plainly stated truths will “offend” the popular crowd. Like modern day Pilates, these brethren desire “to gratify the crowd” (Mk. 15:15). Some in the first century refused to openly acknowledge Christ for fear that they would be cast out of the synagogue. “They loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (Jn. 12:42-43). Churches need to quit worrying about “what people will think” if they take an unapologetic approach to doctrinal, moral and ethical questions. They need to “preach the word” without fear or favor (2 Tim. 4:2; 1 Tim. 5:21). They need to “sound forth” (1 Thess. 1:6-8) the gospel and not worry about the consequences of preaching it.

Many local churches are engaged in a kind of calculated evangelism. They are calculating just how far they can go in their Bible teaching and applications before they “alienate” hearers. This calculation is not theirs to make! They are whittling on God’s end of the stick. What they need to do is to recommit themselves to doing the work of planting and watering, and leave the giving of increase to God (1 Cor. 3:6). A God-approved church stands as “the pillar and ground of the truth” in its respective community (1 Tim. 3:15). The combination of the Greek words for “pillar” (Gr. Stylos) and “ground” (Gr. - Hedraioma; Latin Vulgate - firmamentum) suggest the notion of firm, steady and stable support. Local churches are entrusted with the work of firmly supporting the truth. Sadly, the ground under many local churches is shaky and the pillars have crumbled. Proclaiming the “whole council of God” (Acts 20:27) is too risky for these churches, and being “set for the defense of the gospel” (Phil. 1:17) is too negative. In their determination to please men and befriend the world, Christ is not served and God is rejected (Gal. 1:10; Jas. 4:4).

View past articles at http://parkwayarticles.blogspot.com. Please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: timhaile@mac.com. Visit www.parkwaychurchofchrist.com.

Sin and Salvation

Sin and Salvation
Tim Haile, for the Parkway church of Christ

“Political correctness” has produced a kind of religious correctness, which has led to the popular notion that Christians are not to be critical of “sinful” behavior. It is alleged that true Christians will have a “live and let live” approach to others. And while it is true that the New Testament contains no mechanism for the coercion of good behavior or for the physical punishment of bad behavior, this does not mean that Christians are to be silent regarding the law of God. God’s word constitutes a standard, and it is applied to humans through instruction and learning. Local churches are to “sound forth the word of the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 1:8). Individual saints are to “hold forth the word of life” (Philippians 2:16). The gospel message is the “word of the Lord” because it was “breathed out” by God (2 Timothy 3:16). It is the “word of life” because it contains life-giving, soul-saving instructions. The gospel of Christ is “the power of God to salvation to everyone that believes…” (Romans 1:16). But “salvation” from what? Religious people often speak of “being saved,” but from what are we “saved?” Paul immediately answers this question in the several following verses following Romans 1:16 and 17: The answer is SIN! We are saved from the guilt and soul-damning consequences of sin.

How many times have you heard the word “sin” in the past few weeks or months? Probably not much. Most people, even many who call themselves “Christians, are afraid to use the little word “sin.” They fear that if they define sinful conduct, someone’s (sinful) behavior might be indicted and they will be charged with unlawful “judging of others.” Matthew 7:1-5 does condemn the kind of judging wherein one condemns others while he is doing the same thing (hypocritical judging), but what about the simple task of holding forth God’s divine standard? What about gospel preaching? If one “speaks as the oracles of God” and teaches what Paul taught in Romans 1:18-32, he will have condemned many different types of sinful behavior. Of course, this is one of the purposes of gospel preaching. Yes, we must preach the facts that are to be believed, but what good does it do one to believe if he refuses to repent? Jesus plainly stated that people will “perish” if they refuse to turn from their sins (Luke 13:3, 5). But how does one repent of his sins if he doesn’t know what they are? Salvation is from sin. Let us ignore this new “religious correctness” and let us get back to the work of showing people why they need to be saved, and what they must do to accomplish salvation!

View past articles at http://parkwayarticles.blogspot.com. Please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: timhaile@mac.com. Visit www.parkwaychurchofchrist.com.