We sing the songs of Zion saying that we are one in the Spirit and one in the Lord and while we are marching we are not divided all one body we, but in practice we are not. We sing the ideals and walk in the stark reality. Paul emphasizes in Ephesians 4:4-6 the unity and oneness of the Church because it is to reflect the oneness of God.
Even when I was very young in the Methodist Church, I questioned the Apostle’s Creed when it said I believe in the holy catholic church. I wondered why I was in the Methodist Church when my buddy was down the street in the Catholic Church. What was I doing in the Methodist Church affirming the one down the street? I didn’t know who to ask and no one bothered to explain that the catholic I was reciting meant the “universal” church not the Roman Catholic Institution.
When I was older and conversation would turn to religion one of the topics most used to dismiss the whole thing was that there were so many churches how do you know which one is right? They all use the Bible and quote Jesus but have very little else in common and they accuse each other of being wrong. We would conclude that it was all too confusing and maybe offer up a bit of our own personal theology and then have another beer and go on to easier subjects like sports, politics and women, which were less mysterious and less apt to cause arguments. Yes, I jest.
I have friend from Virginia that chastises me saying that I shouldn’t use the name Baptist as I just promote sectarianism and that should not be done. While I believe that I understand his heart and in I am in agreement ideologically I also see that we started not being “one” from the time of the apostles and see the need for a scorecard that the “approved” may stand out or at least make it easier to pick out the unapproved.
Let’s face it, Christian was the name given to us by our enemies and it has been so watered down by the many different sects and cults from far Left to far Right that the term means nothing today. If someone says that he/she is a Christian they get offended if you ask them if they are cultural, ritual or true biblical Christians. Every group thinks that they are THE group. Some are gracious enough to allow others to get in the gates, while others cast out everyone but them. One Baptist group lets other folks in as the friends of the Bridegroom, but they are the only true Bride. Odd concept, but at least not everyone but them goes to hell.
John 16:12-15
12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. (KJV)
I believe this passage speaks to the main issue. Along the way, we have had folks that quit listening to the Holy Spirit. God does not contradict Himself so if a person is a Christian he should be hearing the same message any other Christian is hearing. Black should be black and white should be white. Green is not green to one Christian and blue to another one. Philippians 2:2 affirms this when it says we should of one accord and one mind. Hard to do that if everyone is can have his own way like being at Burger KingÒ
1 Cor 11:18-19
18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
19 For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. (KJV)
Even in the church Paul founded we have craziness going on. They misused the gifts, questioned Paul’s apostleship, sued each other, condoned the worst sin and just generally messed up everything they touched. Where was the love? Where was the oneness?
Heresies are usually false doctrines and that is what we normally think of when we think of a heretic. However, a person that seeks to divide the congregation for his own gain or downright wickedness is also a heretic, which why we are instructed to point out or mark them that cause divisions.
2 Pet 2:1-3
1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. (KJV)
2 Tim 2:15-19
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (KJV)
Where were the false prophets to come out of? They would come out of the Church. Do you think they went off and started the 1st Damnable Heresy Sect? No, they still called themselves Christians. They may have even used the same name as the group they came out of and accused that group of heresy. We can see that same concept played out amongst the Mormons. There are a few groups and none recognize each other as the true followers of Joseph Smith. To each, the other is the heretic. God is not the author of confusion, but men aka theologians are masters at it.
Paul is a name caller. These lads were heretics and he called their names. If I am to depart from all iniquity it would be reasonable to assume that it would also include the workers of iniquity. To know these lads I have to know their names, their group names or their doctrines so that I can stay away from them and tell others who and what to avoid.
II Th 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. (KJV)
This is not a conspiracy theory but a statement of fact. Even in the early Church, which we see as so powerful in its effect on the world, the iniquity that would lead to the schism and sects was already started. What is iniquity? It is moral wickedness and any other violation of the law of God. Indeed, the best definition of righteousness that I have ever heard is that it is cooperating with God and/or His created reality. Thus iniquity would be anything antithetical to righteousness. When God is finished with this age then the Holy Spirit, which is allowing only what God will allow and preventing a full blown epidemic of man’s sin sickness, is taken away from that ministry then we shall have the Hell that is to be the reign of the Anti-Christ and God’s wrathful judgment on the earth. Maranatha!
What kind of things will the mystery of iniquity bring forth? Crazy and evil preachers for one thing and then the doctrines they espouse. Some examples follow.
1 Cor 15:11-14
11 Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.
12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?
13 But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:
14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. (KJV)
There are modern sects that teach that Christ did not actually rise from the dead. It was only a spiritual resurrection. There is nothing new. The names are only changed to protect the guilty and perverse.
Acts 15:1-2
1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. (KJV)
Jesus plus circumcision is not preached too much today, but the principle is widespread. Jesus plus something or things will save you but not Jesus alone. It may be expressed as Jesus and the 10 Commandments or Jesus plus baptism or Jesus plus any number of rituals, but the concept is still the same. We must help Jesus save us or we must accept the gift and then work like crazy to keep it.
If Jesus needs my help to redeem me I sure don’t see it in the Word. He is God. God is omnipotent, omniscience, omnipresent and omni anything you wish to add to the group. He knew me before I was even a grin on my Dad’s face. He knew I was an utterly, despicable basket case. He has seen the beginning from the end because he is the Alpha and Omega. Thus he knows everything I will ever do and every path I will ever take.
He knows these things, but He is not forcing me to do those things or go down any paths. He created a beautiful Garden of Eden, but none of its rows include TULIPS. If His sacrifice were not sufficient He would not be offering me a free eternal gift. He would call it probation, not salvation. He did not buy a pig in the poke. I need Him, but He does not need my help in any way, shape or form. What He starts He finishes with His own power. My puny will and strength are not needed or wanted.
1 Tim 4:1-5
1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. (KJV)
Seducing spirits or imposters will be leading people into apostasy. To be an imposter or fake you have to have something genuine to build the fake from. Counterfeit money is an imposter. It is a fake and to the trained eye it is easily denounced as unapproved. Unfortunately, most Christians do not have a trained eye and a lot of seducing spirits end up influencing the Church. The folks that are lead away are usually tares, but sometimes even young wheat can be deceived for a time.
The seducers can con or dupe people with their lies because they have lied so often and so long that they no longer have a conscience. All that matters is the money or power they achieve by their lies. They are going to Hell and taking other with them but they don’t care. Today is important and tomorrow is not something they think about except in how they will gain more money or power using religious lies to achieve their goals.
Several groups have denounced marriage in one-way or another. The Shakers are extinct because of it. If you don’t acquire new members and have no children to rear up then your group will ultimately die. Some tell you that to serve God you must remain celibate. This doctrine has only led to uncounted numbers of rapes, seductions, child molestation and other immorality under the cloak of religion. While it is often more beneficial to be celibate, marriage is clearly open to anyone and does not mean they in a full time capacity should they marry. Indeed, 1Timothy 3 would indicate that to be a pastor or deacon it is mandatory to be married for many reasons.
Some groups deny that you should not consume flesh if you would be godly or refrain from coffee, tea, soda and the like. Others tell you that you must abstain from certain types of food on certain days. It appears that they do not understand God’s Word or the power of prayer. Certain items may not be good for health because of the way we prepare the item or because of the junk we stick in them but if it is all you have and you pray over it then it is certainly not forbidden. To study nutrition and suggest moderation of certain foods or even denial of some depending on an individual’s health is one thing but to forbid everyone is not in alignment with this passage.
Titus 3:8-11
8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself. (KJV)
I am told to reject or have nothing to do with a man that is a heretick after the first or second admonition. Time is too short to spend in countless arguments over the things Paul mentions when there are souls to be saved and saints edified. If I am to have nothing to do with him I need to be able to identify him as a heretic to others and I need to be able to identify myself and that I hold to the true doctrine. Hence he has a name and so do I, and Christian just doesn’t cut it in our day and time. It was getting pretty muddy during the 1st Century and after centuries of darkness and doctrinal disaster under Catholicism it is muddier than ever. There are crystal-loving channelers that might call themselves Christian since Christ is considered one of the lesser masters in New Age mumbo jumbo.
Indeed, many of the heretical teachings are really foolish questions of vain jangling as Paul calls it in 1 Timothy 1:6. Unstable men wrest or literally torture and pervert Scripture as Peter says and present it to immature believers or religious unbelievers and make a financial killing off them causing them to do things more strange and stringent than the what Scripture teaches while other immature Christians cast off the truth as being legalistic. It is indeed a nightmare as we see what goes on in the name of Christianity and yet what is neglected in the name of liberty. Is it any wonder Christ asked if there would be any faith left on the earth when He returned?
We still battle the Judaizers today. In fact, the Catholic Institution is the victory trophy of the Judaizers and many of her “reformed” offspring still argue over genealogies and strivings about the law and covenants. We aren’t sure if we are Jews, Christians or a mish mash of both. We have missed the teaching of the new covenant and the parable of new wine in old wineskins completely.
I am not to be involved in contentions and strivings over such stuff as it is unprofitable and vain or useless. Those who have gotten wrapped up in that mess seldom change their minds so why continue to beat dead horses or theologians? Yea, many can quote Calvin, Arminius and others more than they can Paul, Peter or Christ Himself.
II Thess 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
(KJV)
Here we go. If the teachings of a person are not after the tradition of what was received of the Apostles I am to walk away from that person. Note, he says a brother. Not everything that is in error is damnable to the soul but it is detrimental to and can cause the death of fellowship and fruitful service. We may be brothers but because of our differences in doctrine we must work in different fields. Amos asks, “How can two walk together except they be agreed?”
Some compromise to this must be allowed for there is not a group, denomination or sect that has everything perfect. Yes, even Baptists have issues that they are not completely in line with Scripture. I do believe that the “real” Baptists are closer to 1st Century beliefs and practices than any other group, but we are not perfect by any means. Indeed, there are many Baptist groups that have gone off into deep and damnable heresy and many Baptists will be in Hell. Eventually, another name may have to be developed for the approved to go by as more and more Baptists go by the wayside. As it is, we often use Independent, Fundamental Baptist to try and describe some of us and unfortunately some who use that are nuts so even that is not sufficient anymore. The same thing has happened in other groups as well. How many different types of Presbyterians, Lutherans and Methodists are there? I once worked with a Church of Christ fellow when I was a POW up North. He proclaimed the COC as the most Liberal denomination in America. Most COC folks wouldn’t use the term denomination though they are one. Yet, I have folks down South that would decry that Liberal appellation so even they are divided though they are against division and I suspect we will see a split one day amongst them so that we will have the “approved” COC and the heretical one. What a day of shock that will be for them. Baptists are so used to splitting some of us think it is a doctrine of church growth.
1 Tim 6:1-5
1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. (KJV)
Here is a problem with many theologians and groups. They have gotten wrapped up in the pride of their organization and their “scholarship” and have corrupted their minds. Indeed, I have been very reluctant over the years to “withstand” some of these folks to their face because I have grown up in the generation that is supposed to stand in awe of degreed and “experienced” people and I am just a poor white trash fellow that was ordained by a small church in a poor town. Who am I to question these “giants” of the faith?
I withheld from debating one highly praised man at a conference because he had just had bypass surgery and I did not want to get him riled up and than have me accused of causing his death. Yet he was in direct contradiction to the main speaker of the conference. They were speaking to different issues but the main premise of the one contradicted the other and here I was another nobody like Amos wanting to confront them with their inconsistency. Yet, God used Amos to chastise a king and priests. I am afraid that God needs to raise up an army of Amos types to straighten out our currently theological royalty before it is too late.
Gain is godliness? Man, does that speak to the majority of our TV preachers who teach prosperity. I guess they never read Hebrews 11:36-38 or remembered that Christ had to send Peter to get tax money and did not even have the comforts of birds and foxes.
How do I walk with lads like that? If I withdraw myself I have become sectarian. We are separated. We are of different spirits and even if we are of the same faith and one of us is not right I have to leave him. We are not in agreement and cannot walk together. That is the root of sectarianism. Bad doctrine or bad manners causes separation. As long as we walk in the flesh those things are going to happen and remember Paul even said it was inevitable.
1 Cor 10:16-23
16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
18 Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?
19 What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?
20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
21 Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils.
22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
23 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. (KJV)
Here we go again! How do I fellowship with folks that hold bad doctrine especially those of the devil? I have all sort of “Christians” that are saying that immorality is fine and even agree that abortion is fine since it is not really a child but a fetus. Both of those are Hellish doctrines. I cannot fellowship with these folks and I personally have to question the salvation of those who hold those doctrines. They are either lost as a goose or dumb as bricks. I can only pray they are the latter though the former is much more likely.
Will I go to Hell if I hang out with these lads? No, but I will certainly not be edified or built up in the things of God and for sure they will not. The testimony of the Church is weakened as well since our “fellowship” or “tolerance” of these lies from Hell comes across as approval of them and even worse that nothing is really important anyway.
We, who are of one bread and one body are to be in one accord in ALL things. I am very fearful that the doctrine of gray areas and “nonessential” doctrines will be, humanly speaking, the destruction of the Church. The gates of Hell are not to prevail but if we abandon truth and lay down our armor we shall lose many battles suffering indignation by the enemy and the judgment of God even though Christ has won the war. The joys and victories we should be experiencing are lost because we do not have the spiritual testosterone to rise up and take our place as the Children of the King and conquer in His Name by the power of His Spirit. We are sissies who do not want to offend or, God forbid, be considered legalists.
I Jn 2:18-19
18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. (KJV)
Many antichrists that are not of the true Church, but as we have seen throughout history they claim the name of Christ. It is a lot easier to send people to Hell as members of a counterfeit Church than it is to send them to Hell as pagans. If I think I am OK with whatever I was born into or have been emotionally or mentally drawn into then a self-righteous sinner is just as good to satan as an outwardly wicked and professing one. There will be multitudes of “Christians” in Hell.
A “Christian” that gets permanently wrapped up in cult was never saved because Jesus said that His sheep hear His voice and they will not follow another. Can there be different folds of sheep because some have turned a deaf ear to some of His commands and teaching? Yes, I can believe that is true. Job had some things right but had to be taught one on one by God. Jesus said that the disciples were not yet able to bear some teachings while He was here so the Holy Ghost would take over when He came. Paul said that some of the Hebrews who should have been mature and experienced enough to be teachers had to be taught foundational truths again. The Corinthians were saved and yet as carnal and immature as Christians can get so there is room for growth and understanding in the Body. The sad thing is that we are awfully dumb and hard of hearing since we haven’t learned much in 2000 years and have argued over some of the same things for centuries. We have the greatest teachers in the Father, Son and Holy Ghost but sadly they have the poorest students.
2 Cor 6:14-18
14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (KJV)
I am to come out from among unbelievers. Many who name the name of Christ are as much unbelievers as any Shintoist, satanist or Muslim. They deny the Word and even the Lord that bought them. We are to come out and be separate. I cannot call a person my brother who believes that Christ is the brother of satan though that person may want me to do that.
If we are true brothers in Christ and yet in disagreement we cannot walk together for it will only cause confusion and God is not the author of that. Whitefield, the Calvinist, once called Wesley, the Arminian, the devil. At one point they reconciled enough to preach once on the same podium but knew that after that they had to walk in different parts of the field. They also chose different names to be called by and yet God used them both to bring revival to England and the US. Praise His power, but He blessed them because the main thrust of their messages were Christ and Him crucified and God will always honor that.
Christ prayed that we would all be one and His prayers are never refused or unanswered. In a sense, when we are born again we are one in Him and nothing can change that no matter whatever name we may call ourselves or family arguments that we have.
Yet, as we have seen from the 1st Century until now as long as man is in this flesh we will have divisions. After the Rapture, there will be no names from this realm at that marriage feast. We will just be the Bride, though we will each have a love name written on a white stone known only to us and our Savior and Groom. Then we shall be One as He and the Father and the Spirit are One. Maranatha!!!!
