Category Archives: False Doctrine

Should We Be More Tolerant?

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We preachers have just been much too hard on thieves and thievery. We have spent way too much pulpit time condemning theft when we could have been preaching on understanding, love and tolerance for thieves. We have instead insisted upon telling people that stealing is a sin and that they shouldn’t behave that way.

Now, I know what the Bible says about stealing. One of the ten commandments given to the nation of Israel was “You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15). Of course, the Law of Moses was fulfilled by Jesus and we don’t live under that law any more. Still, the gospel of Jesus Christ as revealed by the inspired apostles and prophets of the New Testament also condemns theft. The apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians that any thieves should stop stealing (4:28) and he actually told the Corinthians that thieves would not inherit the kingdom of heaven (1 Corinthians 6:10)! Paul seems to have believed that stealing was a sin, but then he probably also hated thieves, don’t you think?

If someone steals a car, I guess the proper thing to do is to avoid referring to that person as a “thief.” Identifying someone by their conduct has never helped anything, has it? It’s just the way that people who considered themselves to be “morally superior” put others down. The person who stole the car probably couldn’t help it anyway, since we all know that some folks are compulsive thieves. Besides, the Bible is an old book and we are a more enlightened people now.

The reasoning offered above is seen to be ridiculous when applied to stealing. Does anybody actually believe that preachers who identify theft as a sin therefore hate thieves? Is it “discrimination” to identify someone who steals as a “thief”? (Actually, it is – by the general meaning of the word “discriminate,” i.e., to make a distinction between different things, people, etc. Modern society, however, has attached such an unsavory connotation to the word that ANY discrimination is seen as undesirable). Unfortunately, the same kind of argument is routinely used to defend other kinds of immoral behavior and to attack those who speak out against such behavior.

I personally have had enough of “political correctness.” Note the craftiness of the homosexual movement which portrays any criticism of homosexuality as “discrimination” tantamount to racism. Those who identify homosexual behavior as sinful are classified as “bigots” who hate homosexuals. Never mind that the Bible identifies homosexual behavior as “vile passions,” “against nature,” “shameful,” “error” and “debased” (Romans 1:26_28). Never mind that forgiveness of sin and eternal salvation is available to ANYONE who will turn from his sins and seek divine grace (Acts 17:30_31; Titus 2:11_14). I recognize that there are individuals who are hateful toward homosexuals, but to assume such of everyone who disapproves of that lifestyle is no more reasonable than suggesting that disapproving of thievery 4 implies the hatred of thieves!

“Political correctness” is often used to hide the truth about certain kinds of behavior. For instance, there are those who argue that it is improper, even hateful, to refer to those who enter our country illegally as “illegal aliens.” “Alien” simply means that they are not citizens (which is true) and “illegal” simply refers to their method of entry into the country, i.e., in violation of United States immigration law (which is true). The political lobby for illegal aliens has learned well from the homosexual movement; the terms used in the national discussion of a subject can be half the battle!

Christians must not be afraid to stand up and identify what the Bible calls “sin.” That won’t make us popular with a large segment of the population, but, like the apostle Paul, our objective is to please God, not men (Galatians 1:10). Part of the reason that our society has lost its moral bearings is that religious people (I include the members of denominations) have become reticent to identify sin for what it is. At the same time, we must remember that the object of the preaching of the gospel is to encourage men and women to seek God. We must be plain, but not hateful. We must be firm, but not vindictive.

 

By Allen Dvorak

Simply Christians

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We read with interest the reports on every hand of the growing disenchantment with present religious forms which originated in the Middle Ages and have become meaningless. We hear of displeasure with denominational structures and their pronouncements which reflect only the preferences of influential elite, ignoring the convictions of the rank and file. Because of these aspects of modern religion, some have decided that Christianity is not even relevant to this day and age. We believe they have so decided because they are not sufficiently acquainted with the scriptures to be able to distinguish between the relevant gospel of Christ, and the things men have added to religion since, and which truly are not relevant to serving God.

If some of these things have troubled you, and you have felt an urge, or even a yearning, to return to the simple uncomplicated religion of Christ, and if you have felt the desire to strip away all non-essential elements of religion and simply abide by the truths of Christ, truths which alone can transform the soul and bind it to God, let us suggest that such a possibility actually exists.

Let us begin with one essential fact. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. His coming (Gen. 49:10), His mission (Is. 53; Zech. 6:13), and His new message (Jer. 31:31-33) were all foretold in the Old Testament, which Jehovah used to govern Israel until the Christ should come and establish the New for all mankind (Gal. 3:19)!

The New Testament is the word of Christ. It reveals the religion of Christ (Heb. 9:15-17). By studying it we become aware that among the followers of Christ no denominational organizations have existed whatsoever. All such began at a later time. We see people hearing the gospel and in faith obeying the conditions of God’s grace. That is, they turned to God and were baptized in order to be forgiven of their sins. Being thus saved, they were added to the Lord’s people, or church (Acts 2:36-47). As the gospel spread, we find them assembling together in congregations in various localities. Each congregation was under its own elders (Acts 14:23) and no one else on earth. These elders could not make laws or be masters. They were given the responsibility of tending and caring for the congregation as shepherds would a flock (Acts 20:17,28; 1Pet. 5:1-3)! The only headquarters those disciples knew was heaven, where their head Jesus Christ was and is (Eph. 1:22-23).

Their worship was something to participate in, not something to watch. On the first day of the week, for instance, they would eat the Lord’s Supper and hear preaching (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:23-29). They would share their mutual responsibilities by sharing their prosperity, and we find contributions being collected on no other day than the first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:1-2). Incidentally, no hierarchy could tax them or tell them how much to give. They had no organizations clamoring for their support. They gave as they individually purposed in their own heart (2 Cor. 9:6-7). In their assemblies they all would sing (Eph. 5:19), and all pray with various ones leading (1 Cor. 14:15-16). In all this they were all necessarily involved, for each saved person was a priest (Rev. 1:5-6). No one could perform his service or worship for him.

They lived godly lives. They cared for their poor. They taught others. They sent out preachers where they could not go. With simplicity of faith and fervor there was no need of centralization. Without organized machinery the gospel was preached throughout civilization in a short time (Col. 1:23). These disciples of Christ were known as Christians (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Pet. 4:16). They wore no sectarian names. Their religion was not sensual or materialistic. They sought not to impress men with pious ceremony. They sought to impress God with the only thing that has ever impressed him, contrite obedience (1 Sam. 15:22). Their appeal was not social or recreational. They offered the gospel to a troubled world for it was God’s power to save (Rom. 1:16), and any other appeal was beneath them. ”

If only such could be today,” many say. But it is! Free men and women over the earth have despaired of denominationalism, seeing in it no necessity or relevance and only a cause of division. They desire the simplicity of what Christ authored. They are related and connected only in Christ and not in some earthly organization.

A group of such people meets within minutes of where you live. We are just Christians. We worship and serve God in the same way as the early disciples. Christ is our only creed and the Scriptures our only guide. We are not members of any human denomination, but simply a congregation, or church, of Christ. We would like thus to share Christ with you and with the entire world.

You too can be just a Christian and serve God without belonging to any denomination, bound by no denominational laws or obligations. If such freedom appeals to you, please visit with us, or contact us.

By Dale Smelser

Fully Equipped for Perilous Times

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“Perilous times will come” – II Timothy 3:1-17 contains a warning of difficult times.  The first century church did not live in an idealized world, nor do we!  Early Christians faced immorality, internal and external doctrinal errors, and a hostile environment that was pagan and secular.  Paul warns Timothy in this chapter of even more difficult times to come.  We can learn much from their experiences.

“Men will be lovers of themselves” – The characteristics of wicked men are described.  Heart-sins are described (lovers of self, of pleasure; not lovers of family or of God; covetous, proud, unthankful, unholy, heady, etc.).  The Christian needs a defense and a weapon that will pierce and guard his heart.

“Having a form of godliness” – Difficult times will be made more difficult by the work of evil and false teachers.  These professors of religion had a form of godliness (some of the externals seem to be present) but they deny the power of true religion (verse 5).  False teachers often do their work privately and underhandedly.  They look for prospects who are weak and prey on their weakness.  These teachers are in sharp contrast with the teaching and character of the true teacher presented later in this chapter.  The false teacher’s true character will be revealed in due time, as was the character of the opponents of Moses.

“You have carefully followed my doctrine” – The combination of wicked hearts encouraged by perverted teachers led some to persecute God’s servants.  Paul’s own experience (vs. 10-13) is evidence of this fact.  He was a genuine disciple in doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, and patience.  Verse eleven (and much of the book of Acts) shows the many persecutions he endured.  Yet out of all those trials God delivered Paul.  He becomes, then, a pattern of endurance to help every Christian endure in faithful service in the times in which we live!

In some ways there are the best of times, in other ways, the worst of times, to paraphrase Charles Dickens.  We have great potential, great opportunities, and great visions of work to be done.  But, we also have adversaries on every hand.  What is the path we should follow?

“You continue in the things which you have learned” – Verses 14 through 17 give us the answer to our questions.  The way to deal with our current situation is by the use of the Power of God as revealed in His holy scriptures.  Timothy is instructed to take specific actions; we must follow these same actions in the twenty-first century.  These actions are as follows:

Continue in the things we have learned – verse 14.  The scriptures we have learned, which have given us assurance, are from an unchanging God.  Times may change, evil may take on a new face, but God is the same.  We have an unchanging Christ in a changing, and ever-degenerating world.  He is the anchor of our hope, and the anchor of our soul.  We must proceed with confidence in God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit as we face whatever the world brings against us.  “If God be for us, who can be against us?”  Rom. 8:31.

“From childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures” – Faithful teachers have illustrated the trustworthiness of our faith.  Timothy had seen the fruit of faith in his mother and grandmother.  They had instilled the teachings of the Old Covenant into young Timothy (2 Tim. 1:5, 3:15) and he had therefore been prepared to receive the gospel preached by Paul and others.  The knowledge of the scriptures made Timothy “wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (verse 15).

“Holy Scriptures” (verse 15) are literally “sacred writings”.  These are not the words of a newspaper, novel, or even that of a well-written essay.  They partake of the nature of the One who gave them.

“Wise for salvation through faith” – “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” v. 16.  The “sacred writings” of the Old and New Testaments were designed for our spiritual well-being.  “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Rom. 15:4).  Jesus encouraged (John 5:39) the reading of the Old Testament which would point people to Him.

“That the man of God may be complete” – Since the Holy Scriptures are divine in origin, they are profitable for every task the teacher has.  The scriptures are all that is needed for the “perfect” (complete, fully furnished) teacher to effectively do his work.  Every Christian “man of God” (verse 17) longs for a complete guidebook for all his work.  The Holy Scriptures supply that need.  The scriptures equip us for doctrine, righteous living, and for reproof and correction.

“The Last Days”, “The Christian Age, “The Gospel Age” all refer to the time in which we live.  Our need for guidance in a wicked world has not changed.  We need not despair, God has met our needs in the blessings promised in the scriptures.

L.O. Sanderson has well-stated the great value of the scriptures in the chorus of his song “The Precious Book Divine”:

   “Holy Bible, book divine!

Precious Treasure, thou art mine.

Lamp to my feet and a light to my way

       To guide me safely home.”

 

By Carl Witty

The “Misleading” of the Holy Spirit

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The 1980s will surely be remembered as the decade when so many “Spirit-led” projects failed.

The fall of Jim Bakker with his PTL empire and Heritage USA will long be remembered. Jim Bakker could hardly speak without referring to what the Spirit was leading him to do. His explanation for the collapse of his empire was: “God has me on a roller-coaster ride” (Time, March 30 1987).

Oral Roberts built his $150 million City of Faith “on direct orders from God” (Time, Nov 6, 1981). Roosevelt Greer, Rex Humbard, and Pat Robertson attended the dedication. Barbara Mandrell sang the national anthem. President Reagan sent a congratulatory letter. Further, in 1983 the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that Roberts sent out “millions of letters saying Jesus appeared to him and told him God had chosen Roberts to find the cure for cancer” (Jan. 18 1983). The (Nashville) Tennessean had a news item, however, in its 15 September 1989 edition that said, “Roberts announced Wednesday the City of Faith hospital will be closed by the end of the year and the Oral Roberts University School of Medicine will close after the current school year” (Guardian of Truth, Nov. 1989, p. 25).

Jimmy Swaggart was once called the “King of Honky-Tonk Heaven” by Newsweek. He raised $142 million in just one year (1989). Because of sexual misconduct, however, his ministry is also foundering. An article by Bill Crews (Park Forest Proclaimer, July 22 1990), reports that the number of Swaggart’s TV viewers has fallen 83 per cent and that enrollment in his college has declined from 1451 to 419. Throughout the buildup of his ministry, Swaggart credited God for the growth that had taken place.

These examples of “Spirit-led projects” gone awry are truly signs of the times in which we are living. We frequently hear people claiming that the Spirit is leading them to do this or that. Often the very activity into which the Spirit is supposedly leading them is contrary to the teaching of the Spirit-inspired Scriptures. Several observations are in order.

  1. The Spirit on occasions did directly lead men of the first century into specific fields of labor. The Spirit told Philip to join the eunuch in his chariot (Acts 8:29), then caught Philip away after he had baptized the eunuch (Acts 8:39).The Spirit told Peter to go with the messengers Cornelius had sent (Acts 10:19, 20). The Spirit gave the orders for the beginning of the first missionary journey (Acts 13:1-4).The Spirit forbade Paul to preach in Asia and Bithynia as he traveled westward on his second journey, and then through a vision directed his feet toward Macedonia (Acts 16:6-10).
  2. Whenever the Spirit did directly lead men in the first century, the results were always favorable. The eunuch was baptized and went on his way rejoicing (Acts 8:38,39). Cornelius and those with him were converted, becoming the first fruits among the Gentiles (Acts 10:44-48).Paul’s first journey resulted in much fruit, and when he went into Macedonia on his second journey, his work resulted in the beginning of great churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea.
  3. The Spirit did not so completely take over the lives of men in the first century that every move made by them was “Spirit-led. ” More often they were left to make their own decisions and plans. For instance, plans for a second journey were formulated in the minds of Paul and Barnabas, and when they went separate ways, “Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; and Paul chose Silas . . . and he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches” (Acts 15:39-41). Had the Holy Spirit directed that Paul and Barnabas go on this journey as he did on the first, they would have been defying his directions in going separate ways. But these were their plans, and they had every right to change their plans.

Later, Paul made his own plans to go to Rome and Spain after completion of his third journey, and he asked the Romans to pray that he could come to them “with joy by the will of God”(Rom. 15:23-33). Had these plans been made through the direction of the Spirit, our faith might well be shaken, for these plans did go awry. But they were Paul’s own plans which fell through just as some of our plans fall through.

  1. The tragic failure of “Spirit-led” projects of our generation is proof that they were not truly instigated by the Holy Spirit. Had the Spirit truly instigated them, they would have been successful. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 Jn.4:1).
  2. The Spirit does lead us into various fields and activities through the revealed word, leading us through the directions he gave to the inspired men of the first century. As we read the Spirit’s directions to Peter to go to Cornelius, the Spirit is leading us to go to people of all races without prejudice. As we read of the Spirit’s directions to Paul not to turn aside into Asia and Bithynia, he is leading us to ever expanding territories in our world. As we read of the Lord’s encouragement to Paul in his time of despair in Corinth (Acts 18:9, 10), he is encouraging us in our time of despair.
  3. We do believe that God’s continues to work within our lives, “choosing our changes” on occasions, but his providential workings should not be confused with the direct leadings of the Spirit in the first century.

Paul wrote of certain ones in his day who were inflated without cause, taking their stand on visions they had seen, rather than holding to the Head
(Col. 2:18,19). Such people always seem to take on an air of superiority, lightly regarding those who simply take their stand on revealed and confirmed truth. Paul did not want the Colossians to be intimidated by such people in his day, and we must not be intimidated by such people in our day.

The Spirit leads through the word he has revealed. When all fully realize that the Scriptures are the product of the Holy Spirit, and that whenever we read the Scriptures he is speaking to us, teaching us, and leading us, most of our problems over the Holy Spirit will vanish.

 

Bill Hall