Thoughts
Worth Thinking
Slippery Slopes
If you live in the mid-west or eastward
toward the
At least twice Paul warned of the dangers
involved in the “appearance of evil.” (See
“Doctrinal” means, “teachings found within
scripture.” By Paul’s inspired instruction, we know to “rightly divide the word
of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15), and therefore cannot unite the Old Law with the New as
“doctrinal instructions for the Christian.” (See Matt. 9:16-17) All souls must
accept the New Testament as God’s last word to those who would please Him
(Heb.1:1-2; John 12:44-50). Thus, when “earnestly contending for the faith”
(Jude 3), or “proving all things; holding fast that which is good,” (1 Thess.
5:21) in doctrinal matters, there must
be book, chapter and verse to assure that doctrine!
Slippery slopes often come due “ties of the
flesh” more than our tie to Christ! For example, “divorce and remarriage” takes
on varying views depending on who it involves. “Baptism for the remission of
sins” is another subject that varies depending on who is considered. Another
area of dangerous slippage is the subject of “faithfulness.” Each of these (and
dozens more) carries varying degrees of “tolerance” determined by the
individual(s) involved. From that slippery slope one continues a downward
journey to the dangerous “defending the indefensible;” or haven’t you heard,
“But they are the exception to the rule”? Really? Show me one of these
“exceptions” in the sacred doctrine of the New Testament!
The “slippery slope” is the composition of
man, not God! Throughout the book of 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses an array of
“issues” that ill-effected those brethren: each one being the “creation” of
man, instead of the following of God’s instruction! From claiming allegiance to
the preacher who immersed them, to claiming philosophers had more knowledge of
God than the apostles, to the acceptance of immorality, challenging brethren
over legal issues, eating of meat offered to idols, etc., etc., Paul warns of
these “slippery slopes” with the simple yet firm admonition, “Be ye followers
of me, even as I also am of Christ.” (1 Cor. 11:1) He closes these admonitions
saying, “Watch ye, stand fast in the Lord, quit ye like men, be strong.”
(16:13) and, “If any many love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema
maran-atha.” (16:22) Obviously, the “anti-slip” directive is “SERVE CHRIST
ALONE!”
Granted, the existence of “likes vs.
dislikes” will always abound. Anywhere opinion exists, “slippery slopes”
abound! Romans 14 gives us instruction regarding “opinion” – but it does NOT
compromise DOCTRINE! Therefore, it really doesn’t matter if one “likes it” or
not: when the Lord’s Word declares a thing to be so, no man on earth has the
right to contradict Him! Those declaring “grey areas in the doctrine” simply
need more light: and that light is more focus on what the TRUTH says, and less
focus on what man THINKS it says! God is not ambiguous (1 Cor.14:33); man
simply twists God’s word to his (man’s) own destruction (2 Pet. 3:16).
It’s simply a matter of AUTHORITY. Who’s in
charge of the church? God! (1 Tim.3:15) Who is the Head of the church? Christ!
(Eph.1:22-23;
Mike’s Musings ….
Come Study With
Me
As most gospel
preachers I know, I’m a realist with a strong desire to “fix it” if I can – at
least give it a good attempt! Being a realist, awareness of “needed
improvements” is easily noticed. “Fixing them” might be challenging, but “ya
just gotta try!” With that admission, muse with me please.
Presently, it
appears two critical elements are in need of increase within the Lord’s work:
not just here, but in every locality of the Lord’s church I know! They are: 1)
Bible study and 2) preachers –or at least men more devoted to the work of
Christ within the local church. While several churches of Christ have long been
addressing these matters and doing excellent work in correcting these needs,
the fact remains more needs to be accomplished. With that goal in mind, here’s
the proposal:
As soon as we can
begin, let’s establish a time each morning for those who can and will, to come
for an hour or so of Bible study. This will accommodate those who can’t (or
won’t) come at night, and just might interest some who don’t come at all! At
least it gives them the opportunity: no one can say, “There just isn’t a
convenient time.” We’re making it as convenient as you need it! Then at least
once a week on a night other than mid-week services, let’s get the men together
who want to improve their skills in leading singing, praying, serving at the
Lord’s table, reading the scriptures publically, and/or preaching! This grants
the opportunity to improve: and if you think you don’t need improve, you just
proved you do!
Such opportunities
are often assigned to “men’s training” and/or “women’s/men’s bible study.”
Let’s not stifle it – open it up to those who are TRULY desirous of good works!
Further, it doesn’t limit the activity to “our church,” but encourages any soul
who wants TRULY to learn the truth, understand the truth and obey the truth!
“Then it opens it up to challenges and potential controversy.” Sure it does!
No, we’re not “inviting” such, but if we aren’t ready to defend the TRUTH, are
we able to stand strong within it in the first place? (1 Pet. 3:15) Since when
can a soul study “too much” of God’s Word? Since when are we “so perfect” we
have no room for improvement in our service to God?
Them’s my
intentions, the Lord willing. Keep in touch; more exacting information is forth
coming regarding just when we’ll begin, the Lord willing. Fact is, I stand
ready and willing to begin whenever someone says, “I’ll be there.” I truly muse
on not only WHO but how many share in this musing. God knows … oh how I pray it
ain’t just me!