Noteworthy News

(Current events in the light of Scripture)

“...Creech, who had been suspended from his pastorate since Nov. 10, preached to about 600 people at three different services Sunday. Outside, about 10 protesters denounced what they called the church's homosexual agenda, while others carried signs that read "Gay & Proud." Some members of the deeply divided congregation said they could not remain in the church with Creech as pastor, news reports said. Several homosexuals said they planned to join the congregation.

“...The decision is expected to have wide ramifications. Creech's supporters and opponents said the verdict would encourage other ministers to preside over same-sex ceremonies. (Religion Today, March 16, 1998)

Breaking the rules....that is what the fuss is all about! It is not about the sin of homosexuality (Rom. 1:24-17; 1 Cor. 6:9). It is not about the error of denominationalism and its illegitimate ecclesiastical hierarchy (Matt. 15:7-9; 16:18). It is about breaking the “denominational rules” of the UMC. [By whose authority does the UMC exist to begin with (Matt. 21:25; 28:18; Col. 3:17)]? It is about “ministerial credentials.” (Where did Jesus ever authorize a denomination to “credential” ministers?)

Marriage....was not given to man by God for same-sex participation (Gen. 2:18-24; Heb. 13:4). Such perversions should never be endorsed, encouraged or energized by anyone seeking righteousness. Ten protesters denounced the homosexual agenda of this UMC church in Omaha. (Isn’t that the same number of righteous souls for which, could they have been found, God would not have destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, Gen. 18:32)?! -joe-

Assignments: Sunday - March 22, 1998

Announcements: Rusty McGrew

Opening Prayer: Rusty McGrew / Jess Bass

Closing Prayer: Rick Holt / Aaron Bass

Song Leader: Clarence Gardner / Morris Bass

Scripture: Philip Price / Jason Holt

Lord’s Supper: C. Fair / A. Bass / L. Parker

Bldg. Cleanup (Mar. 28): Price

T HE SPIRIT’S SWORD

“And take...the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph. 6:17)

The Northside church of Christ

Meeting at the North Bellingham Grange Hall · 5201 Northwest Road · Bellingham, WA

Visit our Web Site on the Internet: http://members.tripod.com/~northsidecofc/index.html

Volume II, No. 6 March 22, 1998

Biblical Principles of Unity (Part 10):

Efforts to Defend Unity in Doctrinal Diversity

by: Joe R. Price

We have been studying reasons given by some brethren for using an “agree to disagree” approach to fellowship and unity. In last week’s article we noted “common sense” and “individual vs. collective matters” as two of the guidelines offered by those who are practicing unity in doctrinal diversity. We now continue looking at how these brethren have convinced themselves and others of this broadened base of fellowship (2 Jno. 9-11).

“Basic Qualifications” for Agreeing to Disagree

Brethren who advocate the tolerance of doctrinal diversity know there are many passages in the NT which prohibit fellowship with sin and false teachers. As they try to uphold this principle they are constructing a scaffolding of misapplied scriptures which “deceive the hearts of the simple” (Rom. 16:18). For instance, one brother wrote to me saying, “Now, how do we apply this is in light of the many passages you appealed to that clearly show we are not to fellowship sin and false teachers? Again, we use the principles outlined in the scriptures, coupled with the necessary humility, forbearance and grace. I believe that fellowship generally boils down to a few basic qualifications.”

Remember, we have no argument with true humility, forbearance and grace. However, one must remember that 2 John 9-11 still stands: “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine do not receive him into your house nor greet him: for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.”

In order to evade the force of this passage, one must either (1) redefine sin and error, (2) redefine the “doctrine of Christ” in 2 John 9-10, or (3) redefine “whoever” (that is, to whom the passage applies). The “few basic qualifications” of fellowship being offered to us attempt to redefine all three.

(continued on page 2)

Qualification #1: Collective or Individual Matter

Because we do not want to misrepresent anyone, I will let the proponent of unity in doctrinal diversity set forth his case in his own words:

“The first is whether or not it is a collective or individual matter. Romans 14 does not

merely refer to things that are expediencies. The practical conclusion of the book of

Romans is not that we can disagree or the color of the carpet!”

Romans 14 is not intended to provide a basis for “agreeing to disagree” over matters revealed to us in the gospel. To make such an application of Romans 14 contradicts Jude 3 and 2 John 9-11. Instead, the practical conclusion of Romans 14 is to not bind personal scruples (doubts of conscience) upon a brother, thereby disrupting peace and unity. God has received both of the people in Romans 14, along with their specific scruple of conscience (14:3-4, 14, 18, 20, 22). Therefore, brethren with differing scruples of conscience in these “received” activities must also receive one another.

If Romans 14 allows us to “agree to disagree” over matters of the revealed faith, then the question arises, does God “receive” the adulterer (14:3)? Does the adulterer “stand” (is he established and secure) in God’s presence (14:4)? Is adultery clean (14:14)? Can one serve Christ in adultery (14:18)? Is adultery the pursuit of peace (14:19)? Is adultery pure (14:20)? Can one commit adultery with a clean conscience and be approved before God (14:22)? Of course, the answer to all of these questions is “no.” But, this is the very issue as brethren go to Romans 14 to justify fellowship either with those who live in violation of Matthew 19:9, or with those whose teachings support this violation! Even though adultery is an individual matter, and there are others in a congregation who have not “defiled their garments,” to extend fellowship to those who have defiled themselves in sin is to violate 2 John 10-11! Otherwise, one has just placed 2 John 9-11 into contradiction with Romans 14.

Determining what subjects are allowable in Romans 14 and which are not can take place as we study God’s word on those subjects as they arise. That is occurring right now over the subject of adultery. The same can be done with the matter of eating meats and observing days. Careful Bible study will help us determine whether Romans 14 ought to be used to address the war question, the covering question, woman working in the workplace, public swimming, Christians marrying non-Christians, matters of modest dress, and many other issues. Using the same approach, we can determine whether Romans 14 should be used to allow fellowship regardless of what is believed and practiced on MDR. The scriptures make it clear that we cannot think of MDR as merely a personal conscience matter and leave it at that.

How are those who use Romans 14 to extend fellowship to those who are living in violation of Matthew 19:9 able to resist those who appeal to Romans 14 to justify unity with homosexual believers? Please note that this is an “individual, not collective” practice. Both adultery and homosexuality are sins against God’s will regarding marriage and sexual purity (Heb. 13:4). Neither activities belong in Romans 14.

The response is heard that “if brethren applied your position consistently, we would splinter into a million different factions.” But, just the opposite is true. A consistent application of both 2 John 9-11 and Romans 14 would prevent us from having fellowship with sin and error, while forbearing with one another in areas which are morally neutral. Then, we would be maintaining the “unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” for we would be respecting each others scruples while standing united in the “doctrine of Christ” (Eph. 4:3; 2 Jno. 9). This requires diligent effort, to be sure (Eph. 4:3). But it is entirely possible, since our Lord has commanded that we give ourselves to accomplishing it (1 Cor. 1:10; Eph. 4:3-6; Rom. 15:1-7). Then we would indeed have “in matters of faith, unity, in matters of conscience, liberty, in all things, charity.”

(to be continued)

What God VALUES Notes

(Scripture Reading: Proverbs 6:16-19)

I. EYES OF HUMILITY - 6:17; cf. Psa. 138:6.

A. Pride Centers Upon Self - Prevents Rela­tionship W/ God - Prov. 21:2, 4.

B. Humility Centers Upon God - Prov. 3:5-7; Lk. 14:7-11.

II. A TONGUE OF TRUTH - 6:17; 12:22.

A. The Curse Of Deception (lies) - Jno. 8:44-45; Eph. 5:25; Matt. 26:69-75.

B. The Reward Of Truth - Prov. 23:23; 11:3; Eph. 4:15; 1 Pet. 1:22-23.

III. HANDS OF HONEST WORK - 6:17.

A. Hands That Shed Innocent Blood - Matt. 23:14; Prov. 18:9.

B. Honest Labor Is A Tribute To Man & God - 2 Thess. 4:11-12; 1 Tim. 5:8.

IV. A GOOD HEART - 6:18 (11:20).

A. Wicked Hearts Bring Destruction - Gen. 6:5; Mk. 7:21-23; Jas. 4:8; Phil. 4:8.

B. Give Your Heart To God! - Prov. 23:26; 4:23; Matt. 5:8.

V. FEET OF CAUTION - 6:18.

A. Feet That Sense Danger & Stay Clear Of Trouble - cf. 1:15-16; Eph. 5:15.

B. Feet Which Flee Sin Rather Than To It - 2 Tim. 2:22.

VI. ADVOCATES OF JUSTICE & MERCY - 6:19.

A. False Witness Seeks To Harm - Matt. 26:59.

B. We Must Advocate Justice & Extend Mercy - Prov. 3:3-4; 14:31; 21:15.

VII. CULTIVATORS OF PEACEFUL RELATIONSHIPS - 6:19.

A. Instigators Of Strife: Gossip, Anger, Meanness, Pride - Prov. 10:12; 16:28; 28:25.

B. How To Be Peacemakers (Matt. 5:9) - Prov. 16:7; 17:9; 17:14; Eph. 4:3.

Filled with all the fullness of God

(Scripture Reading: Ephesians 3:14-19)

FULL EMPTY

1. Knowledge of God’s will 1. Doctrines & will of man

(Col. 1:9; 4:12) (Matt. 15:7-9; Prov. 3:5)

2. Wisdom & grace 2. Earthly wisdom

(Luke 2:40) (Jas. 3:13-16)

3. Obedience 3. Disobedience

(2 Cor. 10:6; 7:4) (Eph. 5:6)

4. Holy Spirit 4. Satan

(Eph. 5:18) (Jno. 13:2, 27)

5. Righteousness 5. Unrighteousness

(Phil. 1:11; Matt. 3:15) (Rom. 1:29; Matt. 23:32)

6. Joy, peace & hope 6. Sorrow, conflict & doubt

(Rom. 15:13) (Jno. 14:1)

7. Ministry 7. Selfishness

(2 Tim. 4:5; Col. 4:17) (Gal. 2:20; Lk. 12:21)

8. This region with the gospel 8. Darkness of sin & error

(Acts 5:28; Rom. 15:19) (2 Cor. 4:3-4)

9. God’s law: Love others 9. World’s law: Love self

(Rom. 13:8; Gal. 5:14) (Matt. 5:43)