NOTEWORTHY NEWS

(Current events in the light of Scripture)

Church Leader Calls for Tolerance Toward All Faiths

Saturday, April 4 12:55 PM ET

SALT LAKE CITY, April 6 /PRNewswire/ -- With a call to demonstrate greater tolerance of people of other faiths, Gordon B. Hinckley, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, opened the 168th annual General Conference of the Church today in Salt Lake City.

"We must not become disagreeable as we talk of doctrinal differences. There is no place for acrimony," President Hinckley told an audience of 6,500 at the historic Tabernacle on Temple Square. His remarks were broadcast live to congregations around the world.

"We can respect other religions, and must do so. We must recognize the great good they accomplish. We must teach our children to be tolerant and friendly toward those not of our faith," President Hinckley said. "We can and do work with those of other religions in the defense of those values which have made our civilization great and our society distinctive."

President Hinckley is the spiritual leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints which has more than ten-million members in more than 160 nations and territories. The Church is one of the fastest-growing Christian churches in the United States.

President Hinckley said Church members "can never surrender or compromise" the belief and teachings of the Church and stressed that there is "no doctrinal compromise ... on our part."

However, the Church leader pointed to examples of the Church having worked successfully with other faiths on important social and religious issues and urged members to continue such "undertakings in the everlasting fight against social evils which threaten the treasured values which are so important to all of us."

"These people are not of our faith, but they are our friends, neighbors and co-workers in a variety of causes," President Hinckley said. "We are pleased to lend our strength to their efforts."

These words from the present LDS “Prophet” are not at all in keeping with what Joseph Smith, Jr. was supposedly told by God the Father in 1820 when Smith claims to have had a vision of the Father and the Son:

“18 My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all were wrong)--and which I should join. 19 I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: ‘they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.’ 20 He again forbade me to join with any of them; and many other things did he say unto me, which I cannot write at this time.” (Joseph Smith History 1:18-20)

Supposedly, God told Joseph Smith, Jr. that all the sects are wrong and not to join them. Hinckley says do not join them, but join them in undertaking the everlasting fight against social evils which threaten the treasured values which are so important to all of us." What doublespeak! What absolute nonsense! Hinckley says “recognize the great good they accomplish. We must teach our children to be tolerant and friendly toward those not of our faith," but God told Smith they are all hypocrites who deny the power of godliness! Which “prophet” was speaking from God? Neither. (Heb. 1:1-2; 1 Jno. 4:1) Which is to be believed as a prophet of God? Neither. (Gal. 1:6-9)

Unity in diversity is alive and well in the ecumenical efforts of the churches of men (2 Jno. 7-11). Why will brethren wake up and realize that such an approach to unity is not from God?! -joe-

Assignments:

Announcements: Ed Dewispeleare Opening Prayer: Ed D / R McGrew Closing Prayer: S Holden / L Parker

Song Leader: C Gardner / M Bass Lord’s Supper: W Golightly / C Fair / R Hollister

Scripture Reading: J Bass / G Bass Building Cleanup (April 18): Jess & Connie Bass

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. 9 April 12, 1998

Biblical Principles of Unity (Part 13):

Efforts to Defend Unity in Doctrinal Diversity

by: Joe R. Price

We continue our study of why some brethren believe we must practice unity in doctrinal diversity. The first qualifying factor to help us decide when to do so, they say, is whether it is an individual or collective matter (see The Spirit’s Sword, II:6, 7, 8). Now, for another reason being offered to justify this unscriptural view of fellowship.

Qualification #2: Clarity

“The second principle qualifying our fellowship deals with the issue of clarity. Certainly there are some issues that are clearly and unequivocally condemned in scripture and which demand disfellowshipping. And there are other issues that are not so clear. Who would deny this?”

Everything which pertains to “life and godliness” is available to us and to all “through the knowledge of Him who called us” (2 Pet. 1:3). Therefore, there is sufficient clarity exists in God’s word so that we can understand everything that pertains to life and godliness, believe it and obey it in our lives. This is what we have consistently believed and taught in regard to the clarity of the word of God (Eph. 3:3-4; 5:17; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 1 Pet. 1:22-25).

Yes, some parts of God’s word are “hard to understand” (2 Pet. 3:16). This challenges our faith as we study, learn and grow in our knowledge of God’s word (2 Tim. 2:15; Heb. 5:11-6:3).

The brethren who are calling for this “clear” and “not so clear” qualification are obligated to show us how we should determine this matter of clarity. What I mean is this:

(continued on page 2)

What about the use of instrumental music in worship? Is this subject clear or not so clear? How does one decide: Common sense? Individual versus collective action? Can we agree to disagree over it? If so, where does the Bible teach us that we can? And if not, why not?

What about the work of the local church? Is this subject clear or not so clear? How does one decide: Common sense? Individual versus collective action? Can we agree to disagree over it? If so, where does the Bible teach us that we can? And if not, why not?

What about polygamy? Is this subject clear or not so clear? How does one decide: Common sense? Individual versus collective action? Can we agree to disagree over it? If so, where does the Bible teach us that we can? And if not, why not?

For every subject someone declares to be “clear” it can be demonstrated that someone, somewhere thinks it is “not so clear.” Are the brethren calling for us to apply this qualification to be charged with arrogance and not enough humility because they deem some parts of the Scriptures to be “clear?” This appeal lacks consistency, not to mention the authoritative approval of a “thus saith the Lord.”

Religious and Moral Relativism

This sort of reasoning is the basis of religious and moral relativism. It is values clarification in a Biblical context. You decide for yourself what is “clear” and what is “not so clear.” You decide if a person is honest, very knowledgeable and sincere. And by all means, remember humility. Never, ever have a faith that comes to absolute certainty. That is the most arrogant stance of all! To think that a person can know for certain any truth! (contrast Jesus, Jno. 8:31-32 and Paul, Eph. 5:17; 1 Tim. 2:3-4).

“Oh how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; For they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, Because I keep Your precepts. I have restrained my feet from every evil way, That I may keep Your word. I have not departed from Your judgments, For You Yourself have taught me. How sweet are Your words to my taste. Sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through Your precepts I get understanding, Therefore I hate every false way.” (Psa. 119:97-104)

What an arrogant fellow! He had to audacity to think that he actually knew the commandments of God and that he was not wrong, because it was God’s word He knew and relied upon! What a sad, sad man.

That is the sarcasm of the religious relativist toward one who relies upon the revealed word of God. Is that now the way brethren who promote unity in doctrinal diversity perceive their brethren who are appealing for unity based upon the common standard of truth (understandable, unchanging, definitive truth)? What is their reaction to the psalmist quoted above?

But, the reply is offered,

“I thank the Lord that I am saved by grace and not by my perfect knowledge, else I would be living in grave uncertainty, knowing how difficult some of these issues are.”

Please brethren, produce even one quotation by a gospel preacher which contends that we are saved by perfect knowledge. Otherwise, please give up this repeated misrepresentation. It reminds me of the Baptist who, even after being told over and over that you are not a “water salvationist,” continues to charge you with such. Grace and understanding are not opponents. (Titus 2:11-15) (to be continued)

THE LORD HAS NEED OF YOU Notes

{Scripture Reading: Acts 17:24-28}

1. God’s sovereignty is w/o question - Acts 17:25; Psa. 50:10-12.

2. Yet, you are crucial to God’s plan/will - Servants to further His

purposes here on earth!

3. JESUS HAS NEED OF...

I. FIRST PLACE IN YOUR HEART - 1 Pet. 3:15 .

A. Some Have No Room For Him - Lk. 2:7; Jno. 8:37-38.

B. Some Have Too Little Room For Him - Mk. 4:18-19.

C. Some Will Give Him Room - Phil. 3:5-11; Acts 10:33; Eph. 3:17.

II. FAITHFUL WORKERS - 2 Cor. 5:15 .

A. Who Will Sacrifice For Him - Jno. 21:15-19; Lk. 9:23-26.

B. Who Will Be Diligent - Rom. 12:11; Heb. 6:11-12; 2 Pet. 1:5, 10.

C. Who Will Not Compromise - Jude 3; 2 Cor. 11:4.

III. DEVOUT CHRISTIANS - Matt. 6:33.

A. Who Will Pray - 1 Ths. 5:17; Jas. 5:16; 4:3; 1 Jno. 5:14-15.

B. Who Will Use God's Word Properly - 2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16-17; Jer. 36:23-25.

C. Live For Heaven - Phil. 3:20; 1 Pet. 2:11-12.

The Gathering Beyond The Grave

{Scripture Reading: Rev. 20:11-15}

1. Fact: One day it will be our turn to keep our appointment w/ death

- Heb. 9:27; Psa. 90:10.

2. Day of gathering: Greatest assembly ever to be gathered - Matt. 25:

31-32; Rev. 20:11-15; 1 Ths. 4:13-18.

3. We will find this to be:

I. A SUDDEN GATHERING - 1 Cor. 15:51-52 .

A. For The Saint - Jno. 14:1-3; cf. Phil. 3:20-21; 1 Ths. 4:17; cf. Heb. 13:5.

B. For The Sinner - 1 Ths. 5:1-6; Matt. 24:42-44; 2 Ths. 1:7-9.

II. A SERIOUS GATHERING - Rom. 14:11-12.

A. For The Saint - Rom. 14:11-12; Matt. 25:34-40; Heb. 2:2; Rom. 2:7, 10.

B. For The Sinner - Rom. 14:11; 1 Pet. 4:5; Matt. 25:41-45; Rom. 2:5-6, 8-9.

III. A SEPARATING GATHERING - Matt. 25:32-33; Rev. 20:12.

A. For The Saint - Rev. 21:27; 2 Pet. 3:13; Rev. 21:3-5.

B. For The Sinner - cf. Lk. 16:26; Rev. 20:15; Matt. 7:21-23; 2 Ths. 1:9.

IV. A SENTENCING GATHERING.

A. For The Saint - Jno. 14:2-3; Matt. 25:21, 34; 2 Pet. 1:11; Rev. 21:4; 22:1-5.

B. For The Sinner - Matt. 25:29-30; Rev. 20:14-15; 21:8; Rev. 14:10-11.

Conclusion: Hear the warning & prepare for the day of gathering! - Rev. 14:6-7;

2 Ths. 1:8; 2 Tim. 4:7-8. “Are you ready for the judgment day?"