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Church splits; and a call to look to Christ
It is the sad history of so many splits in denominations that the two opposite sides of a problem become hostile to one another. A site visitor to Christians Together has given a recent perspective.
Ed preface: The following comprises a response entitled ' Just a thought' to news report concerning a Church of Scotland congregation on the Isle of Skye. Similar upset has occurred in other congregations.
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‘Just a thought’
(04/02)
 I hear your pain and have no wish to trespass on the grief of a particular congregation. However there is one point I’d like to put forward.
We, if we claim to be followers of Jesus Christ, are to live according to his gospel…no matter what. No matter what.
Rather than looking solely at outward actions (to leave the church or soldier on), we must look deeply at the heart attitudes behind those actions. Is the action motivated by a sincere desire to serve Jesus, with all our heart, mind, soul and strength? If so, in grace and Christian love let those who leave and those who stay, part with sadness and regret – but also understanding, forgiveness and respect. A wound to the body, yes – but one that if made with godliness, will heal – maybe even to the strengthening of the body.
However, if division is fuelled by human and worldly motivations we must beware. That wound is ragged and holds no peace. Into it are seeded anger, resentment, bitterness, slander (Eph 4: 31-32) and these, left unattended, will fester into self-righteousness, hatred and distain. A wound that will corrupt and infect the body and has the potential to leave great scars.
At a time when God is shaking the church, many corrupted ‘gospels’ are coming to light….’gospels’ weighted by Self and My Rights being the most prevalent.
Yet the gospel of Jesus Christ says, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.” (Matt 16:24-25)
The things we do in the name of Christ affect the body world wide. If we do something in his name, we really had better be sure we are doing it for him, and not for ourselves. The parable of the sheep and the goats was given to us for a reason. We will be sorted. We cannot afford to be found wanting.
As I have watched pain echoing through the Church of Scotland (and beyond), I have grieved the fact that many who claim to be Christian appear to have forgotten whom they serve. The claims they make have nothing to do with Jesus Christ and his gospel. During the many passionate debates, I have longed for the Lord to appear - that we, (like Job when confronted by the words of the Living God), would See, and put our hands over our mouth…or fall to our knees and like the doubting disciple Thomas say, “My Lord and my God…”
My prayer for the Church of Scotland, and our brothers and sisters all over the world is, REMEMBER…remember whom you serve. Remember, and rise…
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A site visitor, 03/02/2012 |
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| | | Peter Carr | 06/02/2012 15:57 | Let us not forget the hand of the hidden enemy behind much strife amongst Christians, this of course does not mean that human's are not responsible. However, if God's Word is to be believed in its entirety, then we must take into account the enemy activity of Satan (and his pals) behind so many problems, both in the life of the individual Christian, church and denominations (even between denominations).
As Neil Anderson says in his book The Bondage Breaker, when we encounter satanic activity, and more importantly when we oppose it, we discover that it is not a power struggle, but rather a truth struggle!
Satan is the father of lies, deception and accusations, and he will do everything and anything he can to keep Christians from their main call!!
Such is Satan's cunning that he can and will, if we allow him to, influence the minds of Christians with his lies etc. If he can influence our thinking, then he can also influence our living, behaviour etc, when we choose his lies over God's truth.
But I said, we are accoutable for our thoughts, speech, conduct etc, that is why we read in several places in the NT that we are not to give Satan a foothold!!!!
| | | | George Orr | 08/02/2012 10:54 | One of the eternal truths to be gleaned from the panorama of the scriptures is that we must know our bibles, we must become 'brainwashed' Christians.
Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Then as Neil Anderson alludes we will be able to engage with the truth struggle.
Genesis 3:1
....... “Did God really say.....”
| | | | JaT | 08/02/2012 11:22 | Yes. Ephesians 6:10-18.
I also agree with the comment about 'truth struggle'. A few weeks ago I stumbled upon Isaiah 5:20, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter."
It made me realise again that we are part of an ancient battle. Like Ephesians says, we need to put on the full armour of God - but also be encouraged. The one who is within us really is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4-6).
| | | | JaT | 08/02/2012 11:24 | (The above post was replying to Peter)
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