Judges, Grace Police, and Para-church Schisms in the Body of Christ

This particular blog entry will be confusing for some as I am addressing a particular group of people with whom I have encounters dating back almost forty years. This group is known as the, so-called, “Grace Movement.” I have often felt over the years that this is somewhat a misnomer in that, in behavior, much of what I have witnessed contradicts grace, and what movement there has been is mostly a great deal of dissention and name calling. This isn’t said to be harsh but to, perhaps, move some to introspection.

While these characteristics put me off in the early years of my association, I at that time was hoping that it was more a stage of growth and that those involved would grow out of it. Now, unquestionably, there has been tremendous growth over the past thirty years in a numerical sense. I know of hundreds of local churches that have been planted throughout the world. There is much excitement as believers come to rejoice in God’s dispensation of grace and realize the manifold benefits that come with our being identified with our savior Jesus Christ. And yet the dissention is as prevalent and raucous as ever.

Intentionally it is my purpose to not call these people by name. I would rather they consider my words and weigh their behavior in light of the same. Even more importantly, I would that they take note of God’s words considering His design in the Body of Christ. For example; (Romans 14:10-13) But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.  (KJV)

It is conspicuous that there is much “judging” these days and a great deal of setting “at nought” by the brethren. At times it seems to me that many are more concerned with whom they might separate from rather than whom they may edify. At the same time it is evident to me that some have established themselves as some kind of “grace police” issuing judgments and edicts as if they are the final authority on faith and practice. These types are so impressed with their self-proclaimed authority that they persist in their demands that others should “shun” those whom they have labeled in some way as “heretic”, or some similar classification.

Now, I would be the last person to suggest that there are not occasions when we are to identify dissenters and consciously avoid them. By way of example I quote; (Romans 16:17-18) Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.  (KJV)

But here’s the rub; the “grace police” view the doctrine mentioned here as an open ended list of which they insist are “essential doctrines.”  However, the context of the passage would imply an entirely different context. In the passage Paul is saluting different believers in multiple churches and exhorts believers “to salute one another with an holy kiss.” It is the doctrine of unity and oneness that Paul emphasizes here. Paul is consistent throughout his epistles in this theme. And it should be noted that when the apostle commands separation it is almost always based upon behavior and not doctrine. In fact, in one instance Paul infers that heresies are necessary within the body of believers. (1 Corinthians 11:19) For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.   (KJV) My conclusion concerning the Romans 16 edict is that it is related to behavior that violates the doctrine of unity and not to other specific doctrines.

Please note the following scripture.

(Romans 15:1-7) We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.  Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:  That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.  (KJV)

It is obvious from this passage that we have an obligation to endure the shortcomings of others, and like Christ, seek the better for those that are weak and in need of edification. This can be difficult for us as in our flesh we would rather see others brought low or punished for things we perceive as egregious. However, Paul is as clear about our methodology in recovering believers from error as he is about how we are to study the scriptures, and both instructions are contained within the same chapter. (2 Timothy 2:24-26) And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.   (KJV) When the apostle says that God’s servant “must not strive” is he inferring that we get to choose our opportunities when we think strife is necessary? I think not. Our methodology, in approach to error, is not driven by judgmental attitudes and condemnation. It is all about edification (teaching) in meekness and patience. Qualities I see in few that are the cause of so much division in the Body of Christ.

Much of this is clarified in Paul’s epistle to the Romans when he says the following:  (Romans 14:1-5) Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.  For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.   (KJV)  Believers with different doctrines were at odds with one another and being judgmental. I am impressed with the apostle’s question, “who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? It is a question that I have often asked myself.

The answer I arrive at is that it is usually someone outside the local assembly. It is usually someone connected to some organization that exists outside of a local assembly that is bent on exerting control that overrides the established leadership within the local church. These organizations are schisms within the Body of Christ that are run by individuals, or boards, that are not subject to the authority of a local church. While most of the people involved in these organizations would be shocked at this expressed concept it is clear in their practice that they are assured of their authority in interfering in the life of the local church. Paul said that it is the local church which is “the pillar and ground of the truth” and not some man running his own religious business or a parachurch entity wrapped in some papal-like authority. It is the local church where the believer is nourished, established, and protected.

All of this being said, I will not suggest that I have not been edified by some of these para-church organizations. I have benefited. The problem lies in their attitude and practice. If they would seek to excel in edification and acknowledge that they have no authority whatsoever over the church, things would be in much better balance. There would be far less unrest and division. There would be little, or no, name calling. There would be only edification and wouldn’t that be nice?   

An Apology

It’s obvious for anyone looking that I haven’t blogged since September of 2009. A friend recently contacted me on Facebook and encouraged me to resume blogging. He said that he missed regular entries but that he still used my blog as a resource and reread entries regularly. I could certainly make excuses such as our travels and health difficulties that have presented themselves these past few years. Truth is, I burned out on internet ministry in general, and Facebook ministry specifically.

My experience has been that much of the internet media employed as a ministry outlet is overrun with rampant dialogue and judgmental haranguing. This is especially true of social media such as Facebook. Perhaps, I was concluding that most positive teaching is lost in all the clutter. I still think that this is mostly true, but I now conclude that some of the positive filters through to some.

So, all this being said, I will again attempt to blog on a somewhat regular basis. Each time I publish I will also link each item from Facebook so that it can be easily located upon publication. Wish me well in my endeavor and hopefully my meager contribution will act as edification for those desiring such.

Worth Re-posting

“The expression of Christian character is not good doing, but God-likeness. If the Spirit of God has transformed you within, you will exhibit divine characteristics in your life, not good human characteristics. God’s life in us expresses itself as God’s life, not as human life trying to be godly. The secret of a Christian is that the supernatural is made natural in him by the grace of God, and the experience of this works out in the practical details of life, not in times of communion with God.” Oswald Chambers (1874–1917)

New RV Blog

When I blogged the first time about our move to the RV I didn't envision turning this into a project. Well, it is now my project at Kathy's encouragement. "Reflections" is my blog centered around philosophical and theological musings and really isn't a suitable vehicle for our RV life so I have added a new blog; "Lucy & Leroy's Great RV Adventure."

http://flahal-rvblog.blogspot.com/

Saying No to Militancy

"And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, {25} In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; {26} And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will." (2 Timothy 2:24-26)

In my younger years I often fell into a rhythm of militancy when expressing my doctrinal understanding and convictions. It required a great deal of time for the truth of “the servant of the Lord MUST NOT strive” (emphasis mine)to sink in. After years of ministry it has been my observation that a militant presentation of truth is a fruitless endeavor. At times it has appeared that one has been successful in making converts to ones point of view only to discover that a new militant has been created. This suggests that the person influenced was not persuaded of truth but was, in reality, a militant looking for a cause.

Strife only breeds more strife as indicated in Proverbs 15:18 when Solomon writes; “A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife." Our apostle of grace, Paul, exhorted believers to "let nothing be done through strife or vainglory.” I can with honesty attest that I have never witnessed one spiritual victory gained through militancy. Militancy is not about gentleness but conquering. Militancy is not about teaching but replication and rigidity. Militancy is not about patience or meekness but the properly timed strike, and triumph, and the pride of a vanquished foe.

Someone once said that Christians, in the spiritual battle, are often guilty of shooting their own wounded. Perhaps not, but it does often appear that believers are quick to throw another believer under the bus, so to speak, rather than to extend themselves in sincere ministry and edification. Paul makes it clear that the battleground of the Lord’s servant is the mind. To win the mind requires gentle, patient, and meek instruction which enables the errant to recover themselves. The result of a campaign of this nature is capitulation to truth, not the conquest of one will over another. Truth becomes the victor, not the Lord’s servant.

"For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. {15} But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another." (Galatians 5:14-15)

"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. {18} For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. {19} Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another." (Romans 14:17-19)

Where Did He Go?

Recently, I have pondered the fate of the self-assured and optimistic young man pictured here. It required finding this likeness in my digital archives as I couldn’t retrieve his image mentally. As fuzzy as the mental visage is the mind and philosophy. And yet, I remember certain things about him. He was so idealistic and I am so historic and realistic. He was so energetic and I am stolid. He had delusions of changing the world while I am more interested in survival.

True, there are some positive differences. He was nervous and his self-assuredness was more bravado than substance while I am comfortable in my skin. He was somewhat self-absorbed while I am more aware of circumstances and people around me. He was more easily angered and argumentative while I am more laid back and introspective.

At times I wish I could go back to the days of my youth, but in reality I recognize that, even if it were possible, it’s doubtful that I would do it much better the second time around. I guess I’ll just be content with who I have become.

A New Year: A New You

The year is closed, the record made,
The last deed done, the last word said,
The memory alone remains
Of all its joys, its griefs, its gains,
And now with purpose full and clear,
We turn to meet another year.
Robert Browning (1812–1889)

Many of us embark on a new year with the hope that things will be better than the previous year. A common practice upon January first is the “resolution”. New Year Resolutions are attempts on our part to reshape or redirect our lives with a view to improving our circumstances. Historically, this process soon results in personal failure and the painful realization that nothing has changed. Circumstances are what they are and one’s personal resources for addressing them remain as they did in the previous year.

(2 Corinthians 5:17) "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." In this scripture the apostle Paul reveals the startling secret that “all things are become new.” The difficulty with this truth, for many believers, is that they don’t feel new. Their circumstances aren’t new and life appears no different than it has always been.

The truth is that “in Christ” we are a new creature. The moment we trust Christ there is a miraculous operation of the Holy Spirit where we are baptized into the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-13). In this we become eternally and irrevocably identified with our Savior, Jesus Christ. This identification brings completeness to our lives that we could never achieve in our own strength.

(Colossians 2:6-12) "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: {7} Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. {8} Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. {9} For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. {10} And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: {11} In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: {12} Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead."

Colossians two contains much vital information for the struggling Christian. First, our walk (the way we live) is to function on the same basis as our conversion; by grace through faith. Second, we need to be established (grounded and mature) in the faith which, in the Pauline context, means being rooted in the doctrines of grace. Third, the realization that our sufficiency lies in our identity “in Christ” where we discover the fullness of everything God has accomplished for us in His Son, making us complete.

In our new identity in Christ we are to bring this completeness to our circumstances. It isn’t an issue of resolve but of faith. Also, it is not about what we can do differently but about God has done for us. When we conduct our lives on the basis of these truths we experience “newness”.

Please note; (Romans 6:4) "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." We “should walk in newness of life” because of our identification with the Lord Jesus Christ. This, of course, is what we “should” do but too often we choose to make life’s choices on the basis of our Adamic heritage. In living in light of our earthly identity we negate the privileges and power of our heavenly identity.

This may appear to be a philosophical point, only, but the essential truth is that we don’t need to resolve to become new. What is required of us is to choose to live as the new creature God has made us to be “in Christ”. While many Christians angst over their difficult circumstances, pleading with God to remove the difficulties, they overlook the secret to peace in their lives. All things are become new because we are new “in Christ”. Our situation may not change but the resources at our disposal have. God doesn’t need to fix our circumstances because he fixed us.

In Ephesians 2:10 we read that “we are His workmanship” and it stands to reason that God’s handiwork is thorough and reliable. Over the coming installments we will explore the contrasts between who we were before Christ, and who we are now “in Christ.” It is my sincerest desire to encourage the saints to experience the newness that is only found in living in light of the new creature God has made us to be. The resources of God’s grace are bountiful and it is shameful for the children of God to live as spiritual paupers when, in truth, they are “blessed with all spiritual in heavenly places blessings in Christ”.