Newsletter Vol.1, #29—July 10, 2005

Matthew 5:46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brothers only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax-collectors do so? 48 Therefore be perfect, even as your Father in Heaven is perfect.

Are Christians mad? Continued from last week -- Imagine, Paul says he taught the same thing everywhere in every church! Does this sound like the denominational view of Christianity today? Do denominations propose that the same things ought to be taught everywhere in every church? The whole idea of contradicting doctrines is contradictory to the Scriptures themselves. In Romans 16:16 we read, Salute one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you. Was Paul referring to different churches (denominations) all teaching and practicing different faiths and doctrines? By the way, remember Ephesians 4? Verse 5 also says there is one faith. Is it not clear that Paul is rather referring to the churches (congregations) in different locations that were all continuing in the same doctrine (Acts 2:42), teaching and speaking the same thing (1 Corinthians 1:10), walking by the same rule (Philippians 3:16) and called by the same name (Ephesians 3:14-15)? While we're on names, we read in Acts 11:26, ...they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. Can we read anywhere in the Bible (from Genesis to Revelation) about Christians being called by any of the denominational names we here of today? I do not mean to be disrespectful or insensitive to anyone, but honestly, can we read about disciples being called Adventists, Anglicans, Apostolics, Baptists, Branhamites, Catholics, Evangelicals, Jehovah's Witnesses, Latter-Day Saints, Methodists, Mormons, Nazarenes, Pentecostals, Presbyterians, Salvation Army or any other denominational name? Where did all these names come from? Is it not enough any longer to simply be an unhyphenated, undenominational Christian? Just a Christian! Doesn’t the Bible teach that it is in Christ that "the whole family in heaven and earth is named?” (Ephesians 3:14-15).

In 1 Corinthians chapter 1, there is recorded an occurrence where certain Christians sought to call themselves by other names (v.12). In deciding what to call oneself (religiously speaking) Paul asked these three questions in verse 13: Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

I would to God that everyone who wears a denominational name asks the same question. Is Christ divided? Was [denominational name] crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of [denomination]? While praying in the garden, just hours before going to the cross, Jesus pleads that those who were to believe on Him, "that they all may be one," (John 17:20-21). Bear in mind that the very definition of "denomination" not only suggests, but also requires division. Is it not both logical and Biblical that the body (church) of Christ cannot be made up of any denomination (i.e. division)? Do the words of 1 Corinthians 1:10, that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment, mean anything whatsoever to those who propagate and support denominationalism? A very succinct question is asked way back in the Old Testament, Can two walk together, except they be agreed? (Amos 3:3). Can religious people think it acceptable to walk differently now on earth but miraculously do so harmoniously in Heaven? Again for your reading pleasure, please consider Romans 16:17-18, 1 Corinthians 3:3-7, and 2 John 1:9-11. Christians are to be one like God the Father and Jesus are one (John 17:21). Does God contradict Jesus? does Jesus contradict the Holy Spirit?

How can denominationalists claim to be one body (church) while their doctrines contradict each another?

As for dogma #4 that "all the different churches (denominations) make up the church," this position is neither Scriptural nor Biblical. Rather, it is a compromise of God's word fueled by the Devil's deception, blind religious passion, and zeal but not according to knowledge. For they, being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God, (Romans 10:2-3).

In context, Paul was referring to Israel in his day who did not want to accept that with Christ being now raised they were no longer under the Law of Moses (Old Testament Covenant) but under faith (New Testament Covenant). The principle however, still applies today: zeal without knowledge.

We've ventured far from our original question – “Are Christians m.a.d.?” – but all for good reason: serious questions require thorough answers. Christians ought to be m.a.d. (Making A Difference) in the way people think, no matter what the general consensus says. Christians ought to be m.a.d. (Making A Difference) in saying that there is one body/church because God's word says so (Ephesians 4:4). They ought to be m.a.d. (Making A Difference) in saying that Christ built only one church because He says so (Matthew 16:18). They ought to be m.a.d. (Making A Difference) in saying that we ought to teach and practice the same things because the Bible says so (1 Corinthians 4:17, Philippians 3:16). They ought to be m.a.d. (Making A Difference) in saying that we should use Scriptural designations because that's what is written (Ephesians 3:14-15). They ought to be m.a.d. (Making A Difference) in saying that there should be no confusion or contradiction in Christianity because that's what the truth says (1 Corinthians 14:33).

They ought to be m.a.d. (Making A Difference) if not also being gregarious in saying that there should be no divisions in Christianity and we should all be one because it is found in the inspired word of God (1 Corinthians 1:10, John 17:20-21) In short, Christians ought to be m.a.d. (Makeing A Difference) because the Bible says so in Jude 22: And of some have compassion, making a difference.

So, does the truth make you m.a.d. (Make A Difference) or does it just make you mad?

It is my sincere prayer and hope that you seriously consider not what I think but what the written, inspired, inerrant, infallible word of God states. Honestly consider the Scriptures mentioned and ensure that your beliefs are in harmony with them. Do not allow any person or organization dictate your understanding and obedience to God's word. It would do us well to heed the words of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 4:6: And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.

The earnest and diligent understanding of God's word promises eternal salvation of soul as Jesus points out in John 5:39: "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me."

As Levar Burton, host of the popular PBS childrens' series, Reading Rainbow, often says, "Of course, you don't have to take my word for it." Be a Berean because: These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so, (Acts 17:11).

Jamali Jack ~ jamalij@yahoo.com

 "The Bible"

Richie Thetford

A mother once gave her son a Bible and wrote these words inside the flyleaf: "This Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this Bible." How true those words are. When we take the time to study our Bible then we become more focused on living a righteous life before God. The Bible says: "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15). We cannot know how to properly divide God’s Word unless we study. On the other hand, if we go about life living for ourselves, not caring about what God’s will for us is, we will get caught up in sin and serve Satan. Every one of us holds the key to life not only in this life but in eternity. That key is the Bible. Have you picked up the Bible lately, to study it, so that you will not be ashamed when your final day on this earth comes? Don’t let sin keep you from God’s Word!