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Can Two Walk Together |
Dear Brethren,
The question was asked this week, "Can two walk
together, unless they be agreed?" God's desire is that brethren dwell
together in unity. But, in order for this unity to exist, there has to
be agreement in principle on the basics. It is obvious that when two
people or two groups believe differently - their paths diverge. Because
of a variance in understandings and expectations - the two are no longer
able to cooperate with the hope of attaining a mutual goal. "Can
two walk together, except they be agreed?" (Amos 3:3)
This Scripture is used by Amos as an obvious truism.
What do all the different church groups have in common? All say that
they believe the Bible to be the inspired Word of God. All claim to
live by every Word of God. All say they want to see unity in the
Church. All profess that they seek the same goals of being in the
Family of God, and in the Kingdom of God. In spite of this, they must
be seeing things differently - or there would be unity. "I beseech
you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak
the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be
perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the
same judgment." (1Corinthians 1:10)
The apostle John knew that he was holding fast to the Truth of God. He
knew the answer when some departed. "They went out from us, but
they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt
have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made
manifest that they were not all of us." (1John 2:19)
Yes, it is hard to stand up for what is true and right. God has high
standards that we must meet. We must be willing to sacrifice everything
for our brethren - we must lay down our lives. We are our brother's
keeper! Those who do not believe that we are our brother's
keeper, believe the lie of Cain. (Genesis 4:9) Caring for some brethren
- while rejecting others is an indefensible position. "That there
should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the
same care one for another." (1Corinthians 12:25)
When one of the brethren demonstrates a lack of Godly love for other
brethren, James says that sin will prevent their salvation. Something
must be done to help them. Ignoring the sin is not a Godly solution.
It is not showing love to sit idly by while division is occurring - it
is condoning the sin. Every person must be a part of the solution - or
they become a part of the problem. "Brethren, if any of you do err
from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which
converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from
death, and shall hide a multitude of sins." (James 5:19-20)
It is required of us that we actually help our
brethren. Too many talk a good game - but lack the courage and will to
actively do what God requires. "We know that we have passed from
death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that
loveth not his brother abideth in death... But whoever sees his brother
have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how
dwelleth the love of God in him?" (1John 3:14; 3:17)
Men of God must show the brethren true love. It is not the job of the
ministry to close their eyes to evil in the Church. That's the
Protestant way. That is the way of the world. Have nothing to do with
the path of least resistance: "Prophesy not unto us right things,
speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceit." (Isaiah 30:10)
Brethren, let's shift gears here. When we read,
"Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord,"
(2Corinthians 6:17) it does not apply to the true saints of God
separating from one another - it refers to this sinful world. Within
God's Church, we are to be of the same mind and heart. It is the world
that lacks true concern for the things of God. And, since those of this
world do not stand for the True God - they stand for nothing.
For example: When questioned on Tuesday about how his religious views
will affect Supreme Court decisions, Judge John Roberts
stated emphatically that he does not look to the Bible
in the decision making process, but to the established law of the
nation. The Judeao- Christian framers of our Constitution would be
appalled. Even to today's religious conservatives, God and the Bible
have no relevance. How can the same thing be
happening within the Church of God?
Brethren, one set of beliefs and practices is not as
good as another according to God. America is spiritually bankrupt -
only God's Church remains to morally and spiritually defend the high
ground. When we sink to the level, "everything is okay," we understand
why Jesus said, "Will I find faith on the earth?"
Judge Roberts, in his confirmation hearings for the seat of
Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court, stated, "I am not an ideologue."
Of course, that is the politically correct answer. That means that
Judge Roberts does not advocate some ideologies over others. As Chief
Supreme Court Justice, Justice Roberts has declared that he will
consider as equal under the constitution, the ideology of atheists, the
ideology of those who serve foreign gods, and the ideology of those who
serve the True God.
As Christians, we are ideologues. We stand for something,
and advocate Christian teachings and principles. We go farther than
that. Not only do we advocate Christian principles, we live by
them by putting them into practice in our daily lives. Our
ideology, our orientation, is characterized by Christian thinking and practice.
Brethren, with so much turmoil in the World and Church, we need to pray and
fast in order to draw near to God. For those who wish to join in a
fast, before God alone, this coming Wednesday, will be a fast day. It
is not mandatory. It is not obligatory - only the Fast of Atonement is
commanded by God. Some, because of work or other factors, may find it
better to fast at another time. We do not fast to cause God to see
things our way (Isaiah 58:4)
God says this is the way to fast - in humility: "Is not this the
fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the
heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every
yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring
the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that
thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?"
(Isaiah 58:6-7)
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Sermon: |
"Hold Fast" |
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