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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