Tag Archives: Doctrine

We Must Obey God

Bible General, Calvinism, Church Bulletin, Doctrine, ,

A doctrine of convenience has descended upon the religious world. People are told to believe on Jesus and that alone will save your soul. This is a false doctrine contrived by man. Belief is certainly essential for salvation, but it does not bring salvation when left alone. To believe in Jesus as the only Son of God is the beginning, but it does not reflect the totality of salvation. In some circles, it is anathema to suggest that man has any part whatsoever in his own salvation, but Scriptures loudly teach that man, while unable to be saved by his own works, is, in fact, a participant in his own salvation.

Isaiah declared that we are separated from God by our own sins:  ”Your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear” (Isaiah 59:2). The Weeping Prophet, Jeremiah, cried: “Your iniquities have turned these away, and your sins have kept good from you” (Jeremiah 5:25). The Psalmist wrote that a beautiful land had been turned into a “salty waste because of the evil of its inhabitants” (Psalm 107:34). Sin is man’s problem. It is caused by each man and plagues us all (Romans 3:23). Without God, I am justly condemned. Only the God of the Bible has the solution for sin. Without the grace of God; I cannot be saved. Without the mercy of God; I cannot be saved. Without the love of God; I cannot be saved, etc.

But is there anything I must do to be saved? Is there any human action required for salvation? All but the most dedicated disciple of Calvin will acknowledge that man must believe that Jesus is the son of God. To believe is a human act. That hardcore Calvinist, to be consistent, will demand that human belief is only caused by God in those he has chosen. He would say that such an urging from God is irresistible and there is no free will. The depravity of that teaching is probably best seen in Adam and Eve where he would say that God willed the sin of Adam and Eve thus spoiling his own spotless creation. But, most would accept that belief is a necessary contribution of man towards his own salvation.

The Scriptures teach more. Paul sets a contrast between those who do not obey the truth but instead obey unrighteousness (Romans 2:8). If belief alone is necessary to please God then how, we pled, is it possible to obey unrighteousness? We all believe that unrighteousness exists. Does such a belief make us unrighteous? No, it does not; no more than believing in Jesus makes us righteous! Biblical belief always produces action (James 2:14-26).

To be pleasing to God and to ensure his own survival, Noah not only believed God but worked to build an ark of safety. Abraham believed God and repeatedly acted upon God’s instructions. Lott believed God but also fled Sodom to avoid destruction. The people of Acts 2 obviously believed God but were obedient to Peter’s command to “repent and be baptized” (Acts 2:38) and then continued to live righteously.

More directly we note four important Bible passages, John 3:36; Romans 10:16; 2 Thessalonians 1:8 and 1 Peter 4:17. All four verses are cast in the negative. Each asks the same question: What is the condition of those who do not obey the gospel? We ask the reader to observe the word “obey.” It means to comply with some directive or command. Paul and Peter ask what happens to the one who does not comply with the commands of the gospel?

Other passages are set in a positive tone. For example, in Acts 5:32 Peter says the Holy Spirit is given to those who obey God. The Hebrew writer says that salvation comes to those who obey Jesus (Hebrews 5:25. John says we can know that we please God when we “obey his commandments” (1 John 5:2).

We beg our readers to consider that there is more to salvation than a one-time acknowledgment that Jesus is the son of God. We remain totally dependent upon God for our salvation, but we must comply with the truths he has revealed to us in his Scriptures.

 

Vine, Branches and Denominations

Church Bulletin, Doctrine, John, ,

Grape_vinesDuring his final days on earth, Jesus declared, “I am the vine, you are the branches” (John 15:5). What does he mean? Some take this verse as an endorsement of denominationalism. They say that Jesus was describing himself as the vine and the various religious denominations as branches from him. If that is true then there must be nothing wrong with dozens of such denominations in every city in the world. But the wise Bible student will inquire deeper and try better to understand what Jesus is saying.

The Immediate Context

We have said often that Scripture must be understood in the context in which it is spoken. One must never pluck a verse from its surroundings and make it say something the Holy Spirit never intended. I fear such has happened with John 15:1-11.

The immediate context shows Jesus was talking about individuals, not churches. The language he uses is specific. In verse 5, the word translated “you” is originally in the second person, plural. Such words refer to people, individuals, to whom the speaker was addressing at the moment. He is addressing a group of people and telling that group that they are the branches. “You” is a pronoun which refers back to the apostles gathered with him for the Last Meal in the Upper Room (John 13:1 ff). Branches are individuals. Branches are people who must remain in Christ for their strength and sustenance. There is no survival outside of Christ for it is his body that is saved (Ephesians 5:23).

We should also note what is missing from the immediate context. There is no mention of a church, no mention of a denomination and no mention at all of any assembly or grouping. To find support for the idea of denominations here one must craft the idea out of a fertile imagination. The immediate context does not support denominationalism.

The Remote Context

Every Bible verse must harmonize with every other verse in Scripture. God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:43). But the Bible argues against division and, thus, against denominationalism. If that is true we have even more evidence against the interpretation of John 15:1 ff as supporting denominations.

Two chapters later Jesus prays for unity among his believers. Jesus prayed, “that they may all be one, just as you father are in me, and I in you…” (John 15:21). His apostle, Paul urged Christians to “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). He reminded them that there was only “one body” (Ephesians 4:4). He rebuked the Corinthians for incipient denominationalism that was forming in their congregation (1 Corinthians 1:10-17). He reminded them that the many members of the church are in a single body, Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12). This passages harmonizes perfectly with Jesus’ own vine and branches analogy of a single vine (Christ) with many branches (members).  To the Colossians Paul called for “perfect harmony” in “one body” (Colossians 3:13-15).

Given that we Christians are all part of “one body” (Ephesians 5:30), and given that the body is composed of many individuals members, and further given that “perfect harmony” is to exist within that body, can we truly claim that denominationalism is a good thing? Or is it truer to say that denominationalism is wrong, even sinful? Isn’t it true that denominationalism shatters unity and is a horrid expression of the will of Satan and not of God?

Denominational teachings are all over the map. There is no unity within broader Christendom.  Individual denominations teach doctrines that are so opposed to one another that both cannot be correct. Denominationalism is a scourge to be fought and destroyed.

The only answer is a return to God’s Word alone. Let us throw away creeds, statements of faith, confessions, books of discipline, church councils, synods and any device which separates us. We all claim to love and trust the Bible. Let us prove it.

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @jbevans.

Doctrine Is Good

Church Bulletin, Doctrine

The word “doctrine” has become one of those bad words to many. To them it suggests disagreements and quarrels over subjective religious topics. Since most people dislike confrontation they avoid any doctrinal discussion. But in fact, doctrine is vital and lies at the very center of our faith. Every aspect of our religious thinking is doctrinal in some way. Even the most basic belief that Jesus is the Son of God is a doctrinal belief. There is nothing wrong with doctrine and Christians should not fear doctrinal discussions.

Doctrine simply refers to the content of teaching. In a public school we use the word “curriculum” to describe the content of the teaching. If something is taught in the Bible, it is doctrine. When the Bible teaches us that we should love one another (John 13:34, Romans 12:10, 1 Peter 1:22), that is doctrine. When the Bible teaches us that God loves us and gave Jesus to die for our sins (John 3:16), that is doctrine. When the Bible promises an eternal home for the faithful (Matthew 18:29, John 5:24 ), that is also doctrine.

Jesus taught doctrine

The Sermon on the Mount from Matthew chapters 5-7 is an excellent example of doctrine. Jesus was teaching great lessons to his followers. Because the words of that sermon seem so lofty to us we do not consider it doctrine. Nevertheless, those lessons were all teachings or doctrines delivered by Jesus.  But, in John 14:6 Jesus declared the exclusive doctrine that no one can come to God apart from, or through any other way than, himself. That teaching alone excludes a great swath of humanity who do not place their faith in Jesus. Like the Sermon on the Mount, that teaching is also doctrine.

Doctrine is God given

The Scriptures are breathed out (inspired) by God Himself (2 Timothy 3:16). The words are his and give unto us what we need (2 Timothy 3:17; 2 Peter 1:3). The Scriptures are a gift that enlightens the believer and guides him unto the presence of God. We ought cherish the doctrine given us by God.

So if doctrine is simply teaching and if Jesus taught doctrine and God gave us doctrine, why are so many people afraid to talk about doctrine? Why are some afraid of any teaching that might clash with those of their associates? Two reasons.

First, men have created so many of their own doctrines which clash with Scripture, that conflict is inevitable. The problem is not Bible doctrine. The problem is man. Jesus spoke of just such a problem when he pointed to vain worship driven by the “doctrines of men” (Matthew 15:9; mark 7:7). When men, councils, synods, presbyteries and such create their own doctrines they will also create conflict. Despite their desire to clarify and re-state Bible teachings, new doctrines always arise which do not agree with Scripture.

Second, some people like lives of ease (Amos 6:1) and see no point in doing the hard work of study and learning. Instead, one or two doctrines can be learned and the remainder ignored. Of course it is never said that way but nevertheless that is the outcome. People reject study and the hard mental work required to teach. Remember Peter’s admonition to “give an answer” of your faith (1 Peter 3:15).

Doctrine is not bad and it must not be avoided. But true Bible doctrine will always bring to light the inferior teachings of men. Bible doctrine will always require an effort to learn and to teach. Doctrine reveals to us the complete picture of God’s love and salvation. Let us run toward that doctrine and never run away.

 

Memorial Day

Church Bulletin, Doctrine, Eastern Shore church of Christ, , ,

This weekend Americans celebrate a special national holiday, Memorial Day. Although the name has changed from the original Decoration Day, Memorial Day celebrates and remembers all the servicemen and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the many wars our country has fought. Monday will see a variety of ceremonies marking the day. Flags will fly at half-staff until noon to honor the fallen. We owe a great debt to our military people who have fought across the globe to secure our freedom and our way of life

Christians celebrate Memorial Day weekly, although not for the same reason. We call it the Lord’s Supper or Communion (1 Corinthians 11:20; 1 Corinthians 10:16) and in it we remember a greater sacrifice made for all men everywhere.

This ancient feast finds its origin in the Jewish Passover meal first eaten just prior to the exodus from Egypt (Exodus 12:1 ff). On that night, the deliverer passed over the obedient homes of the Hebrews  and did not bring judgment upon them. All other homes faced the death of the first born as a judgment from God. The Hebrews commemorated that feast annually until the first century. Today, some Jews continue to celebrate the Passover.

Just before his crucifixion, Jesus gave us the Lord’s Supper. Using the elements of the Passover meal, Jesus crafted a new meal which we celebrate today. Its purpose was to cause his followers to remember and memorialize his death. Two items present on the Passover table were used as a sort of object lesson to aid our memories. Unleavened bread was used by Jesus to remind us of his body which was so horrible beaten. The cup, filled with the fruit of the vine or grape juice, symbolized his blood which was shed for many ( Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:14-20, 1 Corinthians 11:23-34).

When the synoptic writers recorded the event they offered little explanation except to say that the emblems of bread and the cup represented the body and blood of Jesus. But the inspired apostle, born out of season, Paul, expands our understanding of the purpose of the Lord’s Supper. He reminds us that we take Communion “in remembrance of “ Jesus and thereby “proclaim” his death (1 Corinthians 11:25).

Herein is the great memorial: A remembrance of Jesus and his death! Communion is the great Memorial Day. Jesus, who left heaven, lived among men, was mocked, mistreated, tortured and killed for people who had rebelled against him, paid the real ultimate sacrifice.

Paul warns that the solemn nature of the Lord’s Supper can be destroyed by hearts that are not in tune with the intent and purpose of the Lord’s Supper.

 Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. (1 Corinthians 11:27-29).

We also know that this memorial feast was not an annual, semi-annual or quarterly event. In Acts 20:7 Paul mentions the assembly on the first day of the week. He notes that their meeting on the first day was “to break bread,” a term used to describe the Lord’s Supper. That the Christians met every first day is clear from Paul’s statements about contributions into the church treasury. He instructed that such collections be made upon “the first day of every week” (1 Corinthians 16:2 NASB). If  the church assembled for the purpose of eating the memorial meal and if that meeting was on every first day of the week, we see both a command and an example of every week Lord’s Supper participation.

Our service people deserve our thanks and our heartfelt appreciation, especially those who died in service to our country. But Jesus deserves it even more. Today, as we gather around the Lord’s table, let us remember his sacrifice so that we might live.


United Church of Christ and the Churches of Christ

Church Bulletin, Doctrine, ,

An article in Saturday’s Mobile Press- Register announced the formation of a new church in Mobile. Although it does not go by the name it is affiliated with the United Church of Christ. Because this is the first UCC church in Mobile and because of the similarity of the name, I thought we should take a look at the beliefs of this new church and see if it compares well to the teachings of the New Testament. It does not. Continue reading United Church of Christ and the Churches of Christ →

Doctrine

Church Bulletin, Doctrine,

The “D” word has fallen out of favor in some places. Some suggest that it cannot be preached and should only be discussed at the most arcane level. Instead we preach about love and acceptance, grace mercy, favor and the like. Doctrine is out of favor.

In some places, doctrine is seen as that which divides believers in Jesus Christ. I think the opposite. Doctrine is a crucial part of our knowledge. Jesus spoke volumes on doctrine. In fact all of the things mentioned above exist as doctrine in some way. So what exactly is doctrine and why should I care?

DID’-A- KAY is the word most commonly translated “doctrine” in the English Bible. It appears 30 times in the New Testament and is sometimes translated as “teachings” or “instruction.” This fits nicely with the use of the word in context. Doctrine is simply that which has been, is or should be taught. 2 Timothy 3:16 may be the classic use of the word when Paul tell Timothy, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching (doctrine)…”  In his previous letter Paul reminded Timothy to give attention to doctrine as part of his ministry (1 Timothy 4:13) and to ensure that the doctrine he taught was good and not different from what he had been given (1 Timothy 1:3; 1 Timothy 1:10). Similar admonitions were given to Titus in Titus 1:9 and Titus 2:1.

Jesus warned about false doctrine. Continue reading Doctrine →

Holy Week

Church Bulletin, Doctrine,

Today is the beginning of Holy Week and it marks the final week of Lent. According to the Catholic calendar today is Palm Sunday which celebrates the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, Maundy Thursday  which is the time Catholics say the Lord instituted the Mass and the Sacrament of Holy Communion, Good Friday which is the day commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus  and ending with Easter Sunday, the day of Jesus resurrection. You will see and hear much about Holy Week this week.

I struggle with Holy Week. I’m thankful when people think of Jesus no matter the reason. I’m glad when the affairs of the world are set aside in favor of Godly thoughts. It’s nice when people come to worship on Easter even if we won’t see them again until Christmas. I’m just glad they give a couple of days to the Lord. But I struggle with Holy Week because it is not something God gave us. It is a celebration crafted by the creature, not the Creator.

The pieces of Holy Week are Biblical. Jesus did enter Jerusalem to praise and glory just a week before his death (Matthew 21:1-9; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:29-38; John 12:13; Zechariah 9:9). It must have been an exciting time to be in Jerusalem. It was the last time Jesus would enter the city to such a welcome. Jesus did institute the Lord’s Supper  (Matthew 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:18-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25). Jesus was crucified (Matthew 27:32; Mark 15:21-32; Luke 23:26-42; John 19:17-27). The tomb is empty because he arose from the grave (Matthew 28:26; Mark 16:6; Luke 24:6; John 20:1-10). All of the pieces are found in the Bible. What could possibly be wrong about celebrating Holy Week?

Holy Week Itself Is Not in the Bible

One would be hard pressed to find some mention of Holy Week in Scripture. The New Testament extends for about 60 years beyond the death of Jesus yet there is no record of special celebrations for Holy Week or even for Christmas. Religious holidays (holy days) were a feature of the Law of Moses. The Passover (Exodus 12:1-6) and the Day of Atonement (Exodus 16) are but two of numerous feast and celebrations given by God to Israel through Moses. Those holidays, along with the law generally were taken away in Christ (Colossians 2:14).

The only celebration which the church has today is the every week celebration or commemoration of the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7). Instead of once yearly let us commemorate Christ’s sacrifice every week.

Holy Week Is From Man – Not God

This is critical. We are not left to our own imagination when it comes to worship. Not only has God given us direction through commands and the approved examples of  inspired apostles, he has specifically warned us against crafting our own doctrine. Jesus strongly rebuked the Pharisees for their defense of human tradition. He quoted Isaiah 29:13 against the religious leaders of the day and censured them for teaching “the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:8-9). In a semi-parallel passage Paul admonishes Christians to avoid things which seem to have an “appearance of wisdom in promoting self made religion” but which are actually ideas or concepts developed not by the Divine but by men (Colossians 2:20-23).

While the intent of Holy Week and its attendant ceremonies might be good, the fact is it comes from the mind of man and not from God. We have been warned about man’s doctrines and we know that we mustn’t alter the inspired word of God (Deuteronomy 4:2; Deuteronomy 12:32; Proverbs 30:6; Revelation 22:18-19).

Holy Week Promotes Occasional Faith

Beyond the human origins of Holy Week I am also concerned that special holy days promote a faith that is not daily but semiannual. We all know people who attend worship twice a year. They come on Easter and at Christmas. Sometimes we will see them on Mother’s Day because they want to honor their mother. The saddest part is that these people are truly pleased with their faith and satisfied that they given God two or three hours out of a  year.

Someone may argue that these people wouldn’t worship with the church at all were it not for holy days but that begs the question: Should we change the faith to accommodate those who are only marginally interested? No! We must not change the faith for any person or for any reason.

Let us all return to the purity of simple Bible teaching. Leave the commandments and doctrines of men behind. Standing together on the rock of truth which is the word of God we can move forward to carry out the Great Commission.

Robert Bentley and Brotherhood

Bible General, Culture, Doctrine, Evangelism, ,

Alabama Governor Robert Bentley discovered quickly that the secular community neither understands nor seeks to understand Christian thought. In comments to a denominational gathering just after being sworn inaugurated into office Bentley declared that there was no brotherhood with people who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ. The remarks were sharp and to the point. A day later Governor Bentley assured that he meant no offense. I have no interest in the political machinations of Bentley or his critics, but his comments do raise worthy questions. Who is my brother? Is there a special fellowship in place for Christians  that does not include non-Christians?

Jesus on Brotherhood

Let’s begin with a similar, startling comment by Jesus.

While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him.  But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother” (Matthew 12:46-50; c.f. Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21).

For Jesus, true brotherhood that runs deeper than blood relationship is based upon a desire to obey the Father. Jesus sharpened that idea with and even more controversial statement recorded by Luke.

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26; c.f. Matthew 10:37).

The necessary relationship is with the divine. All earthly relationships must fade, relatively speaking, into near obscurity. We seek God’s kingdom first (Matthew 6:33).

In the beautiful High Priestly Prayer of Jesus we see contrasts drawn between those who follow Jesus and those who do not. Jesus prayed “I am praying for them…I am not praying for the world… (John 17:9). “The world has hated them because they are not of the world…” (John 17:14).

From these passages it seems clear that for Jesus there was a difference between those who follow him and those who do not. Those who do are of the family – they are brethren.

Apostles on Brotherhood

Jesus’ followers also promoted the idea of the brotherhood of believers. Over 180 times from Acts through Revelation inspired writers use the term “brothers (brethren)” to denote the special relationship among Christians. For the apostles there was a sense of family that existed among Christians that did not extend to non-believers.

Paul gives a unique view of the family of God when he speaks of heirs, joint heirs and inheritances:

“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,  and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him” (Romans 8:14-17).

First, we are children of God. Second, we are joint heirs with Christ if we are followers. Therefore we are heirs together or brothers. This promise does not extend to non-believers or the unrighteous. Christians are in a unique relationship with God, Jesus and with other like minded people. As with any organization or body a person is either in or out. Non-believers are out.

For Paul, the earthly issue was the body of Christ which is the church (Ephesians 5:23). Please read carefully 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. Christians are part of a grouping based upon God’s adding them to that number (Acts 2:47).

Conclusions on Brotherhood

There is a sense in which all men are brothers. We were all created by the power of God. However to stop at that point is to secularize the truth of the Gospel. There is another, more specific sense in which those who believe and obey Jesus are brothers. That grouping, the church, is exclusive but not limited. Potentially, all men everywhere and from every time could be a part. But in reality most will reject the truth (Matthew 7:13-14).

Christianity is exclusive. Hear Jesus: “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Again, “I am the door. If anyone enters by me he will be saved…” (John 10:9).  Peter says, “…there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). John says bluntly, “Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.  No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also. (1 John 2:22-23).

All men may come to Christ. Jews, Muslims, Atheists, Pagans may come to the Lord. They may become part of the brotherhood of Christians. But they must come through Jesus and on his terms.

Robert Bentley offended some people with his remarks but from a Biblical perspective they were not inaccurate.

The End of the Patriarchal Age

Acts, Bible General, ,

A reader has asked the question: “When did the Patriarchal Age end for the Gentiles, Acts 2 or Acts 10?” It’s a good question and we will try to give an accurate answer. First some background.

God has always placed himself under certain agreements with man. These Biblical covenants or dispensations are summarized in another article on the Preacher’s Study Blog and we invite your consideration of that piece.

Jesus mission was to “seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10). But in its early stages that mission was limited to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 15:24). There were Gentiles (non-Jews) who knew of Jesus and who received accolades from the Lord (Matthew 8:5-13) ((The text does not specifically say that he was a Gentile and we do know that centurions could be of nationalities different from Rome but the context of Jesus’ statement strongly suggests that the centurion is not Jewish.)) Continue reading The End of the Patriarchal Age →

A Congregation is not the Church

Church, Doctrine,

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/63/Calais_town_hall_vermont.jpgFellowship and cooperation among congregations is the will of the Lord. As brothers and sisters in a closely knit family we work together to tell the world of the good news of Jesus Christ and to share the glory of God with his creation.

The One

There is one church (Ephesians 4:4). Jesus promised to build his church (Matthew 16:18 ). He never promised to build many churches but only one. Both Isaiah and Daniel (Isaiah 2:2-4; Daniel 2:44-45) told of the coming of a single kingdom which would come in Jerusalem. That church came in Jerusalem in the days of the Roman Emperors (Acts 2:41-47) and is the kingdom (Colossians 2:13-14). That church has only one doctrine (Ephesians 4:1-6) which is the truth given by Jesus to his apostles and inspired men through the Holy Spirit (John 14:26).

The ownership of the church rests solely with Jesus. He bought and paid for the church with his own blood (Acts 20:28). All power belongs to Jesus (Matthew 28:18) and he has never relinquished that power to any man or human group. Therefore the church bears  his name (Romans 16:16) and not that of men.

The Many

While there is but one body or global church there are many smaller units. We typically speak of them as congregations. But it would be a mistake to think of these smaller groups as completely separate churches. They are not. In Jude’s general epistle to Christians he speaks of a “common salvation” and of the “faith that was once for all delievered to the saints” (Jude 3). In Romans 16:4 Paul spoke of “all the churches of the Gentiles” who were thankful for his safety. These were individual congregations begun during his missionary journeys. It would be incredible to think that Paul taught each of these a different doctrine. he speaks of “all, that in every place, call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:2). Certainly all these shared the same faith (Ephesians 4:5) .

These individual congregations are different and diverse in many ways but not doctrinally. They are to teach the same thing. In Colossians 2:16 the apostle gives instructions that his letter (the Colossian letter) be sent on to Laodicea and that the letter to Laodicea be brought and read in Colossae ((The Laodicean letter is unknown to us. We may be confident however that God has caused us to have all we need today and so we need not be concerned about its absence from our Bibles.)) What Paul taught in one congregation in taught in all. because Jesus is the head of the church (Ephesians 5:23). All teaching and doctrine flows from him.

The presence of individual units or congregations makes perfect sense. Coca-Cola strives to maintain a consistent product throughout the world. Yet that company works through local units which carry out the day to day operations of the bottling business. A local bottler cannot alter the recipe. Likewise the local congregation is not empowered to change the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9).

Although single in doctrine and mission each congregation is autonomous. Its local affairs are overseen by its local membership acting with and through its own local eldership. Paul instructed Titus to appoint elders “in every town” (Titus 1:5). As Elders, or Shepherds, these men all function under the authority of the Chief Shepherd Jesus Christ (1 Peter 5:4). They are not “little-lords” (1 Peter 5:3) but guides, teachers and overseers of the work begun and directed by Jesus (Acts 20:28).

Local autonomy has many benefits. It allows local churches to use their resources more efficiently in their communities, it allows for groupings of people with similar geographic backgrounds, it allows services to be tailored to local needs and it limits the spread of error. One very large protestant denomination is presently undergoing divisive battles over homosexual issues. Hard feelings are evident as their national and international bodies try to force this sin upon their members. In a fully autonomous setting such false teaching would still be hurtful but the damage more limited.

The local congregation is an indivisible, indispensable part of the global church. It cannot and must not be isolated from from the larger church or from other, sister congregations.

As with most things there are exceptions to this statement. Sometimes an individual congregation errs so egregiously in its teaching and doctrine as to separate itself from others. As such, other congregations are not bound to support, encourage or give comfort to their error. Jesus warned such congregations in the first two chapters of Revelation. While it is up to Jesus to remove a congregation’s “lamp stand” (Revelation 2:5) it would be incredible to think that other congregations should support the error being taught or accepted.

Cooperation

Remembering that all congregations are parts of the whole, it should be obvious that cooperation among congregations is desired and even essential. The successes and failures of distant brethren affect us all.

Especially within a local area churches must work together to spread the gospel and share the glory of God. Efforts by one congregation should be heralded, support and encouraged by all others within the framework of truth. What a shame when petty jealousies prevent one congregation from supporting another. Decisions to support another congregations efforts must be made upon the truth of the effort and not over some fear that another congregation might look better or that a few members might actually begin attending there.

The body of Christ is one team. We all fight in the Lord’s army. What would happen in your community if all of God’s people got together with a single plan, a single message and in a single effort? I would love to hear your thoughts. Specifically, are we too isolated? Have we turned congregations into the church? What are the limits of fellowship with other congregations? Leave your thoughts below.