We are reminded to go to our brother or sister, and see if we can work things out. (Matthew 5:22-24) But it is worse than that.
Matthew 5:22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.
And if that doesn't work, take along a another to establish their testimony. (Matthew 18:15-16) Of course if they will not listen then we are to tell it to the church, and in the end treat them as tax collectors and pagans. (Matthew 18:17)
These admonitions are for sin in the church, not for differences in worship style or even theology. Peter and Paul did not always agree! Each one had their own paradigm, world-view, culture and personal experience with Jesus that colored their beliefs. In love, coming together as a body, God can work in spite of many differences.
Oh brother David, what about false teachers, false apostles and false prophets?
2 Cor 11:15 There end will be what their actions deserve.
The truth is those who are not grounded in the word of God will easily be led astray. I believe that those the quarrel about words are the false teachers.
2 Tim 2:14 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.
False teaching brings control, envy, strife, and the lack of peace. For the most part, many Christians do little to really grow in faith. Some want to grow in knowledge, but they are regurgitating something they hear somewhere else.Others want to have their own interpretation of the Bible. And Paul said where money, power, prestige and fancy speaking skills are involved, that is where you'll find the false apostles.
And finally, our protection against the false is in hearing God for ourselves. If we are sheep that know His voice, if we are part of a church where the ministry to God's people is not about nickels and noses, then being deceived is going to be tough.
And finally, just because you don't want to speak in tongues, or you are skeptical about supernatural healing or prophecy, ask yourself, if you never read a single verse of the Bible, how would you know that God exists? That is what Paul was up against in his ministry to the Gentiles.
Comments
Perhaps some should speak up that can see the wrong doings but many times those that do are ostricized or ignored. That is wrong.
On a positive note I recently came across two churches of different denominations that combined their resources to rehab a home in one of my communities that was donated to them. It was a revelation to see these two churches working together fo a common goal in helping others.
Their project was to rehab a home their selves and then give it to a person ( not a member) in need who had lost her home due to job loss and divorce. Certainly a noble cause in my view. They do plan on expanding this project to others in need as the funds become available and I will also help them.
This is an excellent example of what the churches should be doing for other in hard times in their own areas. This I feel is what God's will for all Christians should be doing in their own communities. Churches working together side by side to help the needy and helpless.
BTW, These two churches are not mega churches but ones with modest congregations.
@Larry - yes, thank God folks at least try to work together!
@Jay - so I will be "oh brother!" or maybe I can get a false teacher title or something. :)
Thanks, guys for reading along!