Friday, January 18, 2008

Old Testament Denominations

   The Amercan College Encyclopedic Dictionary defines the word denomination as “a religous sect”.  There were many groups who fit this definition during the time Jesus walked the earth.  The prominent two were the Pharasees and the Saducees.  There were many others besides these two.  One must conclude that denominationalism was well established when Jesus came to earth.   Denominationalism is not exclusively a modern day event. 
   These denominations thought their beliefs were correct.  Each claimed to be following the Word of God while holding to varying and distinct views.  One would suppose that when the Christ came He would have set them straight on the evils of denominationalism.  If one had held this idea he would have been mistaken.  When Jesus came to earth he went about His Father’s business.  As He did His Father’s business he made life better for those who sought Him.  He healed the sick, raised the dead, and fed those who were hungry.  From time to time He would confront the terrible attitudes that one group or the other displayed.  All the while He went about doing His Father’s business.
   There is some evidence that this background found its way into the lives of Christians for Paul described himself as having been a Pharasee.  It is beyond question that denominationalism was well ingrained in religion by the time Christ came.  Yet, we never see Jesus giving effort to condemning the sin of denominationalism.  What we see Jesus doing is going about doing His Father’s business.  Do you suppose there is a lesson in this for us His followers?
Posted by onedaysoon at 23:49:16 | Permalink | Comments (6)

Thursday, January 17, 2008

You Search the Scriptures

   Jesus told the Jews in John 5:39, “You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you posess eternal life.”  In verse 40 He says, “yet you refuse to come to me to have life.”  Today, can we know Scripture and fail to know Jesus?  For many years it has been said about our fellowship, “We are a Bible toting Bible quoting people.”  Is it possible that while we know much about Scripture we have failed to know Jesus?  An important thought in this matter is this, “Why are we going to the Bible?”  Do we study Scripture to prove our doctrinal points?  Do we diligently search the text so that we can prove and hold the party line view?
   The Jews of John 5 diligently studied Scripture yet when Jesus came they failed to recognize Him.  Why?  Could it have been because they were looking for something besides the Truth?  In verse 41 Jesus told them that they did not have the love of God in their hearts.  When we search God’s Word to substantiate our lifestyle or our doctrine we make a grave error.  Scripture isn’t meant to be a tool to allow us to justify what makes us comfortable.  God’s word is meant to tell us how to enter into and maintain a relationship with the God the Father through Jesus Christ the Son.  Why do you search the Scriptures?
Posted by onedaysoon at 05:09:03 | Permalink | Comments (5)

Saturday, January 5, 2008

Keepers of the Inheritance

  In the Deep South it isn’t unusual for a farm to stay in the same family for generations.  It is passed on from parent to child only to see this process repeated over and again.  Generation after generation become ” keepers of the inheritance.” This treasured tradition is a fine thing if we are talking about the family farm. 
   There are many things other than farms inherited from our families.  We inherit our physical traits, our mental abilities, and to some degree even our personalities.  One of the inheritances we take for granted is our religious heritage.  Although we are beginning to see some change in this regard, we often are what we are religiously because we have inherited our thoughts, beliefs, and even our doctrinal positions from our families.  In essence we become “keepers of the inheritance” religiously.
   Is this a good thing?  If we never question what we have inherited religiously are we pleasing to God?  In regard to an inherited farm, we try to keep it in perfect shape.  We make sure the fences are mended, the barns painted, and the pastures mowed.  We wouldn’t dream of doing anything detrimental to the farm.  Is the responsibility the same for our religion?  Must we “plow the same ground” over and over again doctrinally?  If granddad plowed with a mule, must we also plow with a mule?  If great-granddad never rotated his crops must we do the same even when we know this isn’t the best way to build the soil?
   Passing a farm from generation to generation is an honorable thing.  In regard to our soul, inheritance is not always such a grand thing.  We need to mold our views of God based on our study and scholarship, not on the basis of what we have inherited.  There are too many who are simply “keepers of the inheritance”.
Posted by onedaysoon at 06:03:39 | Permalink | Comments (4)