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As we study the history of the newly organized Christian Church, we find that Satan did all he could to arrest the new church's progress. He led Judaizers into newly established churches to attack the foundation of our faith. Paul had labored untiringly to establish churches in Corinth and Galatia. They were on solid ground with their understanding resting upon righteousness by faith in Christ and His Word. Converts began their journey trusting in Jesus for their salvation, but in the apostles absence, they were led astray. Instead of looking unto Jesus, they began looking to self and their good works to save themselves. The Judaizers had perverted Scripture and the people lost sight of their dependence upon Christ. They were following another gospel.
Unlike the Galatians and the Corinthians, the Bereans placed their belief in Christ and his Word. Even the Apostle Paul's teaching was not accepted until it had been compared to Scripture. "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." Acts 17:11. How does God look at those who turn from the light given to His church? Paul was inspired to tell us that when the Gospel message once delivered unto the Saints is perverted, he who has done this is accursed. He made it clear in his letter to the Galatians. "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." Galatians 1:8,9.
Today, we have rebellion in the church. All are aware of the situation with Western Europe, Australia, and North America. As in their societies, they want to make women leaders of men. The North American Division voted to reject the World Church and change their bylaws to allow women to be conference presidents, to remove the distinction between men and women in the church. While this is not Biblical and was rebellion against the church, it is not the gospel message. Many who are in leadership positions reveal a lack of discernment and a rebellious heart. Many of these are responsible for bringing a false gospel into God's church. A rebellious heart is a bad tree and a bad tree does not bring forth good fruit.
Today the hellish torch of Satan is found in God's church leading away from the light of inspiration. The gospel has indeed been perverted and strange teachings have come into God's church. The teaching of Shakespeare and evolution in our schools, the acceptance of homosexuality is in the church, and God is a "she" is heard from Seventh day Adventist pulpits.
The battle between Scripture and human wisdom has taken a new turn. Some who believe the Bible does not allow for Women to rule over men have proposed a third option, a compromise that would allow women to rule over men to preserve unity in the church.
This reminds me of Paul's situation when he came to Jerusalem for the last time. With the arrival of Paul there was great fear on the part of the other apostles. Paul had been preaching and teaching against the ceremonial law. The other apostles knew that when Paul came back into Jerusalem he would be met with fierce opposition from the Jews. They rightly understood that this would mean persecution for the Christian Church in Jerusalem. Fear caused them to compromise the truth. They asked Paul to partake in the purification rites that were soon to take place. This was contrary to the truth and what Paul had been teaching. Paul, not wanting to offend his friends did what they asked. This brought about the death of one of the church's greatest pillars. It was not God's will for Paul to give up the truth in order to maintain unity with the leadership of the Christian Church.
Jesus never purchased peace by compromise, we ought not either. We should be very careful lest in seeking to prevent discord we surrender the truth. We are to "follow after the things which make for peace." Romans 14:19. But, real peace can never be secured by compromising principle. And no man can be true to principle without exciting opposition. A Christianity that is spiritual will be opposed by the children of disobedience. Those who are true to God need not fear the power of men nor Satan. In Christ their eternal life is secure. Their only fear should be lest they surrender the truth, and thus betray the trust with which God has honored them.
Today there is set before us a choice, we can offend God by not following the truth that He has entrusted to us, or we can offend friends who refuse to walk in the light given in Scripture. Whom do we fear to offend most, God or our friends? Jesus told His disciples, "Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Matthew 10:28. Or, better yet, whom do we love more, God or our friends?
"Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me." Matthew 10:34-37. |
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