Joy in Christendom

A Call to Forebearance

A ran across this gem of a quote today.  It's a good reminder on how to help bring unity to the Body of Christ.

ON THE DIFFERENT APPEARANCES OF GRACE IN DIFFERENT PERSONS

"There are diversities of operations, but it is the same God, who worketh all in all." Some believers are remarkable for the strength of their faith in trials even unto death; others for their liveliness and activity in duty; others for their wisdom, conduct, and prudence both in temporals and spirituals; others for their zeal in defense of the truth; others for their knowledge in the mysteries of the truth; others for their patience meekness, and gentleness; others for their submission to the will of God; others for outward usefulness in the church; and others for an inward and spiritual life of communion with God. But all these are the various gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit "dividing to every man severally as He will," and not the talents or abilities of fallen nature. They are also given to every man, who hath them, to profit withal, according to his place in the church, or in the world. He, who hath one of these graces, should not undervalue or despise him who hath another; for the Giver is the same, though His gifts may be granted for different ends.

Very often particular graces are bestowed, to counteract and oppose particular corruptions, of which the Lord Himself can be the only true judge. Some situations of Christians require gifts of grace, which might be less necessary, or less manifestation of the Divine glory in others, than they are in them. But they are all of them His workmanship, and could not in grace, more than in nature, either create or fashion themselves.

This should teach thee, my fellow-christian, a lesson of forbearance to thy brother. It is not right for thee to judge another by thine own pattern. He may have graces, not less pleasing to God, nor less useful in their purpose, than those which are given to thee. Art thou a warn and active Christian? Condemn not him, whose endowments may be more placid and contemplative than thine. He who now creeps as a snail, in humble silence, may, by one lift of Divine power, get into heaven before thee, and perhaps be raised higher there than thee. God judgeth not like man, according to the outward show, but according to the secret riches of His love. Art thou a quiet and retired believer? Do not censure him, who is called forth to more stirring duty than thou art. Though his work may seem less spiritual to thee, it may be to introduce designs of providence and grace, which only God can foreknow, and which may be the means of carrying out His saving power far and wide. Some of the first reformers were less remarkable for a quiet and gentle spirit, than some who have followed them; but these last do not seem so fit instruments for grappling with papal outrage and tyranny, as they were. When rough work is to be done, men use the axe and the saw; but, for gentler operations, the plane, the razor, or the knife. These last would not cut down a forest; nor would the first serve to polish or smooth.

Honor, then, the work and blessing of God upon His people, in what form soever it may be found. Every member hath his appointed office from Him. It is self-love and conceit, which disparage others; and these we will not call gifts from above, but rather worms from beneath, which seek to gnaw the root of the vine. Covet, indeed, and earnestly, the best gifts; but the love of God and man is, after all, the more excellent way. ~ Part 2-Number V by Ambrose Serle (1742-1812).

The Well-Rounded, Harmonious Christian

"As Human beings we are naturally inclined to be one-sided.  One tends to be intellectualistic, another tends to be emotional, and still another tends to be activistic.  One tends to be only prophetic, another only priest, and a third only king.  We should be all these at once and in harmony.  A study of systematic theology will help us to keep and develop our spiritual balance.  It enables us to avoid paying attention only to that which, by virtual of our temperament, appeals to us." - C. Van Til, An Introduction to Systematic Theology

Sounds like University Reformed Church doesn't it?  So the answer is not to down play these differences, to jab at others who are not like us, or to ignore these "one-sided" aspects to the congregation.  Just the opposite actually, we should deal with these things head-on as we all pray and study the scriptures together in humble adoration of our Groom. We need to remember it isn't "theology" that divides but our own selfish desires and our deaf ears to the Gospel, in each and every way.

How To Play Nice In Church

Well, maybe that title should read "How to play Godly in Church when conflicts arise".  Given my recent conversations about this topic, I'd like to formulate a biblical understanding of the topic and hopefully bring honor to Christ and His Body while doing so.

I have many to thank for helping with this topic.  I am truly thankful for the Godly men in the Body who boldly communicated certain truths to me recently in a winsome and truthful manner.  I welcome any and all feedback and will always, by His strength, treat such feedback as a gift.

While thinking and praying through this topic, I believe that I was able to condense it into a few key areas.  In these recent discussions, these definitions kept bubbling to the forefront of most of the dialog.  These are unity, idols, "Nice", disputable matters, and tone.  I dissect each of these below.

Definition of Unity: Unity within the body is a laudable, noble and Christ-centered goal.  Unity, however never means "getting along" or "no fighting", "or one voice". The biblical definition of unity is worshiping the Lord and Risen King with one voice, loving truth and is characterized by being grounded in the knowledge of God's Truth, being in harmony with Him....

"And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd." John 10:16

True, God-Honoring Unity begins by rejecting false teaching, false doctrine and embracing Truth.  Love and Kindness, although very good effects, are not the means to achieve unity but the result of holding firm to God and His Word and maintaining true Unity.

"27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel," - Philippians 1:27

An attitude of unity therefore requires Love in communication and humility in acceptance - another famous two-way street.

Acceptable Idols:  We are, I am, so blinded by acceptable idols and it is glorifying to God that he uses the Body of Christ to help point those out.  In relation to conflict, making hurt feelings, winning arguments, conversions to arguments or anything else other than the truth is making these things an idol and should be abolished along with all others.  These are all good things to be sure (or good things to avoid), but doing so at all costs is simply wrong.

"Six things that the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes,a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. " Proverbs 6:12-19

"22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."  Ephesians 4:22-24

Nice Communication:  "Nice", like Unity, has to be defined within and governed by the Truth. It is never nice for instance, no matter the tone of an argument, article or post to lie to the reader. Sometimes this is intentional and sometimes it is not.  Either way though (but it does make a difference) it is most important to tell the truth.  So, if the author is communicating an unbiblical position, no matter the words and tone used, it should never be understood as unifying for the body of Christ just because the tone is palatable. 

That said, because we are purchased by His Blood and marked by His righteousness it is always acceptable to use a gracious and winsome tone.  This should be easy for us (but rarely is) given what we've been given and the Grace that we've received.  Bold proclamation should never be replaced with despair; a call to repentance never replaced with demeaning words or actions.  We are to Love our Brothers and Sisters IN THE LORD - loving Him first and his Sheep.  We love the Lord, His Grace and His Sheep also by sharing the Grace and convictions that we've received by proclaiming the Gospel in every area of life.

"May God grant you all repentance... in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will." 2 Timothy 2:23

"We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;" 2 Cor 4:8

"Now abide faith, hope, and love, but the greatest of these is love" I Corinthians 13:13.

"For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself'" (Galatians 5:14).

A Disputable Matter: this category of knowledge is a dangerous one.  I know that such a category exists but it does not exist in the same way that I have seen it used.  A disputable matter is NOT a matter in which Christians may decide for themselves - Paul does not give us this category so that right and wrong have no bearing on the intricacies of life.  Paul gives us this category to show us how church can work.  By this I mean, that not every sin is a matter of potential excommunication, but a sin is still a sin and repentance from said sin is still required.  Furthermore, I am personally thankful for this category as it allows, even commands, me to worship next to people with whom I have big disagreements on very key items.

Separating the Tone from the Message:  These are different categories so it is therefore possible to separate these things, even though one can sin at both, either or neither when delivering a message.  When addressing the situation it is helpful to speak to both, BUT truth of the message has to override the tone.  For instance, someone can speak softly, with a smile, perfect pitch and tone, while at the same time say there is no God.  The scriptures, hands down, speak more about the factual nature of a statement, then the tone of the message.  Both are important, but not equally important.  All of that said, many, especially in the Reformed camp struggle with tone more than truth and we would be wise to store up a terse, angry tone to the 4th or 5th iteration of a conversation (or debate) before jumping or starting with it.  It is an all-together different situation when the audience is generally ignorant of the Biblical position, verses a heals-dug-in-stiff-arm to the truth (a truly arrogant) position.

I finish this post with the following reminders to myself mostly and I pray that the reader finds these helpful as well.  I am very thankful for the Sisters and Brothers that the Lord has used time and time again to minister to me and my family.

• But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way. 1 Cor. 12:31; 13:13.
• Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Rom. 12:10.
• so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Rom. 12:5.
• For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Gal. 5:13.
• submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Eph. 5:21.
• May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, Rom. 15:5.
• Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. Rom. 15:7.
• And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able also to admonish one another. Rom 15:14.
• Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, Eph. 4:15
• For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Gal. 5:13.
• Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Gal. 6:2.
• Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Eph. 4:12.
• submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Eph. 5:21.
• Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. I Thess. 5:11

Unity: A Manifesto for the Body of Christ

"What should a Christian believe about Unity and how should they go about fostering it?  What is commanded of the individual, the family and the congregation?"

I've been thinking and meditating over this topic for a couple of years now and in the interest of progress, I thought that it might be helpful for my family if I begin to formalize our thinking on the matter.  We all agree that unity is important, but even a short discourse on the topic reveals that it is very difficult to not only define but also to achieve.  After all, you put sinful people together and you will have "issues".  As faithful followers of Christ and His Word, what are we to make of these differences and how are we to live with them.

Unity:  A Manifesto for the Body of Christ - An Outline

Introduction

Unity is not about ignoring or pretending that very important differences exist in the Body - it's about working within and along side those differences, for whatever reason they exist, and worshiping the one true God, together in unison for those who are in the Body, not yet in the Body and for the Glory of the Father.

The following is a brief outline on where I hope to go with this topic.

The Law and Gospel - the Whole Council of God - the only foundation of life, covenant and unity.

Covenantal Membership - what it really means to belong to these irritating people.

Get over yourself - any sin against you first offends God and offends Him far more than it offends you.

Offend Me!  Do you too easily offend?  Are you too easily offended?

You're not nice! - Saying someone isn't nice isn't always nice and being nice isn't always a requirement.  What does a loving rebuke look like and who should do it?

Debating secondary issues and who gets to decide what is a secondary issue

They're weird - what do you do when weird people start showing up in your congregation.   You know to whom I'm referring - the families who's very presence invokes guilt and anger.  How to be welcoming, unassuming, and delighted by their choice to worship with you.

Rules of Dialog - a quick course in logical, orderly discussion

My Congregation is Sinning, what now?  My congregation is not practicing Biblical Christianity - what should we do?

Conclusion