John 17:20-21: “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.”
You have probably heard some variation of this old joke…
I was walking across a bridge one day, and I saw a man standing on the edge, about to jump. I ran over and said: “Stop. Don’t do it!”
“Why shouldn’t I?” he asked.
“Well, there’s so much to live for!”
“Like what?”
“Are you religious?”
He said, “Yes.”
I said, “Me too! Are you Christian or Buddhist?”
“Christian.”
“Me too! Are you Catholic or Protestant?”
“Protestant.”
“Me too! Are you Baptist or Presbyterian?”
“Presbyterian.”
“Wow! Me too! Are you Presbyterian Church of God or Presbyterian Church of the Lord?”
“Presbyterian Church of God.”
“Me too! Are you original Presbyterian Church of God, or are you Reformed Presbyterian Church of God?”
“Reformed Presbyterian Church of God.”
“Me too! Are you Reformed Presbyterian Church of God, Reformation of 1879, or Reformed Presbyterian Church of God, Reformation of 1915?”
He said: “Reformed Presbyterian Church of God, Reformation of 1915.”I said: “Die, heretic scum!” and pushed him off.
As many of you know, I pastor a Presbyterian church, so I can poke fun at myself. However, the truth of this parody seems to cross denominational lines as we all can lose track of the real purpose for living out the Christian faith.
Over the past few months, I have met weekly with a group of pastors in the Peoria area to pray. As we gather, it is obvious we come from divergent doctrinal positions, yet this Presbyterian can sit next to a Baptist, across from a Charismatic, while agreeing with the prayer offered up by a Methodist that God will bring salvation to the lost in our communities.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I am not an ecumenical evan-jellyfish a swimmin’ in a pond of Kumbaya compromise and politically correct backwash. We should all stand firm on what we believe to be true. I am ever thankful for the Doctrines of Grace and the harmony of a covenantal hermeneutic of Scripture. However, the men who comprise this prayer meeting are in agreement on the fundamentals – the core tenets of the Christian faith. And, although we may disagree on the timing of the Lord’s return or the number of angels that can dance on the head of a pin, we certainly stand united on the need to embrace the Great Commission and take the Gospel to the lost.
Yet, how sad it is to see Christians making “ministries” of tearing apart other Christians on the internet or in print media over a difference of opinion on how one should live out the Christian faith! As an example, courtship and dating can be an explosive topic is some circles. We, as a family, have found courtship to be a biblically valid model to unite young men and women in marriage. I have legitimate concerns with the modern dating model and believe it has caused more harm to singles than producing good, solid marriages. I would go so far as to say courtship is biblically superior to dating. However, do I believe my brothers and sisters who decide to date are “less Christian” than me? No! Yet, sadly, because I take a more conservative and guarded stand on this issue and, as a pastor, teach the wisdom of this stand, some may feel the need to cry foul, or better yet, cry legalist, because I recommend courtship over dating.
The same is true for a number of other issues, whether that be homeschooling versus organized schools, college versus vocational training, head coverings versus long hair. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly one is branded a legalist simply because one makes a statement for what he or she believe to be best for the Christian life—and teaches it! There are those who are fine with our believing differently than they do, as long as we don’t share our beliefs with anyone else.
You see, we need to focus on what really matters. Of course, doctrine matters. There are good and justifiable reasons why we have denominations. I am a Presbyterian because I believe the Reformed and covenantal hermeneutic of Scripture to be the most consistent interpretation of the Word of God. When I meet with this group of pastors, we do discuss doctrine from time to time, but even with our disagreements we are still able to come together in prayer.
I also believe a liturgical style of worship to be the most consistent with the Word of God and the Regulative Principle. But does that mean I will sacrifice my friendships with these pastors over differences in Psalms, hymns, or spiritual songs? No! We all believe that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in the Lord Jesus Christ alone! This is what gives us unity in spirit and the ability to lift up one another in prayer.
Friends, I encourage you to be gracious with one other. We should strive to vigorously promote the ideals and doctrines that we believe to be consistent with Scripture. If that means making a case for courtship or homeschooling or simple head coverings, great! Or, if that means another makes a case for dating or organized schools or frilly hats, wonderful! But, make the case! Work to build a biblical exegesis for your position rather than assaulting that of your brother or sister with ad hominem* blog-bombs.
It is good to remember the words of the Apostle Paul from the Book of 2nd Timothy…
2 Timothy 2:23-26: But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
*I thought it best to define this for those among us who were not homeschooled! An ad hominem is a reply to an argument or factual claim by attacking or appealing to an irrelevant characteristic about the person making the argument or claim, rather than by addressing the substance of the argument or producing evidence against the claim.
That analogy is so true. “Christians” fight and debate over irrelevant issues (such as denominations) and lose sight of God and put their opinions above Him.
By: Joe McLean on September 17, 2007
at 6:43 pm
Hi Master McLean,
Actually, since I believe doctrine to be important (John 7:16, Acts 2:42, 1 Tim 4:6, 2 John 9, etc.), denominations are inevitable. We should vigorously debate doctrines and even tertiary issues such as those I reference in my article. However, the point I was trying to make was to debate in love – sticking to the issues, presenting a biblical case in defense or in opposition, while avoiding personal attacks, sweeping statements, et al.
Does this make sense?
By: James McDonald on September 17, 2007
at 10:49 pm
Brothers,
I respectfully disagree with Joe and side with James on this issue.
The trouble in today’s religious marketplace if you will, is that “Christian” no longer means the same thing to everyone, even among those professing Christianity. What scripture tells us we are to be united in, is not “Christianity” as is the current ecumenical focus, but to be united in CHRIST, and the TRUTH of His gospel. This, in a great many cases, puts denominations as odds.
When a mainstream denomination blatantly opposes Christian doctrine by ordaining gay and female clergy, supporting same sex unions, endorsing gay clergy as long as they are not “practicing” (all subjects that can be easily ruled as unbiblical with even a cursory study of scripture), than it is time that we part ways from serving along side these denominations. To not do so, is to be unevenly yolked.
When we dig below the surface of other mainstream denominations whose advertised “statement of faith” or church “doctrine” seem to follow Christ’s gospel message and dogmatic Christian doctrine, only to find that they in fact endorse abortion in cases of “extreme duress” or two or three other “reasons”, and also cannot speak out in condemnation of a homosexual lifestyle because in this day and age we “fail to see the social relevance” or “societal acceptance” of this lifestyle, we must part even further.
When you have a mainstream denomination that states that only their magically gifted clergy can physically change a piece of pastry into the physical body of Jesus so that we may eat it as a cannibal, and can physically change, through their vile and repetitious recitations and mantra-like incantations change a goblet of wine into the actual blood of Jesus so that we can drink it, and that these things MUST be done in order to be saved, and that since only their magically ordained clergy can do such, that they are the only true church, and therefore the only means to eternal salvation (a fact recently reiterated by this churches highest ranking official), than we must part even further.
We unite in Christ, and if I have to look past the list of the things above to “unite” with someone theologically, how much can there be left to unite in?
The second Timothy verses listed above apply so truly here. We are to disagree in a Godly way. We are not to cause strife, and argue, but to present the truth in love, “able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth”. If we are not teaching the truth, and citing falsehoods when we see them in the described methods of 2 Timothy 2, we have become as much of the problem as those who teach it.
Like Christ said, you are either for Him or against Him. We are either part of the gospel “solution”, or we are part of the satanically driven worldview “problem”. Ecumenism, as it is expressed by the RCC and others, will be the downfall of Evangelicalism.
By: Tom Spithaler on September 18, 2007
at 4:12 pm
Thank you Pastor McDonald for sharing your heart on this issue. Our non-denominational, seeker-sensitive neighbors continue to remind us that we, as a covenantal family, are not the only ones who love the Lord God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Our friendship with them is a living example to our children that we can look at scripture differently and yet continue to love each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. In fact, there are certain issues (i.e. evangelism) that they shine brighter and teach us many lessons.
God Bless ~The Davis Family
By: Eric and Heather Davis on September 19, 2007
at 3:10 pm
Gee, I think Tom may have missed your exhortation to disagree in love when he decides to use words like “vile” or “mantra-like” etc. I would submit that his tone is about as loving as a rattlesnake.
By: JCondon on September 19, 2007
at 5:38 pm
Brother McDonald,
Thank you for a wise and timely admonition. We are certainly living in a time when it takes no effort at all to slander/libel one another, all in the name of some figment of duty to set the world straight. How it must grieve the Holy Spirit to see us bite and devour one another, in the name of the Lord!
The Word is always fresh and alive, and cuts right to the heart of the matter. Thanks again.
Dan and Bonnie Frodge
in Florida
By: Bonnie on September 19, 2007
at 10:30 pm
I loved the short story in the beginning. It is so true for many believers to get caught up on the things that are not of high importance and leave the things of greater importance under that big stack of papers on there desk. But then that leaves the question when do things become of high importance?
-Nathan-
By: Nathan Davis on September 20, 2007
at 2:45 am
Hi Master Davis,
You ask a good question! In answer, I believe every area of difference is an opportunity for discussion, clarification, and growth. When I sit with the group of pastors to pray (which happens again tomorrow at noon), we gather around as leaders of congregations united by a common faith to pray for our respective churches. But we still discuss doctrine.
The other items I mentioned likewise are important, albeit tertiary. And there are certainly opportunities to discuss these as well. However, as I believe Paul’s letter to Timothy infers, the best way to see what a person believes is to get to know them. Relationship goes a long way!
For instance, the Bereans, we find in Acts 17, seem to be commended for looking into the claims of Paul – searching the Scriptures. But guess what, they did that with Paul – not in discussing what they thought Paul may or may not believe through papyrus drafts or carrier pigeons. In our day, too frequently “debates” are carried out with ad hominems, broad statements, guilt by association, public and personal accusations, but rarely are attempts made to clarify positions directly – and often no biblical case to the contrary is presented.
At least the pastors know how to develop and defend their case – of course it helps that we know one another as well.
The Internet is a great tool but, like all tools, it can be (and often is) misused.
Please tell your family hello for me!
By: James McDonald on September 20, 2007
at 3:34 am
In respoinse to Mr. JCondon’s remark: I don’t feel my comments require defending, only perhaps an explanation to better explain or express their intent.
In asking: Should we not, out of love, and the commission that has been laid upon us by God, teach those who have submitted theirselves to our authority as clergy, desciple them in the truth? Is not idolatry vile to God? Is not a repetitious recitation of a mantra-like prayer that is sold to the the congregants of said denomination as a moden day indulgence offensive to His very Word warning of of such “vain repetitions”?
My comments are made as a wake up call for all of those who call themselves Christians. Ecumenism/”unity” for the sake of unity, is IMHO, a danger to the American church in particular. Because of the current ecumenical trend, American churches are on a path to liberalize their doctrine to suit man, rather than teach the unadulterated truth of the Bible. All this in order to keep more people coming and tithing in the seeker friendly tradition. This is the trend, not the rule. The American church, evangelical as well, will far more easily liberalize doctrine to suit societal trends and simply “tickle ears”, rather than teach the unadulterated truth of the Bible for fear they might offend a few sinners who need saving, congregants who need teaching, and all who might come to conviction and repentance by simply being taught the Word of God.
I know that the Lord in His grace has true born-again believers in all denominations, who are sold out, on-fire, in love with the Lord. I have no doubt of this. I do not in anyway shape or form even intimate that the congregants of churches who have habitualized their soft-selling of Christianity are evil, and should be shunned because of differences. Nor should these churches/denominations themselves be shunned. My point is that if there are differences, we do need to discuss them, and expose in love where any particular denominational doctrine or teaching is off track with scripture. Let the Word define the truth, not our interpretations or opinoions, and let us unite in the TRUTH, not just for the sake of unity or ecumenism. We cannnot unite simply for the sake of calling the church united, when there are core doctrinal issues that do not line up with scripture. We cannot be unevenly yolked.
We are told in scripture that we should be instructing righteousness, and that the Word is given for 3 things: Doctrine, reproof and correction (2 Timothy as well). Two out of three of those are for bringing people from false-doctrine to truth. Correction and Reproof. We correct their doctrine, and yes, even admonish them in love for teaching such false doctrine, when they should have known better. This is 100% biblical. If we do not do this, in love mind you, no matter how painful it may be to our flesh, we are not fulfilling our calling as ministers of the Gospel of Christ.
As the saying goes, we must always hate the sin, but love the sinner. We should not, and I do not, go out of my way to “bash” other churches or denominations, but we must, we MUST make known to those people who seek the truth, where any church or denomination goes astray in salvational doctrine. Calling what is vile and offensive to God, vile and offensive, is not loving like a rattlesnake, it is loving like the caring overseers we should be.
I do apologize with all sincerity if my comments have oofended. This is not my intent. Education, introspection, and perhaps a little conviction by the Holy Spirit was my desired intent. I have devoted my life to my Lord and Savior. And if He is to ne my Saviour, I must first allow Him to be my Lord, and direct me me, and command me. Paul spent much of his time in the ministry correcting what was accepted into Christian lifestyle and doctrine. We must be careful not to become a church, or even person, who in accepting what is vile and repulsive to God, simplyt in the name of “loving”. This is my main point.
Mr. JCondon, you have my most sincerest of apologies for any offense or mis-understanding.
By: Tom Spithaler on September 20, 2007
at 4:54 pm
Thank you. This is very applicable to a situation we are currently facing–we appreciate this reminder.
By: Cassie on September 22, 2007
at 10:50 pm
Pastor McDonald,
…but her title for me holds the same meaning…but now I don’t try and defend my ’standard bearing like I used to) we are not told that we will be met with a favorable response…as the scripture you use does say “if perhaps GOD WILL” it is never about what WE want to see happen …it is about what God tells us to DO ..IN LOVE …IF BY CHANCE GOD…and therefore we don’t have to get angry or upset when they don’t hear us … we just need to DO and then pray and CONTINUE in Love. It is, afterall, LOVE that brought us to salvation and LOVE that will lead us on.
I just happened upon your blog…via someones posting it on their blog..talking about this particular subject.
I am ‘reformed’ and though I have called myself a Christian since I was 10 … until I came under the teaching of Calvin I never ’saw’ the Word as I see it now… I am never sure, when someone asks, if I should say I have been saved 45 years or 8 years…either way I praise God for His wonderful gift.
In the 7 short years we have been in the reformed ‘camp’ we have seen 2 churches divide. . . and along the way God has slowly (because I am a rather thick headed individual I am sure) brought me to this understanding of ‘unity’. I have been a very ‘out there’ person when addressing what I have seen and known to be sin …. and for the most part I have not been met with a favorable response. I know when we speak the truth (I have a friend who calls me the ’standard bearer’ because she knows if she calls me ‘legalistic’ I might take offense
I have a large extended family …8 siblings, and I am the only one ‘reformed’ in their thinking… espouses ‘courting’ over dating … and the list goes on and on. In this ‘environment’ God is teaching me how to speak and live the truth IN LOVE. I am so very thankful for the truths God has opened up to me… I have a peace beyond words and it is WONDERFUL… but LIVING this out is a constant challenge…I STILL have my flesh to deal with…. and my family KNOWS my flesh very well…EVERY BUTTON
Our pastor tells us frequently…we should get up every morning and cry out to God “HELP! I NEED YOUR HELP” .. I am VERY thankful for that reminder because we cannot walk in unity for 10 seconds w/o HIS HELP!
May God BLESS His people with hearts that YEARN to SEEK HIM and be in HIS WORD ALWAYS!
Thank you for your faithfulness in preaching the Word.
In Christ, Diane
By: Diane on October 10, 2007
at 4:44 am