Category: Denominationalism
Subject: Denominationalism
In the News: Southern Baptists Vote…
An Associated Press report on June 20, 2012 noted a particular resolution passed almost unanimously by the Southern Baptist convention, held last week in New Orleans.
A day after electing their first black president in a historic move that strives to erase its legacy of racism, Southern Baptists passed a resolution opposing the idea that same-sex marriage is a civil rights issue.
Sermon: How to be Just a Christian
In this lesson the Seed principle is discussed. When the word of God is planted in purity, what results is a Christian. As such, division and the denominational concept is unacceptable to God.
Sermon: Is the Church of Christ a Cult?
Wayne explores the common view of what constitutes a cult, and exposes the fallacy of those who claim the Lord’s church should be categorized as one. If you have questions about the Church of Christ, this is a lesson to which you should listen.
Sermon: I am not the Pastor!
The denominational “Pastor system” is unscriptural and indefensible. This sermon discusses the office of Pastor, and distinguishes between what the scriptures teach and the practice of men.
Sermon: The Church of Christ IS NOT…
This sermon helps to identify, both positively and negatively, the scriptural concept of the church, contrasted with common denominational misconceptions.
Sermon Powerpoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
In the News: Submitting to the Lordship of Jesus
A recent article at the Fox News website reports that the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has voted to ratify a proposal that will eradicate the requirement of unmarried clergy to remain celibate. (To read the article, click here).
There is a lot wrong with that sentence, including the idea that a church can vote to make any doctrinal change, the concept of a clergy/laity distinction, and the idea that it is acceptable for a professed Christian to engage in the act of fornication.
Continue reading “In the News: Submitting to the Lordship of Jesus”
In the News: Nicer Than God?
On February 15, 2011 the Christian Chronicle noted on its blog that Texas Ranger baseball player Josh Hamilton had visited Lubbock Christian University on the previous day.
The blog entry contains a video, and text from the local newspaper, the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. The title of the blog post is: At Lubbock Christian University, baseball star Josh Hamilton discusses his faith. The Journal reported that during the 90 minute conversation, “the main narrative thread of the evening was the Hamilton couple’s struggles with Josh Hamilton’s drug abuse and the couple’s Christian faith.” (http://tinyurl.com/47s3qh3)
In the News: Queen of Vampires No Longer a Christian
NEW YORK – Anne Rice has had a religious conversion: She’s no longer a Christian.
“In the name of Christ, I refuse to be anti-gay. I refuse to be anti-feminist. I refuse to be anti-artificial birth control,” the author wrote Wednesday on her Facebook page. “In the name of … Christ, I quit Christianity and being Christian. Amen.”
Rice, 68, is best known for “Interview With a Vampire” and other gothic novels. Raised as a Catholic, she had rejected the church early in her life but renewed her faith in recent years and in 2008 released the memoir “Called Out of Darkness: A Spiritual Confession.”
Hillel Italie
Associated Press
Continue reading “In the News: Queen of Vampires No Longer a Christian”
In the News: Lutheran Leader Drives Drunk
Last Tuesday Reuters reported that the head of the Lutheran Church in Germany, Margot Kaessmann, 51, the Lutheran Bishop of Hanover, was cited for running a red light while driving under the influence of alcohol. A state prosecutor told the German Newspaper Bild that Kaessmann had a blood alcohol level that was three times the legal limit. She is under investigation, and could lose her driver’s license for a year.
The Reuters article also noted that Kaessmann was a controversial choice to head the Lutheran church, because she had had a divorce.
(Protestant Leader Regrets Driving Drunk, 2/23/10, Christopher Lawton)
Continue reading “In the News: Lutheran Leader Drives Drunk”
In The News: Multiple Memberships
I recently came across the following letter to Dear Abby. It initially appeared in the paper in May of 1994. So, while certainly not recent news, it still appeared in a newspaper, and so technically fits the parameters of this column. It certainly gives an opportunity to teach.
DEAR ABBY: I am 45 years old, financially comfortable and would like to get married.
I would like to meet a man about my age who enjoys going to church.
I belong to the First Methodist Church, Blessed Angels Catholic Church and the Mount Zion Jewish Temple.
I also attend the Christian Science Church regularly, but I do take aspirin occasionally.
Can you please help me find a man of good character who is interested in marriage, and belongs to any of the above-mentioned places of worship?
A moderate cigarette smoker is O.K., but please, no beer drinkers. – VICTORIA
DEAR VICTORIA: You seem to have all the bases covered. I cannot understand how you can be a member of all the above-mentioned churches.
To find a good churchgoing gentleman, have a talk with any of your clergypersons and be up-front about your interest in finding a man. I am a firm believer that there’s somebody for everybody. Good luck.
Analysis:
You will note that Abby, in her response to the advice seeker, says, “I cannot understand how you can be a member of all the above-mentioned churches.” I daresay that just about all who read the article thought the same thing, wondering if the lady were a tad imbalanced – perhaps criticizing her lack of conviction.
Class Series – 13 Questions
These are 13 actual questions asked by a Baptist church preacher. His name is David Martin, and he is referred to as the “Pastor” of the Solid Rock Baptist Church, in Bartlett, TN.
The questions appeared in an article written by Martin, entitled, “Common Sense Questions A ‘Church of Christ’ Preacher CANNOT Clearly Answer.” To view the article click here. (Note: This link only gets you to their home page. You will have to look for the article. The site uses frames, and does not allow for a direct link to the article).
While it is doubtful we could answer these questions to his satisfaction, these questions are similar to those commonly asked of us by those in the denominations.
We should “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:15).
An examination of these questions will challenge us to study; and will doubtless increase our faith. The design of the series is to elicit discussion and encourage home study.
Right click on each item to save it to your hard drive. Resources include Word Documents, PDF Files, and Audio files in the mp3 format.
(Note: We had some problems with our recording system during the series, and missed several lessons, so not all the audio is available. We apologize for this).
Suggestions for Study (Word)
Suggestions for Study (PDF) Continue reading “Class Series – 13 Questions”
Sermon: What Saul Saw When Blind
Though physically blinded on the road to Damascus, Saul of Tarsus, for the first time in his life, saw some very important truths.
Sermon PowerPoint: Click Here .
Sermon Audio: Click Here .
In The News: Chocolate Jesus?
I came across a recent article indicating that Catholic churches in Germany were upset because an entrepreneur had begun selling chocolate Jesus figures, covered in gold foil. The picture at right is an actual example of the figure.
I went to the web site advertising the item, and was blown away by some of the reasoning behind selling the product. Note the following quotes from the site:
…In our time, Santa Claus has replaced Jesus for most people. Unfortunately!
From today on, however, “Sweetlord ®” and the “Original Chocolate GoldJesus ®” are being made to change this!…
…Eating Jesus?
The idea to eat Jesus may first appear shocking to some people – but is it really? Apparently, the tradition to include representations of Jesus in dessert preparations – apart from flesh and blood (altar bread and wine) – goes back centuries both in the old and new world. Among the most prominent examples are the American King Cake and the German Christstollen….
Mining The Scriptures: Ephesians 1:22-23
Ephesians 1:22-23
Our text is often used as a proof text showing that God does not approve of denominations and the creeds of men. The church is the body of Christ. There is only one body, and therefore the concept of denominationalism is without scriptural precedent. Jesus is head over one body, not many. Too, Christ is head, and is given all authority. As such, man made creeds are inappropriate, usurping a dominion reserved only for the Lord.
Though this application is valid, these final two verses, in context, serve as the end of a paragraph that has as its theme the exaltation of God and Christ (starting with verse 15). The power of God for our redemption works in Jesus Christ, a fact proven through our Lord’s resurrection. When God exalted His Son, He sat Him on the throne in Heaven, a place of dominion over the church and all things. In this God’s great scheme is fully accomplished.
In The News: Can A Christian Be President
The question of our title is similar to other questions that have been asked. Can a Christian be a lawyer? Or, can a Christian tend bar?
Those questions speak of the morality of the two occupations. While I believe that a Christian could certainly practice law, there are certain types of lawyers who seem, if they do their job successfully, to violate Christian morality.
However, when I ask the question, “Can a Christian be President?” I am not so concerned with the ethics of the job; rather, I am referring to the electability of a Christian. I am convinced that one who truly holds to the teachings of Jesus Christ would be considered an extremist, and would have no chance of being elected to the highest office in America.
Continue reading “In The News: Can A Christian Be President”
