By Andy Alexander
The Lord strictly teaches that his children are not to fellowship with those who teach and practice false doctrines (2 Jn. 9-11). Those who violate God’s standard are to be marked and avoided by faithful Christians, yet most people blindly follow false teachers in the denominational world and support them with their attendance and contributions (Rom. 16:17; Tit. 3:10).
A task force for the Methodist Church has just completed its second meeting on homosexuality. Why was a task force needed? God has spoken on this subject and declared that it is a sin that will keep one out of heaven (Rom. 1:27). The task force is needed because there is a move in the Methodist Church to accept homosexuals into full fellowship. Where does that leave the members who do not approve? They are guilty of condoning this and all the other errors that the Methodist Church is engaged in. The answer for the Methodist member who does not approve: find the right church!
Many denominations are allowing women to preach and teach the whole assembly. For years Pentecostal churches have allowed women to preach, but this practice is now accepted in many other denominations as the feminist movement in the past two decades has gown stronger. Has anyone ever considered to search the Scriptures to learn what God’s will is in this matter? Paul commanded, “Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence” (1 Tim. 2:11-12). What does a person do who is caught up in a church that is teaching and practicing this sin? Find the right church!
The Baptist Church teaches that man’s sins are forgiven the moment he believes in Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that belief is necessary and no one who has read and studied the Bible will argue about the need for a man to believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that he has been raised from the dead. There are a vast number of Bible passages that affirm this teaching (Jn. 3:16; 8:24; Mk. 16:16; Rom. 10:10). However, we must take all of the passages that deal with our salvation and not just the ones that tell us to believe. A sinner must also repent of his sins if he is to avoid eternal punishment (Lk. 13:3). The Bible also teaches in Romans 10: 10 that confession with the mouth that Jesus is the Christ is necessary. Can we leave out confession and repentance as the Baptist would have us to do and please God? The Bible also teaches that baptism is the place where man’s sins are washed away (Acts 22:16). Jesus placed belief and baptism prior to salvation in Mark 16:16. Can we omit any part of the plan that Jesus has given. What does a person do if he finds himself in a denomination that practices these things which are contrary to God’s will? Find the right church!
There are many other practices which are being done in the name of Christ in the denominational world, but they do not have his approval. Things which may appear small in the eyes of man, are still departures from God’s word and those who teach, practice, and support them will perish, because they are not obeying the gospel (2 Thess. 1:7-9). Where do we find support in God’s word for quarterly observance of the Lord’s Supper, instrumental music in worship, men to wear titles such as Father, Reverend, Monsignor, etc., social activities as a means to induce people to obey the gospel, women preachers, and taking up collections during the week? Search the Scriptures and see if these acts are authorized (1 Jn. 4:1; Acts 20:7; Matt. 23: 8- 10; 1 Cor. 11:34; 1 Tim. 2:12; 1 Cor. 16:2).
What’s the answer? Find the right church! And, if you cannot find the church that you read about in the Bible, then start one and try to lead as many people out of error as you can.
Guardian of Truth XXXV: 6, p. 171
March 21, 1991