Accepting Those Who Differ: Lessons On Unity From Romans 14 And 15

One of the issues that I have longed struggled with is how to maintain unity among believers. Because Christians believe in absolute truth, we often struggle to get along when we disagree on what the truth is. Doctrinal disagreement has long separated believers from one another.

Unfortunately, one of two wrong responses to doctrinal disagreement is often chosen: accepting everyone regardless of their beliefs or separating with everyone who does not agree with you in entirety. My position has been that unity is achieved when believers agree on the essentials of the faith, that is, those truths which define Christianity (the authority of the Bible, Christ's atoning death, physical resurrection, salvation by grace and faith alone, etc.). Other doctrinal disagreements while important do not destroy unity; however, I have had a difficult time establishing this view from Scripture. This link was helpful in providing a biblical foundation for dealing with those whom we disagree. Footnote number 12 is especially helpful.

Pastor Jeremy Lee
Twining Baptist Church

A Christian Musician Explains the Importance of Theology!

I have been a fan of Steve Green, the Christian recording artist, for a long time. I appreciate and have been greatly blessed by his music. To my surprise [1], Steve Green on his online journal was discussing a question from Michael Horton's book Christless Christianity. One person responded that "Paul condemned theology. What has theology produced? It has produced nothing but confusion, divisions, and denominations. What has theology produced in you? Only distractions from Jesus." The following is Steve Green response.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. To some of your ideas I would say a hearty ‘amen’. You are right in suggesting that much of the church has shied away from the simplicity of the gospel, the message of the cross. John Stott wrote a great book calling for a return to the centrality of the cross.

Where I would differ with you is in your opinion about theology. Historically, theology has included faithful knowing, thinking and acting. Bromiley wrote that, “theology is that which is thought and said about God. True theology is thus given by the Bible itself as the revelation of God in human terms.” While God’s Word is objective, our reflections of God’s Word are always human and thus relative and not infallible or inspired. Still, we must wrestle with the difficult questions of life, thinking through our faith. It is true that some theological environments have been sterile and cold. Others have specialized in questionable and secondary concerns. There are also those who think it’s all just subjective interpretation and no one really knows. These objections should remind us of our utter dependence upon God, the need to hold our views lightly and humbly, but at the same time, not deter us from the hard task of diligent study. Martin Luther stated, “The primary purpose of the truth of theology is not to divide, nor to unite, but to discover and protect the truth.”

Our faith is in Jesus, but when we talk about Him we are concerned with doctrine. Doctrine is not about ideas, but about realities, persons and events. As we study God’s grand story as revealed in the pages of Scripture, we are bound to reflect on God’s declaration of His character, will and ways. While my theological perspective must be open to correction, I still hold that theology is a disciplined study that seeks to proclaim the truth about Jesus, but also studies the proper response to who Jesus is [2].

Amen.

Pastor Jeremy Lee
Twining Baptist Church

[1] I was surprised because in my limited experience it is normally Christian artists who are decrying doctrine and theology. Steve's response is refreshing.
[2]Read this journal entry and others here: http://stevegreenministries.org/journal/?p=91#comments

Doctrine

NOW HEAR THIS, Rev. 2:15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

I have about had it, on a reckless roller coaster ride, on which the mainline (church?) denominations find themselves. Away with Scripture and Bible Doctrine. This is the doctrine of the Nicolatians; literally eating of idol-meats, committing fornication, spiritual idolatry to tempt God’s people to idolatry.

It was refreshing to hear the testimony of a Methodist staff member of a church in our area. “For 12 years we were a church that was seeker sensitive, I was a member of the praise team. For 12 years we neglected The people who supported the church with their money, who were faithful in every way to the Book of Order we put aside for those people for 12 years. Finally the 200 people who wanted no doctrine, no pastoral leadership, no Book of Order left and formed their own goup. We now have a solid group of Christian people, finally we have a safe community for the worship of God. Looking back (this staff member told me) the Seeker sensitive movement is a big mistake, to them most doctrine is considered old and not applicable to Christian living. This is simply untrue, Biblical Doctrine, Bible knowledge, and Bible living is necessary in the church today as it has always been" This completed the testimony of a staff member I spoke with of a Methodist body of believers in North East Michigan.

Below are some Verses of Scripture that demonstrate the necessity of Doctrine in the life of the believer.

Prov. 4:2 For I give you good doctrine: Do not forsake my law.

Is. 29:24 These also who erred in spirit will come to understanding, And those who complained will learn doctrine.”

Jer. 10:8 But they are altogether dull-hearted and foolish; A wooden idol is a worthless doctrine.

Matt. 16:12 Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

John 7:16, 17 Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority.

Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Acts 5:28 saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man’s blood on us!

Rom. 6:17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered.

Rom. 16:17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.

Eph. 4:14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,

1Tim. 1:3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

1Tim. 1:10 for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine,

1Tim. 4:6 If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.

1Tim. 4:13 Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

1Tim. 4:16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

1Tim. 5:17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.

1Tim. 6:1 Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed.

1Tim. 6:3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness,

2Tim. 3:10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance,

2Tim. 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

2Tim. 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;

Titus 1:9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.

Titus 2:1 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine:

Titus 2:7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,

Titus 2:10 not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.

2John 1:9, 10 Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him;

Rev. 2:14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.

Rev. 2:15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

I hear this remark often, “ just say it like it is, tell me the truth.” Scripture is Truth.

Here are lies, “there are several ways to God” “Scripture means different things to different people” Scripture is non-specific” “It depends on how we look at it”, “people deserve God’s love, not His justice” there are many more lies of Satan, he is no friend to anyone, he is a deceiver. Stay close to God by knowing Scripture and Doctrine, thus avoiding the crafty works of the enemy.

P/S The study of Bible Doctrine is a Doctrine of the Holy Scriptures.

Ken Clouse
5700ken@centuytel.net