This is the last article in a three part series covering the history of our Restoration Movement and the tenants of who we are as an independent Christian church. I pray that these articles have given you a better understanding of who we are especially when your asked about the church you worship in each Sunday.
Last month we centered our discussion on the topic, “In Essentials, Unity”. This month we’ll look at the last two foundational principles of our movement. The first is, “In Opinions, Liberty.”
This subject addresses the issue of where do we stand where the SCRIPTURES have not clearly spoken? Such issues should be considered to be matters of opinion.
An important key to the unity and growth of the Restoration Movement in the nineteenth century was the determination of the Christians who were a part of it to maintain freedom of private opinions. They refused to establish terms of fellowship beyond the clear teaching of the New Testament.
Problems over opinions arose in the church of the New Testament, and the apostle Paul dealt clearly with the question in such Scriptures as Romans 14; First Corinthians 8:1-13; Galatians 4:9-11, 5:1,13,14; and Colossians 2:16-22.
In these texts, he provides us with forceful declarations about freedom of conscience in areas of private judgment and clear lessons on the conduct of believers toward one another over such issues. The great apostle wonderfully joins the twin virtues of freedom and responsibility.
Underlying Paul’s teaching on this subject was the fundamental truth that no human opinion could be joined with the gospel terms as necessary for salvation and the fellowship of the church. To the Galatians and Colossians he affirmed that adding any requirements beyond those he had proclaimed was false doctrine and a denial of justification by faith in Jesus Christ.
The church grows best when faith is stressed and proclaimed, and opinions are held privately. This truth is vitally needed in today’s church.
The last foundational principle of the Restoration Movement we’ll explore is the concept, “In All Things, Love”. Most of the New Testament teaching on the right of private opinion goes beyond personal matters and treats our responsibility to others. We are not to please ourselves, but to pursue a course that edifies, harmonizes, and unites. The unity of the church can be better maintained when love prevails among us.
Love is served and unity preserved when Christians refrain from judging one another in matters of opinion. Some tend to criticize and condemn those who are inclined toward greater freedom in those areas. Others who are more broad-minded in such matters tend to assume an attitude of sophistication and look down on, even ridicule, more narrow-minded Christians, There is no place for either attitude in the church. The New Testament condemns both the unfair criticism by legalists and the haughty contempt of freer Christians.
When an issue over opinions arises in the church, the solution is not to be found in insistence on agreement on a given opinion, but insistence on Christian love. Paul advice is still good: “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” (Romans 14:19).
My prayer is that you all had a Christ centered Christmas and a safe New Year holiday. May He lead us forward to greater service in 2012.
Pastor Pat
If you have a private prayer request, even if that request is to know Jesus as your savior, e-mail us at torsogong@ yahoo.com. We will forward it immediately to the appropriate ministry, whether it be the pastor and elders and/or our Prayer Warriors. Please title the subject of your e-mail "Prayer Request".
God bless you.
Last month we centered our discussion on the topic, “In Essentials, Unity”. This month we’ll look at the last two foundational principles of our movement. The first is, “In Opinions, Liberty.”
This subject addresses the issue of where do we stand where the SCRIPTURES have not clearly spoken? Such issues should be considered to be matters of opinion.
An important key to the unity and growth of the Restoration Movement in the nineteenth century was the determination of the Christians who were a part of it to maintain freedom of private opinions. They refused to establish terms of fellowship beyond the clear teaching of the New Testament.
Problems over opinions arose in the church of the New Testament, and the apostle Paul dealt clearly with the question in such Scriptures as Romans 14; First Corinthians 8:1-13; Galatians 4:9-11, 5:1,13,14; and Colossians 2:16-22.
In these texts, he provides us with forceful declarations about freedom of conscience in areas of private judgment and clear lessons on the conduct of believers toward one another over such issues. The great apostle wonderfully joins the twin virtues of freedom and responsibility.
Underlying Paul’s teaching on this subject was the fundamental truth that no human opinion could be joined with the gospel terms as necessary for salvation and the fellowship of the church. To the Galatians and Colossians he affirmed that adding any requirements beyond those he had proclaimed was false doctrine and a denial of justification by faith in Jesus Christ.
The church grows best when faith is stressed and proclaimed, and opinions are held privately. This truth is vitally needed in today’s church.
The last foundational principle of the Restoration Movement we’ll explore is the concept, “In All Things, Love”. Most of the New Testament teaching on the right of private opinion goes beyond personal matters and treats our responsibility to others. We are not to please ourselves, but to pursue a course that edifies, harmonizes, and unites. The unity of the church can be better maintained when love prevails among us.
Love is served and unity preserved when Christians refrain from judging one another in matters of opinion. Some tend to criticize and condemn those who are inclined toward greater freedom in those areas. Others who are more broad-minded in such matters tend to assume an attitude of sophistication and look down on, even ridicule, more narrow-minded Christians, There is no place for either attitude in the church. The New Testament condemns both the unfair criticism by legalists and the haughty contempt of freer Christians.
When an issue over opinions arises in the church, the solution is not to be found in insistence on agreement on a given opinion, but insistence on Christian love. Paul advice is still good: “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” (Romans 14:19).
My prayer is that you all had a Christ centered Christmas and a safe New Year holiday. May He lead us forward to greater service in 2012.
Pastor Pat
If you have a private prayer request, even if that request is to know Jesus as your savior, e-mail us at torsogong@ yahoo.com. We will forward it immediately to the appropriate ministry, whether it be the pastor and elders and/or our Prayer Warriors. Please title the subject of your e-mail "Prayer Request".
God bless you.
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