ON OUT PART
There are many different doctrines in our churches today. It is difficult to get
a group of people together and have them all agree on everything. It is
important for us as Christians to use tolerance, understanding, patience, and
love in every situation especially when it comes to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Just because someone may believe something different than another person should
not exclude that person from being embraced by the Christian community and
treated like a brother or sister in Christ. Our foundation is Christ Jesus the
Chief Cornerstone. We are to build upon this doctrine alone and no other.
The Lord directed me to an important scripture that I would like to share in
this brief message.
Mar 9:38 And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in
thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not
us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle
in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is
on our part.
Personally I do not always like, or agree with what has been preached from the
pulpit. But I know if that man or women who is ministering the Word of God is
preaching from their heart I cannot complain, point my finger, judge, or attack.
If people truly seek the truth we have a promise from Father who says we will
find it.
In all of my years as a minister of God I have indeed come under many attacks
from non-believers and believers. I guess I would have to say that the most
viscous attacks have came from those who profess to be Christians. I do not know
what it is that makes a person want to dominate, control and rule another
persons opinions, taste, thoughts and doctrines but I suspect it is the carnal
mind within that person.
I guess many times when a person is challenged and motivated to thought outside
of that which they normally have considered there is the issue of pride that
comes into play. I have learned to swallow my pride, humble myself before Father
and accept the truth that I do not know anything unless He reveals it to me.
Anything other than direct revelation from God Himself is only guesswork,
hearsay, opinion or doctrine passed down through the ages.
Until He writes His Word upon your heart and unveils truth to us, we cannot walk
in it. We can talk about it and possibly quote it but until we have experienced
it, we will never live it authentically or genuinely. We can only masquerade in
the truth. When Christ transforms a person by the renewing of their mind, there
is a change. Their character is altered and their attributes are changed.
I would like to encourage ALL who have taken the time to read this to consider
how you have approached others when you do not agree with them. Have you stopped
fellowshipping with a brother or sister in the Lord because of some doctrinal
difference when it fact both of you love and serve the same God?
Luk 9:50 And Jesus said unto him, Forbid [him] not: for he that is not against
us is for us.
1Cr 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit
of God calleth Jesus accursed: and [that] no man can say that Jesus is the Lord,
but by the Holy Ghost.
Dale Thompson