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With the current religious landscape by the "changers,"
it is not surprising that more of "our" preachers are
joining the denominational ministerial alliances. When a preacher
decides to affiliate with the local "pastors," what
"statement" does he make?
Here are my opinions:
- The preacher thinks he is unleashing his "independence,"
and he will no longer be hobbled by "tradition-bound"
brethren.
- The congregation and its leadership which allow it partake
of whatever compromise in doctrine results. It suggests that the
church has become "broad-gauged" doctrinally.
- The preacher must swallow many erroneous doctrines and practices
in order to have this fellowship. He may now be a full partner
with preachers who teach faith only, grace only, instrumental
music, the Lord's Supper at any given time, experiential religion
of a direct work of the Holy Spirit, women preachers, social gospel,
etc. If he has espoused the "new hermeneutic," he would
be comfortable with those who teach such doctrines.
- The preacher now looks on the church of the New Testament
as a denomination and only one part of the body of Christ.
- The "pastors" are gleeful because the preacher has
brought the church of Christ into the "family of denominations."
"We are now a big happy ecumenical family who believes in
joining the church of your choice."
It is true that we should be as broad as the New Testament and
as narrow as the New Testament. "Whosoever transgresseth
and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ hath not God. He that
abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and
the Son. ... For he that biddeth him Godspeed is partaker of his
evil deeds" (2 John 9, 11).
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Feature Book: Among the Scholars
by David W. Hester
Paperback, 167 pages
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