Many Churches Don’t Accept all of God’s Word
I was blessed to be in fellowship with some people for the first time; off and on we spent almost four hours discussing the Word of God.
What a fellowship indeed! What I enjoy most is being in the company of like minded believers.
We did not debate; just listened to each other and pondered or took into consideration what was being shared. Also, people from other denominations were a part of this group, and there were some whose doctrinal beliefs were different.
What was so amazing was, God set it up; He orchestrated circumstances for us to reason together and share our beliefs on certain aspects of His Word.
Some of the conversation was pertaining to how many denominational churches do not accept all the gifts. This particular question was directed at an elder who was among the group. He did not have an answer to that question. I said most churches that I have been affiliated with did not function in all the gifts, therefore one denomination should not say what is wrong with one denomination when each one does not embrace the full Word of God.
If the gifts ceased in the book of Acts, what about the many books Paul wrote after the church age began, which included the gifts? It is absurd for anyone to believe that the office of pastor is sufficient enough. The pastor is only one part of the body.
What about this scripture? As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God (1 Peter 4:10). What gives anybody the right to accept some of God’s Word- Who gives anybody the right to pick and choose?
It was also stated when people say something about another church not being doctrinally correct, they are being hypocritical. The elder agreed! The bottom line is this, there is not a perfect church on this earth; if they were perfect, they would not be here.
I may not believe what some others believe, or I may not agree with someone, but God expects us all to LOVE one another regardless of our differences.
Included in the conversation was how some churches are allowing homosexuals/gays to be a part of their ministry. These people should be welcome to attend services because they may be convinced that the sin they are practicing is wrong. Because that sin is an abomination to God, we should , the church should not compromise. This is the Word of God for the people of God.
You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination (Leviticus 18:22). For this reason, God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise, also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due (Romans 1:26-27). This is not judging; it is the Word of God.
I told someone years ago that I did not agree with his homosexual lifestyle since he professed to be born again, and he was holding a position in the church. But I also told him this “I love you” Apparently he was offended and he does not communicate with me. I choose not to compromise for the sake of friendship.
People are at different levels on their spiritual journey, so let’s be careful not to offend our weaker brother or sister. Yet, if a person is not spiritually mature as some others, the truth should never be squashed when it comes to people who profess to be born again living homosexual lifestyle. And the church should not allow these people to be involved in ministry.
Open your hearts today and ask the Lord to reveal to you what your gift is so you can minister to whomever He places in your life, including homosexuals. Do you want to continue quenching (restricting His power) – (1 Thessalonians 5:19) and grieving (making Him sad) the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30), when He gave you power to function in your gifts?
Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org