Same Master, Different Views, and Different Methods

Luk 9:49 And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.

Luk 9:50 And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.

Today, I sit amazed, rather dismayed, at the sectionalism in Christianity. Nowhere do you sectionalism more than in the realms of salvation teaching and church worship services. Yesterday marked the anniversary of the reformation and since that day, when Martin Luther nailed a discourse of thought provoking statements the church has splintered over how a person receives salvation, and how a church service should flow, or what it should contain. Surely, the church reads the first letter to the Corinthians and understands that this is unacceptable. Yet, this is the way of man, not the way of God, the way of man.

So I have a few questions, as I look to extend my hand of fellowship to those claiming to be brothers.

1. No matter how they proclaim one receives salvation, do they promote in their teachings a life devoted to the savior, free of manmade traditions?
   
2. Do they then declare a list of what of holy and unholy standards that do not appear in God's word, thus frustrating the believers and stunting the growth they desire?
   
3. Do they criticize the methods or songs of worship of other churches?
   
4. Do they pursue the lost sheep, willing to go out to the reaches of a community to retrieve one, as Christ taught us to leave the ninety-nine?
   

You see in these simple questions, I can determine where to fellowship. The place where I can grow and mature as a believer. (I challenge you to determine your questions) First, if they teach a lifestyle of service and repentance (confessing and forsaking sin, not paying money, and magical prayers). While also removing traditions that hinder spiritual growth or acceptance of lost sheep, because in Hebrews we are clearly taught to leave the doctrine of salvation, baptism, and laying on of hands, when we desire to mature as disciples. Anyone frustrated over their salvation cannot move on to maturity, and thus is not being equipped by the teachers, as they were commanded. Next, we are commanded to not sit in the seat of the scornful, or stand in the way of sinners. Sermon after sermon, lesson after lesson, there is an attack on those who teach people to follow Christ as genuine believers, because they use the wrong translation, musical instruments, song writers, hymnal, chorus book, or lean to the side of human responsibility or God's sovereign grace, is not fulfilling the command of Christ, written above. Finally, are they obedient in the commands to go into the community and witness to the world? Are they who go into the highways, and byways compelling them to come?

I honestly believe that when we learn to focus on what God leads us to perform, and we stop trying to fix the other churches around us, the world will desire Christ. Some respond to hellfire brimstone teachings, others do not. Hence the verses, "And of some have compassion, making a difference: and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh" (Jude 22-23). I hope you see now that each church has a role, and if they teach a true gospel lifestyle, a confident trust in the saving grace of God, that is extended to mankind, made possible by Christ's sacrifice. They teach believers have actions that prove a life of devotion to Christ (a consistent removal of sin, and greater devotion in study to God, and service to others) that is clearly seen in God's word, then we do not have to walk with them, but we should not forbid them, rather pray for God to work mighty through them.

One last thought, do remember as long as former lost men fight against their innate sin nature, and as long as they lead churches, there will never be a perfect church.