Sullivan church of Christ – Sullivan, MO
Date: June 11, 2006
“BE AT PEACE AMONG YOURSELVES”
Lynn Parker
To a vibrant, faithful congregation, Paul wrote, “. . . be at peace among
yourselves” (I Thess. 5:13). The command here, “be at peace,” is present tense
imperative. Practically speaking that simply means that we are to be at peace
and keep on being at peace. Further, it is a command and not an option.
Peacemakers are desperately needed in the church. There is enough hurt, harm,
bickering, and bitterness. We do not need the self-willed attitude which is
determined to have its way. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they
shall be called sons of God” (Matt. 5:9). If you want happy days that conclude
with blessed peace, “seek peace and pursue it” (I Pet. 3:11).
On the contrary, needless division will send souls to hell (Gal. 5:20-21). The
book of Proverbs gives us God’s view on the war-mongers among brethren:
There are six things which Jehovah hateth; Yea, seven which are an abomination
unto him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood; A
heart that deviseth wicked purposes, Feet that are swift It takes only a little
baseless slander, or a little taking sides, a smidgen of compromise, and you can
have the recipe for needless division.
While we admonish brethren to be lovers of peace, we must also sound a
warning. Beware of those that seek peace at any price. “If it be possible, as
much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men” (Rom. 12:18). But it’s not
possible for peace to reign where some are determined to support error, hold
hands with false teachers, and subsequently compromise truth (I Cor. 11:18ff).
Some folks just won’t let true Christian peace prevail. I try to teach my children
to seek peace but I surely do not want them to grow up to be compromisers who
ignore soul-damning error. Some brethren have, over the years advocated
fellowship with denominations, fellowship with adulterers, and fellowship with
false teachers. They chide us for not going along and promoting peace when, in
fact, the peace-party invitation they offer is written on a one-way ticket to hell.
Peace and humility go hand in hand. Some have gotten too big for their
brotherhood britches. They cannot be questioned. They refuse to answer unless
they can do so secretly so as to have some kind of sick “plausible deniability.”
They cannot bear even the hint of an idea that they could be wrong. Nor will
they engage in honest, open Bible study and exchange. Such an attitude does
not make for peace in the brotherhood. Rather, pride hampers peace and
nurtures division.
It is possible to have peace when all parties desire scriptural peace, love peace,
and pursue peace.
— via Weekly Bulletin of The Church of Christ at New Braunfels, New
Braunfels, TX, May 14, 2006
GREAT CONTRASTS IN GALATIANS
—> Gospel of Christ vs. Another Gospel — 1:6-9
—> God-pleaser vs. Man-pleaser — 1:10
—> Works of the faith vs. works of the Law of Moses — 2:16
—> Spirit vs. Flesh — 3:3
—> Justification through “the faith” vs. condemnation through the Law of Moses
— 3:10-25
—> Children of God vs. Children in bondage — 4:1-7
—> New Covenant vs. Old Covenant — 4:10-31
—> Saved by grace vs. falling from grace — 5:1-6
—> Fruit of the Spirit vs. Works of the flesh — 5:16-26
—> Glorying in the cross of Christ vs. glorying in self — 5:14
—> Circumcision vs. uncircumcision — 5:15
MARRIAGE PROTECTION AMENDMENT (A Follow-Up)
This passed Tuesday (June 6, 2006), the Senate voted for a proposal to put in
place the “Marriage Protection Amendment.” Sadly, it was stopped before it
could even get an up-or-down vote, gaining only one more supporter than when it
was raised two years ago. 60 votes were needed. The final tally was 49-48 — a
good ways from the needed 60. This is truly tragic. I can’t emphasize enough
how disastrous this was. If something is not done within the next few years,
America’s entire moral landscape could be radically altered. Senator Ted
Kennedy arrogantly stated, “A vote for this amendment is a vote for bigotry, pure
and simple.” When has defending what marriage really is — union between a
man and a woman — become bigotry?! Apparently, it has, even for some pagan
politicians. I make absolutely no apology in exposing the disgracefulness of
some in Washington when it comes to these issues. The war against Biblical
marriage still goes on. It is being redefined by a vocal and forceful minority who
want marriage for homosexuals. As Bill Frist rightly declared, “If marriage is
redefined for some, it will be redefined for all.” In other words, if homosexual
marriages are allowed, then where is the stopping point? Polygamous marriages,
incestuous marriages, human to animal marriages, and every other kind of
abomination will eventually come down the pike. This is what happens when
moral restraints are removed. — Ben Justice