An Overview
Every
generation faces the challenge to understand and apply the Bible for
themselves. No one should blindly accept what previous generations have
taught just because of past practices. Those who know the Lord will
learn to search "the Scriptures daily to find out whether these
things were so" (Acts 17:11). Those who refuse to examine past practices
by an open Bible are indeed caught up in a loyalty to a human tradition
above God (Mt 15:8-9). It is my goal for this website to encourage such
a discussion.
Also with
every generation, a movement arises that carries the banner of opposing
human traditions and having the desire to see "radical" changes within
the church. There is a real danger for those who seek reform to actually
form a human movement with human loyalties that are forming new human
traditions to contrast with the practices they oppose. When this happens
you will often find a group of doctrinal positions taken that will
define the new movement. There then will be an effort made to line
people up through name-calling, peer-pressure and other carnal weapons.
When this occurs, pride, bitterness and a desire for control of others
motivate these "reformers." Division occurs in these settings and
another sect is born. Please carefully look into your heart and of those
who are seeking reform to be sure that you have a heart of love and an
open Bible rather than the "win at all costs" attitude of one who will
slander and destroy others just to add another slave to a new human
movement (Gal 4:17-20; 2 Pt 2:19).
Over the
next few months I will be accumulating material under different
categories surrounding these questions. I also plan to publish exchanges
that will focus on the differences brethren have. If you have material
you would like to share or wish to give feedback or begin a discussion,
please contact me.
May the
Lord Bless You in Your Studies,
Larry
Rouse
LarryRouse@cvillechurch.com
Material on Attitudes
Articles
Something Wicked This Way Comes by Greg
Litmer
Turning the Grace of God Into a Carnal Weapon by Larry Rouse
The Danger of Doubt
by Larry Rouse
The Traditional
Party Line by Warren E. Berkley
An Open
Letter to Those Among Us Who Believe that Churches of Christ are All
Wrong by Tim Nichols
Audio
Dangers
Facing the "Non-Traditional" Christian by Bill Hall
(Preached at the
Jackson Drive church in Athens, AL)
Material
Answering the Charge that
Churches of Christ have Rejected God's True Grace
Material
Addressing the Claims that
churches of Christ Need to include "Other Believers" into "Our Fellowship."
|