Volume  3    Issue   38   July 27th, 2003

A publication of the:
Butler church of Christ

Our meeting location is:
201 5th Ave.
Butler, PA 16001
724-287-0628 (building) / 724-282-9417 (home/office)

Assembling Times:
Sunday Bible Class - 9:30 AM
Sunday Worship – 10:30 AM
Wednesday Bible Class – 7:00 PM
 

Editor / Preacher –
Brian A. Yeager
 

Check out the web site:

http://www.wordsoftruth.net

    In all that we have examined thus far we have not yet examined one huge error that is affecting many congregations today.  That is the idea that we can have unity while believing and practicing different doctrinal theologies.  This according to the scriptures is an erring approach to unity.  Amos said it right when he posed the rhetorical question (Amos 3:3) “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”  Jesus was clear in illustrating that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand (Mark 3:24).  Many over recent years have tried to teach the position that matters of doctrine can fall into realm of opinion.  This is false.  The doctrine of Christ must be obeyed or we do not have God (II John 9).  If anyone does not teach the doctrine of Christ, and a Christian has fellowship with that individual or congregation, John says that they are partaking in that evil deed (II John 10-11).  When a congregation says they have unity while having doctrinal disagreements, they are saying the opposite of what Paul wrote to several local congregations.

    The Apostle Paul was an inspired writer in the New Testament (I Corinthians 2:9-13 and II Timothy 3:16-17).  Therefore, I must conclude that he is more of an authority on this matter than any man present on this earth today.  Having concluded that, let’s look at what Paul wrote concerning our subject matter.  (I Corinthians 1:10) “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”  (Philippians 2:2) “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”  (Philippians 3:16) “Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.”   See also Ephesians 4:3-6.

    What Paul wrote to Corinth, Ephesus, and Philippi was nothing short of what the Lord taught.  He taught unity as being one (John 17:20-22).  We can be one in doctrine if we simply teach and obey the things that are written in the inspired text available to us today in English translation.  Unity does not have to come at the price of compromise, but it must come from the work of study.

    A congregation that teaches and practices the unity in diversity doctrine is not in accordance with the rule of the New Testament.  They are unsound in the faith.  Fellowship must not be extended until they repent of this false doctrine of unity (Ephesians 5:11 and II John 9-11).  These brethren have truly sold out on the truth (Proverbs 23:23) for the sake of higher numbers and false love, joy, and peace.  To be united you must be as one.  To have a group assemble together, teach more than one doctrine, and then call a group unified shows a great ignorance for what the word unity means.  Our article next week will be a review of some of the things we have learned by way of giving some questions to consider or ask when seeking a congregation with which to assemble.
 

Quick Notes

Those Serving Today:
Announcements – Brian Yeager
A.M. Song Leader – Terry Nannie
Lord’s Table – Jay Wager
Assisting – Young Jay Wagner and Bill Graham
First Prayer – Steve Burgoon
Closing Prayer – George Papp

Those In Need of Our Prayers:
Tony Sassano (going through chemotherapy), Joan Croyle, Marie Glunt (a friend of the Papp’s who is suffering from cancer), Brenda Graham (having knee problems), Kathleen Santana, Beth Deemer, and Julie Rado (a friend of the Graham’s who has been diagnosed with breast cancer).