I can only imagine how the title of this article will have some thinking “what is this going to be about?”  Well, brethren have
been preaching and writing about human organizations like the Guardian of Truth Foundation.  I have done so too.  The goal
has been to show the unscriptural nature of organizing brethren in a collective body, outside of the local church (I Timothy 3:
15), to do that which has been assigned already to the local church.  To expose the usage of human organizations usurping God’
s plan is right (Romans 16:17-18).  

  When error is opposed brethren often seem ready to group together in that fight.  I for one love to know that there are those
of like precious faith (II Peter 1:1) fighting the same fight.  However, doesn’t it seem funny that some will form a sort of
“unorganized” organization when they are riding the same hobby?  It almost seems like if certain men can’t line up with others,
they feel that they cannot “win” a battle.  Folks, the truth is powerful enough that no group, large or small, can defeat it (Acts 5:
38-39).  There are those that become an unnamed society all on their own.  They do not solicit funds or run under the oversight
of a board of directors, but they do group together in the same “brotherhood papers”.  They switch hit Gospel Meetings with
congregations that seem to fall into their hobbies.  They try to get “one of their own” into vacant pulpits.  Contrary to the
Scriptures (Amos 3:3 and II John 9-11), the party spirit says: “let’s forget our differences on all other matters, and fight for our
common cause”.  

  There is nothing wrong with individual brethren teaching together concurrently (Acts 13:2).  There may be brethren who will
post articles online or a journal that may publish their materials.  These things are fine, if done by individuals without an
unwritten code of a certain political mindset.  There is nothing wrong with like-minded brethren exposing the same sins (Acts
15).  There is nothing wrong with brethren communicating beyond their local works to assure the same truth is being taught
everywhere (I Corinthians 4:17 and II Timothy 2:2).  The problem exists when brethren start forming cliques and societies to
work together in some work they believe is just.  These folks believe that “an enemy of my enemy is my friend”.  It’s evident if
you look at it honestly.


  Some brethren have a one, two, three, or four part litmus test of who they will allow into their circles.  For some, you have to
be pro or con Romans 14 covering matters of faith and morality.  For some, you have to be pro or con Florida College.  For
some, you have to be pro or con on the deity of Christ.  For some, you have to be pro or con the artificial head covering.  For
some, you have to be pro or con Guardian of Truth Foundation.  For some, you have to be pro or con mental divorce [second
putting away].  For some, you have to be pro or con second serving of the Lord’s Supper.  Folks, to be in God’s “party” you
have to pro the whole truth (Proverbs 23:23, Acts 20:26-27, Philippians 1:17, II Thessalonians 2:10, II John 9, III John 3, and
Jude 3) and con every error (Psalms 119:104, Proverbs 28:4, Isaiah 5:20, Ephesians 5:11, and James 2:10).  To be with God,
you cannot be in with a party of men (Proverbs 1:10-16; cf. I John 1:3-7).  


  Before I forget to write this, let me say that I believe preachers or anyone who has to “line up” with others to take a stand are
cowards who have no conviction.  If they’re men and they need others with them to take a stand, they need to be castrated (I
Corinthians 16:13).  That being said, we need to realize how sinful the party spirit is no matter what cause they join together in.  
The idea of breaking up into parties is condemned as a work of the flesh [“heresies” KJV & NKJV; “parties” ASV 1901]
(Galatians 5:20).  In regard to these works of the flesh, Paul wrote: “…of the which I tell you before, as I have also told
you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God” (Galatians 5:21).  The party
spirit is carnal in nature.  Those who fight the good fight of faith (I Timothy 6:12) do not use carnal tactics or weapons (II
Corinthians 10:3-4).
  
  Korah decided to use the party spirit to overthrow Moses.  The text says: “Now Korah, the son of Izhar, the son of
Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and on, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took
men: And they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the
assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown: And they gathered themselves together against Moses and
against Aaron, and said unto them, Ye take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of
them, and the Lord is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord”
(Numbers 16:1-3)?  Instead of Moses trying to number a party of his own, Moses left things to God: “And when Moses
heard it, he fell upon his face: And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the Lord
will shew who are his, and who is holy; and will cause him to come near unto him: even him whom he hath chosen will
he cause to come near unto him” (Numbers 16:4-5).  Folks, Korah’s party spirit did not win this battle.  God consumed he
and those who rose up with him against Moses and Aaron (Numbers 16:19-33).  No matter how many people line up with us
on an issue, that doesn’t mean we’re right or wrong.  It is God’s decision regardless of the politics men want to play!  Learn
from Korah and his party, you cannot line up against God!


  From sects like the Pharisees (Matthew 12:14), to the Judaizing Christians (Galatians 2:1-5), to the unofficially organized
preacher parties of today; we see that truth was and is offered on the altar of the interests of those parties.  When will it stop?  
It won’t.  Men like to make sure they are not alone in their stand against what they believe is right.  However, each individual
Christian can make an impact by not joining a party no matter what the cause or who is involved.  Our unity needs to be found
in the local church where we can be together and have all things common (Acts 2:44).  If you want agreement, make it with
God (John 17:20-23)!
Volume VII    ~    Issue LII   ~   September 23rd, 2007
Words of Truth Weekly - Online Edition
What must one do to be saved (Acts 2:37)?  Hear and believe the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16 & Romans 10:17), repent of their
sins (Acts 3:19), confess Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized (immersed) for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38 and
Romans 6:1-6).  Upon your obedience to these requirements of the Lord He will add you to the church of Christ (Acts 2:41; 47
and I Corinthians 12:12-13; cf. Romans 16:16).  One must then remain faithful (Colossians 1:23 and Revelation 2:10).  There is
more to cover than is here.  Contact me today for a study: brianyeager@wordsoftruth.net
Edited by: Brian A. Yeager
Unofficially Organized Preacher Cliques
By: Brian A. Yeager
An Honest Look at the Parties Among Some “Brethren”
The Soul Damning Party Spirit
Conclusion