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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
This article arises out of a concern of mine over church attendance and preference among our newly “liberated” youth. Although this may appear to be specifically directed to those students attending school away from home, at times many of our “home-bound” students often seem to find it difficult to maintain their Sunday School and Worship service attendance as well. So my attempt will be to define what a “Christian” church is and whether that really matters when looking for a church to be involved in. The place to start defining a “Christian” church is by asking what distinguishes it from others and why/if that is important. One difference is autonomy, we are free from allegiance to any over-riding authority over our local body; we have no denominational or conference headquarters to answer to in regard to how we worship or what activities we involve ourselves in. We are a brotherhood of believers, which includes anyone and everyone who believes Jesus is the Son of God – our Savior – and that all questions of faith can and must be answered in the Word of God; it being our only infallible guide to effective Christian living. We are led instead by a locally elected body of Elders and Deacons according to the pattern set by the early church.
The attempt to keep the church free from outside influence and factionalism began virtually at it’s inception (see Acts 6:1), as men of all ages tend to disagree and emphasize their differences. Paul bearing witness to this in his warning to the Colossian church during Christendom’s infancy. “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” Colossians 2:8 It soon degenerated into a virtual mirror-image of the errant aspects of Judaism, nullifying the word of God for the sake of tradition (Matthew 15:6), setting aside the commands of God in order to satisfy their own opinions and personal preferences. (Mark 7:9) Many in the modern church do the same today.
Many others sought to improve, reform and correct the old; often merely forming new movements that fall victim to the same stumbling-blocks and creating institutions that suffer the same shortcomings. The original Reformation Movement was launched in Luther’s rebellion although many had contributed expressions of disbelief in the old order, questioning the authority of the church of Rome. But it was not Luther’s original intent to break away from Catholicism but to re-form it, correct it – redoing what was already there. Later he realized it needed discarding in the main and broke from it completely. (Mark 2:21,22) But even his quest of conscience fell into an oft-repeated pattern of rebellion; reforming into cliques and factions that agreed in principle but emphasized different particulars that divided and weakened the movement and its message.
Thus the Restoration Movement of which we are a part. Restoring meaning to go back to the original, to practice our faith as it was first intended. Jesus declared that the Law, which had been infiltrated with countless revisions and diluted by man’s substitution of God’s will with tradition, was indeed expendable, but that God’s truth could and would survive forever. It was Jesus’ goal to bring it to the fore where it could be seen clearly and practiced properly. “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Matthew 5:17 I think it noteworthy that Jesus included the Prophets alongside the Law. Man had centered his attention on obeying the letter of the law and it’s complicated interpretations, manipulating it for easy obedience but dodging it’s intent. Such a system had arisen where mere obedience to rules was the goal, a more sanitized form of obedience than loving and serving God through service to mankind. (Matthew 22:37-38; Mark 12:29-31) The letter of the Law demanded certain behavior, the Spirit of the Law expected more (Often expressed through the Prophets. See Hosea 6:6) Jesus spoke out against tithing – of mint, dill and cumin – spices and garden herbs, declared necessary by the Law in Leviticus 27:30; which was accompanied by a neglect of more important matters – justice, mercy and faithfulness. (Matthew 23:23) He then claimed equal authority for his commands by stating, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Luke 21:22
There can and must be a balance between a personal understanding and practice of the rules of our faith that respects the understanding and practice of others with a personal involvement in their lives. That’s why we practice the principles of UNITY in essentials, LIBERTY in non-essentials, while expressing LOVE in all things. We must stand firm in the totality of God’s Word. (Which includes salvation by grace, repentance of sin – accompanied then by a new life lived in obedience to God’s will; baptism – as an outward sign of God’s grace applied to our lives and an initial step of obedience to his commands; and communion – a vital means of “remembering” him till he returns.) Letter – Spirit – Intent. Where he speaks, we must obey, while allowing for a certain flexibility in the “grey” areas where scripture deals indirectly or not at all, applying Godly principles none-the-less; allowing liberty to others in their interpretation and understanding. (This not being the freedom to do as you please but liberty to do what you comprehend.) But in all things – at all times – we must be patient, kind, caring – careful – considerate and loving. Allowing for some differences while not necessarily embracing those differences. Paul instructing the Corinthian Church to, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith, be men of courage; be strong. (But) Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13,14
We know we are not the only Christians but resolve to be Christian only! We don’t believe we need rules, creeds, edicts or conference decisions handed down by district headquarters – practices dictated by man; whether they be Pentecostal, Wesleyan, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Baptist, Catholic, Lutheran, Calvinist, Methodist or any other. Following Christ is enough! For most, that in itself is difficult.
Check back next week for more on the importance of going to church, and more specifically, the “right” church.
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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