Repercussions Of Living Your Faith
Yesterday I read a post at “Believing Thomas” about some of the repercussions his family has been going through since they decided to find a new place to worship. Later in an email Tommy shared with me a portion of an email from a close family member and the terminology in that letter reminded me so much of my childhood and what I was taught. Catch phrases like "the denominations" and "our restoration plea". My understanding of those terms has taken on a different meaning altogether since those days.
A couple phases that were not used came to mind this morning as I was driving to work and was praying about what these great folks are going through right now. “The Old Paths” and “see that you make it according to the pattern” are just a couple that comes to mind. (By the way check out John Dobbs post from yesterday along these lines). These phrases were ripped from their context and used to teach a message they were never intended to teach. When God wanted to make something a “path” or a “pattern” He was very specific. Just read the instructions in the book of Leviticus and you will see what I mean. It should be obvious to anyone who has read the New Testament that no such “pattern” with specifics as to “acts” of worship and “steps” of salvation are given.
What amazes me today is that the cry to follow the “Pattern” is still shouted from the roof tops, but no group of those shouting can agree on which “Pattern” we should be following. Please don’t misunderstand me. I am not arguing for no absolutes when it comes to truth or my faith. My concern is when we make absolutes out of conjecture, syllogisms and arguments from silence, which we set in concrete as if we had been given a “thus saith the Lord” for them.
Our concept of grace is so limited sometimes. We know is covers those who are walking in the light for their daily imperfections in performance and lifestyle. The question I want to ask is if it covers these short comings, why not our doctrinal imperfections as well? That is unless you think that you have that all worked out too.
Father I pray you will be with Tommy and his family as they deal with folks who just do not understand nor comprehend your mercy and grace. But Father please also be with those who are lashing out and help them realize that it is only by your grace and mercy that any of us can call you Father.
You are preaching to the choir on this one, which I think happens a lot in the blog-o-sphere, but I am with you again. In fact, though this just be Wed, I feel confident that you have once again posted my pick for the week of best posts. You say some really good things here. You give me confidence in some things I think too. You are a blessing to me.
Many blessings... (Comment this)
thanks for your prayers. Interesting that a good friend was telling me that Sunday in Bible Class where we used to attend the class was asked what they thought about Leviticus (they are reading through the Bible this year). His reply was that it seems to me that it teaches that when God wants to tell you how to do something, like worship, he is very clear about it... He went on and said that a couple of people agreed with him and that the teacher looked perplexed. (Comment this)
Tommy, that comment about Leviticus is so ironic! Somethings are just obvious when we take time to really think them through. (Comment this)
Thank you so much for your friendship. You are HIGHLY valued not only in blog world, but also in my heart! (Comment this)