A timely testimony in this age
Regarding our discussion on sectarianism, I thought to send some papers I have about this upon arriving home. It is a subject not easily recognized by Christians, but of very great importance, I believe.
There is a subtlety about the sectarian spirit. Sometimes we need to be reminded that the "wiles" of Satan are a much greater danger than the "fiery darts" (Eph.6), for we do not easily discern them, and this deception can bring greater harm than persecutions. The apostle, Paul, said: "I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ" (II Cor. 11:3). It speaks of simple obedience and honor, rather than much following of the common and prominent ways in christendom.
Satan deceives all saints of God at times, but it is concerning church truth that the enemy brings in the greatest deception, seeking to dishonor the Lord, divide and scatter the saints, and turn them from faithfulness. It is most needful that we hold to the pure scriptural order and "unity of the Spirit" (Eph. 4:3) in showing forth the "one body in Christ" worldwide (Rom.12:5). The sectarian spirit, which is everywhere today, says it is good and all right to go off independently and set up a different "table" and form another kind of gathering that pleases us. The enemy delights in seeing more division in the body of Christ (note I Cor. 12:25). We ought to stand against this heresy and not follow those who choose such a way, though we love all the saints.
When the saints of God ignorantly approve, and seek to accommodate, support, and encourage the sectarian spirit, or minimize it, they are already walking down the road to ruin. It is imperative that faithful saints seek always to honor God, rather than work to please men in their errant ways. One will have to answer for giving the Lord second place and not "holding fast" the "Word of truth". Sectarianism is all about innovations and deletions of God's Word; and rituals, ceremonies, a hierarchy of man, carnal activities and entertainment, etc.
Surely we ought to love every child of God, but we must not walk in their paths of disobedience. God speaks much of separation from carnality, and putting a difference between holiness and un-holiness; and He exhorts believers to be obedient, and to keep that which is committed unto us. You can read much of what God intends for His testimony also at the site: biblecounsel.homestead.com.
Well, the attached papers will speak further on sectarianism, and I hope you find some profit in this. Look up and press on! - Yours by grace, RLD: GL10
THE SECTARIAN SPIRIT
[Letter adapted here for ministry and to avoid names]
Dear brother:[Letter adapted here for ministry and to avoid names]
Regarding our discussion on sectarianism, I thought to send some papers I have about this upon arriving home. It is a subject not easily recognized by Christians, but of very great importance, I believe.
There is a subtlety about the sectarian spirit. Sometimes we need to be reminded that the "wiles" of Satan are a much greater danger than the "fiery darts" (Eph.6), for we do not easily discern them, and this deception can bring greater harm than persecutions. The apostle, Paul, said: "I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ" (II Cor. 11:3). It speaks of simple obedience and honor, rather than much following of the common and prominent ways in christendom.
Satan deceives all saints of God at times, but it is concerning church truth that the enemy brings in the greatest deception, seeking to dishonor the Lord, divide and scatter the saints, and turn them from faithfulness. It is most needful that we hold to the pure scriptural order and "unity of the Spirit" (Eph. 4:3) in showing forth the "one body in Christ" worldwide (Rom.12:5). The sectarian spirit, which is everywhere today, says it is good and all right to go off independently and set up a different "table" and form another kind of gathering that pleases us. The enemy delights in seeing more division in the body of Christ (note I Cor. 12:25). We ought to stand against this heresy and not follow those who choose such a way, though we love all the saints.
When the saints of God ignorantly approve, and seek to accommodate, support, and encourage the sectarian spirit, or minimize it, they are already walking down the road to ruin. It is imperative that faithful saints seek always to honor God, rather than work to please men in their errant ways. One will have to answer for giving the Lord second place and not "holding fast" the "Word of truth". Sectarianism is all about innovations and deletions of God's Word; and rituals, ceremonies, a hierarchy of man, carnal activities and entertainment, etc.
Surely we ought to love every child of God, but we must not walk in their paths of disobedience. God speaks much of separation from carnality, and putting a difference between holiness and un-holiness; and He exhorts believers to be obedient, and to keep that which is committed unto us. You can read much of what God intends for His testimony also at the site: biblecounsel.homestead.com.
Well, the attached papers will speak further on sectarianism, and I hope you find some profit in this. Look up and press on! - Yours by grace, RLD: GL10
