While i understand people will never agree on things and there'll always be disagreement over some things/styles/practices and so forth, i've been struck by how no one has mentioned any wrong view of the Gospel or fundamental issues of our faith.
As i have listened the points of contention i've longed to respond, but i've prayed and begged that i wouldn't respond by further criticism of brothers, but that i'd love them.
As i listened the issues raised i began thinking of Jesus and how these same things were directed at Him.
While i'm not going to list the critical points i am going to respond to them with them by pointing to Jesus.
Listening the Points of Criticism i thought about Jesus:
- He didn't solely quote from original manuscripts, (or at all from KJV) but also from translations from the day.
- He desired all men and women to hear His message (the great commission tells us to spread it)
- He was nicknamed "A friend of sinners" (i'm guessing because he had sinners as friends). He was willing to befriend and talk with both 'sinners' & pharisees, both of whom He called to repentance.
- When his disciples gave-off about a guy they didn't know who was casting out demons in Jesus' name He rebuked them saying that one who is not against Him is for Him.
- He was accused of being pretty loose regarding the 4th commandment.
- He engaged His culture with relative means and stories desiring all men to come to the truth.
- Jesus was called a "drunkard and a glutton" (though neither were true) and he was criticised because He would go to parties and meals with "publicans and sinners". He was questioned about an occasion when a lady of disrepute washed His feet with her hair. Perhaps the fear was that her 'uncleaness' was catching.
- While Jesus worked many miracles and the Apostles were gifted in many ways i realize that the 'gifts-for-today' is a hugely debated thing. I'm not sure however that it is one worth calling people heathens over. Perhaps we could refer back to the guy casting demons out (mentioned above), Jesus seemed to point to the individuals view of, and submission to Christ as being the deciding factor about his works (Mark 9:38-40).
I'm guessing that we'd all do well to refocus on the core & fundamental issues of the Gospel. That we should hesitate before going on the offensive against those who may do things differently than we do and even differ on some beliefs. But with whom we have a shared view of the person and work of Jesus Christ and His Gospel of grace.
