Must We Carry All Our Knowledge In A Nut Shell?

Posted by Workman at 8/30/2009 3:52 PM
Categories: uncategorized
We had a visitor today that made inquiry concerning the teachings of the Baptist church. As it is, there is but one sign posted outside the main door that leaves the impression that the services being conducted within (on both sides of the hall) are Baptist. I told her, “I’m not Baptist, so I’ll not presume to state what Baptist teach.” She said, “Then what are you?” It’s difficult to answer that question, and at the same time remove a denominational view. I ultimately opted for, “We are members of the church of Christ, a non-denominational collective, which differs from the Baptist in many ways, but two areas of concern would be the necessity of baptism for the remission of sins, and the use of vocal, as opposed to mechanical instruments of music, in worship to God.” She said, “You don’t have music?” I said, “We have music, but not accompanied by a piano, or organ.” An attempt was made to get her to understand that a theological discussion involving the doctrines of the Baptist church, and Christ’s church is not something that can be done in five minutes: which is what the time restraints consisted of. We dealt with Romans 10:1-3, and the need for knowledge, as opposed to zeal not according to knowledge. When she informed me that her presence was motivated by the feeling in her heart: that the feeling in her heart was aching to hear the band, and “they had music way back there, also;” I commented that they didn’t “in the church,” she proceeded to inform me that she knows that’s what she needs. After being asked, “What basis do you have that God will accept the feelings of your heart, over and above what He’s revealed in His word?” She proceeded to tell me, “I just know He will.” After my patience waned, I said, “Well, you will probably be happier over there with those folks (Baptist), who offer to God what they want to offer, rather than being concerned with what God said he wants.” Thus, she found her way into a worship circle that met her expectations, rather than expressing a desire to abide by the word of God. How would you have handled the situation?

 

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  • 9/1/2009 8:54 AM Student wrote:
    First I want to say your patience is an inspiration to us all. Unfortunately, it is a difficult (some might say the most difficult) thing for someone to admit they are (or even could be) wrong. What we as Christians and children of God have to keep in mind always is to "search the scriptures daily" so that we might hope to be approved by God. The phrase "err on the side of caution" should be a constant part of our spiritual life. To explain what I mean I will quote my greatest earthly mentor: (when speaking to a denominational individual regarding some denominational interpretation of scripture) "If you're right and I'm wrong, we're both OK. But, if I'm right and you're wrong, I'm OK and you are not." That statement could well have been inserted in the referenced conversation.
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