Telephone Line
He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. - Proverbs 18:13
I have always been a proponent of apologetics - the defense of the faith. It is, after all, an important issue. Knowing your Christian worldview, and the difference between Biblical Christianity, and other “isms” which run counter to Biblical Truth is of utmost importance.
Yet, what I am seeing more frequently are ignorant attacks made upon brothers and sisters IN Christ! What do I mean by this? You may remember the old kid’s game called, “Telephone Line.” This game began with a simple message. The purpose of the game was to show how much the message has changed since its inception. Unfortunately, this is what happens with theology, and theologians.
The Biblical text should be the source of doctrine
This seems like a no-brainer. Yet, especially today, there are many who learn in their homiletic class that you must begin with your thoughts / outline, and find Scripture that supports those conclusions, or presuppositions.
To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. - Isaiah 8:20
Yet, broad brush strokes are indeed another problem in the church (I almost ended the sentence with “today.” But, we have had the same problems for many years).
I hope that it does not appear that I’m painting the entire Body of Christ with a broad brushstroke, because I do not intend to do so.
It may seem that I am like a broken record in this regard. It may seem that I am like a broken record in this regard. It may seem that I am like a broken record in this regard.
It is worthy of repetition. The average Believer tends to simply trust what their favorite pastor, or teacher says. They weigh things according to their own brand of theology - Be it Dispensational, Covenant, Protestant, Baptist, etc. They do not take off the denominational blinders that they have worn since the beginning. And, they won’t dare question the things they know according to the Word of God. Conversely, they use only arguments from their particular persuasion to condemn a teacher, or teaching, oftentimes employing the “broad brush stroke technique.”
Again, I hope you do not think that I am employing the broad brush stroke? If you think I am, it's time to examine your own thinking, as well as mine. I have this stark reminder, printed on a coffee mug:
“Question the Assumptions.” This is a wonderful reminder from Pastor Randy White, and something to employ in Bible Study, and critiques of Biblical teaching, as well!
Question your own assumptions.
Question the assumptions of others.
Who knows? Just maybe you'll recognize that what comes out at the end of the “Telephone Line” is much different than what was at the beginning - for good, and bad! You just may find that your perceived enemies are actually friends, and your perceived friends are actually enemies, in the faith.
Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; [3] Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: [4] That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. [5] Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. [6] Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. - Colossians 4:2-6 KJV
Bob Picard, Pastor, God's Grace Bible Church, Millbury, Massachusetts
info@godsgracebc.org, http://www.godsgracebc.org