(please read these Reformation articles in numbered order)
Man creates doctrines to divide, and labels to solidify debate.
Then church leaders and church followers feel obligated and compelled to take either/or positions on numerous issues.
Certain Bible verses have to be used and emphasized on one side of an issue, while others have to be avoided and minimized.
This is totally unnecessary and very harmful.
Churches would do far better to avoid “division by position”, on things not vital to salvation and discipleship.
Instead, just encourage open study of all Bible verses on any topic, with the people, without conclusions in advance.
The biggest pitfall is telling people what to believe, and then telling them to look up selected Bible verses to back it up.
That works fine for each church group as long as leaders maintain control of the church membership—like those belonging to a club—which becomes most important.
It is a life-giving breath of fresh air when God’s people get excited about studying their Bible and applying it to their personal lives.
We need to rediscover the challenge of obeying the parts of the Bible we clearly understand, and waiting for understanding on other parts.
The Bible has helpful words of comfort, as well as words of warning, on both sides of most issues.
Apply the truth, “All Scripture is given for . . .”
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