Space for Grace Devotional by Jim Fielder | 10.9
RELIGION versus GRACE
One Organization? (d) High Control
Do you agree that we have a need for fellowship with other genuine Christians? The book of Acts relates the formation and development of IN-Christ communities for worship (Acts 2:42- 47). These congregations were orderly: (a) their worship was not haphazard (b) elders were appointed who could be remunerated, and (c) the material needs of listed widows were cared for (1 Tim 5:9,17).
vi) Danger of excessive control! Though orderly, originally there was no national or international ‘governing body’ enforcing uniformed “policies” but rather a reliance on the fundamental teachings of Christ, driven by the Holy Spirit in love (Eph 2:19-22; 4:15-16).
Jumping the centuries to the end of the 19th century, many religious groups arose claiming to be the exclusive channel to God – a Faithful and Discreet Slave – demanding absolute loyalty of members. Imagine a Law Court where the jury is expected to make a life-changing judgment based solely on the arguments of the defense attorney but are prohibited from considering any alternative information from the prosecution! Likewise, should a person arrive at a balanced judgment about their denomination and whole life course based solely on information exclusively from one religious’ authority, while being told that all other information is distorted, dangerous, and even demonic?
Yet, instead of being consumed with ill-feeling towards such religious groups, let us rejoice in our new life in Christ, our mediator! Through Him and in him we share the life of God and become faithful and discreet slaves, serving each other (1 Cor 1:4-9; 1 Pet 4:10-11; 2 Peter 1:4).
RELIGION versus GRACE
One Organization? (d) High Control
God has entrusted his grace to you in many forms. In order to fulfill your trust well you must all use your individual gifts in the service of one another
1 Peter 4:10, Translator’s NT
1 Peter 4:10, Translator’s NT
Do you agree that we have a need for fellowship with other genuine Christians? The book of Acts relates the formation and development of IN-Christ communities for worship (Acts 2:42- 47). These congregations were orderly: (a) their worship was not haphazard (b) elders were appointed who could be remunerated, and (c) the material needs of listed widows were cared for (1 Tim 5:9,17).
vi) Danger of excessive control! Though orderly, originally there was no national or international ‘governing body’ enforcing uniformed “policies” but rather a reliance on the fundamental teachings of Christ, driven by the Holy Spirit in love (Eph 2:19-22; 4:15-16).
Jumping the centuries to the end of the 19th century, many religious groups arose claiming to be the exclusive channel to God – a Faithful and Discreet Slave – demanding absolute loyalty of members. Imagine a Law Court where the jury is expected to make a life-changing judgment based solely on the arguments of the defense attorney but are prohibited from considering any alternative information from the prosecution! Likewise, should a person arrive at a balanced judgment about their denomination and whole life course based solely on information exclusively from one religious’ authority, while being told that all other information is distorted, dangerous, and even demonic?
Yet, instead of being consumed with ill-feeling towards such religious groups, let us rejoice in our new life in Christ, our mediator! Through Him and in him we share the life of God and become faithful and discreet slaves, serving each other (1 Cor 1:4-9; 1 Pet 4:10-11; 2 Peter 1:4).
Absolute loyalty is to be given to God and to his Son, not to men
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