One In Jesus

Tim wrote,

Despite Paul’s efforts to the contrary, jews and gentiles remained at odds over issues such as food sacrificed to idols and circumcision (Galatians).

To believe that one position held by Paul trumps another, or visa versa, refuses to accept the context of each writer. Continue reading →

Offense

Some who oppose the instrument would argue that they are “offended” by the instrument, a concept taken from the KJV translation —

(Rom 14:20-21 KJV) 20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.  21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

The use of “offend” in the KJV is just a bad translation. That’s not what the Greek word translated means. And, of course, if the KJV were right, then any church member could control the church by choosing what is and isn’t offensive. (And this is exactly how this verse has been abused over the years.) More importantly, the word translated “is offended” does not appear in the best manuscripts. Thus, the language doesn’t appear in newer translations. Continue reading →

Stumbling blocks

(Rom 14:13b ESV) 13b rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.

Paul is ever the pastor, and while he is very concerned that we not divide over differences, he is also concerned that our differences not lead to subjective sin.

(Rom 14:14 ESV) 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean.

Paul does not content himself with teaching what is true: “Nothing is unclean in itself.” Why not stop there? Because he realizes that not everyone will be persuaded in his heart — even if taught by an apostle from the Lord! Humans are frail, weak beings. We struggle to align our consciences with our intellect. We can know something is not sin and still feel like sinners when doing it. Continue reading →

Romans 14 is quite controversial in the Churches of Christ today, because it runs so contrary to much of our preaching.

(Rom 14:6 ESV)  6 The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God.

In the last post of this series, we covered the first few verses of this chapter. Paul plainly declares that those who disagree on whether it’s sin to eat meat (non-kosher or sacrificed to idols) and on whether it’s a sin not to honor the Sabbath (or other holy days) must accept each other as saved — despite their doctrinal disagreements. Continue reading →