INFIGHTING NEVER TURNS OUT GOOD

James 4: 1-2 “From whence come wars and fightings among you? Come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.”

By Van Yandell

A policeman friend once told me the cases he dreaded most were domestic disturbances. Many times the family members involved would turn on him and he ended up being the one in danger.

At times one would be armed with a deadly weapon. If the problem existed between a husband and wife, the one being abused would deny a problem and the call would be counterproductive with no problem solved.

In a few weeks, or less, he would be called back to the same residence and face the same problem all over again.

Disputes in families caused by drugs or alcohol, wills or disbursement of family properties after a death, evolve into family squabbles that last for years.

The United States is currently involved in a “family” fight that shows no sign of ever being resolved. The political left versus right; appear to be in such extreme disagreement, no peaceable solution seems possible.

Both Washington and state governments are so divided, the real needs of the nation are ignored. Representatives appear to be so consumed with destroying those of the other party no time or inclination to solve the real problems exists.

Within the church, divisions concerning beliefs and/or interpretations of scripture are deflecting from the purpose of the church. On a Sunday night a member told of attendance on business meeting night. The vote was to be on the color of new carpet for the sanctuary.

The church was packed with standing room only. The next Sunday night was a missionary speaker, there were twelve in attendance. Perhaps it is time to examine our spiritual priorities? Does the phrase “burden for the lost” no longer exist?

If there is a dinner or a professional music group performs, attendance is high. Must we be entertained 24/7? For an evangelist stating the plan for eternal salvation, attendance is less indicating another attitude.

Denominationalism is destroying the church as Jesus declared (Matthew 16: 18). If the Apostle Paul was alive today, the American church would receive a letter. If John was writing Revelation chapters two and three today there would be eight churches of the Revelation rather than seven.

What has happened to worship, praise, and leading the unchurched to the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Has it become obsolete? Do “Christians” no longer believe? Is there is a reason to keep it a secret?

We must always teach that eternal salvation is attained by a faith based belief (Ephesians 2: 8) in Christ Jesus crucified (Matthew 27: 35) for the remission of sin (1 John 1: 9), resurrected (Matthew 28: 6) and ascended alive in to Heaven (Acts 1: 9).

Is this so difficult or do we simply no longer have a desire to fulfill the last command of our Jesus before He ascended?

Luke 24: 47-48 “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.  And ye are witnesses of these things.”

“Repentance and remission of sins” is a short phrase but says so much! Repentance is desire and a vow to change one’s life from a non-belief to a faith based belief in Christ as Savior.

“Remission of sin” is only obtained by what Jesus did on the cross, not by anything we can possibly do other than believe by faith. Hebrews 9: 22 tells us “without shedding of blood there is no remission of sin.”

Jesus shed His perfect blood (1 Peter 2: 22) so we could enjoy the assurance of eternal life based on our faith based belief in Him.

We are that house divided. We are that family in constant turmoil over things temporary when only the eternal consequence is beyond this life. We come into this world with nothing and we will go out with nothing but our eternal soul. Must we continue on our present course?

Whatever the reason, it’s not good enough! Our country and our world are in chaos and only a belief that teaches love, compassion and caring for our fellow humans will quell that chaos.

Why must denominations be condemning? Simply preach and teach the Holy bible and the false teachers will be revealed. Personal notions not scriptural are worthless.

We have found the ultimate insult to another belief is to call them a cult. “Cult” has a radical, extremist connotation. With all the beliefs being taught in the world that are so opposite of Christ’s teachings, shouldn’t Christians be rebuking those instead of each other? Better yet, teach Jesus and the others will eventually be revealed.

Matthew 12: 25 “And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.”

How long can Christianity survive without a joining based on scriptural teachings rather than individual thinking?

We are on a threshold of survival or destruction. Which way is our next step? These arguments and hatreds we are witnessing because of beliefs and notions not essential for eternal salvation must be laid aside. The survival of Christianity is before us!

Van Yandell is a retired Industrial Arts teacher, an ordained gospel evangelist and commissioned missionary. His email is vmy3451@gmail.com