|
|
|
Placing
Membership By
James Dennison The
scriptures indicate that Christians should be not only a part of the
“universal church”, but also a part of a “local church”. When Paul
arrived at Though
it is conceivable that conditions may exist, where for a time one is a member
only of the “universal church” (Acts 8:35-39), he should, as soon as
possible, become “identified” with a “local church”, as did Paul and
Barnabas (Phil. 4:9). If there is not a faithful congregation of the Lord’s
people meeting in that area, he should begin one. Thus, the idea that one can be
a member of a “local church” where he has not worshipped for weeks, months,
and sometimes years, is denominational in origin and unscriptural in concept. Some,
to avoid responsibilities and discipline will become “floating members”;
just visiting around from place to place, never “identifying” with any one
congregation. If these people become needful of discipline, and are approached
by the elders of any of the congregations where they attend, their immediate
reply is; “but, we’re not members of your congregation!” Therefore,
to eliminate this, when we move to another town, or permanently sever our
connection with a congregation, we should find another faithful congregation of
the Lord’s people and “join” ourselves to them; settle down and go to
work. Also,
we should not lightly sever our connection with one congregation and “place
membership” with another. Naturally, if we move from one town to another, it
becomes essential that we do so at once. Sometime we may deem it necessary to
become part of another “local church” within the same general area where we
have previously worked and worshipped because: 1.
We feel it necessary for our own spiritual growth. 2.
We feel that such will enable us to be more effective and useful for the Lord. 3.
There are unscriptural doctrines and/or practices in the former congregation,
which we are unable to correct. However; let us be sure that we can substantiate
our claim of such. 4.
There is such a strong difference of opinion as to the advisability — not
scripturalness — of a particular work or activity that we feel it is better
for peace and harmony that we work and worship elsewhere (Acts 15:36-41). If
this is the reason, when at all possible, we should “forbear” with one
another (Eph. 4:2). 5.
We have been unscripturally and unjustifiable “withdrawn” from and are
unable to get the mistake corrected. This sometimes happens. But let’s be
positive it is they that are wrong, and not us! Also, that we have done ALL in
our power to rectify the error! When
we leave one congregation and become “joined” to another, we should be
ENTIRELY POSITIVE that our motives are honest and justifiable. It should never
be done: 1.
To put pressure on the former congregation to honor our particular whim. 2.
Because the truth has been preached and our toes thereby stepped on. 3.
To escape discipline or responsibilities. 4.
Through jealousy and envy because we have been passed over for some particular
work. If it be for such reasons as these, we will soon be dissatisfied with the
new congregation! When
one “identifies” himself with a congregation, he should be admitted into the
fellowship of that “local church”. If there seems any reason to doubt or
question his previous faithfulness, the elders should exert every effort
possible to satisfy themselves that this person is faithful and not in need of
restoration. If it is found that he has not been faithful, or transferred
membership to escape needed discipline, then the church should institute
disciplinary action against this new member just as they would against any
other. Likewise, if we seek to sever our connection with one congregation that
we may be “joined” to a religious body in error, the elders have no course
open but to begin disciplinary procedure. (Via the Beacon -
Electronic Edition - 2/15/2011) Divine
By
Bob Myhan God
gave man the ability to make free will decisions. Of course, He can and may
influence those decisions in any number of ways. This would not be difficult
since He has all of nature at His disposal. Remember,
nature came into existence by His will, was organized by His will and is both
balanced and regulated by His will. God
could have controlled the rainfall at both Shechem and God
could also just as easily have influenced the decisions of Potiphar,
Potiphar’s wife and the jailer because there is nothing too hard for God (Jer.
32:17). Finally,
God could have influenced the decision of Pharaoh to put his butler and baker
into prison, so they would meet Joseph. Inasmuch
as all civil governments function through a man or a group of men, God can
influence civil governments by influencing those who govern. He can also
influence civil government by influencing the governed. By influencing
Pharaoh’s butler, for example, He influenced Pharaoh. And by influencing
Pharaoh, He influenced all of Paul
wrote, Let
every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority
except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore
whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist
will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works,
but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and
you will have praise from the same. For he is God's minister to you for good.
But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is
God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore
you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake.
For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God's ministers attending
continually to this very thing.
( Thus,
we see that God ordained “the governing
authorities.” But when did He do so? He did so when He said to Noah
after the flood, "Whoever sheds man's blood, By man his blood shall be
shed; For in the image of God He made man” (Gen. 9:6). In
this statement, God implicitly authorized at least two branches of civil
government—executive and judicial—the first to investigate suspicious deaths
and execute those guilty of murder, and the second to determine the guilt of
murder suspects. Not
only did God authorize civil government but He also has been active therein. “...He
removes kings and raises up kings”
(Dan. 2:21). “...the
Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses"
(Dan.
4:32). God
used Pharaoh to accomplish His purpose of bringing For
the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I have raised you up,
that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the
earth." (Rom.
9:17; Josh. 2:1-13) God
promised to bless Jeroboam and the “So
I will take you, and you shall reign over all your heart desires, and you shall
be king over The
nations accomplish God’s purposes (Acts 4:25-28) though He does not force them
to do good or evil (Jer. 18:7-10). God
has used civil governments in the accomplishment of His purposes. He has worked
among them, ruling them indirectly through their several kings. He used |