Could we be wrong about some things?
This discussion is not really limited to end times, but I could not decide which category to use. I don't know about you, but I have found myself in the past to be wrong before about my understanding/interpretation of scripture, and beliefs about God. I have been in different churches and was in agreement with most of their teachings. Later I discovered, I believe by the Holy Spirit, that I was wrong.
Now there are foundational beliefs that I hold on to very strongly. I believe we must work out our salvation with fear and trembling before God. That includes speaking the truth even when it is unpopular. I have serious issues with some of our modern church practices. Some of them might seem harmless or even good to others. Who am I to question them? I have family members who seem to be thriving in environments that I feel are strongly opposed to what I believe are the goals of the Lord.
They teach that God wants everyone to be healthy and wealthy. In general, yes, I believe God wants good for His people, but He also informs us that wealth can be dangerous and detrimental to our faith. The worse part of these teachers is the fact that they themselves are becoming extravagantly rich through these teachings. Are they doing this out of selfish motives?
Others are taking advantage of controversies. Today that can be a profitable field of endeavor. People are even making money on the subject of house church by making it a controversy. I want to warn people about the dangers of these trends, but I can see good accomplished in spite of them. Like Gamaliel in Acts 5, I do not want to find myself opposing God. Anyone else feeling these concerns? What has God taught you in your situation?
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A timely warning from one that has seen it all. Haha.
The good news is that things don't have to be perfect to produce a good effect. Even John Wesley remained an Anglican Priest. And he forbade the sacraments without an ordained bishop on the scene.
Where in scripture is a New Covenant leader referred to as a priest? Or seen performing priestly activities, so called? Did not our Lord completely fulfill this role before sitting down at the right hand of the Almighty?
Yet, long after his death, a book was written: England After the Wesley's. These two brothers truly changed the landscape and redrew the map. And the hymnal, too. As their circuit riding "lay preachers" bounced over hill and dell.
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Seems like the non-traditional church movement draws people looking for controversy. Just last week I came across an "Early Church" video depicting on the thumbnail a piano with a red X marked through it. And a row of benches, also marked over with a red X.
Where is Christian liberty on these minor points? Do we have less freedom than the Ancient Israelites who played their vast array of musical instruments with all their might? If the benches were cut into chairs, would it really change anyone's heart?
Our message is controversial enough already. Do we really need to out do the Pharasees?
