In my previous post, I introduced some thoughts regarding unity and division, and began looking at examples in which Christians can differ and still achieve unity. Two such examples of possible Christian differences include details surrounding one’s experience of salvation, as well as a Christian’s method of prayer. Let us examine more ways in which two genuine Christians can be different.
STYLE OF PREACHING AND TEACHING
Almost as numerous as the number of preachers is the styles of preaching they employ. This part of my post is not exclusive to ministers only; for many Christians who are not preachers have an opinion as to how a sermon should be conducted. Some (ministers and non-ministers alike) believe that all preaching should be loud and exuberant. Many Christians believe that teaching is boring. Consequently, some ministers, either due to their own opinions, or in submission to the opinions of others, teach either very little or not at all. As for some ministers’ preaching, they think that if they are not hollering and running around, then they are not preaching. I pity the Christian who will not receive from a preacher because they do not like his style of ministry. Everyone in the church would be better off if we would remember that preachers are different from one another. Some preachers are loud; others are quiet. Some use illustrations; some simply expound the scripture. Some use props in their messages; others only use words. Some sermons are very short; others are very long. None of this is good or bad – just different.
AFFILIATION
I believe it is commendable for a minister of the gospel to be a reader. It is good for a minister to invest in worthwhile books. However, I do not think a preacher should read many theological books until that minister is solid regarding his own beliefs. Authors are different from one another. If you are easily swayed, then you will change your mind about every subject each time you conclude a book on that subject. But if you are unshakeable regarding your own beliefs, then books, even the ones that differ from your viewpoints, can be helpful.
I do not have a large library, but I do have a good library. I read after many authors whom I deem to be good authors. Listen to me very carefully. Although I regard many authors in my library as good authors, I do not agree with any of them – not a single one – all the time. If I were to discard every book in my library in which I do not agree with every sentence, then I would have no library. I regard many of the authors in my library as men and women of God. Yet, they associate with different doctrinal and ecclesiastical bodies. William Booth was the Methodist who founded the Salvation Army. Booth was an incredible soul winner. Frank Boreham was a Baptist. Arno C. Gaebelein was a Methodist whose writings on prophetic subjects were profound. Matthew Henry, the great expositor, was an English non-conformist who was an ordained Presbyterian. Alexander MacLaren was a Baptist known for his expository messages. George Matheson was a member of the Church of Scotland. He penned the beautiful hymn “O Love that Will Not Let Me Go.” J.C. Ryle, whose classic works on the gospels, as well as his work on the subject of holiness has blessed many ministries, was Anglican. We will forever be indebted to Alexander Whyte, who gave us his superb work on the characters of the Bible. He was a member of the Free Church of Scotland. C.I. Scofield was a Congregationalist. A.B. Simpson was a Presbyterian. Charles Spurgeon was a Calvinist Baptist. John Owen was a Congregationalist preacher and Puritan leader. G. Campbell Morgan was a Congregationalist. Henry C. Morrison was a Methodist. Martyn Lloyd-Jones was a Presbyterian. H.A. Ironside began in the Salvation Army and later served as pastor of the Moody Memorial Church. J.H. Jowett was a Congregationalist. A.J. Gordon was a Baptist. John Wilbur Chapman was a Presbyterian evangelist who associated with D.L. Moody and was a hymn writer. He wrote the hymn “One Day” (“Living He Loved Me”). Peter Cartwright was a Methodist. John Broadus was a Southern Baptist, as was B.H. Carroll and R.G. Lee. Phillips Brooks, author of “O Little Town of Bethlehem” who was known for his “Lectures on Preaching” which he delivered at Yale University, was an Episcopal Bishop. Charles Finney was a Presbyterian. Isaac M. Haldeman was a Baptist. He served as pastor of the First Baptist Church of New York for over fifty years. Clarence Macartney was a Presbyterian who was at the forefront of the fundamentalist/liberal controversy at the turn of the twentieth century.
I could go on, but the point is made (rather successfully). There are men and women who are close to God who do not belong to your group. There are differences in affiliation. We could have a debate as to whether or not denominations should even exist. But regardless of that, the truth is that they do, in fact, exist. And whether you like it or not is irrelevant – there are those outside of your clique who will be saved, who will go to heaven when they die, and who will impact the kingdom of God before they get there. If you do not associate with anyone unless they are just like you, I pity you. You must be a miserable creature. With that kind of policy, you are starving no one of nourishment except yourself.
TO BE CONTINUED…
