Like The Denominations
Some months ago I heard a preacher say, "If the denominations can have a nation-wide radio and television program to preach over, then we can have the same to preach the truth."
Irregardless as to whether such a nation-wide radio and television program is scriptural or unscriptural, statements like this (which this preacher was using to justify such programs) illustrates just how far some of us have drifted in our thinking. Such reasoning would justify nearly anything the denominations have and do. It would justify the Missionary Societies, as well as all their other unscriptural organizations, and the "pastor system."
Such a statement reminds me of the children of Israel who came to Samuel and demanded a king. Why ? Because the nations round about them had one. Can you not hear them reasoning with Samuel, "But Samuel if the other nations have a king to go before them, lead them, and rule over them, why can't we, the people of God, have one?" And, why couldn't they? Because by desiring a king, they were rejecting the system of government God had authorized for them. That is the exact reason why the church of the Lord cannot always have and use what the denominations have and use; for by so doing we either reject what God has authorized, or accept and bring in what he has not authorized, or perhaps both.
Perhaps some of us need to restudy such scriptures as Rom. 14:23, Heb. 11:6, and Rom. 10:17. They read, ". . . For whatsoever is not of faith is sin." "But without faith it is impossible to please him (God) . . ." "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Also, "But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." (Matt. 15:9). "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God." (2Jn. 9). "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Tim. 3:1617). "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God." (1 Pet. 4:11).
Let us not seek to justify our practices by what the denominations do, but by the all sufficient word of God. Let us always seek to give a "Thus saith the Lord" for all which we believe, teach, and do.