Several years ago, oh, back in 2003, I heard of a group of people that claimed that they were a new sort of Christian--a new kind, if you will. When I first heard of this movement under the umbrella of "christianity" I did not know that there was a difference between the terms "emerging" and "emergent." I just thought they all were part of the same group. Since then I've come to understand, a little better, the difference between the two.
One gentleman, in particular, seemed to be leading a vast group of people to generously question the truths of Scripture that had been taught since the Word was given. It seemed that somehow, for centuries, the church missed the truth and it was finally being discovered. Well, this bugged me a little...no, a lot. It sent me on a personal path of devotion to know the Scripture better and to warn others against false teaching. I imagine that behind closed doors there were some that thought I was quite fanatical about it and perhaps just on a hobby horse or something.
In looking back over the past several years I see how God used heresy and false teaching to bring me to where I am now. God used heresy to drive me to know the Word better which thus showed me some places where I was in grave error. God used heresy to drive me to watch over the flock better. God used heresy to lead me to study church history better. God used heresy to put a fear in me like never before when it came to preaching the Word. I am amazed at how God used something evil like this for His glory in my life.
Scripture says that heresy and factions in the church are most necessary. In saying that the implication is that it serves a huge part in displaying God's glory. How so?
1 Corinthians 11:19 for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.
God's glory is more clearly displayed when true believers are separated from false converts and teachers. Heresy serves the purpose of exposing false believers and teachers.
While we must combat false teaching and heresy...while we must hate it...while we must correct with gentleness those who oppose the truth in hopes that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth so that they may escape the snare of the devil after being captured by him to do his will...while we realize that false teaching downplays and distorts the glory of God...NEVERTHELESS, in God's infinite wisdom His plan includes heresy as a way to let the church shine more brightly thus displaying His glory.
Wow! That just blows my mind. As I was preparing this week for this coming Sunday's sermon, this truth just leaped out at me from my studies. And I saw this truth played out in my life over the past several years. I thank God for showing this to me. While I was rather frustrated with others while trying to warn them about this stuff, I had no idea that the end-all of it would be God's glory. I know that this isn't some original thought and it's not new to Christianity. It's just new to me.
One gentleman, in particular, seemed to be leading a vast group of people to generously question the truths of Scripture that had been taught since the Word was given. It seemed that somehow, for centuries, the church missed the truth and it was finally being discovered. Well, this bugged me a little...no, a lot. It sent me on a personal path of devotion to know the Scripture better and to warn others against false teaching. I imagine that behind closed doors there were some that thought I was quite fanatical about it and perhaps just on a hobby horse or something.
In looking back over the past several years I see how God used heresy and false teaching to bring me to where I am now. God used heresy to drive me to know the Word better which thus showed me some places where I was in grave error. God used heresy to drive me to watch over the flock better. God used heresy to lead me to study church history better. God used heresy to put a fear in me like never before when it came to preaching the Word. I am amazed at how God used something evil like this for His glory in my life.
Scripture says that heresy and factions in the church are most necessary. In saying that the implication is that it serves a huge part in displaying God's glory. How so?
1 Corinthians 11:19 for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.
God's glory is more clearly displayed when true believers are separated from false converts and teachers. Heresy serves the purpose of exposing false believers and teachers.
While we must combat false teaching and heresy...while we must hate it...while we must correct with gentleness those who oppose the truth in hopes that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth so that they may escape the snare of the devil after being captured by him to do his will...while we realize that false teaching downplays and distorts the glory of God...NEVERTHELESS, in God's infinite wisdom His plan includes heresy as a way to let the church shine more brightly thus displaying His glory.
Wow! That just blows my mind. As I was preparing this week for this coming Sunday's sermon, this truth just leaped out at me from my studies. And I saw this truth played out in my life over the past several years. I thank God for showing this to me. While I was rather frustrated with others while trying to warn them about this stuff, I had no idea that the end-all of it would be God's glory. I know that this isn't some original thought and it's not new to Christianity. It's just new to me.
