Article Dated 12-29-07 "Differences that Divide"
Paul asked the question in I Corinthians 1:13 "Is Christ Divided?" He had just finished with the message of his displeasure at the news of the division that had taken place among the brethren. The Church at Corinth had found itself basically chosing up sides as to which one of the leading men that they favored above the rest. It no doubt had brought so much division that it necessitated a harsh rebuke from the Apostle.
The strange thing about this entire event is that while they were so divided (which by the way Paul said is a sign of immaturity) they were boasting of being so spiritual. They were bragging about their ability to discern spiritual things and through their gifts had placed themselves in the role of leading Christians of their day.
It is odd to imagine how someone can boast of spiritual power and maturity on one hand and then find themselves choosing up sides on the other hand. Yet that scenario sounds so familiar today. That is where I choose to pick up the story.
We are experiencing today in our Fundamental churches almost identically what the Church at Corinth experienced and was rebuked for. We have seen the rise of some of the greatest churches in history and some of the greatest preachers who ever lived. We have watched ministries explode and men virtuality unknown become leaders of our movement. The entire while, we have watched a strange thing happen. We have literally watched Fundamental ranks divide into fractions and camps until we have come to the point we are rendering ourselves ineffective.
How is it that great men of like faith can end up so far apart in their fellowship? I am not talking about compromise or error in doctrine but I am talking about divisions based on "which school you attended" or "which style of music you prefer." By the way, the music issue is usually based on style and preference such as "high church" verses "campmeeting style" or "Stamps Baxter" music. Some divide over the issue of soul-winning. While some are aggressive in their outreach, others sit back and talk about "easy believism." Some criticize bus ministries and other criticize schools and youth ministries and Family Life Centers.
Now I know that all of us are different and each of us have to answer to God for how we handle the gifts we are given. But our differences if not based on the doctrines of God's Word and on methods and preferences, should not divide us. We should be able to work together based on the Blood of Jesus and the Cross and the Word.
Now there are some things we cannot give even an inch on. I am sure we all agree on the Basic Cardinal Doctrines: The Word of God (King James Bible), Salvation By Grace, Eternal Life, Virgin Birth, Rapture of the Church, Heaven and Hell, etc. But none of these things are the issues that we are divided over. What are the issues that divide Fundamentalism?
1. Evangelism: Particularily Soul-Winning ("easy believism")
2. The Bible: Particularily the King James Bible issue
3. Music: Particularily styles of Music, the "Stamps-Baxter" issue, sound
tracks, Southern Gospel Music, etc.
4. Standards: Particularily Women's Pants, shorts, facial hair on men, TV,
etc.
5. Qualifications of Preachers: Double married preachers in the pulpit.
6. Personalities: Loyalty to Colleges, camps.
7. Second and Third Degree Separation: Separation from those who
fellowship with unacceptable groups, etc.
8. Personal styles of preachers and styles of worship. Many are divided
based totally on preaching styles.
Now some of these issues are serious and there is no room for compromise. I have a problem with anyone who cannot take a strong stand on the King James Bible and its credibility. And certainly we all agree that some have disqualified themselves from the Pulpit. But yet it is at these points and others that we are divided. And then the question arises, if there are those among us who can depart from these truths, are they really Fundamentalists? There in lies the problem.
So here is where we are. We have some groups that only fellowship with others in their group based on a common school or a common loyalty to a particular man. There are some who criticize everyone who does not worship in the same style of music and emotions as do they. The dry, formal, up-church crowd cannot accept the shouting, campmeeting, emotional crowd. The small church that has no soul winning program preaches against all buses and the programs of large ministries.
Our nation is in need of Revival. We desperately need a man to step forward with the touch of God and a message of repentance to turn this thing around. But the obstacle for us in Fundamentalism is that we cannot come together for any cause. We have built our own agendas, operate in our own little world, have need of no one, and are unwilling to cooperate with those of like faith for any effort whatsoever. What will it take to change the atmosphere of Fundamentalism? Nothing short of a geniune move of God will change our churches.
One difference in Paul's day was that all the churches responded to one man's rebuke. All the churches respected Paul and knew he was God's man. He could rebuke the churches and they took it. Even in the early church, there were doctrinal problems but Paul dealt with them and corrected them. But where do we draw the line? How far can we go in fellowship with those who may differ with us in certain areas? This is where the Fundamentalists differ.
I confess, I wish I had the answer to this problem. I wish there were a solution to the division that we experience in our ranks. Surely this is not what God intended. I know everyone will not have the same standards but if the Bible teaches it, shouldn't we all practice it? I know we all have our own views on styles of music, but should a church be divided over a sound tract or whether or not the song is too "southern Gospel?" Not every church can grow big ministries and operate bus ministries, but shouldn't we all work together for the same cause and that is the evangelism of the lost?
There are some things we can disagree on and still fellowship. There are some things we cannot afford to disagree on for they affect our faith, our testimony to the world, and our standing before God. Divided as we are, how can we expect to get the job done?
While I pray everyday for Revival in America, I also pray everyday for Revival in our Baptist Churches. I pray every day that God will give me favor and other men like me favor with churches and pastors all across the country so we can through preaching, praying and winning the lost, help to turn this nation around. We are one body of believers. One day all the issues will be settled. Until then, we will have to deal with the division that is among us and hope that it does not render our message ineffective before a lost and dying world.
Written By: Dr. David Harrison