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My thoughts on labels of conservative or liberal in the church.

Posted by: matt allen | Sat, Sep 8, 2007 10:28 pm | Tag(s): Testimonies | Permalink |

 As we continue to pray for the Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit. We are suppose to be united all in one accord. I am concerned that much like the politicians, now  many Christians are trying to place everyone in a category, either as conservatives or liberals. I have done this too. I now believe this is a mistake, it will not help to bring about unity of the faith. If we keep on doing this we will polarize each other, we will grow more apart. Look at the politicians they have come to hate each other and continue to polarize themselves from each other. The Lord Jesus said a house divided against itself cannot stand. This applies to the government and the church also. I believe the solution is not to conform to this world’s culture and of political labels. But understand although we do have differences we need to pray for one another and follow Christ example of love and patient and teach by example. It is not about being conservative or liberal. It is about being a genuine Christian. May Christ help us to learn how to love, teach and lead as He does. And how to disagree with out being angry or disrespectful. Although I have many views that may be considered conservative. I do not want to label my self a compassionate conservative any more, although I believe I am. But I want to stay away from trying to catergorize others with these labels which cause polarization.

 I believe we can not say that Christ was completely conservative  or liberal. And we need to be Christ like. Although He came to fulfil the Law and not destroy it and to preserve and conserve the values and principles of God’s Word and He taught us to hate sin. He also taught us not to reject or offend others but to hate the sin, but love the sinner. I do not want to put a label on Christ of either conservative or liberal. I want to believe that He cannot be put into any particular category, He is unique and He is God and He is all things to all men. Also the apostle Paul another very good Christian example said that he tries to be in harmony with all people, all things to all men, that thereby he may save some. As Christians our greater responsibility is to preach the love of Christ, not conservatism or liberalism. If we lift up Christ, He will draw all to Himself and give them that which they need most, a revelation of Him and God the Father. So, like the apostles of Christ day, let us pray for unity of the faith and with Christ like love, let us esteem each other more than our selves. Let us love each other as He has taught us. And he will convict and convince those who need to change and reform. . . .”Christ tears away the wall of partition, the self-love, the dividing prejudice of nationality, and teaches a love for all the human family. He lifts men from the narrow circle that their selfishness prescribes; He abolishes all territorial lines and artificial distinctions of society. He make no difference between neighbors and strangers, friends and enemies . He teaches us to look upon every needy soul as our neighbor and the world as our field” . . . Mount of Blessings p.42-43. May Christ unify us in His word, turth and love. Amen!

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6 Responses to “My thoughts on labels of conservative or liberal in the church.”

ehuffman | September 9th, 2007 at 2:24 pm

I also believe that labels are not helpful. Ellen White stated somewhere that the reason we are so far apart from each other is that we are so far away from Christ.

Those of us who are willing to humble ourselves and learn of Him will naturally come into unity.

I think that, generally speaking, people’s theological differences stem more from their own personality and upbringing, than from an honest study of God’s word. We need to go back and believe the promises and the plain statements of God, rather than reducing the present truth to ideas that our finite minds can fully understand.

I hope that made sense!

-Eric Huffman

matt allen | September 9th, 2007 at 2:33 pm

Yes brother that does make sense to me too. Thank you, and Praise the Lord! Some of us are already in unity of the faith, we need to keep praying and striving for this untiy of faith and love.

blessings, Matthew

skyblue888 | September 14th, 2007 at 4:05 am

In Christ’s day Conservatives and Liberals did at last unite but only to fight a common enemy, Christ. What does this mean for us in these last days? If history is to be repeated we can expect Conservatives and Liberals in the church to unite in order to fight a common enemy: men and women of God’s own choosing whom the Lord will fill with the Holy Spirit in latter rain power.

ehuffman | September 15th, 2007 at 12:40 pm

It could happen. Truth is often stranger than fiction!

If people continue to polarize, that is evidence to me that they have switched masters. Jesus is working towards unity based on plain Bible truth. Ellen White has a lot to say about unity, some of which would surprise some people - like not making much of differences of opinion on non-central issues, etc.

She said that the world would be impressed with a message that could unite men of different dispositions. It is the strongest witness we can have.

But, to unite against the truth would be tragic. This is the kind of unity we see in the world. When the straight testimony is again widely preached, there will be those who will “rise up against it”. It will be interesting to see if people at both extremes of theology will unite against the “clear and destinct” third angel’s message.

God bless!

-Eric

matt allen | September 15th, 2007 at 1:09 pm

Amen to all responses! The Disciples had genuine unity of faith and love. This type of unity is necessary, but it will be a genuine unity in one accord united on the truth of God’s word. We should never comprimise the truth for untiy. But learn how to help others to see the truth with love and long suffering, not with labels, critisim, disrespect, etc. This is not easy to do, only Christ can bring this type of unity about, but we must be willing and pray and seek for it. Remember, “If they speak not according to the law or the testimony their is no truth in them.” Blessings, Matthew

Shining | September 16th, 2007 at 12:30 am

Yes, I agree. It was Jesus’ longest prayer to His Father that was recorded that we might be one. Oh, for the day when we are comfortable for as Joel says that in the last days old and young, men and women will receive messages from Him and share them. Oh that we can as Sister White said, Press together, press together, press together.
-Shining

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