Enjoying Christian Diversity

Hi brethren

I am reading a book named Strange Fire by John MacArthur (aka Juanito Macar or Johnny Mac), the book goes directly to address the issue of the false fire that are created by charismatics and Pentecostals churches. Now, one thing that i found kind of not good/nice is to put all Pentecostals and charismatics in the same bag. Why? may you ask yourself, well because i know Pentecostals and charismatics who also feel ashamed and indignation of the teachings of so called professing Christians under the same denomination.

I'm not a charismatic or a Pentecostal first at all, but i think what MacArthur has done in his book is the evidence of a particular and common trend we have. This is that we don't know how to enjoy our brothers and sister in Christ by who they are. I think that through church history denominations has helped in some sense to characterize a system of beliefs, which i think is healthy at some extent. the problem is the exclusivity we are taking out of this mindset to receive and kick off people by belonging to a certain class of denomination. Don't take me wrong, you and I may share the same disagreements we have with Pentecostals, Charismatics, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Baptists and Anglicans. But that doesn't give me a right to give a final judgment of how genuine may be the work of regeneration in the life of this Person.

Let me say that i also feel indignation before false doctrine, mostly at this present age where everybody wants to be heard but not many people wants to be understood. Many will try their best to write quotable phrases that may tickle the ear of many, but only few will take the time to define what they mean. So, i feel your pain Bruh or Sis. 

Now, what do you mean with enjoying Christian Diversity? well i mean this, not everyone have to agree with you. Of course i'm not compromising the essentials of the christian life such like the Depravity of man, Salvation by faith alone, the nature of Christ and the attributes of God. They are non negotiable doctrines doesn't matter what is your denomination (including baptists and Presbyterians). Now you may ask yourself, what makes the difference in someone under a certain denomination (specifically Pentecostals and charismatics, lets be honest we are harsh on them and sometimes we wrongly like it)?

Well the difference is made by what the bible says about true believers, so before you run to give a final judgment on people who's denomination seems to be sketchy, ask yourself this questions:

1. Has the Heart of the person be changed? The scripture says that everyone who is in Christ is a new creature, and a new creature doesn't just supresses immorality but loves, desires and want God. So if a person shows a desire for God, not just to keep the morals right but a desire to know Christ in an intimate way, then my friend you have a believer. And you will see of course a behavior that matches this desire, but they will do it because of their delight to obey God, not because they just want to stay out of church trouble. 

2. Diligent study of the scriptures: a desire for God will lead us to know who God is, what He has done and how we should act before Him and all this is revealed in the scriptures. So if you see a person going to the scriptures diligently to know more about God so he or she can enjoy Him, you should encourage the pursuit of this knowledge. Remember Jesus said: This is eternal life, that they know you, probably at this moment you may not agree with them but take the time to let them share with you. I know you are right an he is wrong and he should listen you because you are so sound in your doctrine but if you who claim to be right, don't dig into the theological worldview of the person you hardly will be able to contextualize what you want to say. And to be honest, listen to people with different views challenges my views and sometimes it makes me think more than speak. But I know you still won't change after reading this so imma pray for you.

3. prayer: now any pagan or so called pseudo Christian can pray, what I mean is that this person goes to prayer regularly and enjoys God and being with Him. Is not a just imma pray for you, but he prays because he needs of God. Let's be careful to not discourage prayer, and I know in this one I will be honest charismatics are more intentional about it than any other denomination. Yes, sometimes there is more things to learn than to condemn in people who we judge regularly.

4. Enjoys fellowship: maybe you disagree with them but you can see the joy of the Lord in them, and even if you drive them nuts, they enjoy to hang around with the brethren. Christ is the link for those whom Him has redeemed, even if you disagree with a brother, spend time with them. Because if you think he is weird, he thinks the same about you but you need to realize that both of you have been bought with a price. 

5. A desire for evangelism: the reality of eternity will be evident in this person, looking up more than down here. A desire to see souls saved and coming to Christ, ministering won't be just a part time job but a style of life. This person will share your zeal for evangelism and see people confessing Christ. 

So there is only a few of steps that you may want to consider, I bet you can recognize a heretic and someone who disagrees with you in minor points. Before I finish I want to also talk about a subject which doesn't matter your denomination, I think will be helpful.

Don't judge people by your personal preference: I know that there is things that personally people considers sin which are not necessary sin. As example: drink a cup of alcohol or listen music with drums. Guys, really? Don't use your personal preferences as an standard of godliness, and don't use please the excuse of the weak brother if you are not, or unless a weak brother have witnessed the imprudence. Let me encourage you to examine your motivation to judge someone who doesn't fill our personal expectancies or standards. You know how to recognize sin from personal standards and if you don't, use the bible, it helps.

I hope this blog nurtures your desire to engage into fellowship with people from different denominations in a very discerning and thoughtful way. 

Let the bond of Christ salvation be stronger than your denomination.