"For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him. . ." Numbers 23:9

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THE MOUNTAIN MESSENGER

September 2004
Volume 1..........................Number 8
Crum, West Virginia

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"LESSONS FROM JEREMIAH CHAPTER SIX"

By James E. Farley

They stopped listening to the Word, and had no delight in it. - Verse 10

They became obsessed therefore with material things. - Verse 13

They deceived themselves into thinking all was fine. - Verse 14

They forgot how to blush. - Verse 15

They rejected their only hope - Verse 16

The result of all this can be seen in verses 17-19

This was written for our learning - Romans 15:4; I Cor. 10:6, 11

SOMETHING IS WRONG - BUT THE BIBLE IS RIGHT!!!

~THE PROBLEM???~

The religious world is divided and sub-divided into over 450 differing denominations in the United States alone. We are told that the number swells to nearly 1200 when we consider the number of sects claiming to follow Christ world-wide!

THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM

Creeds, Catechisms, Confessions of Faith, Disciplines, etc. of men. You see, differing seed = differing plants. (Read Luke 8:11; Matthew 15:7-13).

THE RESULT OF THE PROBLEM

The result of all of the differing teaching and the corresponding differing sectarian groups is CONFUSION.

But my friend - know this - GOD IS NOT THE AUTHOR OF CONFUSION!!! (I Corinthians 14:33).

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT THE PROBLEM

God’s plan calls for - "no divisions" - (I Corinthians 1:10-13). Our Lord prayed for true UNITY among believers (John 17:20-21). Division or Denominationalism is contrary to Jesus’ prayer (John 17:20-21). It is the seed of infidelity or unbelief (John 17:20-21). It is carnal (I Corinthians 3:1-4; Galatians 5:19-20). Denominationalism defeats God’s purpose (Galatians 3:27-28). Sectarian division is contrary to the doctrine of Christ (John 17:20-21; 2 John 9-11).

THE REMEDY FOR THE PROBLEM

Do away with that which divides; the creeds, catechisms, confessions of faith, disciplines, etc. Then "speak the same thing, that there be no divisions" - (I Corinthians 1:10).

"There is one body" - (Ephesians 4:4)

The body of Christ is the church of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23).

James E. Farley -To Contact Jim by email, click here