Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

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March 7, 2010
    Greetings, dear peple.
    I just did my jog.  Daisy was in the house and was pretty bummed about seeing me put on my togs...knowing she can't go.  She's a suffering dog...but seems to be doing about as well as can be expected after her injury.
    We'll be off soon to our Gospel Sing engagement at Country Meadows in Woodburn.  It will be another beautiful drive.
    May you be blessed as you keep looking up...our redemptions draws near...at least nearer than it's ever been before. 
        Love and prayers.
            Dad/Ray

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7 March 2010
Passage: Acts 15:1-21
Focus: “This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them.”  Acts 15:2.

            Let no one think that the congregation of the righteous is a trouble-free congregation.  The fact that it is composed of less-than-perfect human beings who are characterized by a very broad spectrum of background and experience and view on all manner of topics and issues provide a built-in problem.  Controversial questions will always befall the Church.  God knows that.  He only requires that we subscribe to an attitude of Christ-like love that lends itself to engaging in the only proper means of problem-solving that God makes available to believers: HONEST DISCUSSION THAT IS AIMED AT REACHING WISE AND GODLY DECISIONS THAT ARE IN HARMONY WITH THE WORD AND THE GOOD OF ALL CONCERNED.  In upholding standards of Biblical righteousness and making practical application, more intense dialogue may be required—that of DISPUTE AND DEBATE.  But it must be understood that even this can be transacted in an attitude of love.  Occasionally God may intervene with special gifts of knowledge or wisdom or discernment to assist in the process, but for the most part we must walk the road of discussion, DISPUTE AND DEBATE in reaching decisions.  Don’t be afraid of that fact.  Just make sure your attitude is right and that you are dedicated to truth.
            I, for one, am very grateful that the leaders of the early church followed this approach and made the decision they did in regards to the issue of circumcision.  I would hate to have seen the legalistic circumcisers win the debate.  I would hate to be expected to promote and inspect circumcision in my missionary efforts and the general promotion of the Gospel.  But godly discussion and wisdom prevailed and the wonderful foundation of our faith was reaffirmed.
            Please pay attention to this foundational principle of the Work of God.  I know there are lots of stories of serious arguments and big fights within church fellowships.  Where there are apparent breakdowns and ugly schisms, it is most assuredly not with this Biblical plan, but with the rigid attitudes with which the plan is implemented.  The plan of God will work if men will work the plan.  Think about it.