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To: RobRoy
I am reminded of the rift between Paul and Barnabas over Mark in Acts 15:39. Sometimes sincere, prayerful, well meaning Christians simply disagree. It does not necessarily mean someone is doing the devils work.

Disagreeing on pragmatic things is one thing -- disagreeing on major doctrines is another. That is why there are denominations. I found a great article (written from a Lutheran perspective however, so keep that in mind) at Truth on the Scaffold

That talks about hidden doctrines in 'neutral' methods. Excellent point. There is almost nothing totally neutral.

D. Denial of the Efficacy of the Word

Clearly the LCMS and WELS leaders do not trust in the Means of Grace, adopting instead the position of the Reformed, as will be detailed later. Even more importantly, they deny the doctrine of the efficacy of the Word, which is foundational for all Lutheran doctrine. There are only two positions possible about the Holy Spirit. One is clearly taught in the Bible, the Church Fathers, the Lutheran Reformation, Lutheran hymns, and the old Synodical Conference: the Spirit never works apart from the Word, the Word never works apart from the Spirit. (Isaiah 55:8-11) The other position, which Lutherans call Enthusiasm, separates the work of the Holy Spirit from the Word.

1. Pietism, Enthusiasm, Revivalism

Historically, the denial of the efficacy of the Word in Lutheranism has one primary starting point - a movement called Lutheran Pietism, started by Philip Spener and August Francke. It surfaced again in American Lutheranism in the 19th century, under the name of revivalism or New Measures. Enthusiasm has had its most recent and destructive impact in the Church Growth Movement, which has been adopted wholesale by the LCMS and WELS, as well as ELCA. Pietism, revivalism, and the Church Growth Movement have so much in common because all three deny the same doctrine of the efficacy of the Word.

2. Hidden Doctrines in Neutral Methods

All three movements (Pietism, revivalism, Church Growth) pretend to be non-doctrinal and therefore pose the greatest danger to Lutheranism. Lutheran doctrine will defeat any false doctrine, but Lutherans have trouble with a-doctrinal positions. When a false teacher says, "We are only giving you methods for helping your denomination grow," he is lying. The actual doctrines are deeply hidden and must be brought to light, just as anaerobic infections need air to be cured. If an anaerobic infection is not cut open and drained, blood poisoning will soon kill the hapless victim.

Those who claim to promote methods and not doctrines are secret unionists. Either they want all denominations in one visible church, or they have no love at all for pure doctrine. They slip away from any discussion about doctrine by flattering potential critics. One pastor said about a Church Growth leader, "It's easier to pick up soap in a shower than it is to find out what he really thinks." One unionist, who organized the ELCA/WELS/LCMS evangelism program, simply agrees with anyone who disagrees, leaving everyone confused.


387 posted on 04/15/2005 10:10:55 AM PDT by Terriergal (What is the meaning of life?? Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him for ever.)
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To: Terriergal

I'm reminded of the Pharisees so eager to stone Jesus because

Jesus The Christ; King of Kings and Lord of Lords

was not pure enough, to their standard.

BTW, which sized stone bucket do you prefer--I'd guess the largest available.

And which color stones do you prefer--black?


407 posted on 04/15/2005 6:37:51 PM PDT by Quix (HAVING A FORM of GODLINESS but DENYING ITS POWER. 2 TIM 3:5)
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