Sunday, April 21, 2019 am
LIGHTS IN A DARK WORLD
(14)
The Darkness Around Us (3)
Ecumenism
We
have been examining the darkness around us.
Thus far we have noted who Satan is, discussed the wisdom of this
world and the works of this world (works of the flesh).
Today, as we continue our examination of the darkness around us,
we want to talk about ecumenism, or the pursuit of unity without regard
to truth.
Many, if not the majority, have no problem with one believing in God or
some standard, as long as they don’t bind it or try to indoctrinate
others. What they do have a
problem with is “imposing your morality” or “legalism” or “thinking
you’re better than everyone else”, etc.
And herein is why this is darkness.
As we shall see in this lesson, God is not the author of
confusion, and He does NOT tolerate false religion or beliefs.
a.
Defined – the efforts
and aim of promoting unity among all churches (e.g.. denominations, or
in some cases as broad as saying if you believe in Jesus) and/or
religions of the world.
JoyofaChristian.mp3b.
The concept of ecumenism is very prevalent today.
It is part of the politically correct movement (even though it is
NOT consistently advocated), which means you should not do or say
anything to offends others (especially if they espouse the popular and
politically correct view).
We are living in a time where the majority espouses, at least to some
degree, that truth is subjective (open to interpretation and varies from
one situation to another – i.e. situation ethics) and thus we are to be
tolerant (their definition) of others who differ with us.
But why is this part of the darkness?
We should believe that unity is a good thing and we ought to do
what we can to get along with others (cf. Ephesians 4:1-3, Philippians
2:1-2, etc.). While both of
these concepts are true, we CANNOT achieve them by setting aside what
God actually teaches. That
is why it is darkness.
c.
The darkness of
ecumenism - some of its
consequences include:
i.
It is a work of Satan – he seeks to divide us and separate us from God.
Ecumenism is undermining the
word of God. That is what
Satan does and has always done.
From the first sin – when he lied to Eve, he was undermining God.
The following list of actions are the devil at work.
ii.
It promotes ignorance – we are called upon to grow in grace and knowledge (2 Peter
3:18). Ignorance is not
pleasing to God (Acts 17:30-31).
Much of scripture is written to dispel ignorance – cf. 1
Thessalonians 4:13, etc.
Eph. 4:11-16, a list of “functionaries” who ground us in the word
so that we are not tossed to and fro…
Ecumenism by its very nature implies that accuracy of understanding is
not important. Therefore,
the need to study and learn is optional.
In fact, too much study and learning can be detrimental as it
cause you to genuinely question those who believe what you have learned
to be wrong. This promotes
ignorance.
iii.
It promotes immorality and selfish living
– we have often talked about how many want to come to God on their
terms. Ecumenism
accommodates that. Just go
find the place that says you’re ok doing what you want.
This is one of the detriments of most mega churches (a church with
weekly attendance that exceeds 2000) and community churches, which are
typically INTER-denominational.
Ecumenism does not permit you to take action against or disapprove of
those whose lifestyles are contrary to your convictions.
Contrast this with Ephesians 5:11, Galatians 2:4-5, 2 Corinthians
6:14ff, etc.
That is why the ecumenical movement typically seeks to exclude churches
that they deem “dogmatic” or “legalistic”.
BUT consider that in so doing, they are not TRULY ecumenical.
iv.
It promotes compromise – we are not addressing yielding in matters of liberties
(e.g. Romans 14, 1 Corinthians 8:7-13, etc.) here.
We are speaking of compromising God’s word.
Just as Satan sought to get Jesus to compromise when he tempted Him (and
Jesus answered by using scripture correctly).
Ecumenism demands that you set aside your convictions and tolerate those
that you disagree with. BUT
consider Galatians 1:6-9 and 2 John 9-11.
v.
It twists the Biblical concept of love
- Sometimes the ecumenist will quote Matthew 22:37-39 and say that this
is all there is. If
promoting ecumenism is the goal, that is totally twisting what Jesus
meant. He was emphasizing
that when you love God, you will KEEP ALL of His commandments (e.g. for
them, all of the 10 commandments for starters).
While love is important and foundational (cf. 1 Corinthians 13:1-8a), we
have instructions about HOW we are to love.
Consider 1 John 5:1-3 and John 14:15.
vi.
It often promotes intolerance of those who do not accept their views
– this is a consequence, whether intended or not, for advocates of
ecumenism. They might state
we can disagree, but we should not be disagreeable.
But for those who question their ecumenism, they are often avoided,
marked or even condemned, sometimes intolerantly.
We, as we teach the Biblical plan of salvation (including baptism – Acts
2:38, Mark 16:16) are often the victims of this attitude.
Those who advocate faith only condemn churches of Christ as
teaching works based salvation, water salvation, etc.
They might be “ecumenical” to all
who subscribe to their core set of beliefs, but they exclude all
others.
Often this movement abandons those who would dare to stand for an
absolute standard of truth.
vii.
It gives a false sense of security - like the
devil, ecumenism deceives.
Think of Satan’s first lie, “You shall not surely die.” (Genesis 3:4-5)
Eve thought that she would be ok to eat of that fruit and gave it
Adam. They were so wrong and
because of that sin, here we are today!
Romans 6:23 warns that the wages of sin is death.
1 Corinthians 10:12 warns, let him who thinks he stands take heed
lest he fall.
Ecumenism by saying it doesn’t matter what you believe deceives you into
thinking you are ok, even though you are lost because you are in sin.
Consider how the Jews thought they were doing the right thing in
persecuting Christians and rejecting God – Romans 10:1-3, John 16:2 –
Jesus warned His apostles they would suffer by those who thought they
were offering service to God.
It’s amazing how men rationalize today to think they are ok, when they
are not.
viii.
It leads to one’s souls facing spiritual danger.
If there is a God whose laws we are to follow (as we have seen),
then ecumenism is a danger and dark.
Acts 17:30-31 – the mantra of Paul still applies – God commands all men
everywhere to repent. Jesus
in Luke 13:3 & 5 said the same thing.
ix.
Summarized, it is an assault against the truth of God’s word.