The Parable of the Five Farmers - Part Two
THE APPLICATION
Most all preachers who accept the Bible as being the Word of God claim they get their seed from the Book, thus they claimed to have used the same source. But, it is well-known that preachers of different denominations report different results. Some report that their preaching results in Baptists, others in Methodists, and still others in Mormons, and so on. How can this be?
CONSIDER THE FACTS
First, is the seed pure (I Peter 1:23-25)? Not only is the word of God pure and unadulterated, but the Lord has specifically commanded that it be kept pure and properly handled (cf. II Timothy 2:15 ; I Peter 4:11). Furthermore, preaching the "Word of God" (cf. Luke 8:11) has always produced the same thing as it did in the Bible times ---- only Christians (cf. Acts 11:26).
Next, did the preachers field already have other seed sown (such as preconceived ideas which resulted from some other type of seed) in them which choked out the pure Word of God? If the results are different from those mentioned in the Bible were produced, then it should be evident that the results did not come from the Word of God. Jesus taught that it was possible to make the Word of God void (cf. Matthew 15:1-9). The Word of God plainly teaches that faith and baptism are necessary prerequisites to salvation (cf. Mark 16:15-16), but modern day denominational preachers unite in declaring their salvation separate and apart from baptism : "Wherefore, that we are justified by faith only is a most wholesome doctrine and very full of comfort" (Discipline of the Methodist Church. Article IX).
The Bible also plainly tells us that the Lord's people should be one; but denominationalists persist is says this isn't necessary (cf. John 17:20-21 ; I Cor. 1:10-15), saying that one denomination (which is the result of division) is just as good as another.
Third, did the preachers misname their products? A quick glance at the religious conditions of today should convince you that a Baptist knows another Baptist when he sees one; same way with the Methodists ect.
Finally, did the preachers get their seed from some other source other than the Word of God? if so, where do you suppose they got their ideas to teach such things as:
Salvation by faith only (cf. James 2:25)?
Sprinkling and pouring for baptism (cf. Romans 6:3-4)?
Instrumental music in worship (cf. Ephesians 5:19)?
Various church organizations (cf. Philippians 1:1)?
OUR CONCLUSION
It has not been our intention to offend any of our readers. But remember that when His disciples told Jesus that He had offended the Pharisees by what he'd said (cf. Matthew 15:1-9), Christ said, "(13) But He answered and said, "Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted."
Wouldn't you have more confidence in your religious activities if you could cite book, chapter, and verse for all the things you're asked to believe and do? If so, you'd feel right at home with us.
Would you not be our honored guest, studying the pure word of God in its simplicity and sincerity.
From The Visiting Preacher by Hal Snyder
Brought to you by: The Spruce Pine church of Christ
For Further Discussion please write: P.O. Box 401 / Spruce Pine/ NC 28777
Visit our Web Site: http://main.nc.us/spchurchofchrist/Index.htm
Return To Articles Index Page