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NASB | Ephesians 4:3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ephesians 4:3 Make every effort to keep the oneness of the Spirit in the bond of peace [each individual working together to make the whole successful]. |
Subject: catholic and protestant salvation view |
Bible Note: Why is it different? Who made it so? Certainly not God. Rather, arrogant men have assumed they have the right, and the wisdom, to renovate the divine scheme of redemption. The very attitude is an atrocity. Not only has mainstream denominationalism contended that it is permissible to change the original forms and ceremonies of New Testament doctrine, it has even radically altered its concept of morality. Several decades ago there could not be found a solitary religious body, remotely professing Christian principles, that would endorse homosexuality. Now, the defenders of sodomy are disgustingly numerous. If Christianity may be re-designed with reference to its religious dogma, why not re-write its moral code as well? The very idea is absurd. Problems within churches of Christ The brotherhood of churches of Christ has become sorely afflicted with the “change” mentality over the past several decades. More than a third of a century ago, Carl Ketcherside and Leroy Garrett were creating a stir in many Christian congregations with radical notions of ecumenism, as advocated in their journals, Mission Messenger and Restoration Review. At that time, however, these gentlemen were considered to be a fringe-element aberration. Eventually, though, along came Integrity, Image (now defunct), and finally, Wineskins. These journals, in concert with several “Christian Scholars Conferences” on campuses like Abilene Christian University and Pepperdine University, flung the doors wide open to radical changes within the fellowship of God’s people. The drift has been gradual. At first, the concept of the “restoration plea” was merely questioned – under the guise of honest investigation. Then it was overtly challenged. Finally, in the waning days of this century, it is shamelessly ridiculed by those who have thrown off all attempts to disguise their ambitions. Some of our digressive brothers take unusual delight in mocking the church, while their sectarian audiences roar with laughter and applaude the barbs that wound the body of Christ. |