Changing the Divine Pattern

Why is the church divided? The answer depends on the person you ask. Some say it is the antis that brought the division. In case you are not familiar with the term anti it was assigned to those who oppose the concepts of supporting human institutions and having instrumental music in worship. But who really drove the wedge of division? Division occurs when someone strays from the divine pattern. I am not referring to factions, where people divide over personal judgments -- this type of division is wrong (1 Corinthians 1:10). Sadly, those who use the prejudicial term anti are also referring to themselves. How? If they oppose homosexuality, as well as women elders and preachers, doesn't that make them antis? Unfortunately, some among our brethren have embraced even these sins. The real question is: who made laws where God did not?

Where Is the Scripture?

Whenever we discuss these matters with brethren, they often offer a common plea -- "where does the Bible say we can't do these things." Sadly, this means that some brethren have absolutely no scriptural authority on which to rest their cases. This is dangerous ground indeed! If you believe a practice is scriptural -- you are responsible for showing that it has God's approval. Brethren, don't fall into the trap of proving the other person's position. If someone asks: "why do you worship by singing without the aid of musical instruments", I must precede my answer with, "the Bible says." (1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16) Now, ask the one who uses the instrument in worship why he does so. His answer: "it doesn't say we can't." Which of us is standing on God's truth?