Thank you for this great article! We are actually studying Romans 14 in ladies Bible class this morning, and it's so true that we must not think of other than inferior for holding different opinions than we do within the church. ❤️
I'm planning an article along the lines of "How can we still if something is a matter of opinion or not," so I'll address thoughts like these a little more then. But a few thoughts...
First of all, we don't draw the lines. God does. I think I know what you meant - you're asking "how do we know where the line is?" But it's important to recognize that all "line-drawing" is done by God. When He draw the line and says "that's good" or "this is sin" - then we have a responsibility and obligation to abide by the lines He has drawn. For example, God gave a big long list of attitudes and behaviors that He said are sinful in the second half of Romans 1. Those who respect His authority must abide by what He has said.
Second, in regards to singing in worship, it's important to observe everything God has said in the New Testament about that subject - so passages like Ephesians 5:18-19 and Colossians 3:16-17. There are a few others as well. My thoughts are, which I hope to explain more in another article, is that when God tells us what He wants (sing and make melody in your heart), we would be wise to offer what He said and not add to and take away from it.
I totally agree with you! We attended a large congregation in Texas (400-450) where a handful of people clapped. (1-2%) because the song leader clapped. My wife and I met with the elders and toldvthem we were uncomfortable with the clapping, would they ask the song leader not to clap. They told us we should probably "go down the road" if we were unhappy. I had served as an elder before moving to this congregation and could not believe any elder wouldvmake such a statement!
Thank you for this great article! We are actually studying Romans 14 in ladies Bible class this morning, and it's so true that we must not think of other than inferior for holding different opinions than we do within the church. ❤️
My question: where do we draw the line on certain issues? For example: clapping in services to songs we sing? Opinion or Scripture?
I'm planning an article along the lines of "How can we still if something is a matter of opinion or not," so I'll address thoughts like these a little more then. But a few thoughts...
First of all, we don't draw the lines. God does. I think I know what you meant - you're asking "how do we know where the line is?" But it's important to recognize that all "line-drawing" is done by God. When He draw the line and says "that's good" or "this is sin" - then we have a responsibility and obligation to abide by the lines He has drawn. For example, God gave a big long list of attitudes and behaviors that He said are sinful in the second half of Romans 1. Those who respect His authority must abide by what He has said.
Second, in regards to singing in worship, it's important to observe everything God has said in the New Testament about that subject - so passages like Ephesians 5:18-19 and Colossians 3:16-17. There are a few others as well. My thoughts are, which I hope to explain more in another article, is that when God tells us what He wants (sing and make melody in your heart), we would be wise to offer what He said and not add to and take away from it.
I totally agree with you! We attended a large congregation in Texas (400-450) where a handful of people clapped. (1-2%) because the song leader clapped. My wife and I met with the elders and toldvthem we were uncomfortable with the clapping, would they ask the song leader not to clap. They told us we should probably "go down the road" if we were unhappy. I had served as an elder before moving to this congregation and could not believe any elder wouldvmake such a statement!