139 Discord Among Brethren

Discord Among Brethren THIRD YEAR—SUBJECT 32 Discord Among Brethren (READ ROMANS 14) In the establishment of the church of Christ, the whole teaching of the New Testament is to impress us that we should all be perfectly joined to¬gether, and to speak the same thing. So Christ, in his prayer, prayed that all his followers might be one. This was the instruction of Paul to (he church at Corinth. Peter, in his general letter, tells us how this can be done, by speaking as the oracles of God speak.

All things that God commands me to do, and I do them, I can do so as an act of faith. Yet I may do some things innocent within themselves but if said things are not commanded they do not come under the head of faith, and Paul teaches, "Whatsoever is not of faith is sin." If, in the doing of these things. I offend the brethren, or sow discord among them, God says he will hate me, that I am not doing his will, and he calls upon the church to mark me.

Christ says it would be better if I were cast into the sea than to offend one of his children.

QUESTIONS 1. Does God command me to read? Colossians 4:16 2. To pray? 1 Thessalonians 5:17.

3. To exhort? 1 Timothy 4:13.

4. To eat the Lord’s supper. Acts 20:7.

5. To sing. Col. o. 6.

6. To preach the gospel. Mark 16:15.

7. To do good to all. Galatians 6:10.

8. To contribute? 1 Corinthians 16:1-2.

9. To burn incense?

10. To eat meat with the bread and wine?

11. To wash my hands at the communion service?

12. To sprinkle children?

13. To play on an organ, or other musical instruments in worship?

14. If God does not command these things, then they are not of faith.

What does Paul say about them? Romans 14:23.

15. If they cause division, what does Paul say to do? Romans 16:17-18.

16. If they sow discord, what does God say about it? Proverbs 6:19.

17. If such causes my brother to stumble, or offend, how much must I do? Romans 14:14-21.