~ A place to find answers to gnawing spiritual questions ~
Question: Why is the church divided on the issue of tongues? I've been in both circles and each one is LED by the Holy Spirit (I prefer to say man's) of their own understanding. I'm at the point where I don't want to go to church - not on the issue of tongues, but everything about modern day Christians. I believe that today's church is missing the boat. Throw away these man made doctrines and learn to love our God and fellow man. Not having to put on our superficial faces when we meet, sing our three songs, listen to the preacher and shake his hand on the way out. The church needs to start preaching relationships with one another. We are on our deathbeds and don't even know it. We are more concerned about our leaky faucet (tongues or other man made doctrines) than correcting or establishing new relationships. And to keep the gospel simple like Paul said, " I teach Christ and Him crucified".Answer: It interested me that you should close your monologue by referring to the Apostle Paul as an example of the correct "gospel". If you will study the book of Acts and the Pauline Epistles, you will find that Paul dealt with these areas you questioned.
1. Church unity - read Ephesians chapter 4. The unity of the believers is a goal to strive for with humility, patience and love. Frankly, the tone of your question seems to express little of these qualities.
2. Church division - Paul dealt with and was in the middle of divisive issues. Paul was not one to sacrifice truth for the sake of relationships. Read Acts chapter 15 to see Paul involved in church and personal relationship problems.
3. Tongues - Paul did not see this as a light matter to be ignored. In 1 Corinthians chapters 12-14 he spent considerable time to directing Christians in it's purpose and use. He did not ignore it or downplay it but encouraged it.
4. If the "church of Jesus Christ is on it's "death bed" that would contradict Jesus who said the "Gates of Hell would not prevail against it."
5. Personal relationships are important. Jesus said the two principles upon which the rest hang is to love God with all our soul, body and mind and to love our neighbor as ourselves. The latter will be easier to get in line when the first one is. I would encourage you to concentrate on building a strong relationship with God and see how that will improve your relationship with others.
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