Resources to aid your Understanding
| Resources to aid your Understanding |
TITLE:
Subtitle: "But
if you bite and devour one another [in partisan strife], be careful that you
[and your whole fellowship] are not consumed by one another" Galatians 5:15
(Parallel
Bible, KJV/Amplified).
Over the past six or seven years (I am getting old and forgetful about precise dates) I have received and answered literally thousands of emails. Some of them have been in response to articles I have written, but the majority came from those who: (1) want to let us know they have received Christ as their Savior, or (2) want to ask questions or make comments, or (3) those who feel it is their God-given responsiblity to accuse us of every sin imaginable and/or damn us to hell!
The Cutting Edge web site is admittedly a very unique ministry and routinely deals with topics that are unpleasant, but "killing the messenger" because one does not like the message delivered is something that should not be done by a genine believer.
There are, unfortunately, many principles and precepts of the faith that stir disagreement among Christian brethren. That is why we have so many different denominations and sects today. It is just human nature to gravitate toward those who see things the same way. And a vigorous defense of those disputed principles and precepts must be expected because all sides (some issues have several opposing factions) are convinced they are right. But while defending our positions, it is of the utmost importance to keep in mind that those of the opposing point of view also profess Christ as their Lord and Savior and therefore should be treated with as much kindness and courtesy as possible.
Disputes can in fact be healthy. When the Scriptures are discussed and doctrinal issues are debated pro and con, sometimes cherished opinions are proven wrong! On more than one occasion I have been forced to adopt a different position after careful consideration of an opposing argument in light of the Scriptures. Because it is a fact of life that two people can can read the very same words and wind up with totally different opinions as to what was actually said. That is why it is often helpful to consult lexicons concerning the original Hebrew and Greek texts. But even Bible scholars possessing comparable academic credentials disagree--so beware of adopting the "My side is right and everyone who disagrees is totally wrong" syndrome.
I offer this warning because in these last days (2 Tim.3:1) a vociferous faction has come upon the scene, adamantly proclaiming their position to be the ground upon which ultimate truth rests. And all who dare to disagree with them are condemned with a degree of harsh rhetoric that is almost unbelievable in its intensity. Calling people "devils" and using character assassination in an attempt to prove their point is routine. So routine in fact that proponents of that particular belief seem to have been cut out with a cookie cutter! Just wind them up and they spew venom in every direction. But does such vehemence sound Christian to you? Is it likely that such a pompous and overbearing attitude will attract people to Christ?
It often becomes necessary for me to "cross swords" with those who take exception to Cutting Edge articles and/or what I personally believe and preach. But when replying to them I make every effort to be as gracious as possible. Because I must constantly bear in mind that I am a sinful human too and do not know everything. So all I can, or should do, is offer an opinion based on my understanding of the Scriptures. Then if we cannot agree about the disputed subject, we should agree to disagree without being disagreeable! Amen?
"Let your speech at all times be gracious (pleasant and winsome), seasoned [as it were] with salt, [so that you may never be at a loss] to know how you ought to answer anyone [who puts a question to you]. Col. 4:6 (Parallel Bible, KJV/Amplified Bible).
Having to admit we are wrong is not much fun and most of us avoid it strenuously. But when God shines the light of Truth upon error, we must swallow our pride and make the appropriate changes in our thinking. Realizing there is always a possibility for error and having a willingness to change is spiritually healthy. Extreme dogmatism and godly humility are rarely compatible.
So if you take exception to something stated in a Cutting Edge article, please feel free to express your opinion. Then expect us to defend our position from the Scriptures. But at the same time bear in mind that many topics are so involved that we cannot possibly cover them thoroughly with an email reply of just a few paragraphs.
We will always try to extend Christian courtesy and ask that you reciprocate. Anything less is not acceptable behavior for God's children.
If you have been born again and received Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, but have been very lukewarm in your spiritual walk with Him, you need to immediately ask Him for forgiveness and for renewal. He will instantly forgive you, and fill your heart with the joy of the Holy Spirit. Then, you need to begin a daily walk of prayer and personal Bible Study.
If you have never placed your trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior, but have come to sense His reality and the approaching End of the Age, and want to receive His FREE Gift of Eternal Life, you can do so now, in the privacy of your home. Once you truly believe in Him as Lord and Savior, you are spiritually Born Again, and are as assured of Heaven as if you were already there. Then, you can rest assured that the Kingdom of Antichrist will not touch you spiritually. If you would like to become Born Again, turn to our Salvation Page now.
We hope you have been blessed by this ministry, which seeks to educate and warn people, so that they can see the coming New World Order—Kingdom of Antichrist—in their daily news.
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Finally, we would love to hear from you. You can write us at:
Cutting Edge Ministries, C/O Pastor Ron Riffe
P.O. Box 26
Gordo, AL 35466
You can also E-Mail Pastor Ronald Riffe regarding questions or comments about this article.
God bless you.
