Friday: Further Thought – Jesus Won Their Confidence
Read Mark 5:18-20; Luke 8:38-39; Acts 5:12-16. Read Ellen G. White, “Our Example,” pp. 17-28, in The Ministry of Healing; “The Grace of Courtesy,” pp. 236-240, in Selected Messages, book 3 (especially pp. 238, 239); “Blessing the Children,” pp. 511-517, in The Desire of Ages; “Relieve the Oppressed,” p. 242, in My Life Today.
Image © Rolf Jansson from GoodSalt.com
There are, no doubt, numerous ways in which you and your church can cooperate with other churches and organizations for the good of the community. It’s crucial for your local church to know what the community needs are and then, to whatever degree possible, work in harmony with others to meet those needs. What better way to build confidence among the community and even with other churches? When mutual confidence and trust are established between your church and its target community, groundwork is laid for them to move toward following Jesus, for “this work will not, cannot, be without fruit.” – Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 144. God alone knows how many people have been, or will be, won through the simple act of reaching out and seeking to do good to others who are in need.
Discussion Questions:
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The EG White reference (MH 144, read the whole page) does not suggest that Jesus (or His people should) collaborate with other churches or organizations in order to carry out His work. It does emphasize Christ's method of doing good to others first in order to win their confidence, and then bidding them to follow Him. The paragraph (in Friday's lesson) seems to suggest that the EGW reference is supporting its first three sentences, but it is not.
Denise, in other places Ellen White recommends that our ministers should seek to make friends with other ministers and win their confidence. She says to talk to them first about the beliefs we hold in common. She suggests the same for lay people - to make friends and talk to other Christians about beliefs we hold in common. It seems to me that the lesson author suggested that in cooperating with other churches and their members, we are making friends and winning their confidence. It does seem to work that way.
In my view, both Denise and Inge express important points.
Yes Denise, it should be borne in mind that Babylon is fallen... I feel that in our interactions with other denominations this "detail" should not be overlooked or forgotten. Spiritual Babylon's fall is supposedly one of our key messages, and the application of that message is past, present, and future. (Babylon is identified, of course, by the two great markers - the absence of the Sabbath, and the immortality of the soul.)
Our people can sometimes be seen wearing a "Three Angels" logo emblazoned on their clothing, books, and other articles. There are times however, when those angel's messages are made void (or meaningless,) by our actions.
Babylon really IS fallen, and yet it is clear that God still has many of His precious people in that "place".
Inge, perhaps one of the comments you refer to is this :
"There are many of these [truths] which are dear to all Christians. Here is common ground, upon which we can meet people of other denominations; and in becoming acquainted with them we should dwell mostly upon topics in which all feel an interest, and which will not lead directly and pointedly to the subjects of disagreement." (EGW, Evangelism p.144)
And,
"Our ministers should seek to come near to the ministers of other denominations... As Christ's messengers, we should manifest a deep, earnest interest in these shepherds of the flock." (ibid p.562)
Even though those "shepherds" might lead their flocks into barren places, we should still manifest a deep, earnest interest and care for those ministers. A combative debating spirit, on our part, will do us no good.
The way we speak about others influences and shapes how we speak to them. It is long past time to stop using loaded language like "babylon" to refer to Christians of a different faith.
Jordan. how do we refer to other "Christians"? Are there a number of ways based on unbiased opinion? If so how and for what purpose?
How about "other Christians" or "Christians of other denominations"?
There are many, many passages in White's writings, especially in the 1890s and after, that clearly set out how best to work with and influence Christians of different denominations. Cooperation without compromise is the standard, but it includes cooperation, seeking and building common ground, and witnessing to our beliefs when asked.
I like it that these lessons are stirring up new and invigorating thoughts. I am startled by my own reaction to the idea of being friends with leaders and members of all denominations. I know it's a good idea, blessed of God, but the idea is nevertheless foreign, I'm afraid, to my thinking. Too often, I'm afraid, I just like to "huddle" with people who believe like I do .