War of the world-views #2
War of the worldviews: Ism’s, Schisms. and the Great Commission
Check out Phil’s briefing last week for the breakdown of our theme - HANDY LINK
In that context, my topic today is “From the orthodox to the paradox”, and my main point is:
WE NEED TO KNOW WHAT WE BELIEVE AND WHY WE BELIEVE IT
WE NEED TO KNOW WHAT TO RECEIVE AND HOW TO RECEIVE IT
WE NEED TO KNOW WHAT WE’RE TRYING TO ACHIEVE AND HOW TO ACHIEVE IT
So, first up - what do these “big words” mean?
Orthodox:
(of a person or their views, especially religious or political ones, or other beliefs or practices) conforming to what is generally or traditionally accepted as right or true; established and approved.
(of a thing) of the ordinary or usual type; normal.
(of Jewish people or Judaism) strictly keeping to traditional doctrine and ritual.
relating to the Orthodox Church.
Orthodoxy (from Greek: ὀρθοδοξία, orthodoxía, 'righteous/correct opinion') is adherence to correct or accepted creeds, especially in religion. Orthodoxy within Christianity refers to acceptance of the doctrines defined by various creeds and ecumenical councils in Antiquity, but different Churches accept different creeds and councils. Such differences of opinion have developed for numerous reasons, including language and cultural barriers
Already simply within this word breakdown, we see ism’s and schisms!
The major key creed is known as the apostle’s creed from around 5th century, which is basically a summary of the Nicene creed of 325 and the First Council of Constantinople of 381 (or the second Ecumenical council.)
Handy links
There is an entire branch of Christianity that brands itself this way however they do not represent true orthodox christianity. Basically, Orthodox Christianity is the doctrine of Christ as affirmed by scripture, confirmed by early eyewitnesses, and agreed upon via the test of time. Not just agreed apon, it’s agreed upon on the grounds of the process that happened, the evidence, the weighing of the full counsel of scripture, the actual writers, the lives of those who wrote.
Paradox: a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true. "in a paradox, he has discovered that stepping back from his job has increased the rewards he gleans from it"
a statement or proposition that, despite sound (or apparently sound) reasoning from acceptable premises, leads to a conclusion that seems senseless, logically unacceptable, or self-contradictory."a potentially serious conflict between quantum mechanics and the general theory of relativity known as the information paradox"
a situation, person, or thing that combines contradictory features or qualities."the mingling of deciduous trees with elements of desert flora forms a fascinating ecological paradox"
Probably THE big and famous Paradox that is most commonly argued is predestination vs freewill. As far as we’re concerned it’s both!
Key schisms throughout church history have been based on disagreement about doctrine. And NOW we’re in a time where influential Christian leaders are saying that doctrine doesn’t matter, that Jesus didn’t care about it.
Here’s a bunch of scriptures that show that God has cared about doctrine from the beginning (and that we KNOW it), that Jesus was about good doctrine, that the early church prioritized good doctrine, that the Apostles were concerned about good doctrine!
Deut 32:2 My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:
Is 29:24 They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine.
Matt 7:28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
Matt 22:33 And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine.
Mark 1:22 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.
Mark 1:27 And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.
Mark 4:2 And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine,
Mark 11:18 And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.
Mark 12:38 And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,
Luke 4:32 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.
John 7:16-17 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
John 18:19 The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.
Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Act 13:12 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
Romans 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them
1 Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
1 Timothy 1:3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
1 Timothy 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
1 Timothy 4:6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
1 Timothy 4:16 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
1 Timothy 6:1-6 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. 2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. 3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2 Timothy 4:2-3 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
Titus 1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
Titus 2 - handy link
Hebrews 6:1-2 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
2 John 1:9-10 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
Revelation 2-3 - handy link
BID
Let’s be the most informed
Doctrine, nations, cities,
So the wisdom we’re living by is soul-winning wisdom
Seeing the world from a God’s eye view
Even when we’re on vacation, don’t think “I’m just gonna pig out” is that really giving you a break, bringing recreation. Or just do nothing.