Romans

Romans 16:17-18 - Paul's Final Warning in Romans is, "17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive."

[@DanielaKay23]

Amen 🙏🏼

[@user-bf5xy2hw1x]

Right now, I’m trying to deal with decisive people by ignoring them or leaving town for a while.

[@jewishbride5010]

Lord, help me to want be more honest without losing my best interest, binding to hell being deceived by one's own fleshly desires and binding to hell to desire divisions contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life , the lives of my family, friends, colleagues, neighbours, acquitances, opponents and the body of Christ, binding to hell every unequal yoke and common share with those being deceived by one's fleshly desires and anyone desiring division contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ, in accordance with this word and romans 16:17-18, psalm 37:4, 2 corinthians 6:14-18 in the name and blood of Jesus Christ, amen and hallelujah!

[@thomasturner6827]

Italians, French, Spanish, etc. all kiss as a greeting and are the original faith; Catholic. so, who created division originally? I don't get it?

[@jamesfarmer6004]

My letter below explains why I left the Church of Christ. Also, why I refuse to return to sectarian/legalism and churches which are argumentative, divisive, and judgmental! Romans 16:17 states: “Now I beseech you brethren, mark those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid them.” Today I am blessed to be identified and active at Shasta Way Christian Church of Klamath Falls, Oregon. There exist several ex-church of Christ families in this wonderful church, who like I did, flee sectarian/legalism. In fact, numerous online videos are posted at You Tube and are titled, "Why I Left The Church of Christ!" Finally II Timothy 2: 23, 24 further explains, "But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing they generate strife. And a
servant of the Lord must not quarrel, but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient." Given these circumstances Romans 6:17 is fully justified, warranted, and doctrinally sound. I'm not saying
all non-instrumental Churches of Christ are sectarian and legalistic. Even among Churches of Christ (non-instrumental) there are factions which will divide and contend over non-essentials
which may include "one cup vs. multiple cups" in communion, mission support, or some asinine petty issue. Read on below:
Ashland Daily Tidings: Tuesday, March 10th, 2010/Letters To The Editor
Putting church abuse into perspective
The Monday, March 1 Oregonian article via the Ashland Daily Tidings for the same date (“Deceased priest who abused boys casts a shadow on the Northwest”) was very disturbing indeed! As a Christian, I must be direct, forward and morally/intellectually honest: Our churches have both the best and worst of people. Of course, so do other segments of society as well. But let’s talk about churches and organized religion. Though I myself was never sexually abused as these boys described in article, I’m certainly aware such does indeed happen in our churches. And I’m also certain some churches are worse than others. Example: Prior to relocating to Ashland from Klamath Falls in 1986, I spent one year in a Church of Christ (non-instrumental) in Klamath Falls from 1982-83. Though there were some things I agreed with, there were other teachings I sharply disagreed with, including their sectarian/legalistic, dogmatic attitude of, “We are the only church and everyone else but us is wrong!”
After leaving that congregation I was the target of judgmental gossip and slander! And get this: This judgmental jerk within the congregation told me it “would be damnable if I left the church,” which I eventually did anyway. Later, this same jerk was arrested for sexual abuse of a girl under 12 years of age! Yes, he was a predatory pedophile, a real creep! This is just one example of sexual abuse in our churches that, more often that not, remains covered up, hidden and suppressed. And that is downright criminal!
Another thing I find disturbing is the trend in our churches today of taking 1 Corinthians Chapter 7 out of context and using it against Christian singles. The dogmatic parroted, “It’s better to remain single than marry,” as preferred by the Apostle Paul, is an oppressive doctrine indeed! Most people who parrot this are religious elitists who are married anyway and have a significant other in their lives. Though I have never read the book “Churches That Abuse,” by Ronald Enroth in 1992, it remains posted online via Google for reading. Yes, I have expressed my sentiments here. And furthermore I rightly feel that moral and intellectual honesty sees farther than does political and religious correctness.
So what is the answer to this? I feel a place to start is with this Bible passage from 1 Peter 4:17: “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begins at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God.”
James A. Farmer Ashland, Oregon
Now a resident of Merrill, Oregon in Klamath County
Long Live The State of Jefferson!