Dear Editor,
I read in an article recently entitled: “Clinging to a Different Cross” by Susan Campbell. In the article, she traces her roots in the literalist Church of Christ to the realization in her adult years she had, I quote, “dated the wrong Jesus.” She stated that if you did not adhere to the Church of Christ “dogma” then you was going to hell. You can read her book, “Dating Jesus,” for yourself.
The Church of Christ is not the only church that believes their church is the only one going to Heaven. This is called sectarianism. I believe it is one of the greatest sins of the modern day churches.
In Mark 9:38-41 and Luke 9:49-50, the Bible says “And John answered and said Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbade him, because he followeth not us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not; for he that is not against us is for us.”
I will tell you how serious this is concerning offenses to believers. Now get this — “And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believes in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.” Think about it!
I was talking with a Nazarene pastor. I told him “You are my brother and I am your brother because of the cross, and the blood of Jesus.” I told him, “Listen to what the Bible said about me:
John said, Jesus, an Assembly of God preacher was casting out devils in your name and we forbid him, because he does not follow us. Jesus said, Forbid him not.” The Nazarene pastor smiled at me and said “You are right, brother.”
Remember the conditions for receiving God’s grace, mercy, and peace are to guard the TRUTH, and to love ALL of God’s children, our brethren. To fail to do either will cause you to lose God’s blessing (2 John 3).
Your friend,
R.G. Slusher,
Neosho
