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Hi
I have a question on unity. Is it Biblical? I know that unity with the RCC and those who preach false gospel is not Biblical. However, how about unity with new evangelicals, charismatics, etc. (those who do preach salvation by God's grace but have totally different doctrines besides the issue of salvation).
What should i do if a friend asks me to promote a church that believes in the same salvation plan as me but has totally different doctrine in other areas?
can you tell me what true biblical union is?
thank you
That is a tough one.
Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?
(KJV)
How agreed do you have to be? I don't really agree with the concept of essential doctrine and nonessential doctrines. If God spoke to it then it would appear that it is important to Him.
Rom 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. (KJV)
We don't need to hammer everyone that disagrees with us on some issues and spend our lives fighting wars with men when we need to be about the war with the devil and win souls to Christ, but then again when issues come up we need to deal with them biblically, precisely and as best we can lovingly. Paul slam dunked the Pharisees and Sadduccees and others in no uncertain terms so we can be "direct" and not fear offending heretics and wackos.
Common sinners you deal with differently remembering that you were as they are at one time.
You will never find a group that you have 100% agreement with so you have to pick your battles. Where they stand on the KJV is one that I use as well as Charismatic doctrine. Ironically, more Charismatics like my sermons than Baptists even though I clearly speak against tongues. I try to avoid Neos as well. Go figure.
George Whitefield once called Wesley the devil. At some point they met and even preached on the same platform but realized they needed to work in separate fields because of their differences.
I have a sermon on "When Will We Be One" on SermonCentral.com that may help you as well, but you will have to seek God's face to know where to draw the line that you will not cross over.
May God richly bless you as you see His will and Word.
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Answers by Expert:
Dr. Ronald E. Shultz
Expertise
I am more of a polemicist than an apologist. I especially desire to answer questions concerning discipleship/holiness, "gray areas", etc. If all you wish is an argument then I am not your man. Sincere seekers only need e-mail me.
Experience
I have ministered in several states since my conversion in 1975. I participate in many forums and have written two books.
Organizations
American Association of Christian Counselors since 2009
Texas Civil Defense since 2008
American Legion since 2002
Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, since 1994
Life Member NCOA, 1973
Dover AFB Honor Guard, 1971-73
Publications
Poem, "Cowboy Up" published in an anthology by American Poets Society, 2004
Author, Jail House Religion, Xulon Press, 2004
Author, The Power of Holy Women, Xulon Press, 2003
Messianic Literary Corner published 45 poems, 2003+
Tract “Which Way To God” published on http://www.tracts.com/whichway.html, 1998
Several poems published on various web pages, 1997,1998,1999
Author, Metamorphosis, copyrighted, partially published collection of poetry, 1968-94
Article, “Why I Prefer Expository Preaching”, published in Canyonview Bible Seminary's Expositor, 1988
Education/Credentials
Doctor of Theology, Slidell Baptist Seminary, Slidell, LA, 2001, Summa Cum Laude
Master of Theology, Christian Bible College, Rocky Mount, NC, 2000, Summa Cum Laude
Bachelor of Religious Education , Administration minor, Piedmont Baptist College, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982, Cum Laude
Evangelical Teacher Training Association, Teachers Diploma, Winston-Salem, NC, 1982
Other study: Community College of the Air Force, Maxwell AFB, AL - 1975-78
Upper Iowa University, Fayette, IA - 1976-77
Interim Ministry For Today's Churches - 2000
Awards and Honors
Heritage Registry of Who's Who, 2006-2007
Editor's Choice Award, International Library of Poetry, 2003
America's Registry of Outstanding Professionals 2001-2002
Stratmore Who's Who, 2001-2002
Guest Speaker Texas A&M, Commerce, 1999
Gubernatorial Commendation by Texas Veterans Commission, 1999
Dallas VA Certificate of Pride in Public Service, 1999
Guest on the Kevin Bullard radio program KPBC AM 770,1997
Who's Who in the South and Southwest, 1996
Editor's Choice Award, National Library of Poetry, 1995
Who's Who in Poetry, 1992
United States Army Achievement Medal, 1990
Personal testimony dramatized for international radio program Unshackled, 1986
Outstanding Young Men of the South, 1981
United States Air Force Commendation Medal, 1978
Two USAF suggestion awards, 1976
NCO of the Quarter, 1975
Freedom Foundation Award, 1975
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