I am constantly amazed at the large number of people who do not truly understand the biblical concept of grace. Since grace is, of course, spoken of in Scripture, it is part of the vocabulary of most churches and even cults. The shorthand definition we most often use is “unmerited favor.” A longer more descriptive definition would be “a kindly attitude toward the undeserving.” But as we read the literature or talk with others, we … Continue reading
Category Archives: Legalism
(Originally printed in the Winter 2005 Issue of the MCOI Journal beginning on page 12) By Jan Fletcher Our freedom to home-school is precious to us. Home-schooling parents cherish the freedom home-schooling gives our children to learn and grow in the ways we, as parents, think are best. Keeping our children safe is also important. Dangers to children abound in our society—everything from school violence and stranger dangers to negative peer pressures and cultural … Continue reading
When debating Gothardites on the topic of grace, often the first text they cite is James 4:6b: “‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble,’” (ESV). It is also usually the one text they keep coming back to in support of their assertion that grace is not freely given, unmerited favor, but rather is a desire and power to do God’s will that is earned or merited. When someone rightly tells them that … Continue reading
Speaking at a women’s conference in 2015, Hillary Clinton asserted that “…deep-seated cultural codes, religious beliefs, and structural biases have to be changed…” The fact that she would dare to challenge American’s cherished religious freedom was both profound and shocking to many. Religious views have to be changed? What? What right does the Federal Government or any politician have to dictate moral views and religious teachings? More recently, she made clear that human rights are … Continue reading
(Originally printed in the Winter 2004 Issue of the MCOI Journal beginning on page 8 ) Introduction The International Churches of Christ, popularly known as the Boston Movement, has been one of America’s fastest growing religious groups for two decades. Leader Kip McKean’s version of discipleship provides the structure for the movement at every level and spreads a simple heresy to hundreds of thousands of people. Boston Discipleship is an extra-biblical practice that has brought … Continue reading
(This originally appeared in the Spring/Summer 2002 edition of the MCOI Journal beginning page 8) In Through the Looking Glass, Lewis Carroll’s sequel to Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland, Alice meets Humpty Dumpty and begins a rather frustrating conversation with him over the correct meaning of words. During their conversation, Humpty Dumpty uses the word glory in a way that has no relationship to its dictionary definition. When challenged by Alice on his misuse of this … Continue reading