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How to Start and Run a Local Church |
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| Differences of Opinion Are Biblical |
When a congregation is not controlled by a denomination or local pastor, some people are concerned that there will be too many "unpleasant differences
of opinion". There is good reason for these concerns. "Unpleasant differences" can take away the joy that God wants for us. But differences of opinion do not have to be unpleasant—that
is an important lesson to learn.
Numbers 14:11–20 contains a difference of opinion between God and Moses. God wanted to destroy the nation of Israel, but Moses wanted Him to keep
them alive. Moses did not curse God and God did not strike Moses with lightning. Nobody became unpleasant and God listened to Moses. Micah's vision of God's throne shows us that God
sometimes seeks multiple opinions of ways to accomplish his plans:
"Micah continued, "Therefore hear the word of the LORD: I saw the LORD sitting on his throne with all the host of heaven standing around
him on his right and on his left. And the LORD said, ‘Who will entice Ahab into attacking Ramoth Gilead and going to his death there?' One suggested this, and another that. Finally, a
spirit came forward, stood before the LORD and said, ‘I will entice him.' ‘By what means?' the LORD asked. ‘I will go out and be a lying spirit in the mouths of all his
prophets,' he said. ‘You will succeed in enticing him,' said the LORD. ‘‘Go and do it'"" (1Kings 22:19–22).
Acts 15 gives the story of a great difference of opinion: Was it necessary to circumcise Gentiles who were becoming believers in Jesus? "After
much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them…" (Acts 15:7). Later in the same chapter, Paul and Barnabas were planning to make another trip together, but they could not
agree on whether or not to take Mark with them, so they agreed to go on completely separate trips. (Acts 15:36–41). |
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