SUBJECT: Church
Attendance
QUESTION: I
follow your teachings, but there is no ICG church near me.
Would it be okay to visit another Sabbath keeping church
nearby, even though I may not agree with all their doctrines
and teachings. Couldn’t I just tune out their preaching
when they are speaking of a doctrine of which I do not
agree?
ANSWER:
I just had a question from a member who was attending a SDA
church, because there was no ICG church nearby. She asked
me if it was okay to attend such a church knowing that she
disagreed with some of their doctrine, including that of Ms.
White. Following was our answer:
"It might be okay, if one so chooses, to visit such a
church, but you have stated a number of things that you do
not agree with. It is not always easy to believe that one
can just tune out the offensive material. Material (right
or wrong) is preached for a reason, so that it gets etched
on your brain cells. Regardless of your personal beliefs
and your best of intentions, you are getting foreign
materials---things you don't believe---etched on your memory
cells.
It is something to think about as you come to your own
conclusion."
Notice the Word of God:
Titus 3:10-11
10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second
admonition reject;
11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth,
being condemned of himself.
Note:
This rejection is clear connoting that one should flee this
heresy.
2 John 10-11
10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine,
receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil
deeds.
Note:
It would follow that one should not enter into his "house".
Also read Deuteronomy 13.
There is much more:
1 Timothy 3:9
Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
1 Timothy
1:3-4
3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went
into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they
teach no other doctrine,
4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which
minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in
faith: so do.
Note:
We should not listen to fables and false doctrines rather
than Godly truth.
Ephesians
5:11
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of
darkness, but rather reprove them.
Note:
We should have no fellowship where false doctrine is
preached and taught.
Galatians
1:6-7
6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called
you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you,
and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
Note:
Clearly these other religions are perverting the gospel of
Christ.
Romans 14:1
Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to
doubtful disputations.
Note:
Members that have attended these other organizations have
invariably mentioned these doubtful disputations.
2 Timothy
3:5-7
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:
from such turn away.
6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and
lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with
divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of
the truth.
Note:
The message is clear: from such turn away (or leave).
Galatians
1:8-9
8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other
gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you,
let him be accursed.
9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach
any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let
him be accursed.
Note:
Clearly if these false teachings are to be accursed, we
should not be around where they are preached.
Romans
16:17-18
17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause
divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye
have learned; and avoid them.
18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ,
but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches
deceive the hearts of the simple.
Note:
This is an admonition for the congregation, but it would
follow that the organization we are visiting (other than
what we attend). The verse says that we should avoid that
which is contrary to the doctrine we have learned. |