Trailblazin Ministries Blog: Who Is My Brother?

Faith

Who Is My Brother?

Written by LaRosa Johnson
Tuesday, 05 February 2008
Filed under: Faith, Ramblings

I know I said that my next entry would talk about some of the things I've had to relearn as a believer, but this isn't that post. This fits in somewhere along those lines, it isn't quite that post. There's been something on my mind for quite a while now, and I figured I'd go ahead and write about it and share my thoughts with the world. I'll go ahead and preface this by saying that my thoughts here will likely make me sound quite dogmatic, but it's a question I'm sincerely wrestling with. What's the question? Here it is: who is my brother?

As most know, I've been chronicling my spiritual growth here on this blog; and, as a result, you've witnessed the transformation within me. In that time I've had to reeducate myself in a lot of what I've known as Christianity, and one of those areas is the issue of what exactly is a Christian. Yes, we all know (or at least should know) that a Christian is one who repents of their sins, puts their trust in Jesus Christ as Savior, and then serves & follows Him as Lord. That's a given, for the most part anyway. The question that follows that is, where does sound doctrine/teaching fit into that equation? This is in particular the question I'm wrestling with. Where do you draw the line in terms of who is a believer and who is not, in regard to what they believe?

Of course, I would be quick to say that a Jehovah's Witness, Mormon or Catholic is not a Christian. Those are a given because of the extra-biblical doctrine that they teach, including teachings that clearly contradict Scripture. What about a Oneness Pentecostal though; would I call them an unbeliever? I would have to say yes because of their incorrect view on the Trinity and Godhead. So, what about someone who's caught up in prosperity theology? This is where I start to struggle.

Let me talk about myself right now. I know that I'm still growing in a lot of areas, but right now I do know what is heresy and what isn't. I understand that there are theological differences on things, and I can walk in grace (albeit a tough walk, but I walk nonetheless). For instance, my brother Kerry (sorry to keep using you as an example bro) is a Calvinist; I am not. I do not agree with the sum of Calvinism & its soteriology, but we agree on many things outside of that. Is he my brother? Of course! Just because we differ on theological issues such as that, he still has sound teaching and handles the Scriptures properly. Just as John Piper believes certain things about the spiritual gifts (and is also himself a Calvinist), I still consider him to be a brother in the faith and look to him as someone who can accurately teach the Word of God (I listen to his podcast). Same with someone like John MacArthur or an R.C. Sproul; we differ theologically in areas, but none that would cause us to break fellowship or call the other a heretic. Quite frankly, I have absolutely no problem calling these my brothers in the faith.

On the other hand, there are those whom I have a difficult time calling my brothers in the faith because of their doctrinal beliefs. I won't name names here, out of wisdom, but I will speak on the issue. I'll use prosperity theology since I have already mentioned it above. I consider this distortion of Scripture to be a wicked heresy as it severely distorts the truth of the gospel and the sum total of Scripture, and then goes on to present a twisted view of the Godhead (Jesus incarnate, God the Father, and even the Holy Spirit). I won't take the time to break that down here, as you can study it for yourself, but it begs the question: if you believe this, are you really in the faith? Yes, you can believe the basic tenets of the faith and say you've repented & put your faith in Jesus; but, if your view of Jesus and the teachings of Scripture are off, do we really have the same Jesus? And, if we don't have the same Jesus, does that Jesus save or is he merely an idol? At this point in time, my stance on the issue is that it's a false teaching & heresy with that God/Jesus being an idol created by man, as opposed to the God of Scripture.

Now, if that is the case, can I, in my right mind, call that person a brother in the faith? I hesitate, but I struggle to call that person my brother because his views of God, Jesus, and the Scriptures are so far removed from my own. Does it matter whether we seemingly agree on the essential doctrines on the faith, when their view of those key things are so different from my own? Quite frankly, I would argue that a proper understanding of God, Jesus, and the Scriptures are a part of those essentials, and without them I cannot extend a hand of fellowship in calling you my brother in the faith.

This is hard to write and even say because I have many friends and loved ones who are caught up in theologies and teachings that are like this, and I find it hard to say that we are brothers because I do not feel that we are serving the same Lord, even if we say that we are. It's in instances like this where I feel I must call a spade a spade; just like Mitt Romney (a Mormon) claims that he is an evangelical; I refuse that because of his Mormon beliefs. The same has to hold true here because our views don't line up. Even in this though, I am working to walk in grace because I want to call them my brother and I don't want to see anyone go to hell, especially when they feel as if they're serving Christ.

I'm going to mull over this some more and study the Scriptures, seeing where it takes me, but as of right now I have to say that this is my stance. So, what are your thoughts? Am I way out in left field and just being dogmatic, or is there some substance?

Comments (10)

Antoine of MMM wrote:
on February 5, 2008 1:08 PM

One of the things that happens as we grow is that we put down things; and the struggle that you are having right now is no different than any other that many of us go through in various stages of our lives. The kicker is to understand that to whom grace has been given, grace has to also be extended some.

We chat on this quite often, and so you pretty much know (most of) my stance on issues. But its something that needs to be reiterated for Google's SEO sake :P
- defend the faith when it is being attacked, not when your opinion is
- extend grace when the faith is being attacked along with your opinon

The former speaks toward understanding that someone's maturity shouldn't meet our expectations, but our views on them should meet at God's. The latter speaks towards when our personal beliefs (boundaries) are being attacked; its at that time we do stand up and defend the Truth. But we do so with the same grace (humbliness) that was given to us when we humbled ourselves in learning that we were wrong.

No, its not hard, and there is not much of a cut and dry answer. To those who have ears to hear, they will hear; the rest will have to catch it when it comes around again. That's not being dogmatic, its just being honest with the fact that we all have a lot of growing to do.

Let me encourage you to continue digging into those areas where you are having those conflicts. Find the basis of those contentions (personal, cultural, spiritual, etc.) and then work off the undeniable truths. Even when presenting a contrary view to those who don't believe what you believe, the truth will always speak for itself, and both parties will walk away changed.

Blessings bro; thanks for encouraging me to keep growing.

B.Tate wrote:
on February 5, 2008 1:32 PM

thanks for sharing this LJ. I'm struggling with this one too.. cuz on one hand.. I just left it and still have a lot of friends in that circle of churches... on the other hand.. i can disqualify them for one of the main reasons i can disqualify other religions... a distorted and inaccurate view of God. Who God is, is a VERY important portion of HOW we serve God. If we believe he's the genie in the sky.. we don't necessarily serve him.. we try to make him serve US.... so backwards! Thanks thanks thanks!

peopleofpromise wrote:
on February 5, 2008 10:10 PM

Hey LaRosa, thanks for being vulnerable.
I know how you feel, and I agree that it is a no-brainer with sects and mormons and that sort of thing... my only input is to use caution...
it seems like the line can get pretty shaky when you go down this road, and actually usually is a tenant with people who start sects... they always think their way is the only true, anointed and inspired one. Conviction is necessary, but personally I would be careful about cutting off connection as far as not considering people a brother in Christ. There are quite a few things that people believe that I really don't understand where they're getting it, and in my sight and biblical understanding it's obvious... but when I cross the line and say that they are not a brother... I don't know... I just know it's dangerous... I do know that there are people who I don't have true fellowship with because mutually our differences keep us from being one... but if they trust in Jesus for atonement I've got to make an effort to connect and call them a brother...
As tightly as I hold onto my beliefs, I know that my own personal theology can become an idol if I become deceived into thinking that only I know the truth, and I begin to exclude others as a part of the family of faith...
but I know how you feel as well... I believe that there are those who teach the doctrines of demons and that there are false brethren... I wonder if there is a difference between these? Somebody can be teaching these doctrines (which I believe this is more what you're talking about) and deceived in their beliefs but still trust in Jesus (in my opinion this is stuff like legalism, no marriage, the power of God passed away in 1st century). False brethren (which I believe is different) is people who have not been born again, are not being sanctified, and there is no fellowhsip because they are not of the same spirit (sects, false religions, works-based religion that does not trust in Jesus atonement).

LaRosa Johnson wrote:
on February 5, 2008 10:42 PM

Not replying to anyone's comment just yet, but I did want to add some more food for thought...

I was just thinking about the parable of the wheat & tares found in Matthew 13:24-30, and it got me to thinking about this topic. In a sense, it feels as if this passage rings true in this instance. It's evident that there are those in the church that are not really saved, and even the explanation of the parable (vv. 36-43) tells us that the separation won't come until the end of the age when we're separated by the angels.

Now, I also think about John 10 (thanks Expo) and realize that Jesus' sheep really do know His voice and will follow Him. Just like I believe that there are those in the Roman Catholic church who are genuinely saved, I believe the same is true for these other errant beliefs. I myself am proof of that; I was in the prosperity movement for years, and I'm no longer there.

Also, it's quite on point that I received a letter in the mail today from Grace to You (John MacArthur's ministry) offering a free CD of a message titled "Saved or Self-Deceived? 6 Warning Signs of a Counterfeit Faith" (which I will be sending off for). This message deals with the very subject of those who think they're saved but are really on their way to hell, and gives a test for seeing if you're a true believer. Something that I think is right on point with this discussion.

Well, I'm going to let this sit for a minute before I reply to any comments, as I'm waiting for my pastor's response via email, as well as one of the deacons at church whom I'm good friends with. I think after I get their insight, I'll be ready to respond to the comments.

Again, just more food for thought.

Joshua wrote:
on February 6, 2008 10:09 PM

LaRosa, I am intrigued by your struggle in this area for a few reasons. First, I have to wonder where I fit on your scale of heresies. I am definitely one of your friends with different beliefs, so much so that I feel like I would fit in your definition of a heretic... (And I really would like to have an answer to that.)

Second, I have had the same thoughts myself in the past for much the same reasons as you, though, obviously, from a different angle. It is actually somewhat harder for me in some ways since my beliefs lie on the border between two communities of faith.

I have a request: I would like to sit down with you sometime very soon and discuss our theologies and beliefs. I have not had the opportunity to do that with you, and I am certain that the conversation would be encouraging and enlightening to both of us. Iron sharpening iron works best when sparks fly, so I am sure we will continue to have differences, but if you are willing, I would very much love to expand our friendship in that way.

Kol Tuv (all the best),
Joshua

peopleofpromise wrote:
on February 6, 2008 11:24 PM

thanks for adding your thoughts about the wheat and the tares... I think that is big part of the answer right there. In my opinion, it's not our job to seperate the wheat from the chaff.... and know! we are bound to be shocked who were gonna see in heaven... Let's not be afraid at all of having strong convictions, but as much as I disagree with folks (including John McCarthur) there is no way I'm gonna start saying they are not Christians... (just my heart)
I think that if we spent as much effort, time, and thought pointed towards seeking God and loving others as we do at pointing at others faults and holding them up to our own standards, we'd get alot more done for Jesus.
But, the quickest way to get a ministry started is to start pointing fingers and condemning others doctrine and ministry... other insecure people will gather around you and be yes men who agree with whatever you say. Then we don't have to have any real spiritual fruit to legitamize our ministry. If we lose the lens of love, we will find fault everywhere. Maybe I'm one of those in error, but I know for myself, I'd rather cover over people's sins (Noah's sons), than try to spend my time and effort pointing out error.

K wrote:
on February 7, 2008 2:49 AM

Does anyone ask "who" wrote the Bible and "who" kept it sacred all of these years? Does anyone remember that Jesus said, "one church, one faith", not 37,000 different denominations? Does anyone remember that Jesus gave the keys of the kingdom to Peter and does anyone remember that Jesus gave him the power to loose and bind??? Does anyone remember Jesus said, That they may be one as you and I, father, are one. And that Jesus said to his church, I will be with always??? IF SO...why do people keep taking verses out of the Bible and try to make them mean what "they" want them to mean instead of doing what the Bible teaches and go to the Church for revelation ... or answers ... Why do people make it so complicated and not understand what Jesus said. He made it so simple ... Even St. Paul went to Rome to discuss things with Peter ... Peter was the one and there is a direct descending line of church leaders appointed by him and his apostles ... I do not understand why people do not want to accept the "one church, one faith" that Jesus taught ...

LaRosa Johnson wrote:
on February 7, 2008 12:46 PM

Now that I've had a few days to mull over this particular blog entry, I think I'm finally ready to write out a thorough reply, which should also serve as a broad response to everyone else's comments as well. Admittedly, since writing this entry, I have felt very uneasy spiritually and found myself thinking on this topic endlessly both day and night, whether it be at work or at home. Things really came to a head last night when I became completely overwhelmed and felt like weeping (I didn't, but I was definitely crying inside).

I will say that I thought things out as thoroughly as I could and laid it out as such in the original entry. I even meditated quite a bit on the parable of the wheat & tares, as well as John 10, but I couldn't come to any further conclusions. With that, though, I was still very uneasy because I felt like I was missing something and I just couldn't figure out what it was that I was missing. I knew that I just felt wrong denying calling someone a brother in the faith when they profess to be one, even with our theological differences. I should define what I mean by "calling someone a brother" (as my pastor has asked me to do). What I meant by that was someone I could clearly and without question identify as a fellow believer in the Faith; or, in other words, someone with clear orthodox doctrinal beliefs. As I thought about it, I didn't feel that it was up to me to decide who was a believer and who wasn't (because obviously it's not), but still felt like some kind of distinction should be made, or line drawn in the sand shall we say.

It wasn't until I got an email today from my pastor that things started to become a lot clearer and more conclusions could be made. I had asked him to read this blog entry and to give me his thoughts, and he did just that, which actually served to be the critical piece that I was missing in my previous conclusion. As I just said in the previous paragraph, it is not my place to deny calling someone a brother if they profess to be a believer; and I am especially wrong in making such assumptions. Now, of course if they profess salvation and faith through a means such as Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, or Roman Catholicism, it bears questioning because they have a completely different soteriological viewpoint. The honest truth is that I have to live out 1 Corinthians 13, which includes believing all things, which is to say that if someone says they are of the Faith, then I should believe them until clearly proven otherwise.

What about doctrinal distinctions? Well, I will have to take my pastor's advice on this one. My relationship with such people is that I must view them as a brother and sister in Christ, even if they may be completely off in areas of theology. That is the fact of the matter and there is nothing that I can do or say that can change that foundational relationship, they are my brother (or sister) if they profess to be in the Faith. Knowing that our relationship is one thing, the extent to which I fellowship is another issue altogether. As my pastor stated in his email, the reality is that we're going to spend the most time in fellowship with those who are like minded in our belief system, and the amount that we fellowship with those of other viewpoints will vary. And, to use his example: our most intimate times of fellowship comes with believers in the same congregation or theological background; it is less with those who are of fairly similar like mindedness; and the least with those whom we have the least degree of like mindedness. And with that, even though levels of fellowship may vary, we are still relationally brothers in Christ and are commanded to love unconditionally.

All of that is to say that I must show more grace. I humbly realize that it is not my place to decide who is in the Faith and who is not; as long as you claim to profess Christ and Him crucified, then I will call you my brother. I will leave it up to the Lord and His angels to separate the wheat from the tares at the end of the age, as that is not for me to do. In that, though, I will continue to fellowship to the extent that is acceptable, working together towards the common goal of making disciples. As for this ministry specifically, we'll continue to doctrinally teach verse-by-verse the truth of God's Word and leave it at that.

To any I may have offended with my previous words past or present in regard to this particular topic, I sincerely apologize. If you profess Christ, I call you my brother and will continue to work with you towards the advancement of our commission, which is sharing the gospel and discipling believers.

I think that's it. So, let's continue to grow in the Lord and dig into His Word.

Grace & peace,
lj.

yshwa4life wrote:
on February 12, 2008 6:04 AM

...dude, truth is holy, you're wrestling with these issues because our culture has been brainwashed to "blend together" and keep the dogmatism to a minimum. BALDERDASH! God expects us to Keep the integrity of the Word. We're called to be salt and light 'cause the world is decaying and dark.

That said, the bible says that anyone who believes and confesses that Jesus is God is part of the body. The problems are three fold, staying balanced between legalism and liscence, truly understanding who this Jesus really is and boldly communicating His story, purpose and power seasoned with grace...that's where the Holy spirit comes in to play 'cause we just can't figure that out on our own we need spiritual discernment.

...it's cool that you're wrestling that's what we're supposed to do.

Precious wrote:
on February 13, 2008 6:14 PM

There is definitely substance here. I've been reading the comments from other people and they are very insightful. I have to agree that not everyone can be your brother. There are to many people out there that have completely different theologies yet find it necessary to call themselves Christians and Evangelicals. God's word is not to be distorted or twisted in a manner that benefits anyone person or group and it certainly should not be edited to make people feel comfortable about the life style they choose to live. In saying this, I figure that anyone person doing this cannot be called my brother because it is obvious that we do not have the same father.