Common Heritage Doesn’t Establish the Truth

By Bryan R Braswell

I try to keep abreast of movements in the world, both politically (secularly) and most importantly in the Lord’s church. Things in the world are often indicators or tell-tell signs of the mood and movements, either away or toward godliness, and it is only right and good to pay some attention to this. However, I’m reminded of our Lord’s apparent lack of concern with tribute money, and the politics of the day, when He stated: “Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.” (Matthew 22:19-22). This story really proves a couple matters: 1.) Secular governments are necessary, but not redemptive. 2.) Therefore the ultimate priority of life is God’s kingdom, which is redemptive.

The people marveled or admired Jesus’ response to this secular matter, and as they marveled and were astonished at His teaching, for He taught with authority, this latter is the quintessential matter to now to consider.

Creation denotes commonality amongst all human beings, and this certainly ties us together and truly makes us of “one race.” Paul said: “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation…” (Acts 17:24-26).

Being of one race and God certainly implies commonality. Thereby our physical and spiritual needs are the same. Now, to consider this, we look to the necessary physical needs that all nations depend on, of which God is the Omnipotent provider of always. (cf., Matthew 6:25-34). Man needs water, food, shelter, and clothing to survive, and the common ingredients, minerals, vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates and all sustenance are common needs. This denotes commonality, and mankind is physically united on this matter. The fact is this: There can be no division or disagreement on this empirical fact of life. Therefore, mankind is united on this principle.

To the next need, which is spiritual, man has to deny a lot if he accepts a mere mortal  existence only (atheism). The loss of loved ones, after having experienced a life of love, dedication, sacrifice, and overall hard work, is all for naught if man is only mortal, without spirit. To prove that mankind has accepted there is a spirit, which is eternal and lives onward, please consider all the ideas, religions, and spiritual fascinations of man’s own imagination, but such that are based upon a most real and tangible spiritual hungering. This unequivocally proves and sustains the argument that there is a spirit in man with a spiritual longing and hunger. Now this too is a commonality amongst mankind, but man is not united on this.

The only absolute answer to man’s greatest and most feared question, which pertains to death, is Jesus, who was crucified, died, and yet resurrected to ascend back to the Father. Jesus said heaven and earth would pass, but His words would not. (cf., Matthew 24:35). When talking to Peter He said that Hades, the realm of disembodied spirits, would not triumph against His church, which is established upon the confession of truth that Jesus is the Christ (cf., Matthew 16:13-20). The kingdom of God’s keys were given, from heaven to be bound upon earth, for the church, which is Christ’s body. In this body fellowship is found. This is where unity is attained. Outside this body there is no unity or commonality relative to the truth. Jesus did not say He was building churches, but His church, which is not denominated, nor can it be. The churches of Christ, faithfully serving and worshipping God, are God’s people. Others are not and cannot be when found in violation of the keys of the kingdom, and no amount of so called grace is going to cover this, as is commonly being taught today.

We may have a common, historical background, with other churches. Categorically speaking, all churches of the reformation, protestant movement, might arguably state this, but this does not establish unity or truth, which can only define true commonality and unity. The Lord’s church is one, and it cannot be denominated, and the application of truth, and only truth, will set us free. We may have common ancestors that now are associated with the Christian church, Disciples of Christ, and the churches of Christ, but only one church is His. This is what I am a member of and preacher for, the Lord’s church, and not that of a denominated body.

Movements promoted amongst “our” universities, like that of “The Great Communion,” on October 4, 2009, to promote unity between the Christian churches, Disciples of Christ, and churches of Christ, hosted by Abilene Christian University, are just further movements in departing from the living God. Commonality is not our aim, but unity of the Spirit is!