Original sin is the only rational solution of the undeniable fact of the deep, universal and early manifested sinfulness of men in all ages, of every class and in every part of the world! Charles Hodge (1797-1878) Comment: As long as man uses religion to justify his sin the world will as always continue towards destruction. Only Christianity claims we are all sinners and require repentance through the atoning blood of Christ! To deny the sacrificial blood of Christ is to continue the unending shedding of the blood of men as history has shown us in declared and undeclared war against God and each other! James and Hamsa Sasse. GodWhoisGod.com
Tag: hodges
Church Government
It is a thoroughly anti-Christian doctrine that the Spirit of God, and therefore the life and governing power of the church, resides in the ministry, to the exclusion of the people! Charles Hodges (1797-1878) Comment; True but I have seen a church board vote and send a good Pastor down the road! I have seen elder’s gang up on a Pastor! I have seen congregation members rebel and split the church taking half the congregation away to begin a new church! We also got the Reformation through a church split! Not all bad! Church by-laws are different! I limit myself to making suggestions to the Pastor to improve effectiveness. However, it is still up to the Pastor if he wants to do it? If he doesn’t then that is alright! The only reason I can see a reason to leave a church is doctrinal error! If so then leave the right way in peace with the Pastor and congregation! Thankyou. James and Hamsa Sasse. GodWhoisGod.com
Church Politics!
If all church power vests in the clergy, then the people are practically bound to passive obedience in all matters of faith and practice; for all right of private judgment is then denied! Charles Hodges (1797-1878) Charles was an American Theologian. His father Hugh was a military surgeon during the Revolutionary War! Charles married Sarah Bache the great-granddaughter of Benjamin Franklin. Comment: No organization ever saved anyone! Only Christ saves! Organizations are as imperfect as the people who make them up! Sadly politics is alive and well in the church! Many denomination and church splits are due to politics! On the other side of the issue people who do not want to submit to authority go out and start their own church. Abuse by the clergy and rebellion by the congregation are both destructive! Theology interpretations are also basis for divisions! However the Reformation came out of this! So it can be positive! Suggestion here is whatever your gifting is try to find a leader with the same gifting! Iron sharpens iron! If you are an Evangelist you may be uncomfortable with a leader who is a teacher? However you will still benefit from that gifting! Also find a leader who is open and transparent and not a politician who is manipulating people for his own gain! When I sense a leader is deceptive, manipulative and hides his real intensions I run like Hell! The Holy Spirit will give you discernment to be in the right place where you belong in the Body of Christ! James and Hamsa Sasse. GodWhoisGod.com