WHY PERSECUTEST THOU ME?

Friend, why persecutest thou me?

Is it because I ask you, as did the a postle Paul, to EXAMINE yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; PROVE your own selves. (2 Cor. 13:5).

Have you forgotten, or did you never know, that the apostle Peter said to "be ready always to GIVE AN ANSWER to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear?" (1 Pet. 3:15).

Can I charge you, as Paul charged Timothy, to "charge some that they TEACH NO OTHER DOCTRINE?" (1 Tim. 1:3).

Are you angered because I do not believe that one church is as good as another? How could I when our Lord built only ONE CHURCH and gave Himself for it? (See Matt. 16:18; Eph. 5:25).

It seems as though some people are annoyed when I state that the GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST says there is but ONE body, ONE hope, ONE faith, ONE baptism and ONE doctrine. (See Eph. 4:4-6; Matt. 7:28).

Am I wrong when I read where our Lord said, "But IN VAIN THEY DO WORSHIP ME, TEACHING FOR DOCTRINES THE COMMANDMENTS OF MEN?" (Matt. 15:9).

Since the apostle Paul went into the synagogue and spake boldly for the space of three months, "DISPUTING and PERSUADING the things concerning the kingdom of God," can I not CONTEND FOR THE FAITH which was once delivered unto the saints? (Acts 19;8; Jude 3).

Friend, I pray that you will not condemn me in your heart for it is my wish that "no corrupt communication" proceed out of my mouth, but that which is good, that it may minister grace unto you. I ask this realizing this face: "O wretched man that I am!" It is my desire that I speak to you as the "oracles of God," that you may be glad and glorify the word of the Lord. I trust that you will render OBEDIENCE to the teachings of the GOSPEL of Christ and thus obtain everlasting life.

"Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?" (Gal. 4:16).

By Jim Gann,

Return to the General Articles page

Home / Bible studies / Bible Survey / Special Studies / General Articles / Non-Bible Articles / Sermons / Sermon Outlines / Links / Questions and Answers / What Saith The Scriptures /Daily Devotional / Correspondence Courses / What is the Church of Christ / Book: Christian Growth / Website Policy / E-mail / About Me /