Controversies of Faith by Dr. Dave Madenberg

"Controversies of Faith"

Several controversies of faith have been passed down to us over the years.  And having discussed a few of these controversies with the brothers, it became more apparent to me that controversies and differences of opinion exist, even among faithful brothers.   Only one of these controversies may be considered a salvation issue.  But all are interesting to consider.

So, I asked myself:  "Why do controversies exist in the church, given the bible is the final arbiter and the inerrant word of God?"  That's what's written in God's word is the final authority and foundation on which the church stands." 

I came up with two main reasons controversies exist: 

(1)  Human pride and jealousy.  As an example, on his first mission trip with Barnabas, the Apostle Paul preached the word of God to the Jews on the Sabbath in the synagogue at Antioch.  But, having seen, the Gentiles also expressed a desire to hear Paul's words. 

So, in the Book of Acts, it says the entire city came together the following Sabbath to hear Paul preach.  In Acts 13:45, it says: "But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy (jealousy); and contradicting and blaspheming, they opposed the things spoken by Paul." 

And in verse 50, "But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region."  This, created doubt in the minds of the Gentiles as to the validity of what Paul was preaching.  And controversy was birthed from jealousy.

Q:  Why did the Jews come against Paul  having preached the same word to the Gentiles he preached to them the previous Sabbath?  Because Paul said to the Jews in Acts 13:46,  "It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it ... we turn to the Gentiles."

Pride and Jealousy are powerful motivators  that can cause division  and spawn spiritual controversy:

'Who does Paul think he is telling the Gentiles God sees them as He sees us! We're the chosen people! Not the Gentiles! We'll come against what Paul is telling them!'

A second, more obvious reason, controversies exist may be due to: 

(2)  A misinterpretation of a portion,  or portions of scripture.   

(Ex)  Phil 4:13  says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

One brother may interpret this verse as figurative and exaggerated. 'We really can't do all things.'   

But, another brother may take this verse literally. He believes he can lift 500lbs or that praying hard enough will get him a Maserati.  

That said, I’d like to address eight controversies that currently exist in the church that might  affect  our walk of faith, while also causing division among the various denominations.  This leads to controversy #1.

Controversy #1.  I Can Do  'All things.'

--Most of us are familiar with the words Paul spoke in  Phil 4:13,  'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'

--But, what did Paul mean  when he said,   'I can do all things?'  Was Paul referring to  all things  regarding the flesh?  Or,  all things regarding the spirit?   Or,  all things regarding both  flesh  and spirit?   ALL THINGS.

--Common sense tells us there may be  some things  we can accomplish in our own strength.  But, we can't  overcome  all  of  life's challenges  through  human ability. We know from experience, we need God's help with trials  beyond our own strength.

--And we know God uses  'trials'  to force us to  'look up' ... for  His help when a situation  truly  'overwhelms us.'

-- Paul never told us we can do all things 'by our own strength.'  He told us we can do  all things  through Christ  who strengthens us. 

--We can't humanly lift 1,000 lbs unless God gives us  supernatural strength.

(Ex)  the woman who lifted a car when her child was trapped under it. Or, Samson who was also given superhuman strength by God.

--In 2 Cor 12:10, Paul said,  "For when I am weak, then I am strong."  When Paul's strength was weak, he leaned on God's power to overcome.

Paul was able to do 'all things through Christ' who strengthened him: While in prison, shipwrecked, beaten, deprived of necessities, persecuted, even stoned and  left for dead.

And after receiving Christ, the Lord  never promised our lives  would be filled with unicorns and rainbows, as many  'prosperity gospel preachers'  promise.  

That, once we give our heart to Christ,  we'll be able to purchase a luxury car or home;  be able to become an NFL super star or a wealthy model ... because we'll be able to do 'all things.'  

But, that's not to say these things couldn't happen if it's God's will for us.

--Most understand  God promises  to be with us  and give us the strength to endure hardship:  When afflicted by illness, loss of a job, family discord, famine, war, drought.  God gives us  His strength  to  'muscle through'  what  life  and the enemy throw at us.

In Rom 8:37, Paul tells us:  "Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us."

More than conquerors, not  by hiding in fear when faced with a tough situation,  but  by  'muscling through it'  - in faith  and in God's power and strength. 

Most of us know this ... through our past experiences.

So, can we do 'all things'?  Definitely NOT by our own strength, but through Christ who strengthens us.  God wants us to be wholly dependent on Him, not on our own abilities.

Controversy #2.  Must  hands  be  physically placed on the sick to recover?

-- Or, can the 'prayer of faith'  bring about healing without physically laying on of hands?

→ Some believers argue  physically placing hands on the sick  is essential  for healing to occur, referencing  Lk 4:40  as proof:  

"When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him (Jesus); and He laid hands on every one of them, and healed them."

→ Other believers argue  when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He didn't lay His hands on Lazarus, but only called to him: 

 Jn 11:41-44  tells us:   "Now when He had said these things, He (Jesus) cried with a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come forth!'  And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with grave clothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth ..."  

And  Lk Ch 7,  tells of  the centurion who pleaded with the Jewish elders to ask Jesus to heal his servant.  Lk 7:4-10  says:

"And when they (the Jewish elders) came to Jesus, they begged Him (Jesus) earnestly ... Then Jesus went with them.  And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him (Jesus), saying to Him, Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof.  Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You.  But say the word, and my servant will be healed. ... When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, 'I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!'  And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick."

Another example:  In Acts 9:39-40, Peter was called to raise Tabitha ( Dorcas) from the dead. But, scripture  doesn't  describe  Peter laying his hands on Tabitha:  

"When he  had come, they brought him to the upper room.  And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.  But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed.  And turning to the body  he said, Tabitha, arise.  And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up."

Both sides offer evidence to support their opinion as to the necessity of  physically laying  hands on the sick, versus  the prayer of  faith  to accomplish the healing. 

So, this is another way controversies arise, through differences in interpreting scripture ... If  the bible doesn't specifically address the issue.

Controversy #3.   Peter first asked all the widows to leave  the room.  Then,  he knelt down and prayed.  Then, he turned to the body and said,  'Arise.'

Q:  Could  'doubt and unbelief'  be the reason Peter asked the widows to leave the room?  That, if someone present in the room  lacks the faith to believe, could this  inhibit the working of the Holy Spirit?   Jas 1:6-8  tells us,

"But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord ..."   OR,

Q:  Did Peter ask the widows to leave because he perceived there was a lack of unity in the room, which could inhibit the working of the Holy Spirit?

Bottom line:  If there are people in the room  who doubt,  or lack  faith to believe, or aren't in unity for a miracle to occur,  our  faith  must  overpower  their doubt  or  lack of unity. The bible gives us no definitive answer to this controversy.

Controversy #4.  Can  'Transference of spirits'  occur when hands are laid on a person?   Or, even 'transference of spirits' by dabbling in witchcraft?  Some say, Yes it can.  Others say no.  Not if the Holy Spirit dwells within a person.

If possible, it's best we lay hands on a person  after  having fasted, prayed, and asked God  if it's His will  for us to proceed.  

The bible doesn't  specifically mention  'transference of spirits'  except when evil spirits  went out  from  the Gadarene demoniac and into the pigs.

But, this isn't the same as  'transference'  from one person to another, or from active participation in witchcraft:  Seances, use of  ouija boards, fortune telling.  

Q:  Are seances real, or just something seen in scary movies?  Read 1Sam 28:8.

Several books have been written regarding transference of spirits  from the author's personal experiences, such as Derek Prince. 

In one book he wrote titled,  They Shall Expel Demons.  Brother Prince describes an  instance where  'transference of spirits'   through  a  'demon of divination' entered a man after he had been reading  horoscopes.  Horoscopes are a form of  divination and witchcraft. 

Deut 18:10-12  says,   "There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.  For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord ..."

So, participating in witchcraft opens the door for wicked spirits to enter into a person.

Another example  of  'transference of spirits'  is described in a book titled, Transference of Spirits, by Charles Agyinasare.  The forward  of the book reads: 

"Have you ever wondered how a calm person could unexpectedly become violent by associating with violent people? Or how a decent woman could suddenly become promiscuous after watching a movie?  Or how someone can manifest the anointing of a preacher he listens to repeatedly? These things happen through the transference of spirits; and even Bible-believing Christians can be victims of both evil and good spirit  transfers." 

So, both brothers are letting us know from their own personal  experiences, 'transference of spirits' is real.

And this actually happened to brother Geno  while in Romania several years ago.  He  laid  his hands on a gypsy woman and  became very ill.

Perhaps this is why Paul told Timothy in  1Tim 5:22  before being sent out to preach:  "Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people's sins;  keep yourself pure."   

Best approach:  First ask God if  it's Ok to proceed before laying hands  on someone.

And regarding the laying on of hands for the sick to recover, Jas 5:14-15  says:

"Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven." 

This verse doesn't tell us to call for those with the 'gift of healing',  but to call for the elders.

Jesus tells us in Mk 16:17-18,  "And these signs will follow  those who believe:  In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover." 

It comes down to receiving power through the Holy Spirit. And then having the  'faith to believe' God has truly given us His dunamis  power to serve.   

It's not my intent to talk about  the difference between receiving the Holy Spirit and being baptized in the Holy Spirit ... That's a separate message for another time.

But, Jesus did say in Jn14:12,  "Most assuredly I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. Jesus will send the Holy Spirit, giving us power.

And regarding  faith to believe, Jesus tells us in Mk 11:23-24,   

"For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain,  'Be removed and be cast into the sea,'  and  does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them." 

Q:  Would Jesus tell us something that's untrue? 

Q:  Did He tell us we need the  'gift of mountain-moving'  to move a mountain?  

Or, Did He say we need  'faith as small as a mustard seed,' and  not to doubt?  

 I'm pretty certain Jesus is referring to moving a  'mountain of adversity'  in our lives rather than a physical mountain.  But, who knows?  Maybe a person of great faith can truly move a physical mountain. 

Elijah called  fire down from heaven  in  1and 2Kings.  And in  1Kings 17, he prayed God would stop the rain. And the rain stopped for three and 1/2 years.

Jesus tells us in Matt 17:20,  "Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move.  Nothing will be impossible for you.”  WHY?  Because ...

We can do all things  through Christ  who strengthens us; Who gives us power to do the impossible ...in His strength, not in our own strength.

Controversy #5.   What is the length of time a brother must be in the faith to stand behind the pulpit and share a word God has laid on his heart?  When is he officially  'ready'  to share a word?

Q:  Should the length of time be:  Six months?  A year?  Five years?  How long?

The apostle Paul  does  warn the church in  1Tim 3:6, not to  appoint a novice  to an  office of leadership  because he might become prideful and  fall into sin.

Q:  But, where does the bible  specify  a length of time  before a brother can stand behind the pulpit and share a word the Lord has given him?  It doesn't.

God's word teaches us to look at:  A brother's character,  what's in his heart,  and his spiritual maturity,  rather than  the amount of time  he's been in the faith. 

God's word does  not  disqualify  a brother from  sharing a word  because he's too new in the faith.  Only not appoint him to a church office.  

Rather than being told he can't share  because he's too new in the faith, why not encourage him by saying:  'Yes, you  can  share  if God and pastor give permission for you to share. 

Remember:  Inexperience  regarding a spiritual matter leads to  intimidation, which  leads to a  feeling of inadequacy,  which eventually leads to  spiritual impotence.   (If we give in to the feeling of intimidation)

--Does God want His people walking through life  'spiritually impotent?'  Or,

to walk  confidently in faith?  To take that step of faith -  such as laying hands on a person who is sick with God's permission? Or, speak a word God gives to share, even though there may be a feeling inadequacy. 

How long a brother must be in the faith to share a word behind the pulpit- should not be a matter of controversy.

Controversy #8.   Assigning church titles to selected brothers. 

Having attended several churches over the years, I've noticed some brothers have a desire for a church title:  Teacher, Evangelist, Apostle, Prophet, Bishop, Elder -- a title that serves only to  'puff up'  and  feed the flesh.

I've even heard of brothers telling brethren in their own church: 

"I've been appointed  Bishop  by the pastor.  Please refer to me as Bishop.  Or, I'm the church  Ambassador. Call me Ambassador.  Some have even referred to themselves as  Prophet,  even though their prophetic words have, at times, fallen to the ground, empty.

Here's a scenario:  Four church leaders are having a conversation regarding their  importance to the functioning of the church they attend:

-One brother said he was important  because he was called by God  to preach.   

-A second brother considered himself important because he was called  to teach.   

-A third brother said he was important because he was called to be an evangelist.

-Then the fourth brother  was asked why he considered himself  important to the church.  His reply:  'I was called by God ... to be obedient and faithful.  To do the work God requires of me, and requires of all believers.'

May the words of this last brother  resonate in our spirit.  The bible tells us in Jas 4:6,  "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

Church titles become  controversial  when the  'pride'  that follows  causes  a brother to  'stumble'  and  'lose sight'  of what's important.

Finally,  Controversy #7.  Calvinistic theology within the church.  This false doctrine can cause discouragement and even turn some away from God.

What is Calvinism?  "Calvinism is a theological system introduced by the French theologian, John Calvin. It's also known as Reformed theology, that among other things, emphasizes God's sovereignty and absolute power in salvation. Calvinism is particularly associated with the doctrine of predestination, the belief that God has chosen from eternity who will be saved.  That, God chooses individuals for salvation based on His own will, not  on merit or good works within the individual. It's solely based on God's mercy, not on that person's choice to receive or not to receive Jesus as Savior."

True Calvinists embrace key tenets of Calvinism, such as election (God's choice of individuals for salvation), limited atonement (Christ died specifically for the elect rather than for everyone), and  predestination  (God chooses who will enter heaven, not based on any merit or an individual's choice as to whether they accept Jesus).

But, is predestination what the bible teaches?  Or, does it teach God is fair,  not  showing favoritism to anyone.   In Acts 10:34,  Peter said: 

"In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.  But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him."

And in Rom 2:11, Paul said:  "For there is no partiality with God." 

But, Calvinists  believe  God  'predestines,'  before birth, who will spend eternity in heaven or hell,  often using Judas as an example.

Doesn't this suggest God was cruel and unfair to Judas  by creating Judas  for the sole purpose  of  being  predestined to destruction?  That, we really can't trust God to be fair to us?

While searching the scriptures trying to understand why Calvinists believe this controversial teaching of predestination,  two verses caught my attention.

In Jn 6:44, Jesus said:  "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him ..."

And in Jn 6:65, Jesus reiterates:   "Therefore I have said that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father."

These verses suggest  people  are drawn to Jesus by God only.  That, they have  no free will  to choose  heaven or hell.

But, throughout scripture, we read God has given everyone  freedom of choice to accept or reject Jesus as their Savior.  Whereas, to the Calvinist, these verses suggest it's God's choice as to whether or not our final destination is heaven. 

Given the totality of what's written in scripture  expressing God's infinite love for us, I believe what Jesus said in these verses  has been misinterpreted  by those who believe in predestination, creating this controversy.

But, when we read the parable of the wedding feast  Jesus told His disciples in Matt 22:11-14, the  meaning of what Jesus said in  John 6  becomes apparent:

"But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment.  So he said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?'  And he (the man) was speechless.  Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, take him away, and cast him into outer darkness;  there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.  For many are called, but few are chosen."  

God calls everyone to faith and repentance  because God  is fair and just to all.  (Many are called). 

Acts 10:34-35,  "Then Peter opened his mouth and said:  'In truth I perceive  that God shows no partiality.  But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.' "

Rom 2:11,  "For there is no partiality with God."

However,  not many  answer  God's call  by putting on the wedding garment of righteousness.  They'd rather live in unrighteousness  and  in disobedience to God. 

So, why would God  'choose these people'   to live with Him in heaven? (Few are chosen).  By the way we live our lives, we choose  heaven or hell.

The bible says each individual  chooses heaven or hell  based on his faith and   trust in Jesus, and His shed blood for salvation.  Not predestination. 

The bible is clear:

2Pet 3:9  says:   "The Lord ... is longsuffering toward us, not willing that anyone should perish but that all should come to repentance."

Jn 3:16  tells us:  "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

In Jn 6:40,  Jesus says:  "And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life;  and I will raise him up at the last day." 

In Jn 6:47,  Jesus tells us:  "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life."

These verses emphasize  it's God's will  for everyone  to experience His love, grace and salvation  through faith in Jesus. 

Judas' unrepentant  heart  cost him his salvation, not predestination.  

And I strongly believe  had Judas  run to Jesus begging for His forgiveness for his betrayal,  Jesus would have forgiven him.

I'd like to conclude this message  by commenting  controversy regarding spiritual matters should  not exist in the church of Jesus Christ. 

God's word is the  final arbiter of any spiritual dispute.  To resolve a controversial matter, search the scriptures!

--How can anyone  calling himself  'pastor'  or  'believer,'   agree with the world that same sex marriage, or adultery, or fornication, or child molestation  are acceptable to God because,  'love is love?' 

How is this a controversial issue if a person studies and understands the word?

And, is this what the word teaches?  That these sins are acceptable  because  'love is love'?  These people are  'wise in their own eyes' but  'reprobate in God's eyes.'

How should there  be any doubt, or equivocation, or controversy  regarding this, or any other topic of faith?  The answer is ... there shouldn't be.  

Proverbs 14:12  says  and repeated in  Proverbs 16:25,  "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death."

We can't allow pride, or jealousy, or misinterpreting scripture cause confusion or controversy  as to what's written in God's word.   

Prov 16:18  says:  "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall."

If any controversy exists in the church,  let it be settled  by what the word teaches rather than what man teaches.  The word is the  'final and ultimate authority'  putting to rest any dispute of faith. 

We cannot and must not deviate  from what's written in  God's word ... because ... 

"There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death."

AMEN.