Acquiring Wisdom

by Doy Moyer Scripture shows that God’s concerns are not just for what is technically good or bad, right or wrong, allowed or disallowed. We could argue over what is technically sinful or not, but that’s essentially a legalistic approach that misses the essential element of wisdom, especially in matters that are not explicitly given.…

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You Legalist!

by Dave Hart “You…you… legalist!!” I remember the first time I was called a legalist. It was not a compliment. The response was given after I had shown what the Bible commands on a particular subject. The exact words were, “I think it’s sad that you’re such a legalist.” Since then, there have been many…

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Obeying God in Everything

by Hugh DeLong “Legalist?” “Legalism?” Is it wrong and sinful to attempt to obey God in everything? Is it wrong to attempt to keep all the teachings and doctrines of Jesus? Is it sinful to strive to never sin? Can one strive for such things and yet not rely on them as the basis of…

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Legalism … Again … and Again … and Again …

by Jonathan Perz Ugh. (Yes, I just started a post off with the word “ugh.”) I realize that many of my brethren have grave concerns about the idea of “legalism.” It has become quite paramount in the thinking of some. The way some speak, there is nothing worse in Scripture than being a “legalist” and…

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I too left the Nazarene church, but over legalism

Question: I was reading your letter online and, like your “I left the Nazarene church,” I left on the other hand because I found the practices to be legalistic. I find your letter to be greatly encouraging. Thank you and God bless you. Answer: I’m glad the article was of benefit to you. “Legalism” is…

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Law and Legalism

by H. E. Phillips via Guardian of Truth – January 6, 1994 Law is: “A general rule of action or conduct established or enforced by a sovereign authority; as, a law of Caesar; a law of God” (Webster’s Twentieth Century Dictionary, Unabridged). Webster says of legalism: “Close conformity to law.” Law and legalism are not the same.…

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The Need for Book, Chapter, and Verse

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/NeedForBookChapterAndVerse.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton I.         Do we really need book, chapter, and verse?             A.        Frequently practices are justified by the absence of Scripture. “It doesn’t say not to.”             B.        The argument is taken so far as to say, “There is no book, chapter, and verse for having book, chapter, and verse.”             C.        The point of saying we need…

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Should We be Picky?

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2006/08/ShouldWeBePicky.mp3 by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Psalms 50:7-23   I.         Jesus’ condemnation of the Jews, especially the Pharisees and the Sadducees, is well-known             A.        Many Christians are rightly concerned that they not fall into the same trap that snared the Pharisees.                         1.         Often when it is pointed out that we should do things one way and not another,…

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Love or Legalism?

by Steven F. Deaton When we insist men must adhere strictly to the commandments of God, is it love or legalism? Men say it is legalism. They say, “We should obey a Savior, not a system.” Or, “Give me the man, not a plan.” Their idea is that to admit the existence of a law…

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Grace and Permissiveness

by Dale Smelser via Truth Magazine, July 25, 1974 There is cause for concern in some current ideas premised upon the grace of God. What persons with such ideas are saying of grace per se is often fine, but their projected applications are unjustified, especially when they suppose that the fellowship of false teachers and errant…

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How can I follow God when He is so strict?

Question: First of all, I can’t thank you enough for your time. There’s a lot more I want to talk about, possibly so much that neither you nor I have enough time for. Before I ask you more questions I want to continue to discuss this issue of sex and what not because it’s been…

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Legalism and The Salvation Army

by Sam Stinson “There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?” (James 4:12). A man named Johnny Harsh, who calls himself a captain in the Salvation Army, has faced media scrutiny in recent days. Harsh, by all accounts a…

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Legalism: The Un-Sin

by Steve Klein Since the church began, the devil has concocted any number of diabolical schemes to ensnare God’s people. One of his most successful gambits has been the invention of the pseudo-sin commonly called legalism. More people consider legalism to be a sin than consider 7-UP to be a cola, but they are all…

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Narrow-Minded Beliefs

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton Text: Micah 6:1-8   I.         At times when I study with someone, I’m told that taking a firm stance on certain matters is legalism. People believe that religion is supposed to be about accepting other people, no matter what they believe (well, within reason).             A.        When you insist that only one way is…

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