The phrase, "such like" has been used by over-zealous brethren to include everything from all dancing to all drinking. Puffed up in their own importance, legalists have defined most conclusions, which do not agree with theirs, as false teaching, and those dissenters, who will not recant, as "false teachers". I say, "most", because a limited amount of disagreement is allowed so long as it does not touch on the positions which make their particular religious party distinct. For example, in the ultra conservative wings of denominated religious organizations broad interpretation is allowed as to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit but, absolutely no leeway is granted in areas of interpreting the particular party creed. While brotherly acceptance is granted in some areas no exceptions are allowed (depending on which party is being addressed) for using multiple cups in the Lord's Supper, using fermented juice, supporting orphanages from the church treasury, or using instruments of music in praise to God. How is it that an issue as important as the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is less important than these issues? In every denominated religious organization, it doesn't matter what I believe about the indwelling of the Holy Spirit so long as I don't trifle with the party position that makes the denomination exclusive and distinct. It would appear to me that if there were an issue worthy of denying brotherhood, not related to salvation by grace through faith, it would be the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. But the abiding truth of the matter is that there are no issues, beyond denying Jesus and immorality (which includes divisiveness) which justify the exclusion of brethren. Priscilla and Aquila did not brand Apollos as a false teacher when he was in error about an issue as important as the baptism of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Apollos was honestly mistaken. He did not have a false heart. Yet my brethren choose to brand sincere believers as "false teachers" and "heretics" over such issues as whether or not more than one cup should be used, or whether or not fermented juice should be used. Such topics are foisted off on unsuspecting brethren, in so-called "Gospel Meetings", as sound preaching, and the congregations which make a test of fellowship out of these petty issues, are put forth as "sound", "faithful" congregations. Jesus and His Gospel are forced to play second fiddle to such divisive issues which are being harped on by divisive, paid, pulpit ministers. This is the kind of divisiveness that caused Paul to announce that he was glad that he preached only Christ and Him crucified. He wanted to pace himself as far away as possible from the divisive situation at Corinth.

When conclusions on such petty issues are elevated above the love of brethren it is obvious that "grievous wolves" from among us are being made manifest. But, are we Spiritually minded enough to recognize divisiveness when it rears its ugly head? Paul told the Corinthians, when they were entrenched in division, that they were " acting like people in sin". He told them that they were "yet carnal". Are we so blind that we cannot apply this strong language to ourselves? Are we so hard hearted and stiff necked that we cannot apply the Holy Spirit's stinging rebuke to ourselves?

Dearly beloved, we must elevate our love for one another above the petty conclusions that come out of preacher squabbles. Let us elevate the love of Jesus above party positions. It does not take a degree in Theology to see that love is the predominate message from Jesus, and not division and name calling. We simply must learn to "accept" one another. Romans l5:7. We must learn to " put up with" one another. Colossians 3:l3. We must learn to "forbear" one another in love. Ephesians 4:2. If our attitude of heart does not comply with these passages, we have become as empty as gongs and as meaningless as tinkling brass.

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