The Language of Ashdod
Posted by: forthrightmag <forthrightmag@...>
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Going straight to the Cross
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COLUMN: Outlines of Faith
The Language of Ashdod
by Greg A. Tidwell
Nehemiah, in the course of his work of
restoration, noted that the men of Judah had
married Philistine women and the offspring of this
union spoke "the language of Ashdod." (Nehemiah
13:23ff) Over the years, this expression has
become a proverb. To "speak the language of
Ashdod" is to betray mixed influences.
Joined to the World
Just as the men of Judah mixed themselves with
foreign women, the denominations around us have,
in varying degrees, mixed the Christian message
with the ways of the world.
An evidence of this mixture is the continuing
shift away from the biblical view concerning the
marriage and sexuality. Divorce, until recently
greatly restricted by religious people, has become
acceptable. Presbyterians, Episcopalians, and
Methodists all offer "dissolution services,"
celebrations of divorce which mirror the
traditional marriage service. Likewise, the major
Protestant denominations are in various stages of
accepting homosexual unions as legitimate.
The Community Church Heresy
Churches of Christ are not immune to the same
tendency. We, also, "speak the language of Ashdod"
as the Community Church heresy leads into ever
more accommodation with the world.
Consider the verbal shell game used to justify
unscriptural practices. Female leadership and
instrumental music, for example, are put forward
in gatherings called "praise services" or
"concerts" preparing the way for these innovations
to enter the regular worship of the church.
Likewise the "language of Ashdod" is heard in the
dissimulation put forward by Community Church
leaders regarding the way of salvation. Baptism is
described in glowing terms, perhaps even as
"central," or "vital." And yet these same leaders
will describe unbaptized persons as "Christians,"
pointing to good works as conclusive prove of the
Holy Spirit's indwelling.
In contrast to accommodation, God calls His church
to purity. Our speech and our actions must present
the integrity of an uncompromised faith. We cannot
be united with the world and remain faithful to
Christ. We must not yield to the seducing tones of
Ashdod.
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