Christian Cooperation and Separation - John R Rice

Christian Cooperation and Separation
they, Paul? “Hermogenes and Phygellus”; then he said in
chapter 4, verse 10, “Demas hath forsaken me, having loved
this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica;
Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.”
Call names? Paul, somebody won’t like it. Paul was in jail;
other people were out running free. Paul was slandered and
hated; other people were riding high. Paul got his head cut off;
nobody else did. But one of these days when the first will be
last and the last first, Paul will be at the head of the list.
Well, Paul, Peter doesn’t think you ought always just to
crack down. In Corinth in Galatians, chapter 2, there were
going to be some people who came down from denominational
headquarters, and they said, “We think you are wrong to run
with these Gentile converts.” Peter said, “Well, boys, we won’t
do that until you are gone.”
So he said to these others, “You won’t mind if I don’t eat
with you Gentile Christians. I am for you all right, but I don’t
want to offend anybody.”
What did Paul do? He got up and rebuked Peter to his face.
Do you think Paul ought to have done that publicly? Well, he
did. Because many others were being led astray, including
Barnabas. Paul fixed that. Yes, it was right.
Love? Oh, yes. Love your children, but whip them when
they need it. I asked a good preacher who raised a fine family,
“How are you raising your family?” “Well, I spank them on one
end and kiss them on the other.” That is love. That is
obedience to God, too.
Dear Lord, give us power and blessing now as we try to
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