Is baptism really essential? Are there Christians in other churches? Must we break fellowship when we disagree? LaGard's latest book challenges the church to think more critically than ever about salvation and fellowship.
Pretty good overall, but I have two main complaints. First, the book was reactionary, written more in response to the doctrinal evolution of Lucado types rather than as a standalone book. Second, because of #1, Smith didn't "show his work" in the text much as he started off by refuting their arguments rather than starting with a clean slate and building his own case.
Loved the clarity of thought and how Mr. Smith covered many different categories of where "brothers" can and should be ranked.
The books asked some deep questions and offered, for the most part, satisfying answers or good ideas on how to study more and figure out the answers.
This book tackles a sometimes-difficult issue about who are the people who can be brothers to when it comes to matters of faith. Some people believe that we should have nothing to do with those who worship with denominations. Others believe in universal fellowship with everyone, regardless of what church they belong too.
But what does the Bible teach?
Mr. F. LaGard Smith takes us through the verse, making great points along the way that sometimes we forget, overlook, or plainly ignore. He covers issues like disfellowship and false teaching in ways that are easy to read and understand.
If you want a closer, truer relationship with God and how to be a better brother (or sister) to those around you, this book if for you.
Thank you Brother Smith for an excellent book that did NOT try to overstep Jesus's command regarding when a believer is saved (Mark 16:16)...yet was open enough to allow God to have the prerogative to have the final say at Judgement! Some notable quotes that made me say "amen"...."many of us are so compromised by our own sins that we feel we are in no position to cast the first stone.." "we are fallible men of faith, incomplete in our understanding, prone to error, and wrong about any number of things. But we are not false prophets....false teachers"....quoting another source it was noted "if i ever reach heaven I expect to find three wonders there: first, to meet some I had not thought to see there; second, to miss some I had expected to see there; and third, the greatest wonder of all, to find myself there. The book did NOT dismiss baptism (immersion) for forgiveness of sins and entrance into the Lord's body (The church of Christ}..but it did give food for thought as to possibilities that would entirely be up to God the Father to make the final and CORRECT decision!