Not Exactly
(Adapted from "Think On These Things", July-August-September 1999)

Perhaps you've seen the TV commercial for Hertz rental cars. A man is asked a
series of questions by his boss. Each response is given as "not exactly".
Finally, the boss asks the man if he's expecting a promotion. You know what
his response is: "not exactly"!

Suppose we were to pose the same type of questions to members of various
sectarian churches: "Is the Bible your only guide?" would be one question to
ask. If they were honest they'd have to say, "not exactly." Though they might
give lip-service to the authority of the scriptures, they'd have to admit
they rely on creeds, manuals and constitutions. Some rely on church leaders
or scholars, others on tradition, feeling or human logic. The apostle Peter
showed us the true guide (2 Peter 1:2,3). Exactly!

"Is your church organized like the churches of the New Testament?" would be
another question. Again, they'd have to admit, "not exactly." Some have the
minister in charge (called the pastor system). Often women exercise authority
over men. Many have regional, national or international head-quarters. The
Lord's will is to have elders in every church (Titus 1:5, Acts 14:23).
Exactly! ....

"Is your worship the same as it was in the New Testament?" Here again, "not
exactly." Everything from unauthorized ritualism to unrestrained
emotional-ism is the norm. Additions such as the use of instrumental music
(sometimes called full-fledged bands), rhythmic clapping and performances are
common. Many have abandoned weekly communion. On the other hand, the New
Testament requires "worship in spirit and in truth" (John 4:23-24). Exactly!

"Do you teach the same plan of salvation as did the New Testament Christians?"
Once again, if honest, "not exactly." They teach faith only, grace only, the
"believer's prayer," and shout that water baptism has nothing to do with
salvation. Then they declare that once you're saved, you can't fall from
grace. The Bible tells us how to be saved (James 2:24; 1 Peter 3:21; 1
Corinthians 10:12). Exactly!...

Before we get too smug, perhaps we ought to examine our own beliefs and
practices (2 Corinthians 13:5). It's possible a list of questions could be
drawn up to which we might be embarrassed to have to reply, "not exactly."
Remember 1 Peter 4:11 - Exactly!   [by Al Diestelkamp]