The Value Of Majority Opinion
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The Value of Majority Opinion - EJ Hill & Friends
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The Value of Majority Opinion From EJ Hill & Friends
Significance IT HAS BEEN SUGGESTED THAT WE, AS CHRISTIANS, SHOULD ABIDE BY WHAT IS GENERALLY ACCEPTED WITHIN THE LARGER RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY.
Digg submit
My Response If what the community generally accepts had any influence on how we, as Christians, should live our lives, or what we should teach, then we have some serious considerations: Which community should that be? The eastern or the western? The catholic or the protestant? Who is right and who is wrong? Or is truth, in fact, relative, non-absolute, and ever-changing? Which religious majority? The Catholic or the Protestant? The Church on the corner, or the big one down Main Road? I believe that Scripture, and not Majority Opinion, is the Final Authority on Faith and Conduct. SO DOES VIRTUALLY EVERY STATEMENT AND CONFESSION OF FAITH EVER WRITTEN, including, but not limited to The 1561 Belgic Confession of Faith, The 1689 Second London Baptist Confession of Faith, The 1833 New Hampshire Baptist Confession, The 1941 Mennonite Confession of Faith, that of Alpha & Omega Ministries; Answers In Genesis; Apologetics Index; Assemblies of God; Campus Crusade for Christ; China for Jesus; Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry; Christianity Today; Colorado Christian University; Covenant Life Church; Desiring God; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; Far Eastern Bible College; Fresh Fire Ministries; Frontline Fellowship; Fuller Theological Seminary; Gordon College; Grace Bible College; Grace Community Church; Jews for Jesus; John Stott Ministries; Messianic Bureau International; Reasons To Believe; Samaritan's Purse; Sovereign Grace Ministries; Study Light; Tabor College; The Association of Vineyard Churches in South Africa; The Baptist Faith & Message; The Church of England in England; The Evangelical Free Church of America; Theopedia; Wheaton College; the World Evangelical Alliance; Xenos Christian Fellowship; and Youth With A Mission. In fact, if you consider the above, it seems as if, MAJORITY OPINION ITSELF DENIES THE AUTHORITY OF MAJORITY OPINION, and so does Scripture: "Knowing this first, that NO PROPHECY OF THE SCRIPTURE IS OF ANY PRIVATE INTERPRETATION." (2 Pt. 1v20, AKJV, p.540) "To the law and to the testimony: IF THEY SPEAK NOT ACCORDING TO THIS WORD, IT IS BECAUSE THERE IS NO LIGHT IN THEM." (Is. 8v20, AKJV, p.310) "HE THAT REJECTETH ME, AND RECEIVETH NOT MY WORDS, hath one that judgeth him: the Word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." (Jn. 12v48, AKJV, p.475) "Now I beseech you, brethren, MARK THEM WHICH CAUSE DIVISIONS AND OFFENCES
12/23/2008 6:19 PM
The Value of Majority Opinion - EJ Hill & Friends
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http://www.ejays.co.za/index.php/The_Value_of_Majority_Opinion
CONTRARY TO THE DOCTRINE WHICH YE HAVE LEARNED; AND AVOID THEM." (Rom. 16v17, AKJV, p.504) "(15) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (16) But SHUN PROFANE AND VAIN BABBLINGS: FOR THEY WILL INCREASE UNTO MORE UNGODLINESS. (17) And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; (18) Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some." (2 Tim. 2v15-18, AKJV, p.528) "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: ..." (2 Tim. 3v16, AKJV, p.529) So, if I should say, "I don't care about your opinion" - IT IS BECAUSE NEITHER SCRIPTURE, NOR MAJORITY OPINION ITSELF, CARES MUCH ABOUT OUR OPINION. And how could the Public have any opinion about Spiritual things, in the first place? Have they been enlightened to understand them? No. Then who cares what they have to say? Who ever listens to a blind man describing a tree? He has never seen one. "Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools." (Rom. 1v22, AKJV, p.498) "But THE NATURAL MAN RECEIVETH NOT THE THINGS OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD: for they are foolishness unto him: NEITHER CAN HE KNOW THEM, BECAUSE THEY ARE SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED." (1 Cor. 2v14, AKJV, p.505) The Majority Most Likely Wrong According To Scripture "{1} Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? {2} THE KINGS OF THE EARTH SET THEMSELVES, AND THE RULERS TAKE COUNSEL TOGETHER, AGAINST THE LORD, AND AGAINST HIS ANOINTED, saying, {3} Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us." (Ps. 2v1-3, AKJV, p.257) See Acts 4v25-27. "{1} Lord, HOW ARE THEY INCREASED THAT TROUBLE ME! MANY ARE THEY THAT RISE UP AGAINST ME. {2} MANY THERE BE WHICH SAY OF MY SOUL, THERE IS NO HELP FOR HIM IN GOD. Selah... {6} I will not be afraid of TEN THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE, THAT HAVE SET THEMSELVES AGAINST ME ROUND ABOUT." (Ps. 3v1-2, 6, AKJV, p.257) "THEY SPEAK VANITY EVERY ONE WITH HIS NEIGHBOUR: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak." (Ps. 12v2) "{2} The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY THAT DID UNDERSTAND, AND SEEK GOD. {3} THEY ARE ALL GONE ASIDE, THEY ARE ALL TOGETHER BECOME FILTHY: THERE IS NONE THAT DOETH GOOD, NO, NOT ONE. {4} HAVE ALL THE WORKERS OF INIQUITY NO KNOWLEDGE? WHO EAT UP MY PEOPLE AS THEY EAT BREAD, AND CALL NOT UPON THE LORD." (Ps. 14v2-4, AKJV, p.259) "{13} Enter ye in at the strait gate: for WIDE IS THE GATE, AND BROAD IS THE WAY, THAT LEADETH TO DESTRUCTION, AND MANY THERE BE WHICH GO IN THEREAT: {14} Because STRAIT IS THE GATE, AND NARROW IS THE WAY, WHICH LEADETH UNTO LIFE, AND FEW THERE BE THAT FIND IT." (Mt. 7v13-14, AKJV, p.424) "For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are MANY ADVERSARIES." (2 Cor. 16v9, AKJV, p.511)
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According To Martin Luther (1483–1546) In 1571 Martin Luther writes in his 95 Theses, "24. It must needs be, therefore, that the greater part of the people are deceived by that indiscriminate and highsounding promise of release from penalty." [10] "31. Rare as is the man that is truly penitent, so rare is also the man who truly buys indulgences, i.e. such men are most rare." [10] Nonconformity Throughout the Old Testament Lot More details coming soon! Noah More details coming soon! Nonconformity Throughout the New Testament Jesus Never Caved to Majority Opinion John chapter 7 says that Jesus "walked in Galilee: for He would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill Him." (v1) And why did they want to kill Him? "but Me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil." (v7) The Jews hated Him so much that Jesus had to move around "not openly, but as it were in secret". (v10) He upset the Jews so much that "there was much murmuring among the people concerning Him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but He deceiveth the people." (v12) Wherever Jesus went, communities were divided because of Him. (Jn. 7v43) Some called Him a deceiver. (Jn. 7v12) Some claimed He was possessed of the Devil. (Jn. 8v52) Others said He blasphemed. (Jn. 10v33) Many hated Him. (Jn. 7v7) Others wanted Him dead. (Jn. 7v1; 8v59; 10v31) Yet, Jesus never conformed to what the Jewish community required of Him. Had He, He would never have had the impact He did, nor be crucified. (Lk. 9v22) Paul Never Caved to Majority Opinion At Corinth, it is said that, "the Jews made insurrection WITH ONE ACCORD AGAINST PAUL, and brought him to the judgment seat, saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law." (Acts 18v7-18) If Paul conformed to the will of the Jews at Corinth, he would not have spoken there at all. Peter Never Caved to Majority Opinion In Acts chapter 3 we read about "a certain man lame from his mother's womb" (v2) who was "healed" (v11). This caused quite a stir at Jerusalem. So much so, that in Acts chapter 4 we find the Sadducees arresting them while addressing "the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple" (v1-2). It is said that both Peter and John was incarcerated. (v3) The next day they were set before
12/23/2008 6:19 PM
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the "rulers, and elders, and scribes, Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest" (v5-6). Upon receiving Peter's Defense, the council was left speechless - since they couldn't deny the miracle. (v14, 16) Yet, they didn't for a moment hesitate to "straightly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name" (v17-18). Today still, we find that once "rulers, elders, scribes, priests, and their kindred" are challenged, they will "incarcerate, judge and threaten" God's People. But as Peter confirmed, "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." (v19-20) Stephen Never Caved to Majority Opinion We read in Acts chapter 6 of Stephen's "great wonders and miracles" (v8) at Jerusalem, which moved some of "the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cicilia and of Asia", to dispute with him. (v9) So when "they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake" (v10), gave false witness against him (v11, 13-14), stirring up the people (v12), and dragging him before the council. We read in Acts chapter 7 of his trial, that it upset them so much that "they were cut to the heart" and "gnashed on him with their teeth" (v54), "casting him out of the city" (v58) , and "stoning him to death". (v58-60). He did what he had to do. He did the right thing. But, like Al Capone would say, "He got dead". Nonconformity Throughout History Martin Luther Never Caved to Majority Opinion Coming soon! John Knox Never Caved to Majority Opinion Coming soon! Courage Under Fire As Christians we have to make peace with the reality of persecution. Throughout the ages, thousands of Christians paid with their lives, for what they believed. Why then should we be any different? "Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. IF THEY HAVE PERSECUTED ME, THEY WILL ALSO PERSECUTE YOU; if they have kept My saying, they will keep yours also." (Jn. 15v20, AKJV, p.477) "{34} Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. {35} For I AM COME TO SET A MAN AT VARIANCE AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND THE DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND THE DAUGHTER IN LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER IN LAW. {36} And A MAN'S FOES SHALL BE THEY OF HIS OWN HOUSEHOLD. {37} He that loveth father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me: and He that loveth son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me." (Mt. 10v34-37, AKJV, p.426) "Yea, and ALL THAT WILL LIVE GODLY IN CHRIST JESUS SHALL SUFFER PERSECUTION." (2 Tim. 3v12, AKJV, p.529) Don't let people shut you up. If you speak the truth, speak it boldly.
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"Then I said, I will not make mention of Him, nor speak anymore in His name. But His Word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay." (Jer. 20v9, AKJV, p.341) "{19} But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. {20} For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." (Acts 4v19-20, AKJV, p.482) "Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, 'Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: ..." (Acts 18v9, AKJV, p.491) "If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him: if we deny Him, He also will deny us." (2 Tim. 2v12, AKJV, p.528) "And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto Thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak Thy Word." (Acts 4v29, AKJV, p.483) In Conclusion - It was Majority Opinion that had Christ crucified. - It was Majority Opinion that had Peter and John imprisoned. (Acts 4) - It was Majority Opinion that, in 1415, had Jan Hus burned at the stake. [4] - It was Majority Opinion that, in 1528, had Patrick Hamilton burned at the stake. [7] - It was Majority Opinion that, in 1536, had William Tyndale burned at the stake. [6] - It was Majority Opinion that, in 1546, had George Wishart burned at the stake. [8] - It was Majority Opinion that, in 1555, had Hugh Latimer burned at the stake. [3] - It was Majority Opinion that, in 1556, had Thomas Cranmer burned at the stake. [5] If I had to cave to majority opinion my whole life: I WOULDN'T BE A CHRISTIAN, since at my conversion on 6 November 1993, neither my family, nor my friends, nor my teachers, appreciated the change. "For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." (Gal. 1v10, AKJV, p.516) I WOULDN'T BE BAPTIZED, since, The Dutch Reformed Churches in South Africa (which I attended) were very much against Believers Baptism, and would not hesitate to expel their own. "In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act." - George Orwell
Bibliography 1
The Voice of the Martyrs. (03/03/2008) http://www.persecution.com/
2
Persecution of Christians; Wikipedia. (03/03/2008) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persecution_of_Christians
3
Hugh Latimer; NNDB. (04/03/2008) http://www.nndb.com/people/543/000094261/
4
Jan Hus; NNDB. (04/03/2008) http://www.nndb.com/people/543/000094261/
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5
Thomas Cranmer; NNDB. (04/03/2008) http://www.nndb.com/people/534/000094252/
6
William Tyndale; NNDB. (04/03/2008) http://www.nndb.com/people/569/000094287/
7
Patrick Hamilton; NNDB. (04/03/2008) http://www.nndb.com/people/948/000101645/
8
George Wishart; NNDB. (04/03/2008) http://www.nndb.com/people/591/000094309/
9
Dr. David P. Stern; The Round Earth and Christopher Columbus. (04/03/2008) http://wwwistp.gsfc.nasa.gov/stargaze/Scolumb.htm 10
Prof. Dr. Martin Luther; Disputation of Doctor Martin Luther on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences (95 Theses); 1517. (07/03/2008) http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/95_Theses
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The Value of Majority Opinion From EJ Hill & Friends
Significance IT HAS BEEN SUGGESTED THAT WE, AS CHRISTIANS, SHOULD ABIDE BY WHAT IS GENERALLY ACCEPTED WITHIN THE LARGER RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY.
Digg submit
My Response If what the community generally accepts had any influence on how we, as Christians, should live our lives, or what we should teach, then we have some serious considerations: Which community should that be? The eastern or the western? The catholic or the protestant? Who is right and who is wrong? Or is truth, in fact, relative, non-absolute, and ever-changing? Which religious majority? The Catholic or the Protestant? The Church on the corner, or the big one down Main Road? I believe that Scripture, and not Majority Opinion, is the Final Authority on Faith and Conduct. SO DOES VIRTUALLY EVERY STATEMENT AND CONFESSION OF FAITH EVER WRITTEN, including, but not limited to The 1561 Belgic Confession of Faith, The 1689 Second London Baptist Confession of Faith, The 1833 New Hampshire Baptist Confession, The 1941 Mennonite Confession of Faith, that of Alpha & Omega Ministries; Answers In Genesis; Apologetics Index; Assemblies of God; Campus Crusade for Christ; China for Jesus; Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry; Christianity Today; Colorado Christian University; Covenant Life Church; Desiring God; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; Far Eastern Bible College; Fresh Fire Ministries; Frontline Fellowship; Fuller Theological Seminary; Gordon College; Grace Bible College; Grace Community Church; Jews for Jesus; John Stott Ministries; Messianic Bureau International; Reasons To Believe; Samaritan's Purse; Sovereign Grace Ministries; Study Light; Tabor College; The Association of Vineyard Churches in South Africa; The Baptist Faith & Message; The Church of England in England; The Evangelical Free Church of America; Theopedia; Wheaton College; the World Evangelical Alliance; Xenos Christian Fellowship; and Youth With A Mission. In fact, if you consider the above, it seems as if, MAJORITY OPINION ITSELF DENIES THE AUTHORITY OF MAJORITY OPINION, and so does Scripture: "Knowing this first, that NO PROPHECY OF THE SCRIPTURE IS OF ANY PRIVATE INTERPRETATION." (2 Pt. 1v20, AKJV, p.540) "To the law and to the testimony: IF THEY SPEAK NOT ACCORDING TO THIS WORD, IT IS BECAUSE THERE IS NO LIGHT IN THEM." (Is. 8v20, AKJV, p.310) "HE THAT REJECTETH ME, AND RECEIVETH NOT MY WORDS, hath one that judgeth him: the Word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." (Jn. 12v48, AKJV, p.475) "Now I beseech you, brethren, MARK THEM WHICH CAUSE DIVISIONS AND OFFENCES
12/23/2008 6:19 PM
The Value of Majority Opinion - EJ Hill & Friends
2 of 7
http://www.ejays.co.za/index.php/The_Value_of_Majority_Opinion
CONTRARY TO THE DOCTRINE WHICH YE HAVE LEARNED; AND AVOID THEM." (Rom. 16v17, AKJV, p.504) "(15) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (16) But SHUN PROFANE AND VAIN BABBLINGS: FOR THEY WILL INCREASE UNTO MORE UNGODLINESS. (17) And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; (18) Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some." (2 Tim. 2v15-18, AKJV, p.528) "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: ..." (2 Tim. 3v16, AKJV, p.529) So, if I should say, "I don't care about your opinion" - IT IS BECAUSE NEITHER SCRIPTURE, NOR MAJORITY OPINION ITSELF, CARES MUCH ABOUT OUR OPINION. And how could the Public have any opinion about Spiritual things, in the first place? Have they been enlightened to understand them? No. Then who cares what they have to say? Who ever listens to a blind man describing a tree? He has never seen one. "Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools." (Rom. 1v22, AKJV, p.498) "But THE NATURAL MAN RECEIVETH NOT THE THINGS OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD: for they are foolishness unto him: NEITHER CAN HE KNOW THEM, BECAUSE THEY ARE SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED." (1 Cor. 2v14, AKJV, p.505) The Majority Most Likely Wrong According To Scripture "{1} Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? {2} THE KINGS OF THE EARTH SET THEMSELVES, AND THE RULERS TAKE COUNSEL TOGETHER, AGAINST THE LORD, AND AGAINST HIS ANOINTED, saying, {3} Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us." (Ps. 2v1-3, AKJV, p.257) See Acts 4v25-27. "{1} Lord, HOW ARE THEY INCREASED THAT TROUBLE ME! MANY ARE THEY THAT RISE UP AGAINST ME. {2} MANY THERE BE WHICH SAY OF MY SOUL, THERE IS NO HELP FOR HIM IN GOD. Selah... {6} I will not be afraid of TEN THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE, THAT HAVE SET THEMSELVES AGAINST ME ROUND ABOUT." (Ps. 3v1-2, 6, AKJV, p.257) "THEY SPEAK VANITY EVERY ONE WITH HIS NEIGHBOUR: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak." (Ps. 12v2) "{2} The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY THAT DID UNDERSTAND, AND SEEK GOD. {3} THEY ARE ALL GONE ASIDE, THEY ARE ALL TOGETHER BECOME FILTHY: THERE IS NONE THAT DOETH GOOD, NO, NOT ONE. {4} HAVE ALL THE WORKERS OF INIQUITY NO KNOWLEDGE? WHO EAT UP MY PEOPLE AS THEY EAT BREAD, AND CALL NOT UPON THE LORD." (Ps. 14v2-4, AKJV, p.259) "{13} Enter ye in at the strait gate: for WIDE IS THE GATE, AND BROAD IS THE WAY, THAT LEADETH TO DESTRUCTION, AND MANY THERE BE WHICH GO IN THEREAT: {14} Because STRAIT IS THE GATE, AND NARROW IS THE WAY, WHICH LEADETH UNTO LIFE, AND FEW THERE BE THAT FIND IT." (Mt. 7v13-14, AKJV, p.424) "For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are MANY ADVERSARIES." (2 Cor. 16v9, AKJV, p.511)
12/23/2008 6:19 PM
The Value of Majority Opinion - EJ Hill & Friends
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http://www.ejays.co.za/index.php/The_Value_of_Majority_Opinion
According To Martin Luther (1483–1546) In 1571 Martin Luther writes in his 95 Theses, "24. It must needs be, therefore, that the greater part of the people are deceived by that indiscriminate and highsounding promise of release from penalty." [10] "31. Rare as is the man that is truly penitent, so rare is also the man who truly buys indulgences, i.e. such men are most rare." [10] Nonconformity Throughout the Old Testament Lot More details coming soon! Noah More details coming soon! Nonconformity Throughout the New Testament Jesus Never Caved to Majority Opinion John chapter 7 says that Jesus "walked in Galilee: for He would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill Him." (v1) And why did they want to kill Him? "but Me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil." (v7) The Jews hated Him so much that Jesus had to move around "not openly, but as it were in secret". (v10) He upset the Jews so much that "there was much murmuring among the people concerning Him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but He deceiveth the people." (v12) Wherever Jesus went, communities were divided because of Him. (Jn. 7v43) Some called Him a deceiver. (Jn. 7v12) Some claimed He was possessed of the Devil. (Jn. 8v52) Others said He blasphemed. (Jn. 10v33) Many hated Him. (Jn. 7v7) Others wanted Him dead. (Jn. 7v1; 8v59; 10v31) Yet, Jesus never conformed to what the Jewish community required of Him. Had He, He would never have had the impact He did, nor be crucified. (Lk. 9v22) Paul Never Caved to Majority Opinion At Corinth, it is said that, "the Jews made insurrection WITH ONE ACCORD AGAINST PAUL, and brought him to the judgment seat, saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law." (Acts 18v7-18) If Paul conformed to the will of the Jews at Corinth, he would not have spoken there at all. Peter Never Caved to Majority Opinion In Acts chapter 3 we read about "a certain man lame from his mother's womb" (v2) who was "healed" (v11). This caused quite a stir at Jerusalem. So much so, that in Acts chapter 4 we find the Sadducees arresting them while addressing "the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple" (v1-2). It is said that both Peter and John was incarcerated. (v3) The next day they were set before
12/23/2008 6:19 PM
The Value of Majority Opinion - EJ Hill & Friends
4 of 7
http://www.ejays.co.za/index.php/The_Value_of_Majority_Opinion
the "rulers, and elders, and scribes, Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest" (v5-6). Upon receiving Peter's Defense, the council was left speechless - since they couldn't deny the miracle. (v14, 16) Yet, they didn't for a moment hesitate to "straightly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name" (v17-18). Today still, we find that once "rulers, elders, scribes, priests, and their kindred" are challenged, they will "incarcerate, judge and threaten" God's People. But as Peter confirmed, "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." (v19-20) Stephen Never Caved to Majority Opinion We read in Acts chapter 6 of Stephen's "great wonders and miracles" (v8) at Jerusalem, which moved some of "the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cicilia and of Asia", to dispute with him. (v9) So when "they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake" (v10), gave false witness against him (v11, 13-14), stirring up the people (v12), and dragging him before the council. We read in Acts chapter 7 of his trial, that it upset them so much that "they were cut to the heart" and "gnashed on him with their teeth" (v54), "casting him out of the city" (v58) , and "stoning him to death". (v58-60). He did what he had to do. He did the right thing. But, like Al Capone would say, "He got dead". Nonconformity Throughout History Martin Luther Never Caved to Majority Opinion Coming soon! John Knox Never Caved to Majority Opinion Coming soon! Courage Under Fire As Christians we have to make peace with the reality of persecution. Throughout the ages, thousands of Christians paid with their lives, for what they believed. Why then should we be any different? "Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. IF THEY HAVE PERSECUTED ME, THEY WILL ALSO PERSECUTE YOU; if they have kept My saying, they will keep yours also." (Jn. 15v20, AKJV, p.477) "{34} Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. {35} For I AM COME TO SET A MAN AT VARIANCE AGAINST HIS FATHER, AND THE DAUGHTER AGAINST HER MOTHER, AND THE DAUGHTER IN LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER IN LAW. {36} And A MAN'S FOES SHALL BE THEY OF HIS OWN HOUSEHOLD. {37} He that loveth father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me: and He that loveth son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me." (Mt. 10v34-37, AKJV, p.426) "Yea, and ALL THAT WILL LIVE GODLY IN CHRIST JESUS SHALL SUFFER PERSECUTION." (2 Tim. 3v12, AKJV, p.529) Don't let people shut you up. If you speak the truth, speak it boldly.
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"Then I said, I will not make mention of Him, nor speak anymore in His name. But His Word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay." (Jer. 20v9, AKJV, p.341) "{19} But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. {20} For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." (Acts 4v19-20, AKJV, p.482) "Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, 'Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: ..." (Acts 18v9, AKJV, p.491) "If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him: if we deny Him, He also will deny us." (2 Tim. 2v12, AKJV, p.528) "And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto Thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak Thy Word." (Acts 4v29, AKJV, p.483) In Conclusion - It was Majority Opinion that had Christ crucified. - It was Majority Opinion that had Peter and John imprisoned. (Acts 4) - It was Majority Opinion that, in 1415, had Jan Hus burned at the stake. [4] - It was Majority Opinion that, in 1528, had Patrick Hamilton burned at the stake. [7] - It was Majority Opinion that, in 1536, had William Tyndale burned at the stake. [6] - It was Majority Opinion that, in 1546, had George Wishart burned at the stake. [8] - It was Majority Opinion that, in 1555, had Hugh Latimer burned at the stake. [3] - It was Majority Opinion that, in 1556, had Thomas Cranmer burned at the stake. [5] If I had to cave to majority opinion my whole life: I WOULDN'T BE A CHRISTIAN, since at my conversion on 6 November 1993, neither my family, nor my friends, nor my teachers, appreciated the change. "For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ." (Gal. 1v10, AKJV, p.516) I WOULDN'T BE BAPTIZED, since, The Dutch Reformed Churches in South Africa (which I attended) were very much against Believers Baptism, and would not hesitate to expel their own. "In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act." - George Orwell
Bibliography 1
The Voice of the Martyrs. (03/03/2008) http://www.persecution.com/
2
Persecution of Christians; Wikipedia. (03/03/2008) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persecution_of_Christians
3
Hugh Latimer; NNDB. (04/03/2008) http://www.nndb.com/people/543/000094261/
4
Jan Hus; NNDB. (04/03/2008) http://www.nndb.com/people/543/000094261/
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5
Thomas Cranmer; NNDB. (04/03/2008) http://www.nndb.com/people/534/000094252/
6
William Tyndale; NNDB. (04/03/2008) http://www.nndb.com/people/569/000094287/
7
Patrick Hamilton; NNDB. (04/03/2008) http://www.nndb.com/people/948/000101645/
8
George Wishart; NNDB. (04/03/2008) http://www.nndb.com/people/591/000094309/
9
Dr. David P. Stern; The Round Earth and Christopher Columbus. (04/03/2008) http://wwwistp.gsfc.nasa.gov/stargaze/Scolumb.htm 10
Prof. Dr. Martin Luther; Disputation of Doctor Martin Luther on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences (95 Theses); 1517. (07/03/2008) http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/95_Theses
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