“Do you know the difference between dying for nothing and dying for something. That’s why I’m still alive. That’s the only reason why I managed to stay alive in China, so I wouldn’t die for nothing. Today, I can die for something“.

A character named Jack Bauer in the hits tv series called 24 play by Kiefer Sutherland.

 Perhaps the statement by Kiefer Sutherland couldn’t have be more accurate especially   to the pass saints who preached the gospel where ever they went, and  were more willing to risk their lives & often were martyrs for the sake of the cross. Throughout history a myriad of saints were severely tortured and brutally exterminated because of the gospel. Even today in country like China and many Muslim countries are being unfairly persecuted and slaughter  because they held to the great truth of scripture and Jesus dying  on Calvary cross for our sins.Despite being ill-treated they still would not relent on the glorious truth of the gospel.  Jesus Christ was their example He was willing to  forsake his glorious throne and, became poor, and mock, beaten, torment, tortured  and die a cruel death on a cross, for our sake.  However it very rare that they would put their lives on the line over nonessential issue within scripture perhaps a fight or two in which often they would split up over these issue.

There‘s an adage within some Christian circle. The essential and  the nonessential of Christian Doctrine. The  gospel is essential and the  nonessential, such as the Lord Supper and baptism are non-essential. Whiles they’re important part of scripture but nonetheless it not worth dying over them nor would it save you in times of trouble .

The essential is the Gospel; While Jesus Christ was hanging on the cross. He uttered these words.  “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani ” that is,“My God, My God why have you forsaken me. It was at that time all the sins of the world fell upon the Son of God and His Father who love Him dearly and they were one. Turned His back on Him, becauses He is holy and hated sin and He couldn’t look upon him and His wrath fell upon Him.  Nonetheless, if  we confess and acknowledge our  sins before Him and believe in our hearts that He  took our sins and recused us from hell. He will declare us righteous before His Father. Than He will take our sins and you will inherit His righteousness.  This is the key to Christian living and we’re not to  compromise on what Jesus did on the Calvary cross. As John Calvin stated institute “  the main hinge on which religion turns, so that we devote the greater attention and care to it.‘ (  Institutes, 3:11:1) This worth dying for and being and being  persecuted. Perhaps the words that were echo by Jesus were imprinted on the saints, found  in Matthew 6; 10- 12;  10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Nonetheless, such as Baptism and the Lord Supper are to be observed and commanded by Jesus to be obeyed until He return, however, it not a salvation issue however  scripture does declare that we must administer the Lord Supper in remembrance of Him. Irregardless  not important how often it  done or where it done whether it done in local churches or at home. In  my option we should confess our sins daily as Job did it . In baptism  whether we‘re sprinkle or dip into water or Baptist as an infant or  those who believe in Christ than received they’re baptism or decide to be rebaptizes. While they’re are  sound in their  doctrine and are very important to the church order , however is not worth dying over it, nor starting a war over , or an unhealthy splits within the church body or needless name calling in most cases it causes unnecessary bitterness between the brothers and sisters in which it spill will out into the community. I know a denominations and a family members who bicker  over these  non-essential issue. In most there conversation uncivil it feel like you’re middle WW Two. Even after when they went their separated ways. They‘re still disputing over property and legal documents however overtime these matter are settle but there left with bitter taste in their  mouths no longer able to talk to each other and avoid each others. Some family did not talk to either any more nor do they not want to associate with their brothers nor sisters anymore This sadden my heart break my heart. nevertheless they still all know and love Jesus and believe He took their sins away. Maybe the  lesson we should learn isthe thief  on the cross who hung next to Jesus Christ when he utter these words to Jesus “And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” when the other robber was mocking Jesus And he said, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!”  and  Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.” Luke 23; 41 -42.  Was the thief ever baptist or partake in the Lord Supper ? Of course not  he only confessing  his sins and acknowledging them before Jesus.  That why he able to enter glory; note the thief acknowledge Jesus did nothing wrong.While the other thief kept mocking Him even thou he was dying. To me this seem bizarre this also explain how deprave he was and next to him was someone who was willing take his sins and take his place. Even the cross Jesus displayed his grace.

However I still believe there room  and a place and a time in which a healthy dialogue  should be encouraged and which we

learn a lot from each. An open also debate help us to see another person perspective on scripture. Nevertheless there‘re  times you need to stand your ground and  hold to your position secondary issue, however with gentleness and respect and remember they’re still your brothers and sisters in the Lord. If not able respect another person point view. than possibly separation is necessary evil, but remember there‘re still your brothers and sisters in the Lord.

What I am trying to say is that it would more prudent that all denominations throughout the Golden horseshoe area should put their nonessential doctrine aside for the sake of the gospel and work together. Unquestionably the words elegantly written by Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 13; 11-12 11; When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. If do not attempt to try work thing out while on earth however you’ll have no choice in heaven. I believe that there’s a pocket of people within the golden horseshoe area that attempting to model this and the church I am attending is definitely  modelling this. On personal note the people I am working with go contrary to how I see scripture still in all I am  part of a their  team and their part of  God’s family. Within my earthly family we often do not see eye to eye within scripture and family matter, nevertheless we still  love each other and they’re still my brothers and sister and love them. In times of trouble we‘re there for each other. Perhaps the words that echo in my mind are “Go Paul with Gohop!” written by sister Marcia Lier.

To me the nonessential often hinder the gospel even thsn God’s grace still moving.

Other related text; Luke 22; 19,  Philippians 4; 13, 2 Timothy 3; 12 Psalm 22; 1,Mark 15, 34, Matthew 27; 46, 1 John 1;9,  2 Corinthian 5; 21 1 Peter 3; 15b, Job 1; 5 , 2 Thessalonians 3:15