THE GOSPEL AND SUBJECTIVISM
by Dub McClish

Our times are characterized by religious convictions based solely upon feelings and experiences. This has always been a trademark of Pentecostalism, but it now affects all of the sects (and even many brethren). Most religionists trust their eternal destiny to a mere hunch or feeling. Mormons profess to believe in Joe Smith and his book of Mormon because they prayed about it and God confirmed it by a "burning in their breasts". All such things are only as certain as the feelings, emotions, and moods of those who "testify" about them. Is there anything more fickle than human feelings and emotions?

Such experiences and feelings leave men with no standard. The insincere imposter can claim experiences equal to or even better than those of the most sincere devotee. Pentecostals who do not accept the Book of Mormon and Joe Smith are obligated (to be consistent) to accept the Mormon’’s testimony. (In fact, the subjectivist who claims to believe in Christ cannot even disallow the Hindu who sincerely feels that his salvation rests upon Pagan rites!) While not intending to impugn the sincerity of anyone, it must be a very convenient form of religion that rests on "it is so because I say so or I feel so". This philosophy is correctly called "subjectivism" ("a doctrine that individual feeling.....is the ultimate criterion of the good and the right," Webster). Only by following such a doctrine could one smite his breast and declare, "I wouldn’’t trade the feeling I have right here for a stack of Bibles!".

Neither the Lord nor His apostles ever rested the salvation they offer upon subjectivism. Nor did they ever count mere feelings or emotions as evidences of salvation. The authority from which their Gospel (the Gospel, Gal. 1:6-9) sprang was not from the imaginings, "hope-so’s", "think-so’s", or personal feelings of anyone, themselves or others. Their message was not, "Look what we are doing for Jesus.", but "Look what Jesus has done and can do for you.". The message they preached was objective (as opposed to subjective), for it was the Truth, and objective, inflexible standard independent of their own thoughts and feelings. The Gospel of Christ, faithfully communicated to us in our New Testament, is God’’s thinking, not man’’s (John 16:13; 1 Cor. 2:13; Gal. 1:11-12; et al). When men wanted to be saved they were not told to pray till they felt a certain way, but to obey the Gospel commands that would put them in touch with the cleansing blood of Christ (Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:3-4;; et al). Only by obeying this objective Gospel can one who believes in Christ know that he is saved!

Family Bulletin Board

Remember in prayer and with cards, phone calls, or visits those who have chronic illnesses: Delsie Bishop, Reva Brewer, Ella Brumitt, Eloise Deaton, Jamie Farmer, Francis Ferren, Elizabeth Fowler, Savannah Green, Lola Mae Hamlett, Louise Hunt, & Edith Lechenet.

Today:
     1. POTLUCK!
     2. 2:00 pm worship/singing.
     3. 3:00 Mailout labeling
We are glad you are here and hope you will stay and join us for the day.

August 16 - CONGREGATIONAL PICNIC
In the park at Gast and Snow Roads
We will eat at noon
Maps and a Sign-up sheet giving complete details are posted on the bulletin board in the foyer.

Mark your calendar now for September events:
Pig Roast - September 6, at Tom & Danielle’s home.
Gospel Meeting - September 7 - 10, with Gary Colley as our speaker.

Prayer requests:
1.Chelsea Selvidge has been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Keep the whole family in your prayers as Carol and Kevin have health issues as well.
2. Aretta Sayle is now living with her daughter and son-in-law in Colorado. She asks us to remember her through this transition. Her new address in on the bulletin board in the foyer.