A Few Things I Disagree With, By RM

By Ray Burkholder

May 1, 2022

In response to the article: From the Peace Barn: Born Again and Amish (January 2022 issue)

The idea that an Old Order Amish Church Ordnung is just a set of man-made rules might be true if we choose to think so, but it can also be viewed as being Biblical principles applied to everyday life that we submit to God and his Bride, which is the church. That submission to God and the church must include the very important part (the repentance and New Birth from the inborn nature of man) or it is all in vain, just as sinful man with no hope in eternity.

Another thing I differ is on the point of TV and cellphone being alright for a newborn Christian who is filled with the Holy Spirit. What if another person came into your home, maybe your child, and behind your back would view all that the devil provides and have his mind corrupted beyond repair? Who would answer for his soul at the judgment day? I am sure you realize that there are some born-again Christians that are a little weak and would benefit from less dangers.

I don’t mean to imply that I disagree on more than just a few points, otherwise I think you’re mostly agreeable with the Bible. I don’t want to justify corruption creeping into any denomination.   --RM

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Thank you for writing!

I understand what you are saying, because I was there myself. I always thought that the Ordnung was protecting me from dangers of the world. When I started reading the Bible, some verses really bothered me, like:

“But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men”  (Mt 15:9).

“For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God” (Rm 10:3).

I wondered if I was trying to establish my own righteousness with Ordnung. Philippians 3:9 tells me that it causes self-righteousness.

“And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.”

Then, I wondered if I was trusting in not having some material things to keep me safe. I thought of John 14:6, and then I realized that the righteousness of God is by faith in Jesus Christ.

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

“Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference” (Rm 3:22).

It was just like Abraham who was also justified by faith.

“For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness” (Rm 4:3).

I also realized that anything can be used for evil, even animals. I know flesh wants to do what it is not supposed to. That is why it is important to be led by the Holy Spirit - so that we have the power to say “no” to Biblical sins.

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Rm 8:14).

“But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law” (Gal 5:18).

To my understanding, there is no such thing as “lost without hope” in Scripture as long as a person is living, because we have all sinned.

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Rm 3:23).

Everyone will give account of himself:

“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Rm 14:12).

The way I understand it is that we only submit to God and His Word. I would encourage anyone to study the Scriptures to see what it does say. God bless!                        

—Ray Burkholder

 

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