Author: Bryan Gibson

Weekly Bulletin
December 24, 2023

The Majority View
by Bryan Gibson
People can be blinded to the truth—the Bible says so. “But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded...” (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). See also John 12:39-40. A variety of factors can cause this blindness, but let’s focus on just one in this article. Some are blinded to the truth by what we might call “the majority view”, or the “popular view.”
Sometimes, when presented with clear teaching from God’s word, people will respond with statements like these:
“That’s not what the majority of people believe.”
“That’s not what most commentators say about that passage.”
“How can that be right, when so few people believe it?”
“Most churches I know anything about don’t practice that.”
Further adding to the confusion is that some religious groups will actually take a vote on doctrinal matters.
What people often fail to understand is that people in the right have quite often been in the minority. Think about Noah, who in the midst of an ungodly generation, “walked with God” (Genesis 6:9). Think about Joshua and Caleb, two of the twelve sent to spy out the land of Canaan. They stood alone in their conviction that with God’s help they could conquer the promised land (Numbers 14:6-9). And then there is the plain teaching of Jesus in Matthew 7:13-14: “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” It just doesn’t make any sense to side with the majority, no questions asked. We’re looking for the truth, and so we can’t be too worried about who believes what.
God’s word says what it says, regardless of how few or how many believe it. If one teaches baptism is for the remission of sins, essential for salvation, he will not be popular—he will find himself in the minority. But God’s word still says it (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21). The same for one who teaches divorce is forbidden, except for the cause of sexual immorality. But that is exactly what Jesus said (Matthew 19:3-12). Those who would argue against women preachers don’t do much for their popularity, but God’s word still teaches against it. “And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence” (1 Timothy 2:11-12, see also 1 Corinthians 14:34-35). God grants her many opportunities to teach, but not where she is doing it “over a man.” More points could be added, but you can see where we’re going with this. We will forever be blinded to the truth if being popular with others is our main concern (John 5:44). Study God’s word diligently and carefully (Proverbs 2:1-5; 2 Timothy 2:15), looking for the truth and nothing but the truth. When you find it, hold fast to it (1 Thessalonians 5:21), and don’t be swayed by the “majority view.”

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	P.O. Box 680872 / Prattville, AL 36067
	(334) 868-0801
	prattmont@gmail.com / prattmontchurchofchrist.org

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The Prattmont Church of Christ is just what the name suggests, a church that belongs to Christ. We are not a denomination; we are simply a group of Christians trying very hard to practice the teachings of our Head, Jesus Christ. The New Testament offers a complete pattern for what each local church should be like—its organization, its worship, its work, etc. We are committed to following that pattern. We cordially invite you to attend our services. We would also welcome any comments or questions about this bulletin.

TIMES OF SERVICES:
Sunday
Bible Classes………...9 A.M.
Worship 10:00 A.M.
Worship/Bible Study..5 P.M.
Wednesday:
Bible Study 7:00 P.M.