In Jesus’ day the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes were all divided over the issue of Pentecost. The Pharisees kept it on the 6th day of the 3rd month which was 50 days beginning with the day after the 1st day of Unleavened Bread. The Sadducees observed it on Sunday, the 50th day beginning with the Sunday during the days of Unleavened Bread. The Essenes counted Pentecost beginning with the day following the last day of Unleavened Bread. They all had a different interpretation of the phrase, "morrow after the Sabbath." If Jesus knew of this difference, he did not spend His time giving any of them the "right" answer.

Paul had this to say to Timothy which applies to today's ministry: "Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister (serve to bring up) questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith " (1Tim. 1:4). The RSV has this translation: "nor to occupy themselves with myths and endless genealogies which promote speculations rather than the divine training that is in faith."

Again Paul exhorts, "Have nothing to do with stupid, senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels" (2Tim. 2:23 RSV). And again Paul exhorts the ministry, "But avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels over the law, for they are unprofitable and futile" (Titus 3:9 RSV).

Remember, these are exhortations to the ministers! But unfortunately, today, some ministers are the very ones who generate these foolish and senseless controversies. I suspect it is done in order to create division and draw away disciples after themselves (Acts 20:30).

Each of us has a nagging neurotic need "to be right." Forget whether we are good or not, we just want to be RIGHT! It is this neurotic need to be right that entraps so many in endless arguments and self-doubts. The doubts go like this, "I wonder whether I am right about the calendar, time of Passover, order of services, structure of the church, etc., etc." A minister comes along then, and takes advantage of this doubt and need to be right. He then picks on a minor and insignificant point of law and begins to build up its importance.

Thus there are "sacred names" groups. There are those who insist that we build booths during the feast. Still others want to blow the trumpet on Trumpets while some want to take wine and bread on the end of 14th, others at beginning, some in the middle, etc, etc.

There is no end to controversy and when the importance of being right is attached to these things, people will feud with one another, break off contact, refuse to fellowship, even accuse and attribute motives to one another.

At Guardian Ministries, we will heed Paul’s admonitions. Guardian Ministries will not use personal attacks or deal in gossip, innuendo or slander against anyone. We will, however, present a strong position for Bible truth and wholesome (healthy) words and ideas.

Guardian Ministries will not be a respecter of persons. Paul states that he was not awed by the titles of men, not even of Peter and John. “…whatever they amounted to makes no difference to me; God does not respect any man’s person…” (Gal. 2:6). In other words, just because a well-known person says something does not mean we will automatically accept it. It must also be the truth. Truth, as evidenced by Scripture, and which promotes edification, love and unity -- the are signs of Godly wisdom -- is our ultimate authority!

-- David L. Antion