Current Issues in the Church

Some Happenings Among the Area Congregations of Christ

2011-11-01T18:28:00.002-05:00

There is an area in my front lawn that really is of great concern to me. First of all, there was an indenture on one side and later I had a problem with insects that began destroying the grass in that same area. When the lawn service sprayed some strong chemicals to kill the insects it also did damage to the grass. Now there is a ‘wash’ or the beginning of erosion that will cause further damage unless I do something constructive about it. And I plan to do that very thing in order to stop my erosion problem. Over the years there have debates and conversations concerning different styles of worship in our assemblies. Some changes are matters of differences of opinions and preferences and should not become issues that are divisive in nature.

On the other hand, some brethren have introduced practices over the years that are contributing to the erosion of scriptural and acceptable worship to God. This has not occurred overnight but has been a gradual process. Small things can become very large over a period of time. Some changes have indicated a very progressive attitude that point to a more liberal view concerning what is allowed in our corporate worship assemblies. Severe religious ‘erosion’ can cause critical damage that will eventually take place in a congregation. Permit me to mention a few indicators of serious problems that are causing great concern among brethren who are trying to hold fast to sound doctrine.

One area congregation has named denominational preachers in their church bulletins that were to speak to them during the Wednesday evening assemblies and on other occasions. Presently they are advertizing in their ‘church calendar’ that they will view a video of a ‘contemporary Christian Artist’ on a Sunday night in the month of September. This “artist” is listed in another source as being the “founding and visionary pastor of New River Fellowship in Franklin, Tennessee”. There is no reason to believe otherwise but that musical instruments will be used in the singing of religious songs by this ‘artist’.

Another area congregation had a ‘Contemporary Christian Artist’ to perform during their Sunday evening worship assembly. Their announcement stated that there would not be a charge to attend this service but a “love offering” would be taken. This ‘artist’, I am sure did not sing all his religious songs acapella syle but rather mechanical instruments would have been used. Of course many of us viewed the program on a denomination’s television program when some of the congregation’s members sang (with instruments) for a gathering at this denomination.

And yet another area congregation has used a very popular athlete (football player in high school, college & professional) to speak for them during a Sunday evening worship assembly. I know that to be true because on the church’s website the announcement in part reads as follows: “He will share his personal testimony of the spiritual journey that has occurred in his life. Invite your friends and neighbors to this event. It will be very inspirational. It is sad to note that this individual has Lou Gehrig’s disease and for this I am very sorry.

In the New Testament and especially in the book of Acts, when the apostles and preachers met people on their ‘spiritual journey’ they taught them all that the Lord required of a person in order to be saved from past sins. Here are but a few examples:

1. After Peter and the apostles had preached that Jesus was indeed the Christ and the Jewish hearers had him crucified, those who came to be believers were told what they lacked in order to obtain forgiveness of their sins. Peter instructed them to “repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” (Acts 2:36-38).

2. When the nobleman from Ethiopia fully understood and believed that Jesus Christ was the promised Messiah, he expressed a sincere desire to be immersed that he might be saved (Acts 8:35-38; Mark 16:16).

3. Even Saul who became a penitent believer was exhorted by Ananias to “arise and be baptized and wash away your sins…” (Acts 22:16).

4. The twelve men in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-5) who only knew the baptism of John was taught by the apostle Paul regarding the baptism of Jesus Christ and they responded by being immersed in His name. This means that a person could be baptized but for the wrong reason and understanding and still be in need of being scripturally baptized. This was also evident in the case of Apollos who knew only “the baptism of John” but he was taught by Aquila and Priscilla “the way of God more perfectly.” (Acts 18:24-26)).

5. Thus we understand that the preachers in the first century would accept individuals where they were on their ‘spiritual journey’ and guide them to the point of complete obedience in order for their sins to be forgiven by the grace of God and the blood of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8; Ephesians 1:7; Revelation 1:5).

Now the question is, was the gentleman who gave “his personal testimony” on Sunday evening a believer who had been immersed in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of his sins and thus a member of the body (church) of Christ (Acts 2:38; 41; 1 Corinthians 12:13)? If he is a New Testament Christian then I have nothing further to say except I am very sorry that we have to use popular athletes and professional singers to draw people to our buildings for a worship assembly. But for the moment let us consider the proposition that this individual is not a member of the church of our Lord but rather a member of a denomination. ***

1. Did any of the elders, preachers or some of the members endeavor to lead this precious soul on his “spiritual journey” to complete his journey by being scripturally immersed into Christ (Galatians 3:26, 27)?

2. If this was not done, was this person given the ‘right hand of fellowship’ while knowing he was not a member of the church?

3. Were the members of the congregation given the impression by the leaders that this person was acceptable to God where he was on his “spiritual journey”?

4. If that be the case, are we to understand by such action that an individual is saved without being scripturally baptized as is required by the Lord and His apostles (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38)?

5. Furthermore, if the speaker was not a member of the church, a precedent (“any act, decision, or case that serves as a guide or justification for subsequent situations”) has been set which indicates that selected additional non-members such as well known professional “Christian Artist”, athletes and others will be permitted to speak during the worship assembly of the congregation.

6. And a great harm has been done by influencing our children and young people that it is not necessary to obey all the commands of the gospel; and, that an individual can be acceptable to the lord while in a denomination as well as in the church.

Because I “love the brotherhood” I write about these matters and the words of the Apostle Paul as found in 2 Corinthians 11:28 are my personal feelings: “Besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.”

*** I called the office of a local southern denomination and inquired about the speaker and the secretary stated that he had at one time been on the roll there but she believed that he now lives in a different city. I called a brother in Christ who has lived in our city all his life and who knew the speaker and this brother said that he had never heard of him becoming a member of the church. Surely if this gentleman had been converted some of our brethren, especially in this area would have been most happy to have announced the good news.

The Penitent Thief

2011-01-08T21:31:00.000-06:00

A PERSONAL NOTE: On January 7, 2011, I received the following remarks relative to my article, Baptism: Essential For Church Membership But Not For Salvation? “I find it interesting that in your discussion of baptism and it's relevance to salvation you have made no mention of the thief on the cross to whom Christ plainly said, "This day you shall be with me in paradise". Here there was no opportunity for baptism, but clearly Christ recognized the faith of this repentant sinner.” It is with a real sense of gratitude that I state how pleased I am that this individual took the time to read my article. As fellow travelers on the road of life together and bound for eternity it is wonderful that as believers in God and in His Word we can discuss the importance of biblical baptism and other religious subjects. Everyone has the right to inquire as to why I teach what I do in my respective articles. I think of what Luke wrote about the people of the city of Berea as found in Acts 17:11: “These were more fair-minded (noble) than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” I pray that the following article will help your understanding concerning the penitent thief who was crucified at the same time as our Lord Jesus Christ.

* * * *

In Luke 23:39-43 we read of two men, along with Jesus Christ, being crucified. One man died in rebellion and in deep despair. The other individual received a promise from the Lord before he died. The difference between the two men was in the disposition of their heart. One was stubborn and steeped in sin. The other possessed a broken and contrite heart. One died without hope. The other died with a great expectation based on what the Lord said to him.

However, the example of the penitent thief on the cross has been abused, misused and misunderstood by so many people. In hope of a better understanding of this situation, please study carefully the following observations:

1. One man was penitent. He had committed a crime against society worthy of death. In Matthew 27:44, we read: “Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing.” However, he manifested a penitent attitude. Of course God has required repentance in every age. The Psalmist declared, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and contrite heart – These, O God, You will not despise” (Psalms 51:17; Acts 17:31).

2. Jesus Christ had all power to forgive this penitent person of his transgressions. In response to undue criticism by the scribes, Jesus asked, “Which is easier, to say to the paralytic,’ Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise, take up your bed and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins” – He said to the paralytic, “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house” (Mark 2:9-11). Thus, while Jesus was on earth, he possessed the power to heal the sick and/or forgive sins.

3. The penitent thief may or may not have been baptized. One could easily assume that he had been immersed. Most likely he was an erring Jew. It was near the city of Jerusalem where he was put to death. Being a Jew, he could have been baptized of John’s baptism. In Mark 1:5 we read, “Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.” This baptism was of “repentance unto remission of sins” (Mark 1:4). Those who failed to submit to the baptism of John “…rejected the will of God for themselves” (Luke 7:30). But to state emphatically that this thief had been baptized would just be as incorrect as to propose that he had not been baptized. Both are based on the silence of the Scriptures and are therefore mere assumptions.

4. The penitent thief died under the Law of Moses. His life and worship were regulated by that law which came through Moses (John 1:17) and as is found in the Old Testament. Jesus himself lived and died under the Old Law (Galatians 4:4, 5). Moses’ Law was still in effect when Christ told the thief, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43). Our Lord was the mediator of the New Covenant. He was the testator of His last will and testament. It was not until Jesus died on Calvary that His testament came into force. Read carefully what the inspired writer wrote in Hebrews 9:15-17: “And for this reason He is the mediator of the new covenant by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives” (NKJV). Jesus nailed the Old Law to the cross when died (Colossians 2:14). The thief did not and could not have lived under the will and testament of Jesus for the simple fact that such was not in force because the testator (Jesus Christ) had not died and it had not been probated in heaven. What was required of the thief who lived under the Old Law is not required of us. What all is required of us today under the New Testament of Jesus Christ pertaining to salvation from sins was not required of the thief on the cross. Therefore, this man is not and cannot be a proper example of conversion for men and women in this Christian age.

In conclusion, one should not be overly concerned with what Jesus personally said to the thief on the cross but rather what the Lord commands people to do presently in order to be saved from sins. In the New Testament we learn that sinners need to come to believe in Jesus as being the Son of God, to repent of sins and be immersed into Christ for the remission of sins in order to become children of God and members of the church of our Lord (Please read John 8:24; Acts 3:19; Acts 2:37,38,47; Galatians 3:26,27).

Baptism: Essential For Church Membership But Not For Salvation?

2010-09-13T11:33:00.003-05:00

The design and purpose of New Testament baptism continues to be discussed and debated. Even though some religious groups go at great length to prove that Bible baptism is an immersion in water, they will declare that it has nothing to do with a person’s salvation. This is evident as one can read in The Hiscox Standard Baptist Manual by Edward T. Hiscox. Over the years our brethren have debated our Baptist friends as to the purpose of water baptism while both sides agreed that baptism is by immersion only. Furthermore our Baptist friends will teach that it is required that a person must be immersed in order to be a member of that denomination. This kind of reasoning would, in short, state that an individual could be saved without ever joining this denominational body. Our religious friends teach that when a person repents and believes in Jesus Christ as being the Son of God, he is saved at that point in time. And that baptism would be considered a work of man and not of God. Yet, they would require a ‘non-essential’ (baptism) to be experienced by a ‘saved’ individual in order to be a member of the Baptist Church. As you can see, they separate salvation and church membership; that is, you are saved by faith only but you have to be immersed in order to be a member of their denomination. But they are not the only religious organization that teach and practice this doctrine relative to baptism. In fact, the majority of denominations teach that baptism has nothing to do with being saved from past sins.

Recently, there have been two denominations/community churches mentioned in the area newspapers. One is the Centerpoint Fellowship that meets in the Legends Marriott Hotel in Prattville and the second one is the Journey Church that is located in Millbrook. Both groups have grown numerically since their beginning in our area. Because I did not know of their particular beliefs I began reading their respective websites. First of all, the Centerpoint Fellowship has a section on their website in which they explain their doctrine regarding baptism and the Lord’s Supper under the heading, “WHAT WE BELIEVE” And I quote: “The Church on earth observes two sacraments given by Jesus Himself. Baptism symbolizes Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. While not required for salvation, it is an outward demonstration of having accepted Christ’s saving grace at the beginning of a believer’s journey with God” (Emphasis, mine, RE). Basically what is taught here is similar to other religious organizations on the subject of baptism and that is a person is saved when he comes to believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and confesses the same. And usually there will be a sinner’s prayer to God for the forgiveness of sins. He is later immersed to show forth that he has been saved by the grace of God. Here again you have a religious organization requiring what they consider a ‘non-essential’ act (baptism) of salvation.

The second religious organization is the Journey Church. I also began to examine their doctrine and practices as found on their website. Under the heading “GET CONNECTED” you will find a secondary heading “BAPTISM”. Please read carefully the following: “WHAT IS BAPTISM? Baptism is cause for celebration. That’s because baptism is your first public profession of faith. It’s a way to show that you’ve accepted Christ. In the same way a wedding ring is used as a symbol of a deep and lasting commitment to a spouse, baptism is a symbol of a deep and lasting relationship with God” (Emphasis, mine, RE). Again, “WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM? It is a symbol of Christ’s burial and resurrection (1 Cor. 15:3-4). It is a symbol of your life as a Christian (2 Cor. 5:17). Baptism does not make you a believer; it shows that you already are one! Baptism does not save you; only your faith in Christ does that” (Emphasis, mine, RE). Under the heading “WHY BE BAPTIZED” they do teach that “Christ commanded it (Matt.28:19, 20)”. They then raise the question, “WHEN ARE WE TO BE BAPTIZED? They teach “As soon as a person decides to believe in Christ, he or she can and should be baptized (Acts 2:41). A description is given about the baptismal service: “When it’s time, you will enter the water and state your name and proclaim you are a Christ-follower. Then the pastor or person who is baptizing you will say a few words and lower you just under the water. (Through the years, we have found that baptism is much more personal when the person being baptized says their name and proclaims “I am a Christ-follower” or similar acknowledgement). The point is made clearly that “Baptisms are scheduled regularly throughout the year at Journey. Upcoming dates are announced during our weekend services and can be found on our website” (Emphasis, mine, RE).

In a careful reading of the foregoing statements of beliefs and practices of both of the prior mentioned religious organizations it is plain to see that neither teaches that baptism is essential for salvation. It is simply an outward sign or a symbol of one having been saved by faith only. While the Journey church does admit that baptism is commanded, they would explain that it is necessary to become a member of their organization. Their reference to Acts 2:41 is as follows: “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that about three thousand souls were added to them.” This would be in agreement with verse 47 of the same chapter: “(P)raising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church (unto them) daily those who were being saved.” Their teaching would be that when the believer is saved he is then to be baptized in order to be added to the church (other believers). While this denomination stresses the importance of being baptized, they do not require that it has to be done immediately, even though they may say that baptism should be done soon after one is ‘saved’. In fact they schedule baptisms on a regular basis and they announce when such will take place in the future. And the “pastor or person” who may be doing the baptizing says nothing about it being for the remission of sins and the reason is that they believe the one being baptized is already saved.

It is now time that we examine the New Testament regarding what constitutes scriptural baptism as well as some thought provoking points of interest. I greatly encourage you to read all of the scripture references that are given in this discussion.

1. Justification by faith is a scriptural expression and doctrine that is found in Romans 5:1, 2. Please observe that it is faith in Jesus Christ that we have access to the grace of God by which we are saved (Ephesians 2:5, 8). Man cannot save himself by his own good works, even when we do all that is commanded of us we are to say "We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do” (Luke 17:10).

2. However, if it is the work of God then a person has to submit to the requirement of God in order to be saved. Even faith is a work of God (John 6:29) and so is baptism since it is commanded in Matthew 28:19, 20).

3. Not all baptisms are scriptural and acceptable to God. Even the baptism of John the Baptist was commanded of God at one time but after the death of Christ, it was null and void. The eloquent Apollos was led by Aquila and Priscilla to understand that the baptism of John that he was practicing was not acceptable and “explained to him the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:24-26). The twelve disciples in Ephesus who undoubtedly were baptized with John’s baptism because of the influence of the teaching of Apollos were scripturally baptized “in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 19:1-7).

4. The apostles were instructed to “preach the gospel to every creature”. Jesus further stated in great clarity, “He who believes and is baptized shall be saved…” The conjunction “and” brings together two things of equal importance, belief and baptism and they cannot be separated when it comes to salvation from past sins (Mark 16:15, 16).

5. The Holy Spirit guided the apostle Peter on the day of Pentecost to tell believers to “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:36-38). The preposition “for” in Acts 2:38 is from the Greek word EIS and is “a preposition governing the Accusative, and denoting entrance into, or direction and limit: into, to, towards, for, among” (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament) and therefore does not in any sense mean that one is to be baptized because he is already saved. There were about three thousands souls who did what Peter instructed them to do and they “were added to them” (Acts 2:41). Luke wrote in Acts 2:47 that “the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” Thus, the Lord who saved them also added them to the church. Being saved from sins and later ‘joining the church’ was unheard of in the first century. The Holy Spirit guided the apostle Paul to write in 1 Corinthians 12:13: “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body…” Paul makes it very clear in Colossians 1:18 that the body is the church when he writes about Jesus being “the head of the body, the church…” (See also Ephesians 1:22, 23). Salvation from past sins and church membership occur when one is scripturally baptized “in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins”.

6. The analogy of a wedding and the ring symbolizing baptism is not accurate. When the wedding vows are repeated by the couple being married there is then a ring ceremony following. It is AFTER the ring ceremony that the preacher pronounces the couple as being husband and wife. So if the ring symbolizes baptism, the couple is formally pronounced as husband and wife AFTER the ring ceremony. This would be more accurate and scriptural. It is then that we are “married” to Christ (Romans 7:4, KJV) following our baptism for remission of sins.

7. In Acts 16:30, 31, the Philippian jailer was instructed to “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” But Luke does not say that he believed in verse 31. How could he when he did not know of Jesus Christ. Since faith comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17), Paul and Silas “spoke the word of the Lord to him” (verse 32). Washing their stripes would imply that the jailer was a penitent person (verse 33). “And immediately he and all his family were baptized” (verse 33). It was then that the Holy Spirit had Luke to write that the jailer and his household “rejoiced, having believed in God…” (Verse 34). A saving obedient faith is when a person complies with all the commands of God in order to have past sins forgiven by the blood of Jesus Christ.

8. Saul, though he had prayed for three days as a penitent believer (Acts 9:9), was told by a disciple by the name of Ananias to “Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). If Saul had been saved as penitent believer, why did Ananias instruct him to be baptized in order to have his sins washed away by the blood of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:5)?

9. It is admitted that baptism is a form (likeness) of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:1-5; 6:17, 18); but, you will observe that “newness of life” followed baptism and not prior to this act of obedience.

10. Here is a verse of scripture that is so clear and plain that it would take expert help to misunderstand it as found in 1 Peter 3:21: “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (KJV, Emphasis, mine, RE).

It is indeed sad that some members of the church of Jesus Christ are being influenced by these religious organizations that do not teach the truth regarding the Lord’s directives pertaining to what an alien sinner should do in order to receive forgiveness of sins. Neither should we give encouragement to “Pastors” who refuse to teach all that God requires of sinners to obtain salvation in Jesus Christ as found in the Word of God. Our desire is the same as our Heavenly Father that is expressed in 1 Timothy 2:3, 4: “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

Who Are My Brothers and Sisters In Jesus Christ?

2010-08-05T13:12:00.007-05:00

The young men were roommates at a small Christian college during the 1950s. It was a time of unrest in the churches of Christ because of the differences in the understanding what the Bible taught regarding cooperation among congregations and the care of orphans. There were debates over the issues and articles written in the major publications in the brotherhood regarding these subjects. Eventually brethren parted ways and a division came into being, affecting the relationship among even the best of friends and family members. The roommates went their separate ways over these doctrinal differences. Years later they
were talking over the telephone and one of the former roommates invited his friend to come by and see him sometimes where he taught at one of our Christian colleges. The other former roommate declined and that is when the first gentleman said to his friend “We can meet somewhere else than on the college campus for we are still brethren.” His ultra conservative friend replied, “I don’t know about that.”

When I was born into the Elliott family I had two brothers and a sister awaiting my arrival. I would have another brother who was born a couple of years later. I did not choose my siblings. I didn’t even choose my parents. In contrast, when I was born of water and the Spirit (John 3:3, 5) I became a brother to all of God’s family who had responded to the grace of our Heavenly Father by being immersed as a penitent believer in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of their sins (Acts 2:36-38). It was the Lord who saved us by His blood (Revelation 1:5; Ephesians 1:7) and added us to His spiritual body (Acts 2:47). While we have a part in choosing God to be our Father we do not have anything to do with choosing our brothers and sisters in
Christ. It is often the case that some brethren are living immorally; some may have quit attending the assemblies while others have joined sectarian bodies and some of my brethren have chosen not to associate
with me because of doctrinal differences, nevertheless, they are still my brothers and sisters. When the prodigal son in Luke 15 went to that far country of dissipation and sin, he remained his father’s son and a
brother to his father’s oldest son. It is wonderful to know that he repented and returned to his forgiving and merciful father. It is hard to imagine the sin of a member of the Corinthian congregation who was having sexual relationship with his father wife. The brethren were instructed by Paul to discipline him for such sinful actions and not to have any fellowship with him. But Paul still referred to this man as a “brother” (1 Corinthians 5:1, 5, 7, 11). The apostle Paul later wrote that the brethren were to forgive and comfort this brother and that implied he had repented of his sins. Paul further instructed the brethren “to reaffirm your love to him” (2 Corinthians 2: 5-8). In 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15, Paul informed the brethren to withdraw
fellowship from certain ones who would not work and who would “not obey our word in this epistle and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him
as a brother” (Emphasis, mine, RE).

It is of great importance that we observe closely the teaching of Paul as found in Galatians 3:26, 27: “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” It is through the system of faith revealed in the Holy Scriptures and by an obedient faith in the Son of God that a penitent person becomes a child of God by being baptized into Christ where there is salvation (2 Timothy 2:10). It was our Lord Jesus Christ who declared: “He who believes and is baptized will be saved…” (Mark 16:16). The Holy Spirit clearly revealed through the preaching of the apostle Peter that baptism for the penitent believer was “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). The emphasis is placed on the one being immersed and not on the one doing the immersing of the believer. And the place where the immersion takes place is matter of indifference whether it is in a baptistery, a pond or a river. When I preached for a congregation in Savannah, Georgia back in the late 1960s, I met a preacher from a conservative Christian Church located in a nearby city. He desired to make a change and become identified
with the churches of Christ. He gave me a tract that he had written on the subject of “The Plan of Salvation” which I read. I could have removed his name from the tract and placed my name there because every
point that he made on this subject was supported by the Word of God. Years later while preaching in a small town in southeast Alabama I became acquainted with a preacher who had left an independent Methodist church and was worshiping with the local congregation. He informed me that he had always taught that baptism was essential for salvation and he immersed people for that reason. Over the years we have learned of various religious groups in different countries that immerse believers for the remission of sins. Granted that the majority of denominations do not believe that baptism has anything to do with being saved from sins; however, we must realize that there are exceptions to that general rule. And we understand that many who are immersed in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of their sins may also have become members of religious organizations that are not mentioned in the New Testament. But the fact is, since they obeyed the
same commands as a believer in Christ as is common among us, we must conclude that they became children of God and thus our brothers and sisters. Brethren in error, yes, but they are our brothers and sisters in Christ. What they need to do is to leave any and all religious institutions that are not mentioned in the Holy Scriptures and become identified with other baptized believers and worship and serve God in the one body which is the church of our Lord Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:22, 23).

I have often said that I may not know all my brothers and sisters in Christ but I do know, according to the teaching of my Lord and His apostles, who my brethren are. More than that, I cannot say. Jesus Christ is the judge and He will deal with all God’s children as to our faithfulness or unfaithfulness as pertaining to His Word and the manner of life that we have lived (John 12:48; Matthew 25:31-46).

Weaving Out & In, Or, Two Steps Forward & One Step Backward

2010-06-11T14:51:00.002-05:00

In September of 1995 I purchased a book written by Lynn Anderson entitled, “NAVIGATING THE WINDS OF CHANGE”. It was and is a manual on “How to manage change in the church”. It is not to be understood by the author of the book that all changes would be acceptable to him, however, he does mention several changes that could be made that would be considered unscriptural by the majority of Christians. It is evident that many brethren are in the process of implementing the author’s suggestions and methods in introducing unscriptural practices to the various assemblies in their congregations.

First of all, on page 150, brother Anderson writes: “Change things at an appropriate pace. William Bridges, who wrote Managing Transitions, says that “the real problem is not in bringing about change, but to keep too much change from happening too fast.” The attitude of many seems to be: “If next year would help, immediately will cure everything.” Sometimes the urgency of the convinced ignores the feelings of the unconvinced. This is both unloving and counterproductive.” An eldership would be wise in consulting with the local membership about some changes that would affect the entire congregation. For example it would be best if the elders would suggest a period of trial concerning the changing of the times of the Sunday morning assemblies before implementing the change suddenly within a week’s time. I know personally of a case wherein the elders arbitrarily changed the times and did so immediately and some of the members almost became contentious over the matter. Concerning changes that would be considered unscriptural as per the teaching of the New Testament some of our brethren are being very careful not to be too aggressive but to implement the changes very gradually.

In the next paragraph brother Anderson presented this rule: “Do not introduce the most important changes at the point of greatest risk.” He then explained the meaning of this statement: “The most important changes should not be introduced at the point of greatest risk – the Sunday morning assembly. Important changes must be introduced with care – perhaps at a retreat or on Wednesday or Sunday nights. In the minds of many, Sunday morning assemblies are the most “sacred” time and the most sensitive place and thus should be least tampered with. Be wise and thoughtful in your introduction of change.” In the past several years we have seen how some brethren have followed this rule completely. Here are a few examples. A congregation in our capitol city of Alabama during the past summer used instrumental music with the songs the children were singing during vacation Bible school. Another congregation formed an instrumental band to be used in their services on a week night when they came together for a ‘praise service.’ A large congregation in a metropolitan area permitted their young people to add an instrumental band to their praise team. One of the reasons given by the elders for this decision was because the congregation was losing many of their youth. Some brethren are also using icons, burning incense and candles in assemblies during the week nights. Most of these brethren would say that for the sake of unity they would not use the instrument, etc. during the Sunday morning worship assembly; however, it will only be a matter of time before the instrument will be accepted in the worship during the Lord’s Day assemblies. Experience teaches that this observation is true. It has happened and will happen again because the young people will be accustomed to using the instrument in the worship assemblies on other days and when it is introduced in the Sunday assemblies their consciences will not be offended.

Now I want you to read very carefully this paragraph that is found on page 173 of Anderson’s book. “Strategy one. “Weave! Alternate between safety and disequilibrium. Teach new ideas a while, stretching your church out beyond comfort zones and into fresh thinking. At first you may hear, “Wow! I never noticed that in the Bible before!” This is only mild disequilibrium. But when you feel your church approaching the limits of tolerance, back off! Talk about familiar and safe things for a while. Then, move back out to the cutting edge again. Weave out and in—weave out with new ideas, then weave back in with talk of comfortable things. Then weave out again by implementing new practices; then weave back to some old practices that feel safer. Weave! Two steps forward and one step back.” The word “disequilibrium” carries the idea of being in “a state of emotional or intellectual imbalance.” This comes about when a congregation makes too many changes too fast. So what this brother is suggesting that a congregation should gradually introduce and implement changes. While this plan can be used in implementing changes in traditional matters it not surprising, however disappointing, brethren are using these tactics in bringing practices into the worship assembles and advocating doctrines that are unscriptural. An eldership and preachers that will not teach/preach against the use of instrumental music in the worship assemblies are encouraging a lack of understanding as to what the New Testament teaches on the subject. Then to allow the instrument to be used in assemblies during the week nights is to gradually desensitize the membership as to its use eventually on the Lord’s Day. I heard about an eldership that would send out letters to the local membership announcing some changes that were on the ‘cutting edge’ and depending on the reaction would either proceed with the practice or they would hesitate for awhile and try it again later. It is a diabolical scheme of brethren to use such methods to introduce practices that have divided the brotherhood in times past and are dividing the church today.

The exhortation of the apostle Paul as found in Colossians 2:6-8 is much needed today: “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principle of the world, and not according to Christ.”

Walking By the Same Rule

2010-06-11T14:48:00.001-05:00

WALKING BY THE SAME RULE
Philippians 3:16

I heard a gospel preacher remark one time that during one of his many missionary trips to India; he spoke to a denominational body of believers who had discarded the use of instrumental music during their periods of worship. Also, they were partaking of the Lord’s Supper on the first day of each week. He instructed them more accurately of the way and immersed the preacher and most of the members into Christ. A few years ago, I read in a brotherhood publication (Restoration Quarterly) that a congregation of the Lord was in existence in Canada during the early to middle part of the 19th century that was not comprised of brethren who had moved there from the United States. For many years we have known of congregations existing in various parts of Europe and Asia that were not in any way connected with the Campbell-Stone movement in this country during the 19th century. In the study of the Restoration Movement, there is concrete evidence that New Testament churches were in existence before the Campbells became influential in different states (Examples: the Rocky Springs church, Bridgeport, AL was established in 1807 and the Oak Grove church, Rincon, GA was started in 1819).

Why am I drawing your attention to these matters? Because there are numerous brethren who are saying that the church of Jesus Christ is so aligned with the Campbells and to culture (mostly southern), that we are merely a denominational body like the rest of the Protestant world. This I deny. While much credit is to be given to Thomas and Alexander Campbell, the fact is, the church of the Lord existed before and after them in this country and in other parts of the world separate and apart from their influence.

How was this possible? It was by honest seekers of truth who decided to adhere to the teaching of Paul as found in Philippians 3:15,16: “Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, be thus minded: and, if in anything, ye are otherwise minded, this also shall God reveal unto you: only, whereunto we have attained, by that same rule let us walk.” Surely, God would not condemn division among believers and neither would Christ have prayed for unity if this could not have been achieved. Remember that the fault lies not in the guide but rather in frail humanity.

While it is admitted that there are some passages of Scriptures that are more difficult to understand and that we should ever be striving to increase our biblical knowledge and making corrections when we reach a better understanding; there is no real reason why we all cannot grasp the simple truths regarding the way of salvation, the worship to God, the scriptural concept of the organization of the body of Jesus and the purpose of the kingdom of God. Often, it is not our inability to grasp these truths, but rather our unwillingness to submit to the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Communion With the Sects

2010-04-24T21:14:00.002-05:00

Permit me to preface this article by stating that I truly “love the brotherhood” (1 Peter 2:17) and it grieves me deeply to learn of the division that is occurring in the church of our Lord in this present age. I wrestle within myself as to whether or not I should mention specifically the names of congregations and/or individuals involved in contributing to the unrest among us. I endeavor to quote written statements by the authors in their books, magazines, blogs, church bulletins, websites, etc. and not ‘second hand’ information. And I pray earnestly for faithfulness and peace to be found in the lives of all of God’s children.

The English words communion and fellowship come from the Greek words koinonia and koinoneo, or their cognates. In this article the terms will be used in regards to whether or not members of the churches of Christ can and should have communion (fellowship) with individuals who propagate false doctrines and practices. I am not speaking of being friends with members of various denominations but rather if we should so act or participate in worship assemblies wherein we condone the teachings and practices of different denominations. In the restoration movement that began in America during the early 1800s there was the desire to be like the Lord’s church as found in the New Testament. Various religious leaders studied their way out of denominational dogmas and influenced thousands of others to become united together as the one body of Jesus Christ. As these individuals learned new truths they discarded the error that they had held previously. This did not occur overnight but eventually the effort to restore New Testament Christianity spread across the country in the fashion of a prairie fire.

In the process of time there arose among preachers, authors and editors disagreements regarding the interpretation of the Holy Scriptures which led to the use of musical instruments in the worship assemblies and the beginning of the Missionary Society. There was a great deal of discussion and debate regarding whether or not the “pious unimmersed” should partake of the Lord’s Supper. Also the question was raised as to the fellowshipping of the various denominations. Many referred to this problem as having “communion with the sects” which the more “progressive brethren” (does that sound familiar?) wanted to do. Eventually a great division among the disciples came into being over these and other issues. The general feeling among those in attendance at the General Convention that was held in Louisville , Kentucky in October, 1869 that public endorsement should have been given to the North in the War Between the States. Ben Franklin, gospel preacher and editor of the American Christian Review who was present on the occasion “was positively convinced that concomitant with the war the brotherhood’s predominant leadership intended to re-design the church to duplicate American Protestant denominations.” He also believed that “these leaders were pushing for several changes. For one thing, it must be recognized that friends in the Protestant bodies were as much Christians as those connected with the restoration movement regardless of whether or not they were immersed. Furthermore, the new leadership believed that some clear statement as to the beliefs of the churches should be made. Moreover, to recognize the preacher as the pastor would be necessary to help blend local urban congregations with Protestant groups in the same city. Too, the missionary society, it was thought would convince the Protestant church that the brotherhood pursued the lost in mission fields with as much ardor as the Protestant bodies and even employed parallel organizations to accomplish it. In addition, as churches of the restoration movement grew in the nation’s expanding cities, they would use instrumental music to achieve similar respectability as the Protestant friends now enjoyed. Finally, as Franklin saw it, the pre-war restoration plea was being significantly altered by the new leadership so as to destroy its earlier substance. The accomplishment of these goals would make the church into a sect among sects and a denomination among denominations, Franklin surmised.” (Elder Ben Franklin, Eye of the Storm, Earl Irvin West, Religious Book Service, 722 N. Payton Rd., Indianapolis, Indianan 46219, 1983, pages 233, 234).

I fully realize that the previous quotation was lengthy but I wanted to emphasize that the problems that began to divide the church approximately one hundred and forty years ago have divided and are dividing the body of Jesus Christ today. There are congregations now using the musical instruments in the various assemblies of worship and there is the fellowshipping of the denominations, including using the preachers/teachers of error in their worship assemblies. Please read the following program of the Lord’s Day Sunday morning worship assemblies of GracePointe (a Church of Christ serving our community) in Montgomery, Alabama as it appeared in their bulletin dated March 7, 2010:

Message: “There Is More!”

Scotty Harris w/ Rev.John Michael VanDyke

and Guest from ChristChurchXP

Response Song: 934 – Softly & Tenderly

What you have just read has not developed in a short period of time. It has taken years, mainly because of the liberal leanings of the elders and preachers in this congregation. While this is no surprise, it is so sad and disappointing. The announcement does not state what the visiting denominational preacher said or what the guests may have said or done, but why were they even in a leadership position during the worship assembly. GracePointe has had denominational preachers speaking in their Wednesday night assemblies for sometime and perhaps on other occasions (See Inclusiveness, Pluralism & Syncretism under the heading of Current Issues in the Church on my blog). The following is from the website of the ChristChurchXP: “Baptism may be by immersion or by affusion (pouring of water) - there are references to both in the Bible. Our baptisms are usually by affusion. Candidates are baptized "in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit," and then marked on their forehead with oil with the sign of the cross -- "sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ's own forever." Most, but not all, baptisms are part of the Sunday morning service. As followers of Jesus Christ, we look to Scripture as the center of our belief, which is summed up in the Nicene and Apostles' Creeds. Our beliefs are also reflected in our mission statement, which is based on Jesus Christ's declaration in John 14:6, and in our individual covenant which each member is asked to sign. It is printed below.” When brethren practice ‘Unity in a diversity of doctrine’ it is understandable why they would have a denominational preacher and “guests” in their worship assembly. A few years ago an elder of this congregation and a friend of mine who endorses the use of denominational preachers in the worship assemblies sent me his booklet entitled, “Fellowship, Who is to Decide?” that would justify such actions. Brother Cecil May wrote, “The path of some is already set; where they are going is predetermined by their announced inclinations. They will march boldly and deliberately into full fellowship with denominational Christendom, ceasing to even recognize as a worthy goal the restoration of the New Testament order.” (The Spiritual Sword, Volume 28, October 1996, No.1, page 46).

There are professors in some of our ‘Christian Universities’, editors of liberal magazines like Wineskins and elders and preachers of various congregations throughout our land who are proclaiming that the church is simply ‘a tribe among many tribes’; in other words, the church of Christ is a denominational body among the thousands of other denominations that exist in our country. And if that indeed be case, there is no logical or scriptural argument that can be made in opposition to a congregation among us to use denominational preachers in our worship assemblies and extend to them the ‘right hand of fellowship’; however, the New Testament teaches that Jesus Christ established His church (Matthew 16:18) of which He is the head and foundation (Ephesians 1:22, 23; 1 Corinthians 3:11). All baptized believers were/are added to His church (Acts 2:36-38, 47). The apostle Paul declared that there is one body and that the one body is the church (Ephesians 4:4; Colossians 1:18). Modern denominationalism as we now know it was not in existence in the first century. We dishonor the majesty of Jesus the Head of the church and His design of His body (church) when we place it on the same level with human religious organizations.

Brethren need to study very carefully the passage found in 2 John 9 -11. We are taught not to endorse, encourage or have fellowship with those who would teach anything contrary to the doctrine of Christ. A congregation can apostatize from God by teaching and/or condoning of error. Examples can be found in the listing of the seven churches in Asia (Revelation chapters 2 & 3). The question might be raised as to what point of digression does the Lord remove the “lampstand from its place” (Revelation 2:5). The apostle Paul, with love in his heart for his brethren and his concern for all the congregations (2 Corinthians 11:28), wrote, “Now I urge you, brethren, note (mark) those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them” (Romans 16:17).

Attitudes, Actions, & Changes

2010-01-21T20:29:00.003-06:00

People often desire changes. One of the basic reasons why our president was elected was that the majority of citizenry in our nation wanted a change. But not all changes are good. The same attitude persists in the church of our Lord, that is, many brethren want to change from the old paths. This attitude has permeated mankind since the Garden of Eden. The culture in which we live has pervaded the church. Brethren are insisting after a year or two of ‘in-depth’ study of the Bible that the Holy Spirit has led them to believe that certain false doctrines and practices are now accepted as being scriptural. Amazing, isn’t it. Two of the most common changes being made in the church today are the addition of musical instruments to the assemblies of worship and the use of women in the leadership of the church. Here is an example of a sister in Christ being presented as the ‘main speaker’ in a conference for ministers.

February 11-13, 2010 • Nashville , TN • Scarritt Bennett Center

Calling all ministers!
You are invited to the first-ever Peacemakers Minsters' Retreat.

Hosted jointly by CenterPeace and the Zoe Group, the Peacemakers retreat is designed to prepare leaders in youth, campus, children's, and pulpit ministry to better understand same-sex attraction. Sally Gary and guest speaker David Lewis will present large group sessions and facilitate small group discussions. There will be time for questions and answers as you share stories and ideas with other ministers. Worship times will be lead by Brandon and Sheryl Thomas of the ZOE Worship Team. Enjoy a relaxing three days with us on the beautiful campus of Scarritt Bennett Retreat Center in Nashville, TN, and you'll leave feeling better equipped to respond to these needs like these: (Emphasis, mine, RE)

How to listen to the guy in your youth group who tells you he's gay. How to equip parents to answer their children's questions about a friend at school who has two moms. How to respond as Jesus would to the two women who want to be a part of your congregation, as a couple. “Sally Gary who has been a presenter with ZOE since 2002 will be the main presenter during this retreat geared toward ministers.” The ZOE Group/New Wineskins P.O. Box 41028 Nashville , TN 37204 . Please observe that the Zoe Group and New Wineskins are in essence the same in doctrine and in practice. These organizations are very influential in leading the brotherhood further into an apostasy.

The Landmark congregation has become known for having been one of the first (if not the first) of the churches of Christ in the Montgomery area to introduce musical instruments in various assemblies of worship. The elders try to make a distinction between the worship assemblies on a week night and the Sunday assemblies but there is no difference save the partaking of the Lord’s Supper and the monetary contribution that is given on Sunday. A friend of mine for many years attended the assemblies at the Landmark congregation for a lengthy period of time; however, he has never agreed to have the instrument in any of their periods of Bible study/worship. Recently he attended another congregation in Montgomery and he wrote the following words to me and I quote him in part: “I had gone there after getting fed up with the service on Wednesday nights at Landmark.

They have used instrumental music in the worship assemblies for the previous two weeks (celebration room where the entire adult classes met) and I was determined I was not going to be a part of any repeated incidents.” I emailed my friend and complimented him for his courage in making the decision not to participate in the assemblies where the instrument was being used. No doubt, he will be worshiping elsewhere.

Several weeks ago I was in correspondence with a young friend who is a member of the Landmark church and a member of the ‘church band’. I had written an article based on an article in the Montgomery Advertiser and I found out later that it was inaccurate and had made a correction of the article I had emailed to others. This brother had written to me about the article and their use of the instrument in their assemblies on week nights. I implore you to read very carefully the first two sentences in the following paragraph:

“Again, I understand that we disagree on the use of instrumental music but, speaking only for myself, I agree with you that the day of the week does not matter. Worshipping God in song on Friday is the same as on Sunday. I just don't understand the "mental gymnastics" required to prove that instrumental music is sinful. To me, instrumental music is something that is never addressed as a negative. It is often referenced as being used in Worship (OT and Revelation). It seems to me to be a completely benign issue. Paul addressed disputable matters in Rom. 14 and warned us not to judge those things. Why it is that we have decided that instrumental music is a test of faith?” (Emphasis mine, RE)

While I disagree with my brother in Christ, I do commend him for his being frank about his convictions in the use of the instrument in the worship assemblies. I believe also that he is correct in stating that there is no difference in using the instrument in the worship assemblies on a week night or on the first day of the week. There is the probability that this attitude can be found among many of the members of the Landmark congregation; and, in time (it may be the next generation) this attitude will permeate the majority of the membership and eventually the instrument will be used in the assemblies on the first day of the week.

Shepherds of the Lord’s flock are to carefully guard against all error and unscriptural practices. They should study very carefully this passage of scripture as found in Hebrews 13:17: “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you” (Emphasis, mine, RE).

The unity that once existed among the congregations of the Lord in the Montgomery area no longer exists and it fills my heart with sadness. The innovations introduced by some of the churches and the spirit of ecumenism being taught and practiced by many brethren are contributing greatly to the division among God’s children.

A Candle Burning in the Worship Assembly

2009-12-07T18:27:00.004-06:00

Five years ago I worked with the Stoney Point church for one year. There was a problem in the auditorium that caused a displeasing scent so a brother, without my knowing it, lit a candle to help rid the area of the offensive odor. Shortly after this incident I wrote the following article. In my writing style I deemed it a satire of a sort that had reference to our brethren who are now making light of the ‘silence’ argument as to why we do not use instruments of music in our worship assembly. Also many brethren are referring back to the Old Testament to justify various activities in the worship that are becoming more and more prevalent in the church today.

* * * * * * * *

A CANDLE BURNING
(A satire of a sort)
by Raymond Elliott

As time to begin our Sunday morning worship was nearing and the members had grown quiet and were waiting for the brother to get up and make some announcements, I happened to look to the right of the pulpit area and saw something that I had never noticed before. It was a candle burning and the flames presented such an aesthetic scene. It is amazing how a candle burning can cause you to become meditative and calm in your soul. But wait, why was this candle burning in the place where we were worshiping God and the Lamb? Had some brother placed it there to enhance our worship? No, you see there was this moldy, musky scent in the auditorium and the candle was burning and releasing a sweet fragrance to help overcome the offensive scent to our nostrils. There was not any degree of a religious overtone in the burning of the candle. But then I thought if the candle had been lit for the purpose of enhancing our worship to God, where could I find any prohibition to do so. I am acquainted enough with the teachings of the New Testament to know that there is not one verse that states “Thou shalt not have a candle burning in the worship.” In fact, the New Testament is completely silent about this matter. Now that is a thought. Could this be the authority that I could use to justify having a candle burning in the worship? After all there was the candlestick in the tabernacle as mentioned in Exodus 25:31-37; 37:17-24. And then I thought about the burning of incense as a sweet fragrance to the Lord. This was customarily done in the Old Testament times as we notice Zacharias doing as recorded in Luke 1:8-10. Again there is no mentioning of the early church participating in this practice. In Revelation 8:1-4, with the opening of the seventh seal, a golden censer, a golden alter as well as the offering of incense is mentioned. It is understood that this was symbolic language that represented the prayers of the saints. But if the burning of incense is in heaven, surely we can have the same in our worship in the church here on earth. Besides that, the New Testament is silent about this matter as a part of the worship; therefore, we should be permitted to include such in our worship, right? Then my thoughts turned to having a holy dance to interpret a biblical story as a part of worship and praise to God. Sometimes an interpretive dance can be more meaningful than the singing of a song. Perhaps this would be the “time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3:4) as Miriam and the ladies did when the Israelites had crossed the Red Sea (Exodus 15:20). Undoubtedly the women of Shiloh were dancing as a part of a religious festivity (Judges 21:19-23). Furthermore, the New Testament is completely silent about having religious dancing in our worship assemblies. Then my mind was really active as I thought about robes for the preachers, perhaps the use of bells and how about some nice instruments of music like a piano or a harp. After all John said he heard a sound “of harpists playing their harps” in heaven (Revelation 14:2). IF they are in heaven why can’t we use them in the worship presently? Did not David mention instruments of music in Psalms 150? Furthermore, the New Testament does not say anything about the use of instruments in the worship. Doesn’t such silence grant me the right to have all the aforementioned items in our worship? What, the congregation has just finished singing the first hymn and I must concentrate on worshiping God myself and stop this type of musing. And besides, I really don’t miss the candles burning, the burning of incense, the holy dance, the wearing of a robe, the ringing of bells or the sound of any kind of musical instrument as we endeavor to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24). The fact is, the New Testament does not authorize the use of any of those things previously mentioned and that is the very reason we do not use them in our worship to God.

Now should you think that I am building a ‘straw man’ please read the following order of worship at the “GracePonte Church, A Church of Christ Serving Our Community” as found in their bulletin dated Sunday, November 29, 2009.

WORSHIP

Worship Leader: __________

Welcome, News About Our People & Call to Worship Prayer: ________

Lighting of the Advent Candle: Colossians 1:24-27

This order was to be followed for the 8:00 & 10:15 AM worship assemblies. The lighting of the candle in both worship assemblies was for the express purpose signifying a religious ceremony and not to prevent an offensive odor. “Advent is the beginning of the Church Year for most churches in the Western tradition. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, which is the Sunday nearest November 30, and ends on Christmas Eve (Dec 24). If Christmas Eve is a Sunday, it is counted as the fourth Sunday of Advent, with Christmas Eve proper beginning at sundown.” Not unlike many larger congregations this church is now becoming more ceremonial in their assemblies and placing greater emphasis on ‘special or holy days’ like Christmas and Easter. Their reasoning would be that the New Testament does not prohibit the use of candles in the worship assembly. However, neither does the New Testament authorize the use of candles in our worship to God.

When we include in our worship to God that which He does not require we violate the basic teaching of the Holy Scripture. The apostle John wrote in 2 John 9: “Whoever transgresses (goes beyond) and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.” We must not speak where the New Testament is silent and assume that because it is silent we have the prerogative to act according to our desires. It is God who has always determined and demanded that which is acceptable to Him in our worship and not the desires and wisdom of man.

Apostasy is Both Gradual and Progressive, Part 3

2009-11-17T19:59:00.003-06:00

Brother Don McWhorter presented an excellent lesson a few years ago during the Southern Christian University (now Amridge University ) Leadership/Mission Forum in Montgomery , Alabama concerning the issues presently facing and dividing the church of our Lord. He made the point quite clear that the same doctrinal problems causing havoc today divided the brotherhood some one hundred years ago. He also mentioned most of them specifically and quoted from reliable sources as to the authenticity of each issue. How wonderful it would have been if all of our young preachers, youth ministers and teachers could have heard his lesson. It is almost essential that we study the history of the church in order to know where we are headed as far as the unity of the body of Christ is concerned. It is not unreasonable to state that “history repeats itself” in regards to the kingdom of Jesus Christ .

The leaven of liberalism that is permeating the body of Jesus Christ has been slowly but surely working over the years. The book VOICES OF CONCERN that was written over forty years ago contained articles written by disgruntled members has had a lasting adverse effect on the brotherhood. Liberal leaders like Carl Ketcherside and Leroy Garrett have sown seeds of discord with their teachings and writings. Cecil Hook has written several books that have found their way even on the campuses of our Christian universities and colleges. One book is entitled FREE IN CHRIST contains much error as the author endeavors to teach against many of the scriptural practices of the Lord’s church. Now we have the book THE JESUS PROPOSAL along with scores of other volumes written by brethren who have lost their moorings regarding sound doctrine.

Please observe how far our brother Rubel Shelly has departed from some of his earlier convictions in his book I JUST WANT TO BE A CHRISTIAN that was written in 1984 and in the book THE JESUS PROPOSAL (2003) of which he was co-author.

CONVERSION/BAPTISM: “On the fundamental issues of the faith which relate to salvation from sin and righteous living, the teaching of the Word of God is clear, explicit, and direct. The plan of redemption, for example, is not only set forth in straightforward statements of Scripture but in several precedent-setting cases of conversion in Acts” (p. 46).

“One becomes a Christian only through his or her faith in Christ, repentance from all known sin, and baptism in Jesus’ name. There is no other way to become a part of the fellowship of the saints. For those in the body of Christ to extend spiritual brotherhood to anyone who has not yet become a child of God is for them to fail to acknowledge the divine principle of inclusion” (p. 89).

“My presumption (whether justified or not) is that baptism received in most denominational settings is inadequate to admit one to fellowship. The reason is simple enough: denominational doctrines of baptism with which I am familiar reject one or more biblical truths about the subject. Baptist doctrine, for example, explicitly affirms that baptism is not essential to salvation and is instead an ordinance by means of which already saved persons join the Baptist denomination” (p. 102).

There is no fault to be found in the aforementioned quotes from this brother’s earlier writing; however, it is a different matter when you read the following statements found in the book THE JESUS PROPOSAL:

“If there was a series of “fixed and inflexible steps” to salvation – whether three, five, seven, or seventy-seven steps—they could have been listed somewhere in systematic fashion. But that was neither the method of God nor the mindset of the biblical writers” (p. 89).

“At what point in one’s journey to spiritual life do we count him or her a Christian—the word simply means “Christ-follower” or “one who give allegiance to Christ”—and extend our fellowship as the body of Christ? Is it at repentance and saying the sinner’s prayer? Is it in the event of his or her hearing the gospel with a receptive heart, the Good News that Jesus saved? Is it at the point of one’s initial, private acknowledgment of faith? Or perhaps the initial confession of that faith? Is water baptism in the name of Jesus the defining moment of union with Christ? Is one saved only at the point of the manifest present of the Holy Spirit in his life? Or is one a Christian only after he has begun sharing in the life of the church? Should there be a time of nurture by the Word of God and prayer that must be accounted for before one can be regarded as a child of God? Or must she be able to prove the genuineness of her faith through the discipline of life in Christ—including the willingness to suffer for her faith? I suspect the right answer may be “Yes”—to all of these questions rather than to any one” (p. 134).

“Our fondness born of Modernity to have a single formula that fits every situation doesn’t work well either with the New Testament data or with spiritual pilgrims in the real world. I think that is so because salvation is not an event but a journey, not a single “moment at which” but a pilgrim direction toward God” (p. 135).

“The notion of salvation as rebirth into the family of God certainly supports this view. How can we preach, for example, the importance—even necessity—of the baptismal event for salvation and regard others who have not been immersed as brothers and sisters in the family of God? How can we say we affirm the theological importance of baptism and extend spiritual fellowship to those who are still unbaptized? We would argue that it is wrong to deny fellowship to anyone who gives evidence of seeking God in good faith through Jesus Christ—and thereby become a stumbling block to his continued growth and development in spiritual life. Making baptism, church membership, or repentance of a particular action into the test of Christian fellowship is inconsistent with Christ’s example of receiving those whom the institutional faith of his own time had deemed unworthy and runs contrary to the biblical evidence” (pp.135, 136).

A knowledgeable student of God’s Word can readily see that this brother is advocating that we should accept as a Christian any person who is on his/her spiritual journey even though they have not been “born of water and the Spirit” (John 3:5). Can you imagine the apostle Peter answering the inquiry of some of the hearers on the Day of Pentecost when they asked, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:36) by saying, ‘Well, I am not sure when you will be saved. It may be when you pray through or just when you believe that Jesus Christ is God’s Son.’ Was Saul saved when he saw the Lord on the road to Damascus or perhaps when he fasted for three days and prayed to God during that time (Acts 9:9, 11)? Maybe Ananias told Saul that he wasn’t sure just exactly where on his spiritual journey that he could know he was saved from his sins. The men who were directed by the Holy Spirit left no doubt in the minds of the truth seekers when they would be assured of their salvation from their past sins and become children of God. Peter commanded the believers on Pentecost to “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Emphasis mine, RE, Acts 2:38). Saul was instructed by Ananias to “Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Emphasis mine, RE, Acts 22:16). Why you do suppose the nobleman from Ethiopia “went on his rejoicing” (Acts 8:39)? It was the same reason that the Philippian jailer rejoiced and that was when as a penitent believer he was immersed into Jesus Christ in order to have his sins forgiven by God’s grace and the blood of Jesus Christ (Acts 16:30-34). The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 6:17, 18, “But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. (Emphasis, mine, RE)” Now when did the members of the congregation in Rome obey “from the heart that form of doctrine” and “having been set free from sin”? Was it not when they were “baptized in Jesus Christ” and “into His death?” Was it not when they were “buried with Him through baptism into death” and raised to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:1-4)? There was no doubt in the mind of Paul when these brethren had been saved. Listen carefully what he wrote in Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…” The apostle clearly stated that they had been baptized “into Christ” (Romans 6:3). The false doctrine being propagated by many educators, editors, authors and preachers among us that one cannot know on his spiritual journey when he is saved from past sins should be exposed and renounced by all who know and teach the truth. One of the main reasons for these articles in which I have examined some of the teachings of brethren Shelly and York is because they have influenced so many young men and women to accept these errors as being taught in the Word of God. One of the most influential media through which these and other liberal authors are influencing members of the church is the publication WINESKINS which is under the control of the ZOE group. I have a vivid remembrance of reading one issue of Wineskins when the editor taught from the opening editorial to the closing article written by another brother that we should accept into our fellowship anyone who was a believer in Jesus Christ, regardless of the doctrine that they believed and practiced. It is the old teaching of ‘Unity in the diversity of doctrine’ error that has been around now for a long time. And through such teachings these brethren are placing less importance on the Lord’s requirement for penitent believers to be baptized in order to have their sins forgiven (Mark 16:16).

Apostasy is Both Gradual and Progressive, Part 2

2009-11-05T19:08:00.002-06:00

In the study of the Restoration Movement that began to unfold in our country near the beginning of the 19th century, it appears that those individuals, in their study of the Holy Scriptures, were leaving the doctrines of the denominational world as they learned truths found in the Bible. Their aim was to bring the many into the one body of Jesus Christ. This was indeed a noble desire. Often these men and women had to grapple with what they had been taught and practiced upon learning the right way and making decisions as to what they would do. If it was infant baptism, they made the decision in their integrity to abandon that practice and to immerse only believers. That was indeed a momentous step in the right direction. However, it appears presently the opposite has been occurring in the teaching and practice of numerous brethren among us. The emphasis is more like having many churches out of the one and that the diversity of doctrines and practices by each religious entity does not hinder the unity of believers. We have not always understood matters in this manner. Many of our well-known leaders among us have changed their directions over the years. Brother Rubel Shelly wrote a book in 1984 that caused some disturbances in the church. He made various statements that were not supported by the Holy Scriptures. However, if you will read again the book I Just Want to Be A Christian, you will see that he had much good to say about the nature of New Testament Christianity. In fact, he was still very conservative in many of his views. Latter, he and John York co-authored the book, The Jesus Proposal in 2003 that really shows how far Rubel has traveled along the path of apostasy. Please observe some of the changes that took place in the thinking, preaching and writing of our brother over a period of some nineteen years.

Here are a few excerpts from the book I Just Want to Be A Christian:

RESTORATION: “If the original followers of Christ were unified and nondenominational, surely that is the ideal for us” (Page 28.)

“Over the centuries, the New Testament vision of a united church has been replaced by the present situation of denominationalism.” “The motive behind all restoration movements is to tear down walls of separation by a return to the practice of the original, essential, and universal features of the Christian religion. To be Christians only, it is necessary to work apart from denominations – or else we perpetuate the very divisions we seek to overcome. In the context of such a movement for Christian unity, separation from all partisan efforts within so-called Christendom must be maintained” (Page 29).

“All the apostles belonged to the church of God and to no denomination; some today belong to the church of God and to a denomination as well. They have no need of the latter and have the spiritual obligation of abandoning it for the sake of the former. The plea for restoration seeks to return all of us to the original situation where Christians belong to the church and to nothing of human origin” (Page 47).

Now move ahead to the year 2003 when we can learn how much this brother has changed in his understanding of important biblical doctrines and practices as found in the book The Jesus Proposal.

“The local church for which the two of us preach is consciously trying to continue to sink into union with the body of Christ at large. Yes, the body of Christ at large is always concretely expressed in local fellowships, in units of believers we call assemblies or local church. But within particular communities of faith we can live again with a larger vision of ourselves beyond the boundaries that have dominated American Protestant Christianity.” (Page 47).

“In much of the literature and thought characteristic of writers from Churches of Christ, no distinction is made between denominationalism and sectarianism. But denominations are not sinful per se. More than that, they are surely inevitable and potentially valuable” (Page 63).

“Can there be unity only when there is uniformity? Or is there evidence that the Holy Spirit not only honors but creates diversity in the body? Is it possible that the Spirit of God can work with denominations today very much as he did with local churches or city churches in the first century? In a world so densely populated and gathered in cities of multiple millions, is the structural simplicity of the Mediterranean world of the first century a possibility? Was the unity of the one church ever really structural so much as relational? If the latter, can we not envision relational unity among Christian denominations so long as we avoid sectarianism. And could such relational unity not be healthy rather than detrimental to the life of the body of Christ?” (Page 7).

As you can readily discern, brother Shelley has truly had a change of conviction from his earlier writings. Instead of ‘out of many, one’; he is now advocating ‘out of one, many.’ This is in conflict with and opposed to the desire and prayer of our Lord as recorded in John 17:20, 21: “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one is Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me” (NKJV). The ultra liberal branch of the Restoration Movement, The Disciples of Christ, expressed many years ago that it wanted to simply be a part of the entire denominational world and thus it has fulfilled that desire. Presently there is a rather large segment of our brotherhood that is traveling the same road. The body of Christ is the church of our Lord (Ephesians 1:22, 23; Colossians 1:18) and the body (church) is one (Ephesians 4:4). While the body (church) is one, it has many members (I Corinthians 12:12). The members spoken of in this context of I Corinthians 12 are individual members of the one body (church) and not various religious institutions. (To be continued)

Apostasy is Both Gradual and Progressive, Part 1

2009-10-29T22:23:00.004-05:00

The Bible is replete with stories of mankind apostatizing from God. It began in Eden and continued though the Old Testament times. The children of Israel were known for their spiritual instability and they often digressed from the way in which God wanted them to travel. Eventually, both Israel and Judah went into captivity because of their love for foreign gods. But, the apostasies did not occur overnight. The adverse influence of Jeroboam, Jezebel and Ahab, along with other leaders, including priests, took time to permeate the general populace. Eventually the worship to Jehovah God became corrupt because of the desire to serve other gods. Often it took a generation for the apostasy to be completed. But time is not an obstacle too great for evil influences to overcome that which is good and right. Error possesses patience and can work so gradual that no one generation might be completely aware of its destructive destiny. The apostle Paul wrote in I Timothy 4:1 - 3, “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.” The sad fact is man does not remain faithful to God very long.

Because of the great desire of certain men in the first part of the nineteenth century in America , there was an effort to return to New Testament Christianity. The gospel began to be preached in its purity and the number of conversions to the Lord multiplied rapidly. The growth of the church of the Lord was phenomenal. However, in time the teaching of doctrines foreign to the New Testament and unscriptural practices such as the use of instrumental music in the worship assembly divided the church of Jesus Christ . What occurred over one hundred years ago is now happening again in the church of our Lord. The truth of the matter is there is already a schism in the body of Christ. This is due largely to certain men in our brotherhood who have exerted tremendous influence through their preaching and in their various publications. One book that has been well received by many is THE JESUS PROPOSAL written by Rubel Shelly and John York, published in 2003. This book is mentioned because one of the authors, Shelly, wrote a book that was published in 1984, some nineteen years earlier. It is amazing how much this author has changed in his understanding and preaching since he wrote the book I JUST WANT TO BE A CHRISTIAN. In comparing the contents of the two books one can readily understand that apostasy from the teaching of the Word of God is indeed gradual and yet very progressive. It would indeed be wonderful if our young men and women would take the time to see how far this author has digressed from his earlier writings since many of them esteem him very highly and are influenced by his teaching.

The first observation that I want to make is regarding the study of the Holy Scriptures for oneself and coming to the knowledge of the truth. Shelly wrote in the first volume (I Just Want To Be A Christian): “One thing which an undenominational approach to the religion of Jesus Christ demands is that each man or woman be allowed to come to the Scripture with the right to study it for himself or herself and to come to such conclusions as he or she sees justified. Teachers may be helpful. Books and research tools are welcomed. But each person must take the responsibility of drawing his or her own conclusions about the will of God.” In the book, The Jesus Proposal, the co-author, York , wrote, “The more individualized we have become and the more certainty with which we believed we could objectively know truth, the more divided the church that Christ died for has become. The denominational world of our experience in America is directly tied to the belief that each of us can read and study the Bible for himself and arrive at the same truths of Scripture. (p. 29). On page 114, York wrote, “Our proposal to focus on Jesus means that Scripture is no longer a set of proof-texts or a collection of facts or God’s rulebook for human behavior. Scripture is the unfolding story of God acting both to create and to re-create. It is not an easy book to understand. It was never intended as a document to be individually read and interpreted –a sort of correspondence course in salvation”. Again, “Just as identity in Christ is always community identity, our reading of Scripture becomes a community reading as well. While we still have access to reading as individuals, we stop asking, “What does this mean to me?” – as though there is such an isolated meaning. Instead we have a group mentality that asks, “What does this mean to us?” More importantly, we lay aside individual interpretations precisely because they are inevitably argumentative and divisive. We give up the right of individual interpretation and take on the accountability of shared reading. This is not a pooling of collective ignorance. The Bible is full of stories from ancient and often quite alien cultural settings and belief systems, and we cannot ignore those differences. So we listen to the voices of scholarship just as we listen to the child who intuitively hears what God is saying in a particular story.”

As one can plainly see, brother York disagrees with the earlier statement that brother Shelly made regarding the fact that each disciple can and should study the Bible for himself/herself. Jesus taught in John 8:31, 32, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Please observe that the ones to be made free from sin are those that would abide in His word. Therefore it is correct to understand that an individual can come to the knowledge of the truth by abiding in (studying) the word of the Lord. The apostle Paul encouraged Timothy to “study” and “give heed to reading” the Word of God (II Timothy 2:15; I Timothy 4:13). Paul also wrote in Ephesians 3:4, “how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ). Again, he encouraged the brethren in Ephesus in this matter, “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:17). One of the reasons for the division among us today is not that each person is reading the scriptures for himself/herself; rather, it is the arrogant attitude that asserts that the average member of the church should leave the interpretation of the Word of God to the ‘scholars’ among us. The fact is the ‘scholarship’ among us over one hundred years ago contributed greatly to the apostasy that occurred then and such is happening again. (To be continued)

A Letter of Concern Written to a Young Christian Friend

2009-10-20T18:11:00.003-05:00

My dear young friend and brother,
I still remember the day that I spoke to you regarding my great concern I had when I learned that you were going to enroll at David Lipscomb University to obtain a graduate degree in Bible. As an older friend who loved you and wanted the best for you, I encouraged you not to attend DLU because of some of the faculty members who were teaching doctrines that were foreign to New Testament Christianity (See the article, To Whom Will You Trust The Minds Of Your College Age Young People?). You said that you would be just fine and that you would be on watch for such teachings. I left with sadness in my heart knowing how young people can be easily led astray by older, knowledgeable instructors. I do appreciate your frankness in your reply to me regarding your understanding of the scriptures concerning the “journey” of conversion and salvation. This is a portion of what you wrote to me:

“You mentioned that you were sad. I don’t understand what you are saying, but I assume it has something to do with me thinking differently about (the) church. Truth is, I have found great freedom in Christ and want all to know the joy and deep implaications (sic) of living in Christ. Jesus refuses to let me stay where I am—in my life and my beliefs concerning Him. There is no theology exhaustive enough that gives me a right to judge and exclude anyone who confesses Jesus as Lord. I accept any and all who God accepts. And, the beautiful thing about it all, is that He accepts me and you where we are along the journey. When I learn something new, I do not think that I have not been pleasing up to that time, and believe this is true of all believers. The kingdom of God is larger than our fellowship and the Spirit of God certainly is bearing fruit in the lives of many who are not a part of our heritage. We are all on the journey—together. This I believe to be the truth our fellowship must finally accept.”

I have always taught that conversion is a process and that sanctification is certainly a process and/or a life long journey as you would state it. After one is “born of water and the Spirit”, he is to “desire the pure milk of the word” in order to grow spiritually (I Peter 2:2, NKJV). The apostle Peter also exhorts us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18 ). Peter instructs Christians to grow in the characteristics becoming to a person who is conforming to the image of the Son of God. He concludes these thoughts by saying, “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (II Peter 1:5-11). When Jesus said, “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” one can readily understand that the Christian life is one life-long journey that will finally conclude only when this life is over (Matthew 5:48 ). In the matter of conversion, the seed or word of God is planted in hearts of good and honest people and it produces faith (Luke 8:11 , 15; Romans 10:17 ). An active faith causes an individual to repent of sins and confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Acts 2:38 ; 8: 37 ). The penitent sinner is then baptized into Jesus Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; Mark l6:16). As you can readily see, conversion is indeed a process. And, it must be noted that the apostles and other men who were inspired of the Holy Spirit instructed men and women where they were on their spiritual journey and led them to the desired end in order for them to receive forgiveness of their sins. If a person did not know or believe in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit led men taught him/her of the Savior in order to produce faith in his/her heart (See Acts l6:30, 31; Romans 10:17) If people were believers in Jesus as being the Christ, then the Holy Spirit inspired person (Peter in this case) instructed them what they lacked in the process of conversion and that was to “repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (See Acts 2:36-38). Saul of Tarsus was certainly a believer after the Lord appeared to Him on the road to Damascus . He also manifested repentance in that he did not eat or drink for three days and was in constant prayer during this time. Ananias, a disciple of the Lord informed Saul what he lacked in order to be accepted by the Lord when he told him to “Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16 ). It was at this juncture that a change was made in Saul’s spiritual journey. He was no longer a “stranger” but now a “pilgrim” in the kingdom of God (Ephesians 2:12 ; I Peter 2:11 ). The baptized believers were “conveyed…into the kingdom of the Son of His love” (Colossians 1:13 ). Now, did the Lord add the saved or unsaved to the church on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:41 , 47)? If saved, when were they saved in the process of conversion/salvation? Was it not when they acted upon their faith and obeyed the commands of the Holy Spirit as spoken by the apostle Peter (Acts 2:38 )? If the Jews on Pentecost had refused to repent and be baptized, what “exhaustive theology” would you use to prove that these individuals, on their spiritual journey, were not accepted by the Lord? If you esteemed them unacceptable to God by their refusal to repent and be baptized, would you not at that point become judgmental? Or, if you considered the ‘believing Jews’ on Pentecost as being saved without obeying the commands of the Holy Spirit to “Repent and let everyone of you be baptized”, would you not be judging them acceptable to God? Either way, there is the matter of including or excluding individuals on their spiritual journey/process of conversion/salvation, predicated not on human judgment but rather upon what the Holy Spirit has revealed to us through His Word. That is, unless we base our judgment simply upon such subjective feelings as, “I feel that certain individuals are acceptable to God because of their loving attitudes and good works.” It is then that we are no longer led by the Holy Spirit in this matter of salvation and who is acceptable to God. Do we not become judges when we declare that a person is saved and acceptable to God, when, in fact, that individual has not complied with the teachings of the Holy Spirit on how to be saved? Jesus is the Judge and all of us will either be saved or lost eternally according to the manner in which we have treated His Word (Acts 17:30 , 31; John 12:48 ).

You mentioned that the “Spirit of God certainly is bearing fruit in the lives of many who are not a part of our heritage.” If this is indeed the case, did they receive the “Spirit of God”, before or after they became children of God? Please read carefully the words of John (who was guided by the Holy Spirit), “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” ( 1:11 , 12). Please observe that the ones who believed in “His name” were granted the “right” (authority) to “become children of God”. The apostle Paul (who wrote by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, II Timothy 3:16,17), makes it very clear as to when and how a believer in Jesus Christ becomes a child of God as recorded in Galatians 3:26,27, “For you are all sons (children) of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” I would understand from your writing that you believe that the Holy Spirit personally indwells all religious people who confess Jesus Christ as being the Son of God. However, Paul clearly states in Galatians 4:6 that the Holy Spirit is given to those who are children (sons) of God: “And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Now, are all religious people who confess Jesus as Lord and who bear fruit in their lives children of God? When did they become children of God, simply by faith in Jesus Christ or when they were immersed into Christ for the remission of their sins? If simply by faith, then the Holy Spirit did not know it because He had Peter to require repentance and baptism in order for the Jews on Pentecost to be saved and to receive the “gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Consider the example of Cornelius as mentioned in Acts 10 & 11. He was a “devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.” He was “a just man” and had “a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews” (10:1, 2, and 22). He certainly was bearing fruit as a good man. Cornelius was sincere and a truth seeker. He was progressing on his journey to salvation. But we understand that he was yet lacking something and that is why Peter came to teach him and all those gathered together of Christ and words by which they could be saved ( 10:34 -40; 11:22 ). The apostle Peter, by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, “commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord” ( 10:48 ). Don’t you know that Cornelius and his household realized that it was at this ‘mile-marker’ on their spiritual journey that they had been saved from their sins? There are moralists among us who do many good deeds and possess wonderful attitudes toward family members and their neighbors. Are these people recipients of the gift of the Holy Spirit? By what ‘exhaustive theology’ would you say that the Holy Spirit does not indwell them? And at that point would you not become their judge? You see, we cannot be guided by subjective feelings as to who is acceptable or who is not acceptable to God. We must allow the Holy Spirit to determine the acceptability of a person in the sight of God. And, the only way that can be done is by the teaching of the Holy Scriptures through which the Holy Spirit leads us today in these matters.

You write that the “ kingdom of God is larger than our fellowship” and that the “Spirit of God certainly is bearing fruit in the lives of many who are not of our heritage.” When you say our “fellowship” and “heritage”, do you consider the church as being a denomination that was begun during the first part of the 19th century? When you say that the “kingdom of God is larger than our fellowship”, are you saying that the church of Christ is simply a part of the whole, that is, the church is just another denomination that comprises the “kingdom of God”, along with thousands of other denominations? May I kindly ask you, can a person be a member of the church of the Lord today as individuals were in the first century without being a member of a denomination? If one believes in Jesus Christ as being the Son of God and obeys the Holy Spirit’s commands to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for remission of sins, can he not be a member of the church of our Lord as did those Jews on Pentecost (Acts 2:36-38, 47)? On earth and during this dispensation of time, are the terms kingdom and church referring to the same entity? Did Jesus refer to this organism in Matthew 16:13-19 by the terms “my church” and “the kingdom of heaven”? If so, when did the kingdom-church begin? Was it not begun on the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ and as recorded in Acts 2? How many kingdom/churches did the Lord established? Are sincere religious people today members of this kingdom/church if they have not been obedient to the same commands given by the Holy Spirit to believers as recorded in Acts 2:36-38? If not, does the Holy Spirit indwell them? And if the Holy Spirit indwells those who have not complied with the directives given by the Spirit of God, by what objective truths as found in the Holy Scriptures can you prove that belief? The Holy Spirit speaks of “one body” in Ephesians 4:4. He also says through Paul that “the body” is “the church” in Colossians 1:18. Therefore, it must be understood that the body (church) is one and that it is not divided into hundreds of denominational organizations.

My fear is that many of our young people like yourself have been adversely affected by the teachings of brethren Rubel Shelley and John Q York in their book, THE JESUS PROPOSAL, when they speak of salvation as being a “process” in the sense that salvation from past sins cannot be found in any one “event” (Chapter 7, “Being God’s Child: Event or Process?). Brother Shelley even states when he gets to heaven “maybe I’ll want to ask God when I was really saved. Was it when I got clear on the Holy Spirit at about twenty-one or two? Was it when I finally grasped the grace-nature of the gospel in my thirties? I suspect he will tell me there was no “moment at which” I was saved—but that he sought and found me through the entire process” (page 130). It appears that one of the objectives of the authors is to lessen the importance of the essentiality of scriptural baptism for remission of sins. Yet, the apostle Paul declared in Romans 6:17, 18 that it was at the point when the Romans “obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine” that they were “set free from sin” and had become “slaves of righteousness.” That “form of doctrine” they obeyed was in the likeness of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The brethren had died to their sins in repentance and had been “buried with Him through baptism into death” and “was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father” into “newness of life”. Please note that Paul spoke of their spiritual condition prior to this time as being “dead” and, after this “event” as being a “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:1-4; Colossians 2:12, 13). The King James Version of the Bible in I Peter 3:21 makes it very clear of the importance of baptism in regards to when a person is saved from sin, “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us, (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” While it is accepted that all the requirements of the Lord to be saved is of equal importance, it must be recognized that it is in the “event” of immersion that the person’s relationship is changed from a lost condition to a saved relationship in Christ Jesus. The teaching of salvation being a “process” in the manner that is being advocated by various preachers and educators, that is, we cannot say that we are saved at one “event” is not new to the religious world. Please observe carefully the teaching on this subject as is found on the official website of the United Methodist Church :

Does baptism mean that I am saved?
No, salvation is a lifelong process during which we must continue to respond to God's grace. Baptism offers the promise that the Holy Spirit will always be working in our lives, but salvation requires our acceptance of that grace, trust in Christ, and ongoing growth in holiness as long as we live.

Please know that I have written to you with love and kindness in my heart and a great concern for your spiritual well being. May God grant us strength to enable us to grow spiritually and in our knowledge of the Word of God.

Your brother and friend in Jesus Christ,
Raymond Elliott

Inclusiveness, Pluralism & Syncretism

2009-10-13T13:07:00.002-05:00

Basically the meaning of these three terms involve the belief that members of the church of Christ should include members of all denominations in our fellowship; that different doctrines propagated by various religious organizations is healthy and even acceptable to God; and, the blending of all religious groups together even with their conflicting doctrines. A very influential brother in Christ recently inserted into his blog an article as to what he believed in 2004 and stated that is where he stands today. This brother has preached for the 5th & Highland church in Abilene, Texas for 18 years; he teaches at Abilene Christian University and is active in the affairs of the Zoe Group and the New Wineskins Publications. One of the most effective ways in which he influences people is through his blog on the Internet. It has not been long ago that he announced that his blog had received two million hits. Whenever this brother writes negative articles about the church of our Lord he will receive scores of comments and most of them will be in favor of what he has written. No doubt he has influenced thousands of young people with his beliefs. It is with sadness in my heart and without any animosity that I now examine this brother’s teachings as per his article presented on April 11, 2009.

“Most of us don’t like paradox and tension. We like our theology nice and clean. We like to know who’s in and who’s out. Growing up, it was easy. You had to have the RIGHT position on baptism: the right amount of water, the right age (accountability), the right reason (“for remission of sins” – usually nothing mentioned about “to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit”), and the right prerequisites (hear, believe, repent, and confess). You also had to have the right understanding of the church (date of origin, organization, etc.), the right kind of worship (five “acts” involving weekly communion, and acappella singing), and so on. The borders were clear. We were right; others were wrong. Now, I don’t believe that. I don’t believe people are lost just because they don’t share my understanding of various passages. We are saved by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus – not by our ability to exegete texts. Thank God for that! No wonder so many people went to their deathbeds worried about going to hell.”

All the gospel preachers of my acquaintance have taught and now teach that we are saved by the death of Jesus Christ and justified by His resurrection (Ephesians 1:7; Romans 4:25). This is made possible by the infinite grace and love of our Heavenly Father (Ephesians 2:5, 8, 9; John 3:16). It is understood that we cannot merit our salvation simply by our works even after we have done what the Lord requires of us (Luke 17:10). However there is the need to respond by faith to the requirements of our Lord in order to be pleasing in His sight. This brother, due to his knowledge of the scriptures, understands that Jesus said it was necessary to believe in Him and be baptized in order to be saved (Mark 16:16); that the word baptize means to dip, plunge and to immerse. John the Baptist was baptizing near Aenon because there was MUCH water there (John 3:23). The apostle Paul in Romans 6:1-4 and Colossians 2:12 referred to baptism as being a burial and a resurrection. The age of young people when they are immersed depends on the individual, that is, when one understands the need of being a child of God, the awareness of sin in one’s life and an awareness that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died for his sins. This brother also knows that the only candidate for scriptural baptism is the person who upon hearing of the good news of Christ comes to believe in Jesus as being the Son of God and turns his life over to God and away from sin, and confessing with his mouth what he believes in his heart (Romans 10:17, John 8:24; Acts 17:30; Romans 10:9, 10). The apostle Peter, speaking by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, made it clear that the hearers who had come to believe in Jesus needed to repent and be baptized “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:36-38). How much a new convert to Christ understands about the nature and organization of the church depends on the amount of studying he has done prior to and immediately following his conversion. He certainly would know that the Lord has added him to His church (Acts 2:47). In the home Bible studies that I have conducted over the years I have instructed a seeker of truth what the New Testament teaches regarding the beginning of the church that occurred on the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ and the character of the body (church) of Jesus Christ including its organization. I have done this because of the denominational division that exists in the world today. I have not claimed that we are right because of who we are but that we endeavor to follow the teachings that are found in the New Testament of Jesus Christ regarding how to be saved and the identity of the church which Jesus established (Matthew 16:18). Of course how to worship and who to worship would be included in the teaching of babes in Christ (John 4:22-24; I Peter 2:2) as they mature in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). His statement “Now, I don’t believe that. I don’t believe people are lost just because they don’t share my understanding of various passages. We are saved by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus – not by our ability to exegete texts”. Such statements infer that he has had a change of heart on these matters. This brother, like so many teachers in the church today, no longer believes that it is possible or necessary for mankind to arrive at the same understanding of passages that pertain to God’s plan of salvation and the identity of the Lord’s church. According to this brother a person has the right to exegete a passage of scripture to reach a different conclusion from another and both are right. Jesus taught that a disciple of His could study His word and come to know the truth, not ‘truths’ (John 8:31, 32). His is the old “Unity in Diversity of Doctrine” theory that has been propagated over the years by our liberal brethren.

Because of his previous remarks our brother writes, “So some have assumed I don’t believe in baptism any longer. Far from it. I love the things written in a recent booklet from ACU Press by Jeff Childers and in a recent book by John Mark Hicks and Greg Taylor.” I have not read these publications so I can’t really say what the writers have written on the subject of baptism. However, I have read the words of Jesus (Mark l6:l6), Peter (Acts 2:38; I Peter 3:21), Ananias (Acts 22:16) and Paul (Romans 6:1-4; Galatians 3:26, 27). What this brother is saying that while he stills believes in immersion he will also accept another person’s interpretation to mean that pouring and sprinkling would be acceptable to God also. Yet, Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:5 that there is “one baptism”. He expresses his opinion that if a person simply believes in Christ and/or prays the ‘sinner’s prayer’ that such would be acceptable to God likewise. I know this because he explains in this article concerning members of the various denominations, “These are my brothers and sisters in Jesus. People in whom the fruit of the Holy Spirit is clearly being produced. We have some differences of opinion – even on things that are very important to me—but we are part of the one body of Christ.” Our brother had previously made light of the fact that while we taught Acts 2:38 regarding baptism being “for the remission of sins” we failed to say anything about the “gift of the Holy Spirit.” Now he is saying that since the fruit of the Holy Spirit is evident in the lives of religious people they are his brothers and sisters in Jesus. In other words he is saying that these individuals received the gift of the Holy Spirit but he failed to mention whether or not they had complied with the commands of the apostle Peter to “repent and be baptized for the remission of sins”. It appears to this writer that our brother is leaving off the first part of Acts 2:38 and inferring that regardless ‘how people were saved’ they are producing the fruit of the Holy Spirit and such proves that they are acceptable to God. To differ over opinions is our liberty but we must not confuse opinions with clearly stated doctrines taught in the Word of God. This brother brings all religious groups together in “the one body of Christ”. He believes that the church of Christ is simply a denomination (“tribe”) among the thousands of others. In this one article our brother has taught the doctrines of Inclusiveness, Pluralism and Syncretism.

His last statement is very disturbing. He writes, “It is the height of arrogance (often fueled by fear) to believe that WE got it right and in order to follow him you must follow US.” Is this brother saying that when we read a simple and clear passage regarding how to be saved to another person as found in the New Testament that such is done with arrogance? Was the apostle Paul arrogant when he wrote in I Corinthians 11:1, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ”? His statement is a general indictment against all Christians who teach that we can know when we are saved from past sins and that we can just be Christians, members of the body (church) of Jesus Christ by following the teachings of the New Testament. He is wrong when he says that we teach people to follow us. We encourage people to study what the Lord and the writers of the Word of God who were guided by the Holy Spirit teach on how to be saved, the church of our Lord and how to worship and live acceptably to God. Our desire is the same as expressed in I Timothy 2:3, 4, “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

Traveling Recklessly Down the Wrong Road

2009-10-13T13:02:00.003-05:00

It was there for everyone to see on the Frazier Television Station. In fact I have seen portions of the program three times. The “instrumental group”, consisting of a guitar player, a piano player and singers, from the Landmark Church was performing for a group of older couples in a ‘fellowship hall’ of the Frazier Memorial Methodist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. The instruments were used during the singing of hymns and songs of praise. The preacher for the Landmark Church made humorous remarks about the audience perhaps being surprised by having a “Church of Christ preacher” and the “Church’s instrumental group” present for the occasion. I felt a real sadness in my heart as I viewed the program. First of all, I have known and loved the preacher since he was a college student. Second, it broke my heart to hear him make light remarks about him and the instrumental group being there that evening. Third, the fact that the congregation where he preaches has an instrumental band that plays on occasions during their week nights worship assemblies, and now for them to represent the church in this manner is truly heart wrenching. Fourth, the preacher also announced that one of his “shepherds” was present. The fact that he was in attendance necessarily infers that he condoned what was taking place in regards to the program presented by the instrumental group from the Landmark congregation.

From the news section of a denominational church bulletin this announcement was made regarding a “COMMUNITY REVIVAL – UNITED IN CHRIST.” “United in Purpose, United in Prayer, United in Purity, United in Power.” This event was conducted at the “First Assembly of God, Friendship Road during the dates of April 14-April 17, 2008”. On Monday night of the four night series the preacher from the “East Tallassee Church of Christ” was scheduled to speak during the “Community Revival”. I would not have mentioned this event had it not been for the reason that the East Tallassee church participates in the local annual Thanksgiving Community Service and has allowed a denominational preacher to speak in this service in their building. There is nothing inherently wrong in preaching in denominational buildings during an assembly but we must be careful not to compromise the truth by our actions. I have spoken twice to a Methodist Men’s Club in two different cities where I have preached and I spoke on the subjects of “The dangers of modernism in religion and the Bible as being the only authority in religious matters”, and, “The meaning of the Restoration Movement”.

“Here in Nashville at Otter Creek, we have what are calling “Vespers”–an attempt to put to work some of the spiritual disciplines in a church setting. It is a quiet meditative time which begins with a couple of hymns, prayer, a period of silence together (that is hard to get used to at first), reading of scriptures according to the church calendar (we are now in Easter time), maybe more silence and a short comment by someone (male or female)about the scriptures read. Following that is a Psalm sung “cantor” style by a male or female, and visits to at least three stations set up which complement the theme of the evening and the scriptures read. At the stations, one may pray, journal, meditate on scriptures or prayers, be blessed by an elder or any number of other quiet activities. Often communion is one of the stations. For example, on Ash Wednesday, a blessing and marking with ashes is one station. Another station might be a paper with a call to action fitting scriptures read. Quiet music plays in the background as people move from one station to the other. Those who do not wish to go to the stations may sit in the pew and meditate on scriptures and pictures being shown on the screens. The evening ends with congregational praise singing.

Vespers is offered in the sanctuary as an alternative to other classes happening in the building. It is a time when we all slow down, meditate and go out refreshed–that’s a good Wednesday evening.”

I found this news item written by a member of the Otter Creek congregation on the blog of Mike Cope (April 10, 2008) when different ones were describing what their home congregation did during their Wednesday Bible study period. Granted that some differences can be found on how congregations conduct their mid-week Bible study period but we must be careful that we do not include some practices that are completely foreign to the teaching of the New Testament. Some of our liberal brethren are observing special holidays more like Easter, Lent, Ash Wednesday (having ashes placed on your forehead), having solos in their assemblies, even serving the Lord’s Supper on days other than the first day of the week, and having instrumental music playing in the background during an assembly.

The GracePointe Church (a church of Christ) in Montgomery, Alabama listed on their website the speakers for their Wednesday night series during the month of July the following men and a woman:
July 2 - Brad Sullivan (Vaughn Park)
July 9 - Adrianna Reddick (9-11 survivor and witness)
July 16 - John Michael VanDyke (Christ Church Anglican)
July 23 - Don Campbell (Hunter Hills)
July 30 - Cory Smith (Woodland Methodist)

It is to be understood that the lady (her religious affiliation is not mentioned) on July 9 will be speaking to the same audience that the men will be addressing. You will also note that two of the speakers are from different denominations. It has been the custom of this congregation to have denominational preachers to be with them on various occasions. A diversity of doctrines and practices would not be a problem with these brethren in the selecting of speakers.

There are degrees of distances among various congregations as to how far they have travelled and are traveling down the wrong road that leads to a complete apostasy from the church of the Lord as found in the last will and testament of Jesus Christ. But it is evident that we are witnessing a major division occurring in our brotherhood. The charge that the apostle Paul gave to Timothy needs to be heeded today by gospel teachers/preachers: “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come whey they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables” (2 Timothy 4:1-4). And for faithful elders of the church: “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. “For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. “And also among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves” (NKJV, Acts 20:28-30).

Traveling Down the Wrong Road

2009-10-13T12:57:00.002-05:00

I remember very well the time I turned prematurely and got on the wrong road while traveling to visit loved ones in another state. The family and I were really surprised when we came to the river that separated two states and there was no bridge. It turned into a venture for us when we had to cross the river on a ferry. I can assure you that I never made that mistake again by turning on that particular highway. I suppose that most of us have gotten on the wrong road while traveling and have had to make certain corrections in order to get on the right highway to reach our desired destination.

Now suppose you are traveling down the highway and suddenly you come upon a sign that reads “WARNING BRIDGE OUT AHEAD”, What would you do? Of course common sense would demand that you seek an alternate route to travel in order to continue on your journey. It would be complete foolishness to continue driving down the highway that would lead you to the point where there was no bridge to cross over the body of water. The church of our Lord is comprised of “sojourners and Pilgrims” (I Peter 2:11) and we all are traveling down life’s road together. There are times that as a congregation of people we come together for other purposes than to engage in a corporate worship. We may decide to gather to have a picnic at which time we would play games together. At other times we may enjoy ‘dinner on the ground’; that is, an opportunity to share a common meal together as did the early disciples (2 Peter 2:13; Jude 12). However if the reason is to worship God we have biblical guidelines to follow in order for our homage to be pleasing to Him (John 4:24). This has always been the true whether we speak of worship in the Old or New Testament times. If in the worship assembly something is introduced that cannot be supported by scriptural authority what do you suppose the end result will be in most situation. Permit me to illustrate in this fashion. The road that is being travelled by some congregations, wherein innovations are being introduced, will eventually lead to the place where a sign can be seen and it will read, “WARNING DIVISION AHEAD”. What shall brethren do? It is an established fact that the body of Jesus Christ divided over one hundred years ago and is being divided presently because of the introduction of unscriptural practices in the worship assemblies. Should not our love for the Lord and His church be enough to cause brethren to stop immediately and not travel down the same road that caused so much disunity in the church in years past?, Yet, the Landmark church in Montgomery, Alabama conducted a ‘Good Friday’ service at which time their band played during the singing of praises to God. This was reported by a member of this congregation; however, this person will not attend any of their assemblies when the band plays. Further, this congregation has been using musical instruments during periods of worship on week nights at which times songs of praise were sung. Presently the elders do not plan to introduce the instruments in the worship assemblies on Sunday.

There are several observations that I would like to make concerning this unfortunate situation. First of all, the purpose for the ‘Good Friday’ service was no doubt to worship God and His Son who gave His life for us on Calvary. Such passages as Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16, 17 and others authorize singing without the addition of any kind of musical instruments during our worship assemblies. Please note that nowhere in the teachings of these and like passages declare that this applies only to assemblies on the first day of the week. The importance is placed on what is being done in the worship assembly and not on the day of the week. Of course the observance of the Lord’s Supper is peculiar to the first day of the week (I Corinthians 16:1, 2; 11:18, 20, 23-34; Acts 20:7). It is faulty reasoning to assume that the use of musical instruments in a worship assembly on a Friday night has scriptural authority but would not be acceptable on the first day of the week. Would these brethren use the instrument in a gospel meeting during the week nights should they decide to conduct one? If they find it acceptable to use the instrument on one night during a worship assembly to sing praises to God, why would they not find it to be scriptural during a series of gospel meetings?

Second, usually the case is that congregations among us will not introduce the instrument beginning with the worship assembly on Sunday morning. What has occurred and will most likely be the case is that the elders/brethren will decide to use the instrument during a worship assembly on a week night. We have two examples of the Richland Hills and Quail Springs congregations in Texas and Oklahoma doing this very thing. It is a gradual process of educating the members to accept such an unscriptural practice. Please observe what brother Burton Coffman has written in his commentary on Matthew, page 226, concerning the acceptance of human traditions:

1) First appears the innovation, something new, clothed with specious plausibility, riding the crest of some unusual occasion, some exceptional circumstance, or emergency.
2) It is repeated and moves into a place of acceptance as something allowed, occasionally at first, invariably afterwards.
3) It becomes appreciated as an “aid” to the worship, something helpful.
4) Eventually, it is stressed and emphasized to the detriment of what it is supposed to “aid.”
5) It achieves, through long usage, a status of equality with God’s word.
6) It is finally performed, occasionally, but later, always, instead of God’s commandment.
7) Finally, it blooms as a presumptuous, rebellious contradiction of God’s word, and is constantly honored in place of it.

Third, when elders see no harm in using the instrument during a worship assembly on a week night; when the preacher believes it to be an acceptable practice and will not preach against it use, you can be assured that in time, perhaps during the lifetime of the next generation, the instrument will be introduced into the worship assemblies on the first day of the week. History has proven this to be the case.

Fourth, other congregations that tend to live ‘on the cutting edge’ will be encouraged to follow the same pattern regarding the use of the instrument. There are reports that even some of our Christian universities and schools have used the instrument during their chapel (religious) services. We all need to be careful concerning the road we are traveling in these matters. The direction we are traveling determines our destiny. The road that leads to becoming a digressive church is first a gradual down hill slope and then it becomes one that falls so rapidly that there is no stopping as one innovation follows another one and the church eventually loses its identity as being a congregation of Jesus Christ.

Fifth, parents who send their sons and daughters to attend the various universities/colleges in our Capitol City need to know where the various congregations stand regarding the use of instrumental music in any of their worship assemblies. During the years at a university/college our young men and women are often influenced by ministers and members of the various congregations in the surrounding area to become affiliated with their congregation and become active in the various programs of work and fellowship. If the church where they attend is using the instrument in a worship assembly they most likely will be influenced to believe that such is a scriptural practice and acceptable to God.

It is with a deep sense of Christian love that I beg brethren to heed the sign on the road that some are traveling, “WARNING DIVISION AHEAD”. Please listen to the prophet Jeremiah who wrote the following, “Thus says the Lord: “Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk it it; Then you will find rest for your souls…” (NKJV, Jeremiah 6:16). The “old paths” wherein is the safe way is the one to travel doctrinally and in scriptural practices. However, many were the times when the children of Israel did not heed the directives of the Lord. The rest of this verse states, “But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’" And sadly to say, this is the attitude some brethren have today.

"I Believe in the Old Testament, But . . ."

2009-10-13T12:51:00.002-05:00

I had gone by to see a friend of mine who is a chaplain in a major hospital in our Capitol City. This gentleman is a very kind and compassionate individual and is well suited for his profession in giving guidance and counseling to the sick, their families and those in times of grief. His demeanor is such that we can discuss most any subject and especially regarding those of a religious nature. In the course of our recent conversation I mentioned that I serve on a Board of Regents for a local Christian University and that our president was having difficult in finding qualified professors to teach in our doctorate program because so many of the men who would be academically qualified had been tainted in their education with modernism. I then began to illustrate what I meant by that statement and mentioned that some scholarly individuals understand that the first ten chapters of Genesis as being a myth and they would deny many of the miracles that occurred in the Old Testament. I observed that when we deny much of the Old Testament it will come down to whether or not we could accept the virgin birth of Jesus, the resurrection of our Lord and other cardinal doctrines of the New Testament. I also related how that the very inspiration of the Old Testament has been challenged. Though not so surprised I was disappointment at his response to my thoughts when he said “I believe in the Old Testament but I understand that it is a book that tells of the love that God had for his people but it is not a book of science, etc.” He said that the earth is not flat and that the days in Genesis one could have been long periods of time. Also that the Old Testament was a reflection of the times when the writers lived and that now we have much more scientific evidence than they did thus enabling us to have a different understanding regarding their writings. He mentioned also that some religionists believe that the earth was created on October 12, 4004 B.C. Because of other statements he made I perceived that my friend had himself been tainted with modernism in his pursuit of higher education.

I responded to many of his statements by saying that the Bible does not teach that the earth is flat and that the exact date of the creation of the heavens and the earth is not mentioned in the Bible. I expressed my belief that the earth is relatively young in comparison to the millions of years as taught by the evolutionists. I also agreed with him that the Old Testament is not a book of science but that when the Old Testament mentioned scientific matters it was always accurate. I remember that I took a class in college entitled, THE AUTHORSHIP OF DEUTERONOMY written by our scholarly and beloved brother J. W. McGarvey. I was simply overwhelmed with the advanced knowledge taught by a brother in Christ as he endeavored to explain some of the tenants of ‘higher criticism’ regarding the Old Testament. We studied that according to the liberal view of the Old Testament that Moses was not the author of the first five books normally called The Pentateuch. No, it was not Moses but several writers who authored various parts of the books, Genesis through Deuteronomy and they were referred to as J, E, D, H and P. There was a redactor (editor) known as R that brought all their writings together some seven hundred to one thousand years after Moses had died. There was the rejection of most of the miracles and stories of the Old Testament. Such a theory actually denied the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in the writing of the Old Testament. One important thing I want to mention just here and that is, what is taught in the Theological Seminaries will eventually reach the people in the pews via the pulpits. It might not be easily recognized by the members who are not students of the Word of God. For example, when our oldest child attended the vacation Bible school of a prominent protestant church in the small town where we were living, I asked him to bring his class book home so I could read it. I believe our son was in about the fourth or fifth grade at the time so this material was written for children in the elementary schools. The stories were about the children of Israel being in Egypt and the time spent in the wilderness. When it came time for the crossing of the Red Sea the author of this material referred to the body of water as being the Sea of Reeds. Inferred is the thought that the water was not very deep and that when the tide went out the Israelites crossed over and when the Egyptians entered the water the tide came back in and trapped them. Also when the Israelites needed food while they were in the wilderness for forty years they found a substance that grew on Tamarisk Trees that was sweet and that they could eat, thus denying that God provided food for them in a miraculous manner. This might not sound significant to many but the fact is the liberal author was denying the miraculous occurrences in the stories of the Old Testament.

There is a saying that seminaries are really cemeteries, that is, it is during the years when young men and women sit at the feet of professors who espouse modernism that their belief in the Bible as being the inspired Word of God dies. While this is not surprising it is alarming that some of our ‘Christian Universities’ are following in the same path that our schools walked over one hundred years ago. Many brethren do not know that the schools once operated by faithful brethren were eventually taken over by educators who believed in and taught modernism. The very liberal Disciples of Christ denomination is one of the fruits of such modernistic doctrines taught in their universities and colleges. In recent times Abilene Christian University announced the forthcoming One-Volume Commentary on the Bible which will “espouse standard critical conclusions (multisource Pentateuch, multiple Isaiahs, two-source hypothesis for the Synoptic Gospels, etc”. Mark Hamilton who is a Bible professor at ACU and editor-in-chief of the commentary project stated this volume will step out “in directions that will be new to most general readers with the restoration movement.” (Note: I give credit to brother Wayne Jackson concerning the news regarding ACU. This information was taken from an article which he had written entitled, “ACU: Stronghold of “Radical Criticism” in the Christian Courier).

The sad fact is that modernism has permeated most universities that have been founded on Christian principles. There are scores of young men and women who attended these universities and college who are now agnostics and who do not esteem the Bible as being the inspired Word of God. As members of the body of Jesus we must constantly be aware of the teaching that takes place in our own Christian schools. We must not send our young people to those universities and college where rank liberalism/modernism is being taught by those professors who claim to be adherents to biblical teachings. On the other hand we need to support morally and monetarily those schools which are endeavoring to be faithful in teaching our young people the inspired Holy Scriptures.

Psalms 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, has much to say about the Word of God and the Psalmist love for the Law of the Lord. In contrast to the theories of modernism/liberalism invading the kingdom of God listen to what the inspired writer stated in verses 127 & 128: “Therefore I love Your commandments More than gold, yes, than fine gold! Therefore all Your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right; I hate every false way.” (NKJV, Emphasis mine, RE).

Autonomy of the Church and the Teaching of Error

2009-10-13T12:46:00.003-05:00

God, in His infinite wisdom, made His Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ “to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all” (Ephesians 1:22, 23). The apostle Paul declared in Colossians 1:18, “And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the pre-eminence.” Jesus Christ does not share the headship of the church with any mortal man regardless of his status of prominence in the religious world. The Heavenly Father has given to His Son “all authority” “in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). Jesus Christ is the supreme and only head of the church which is His body. There is another sense in which one finds the word church being used in the New Testament. For example, Paul wrote an epistle to the “church of God which is at Corinth” (I Corinthians 1:1, 2) as well as letters to “saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi” (Philippians 1:1) and “To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse” (Colossians 1:2). He also wrote letters to other congregations and to individuals. In God’s design for a congregation he placed shepherds (elders) to oversee the local flock of believers. In Acts 14:23 we find that the apostles “appointed elders in every church.” Paul instructed the overseers from the church in Ephesus in this manner, “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28, NKJV). The apostle Peter wrote in I Peter 5:1-4, “The elders who are among you I exhort, I, who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away.” It is reasonable and scriptural to assert that each congregation is autonomous (self-governing) and when fully developed is overseen by men who are called shepherds, elders and overseers.

It is very important that we all understand that a local church has the right in matters of expediency and human judgment to make its own decisions. Another congregation or an individual who is not a member of said church does not have any right to interfere in the business affairs or decisions of another congregation. Christians should be very careful in criticizing the decisions made by the eldership of a congregation. The brethren have the right to make their own decisions as to where they will send their monetary support in the mission field and/or to other good works. They can decide to have their Bible study and worship assemblies at various times on Sunday that might be different from other congregations. For example, I know a congregation that meets on Sunday for Bible classes at 10 a.m., morning worship at 11 a.m. and their second worship assembly at 1:30 p.m. Between the two assemblies, the brethren always share a common meal together. That is a total of 41/2 hours that the Christians are together. That is longer than most churches meet together on any given Sunday. And yet, some brethren might consider this congregation as being unsound for not meeting on Sunday evening at 6 p.m. I worshiped with a small congregation one occasion that met in a house and during the morning assembly everyone sat in chairs in a circle around the table where the Lord’s Supper was sitting. All the people sat during the singing including the song leader except during a song of praise and then everyone stood. No problem. It was their decision and I respected it. In fact, I rather enjoyed the change. I have witnessed the monetary contribution being taken up on Sunday morning just before the closing prayer rather than following the Lord’s Supper. The arrangement of the avenues of worship on Sunday can vary and it is the business of the individual congregation to make such decisions. Some congregations will have Sunday morning assemblies at their building but meet in different homes in the evening. Though I might be inclined to not like that arrangement, I respect the congregation’s decision to do so. After all, how many assemblies did the Lord require of His disciples to meet on the Lord’s Day? Furthermore, in one sense I believe a congregation has the freedom to decide not to do the will of the Lord. Now, I certainly would not agree with that decision but some congregations have decided to do that very thing. For example the church in Laodicea had become so wretched in their sins that the Lord had been left outside of that congregation. In fact, Jesus Christ said to those brethren, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20). He further told them that their actions were repulsive to Him and that they needed to repent (Revelation 3:16, 19).

The question is do we have the right to speak out against another congregation when the members are guilty of violating the teachings of the Lord? The apostle Paul warned the Colossian brethren of false teachers (Colossians 2:4, 8) even though he was not a member of that congregation. He also rebuked the Galatians for allowing Judaizing teachers to advance error within the churches in that area, even though he was not a member of any particular congregation among them (Galatians 1:6-9; 5:4). It is therefore possible to speak out against false teachers and unscriptural practices without violating the autonomy of another congregation. However, we should do so in the spirit of Christ without judging the motives of others. So often brethren make blanket accusations against a congregation without proper evidence and thus arouse suspicion among other members of the body of Christ. We should always treat others in the same manner we would like to be treated (Matthew 7:12). It is best not to go by ‘hearsay’ when dealing with problems and issues facing the church of the Lord. I find that it is best to use a direct quote from a brother’s writing or speech as to his teaching and the practice of the congregation where he preaches. If a congregation altars the sacred plan of salvation and states that baptism is not essential for salvation, that congregation has digressed from the truth as taught in the New Testament. Should those brethren introduce mechanical instruments of music into their worship assemblies, they have digressed from the biblical teaching on this important matter. Church autonomy was never intended to be a shield for apostasy. Essentially no congregation has the right to suspend or change the precepts of the Lord.

We can understand more fully the wisdom of God in designing the individual congregations to be autonomous (self-governing). If a congregation departs from the truth, it doesn’t mean that every congregation of the Lord will do the same. However, there is a real danger involved when any congregation becomes digressive and that is in its influence exerted on individual Christians and other congregations of the Lord. For example, one very large church of Christ in the state of Texas has announced that it will begin a special service on Saturday nights wherein the Lord’s Supper will be served and instrumental music will be introduced. The preacher of that congregation wrote that he had scores of letters/emails from elders and brethren encouraging such a move. And there are ‘progressive’ and ‘liberal’ churches located near our Christian and State Universities that are adversely influencing students regarding these and other unscriptural practices. Shall we remain silent while error is being taught? I think not. One of the loud cries of brethren who are guilty of propagating error is that we should respect their autonomy. While we can respect their autonomy we cannot allow apostasy to occur without voicing our disapproval. My brethren we live in perilous times. The church of Jesus Christ is being divided by the doctrines and practices of men. We cannot but speak out against all innovations that contribute to the disunity of the precious body of our Lord.

Straws in the Wind

2009-10-13T12:39:00.002-05:00

For various reasons people toss grass, or in this case, straws in the air to see which way the wind is blowing. The expression ‘straws in the wind’ would also be an indicator of current trends and the directions many congregations in our brotherhood are moving in matters pertaining to questionable and/or unscriptural practices. One of the ‘straws in the wind’ in recent times is that of some brethren participating in a Community Thanksgiving Service. I take no pleasure in mentioning this annual event that is conducted in most communities and is now involving churches of Christ. The reason being, I have personal friends in the congregations in our general area that are now participating in these special services. The preacher for one congregation is quoted about the service this year in the building where he preaches as saying: “The ministerial alliance builds relations between the different churches.” “A lot of times, you get stuck wanting to do your own ministry and this is a way to get out of that rut and be involved with other churches and worship along side people that normally wouldn’t worship together.” Sometimes there is a fine line with being friends with our neighbors who are members of various denominations and having fellowship with them in religious error and unscriptural practices. While we should always manifest a Christ-like spirit toward those people with whom we disagree in what the Bible teaches we must be careful that we do not condone the error they espouse.

During my fifty years of preaching I have never deemed it necessary to join a ministerial alliance or ministerial association; yet, I have formed friendships with denominational preachers and members. We have often discussed biblical subjects and members of denominations have actually asked my views on religious matters. Because of our friendship they knew they could approach me without being fearful that I would be rude and uncouth in my answering them. The local congregation where I labored in time past for nearly seventeen years is highly respected because of their involvement in helping people. Each week the brethren distribute food to scores of people who are in need. The cost to these brethren would run in the thousands of dollars annually. This good work would be in addition to other benevolent acts that would involve assisting indigent persons with monetary gifts. A congregation can be involved in community affairs without the possibility of compromising truth with error.

It should also be noted that the preacher stated that the Community Thanksgiving Service was “worship”. Did a gospel preacher speak on the occasion? Were all the prayers led by members of the church? It is beside the point that the lesson presented was not controversial. Anyone could give a lesson on ‘Thanksgiving” without it being confrontational in nature. The question is, was the speaker a gospel preacher? In the case before us, the answer is no. He was a denominational preacher. He teaches that it is scriptural to sprinkle babies, that one is saved by faith only and that baptism has no connection with salvation from past sins. He deceives his people by preaching many errors from his pulpit and yet this individual stood in the pulpit in a building owned by our brethren and was warmly received. My brethren, what are we saying to our young people when we permit this to be done? Cannot we see that we are giving credence to this man’s teaching by allowing him to speak in our “worship”? The danger is that weak members and unlearned brethren may also accept his teaching on other matters that would adversely affect their eternal salvation. Another thing, are we not in a sense saying that ‘you are okay and I am okay’ when we engage in a “worship” like a Community Thanksgiving Service? And if this special service was considered “worship”, did the church’s “Praise Team” sing without the congregation singing, or did the “Praise Team” just lead the congregation in songs? A personal friend of mine who preaches for a congregation in a different city said this about this type of service, “Last evening was the third time that __________has participated in an interdenominational Thanksgiving Service. Each time I experience this service, I’m reminded about how much Christians have in common. I’m grateful that God is opening my eyes to see his larger kingdom. I’m always prayerful that His Spirit will create unity in the body of Christ so that “the world might believe that God sent Jesus.” How disappointing that this brother would include the church of Jesus Christ as being a part of an “Interdenominational” service and that the kingdom of God includes all kinds of denominations. Have all the members of these denominations been “born of water and the Spirit”? (John 3:3-5). Did they obey the same commands given by the Holy Spirit when the apostle Peter instructed believers to “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins: and you shall received the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:36-38, NKJV)? This brother passed judgment (which belongs only to the Lord) on all people present for this Thanksgiving Service when he declared them to be “Christians” and a part of “his larger kingdom.” One member of the congregation where I preached stated to me (with the consent of her husband) and two other elders that she “could not bring her Christian friends from other denominations to hear me preach” (Emphasis, mine). Presently her husband serves as one of the elders of a congregation that is involved in the Community Thanksgiving Service. Brethren, it is alarming that so many members are viewing the church of the Lord as being just another denomination. I should also ask, will the Holy Spirit bring unity among believers in addition to the instructions He has given us in the Holy Scriptures (Ephesians 4:1-6)?

Brethren we should never isolate ourselves from people of the world and from our friends in denominational bodies. We must permit our influence for Jesus Christ to be felt in our community. After all, we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matthew 5:13-16). There are times and situations in which we can cooperate with others in worthy and good endeavors but we must not place the church in a compromising position that might cause Christians to think that the body of Christ is simply a denomination and just because a person is sincere and religious he/she is acceptable to the Lord without adhering to the commands given by the Holy Spirit regarding how one can be saved by the grace of God and the blood of Jesus Christ. But this action by some of our congregations is just a ‘straw in the wind’, another indication of the direction that brethren are traveling toward a more liberal persuasion and away from undenominational New Testament Christianity.

A Pattern for Apostasy

2009-10-13T12:29:00.002-05:00

It is worthy to note that those brethren among us who ridicule the conviction that there is a pattern for the church to follow as found in the New Testament; they themselves are imitating a pattern for digression that can be found in the history of the Restoration Movement during the 19th century and the first part of the 20th century. The problem dealing with the Missionary Society, instrumental music, open fellowship, the use of women in the leadership of the worship assemblies, fellowship with denominations, open membership, baptism becoming less important, considering the church of the Lord as being a denomination and a more liberal attitude toward the Word of God, etc. were all present then and the same issues are contributing to a division in the body of Christ today. We have often heard the expression that history repeats itself and how true this is concerning the church of Jesus Christ. A more liberal attitude toward the Word of God is a breeding ground for more innovations to be introduced among brethren. And the introduction of multiple innovations is a breeding ground for a more liberal attitude toward the Word of God. This circle continues even until this day. The extreme can be found in a sermon preached by R.C. Cave in the latter part of 1889 in the Central Church in St. Louis. “Cave asserted that Abraham and Moses were grossly ignorant of the true character of God, and denied both the virgin birth of Jesus and the bodily resurrection of Christ. He described the Bible as an evolution, not a revelation of Christ, and declared there was no such thing as a divinely-given “plan of salvation.” Added to this was his affirmation that water baptism was not found in the great commission. Cave declared: “He who brings himself, according to his measure of knowledge and ability, into obedience to the will of Christ and into oneness of life and character with Christ, is a Christian and entitled to all Christian privileges, among which is membership in the church. To this I invite men.” This is just one example of a preacher possessing pure liberalism among brethren in the 19th century. If you listen carefully you will hear similar sounds in the brotherhood today. There are some brethren who feel more freely to cast doubt on the integrity of the Holy Scriptures presently mainly because of the liberal atmosphere in which we find ourselves. When we begin to chip away at the inspiration of the Scriptures we are doing immeasurable harm to the faith of others, especially our young people. Here are a couple of examples of preachers among us who are influencing others regarding the integrity of the Bible.

At the Emergent Tulsa Cohort last week, I passed out a handout adapted from a post Scot McKnight made several months ago about the way we view the Bible. Our assumptions about what the Bible is and how it works will have a huge impact on the way we read it. That’s sort of what we talked about at the meeting. Here’s what was on the handout.

Your View of Scripture?Adapted from Scot McKnight

Sacramental: the Scripture leads us to the Beyond as we read it; heavily shaped by community; not always true. (Marcus Borg) Clarification: “true” in this statement refers to historical accuracy.

Inerrant/Infallible: the Bible is never wrong about anything (science, too); always true.

True: you simply confess the Bible to be true and don’t care to say any more than that.

True Christian story, still ongoing: you see Scripture as Story, and it is God’s true Story, and the Scripture prompts the re-use of that Story in our world today in various ways. (N. T. Wright)

True in matters of faith and practice: the Bible is true on these issues, but can be wrong about science or history or other matters.

Scripture is infallible; God’s Word, but it is in need of authorized interpretation and the Church’s Tradition is the work of God.

Historical origins: you see the Bible to be the historical foundation of the Church; it is simply historical; not inspired in the traditional sense that it lifts it out of the norm of writing; Scripture is as human as anything we experience, even if God uses it to lead the Church today.

So what is your view of Scripture? You show me yours and I’ll show you mine.

Then the brother states his personal view of the Scriptures:

Based on the categories in the post below, here’s how my journey with scripture has unfolded up to this point.

Like most who grew up in a conservative church, I started with an “Inerrant/Infallible” view of scripture that might be best described as “The Bible is magic book.” God wrote it and it was perfect and true and special in every way.

Once I got to college and started reading books with footnotes and Greek and German words interspersed throughout the text, the supernatural cover fell off of my Bible. The “historical origins” category best described my view at this point. Once I learned to pick the Bible apart, it started to look very human. Even though I felt quite guilty about it, this was my view of scripture throughout my early to mid-twenties.

Since then I’ve come to read the Bible more as the “True Christian Story: still ongoing.” I love the idea of reading scripture as the first four acts of a play and seeing the ongoing life of the church as the fifth act which must be faithfully improvised in the spirit of the first four.

I’ve also come to read the Bible in more of a sacramental way. Scripture, when actually read and dwelt upon, mediates the presence of God in the midst of the community. In this way, the Bible has sort of become a magic book for me again, but not in the same way as when I was a kid.

Please observe the change in this brother’s attitude toward the Scriptures over the years from accepting the Bible as being “inerrant/Infallible” to a more “sacramental way” and a “True Christian Story: still ongoing”. It is very important that you read again the meaning of “Sacramental” and “True Christian Story: still ongoing” as given previously in order to understand this brother’s view of the Word of God. This brother is the preacher for a very influential congregation where an annual workshop is conducted and is attended by thousands of our members. It is very disturbing to observe that when he got to college he began “to pick the Bible apart”. This might be understandable in a state school but he attended one of our largest Christian universities.

Another influential preacher/educator among us has stated his view toward the writings of the gospel according to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. I first read a similar statement many years ago in the periodical ‘Mission Magazine’.

Frankly, not everything in the Bible is quite as smooth as I used to imagine. There are jars and clashes. Was Jesus’ Nazareth sermon early in his ministry (Luke) or much later (Matthew, Mark)? Was Jairus’s daughter dead (Matthew) or nearly dead (Mark — maybe this falls into the Princess Bride’s category of “mostly dead”) when Jairus found Jesus? Did the cursing of the fig tree happen before (Mark) or after (Matthew) Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem? Was it one demon-possessed man (Mark, Luke) or two (Matthew)? And was it at Gerasenes, Gergesenes, or Gadarenes — or are those the same place? For a while I tried forcing explanations so that there were no problems, but I eventually had to admit (with some encouragement from my professors) that this was disingenuous.

And this is just the beginning. Clashes and jars. When we labor under our Western assumptions of HOW THE BIBLE OUGHT TO BE, that’s extremely problematic.

Before I proceed I must inform you that this brother stated in this article that he does believe the writers of the Bible were guided by God and inspired in some manner by the Holy Spirit. However when he uses the terms “clashes” and “jars” regarding the authors of the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John what does he mean? The definition that Webster gives of “jars” in the light of the context previously mentioned is “to clash, disagree, or quarrel sharply”. He also defines “Clashes” to mean “to come into conflict; disagree sharply”…"to fail to harmonize”…”a sharp disagreement; conflict”…”lack of harmony”. It is very disturbing to read from this brother’s article the sentence, “And this is just the beginning.” If you attended one of our universities or preacher schools you most likely took a class called ‘A Harmony of the Gospels’ wherein the instructor guided you in your understanding how that there was complete agreement between the writers even though they presented the life of Christ from different perspectives. But there is a real and serious problem when you say that there were disagreements and even conflicts between the writers. The men who wrote these books were not the actual authors; rather, the Holy Spirit guided them in giving an account of the life and death of Jesus Christ (John 14:26; 16:13). Are we willing to say that the Holy Spirit contradicted Himself? Just imagine for a moment the adverse effect such teaching would have on a college student who is ‘sitting at the feet’ of a professor who teaches that there are “jars” and “clashes” in the gospels. Can we not see how this belief and understanding of a student in the Holy Scriptures would affect his/her acceptance of the Bible as being the ‘inerrant/infallible’ Word of God? When you do research of the apostasy that took place in the 19th century and in the early part of the 20th century you will learn that it was the liberal brethren who took control of our universities.

Many are the farmers who will inform you that they often experience the problem of erosion on their land. Acres of fertile ground can become useless if this problem is not solved early. The thing about erosion is that it happens so slowly that one person might not easily detect it before it has caused considerable lost of productive soil. And in like manner apostasy often occurs so gradually that one generation of believers might not notice the damage being done to the body of our Lord. Warnings might be given but not heeded. When you begin to cast doubt on the inerrancy and infallibility of the Holy Scriptures you may be causing erosion in the faith that others have in the Bible. There is a great need in our brotherhood to emphasize that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God” (God breathed) and this “one faith” “which was once for delivered to the saints” is our sole guide in matters religiously (II Timothy 3:16, 17; Ephesians 4:5: Jude 3).

THE PRECIOUS BOOK DIVINE
“How precious is the Book divine, By inspiration give’n!
Bright as a lamp its precepts shine, To guide my soul to heav’n
It sweetly cheers my drooping heart, In this dark vale of tears;
Light to my life it still imparts, And quells my rising fears.
This lamp, thro’ all the tedious night Of life, shall guide my way,
Till I behold the clearer light Of an eternal day.
Holy Book Divine! Precious treasure mine!
Lamp to my feet and a light to my way To guide me safely home.”

One Hundred Years Later

2009-10-13T12:21:00.001-05:00

It is common knowledge among us that in 1906 a distinction was made and recognized that the Church of Christ (a cappella) and the Christian Church (instrumental) were two distinct religious entities. By in large members of the various congregations of Christ suffered tremendously inasmuch that many lost their buildings and had to find new locations where they could worship according to the dictates of their consciences based on the teachings of the New Testament of Jesus Christ. The division among members of the church of Christ had arisen years before 1906. The innovations of the Missionary Society and the use of instrumental music in the worship, along with other false doctrines and practices, were the basic reasons for the division in the body of Christ. It has been generally believed among us that the use of the instrument in our worship has been considered an addition to our singing (worship) and therefore unscriptural. However over the years attitudes have changed regarding the method of our interpretation of the Bible and that has caused many brethren to reconsider their rejection of instrumental music in our worship to God. This has not happened in a short span of time; rather, this change of attitude has occurred over at least 40 or more years. Influential teachers, authors, university presidents, professors and preachers have influenced scores of Christians to accept the instrument; or, to consider the use of instrumental music in our assemblies as being a “non salvation” issue. Furthermore several congregations of Christ and the independent Christian Church have been cooperating together in foreign mission work in recent years. There has been a call for reconciliation among the two branches of the Restoration Movement that began in the 1800s in America.

One brother/preacher/educator writes, “During this special year-100 years since the official split between Churches of Christ and Christian Churches-some of our best historians (on both sides of the keyboard) are helping us understand the reasons why it (the division, RE) happened.” He further states, “There’s not much need, for example, for us to continue talking about instrumental music. Most of the a cappella churches are going to remain a cappella-though most of us don’t think instrumental music is wrong (Emphasis mine, RE). And most of the instrumental churches aren’t going to become a cappella-though I doubt if you think it’s improper.” In this brother’s thinking, we can have unity and diversity of doctrines and practices.
During the dates of June 27-30 of this year, members of the Christian Church met in Louisville, Kentucky for their annual North American Christian Convention. Another one of our preachers mentioned in his writing that he and his family were going to attend this convention at which time he declares that the meeting will “end 100 years of division” that has existed between the Church of Christ and the Christian Church. He wonders within himself, “How could I have thought that instrumental music was a salvation issue? I feel like I brain washed myself. One hundred years of division over a piano or a guitar. It just seems so strange to me now.” He also writes that he is “happy that most of our denomination is together again” but he “regrets that we split in the first place. It should have never happen.” Furthermore he states, “This convention is the right thing to do and I want to be there to celebrate at this reunion.” “However I dream that we will move beyond our denomination and acknowledge everyone who follows Jesus Christ. I pray for the unity of all Christians.”

In the latest issue of The Christian Chronicle (on-line) Bobby Ross Jr. presented an overview of the NACC that was held in Louisville during the dates of June 27-30. He writes, “In an emotional display of love and acceptance, several prominent leaders of a cappella Churches of Christ and instrumental Christian Churches exchanged personal Bibles at the North American Christian Convention on Thursday night.” “Among a cappella church members who participated in the Bible exchange were ministers Marvin Phillips and Jerry Taylor as well as Abilene Christian University President Royce Money and Rochester College President Mike Westerfield.” “Also exchanging Bibles were the praise teams from the Richland Hills Church of Christ and the Southside Christian Church.” “Keynote speaker was Jeff Walling, pulpit minister of the Providence Road Church of Christ in Charlotte, N.C., challenged the roughly 7,000 people who packed the Kentucky International Convention Center to go home and do the same.” It was estimated that of this number, 1,000 members of the a cappella congregations “stood and accepted the challenge.” “Thursday night’s session mixed instrumental and a cappella hymns as praise teams from the Richland Hills Church of Christ in North Richland Hills, Texas, and the Southside Christian Church in Orlando, Fl, performed together.” “Keith Lancaster from the group Acappella led a non-instrumental rendition of “Awesome God,” followed by both praise teams singing a modern-day “Rock of Ages,” accompanied by a piano, drums, electric guitars, a trombone, a trumpet and tambourines.”

“In a message titled “Together in God’s Grace,” Walling said that he, too, once believed that a cappella singing was the only way to worship. But he said God helped him grow to understand that grace, not perfect doctrine, saves Christians. Members of both fellowships have suffered, he said, from “we’ve got it right” disease and legalism deep in our veins.”

Thus you can see that a certain segment of our brotherhood is now committed to accepting the Christian Church into their fellowship and that the use of instrumental music in worship is no longer considered a barrier between the two groups. You will also observe in the writings mentioned previously that many brethren consider the church as being a denomination and that we should “acknowledge everyone who follows Jesus Christ.” That diversity in doctrine and practice should not keep us all from being united as one body of believers. The fact is, there are other differences between the church and the Christian Church but undoubtedly they are being overlooked. And it must be admitted that some our congregations are so liberal that they are more like the Christian Church in many ways. It is worthy to note that in the infinite wisdom of God, the congregations of Christ are autonomous and that no one group of Christians can speak for the whole body of Christ.

In the midst of all the trouble that the church is now facing, it is very encouraging to know that some brethren are re-affirming their convictions based upon the teachings of the New Testament. For example, David B. Burks, President of Harding University, has written an article that has been printed in some of our brotherhood publications, entitled “Re-examining Our Core Beliefs.” This article was re-printed in the May, 2006 issue of the Firm Foundation. Brother Burks is to be commended for his convictions. It is also encouraging to know that the president of this Christian university has taken a stand in these troublesome times. Let us not forget to “Love the brotherhood” (I Peter 2:17). We should also keep in mind the exhortation given by the apostle Paul: “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables” (II Timothy 4:2-4). May we always be “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).

Speaking When God Has Not Spoken

2009-10-13T12:14:00.003-05:00

In his third speech to the children of Israel Moses stated this great truth in Deuteronomy 29:29, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” In short, there are some things that God has revealed to us through the Holy Scriptures for us to know and to do while He has chosen not to make known all of His infinite wisdom. The apostle Paul wrote in I Corinthians 2:11, “For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God.” The only way we can know what God wants us to know of the things that pertain to life and godliness is through the word that the Holy Spirit has given us (II Timothy 3:16,17; II Peter 1:3). Yet it is very common to hear denominational preachers assert that God has spoken to them directly and that their hearers should accept that as a matter of fact. I suppose that we can expect this of men who are not satisfied with the Holy Scriptures. But it is very disappointing to read where a brother in Christ has spoken when God has not spoken on some subjects.

This brother, like so many brethren of the liberal persuasion, has been very critical of the slogan that we have used over the years and that is to speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where the Bible is silent. In particular he has reference to the use of instrumental music in our worship assemblies. He wrote, “Most of the old arguments were lame, built on shoddy hermeneutics.” He would declare that our argument on the silence of the Scriptures regarding instrumental music would indeed be faulty. Yet he has the audacity to speak where the Bible is silent on this matter of the use of instruments in our worship assembly. He writes, “So here’s my take on instrumental music: GOD DOESN’T MUCH CARE” (Emphasis mine, RE). Now how does he know that? Where in the Bible is it written that God said He doesn’t care if we use instrumental music in our worship assemblies? Furthermore this brother wrote, “So God bless the drums/guitars/saxophones that are played for the glory of God.” Well if God doesn’t care, why not use an entire orchestra when we are singing during our worship. My brethren it is no wonder that so many of our young men and women have no problem with the use of instruments in our worship assemblies when this brother who is a preacher/educator and editor writes in this manner in his daily blog on the Internet.

This brother speaks of the church as having a “heritage of being a cappella” and our being in “the a cappella tradition.” In other words he is saying that the church is simply a denomination and that we have a heritage and tradition of singing chapel style, that is, without the addition of instrumental music. And that we “don’t need to be ashamed of it.” This brother would assert that “Preserving this a cappella heritage isn’t as important to me as it is to others.” He would also write of the nonuse of the instrument, "That doesn’t mark us as being the REAL people of God or as being RIGHT” (Emphasis, his).The word tradition(s) is used in at least two different ways in the New Testament. In Mark 7:12, 13, Jesus said, “then you no longer let him do anything for his father or his mother, making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.” The traditions of men are handed down from generation to generation. The tradition that Jesus spoke of in this context violated he word of God. The use of instrumental music in the worship assembly did not originate with the first century church nor was it condoned in the word of God. It was a tradition that began in the Roman Catholic Church and it was centuries later that the protestant churches began using it in their worship assemblies. Since this tradition is an addition to the worship of the church that has not been ordained of God it is a violation of his word. Jesus condemned such when he used the words of Isaiah (29:13) in Matthew 15:8, 9, “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with they lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”

There is another use of the word ’traditions’ in the New Testament that relates to the truths spoken orally by men who were inspired of the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul wrote in II Thessalonians 2:15, “Therefore brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.” These were ordinances that were given by Paul and were to be obeyed by Christians because they were in actuality requirements from the Lord. So the ‘tradition’ of singing without the addition of musical instruments is one sanctioned by an inspired man as found in Ephesians 5:19, “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” This is the scriptural tradition of the church, which is, singing a cappella (chapel style) without the addition of musical instruments.

Brethren it may be that we have been affirming a negative too long, that is, why churches of Christ do not use instrumental music in our worship assemblies. While we may need to approach the study of this subject in this manner, it should be understood that those brethren who advocate and use the instrument have the burden to prove why they use the instruments. In other words it is their responsibility to justify by the New Testament the addition of instruments of music in the worship assembly. While this brother makes light of our arguments against the use of the instrument he does not make effort to prove that instrumental music is scriptural. Let us remember that our worship must be in “truth” as well as in “spirit” (John 4:24).

Works Cited
PreacherMike (Mike Cope’s blog), Inorganic Music, May 10, 2006

United or Untied?

2009-10-13T12:08:00.003-05:00

Isn’t it amazing how two words in the English language can be so similar and yet worlds apart in meaning? By moving the letter ‘I’ from in front of the ‘T’ to behind the ‘T’ you can understand what I am talking about regarding the change of the meaning of the word ‘united’. United is defined by Webster to mean “to join; to make into one; to form a whole; to associate; to cause to adhere; to be joined together; to grow together; to act as one; to harmonize.” The passage of scripture that comes readily to my mind is Psalms 133:1, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” I am a lover of peace and harmony among brethren. Almost nightly I pray for unity and peace to prevail among believers in Jesus Christ. Jesus prayed for unity among His followers as found in John 17:20, 21, “I do not pray for these along, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me” (NKJV). It was the intent of Jesus to bring peace to all mankind through His death on Calvary (Ephesians 2:13-18). Our Lord not only prayed for peace, he preached it. “And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near” (Ephesians 2:17). Through the preaching of His apostles this peace was declared for both Jew and Gentile and was to be found in Jesus Christ and in His body the church. The unity in Christ did not originate in the minds of men but we are exhorted by Paul in Ephesians 4:3 in this manner, “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Our responsibility is to make every effort to preserve the peace in the body of Christ. But this unity cannot be found in comprising the truth presented in the New Testament of our Lord.

Presently there are efforts by some brethren to unite the church of Christ and the conservative Christian Church. There have been ‘Unity Meetings’ conducted at some of our Christians Universities. One such Unity Meeting was held at this year’s Tulsa Workshop. Two of the main speakers were Max Lucado and Bob Russell. Bob is the Senior Minister of the Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky that has some 19,000 people present during the four assemblies on Sundays. He of course would be least known among members of the churches of Christ. Of course he preaches for the segment of the Restoration Movement that introduced instrumental music in the worship assembly. While it was not the only reason for the division in our brotherhood, the musical instrument perhaps was the wedge that caused the division in the body of Christ. And the use of the instrument in the worship assembly is not the only teaching/practice that separates us as some of our brethren are teaching. However, it must be understood that it was the introduction of instrumental music in the worship assembly that divided the church, not acapella music. Some of our brethren are seemingly blaming us for the division and not the innovators. For example read the remarks by Rick Atchley, preacher for the Richland Hills Church of Christ in Dallas – Fort Worth, Texas area, in his speech at the North American Christian Convention in 2003: “It’s going to take several things for this family reunion to take place. We’re going to need to do some repenting and some forgiving. Now speaking from the acapella side, it seems to me that we need to do most of the repenting and ask for most of the forgiving. But I’m sure that some of you would say tonight that from your side there have been some things that would have grieved the heart of God too. All I can tell you tonight is that if you’ve ever heard a sermon, if you’ve ever seen an attitude by anyone from one of our churches that was ugly, sectarian or cruel, I want to tell you how sorry I am. That’s not who we want to be any more. And I’m going to beg you, let’s not let old wounds define who we are. Let’s let the prayer of Jesus for one body define who we are”. It has been 100 years since the official listing of the two separate bodies in 1906 and presently a certain segment of our brethren is really pushing for a re-uniting of the two entities. There is the possibility of this occurring should the Christian Church discard the use of the instrument in the worship assemblies. That would be a sure sign that there is a genuine desire for unity. It may be that many brethren can unite with this group because various congregations have become more like the Christian Church and very little difference can be perceived between the two bodies of believers. You must understand that many of our brethren refer to the use of instruments in the worship assembly as being a “non-essential” issue and should not prevent us from being united.

While there is much talk about the uniting of the Christian Church and the church of Christ, there are brethren who are causing a major division in the brotherhood by the teaching of false doctrines and including practices that are unscriptural. The fact is the same issues that separated brethren over 100 years ago are causing another division! Isn’t it ironic that one of the speakers at the Tulsa Workshop on the subject of unity was Max Lucado. This is the preacher/brother who had his audience on his radio program to pray with him the ‘sinner’s prayer’ in order to obtain forgiveness of their sins. In the same program he later instructed his listeners to affiliate with some church and be baptized. Then he said that it was not for salvation because they were already saved. Several years ago I became a friend with a preacher of the conservative Christian Church. He gave me a tract that he had written on the plan of salvation. It was the same as any gospel preacher would have written on the subject. This brother would disagree with Lucado over his ‘sinner’s prayer’ for he taught that a penitent believer had to be baptized in order to be saved from sin. He would also disagree with brethren over the teaching that salvation is a life long process and that a person cannot know exactly when one is saved from past sins. In actuality, this Christian Church preacher would be more conservative than many of the preachers/educators among us. Other brethren are teaching that the church is just a denomination, that women can have a leadership role in the church, and that we should fellowship all who believes in Christ and many preachers are ‘swapping pulpits’ with preachers of various religious bodies. The unity that we once enjoyed in the body of Christ, because of the error being taught and the unscriptural practices being introduced in our worship assemblies has become untied! The verb, untie, is defined by Webster’s Dictionary as meaning, “1. To undo or loosen… 2. To free from something that binds or restrains”.

It seems that the very ones who are seeking unity with the conservative Christian Church are the same preachers/educators who are contributing to the undoing and loosening of the precious unity among the churches of Christ. This division has separated family members, friends and brethren. Various congregations have divided over the issues previously mentioned in this article. Even there is no longer cooperation among some congregations that once stood together on matters of truth and that often worked together in special events like a city wide gospel meeting. How sad that many brethren are breaking away from the restraints of the teaching of the Lord in the New Testament and causing confusion and chaos in the body of our Lord Jesus Christ. My earnest prayer to God is expressed in the beautiful hymn: “Bind Us Together”.

“Bind us together, Lord: Bind us together

with cords that cannot be broken.

Bind us together, Lord; Bind us together,

Lord, Bind us together with love.

There is only one God. There is only one king.

There is only one body. That is why we can sing:

Bind us together, Lord, Bind us together

Lord with cords that cannot be broken.

Bind us together, Lord Bind us together,

Lord, bind us together with love.”

Christianity and Judaism Do Not Mix

2009-10-13T12:02:00.004-05:00

One of the basic problems that the apostle Paul had to deal with as he moved among the congregations of his day was that many Christians were trying to hold hands with the dictates and ceremonies of the Old Law and the teachings of Jesus Christ as pertaining to the new and living way. This problem is clearly dealt with in his letters to churches of Galatia and the church in Colossae. In Galatians 4:9-11, he wrote, “But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage? You observe days and months and seasons and years. I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain.” Undoubtedly, the “weak and beggarly elements” to which he had referenced in verse 9 referred to the rituals and ceremonies in the Law of Moses. He plainly stated that for them to engage in such would place them again “in bondage”. Paul specifically mentioned the observing of special “days and months and seasons and years”. This would definitely include the observance of the Sabbath days and special feast days required of faithful Jews under the Old Covenant. Those Galatians who were trying to hold on to portions of the Old Law and follow Jesus at the same time were causing Paul to be greatly perplexed in his heart and caused him to think that his labors among them had been in vain. In Colossians 2:14 Paul wrote that Christ “having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross” (NKJV). He had reference to Jesus abolishing the Old Law that had governed the children of Israel for some fifteen hundred years. Having fulfilled the Law and the Prophets, He has given us His last will and testament (Matthew 5:17, 18; Hebrews 9:15-17). However, some in the early church were slow about removing themselves from observing portions of the Law of Moses, namely what Paul mentions in verse 16, “So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or Sabbaths.” Why, you may ask and Paul then gives the reason in verse 17, “Which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.” You see, the Law with all of its special days, festivals and ceremonies were not the real thing. They all pointed down the stream of time when the real substance would become a reality, that is, Jesus Christ and Christianity.

May I say very kindly and with deep sorrow in my heart that one of the aspects of the present digression in the church today is the observance of special days and events. It is heart rendering to read of brethren having special services wherein they observe festivals that belonged to the Mosical dispensation and/or were begun by the Roman Catholic Church. In the Montgomery Advertiser, Friday, April 14, 2006, page 4D, we read that the “GracePointe Church, 1565 Ray Thorington Rod, will have a Passover service from noon-12:45 p.m. today.” “The service will feature the seven last words of Christ.” This’ Church of Christ’ has, in times past, observed the Passover Supper on a Wednesday night. Why are Gentile Christians observing the Passover when it was never meant for the non Jew in the first place and was limited to the Old Testament period? The Passover does not have the same significance to Gentiles as it did to the Israelites who observed it in celebration of their deliverance from Egyptian bondage (See Exodus 12). We understand that it was during the Passover that the Lord instituted the Lord’s Supper but it is the latter and not the former that we are to observe in this dispensation. It is in this sense that the expression “The Christian Passover” is a contradictory term as is “The Christian Sabbath”. Yes, we do have a Passover and that is Jesus Christ by whose blood our sins have been forgiven and are constantly covered if, as Christians, we “walk in the light as He is in the light” (I Corinthians 5:7; I John 1:7).

Then there is the large influential Highland church in Abilene, Texas that had a special service on Sunday night, April 9, 2006. In his PreacherMike blog, dated April 11, 2006 and under the heading, “THE PROBLEM OF MARKETING EASTER, Mike Cope writes: “The Taize service at Highland on Palm Sunday evening was such a meaningful way to launch this week. The services have always been moving when I’ve attended; but somehow they really resonate during Passion Week.

Growing up I always heard that Easter Sunday is no different than every other Sunday because we always celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. I appreciate much of that insight.

And yet . . . the church has also known for 2000 years the power of the calendar — of remembering that there was a Sunday in the spring (tied to the Jewish Passover) when the actual, historical event took place.

He was killed and buried. Then God raised him from the dead. So we believe by faith.”

One of the persons making comments on his article inquired as to what the church did in their Taize service. Brother Cope answered, “Well, we started our Palm Sunday service like we have for the last several years: with a reading from the gospels and all the children walking down the aisle waving their palm branches.

The Taize service is in our atrium with everyone gathered around a cross and Palm branches. The worship “style” is typical for Taize (resources are online), with an invitation from the leader at the end, to write something on a card that we’d like to “leave in the shadow of the cross” as we left in silence (with the Taize choir singing). It was, for me, both refreshing and convicting.”

Another person commenting on his article related how he (or she) had observed Lent last season and it meant much to him (or her). It appears that more and more members of the church are copying the culture/traditions of the Catholic Church in observing these special festivals and days.

I read in the local newspaper where a brother who preaches for a large congregation was going to explain the meaning of Easter. It is amazing how much criticism the King James Version has received because of it’s antiquated language and for mistranslating the passage of scripture in Acts 12:4 that uses ”Easter” instead of the correct word “Passover” (NKJV, ASV). Yet many of these brethren are using Easter in their vocabulary when referring to the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

We know that the resurrection of Jesus occurred during the time frame of the months of March – April. Over the years I have usually preached a lesson on His resurrection because most people have this thought on their minds. However, every Sunday when we observe the Lord’s Supper when we meditate on the death of Jesus for our sins, we usually consider in our thoughts that our Savior did not remain in the tomb but arose again the third day, that is, on the first day of the week (Luke 24:1, 21). The fact that we “proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes” (I Corinthians 11:26) necessarily infers that He did not remain dead or in Joseph’s tomb since He has promised to come again.

To Whom Will You Entrust the Minds of Your College Age Young People?

2009-10-13T12:00:00.002-05:00

One of the most important decisions that Christian parents can make regarding their children is where they will receive their college education. This decision could mean the difference in their children’s eternal destiny. Many parents would consider a Christian university as the safest place our children could be as they make some of the most important decisions in their lives. I know that my parents entrusted my care to godly men and women at a college operated by members of the Lord’s church and it was during those years that I decided to preach the gospel of Christ for the rest of my life. I truly believe in Christian education. I have been a supporter of certain Christian college/universities for most of my adult life. For the past thirty-three years I have served on the Board of Regents of a Christian university. There was a time in the history of most of our Christian schools that parents had full confidence that their children would receive a good education, especially in the area of biblical instructions when their young people were enrolled in our Christian universities/colleges. However, with the passing of the years such confidence has eroded because of the teaching of some teachers/professors in certain schools. Permit me now to present an example to show why such confidence is no longer manifested in some schools operated by members of the church.

In the current issue (online) of the New Wineskins, there is an article written by Dr. Gary Holloway who is “Associate Director of the Center for Spiritual Renewal” at Lipscomb University. The title of this article is “Circle of Fire: Barton Stone and a Spiritual Model of Unity.” In this article Dr. Holloway presents some views that Barton W. Stone had regarding unity among believers. Dr. Holloway stresses that unity is to be experienced based upon relationships and mission centered in Christ rather than upon agreement in biblical doctrine. He emphasizes that this is what appeals more to the younger generation. He also states that we should be willing to embrace in prayer, worship, and service all those who exhibit the fruit of the Spirit. In other words we should permit our denomination to merge into the body of Christ at large. Please read carefully the following remarks written by Dr. Holloway:

“My own experience teaching in a university where 70% of the students are from acappella Churches of Christ confirms this cultural shift away from the importance of denominational labels to a deep concern for relational and spiritual union. It is not unusual in a typical week for our students to attend a Monday night instrumental (!) praise worship at a local Church of Christ, a Tuesday night ecumenical teaching session at First Baptist downtown, Wednesday night at a fairly traditional Church of Christ, and Thursday night Taize worship at a Presbyterian church – all before going home on the weekend to their parents’ Church of Christ where many think we are the only Christians!”

It is sad indeed to sense the sarcasm in that last statement by Dr. Holloway. It is also alarming to know that our Christian young people are being encouraged by some faculty members of this Christian university where Dr. Holloway teaches to believe that the church is a denomination and that we can be united together with other denominations simply upon our relationship and joint efforts in missions done in the Spirit of Christ.

Serious students of the Restoration Movement in America are fully aware that one of the contributing factors of the division among the church of Jesus Christ in the 19th century was the liberal element taking control of the colleges operated by members of the church. It is evident that history is repeating itself as we find ourselves in the midst of a major division in the church of our Lord today. The alumni that find such teaching and practice being done as previously mentioned in this article should voice their concern and disapproval to the members of the board and the administration of their respective university.

Acceptable Music in Worship

2009-10-13T11:52:00.003-05:00

There are many individuals who think that the churches of Christ do not have music in our periods of worship to God. However, that is a misconception. We do in fact have music always in our homage to the Heavenly Father. In fact, this writer has never attended a worship period wherein there was no music. But, you must understand that the word 'music' is generic in usage. The specifics of music are 'instrumental' and 'vocal.' Vocal music is an integrated part of acceptable worship. In Hebrews 13:15, we read, "Through him then let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which make confession to his name."

Also, the general populace would be greatly surprised to learn that the churches of Christ use an instrument in their worship to God. This, of course, will be rather difficult to believe since those individuals who have visited our assemblies have never seen an instrument with the visible eye. The New Testament clearly demands that an instrument be used in the praising of God in our songs. If this is not done, such will not be acceptable to God. Christians who desire to please God have no choice in this matter. They must use an instrument in church music. In short, the New Testament requires the usage of the instrument, and, the specific instrument is mentioned in the Word of God.

But, let us observe that the word "sing" in the New Testament comes from the Greek word "psallo," which basically means to "twang," "twitch" and "touch the strings." In the Old Testament, David would "psallo" on the harp. However, when we come to the New Testament, a different instrument is required and even specified. Please turn to the book of Ephesians, chapter 5, verses 18 and 19 and let us read together: "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody [psallein, i.e., to twang, twitch, touch the string, metaphorically speaking] in your heart to the Lord."

The requirement to baptize a person can be used as an illustration in this matter. The word "baptize" is not a translation but rather a transliteration. That is, the word "baptize" is from a Greek word "baptizo," which means to dip, plunge or submerge. Thus, the actual translation of "baptizo" would be "immerse." But into what substance should one be baptized? Through a study of the Scriptures, we learn that it is water (See Matthew 3:16; John 3:23; Acts 8:36). In a parallel situation, we are required to sing (psallo) and make melody (psallein), but, upon what instrument? Paul, guided by the Holy Spirit, answers that question when he wrote: "...singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:19). There is no uncertainty about it; the heart is the God-made and God-given instrument to be used in praising him in our songs.

Christians who follow this teaching relative to acceptable music in worship are not on the defensive. Rather, those churches that use mechanical instruments of music in their worship must prove by the Holy Scriptures the authority to do so. They must defend their usage of the instrument in their assemblies. The burden of proof is on their shoulders.

Have you ever wondered why, when you come to the New Testament, that you never read about the first century church using mechanical instruments in singing praises to God? It is interesting to note of the nine (9) times music is mentioned in the books of the New Testament, Matthew through Jude, that it is always in the specific, that is, to sing. Let us now read the passages of Scriptures in the New Testament wherein this is the case.

1) Matthew 26:30: "And when they had sung a hymn, they went out into the Mount of Olives." 2) Acts 16:25: "And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises..."
3) Romans 15:9: "...I will praise unto thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name."
4) Hebrews 2:12: "I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the congregation will I sing praise."
5) 1 Corinthians 14:15: "I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the understanding also."
6) Ephesians 5:18, 19: "Be not drunken with wine, wherein is riot, but be ye filled with the Spirit, speaking one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord."
7) Colossians 3:16: "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God."
8) Hebrews 13:15: "Through Him then let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips, which make confession to His name."
9) James 5:13: "Is any cheerful? Let him sing praise."

When the King James Version was translated (1611) and the American Standard Version some years later (1901), one hundred forty-eight Hebrew and Greek scholars were used in these works. Each time that these scholars came to the word "psallo" and its derivatives, they translated it into the English word "sing." Therefore, when one reads the New Testament, he can have full confidence in knowing that when he sings in worship to God, he is doing exactly what the Holy Scriptures authorize.

You might also be interested in knowing that the early church did not in fact use an instrument such as an organ in their song service, at least for the first six hundred years. "Pope Vitalian is related to have first introduce organs into some of the churches in Western Europe about 670; but the earliest trustworthy account is that of one sent as a present by the Greek Emperor Constantine Copronymus to Pepin, king of Franks in 755" (American Encyclopedia 12: 688). "The organ is said to have been introduced into church music by Pope Vitalian in 666 A.D" (Chambers Encyclopedia 7: 112). Either way, one can readily see that the use of instrumental music did not originate with the first century church. The introduction of such caused division among members of the Roman Catholic Church and was discarded until about the first part of the fourteenth century. Along with other digressive practices, the use of instrumental music caused a major schism between the Roman Catholic and the Greek Catholic churches (1311). The Greek Catholic Church rejected the use of the instrument, along with the selling of indulgences, the authority of the pope, etc.

Later, the great reformer, Martin Luther, rejected the use of the organ. He said, "The organ in the worship of God is an ensign of Baal." John Calvin said of the organ in worship, "It is no more suitable than the burning of incense, the lighting of tapers or revival of the other shadows of the Law. The Roman Catholics borrowed it from the Jews." When John Wesley was asked about the use of the organ, he replied, "I have no objection to the organ in our chapels provided it is neither heard or seen" Charles H. Spurgeon, when asked why he did not use the organ in worship, gave 1 Corinthians 14:15 as his answer: "I would as soon pray to God with machinery as to sing to God with machinery." Adam Clark said, "...And I further believe that the use of such instruments of music, in the Christian Church, is without the sanction and against the will of God; that they are subversive of the spirit of true devotion, and that they are sinful...Music, as a science, I esteem and admire: but instruments of music in the house of God I abominate and abhor. This is the abuse of music; and here I register my protest against all such corruptions in the worship of the Author of Christianity" ("Amos 6:5." Clarke's Commentary).

Here are some arguments that many use to justify the using of mechanical instruments of music in their worship ~

Some will say that God did not say, "Thou shalt not use instrumental music in worship." Probably this argument is presented more than any other. But let us notice the final conclusion of this reasoning if it is permissible. God did not say, "Thou shalt not use cornbread and buttermilk in the Lord's Supper." But we do use unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine (Matthew 26:26-28). Why? Simply because that is what Jesus used. Neither did the Lord say, "Thou shalt not use images and burn incense in worship." But in our understanding of the teaching of the New Testament, such would be wrong. We must understand that when God gives a positive command, such would exclude all else. For example, God commanded Noah to use gopher wood in the building of the ark (Genesis 6:14). That requirement excluded the use of any other kinds of woods like pine, maple, cedar, etc. It is like when you send a child to the store with the instructions to purchase a loaf of white bread. You need not tell him not to buy beans, milk, etc. We understand the principle of a positive command. It excluded all else when given to do a specific thing. And, the New Testament informs us in a positive manner what the Lord requires of us in worship regarding the type of music he desires. This should be sufficient. We could not carry the book around in a train boxcar with all the "thou shalt nots" if God had given us one. In the Old Testament, we learn that the priests were to be taken from the tribe of Levi. However, when we come to Jesus Christ, we learn that he was from the tribe of Judah. Please note what is written in Hebrew 7:14, "For it is evident that our Lord hath sprung out of Judah; as to which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priests." In other words, Jesus could not be a priest even if he came back to earth because he was not from the tribe of Levi. Also, it is worthy to observe that while a positive directive was given regarding from which tribe (Levi) the priests should come, it is not found in the writings of Moses where God said, "thou shalt not select priests from the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, Dan, etc." When God said that the priest should come from the tribe of Levi, that excluded men who belonged to the other tribes in Israel.

Another argument is: "You have mechanical instruments in your home." That is true. Much enjoyment can come from good music played upon such instruments. We must understand that a moral law governs the home while a scriptural law governs the worship. There are some things that are morally right in the home that would be unscriptural in the worship of the church. For instance, the eating of a common meal is peculiar to the home life but would be out of place as an avenue of worship to God. Also, one could enjoy singing wholesome secular songs in the homes but singing the same in the worship would be wrong.

There will be harps in heaven" another contends, "so why not in the worship?" Here are some passages normally used to support this argument: Revelation 5:8: "And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints." Let us make the observation that the book of Revelation is a highly symbolic book. Notice that the "golden vials full of odours" were not literal bowls but were symbolic of the prayers of the saints. By the same token, could we not understand that the harps were not literal but symbolic of something else? Revelation 14:2: "And I heard a voice from heaven like the sound of many waters and like the sound of thunder; the voice I heard was like the sound of harpers playing on their harps" (RSV). The Revised Standard was used to show clearly the meaning of the verse. John did not hear the sound of water nor thunder but he heard a voice like water and thunder. Neither did he hear harpers playing on their harps but a voice that sounded like harpers playing on their harps. There is a difference as you can readily see. It is as useless to try to prove literal harps in heaven, as it would be to prove that there are literal beasts in heaven. Even if there were literal harps in heaven, that would not justify such in our worship. The will of God in heaven is not necessarily and always the same as here on earth. Here we marry, but in heaven, there will be no marriages (Matthew 22:30).

"You use song books, lights, pitch-pipes in your song service." This is true. However, one should learn the difference between an aid and an addition. The difference may be seen in the following example. Suppose that an individual was offered one hundred thousand dollars to walk from Montgomery to the city of Dothan, and that all modes of transportation had to be excluded. And let's suppose that this person does walk to the city of Troy; but at that point, he buys a ticket to ride a bus the rest of the way to Dothan. Of course, we understand that by doing such, the one hundred thousand dollars will have to be forfeited. The reason being is that something more and different than walking was done by this individual. On the other hand, suppose that this person grows weary on the trip and stops and cuts a limb from a tree for a walking stick. Has he violated the terms of the agreement? Of course not. We understand that he was not doing anything but walking. The stick simply aided him. Similarly, the use of songbooks, pitch pipes etc. are aids in assisting us to fulfill the scriptural obligation to sing (Ephesians 5:19). Whenever we sing, none of these things is heard. Christians are required to assemble to worship (Hebrews 10:25). A building, whether rented or purchased, is an aid in assisting Christians to meet such a directive from God. But the use of mechanical instruments is something more and different from singing. Playing an instrument would be parallel to riding the bus in the aforementioned example. The instrument becomes an addition to the requirement of the Lord to sing and make melody in our hearts to God.

Others will state "David used the instrument in his worship to God." It is also true that David practiced polygamy. He furthermore offered animal sacrifices and burnt incense in his worship to God. If a person endeavors to justify the use of instrumental music in worship today by appealing to the Law of Moses, he must understand "that he is a debtor to do the whole law" (Galatians 5:3). One should also consider the words of Paul in this matter when he said, "Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace" (Galatians 5:4). The Old Law was given to govern the children of Israel (Deuteronomy 5:1-3). And, it did for about fifteen hundred years, from Moses until Christ died on Calvary (Galatians 3:19, 16). Christ fulfilled that Law (Matthew 5:17-18; Luke 24:44). The Lord "hath taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross" (Colossians 2:14). In this age, we are to hear Christ (Matthew 17:5; Hebrews 1:1-2). While the Old Testament is as much the inspired Word of God as is the New Testament, our relation to that Law is different in this Christian dispensation. Jesus Christ is the Testator of his Will and New Testament. While the Lord lived, he kept the Law of Moses perfect; however, when Jesus died on the cross, his new Will came into force (Hebrews 9:15-17). Therefore, we are to follow his teachings as found in the twenty-seven books of the New Testament. In matters pertaining to the worship of Christians unto God today, we must find a "thus saith the Lord" for all that we do in his Last Will and Testament (Colossians 3:17).

In discussing the matter of whether or not to include the use of mechanical instruments of music in worship, one will inevitably have to come to grips with this very important question, "What is the authority in religion?" There are some things that can be easily excluded from being the authority, namely the following:

Traditions and customs of men. Often one assumes that something should be included in worship simply because it has always been done that way. But such is not the proper criterion in establishing religious authority. Traditions or customs are begun by men and not bound by God as authoritative. Such may vary from generation to generation and from country to country, but the Word of God does not vary from generation to generation and from country to country.
Doctrines of men. Since the completion of the New Testament before the end of the first century, multitudes of creeds written by men have been produced and bound upon people, the first one being written in A.D. 325 at the Council of Nicea. Jesus spoke of the traditions and doctrines of men in Matthew 15:7-9 when he said, "Ye hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy of you saying, This people honoreth me with their lips; but in vain do they worship me, teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men."

Personal likes and/or dislikes. If a person is not careful, he will include in worship to God what is pleasing to the sensual, that is, the physical and emotional appeal of men. And certainly, most of the music being rendered today consists of the various instruments that will stir the sensational senses of a person. But is this pleasing to God? The author of true worship must be consulted in what constitutes acceptable worship. Jesus declared, "God is Spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth"(John 4:24). God is the object of our worship and such must be from the heart and according to truth, that is, God's revealed Word.

Most of the religious world has followed the philosophies of two great reformers of the 16century, Martin Luther and his counter part, Ulrich Zwingli. Luther possessed the desire to retain in the church all that was not expressly condemned by the Word of God. Zwingli, on the other hand, was intent on abolishing all that could not be proven by the Holy Scriptures. There is a vast difference in these two attitudes toward the Bible. The former exclaims that all can be included in our worship if it is not expressly forbidden. The latter emphatically declares that only those things that are taught in the Word of God can be practiced in religious matters. Zwingli had the right concept and attitude toward biblical authority. Peter declared, "If any man speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God..." (1 Peter 4:11). Paul wrote, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). What we exclude in our worship today is a direct result of our attitude toward biblical authority. In short, one must find authority by direct command or a binding example in the New Testament for the avenues of worship. Only that which can be found therein should be retained; all else should be excluded.

The Domino Effect

2009-10-13T11:49:00.002-05:00

As a matter of experimentation I took all ninety-one dominoes out of the box and lined them up on my wife’s beautiful dinning table. I have seen thousands of dominoes lined up to be knocked down by the proceeding one in order to set a new world’s record but I had never tried this procedure so I was curious to know if I could cause ‘the domino effect’. I soon learned that there is an art to causing the desired results. You have to have the individual domino placed just the right space from the preceding one in order to be successful in achieving ‘the domino effect’. The first time I tried only a few of the ninety-one dominoes fell. I was sorely disappointed. But I did learn some lessons by this experience. The first lesson I learned was that some of the dominoes can fall but not necessarily all of them. But the fact remains that when one domino falls when lined up one after the other some of them will fall over. Second, if the dominoes are lined up perfectly then when the first one is knocked over, all the dominoes will fall. In this sense, the influence of the first domino to fall will eventually affect the ninety-first domino and cause it to fall over.

In the infinite wisdom of God the church of Jesus Christ was organized to be self-governing, that is, to be autonomous. When fully mature the local congregation will have shepherds (I Peter 5:1-4; Acts 14:23; 20:28) and deacons (I Timothy 3:8-13). There will be teachers who will be able to lead the saints in the study of God’s Word (Ephesians 4:11: Acts 13:1). In this simple illustration, several huge tanks containing flammable substance might be arranged near one another. A fire might begin in one tank but that would not necessarily mean that all the tanks would be destroyed. In this sense one congregation might apostatize from the way of the Lord but that would not mean that other congregations would do the same. But that is not to say that the false teaching and practices of one congregation would not adversely affect other congregations of the Lord. An extremely hot fire in one tank containing flammable substance might in fact cause another tank to overheat and be set afire and this might be repeated again and again until all the tanks would be set afire or at least many of them could be destroyed.

In recent years we have witnessed several large congregations begin to use musical instruments in an assembly on a Saturday night and/or on Sunday morning. It seems that some congregations are greatly encouraged by what a digressive church will do in deciding to teach/practice error. The last congregation that we know of which has added the instruments to a worship assembly is the Quail Springs congregation in Edmond, Oklahoma. In fact, Mark Henderson the local preacher said that they had already had a band playing during a Worship Night, usually on Saturday and so the use of their band during their contemporary Sunday morning worship assembly would not be entirely new. Their band contains a drum set, a keyboard and usually two or three guitars. When the Richland Hills Church of Christ decided to add instrumental music as a part of their Saturday afternoon assembly, Rick Atchley, the pulpit minister, stated that he had telephone calls and emails from several individuals and congregations expressing their approval of their decision. I firmly believe that other congregations will take courage to make similar changes because of the influence exerted by the elders of the congregations like Richland Hills and Quail Springs. Prayerfully this will not be the case with the majority of congregations of Christ throughout our nation.

You might wonder how we have come this far that brethren now decide to digress from the pattern of sound doctrine and the purity of acceptable worship to God. There was a time when we all stood together in our understanding and conviction that only vocal music was acceptable in our worship. After all there is no authority for adding instrumental music to our worship assemblies. Listen to the words of Mark Henderson, preacher for the Quail Springs church: “Historically the position was – and there’s different parts of it – but I think the primary piece of it was that there is no New Testament authority for using instruments in worship.” But observe the progression of the attitude of these brethren regarding whether or not to have the instrument in their worship assemblies: “There are two things that we really hope will come from this. One is we want to keep more of our people that were leaving to go to instrumental churches. One of the ways I would describe it is the way we handled it doctrinally. We essentially said you are free to worship with instruments and you are free to worship without them. From just a doctrinal biblical standpoint, we, for a number of years, HAVE TREATED THIS AS A NONISSSUE” (Emphasis, mine, RE). At first brethren counted it a sin to have the instrument in worship. Along the way we preached on this subject less and eventually we began to esteem the use of the instrument as a matter of indifference. A new generation has arisen with the attitude expressed previously, “…You are free to worship with instruments and you are free to worship without them.”

Then there is the desire to keep members from leaving to join churches using the instrument and to entice nonmembers to come with us. Yet, the introduction of the instrument at Quail Springs caused “about 300 people” to leave. The same wedge that finally divided the church over one hundred years ago is the same one that is causing disunity and division in our brotherhood today. Do you reckon that this congregation will add 300 people to their roll by using the instrument?

In the life of the prophet Elijah, there were many confrontations with King Ahab and his wife Jezebel. There was the occasion when Ahab met face to face with Elijah and this is what he said to the prophet of God: “Is that you, O troubler of Israel?” Please observe carefully the response that Elijah gave: “I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father’s house have, in that you have forsaken the commandments of the Lord and have followed the Baals” (I Kings 18:17, 18). The faithful preachers and teachers who speak out against the use of the instrument in the worship assemblies are not the ‘troublers’ in the church today; rather it is our digressive brethren who are advocating its use and dividing the church that are the real ‘troublers’ in spiritual Israel. My brethren, listen to what God has to say about the subject of unity among His children. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity” (Psalm 133:1). “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; “that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one is Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me” (John 17:20, 21). On the other hand notice His attitude toward those who would rend asunder this “unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”: “These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him…And one who sows discord among brethren” (Ephesians 4:3; Proverbs 6:16-19).

No congregation is an island. When elders and congregations make decisions to add unauthorized practices to their assemblies you can rest assured that they will exert an adverse influence on other congregations of Jesus Christ. I pray that the ‘domino effect’ will not affect but a few other congregations.

A Sermon on Women Preachers, Some Reactions and Observations

2009-10-13T11:46:00.006-05:00

Brother Mac Lyons had just finished an excellent lesson concerning women preachers on his weekly television program when I remarked to my wife, “People could not be upset with him over his kindness in presenting such a sensitive subject. They would have to be upset only with the truth he presented from the Word of God if they disagreed with him.” Well there were several upset folk who disagreed with his sermon and it is sad to note that the ones voicing their strong opinions about his sermon were individuals who are members of the church or former members who have left the church of Christ. The source of my information was collected from the blog of PREACHERMIKE (Cope, 9/19/07).

One lady wrote: “God help us “This Message is from Churches of Christ.” She was upset that the television program was sponsored by churches of Christ and that the public would think that all churches of Christ would agree with this brother’s sermon. Of course she thinks that the preacher’s position is wrong and should not be understood as representing all the churches of Christ. She also wrote, “I couldn’t disagree more with his message. And yet people in Abilene hear that it’s from Churches of Christ.” This last time I checked this blog some 168 comments had been made and most of them agreed with the sentiment of this person.

The comment was made that “Time will take of this, anyway. Churches will realize they were wrong – just as on the issue of race.” Brother Cope commented, “His position on women is wrong. Yes, as I said, that’s my opinion. I’m becoming more and more convinced that only time will take care of this.” Troy wrote, “I think that the only people that watch these programs are shut-ins or elderly Christians who have been disenfranchised by their younger brothers and sisters in Christ who have pushed their home congregation in a “progressive” direction. I’m sure that it brings these viewers comfort to think that the message is brought to them by “Churches of Christ. There’s no need to snatch that last bit of comfort from their minds.” Please take a good breath and read slowly the following remark by this individual, “Pretty soon, they’ll all be dead, including Mack Lyon, and the problem of traditional coC’ers will snuff itself out.”

Brother Cope in replying to a person for a previous comment he had made wrote the following, “Chris, do you understand the point I’m making? I don’t mind someone telling me I’m wrong. Of course, I think this brother (Mac Lyons, RE) is wrong. Way wrong. Poor interpretation of scripture. But I don’t think he’s lost. I’m not condemning him. I’m not disfellowshiping him. And I could be wrong about his being wrong. What I don’t want is for him to present this as the position of Churches of Christ. What if I hosted a television program and pushed some of the things I think and said it was a message from Churches of Christ? Think he’d like that?” Now I want to make some observations concerning brother Lyons’ sermon on women preachers and the comments found on the blog, PreacherMike.

First of all, brother Lyons only discussed whether it was scriptural for a Christian women to be an elder and/or a gospel preacher in the church of our Lord. Throughout his lesson he appealed to the Word of God for the authority to come to an understanding on these issues. Please observe several of his statements: “What does the Bible say about it?” “One of the purposes we had for beginning this program 38 years ago was to present a view which was not generally heard in the religious media-meaning the Bible response to the spiritual needs of our times. “I will be back with the message about women in church leadership roles. What does the Bible say?” “Does the Bible teach that a woman should serve in a leadership role in the church?” “My friend, we have tried to be gentle. We have sought, too, only to determine what the Bible says about women “taking over” the leadership of the 21st Century church.” He never once suggested that he was referring to ‘church doctrine’ or even ‘what churches of Christ teach’ on these subjects; rather, he appealed to the Holy Scriptures as the true source of authority on any religious subject. While brother Lyons used several scriptures, he did emphasized Titus 1:6 to show that a bishop must be the husband of one wife; and, that I Timothy 2:11-15 prohibits a woman from teaching in such a manner as to have the authority over the man. However he did mention some Christian ladies who had contributed much to the kingdom of God.

Second, the program ‘In Search of the Lord’s Way’ is supported by churches of Christ. There are scores of congregations who contribute to the cost of this program being televised in various parts of our nation. To say that this program is supported by churches of Christ is true and accurate. In that statement there is no indication how many congregations support the program financially but is acceptable to say that it is presented by churches of Christ. Now the sad part about this statement is that not all congregations of Christ agree with what this good brother taught regarding women leadership in the church. In years past this would not have been the case but presently we have brethren who believe that our Christian ladies can be elders and preachers in the church. You can look to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and you will observe the end result of such belief and teaching.

Third, the statements made by various individuals regarding the passing of our elderly members and even brother Lyons indicate that when this generation dies out then our progressive and liberal brethren will have more opportunities to implement their agenda in the installing of women bishops and preachers in the church. The history of Israel of old and the church of our Lord add credence to such statements. An apostasy from the organization and the teaching of the body of Christ often takes a generation.

Fourth, It is with great sadness and concern in my heart that I mention that brother Cope, a brother of tremendous influence in our brotherhood, wrote relative to brother Lyon’s sermon, “Of course, I think this brother is wrong. Way wrong.” “I ‘m becoming more and more convinced that only time will take care of this.” Please observe that it is the opinion of brother Cope that brother Lyons is not only “wrong” but “way wrong” in his understanding and teaching regarding women leadership in the church. Since our brother dealt only with whether or not a woman could be a bishop and/or a preacher, it must be very plain and evident that brother Cope believes that a Christian lady could be an elder and/or a gospel preacher in the church. He also believes that in time this will become a reality in the church. Brother Cope is a preacher at the Highland church in Abilene, Texas and a teacher at Abilene Christian University. He has been and is an influential leader in the New Wineskins Publication and the Zoe organization. You can rest assuredly that he influences multitude of the younger generation via his blog, Preacher Mike.

It is not easy for me to write about our brothers in the Lord but my commitment to the Lord and His Word gives me no alternative in this matter. I pray that God will help me to love my brethren and I do but it is a terrible thing to lead people into error regarding the subject of women leadership in the church. I think of what James wrote in chapter 3:1, “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive stricter judgment.” And don’t you know that I have had to consider that very thought over and over again. My brethren we must be informed as to what is taking place in our brotherhood and the apostasy that is occurring in the church, especially is this true regarding elders whose responsibility it is to lead, feed and protect the flock that is under their oversight. The time is late in spiritual Israel today.

The Conversion and Life of an Indian Maiden

2009-10-13T11:42:00.004-05:00

Her name was Birdie Miller Sixkiller. She was born on November 26, 1903, and died on October 16, 1988, at the age of 85. She lived on the Cherokee Indian Reservation in North Carolina. She became an educator and taught Primary grades on the Qualla Boundary in Cherokee for 30 years. During her later years she also taught in the Cherokee Indian School in the state of Oklahoma. She was politically active for the progress of the Native Americans. Because of her contribution made for the betterment of her people, an artist painted a portrait of her which can be seen with other Native Americans on the artist’s website.

Brother Bob Rigdon, now of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, and an associate minister with the church there, related to me some important information regarding this gracious lady. Bob was a well known gospel preacher and educator in Western North Carolina for nearly a half century. While he preached for the church and taught at Western Carolina University in Sylva, North Carolina, he taught and preached often for the congregation in Cherokee. John Harlan was baptized during a gospel meeting when Chester Hunnicutt and Bob were working together at that time. John told Bob about his mother, Birdie Miller Sixkiller. She was then teaching in Oklahoma and would often visit with her son. It was during those visits that Bob became acquainted with sister Sixkiller and became a great admirer of this Christian lady. This is what Bob has written concerning our sister in the Lord: “She gave me a New Testament written in the Cherokee language. She informed me that it was the only Bible they had when she was growing up on the Reservation (Note: This New Testament was published in 1820 and again in 1827). The Old Testament was not translated into their language at that time. She had obeyed Jesus at a very young age. She mentioned to me that all the churches on the Reservation when she was a teenager baptized for remission of sins and partook of the Lord’s Supper every Sunday. Also, they did not use instruments of music in worship. Then the denominations began to move in and all that changed. After she retired from teaching she moved back to Cherokee, NC. She taught children’s classes at the church. She visited numerous people inviting them to church and set up home Bible studies until her death in the l980s. She was in her late 80s when she passed away. Birdie was severely crippled and had to wear a special shoe with a six inch sole and later needed a cane to walk.”

This story of a Native American lady who became a believer in our Lord Jesus Christ and served Him faithfully for so many years thrilled my soul when I first learned of it. Perhaps it was for a personal reason. My maternal grandmother, whose maiden name was Sizemore, was a quarter blood Cherokee. My mother related how a Native American woman once asked my grandmother to live with her. I am happy to say that my grandmother also became a Christian, having been influenced by a godly lady friend. I have always had a tender and compassionate feeling in my heart for the Native Americans who have suffered much over the years. But there more important reasons as to why I am writing about the conversion and life of sister Sixkiller. They are:

1) She learned of Jesus through a study of the New Testament in her own language. Her faith in her Lord was not founded on the teachings propagated in the creeds of men; rather, her faith came through the Word of God (John 20; 30, 31: Romans 10:17).
2) She understood at a young age that in order to be saved by the grace of God she had to believe in Jesus Christ, repent of her sins and be immersed into Christ for the remission of her sins (Mark 16:15, 16; Acts 2:36-38). She did not have the professional guidance of someone to help her misunderstand the simplicity of the way of salvation as taught in the New Testament.
3) Please observe that the congregation where she worshiped partook of the Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week. Now how did they know to do that unless it is to be understood these Christians studied such passages as Matthew 26:26-29; Acts 2:42; I Corinthians 11:23-29; I Corinthians 16:1, 2 and Acts 20:7 and came to the conclusion that the church in the first century met on the first day of the week to break bread. There is no biblical record to indicate that our brethren in the infant church ever partook of the Lord’s Supper on Saturday and/or infrequently like once a month or just on special occasions.
4) It is important to observe that the congregation on the Cherokee Indian Reservation sang during their worship assemblies without the addition of instruments. In their study of the New Testament which was written in their language, these Native Americans understood singing was the only kind of music authorized in the Holy Scriptures (I Corinthians 14:15, 23; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). This was true also of the first century Christians as well as Christendom for hundreds of years.
5) It was only when denominational doctrines and practices invaded the religious community that innovations were introduced into the worship of the church. It is not the word of God that divides Christians; rather, it is the dogmas, creeds and traditions of men that separate believers (Matthew 15:7-9).

How wonderful it would be if our liberal minded brethren would consider the significance of this story of a young Indian girl who obeyed the commands of the gospel of Jesus Christ and worshiped faithfully with the local congregation in her community. How sad that many of our leading brethren and congregations are being greatly influenced by the doctrines of men as they come to the conclusion that baptism is not necessary for salvation; that the Lord’s Supper can be taken on any day of the week and/or on such occasions as weddings, etc; and that the use of instruments in the worship can be justified by the silence of the Holy Scriptures. Moses E. Lard, a pioneer preacher and author wrote these words concerning the doctrines and practices of men: “To warrant the holding of a doctrine or practice it must be shown that it has the affirmative or positive sanction of this standard, (The New Testament, RE) and not merely that it is not condemned by it. Either it must be actually asserted or necessarily implied, or it must be positively backed by some divinely approved precedent, otherwise it is not even an item in Christianity, and is therefore, when it is attempted to be made part of it, criminal and wrong.”

WORKS CITED
1. Type the name of Birdie Miller Sixkiller into Google (or your search machine). Click on the link of Gallery and Museum Shows and you will see a portrait of sister Sixkiller.
2. Lord’s Quarterly, 1864, Volume 1, page 330.

Conversion is a Process (Journey)

2009-10-13T11:36:00.003-05:00

This is a popular doctrine being advocated presently by some brethren who no longer accept scriptural baptism as being the consummating event when a believer is saved from past sins. They do not totally reject baptism but they do teach that while baptism is a command to be obeyed, it not the ‘event’ at which time a person is saved. They teach that salvation from sin is a ‘process’ throughout life and one cannot say that salvation from past sins comes at a certain ‘event’ on this life-long ‘journey’. This false doctrine is clearly taught in the book “The Jesus Proposal”, co-authored by Rubel Shelly and John O. York.

Brother Shelly writes that he was baptized when he was twelve years old. He speaks of this act as being “baptismal regeneration”. He then writes, “How much more confused and wrong-headed could a baptismal theology be? How much farther from the truth of Scripture could I have been when I was immersed in that cold water on a hot July night? When I get to heaven, maybe I’ll want to ask God when I was really saved. Was it when I got clear on the Holy Spirit at about twenty-one or two? Was it when I finally grasped the grace-nature of the gospel in my thirties? I suspect he will tell me there was no “moment at which” I was saved—but that he sought and found me through the entire process” (page 130).

It is difficult for me to understand how a person so educated in the teachings of the Bible could arrive at such a conclusion when people in the first century, many unlettered, could understand when they were saved from their past sins. I want to present some observations and questions for us to consider regarding this false teaching that salvation from past sins is a ‘process’ (journey) and not an ‘event’.

1) It is agreed that conversion is a process. This we have understood. There is the planting of the word of God in the human heart that produces faith (Parable of the Sower, Luke 8; Romans 10:17). If that faith is active, it will cause one to repent of sins and obey Jesus (James 2:24).
2) Jesus said that a person must be “begotten (born) again” in order to enjoy and to enter His kingdom (John 3:3, 5). This new birth consists of “water and the spirit”. Can one know that he is saved from past sins if he complies with this directive of the Lord?
3) Is baptism a part of this new birth (Titus 3:5)?
4) When a penitent believer is baptized, can that person know he/she is then saved from past sins (Mark 16:16)?
5) Is there one event that occurs in the ‘journey’ of salvation at which time a person can know he/she is saved from past sins (Romans 6:17, 18)?
6)Did those Jews on Pentecost who responded to the preaching of Peter and the apostles understand that they were saved from their past sins (Acts 2:36-38)?
7) Did the Lord add saved or unsaved persons to the church on Pentecost (Acts 2:47)? If saved, when were they saved in their process of salvation? Were they required certain facts to be believed and commands to be obeyed?
8) Are individuals who believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God saved at the moment they believe or when they act on their faith (John 1:11, 12)?
9) Did God accept those Jews on Pentecost who simply believed that Jesus was indeed the Son of God whom they had crucified; or, did God accept them when they responded to the commands given by the Holy Spirit and spoken by Peter (Acts 2:36-38)?
10) If the Jews on the Pentecost simply believed on Christ yet refused to obey the commands of the Holy Spirit to repent and be baptized, would they have acceptable to God?
11) If a person on the ‘journey’ of salvation refused to repent of his/her sins, would that individual be in favor with God (Acts 17:30)?
12) Could one say that Cornelius was bearing fruit of the Spirit (Acts 10:1, 2, 4, 22)?
13) Could one say that at this point in his life as Cornelius was on the journey of conversion he was acceptable to God? Or, was he required to do something in addition to all of the good qualities in his life? If so, what was required of him by the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:48; 11:14)? If he had refused to obey the command to be baptized, would he have been acceptable to God? To what extent could one accept Cornelius on his journey of salvation and prior to his baptism? As a brother in Christ or as a person who was yet unsaved?
14) Did the eunuch from Ethiopia realize and understand that he was saved following his baptism by Phillip? If not, why did he go on his way “rejoicing” (Acts 8:35-39)? Was not this the ‘event’ in his process of salvation at which time he realized that he had been saved from his past sins?
15) Did the jailer as mentioned in Acts 16 understand that he and his believing household were saved from their sins because of a specific act that they had obeyed? If not, why did they rejoice (16:34)? Would the jailer been acceptable to God if he had only washed the stripes (indicating repentance) of Paul and Silas?
16) Is scriptural baptism as required by the Lord Jesus Christ and later by the Holy Spirit through the teachings of the apostles essential for salvation?
17) Do we have the right to accept a person or persons into the church/fellowship of our Lord if they have not complied with all the directives of the Lord in order to be saved?
18) Are we not guilty of judging when we declare that believers are accepted to God if they have not obeyed all the commands in order to have their past sins forgiven?
19) Will the Lord on the judgment day grant eternal life to all simply because they have been religiously active in this life (Matthew 7:21 - 23)?

Are All Christians Members of the Church of Christ?

2009-10-13T11:35:00.003-05:00

Your answer will be determined by how you perceive the church of our Lord. Was the ‘Church of Christ’ begun in the early part of the 19th century by the leadership of men like Alexander Campbell, Barton W. Stone and others? If so, then your answer would have to be ‘no’ because the ‘Church of Christ’ would simply be an addition to the already scores of other denominations that have existed for years both in this country and in other parts of the world. Thus to claim to be the ‘only church’ would be the height of religious arrogance and bigotry. Only narrow-minded people would make such a claim because the ‘Church of Christ’ would only be a part of the whole body of Christ. Some would even propose that a person could be a Christian without ever ‘joining’ a denomination, including the ‘Church of Christ’. Many of our most influential brethren who claim that the ‘Church of Christ’ is simply a part of the whole, that is, a denomination among others, teach that there are ‘devout and knowledgeable Christians’ in all denominations and based upon the assumption that the ‘Church of Christ’ is merely a product of the Restoration Movement they are absolutely correct. What right do we have to assert that the ‘Church of Christ’ is better than other religious groups if the church is merely a man-made organization? The audacity of a ‘Campbellite’ telling a disciple of Luther or Calvin that ‘my denomination is better than your denomination’. It must be understood that ‘my tribe’ is just one among ‘many tribes’ and that we are all on the ‘same ship’ heading for glory land. Based upon the premise that the church is simply a denomination each believer has the right to choose his/her favorite religious organization to join.

Now let us go back to the question, “Are All Christians Members of The Church of Christ?” and make every effort to answer it according to the teachings of the New Testament of Jesus Christ. Or we might ask, ‘Are all the saved members of the church of Christ?’ Our Lord promised in Matthew 16:13-19 that He would build (establish) His church. And this He did on the day of Pentecost following His ascension (Acts 2). The apostles preached for the first time the gospel of Christ. When many of the hearers believed in what was being preached regarding Jesus of Nazareth who had been crucified, they cried out and inquired as to what they should do and they were instructed by Peter to “repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). In verse 41 we read that about 3,000 souls were baptized on that day and were added to the number of believers. Then we read in verse 47 that “the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” It must understood therefore when an individual, as a penitent believer is immersed into Jesus Christ for the remission of sins he/she is added to the church of our Lord. Now if the Lord adds the saved to His church that means all the unsaved remain outside of His spiritual body which is the church of Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:22, 23). Furthermore the apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 4:4 that there is only “one body”. Denominationalism as we understand it today did not exist when Jesus established His church. It is true that the spirit of sectarianism existed in the church in the city of Corinth (I Corinthians 1:10-17) but Paul condemned such and he corrected the unscriptural practice of Christians calling themselves after different men. A major thrust of the Restoration Movement that began in this country in the first part of the 19th century was to lead believers to be Christians only and to be one in the teaching and practice of the Word of God. The intent of the leaders of this movement was not to begin another denomination but simply to be the church of our Lord. Also we should understand that this was not the only effort to restore New Testament Christianity because many efforts had been made over the intervening centuries to be followers of the Lord and His teachings. In fact there were congregations existing in this country before the influence of Thomas and Alexander was ever felt in the religious community. For example the Rocky Springs congregation near Bridgeport, Alabama was begun in 1803 Thomas Campbell did not come to American until 1807. There were also congregations existing in the state of Tennessee before the Campbells came to America. The truth is that one can be a Christian without ever joining a denomination.

Whenever brethren declare that there are “devout, knowledgeable Christians” in the denominations they have a misconception of the teaching of the New Testament regarding the undenominational nature of the church of Jesus Christ. The fact is when a person who believes in Jesus Christ as being the Son of God, repents of his/her sins and confesses that Jesus is the Son of God and is immersed into Jesus Christ for the remissions of sins, that individual is saved by the blood of the Lamb and is added to the body (church) of Jesus Christ. It is the Lord who saves and does the adding of that person to the church. The individual doing the baptizing or the place where the baptism takes place are of no significance. The emphasis is on the one being immersed. The real problem exists when the person who has been immersed joins a religious organization not authorized by the New Testament. He/she should associate with others who have obeyed the commands of the gospel and worship and work with them and not become a member of a denomination. For example when the jailer and his household; Lydia and her household were baptized in Philippi they constituted the church of Jesus Christ in that city (Acts16:13-16, 30-35). Today when missionaries travel into the remote areas of Guyana and teach people of Jesus Christ and immerse the believers in His name for the remission of their sins, the Lord adds them to His church. There is no reason whatsoever for these believers to seek out a denomination to join because they comprise the church of Jesus Christ in their village. In my humble opinion, one of the hardest lessons to be understood in our world and in our time is the undenominational nature of the church of Jesus Christ. This problem exists because a person is born today into a world of religious division with thousands of denominations existing, even in our own country. No wonder a ‘truth seeker’ becomes confused when considering a ‘church’ to join. How wonderful it would be if all believers in Jesus Christ would stand as one and go forth with the gospel of Christ into the entire world with the message of salvation. This is the desire of our Lord as He prayed for such in John 17:20, 21. How sad that some of our own brethren are adding to the confusion when they teach that the church of Jesus Christ is simply a denomination.

It should be the sincere desire of every Christian that men and women from every region of this world would come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved (I Timothy 2:4). Let us make every effort to lead people to Jesus Christ so that they may be saved by His precious blood and the grace of our Heavenly Father (Ephesians 1:7: Revelation 1:5). Let us not grow weary and become discouraged in our efforts (Galatians 6:9) even though the church is being divided by some brethren who are teaching error. May God’s richest blessings be upon all the elders, preachers, teachers and all Christians who are endeavoring to be nothing more or less than a New Testament Christian and the church of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Straw That is Breaking the 'Camel's Back'

2009-10-12T23:09:00.002-05:00

As I sat in front of my computer and listened to the three sermons by Rick Atchley, preacher for the Richland Hills church, in which he was justifying the use of instrumental music in worship and the serving of the Lord’s Supper on Saturday afternoon, my soul became sick and my heart was breaking. It is not my purpose in this article to deal with all of his reasoning (?) but simply to call to your attention that the same ‘wedge’ that finally divided the church of our Lord in the 19th century is being used again to do the same damage to the body of Jesus Christ. I remember an aged gospel preacher saying many years ago that he would rather be the soldier who pierced the side of our Lord while he was on the cross than to divide the body (church) of Jesus Christ. The decision by the elders of this congregation will have a tremendous influence in our brotherhood. Already many elders and brethren from various churches throughout our country have expressed their approval of this major decision to use the instrument in a worship assembly.

The apostle Paul, in dealing with a problem in the church in Corinth, wrote, “Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump (I Corinthians 5:6)? Very few of the congregations in the 19th century were using the instrument in their worship assemblies in the beginning; however, in a few years hundreds of congregations of the Lord had begun to use the instrument in their assemblies. There were other major factors involved in this schism in the brotherhood like ‘open membership’, the missionary society, etc., but the innovation that affected the worship of the church and was the main contributing force leading to the division in the church was the use of the instrument in the worship. Brethren have often disagreed over the meaning of some of the passages in the Bible and have continued to fellowship one another but when it comes to the public worship assembly, these same brethren will not permit an unscriptural practice such as the instrument to be used because it is not authorized in the Holy Scriptures and it is divisive in nature. In Proverbs 6:16-19, we learn that of the seven things that God hates is “one who sows discord among brethren.” The elders, preachers and educators who are promoting the use of the instrument in the worship assemblies should realize the seriousness of their decision and know that they will have to answer to God for their actions in contributing to the division that is now taking place in the church of Jesus Christ. These same brethren are causing scores of our young people, especially college age men and women, to accept this innovation as being approved by God. Would not the words of our Lord in principle apply to this situation when He said, “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depths of sea” (Matthew 18:6).

In Romans 14 where Paul is dealing with relations between brethren concerning things that were not wrong within themselves he made these statements that should be studied and followed by members of the church today regarding this sinful practice of instrumental music in the worship assemblies: “Therefore, let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” “It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak” (Verses 19 & 21, NKJV). There will be more congregations now to introduce the instrument in their various assemblies than in recent times. For example the Highland Church in Abilene, Texas conducted their “annual lament service” recently on a Sunday evening and this is what one of their preachers wrote about it on his blog: “…a time to grieve and to remember those we’ve lost. While it was not a big crowd, it was a powerful experience. After hearing scripture and praying, we listened to an ACU freshman play the dulcimer. As he moved into “When Peace Like a River”, you could hear people weeping. Then as we went forward to light candles to remember those we love, a time of prayer and ministry –unplanned!—broke out…” (Emphasis, mine, RE)

It is worthy to note that many of the brethren who are praising the Richland Hills elders for their decision to use the instrument in the Saturday worship assembly are not commenting on the serving of the Lord’s Supper during the same time. It was sad indeed to hear our brother using Acts 2:46 to ‘prove’ that the early disciples partook of the supper daily and that the apostle Paul ate the Lord’s Supper on Monday morning as per Acts 20:11. I do not wish to sound harsh and uncouth (because that is not my nature) but it would be most helpful if all these congregations would advertise to the rest of the brotherhood their decisions to include the instrument in their assemblies and other innovations so that we could avoid them when traveling or when a Christian is desirous to place membership with a congregation. The admonition given by the apostle Paul in Romans 16:17 is most appropriate in this critical situation now facing the Lord’s church: “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.” The sign out front of a church building may read “Church of Christ” but when the cooperative worship begins an instrument may be heard along with the singing and/or a sister may get up to lead the singing. As it was in the 19th century, it is not the brethren who believe only in acappela music in our worship assemblies that are causing the division; rather, it is those brethren who cannot find the authority in the New Testament for the use of the instrument in our assemblies that are contributing to the present day apostasy in the church. My heart weeps whenever I read Psalms 133:1, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” and to know that this is not how it is in the body of Jesus Christ today.

More Straws in the Wind

2009-10-12T23:06:00.002-05:00

I have before me a copy of the church bulletin for Sunday, December 24, 2006 from GracePointe (A Church of Christ serving our Community). Inside there is a schedule for the Sunday morning worship assembly. The “Worship Leader” calls the congregation to worship and the first item on the agenda is either the reading of or the congregation quoting the “Nicene Creed”. Yes, you read that correctly. The Nicene Creed was written in A. D. 325. A controversy had been raging for many years regarding the nature of Jesus Christ. Some thought that Jesus was a created being like the angels while others taught that Jesus was eternal like His Father. The Nicene Creed was written to promote unity among believers and in no uncertain terms taught that Jesus was eternal in nature. A part of the creed is as follows: “We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God form true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made.” The Nicene Creed also mentions the church in this fashion: “We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.” Now, there is to be no argument to be made about the preceding statement. The term “catholic” simply means universal and we often speak of the apostolic church of our Lord that began on the first Pentecost following the ascension of our Lord as recorded in Acts chapter two. I have read the Nicene Creed and find no real fault (except some references to the origin of the Holy Spirit) in its content; however, this is a man-made creed written in A. D. 325. It was not given by the Lord and neither was it inspired by the Holy Spirit! Yet, here you have a congregation using the creed in its worship assembly. I remember how brethren in years past would state that if a creed was less than the Bible it was too little and not to be used. If it contained more than the Bible it had gone too far. And if the creed contained the same as the Bible why have it at all.

The major emphasis in the worship assembly of this church was to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. This is manifested in the reading of the scriptures pertaining to His birth and the songs that were sung. One sister sang “O Holy Night!” as a solo. But notice this, immediately following the use of the Nicene Creed there was the “Lighting of Advent Candle” by the preacher. In the news section of the bulletin an announcement was given regarding a “Candlelight Service” to be held later on Sunday afternoon. You have the “lampstand” that was found in the tabernacle as found in Exodus 25 and other passages. Also a “candlestick” or “lampstand” is mentioned in Revelation 2:5. I can hear some of our brethren saying that the lighting of a candle in our worship is not a “salvation issue.” And, the Lord and His apostles never mentioned the use of candles in the worship so it was a non-issue and should not be one today. Furthermore some brethren would argue that nowhere does the Bible condemn the use of candles in the worship assembly. Others will state that if we don’t use the talent of some of our members to light the candles we are going to lose them. Have you heard this line of reasoning before, especially in regards to the use of instruments in our worship?

Brethren where are we going and when we get there where will we (the church) be? Are you shedding tears for the church of our Lord and the salvation of the souls of mankind? Like Paul we should have “a deep concern (anxiety) for all the churches” (2 Corinthians 11:28) because of the division that is presently occurring in our brotherhood.

Optional: Acapella and/or Instrumental

2009-10-12T23:02:00.002-05:00

The God of Israel had this to say regarding the spiritual status of His people, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children” (Hosea 4:6). Is it possible for spiritual Israel (the church of the Lord) to be destroyed because of the lack of the knowledge of the Word of God? The answer is a resounding yes! There is always the probability that the church of Jesus Christ can lose its identity because of ignorance of the Holy Scriptures. When we do not diligently study the Word of God we often fall short of what God would have us to be and to do; and, it is definite that error will occur in our teaching which will lead to multiple innovations in our attempt to worship God as prescribed in the New Testament. Many are the members who do not search the Scriptures to know the will of the Lord. While it is honorable that we are daily readers of the Bible it is another thing to study in depth the meaning of the same scriptures. Where there is a void in the understanding of the Bible there is the potential of being led astray from the teaching of the Lord. When this occurs an apostasy usually occurs over a period of time. We must never assume that all Christians have a proper understanding of biblical matters. Therefore it is of necessity that elders require of their preachers to present lessons and sermons over a broad spectrum of subjects pertaining to the authority of the scriptures, how to rightly divide the Word of God, the identity of the church of our Lord, acceptable worship as well as the grace and love of God. There is always a great need for a balance in the preaching of the Word of God.

The Lord God required His people in ancient times to propagate His Word to the next generation. We read in Deuteronomy 6:7-9, “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” Paul instructed Timothy in this manner, “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (II Timothy 2:2). The next generation untaught will be unlearned in the ways of the Lord and there will be the ever present danger of drifting away from New Testament Christianity. There is factual knowledge and experience to prove this last statement. You only have to read the writings of preachers, youth ministers and others involved in the leadership of the church to know that there is a woeful lack of Bible based convictions regarding the identity of the church, what constitutes scriptural worship, the importance of baptism and scores of other subjects. It is rather evident that many of our younger men are reading the writings of sectarian and denominational authors rather than studying books written by our own brethren. One of the areas in which attitudes have changed over the years is in regards to acceptable music in our worship to God. Our brotherhood of believers has evolved to the point that some congregations no longer care what others might say about the use of the instrument in their assemblies that they can, without hesitation, present the following in their need for a “Student Minister” to work with them. Among the qualifications mentioned in their preacher’s blog on October 19, 2006 was that the potential candidate should be “Comfortable with both acapella and instrumental form of worship.” It is indeed later than we think! This required qualification will not be disturbing to more members than we might imagine. It will also be greatly alarming to know just how many of our young men will apply for this position with the Garnett Church of Christ in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

You can know assuredly that when preachers do not preach on the subject as to why we do not use instrumental music in our worship that there will be a generation of Christians who will not possess a conviction regarding this important matter. Also, when an eldership and/or a preacher proclaim that while they have no conviction regarding this subject but they will not have the instrument in their worship, it will only be a matter of time that the same congregations will eventually introduce the instrument into some of their assemblies. Yes, spiritual Israel can be destroyed today because of the lack of knowledge of the Word of God. The church can become simply a denomination with a corruption of the worship to God that is not scriptural. We all need to remember the words of Jesus when he said to a certain religious group, “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lip, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:8, 9).

The Flood Gates Are Open

2009-10-12T22:53:00.001-05:00

“Floodgates are adjustable gates to control water flow in reservoir, stream or levee systems. They may be designed to set spillway crest heights in dams, to adjust flow rates in sluices and canals, or they may be designed to stop water flow entirely as part of a levee or storm surge system.” “In the case of flood by pass systems, floodgates sometimes are also used to lower the water levels in a main river or canal channels by allowing more water to flow into a flood bypass or detention basin when the main river or canal is approaching a flood stage.”

Probably most of us have lived in areas where a major dam existed on a river and when heavy rains occurred over an extended period of time, the floodgates had to be opened to allow excessive water to flow downstream. Usually a warning is given to people living below the dam so they can prepare for the flooding that will surely occur in the lowlands. When we consider the church of our Lord, there have been scores of warnings regarding the probability of some apostatizing from the truth. Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves” (Matthew 7:15). The apostle Paul stated to the elders of the church in Ephesus while he was at Miletus, “Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. “For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. “Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves” (Acts 20:28-30).

Paul also mentioned in I Timothy 4:1-3 of the Spirit’s warning of a departure from the faith. And there are many other warnings given in the New Testament concerning digressions from the Word of God. In my lifetime I have read scores of books written by brethren that contained information regarding various brethren who were teaching error and leading others into an apostasy. The influence of different leading brethren have permeated the church so much that the ‘flood waters’ of false teachings have forced the ‘floodgates’ to open and to cause a tremendous amount of damage (division) in the body of Christ. Previous restraints have been removed and brethren are moving more swiftly in their departure from the teachings of the New Testament of Jesus Christ. This is of great concern for brethren who have to examine every congregation where they might want to place membership and/or who are traveling and desire to worship on any given Sunday.

For an example, a friend and sister in Christ mentioned to me the other day that while she and her husband were visiting a relative in another state, they attended a congregation where they had previously worshiped in years past. They were informed that a lady would be reading the scriptures during the worship assembly but what they did not know prior to the beginning of the assembly was that a lady would be leading the congregational singing. They were surprised and greatly disappointed. In fact they left and make effort to worship with another congregation in the city. It was a few years ago that my wife and I attended the Sunday morning Bible class and worship assembly at this same congregation. It was only in a short period of time that the elders of this church, along with the consent of the membership, began using women in leading roles in their worship assemblies. I checked the website of this congregation and found the following statement: “The Role of Women in the Church. After more than a year of congregational study, prayer, and discussion, the elders and members of the Cole Mill Road Church of Christ agreed that it is both biblically appropriate and evangelistically desirable for spiritually mature women to teach classes and to participate in the public worship of our congregation. In doing so, our sisters in Christ follow in the tradition of Miriam, Deborah, Huldah, Priscilla, Phoebe and a host of other women raised up by God to serve Him and His people in particular ways. By thus exercising their God-given gifts – and without disparaging the many gifts used by other women in the service of our congregation – our sisters who pray, sing, read Scripture, serve at the Lord’s table, and teach adult classes are blessing our entire church family while serving as witnesses to our community. For more information on gender justice and Churches of Christ you are invited to visit Gal328.org.”

While it is not surprising that brethren are ‘re-thinking’ their understanding of the role of women in the church, it is most disappointing and discouraging to learn that otherwise faithful congregations are now violating the Scriptures in such matters (See I Corinthians 14:34, 35; I Timothy 2:11-14). In times past when members of the church were traveling they could easily recognize that the church of Christ they were attending was not the right one when they saw a piano or an organ in the auditorium. Now you cannot know until the worship has begun to learn if you are in the ‘wrong pew’. How sad! I fondly remember the days when this was not a problem; furthermore, a congregation could invite preachers to speak in gospel meetings without having to be concerned about the soundness of their preaching. In the third stanza of the hymn ‘The Church’s One Foundation’, are the following lyrics that express the sentiments of concerned brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ: “Tho’ with a scornful wonder We see her sore oppressed, Her doctrine rent asunder, By names and creeds distressed, Yet saints their watch are keeping, They cry, “How long, how long?” And soon the night of weeping Shall be the morn of song.”

Is the Church Only a Part of the Whole?

2009-10-12T22:50:00.003-05:00

The American Heritage Dictionary of The English Language defines the word “denominate” to mean, “To give a name to: designate.” And according to the same source, one definition of the word “denomination” is “A class of units having specified values, as in a system of currency or weights.” I want to notice first of all the problem of endeavoring to be just the church of our Lord without becoming a denomination. Bible students are acutely aware that Jesus Christ promised in Matthew 16:18 to build (establish, found, begin) His church (ecclesia, the called out assembly). This He did as recorded in Acts 2. From Acts 2:47 the church of Jesus Christ is always spoken of as being in existence. It was Jesus who died on Calvary in order to purchase the church with His precious blood (Acts 20:28: Ephesus 5:25). Jesus is its builder Matthew 16:18), its foundation (I Corinthians 3:11), its head and its Savior (Ephesians 5:23). The church was often referred to in the book of Acts as simply the “church” (Acts 5:11; 8:1). Some of the other scriptural terms are “church of God” (KJV, Acts 20:28), “church of the firstborn” (Hebrews 12:23), “church of the living God” (I Timothy 3:15) and of course “the churches of Christ” (Romans 16:16). Because there is a diversity of terms used in the New Testament regarding the church, it is safe to conclude that one term should not be used to the exclusion of others. To insure that we do not “denominate”, that is,” To give a name to: designate” the church of our Lord, we should refrain from using such language as “Church of Christ School”, “Church of Christ Preacher”, “Church of Christ Camp”, “Church of Christ Ball Team”, “Church of Christ people” or even “Church of Christ Church”. However, it is sad to note that some brethren do consider the church as being just a denomination, that is, only a part of the whole body of Christ. In other words, the church is a denomination and it is no better or worse than any other religious organizations that manifests faith in God and in Jesus Christ that comprise the entire body (church) of Christ. One brother writes:

“As I continue writing, mostly because I'm enjoying this moment in English, I wonder: Why do people keep writing "churches of Christ" instead of "Churches of Christ"? I hope it's not the old illusion of innocence (to borrow from Leonard and Richard's incredible book) that we're the true church. I.e., since we're the real church (code language: the LORD'S church), we are Christ's church, or (lowercase) churches of Christ. I prefer "Churches of Christ." This admits that while we love much about our heritage and the nondenominational dream, we are a group, a denomination. We have our own colleges, our own camps, our own papers, our own quirks, our own family stories, and our own language. We're just a small part of the body of Christ,” (Mike Cope’s Blog, 6/16/05).

I want to make a few observations concerning several mistaken and unscriptural statements this brother has made in the two preceding paragraphs:
1) Knowledgeable Bible students know that the original language (Koine Greek) of the New Testament did not have a mixture of small/capital letters. They were all the same size. The oldest manuscripts were written between the 4th and 9th centuries and were called “Uncials”. They are considered to be the most important witnesses to the original text of the New Testament. They were written entirely in capital letters. The oldest of these is thought to be the Codex Vaticanus. Later manuscripts that appeared between the 10th and 15 centuries were called “Cursives”, that is, they were written in small running letters linked together. But the old manuscripts did not have a mixture of capital and small letters.
2) That the expression in Romans 16:16, “churches of Christ” is not the official name of the church, rather it is a term denoting ownership. That is, the church belongs to its builder and head Jesus Christ. In Young’s Literal Translation it is “The assemblies of Christ”. Should we capitalize “assemblies”? According to this brother’s understanding, we should. Darby translates Romans 16:16 in this manner, “all the assemblies of Christ”. The Contemporary English Version has “Christ’s churches”. And McCord’s New Testament Translation of the Everlasting Gospel has “All of Christ’s congregations greet you.” It is worthy to note that all the translations of the Bible that I have personally checked use the small letter ‘c’ in the expression “churches of Christ” as is found in Romans 16:16. So it seems that all these scholarly persons understood the expression “churches of Christ” to mean congregations (assemblies) of Christ and not to be understood as the official name of the church. Thus we have every right to use a small ‘c’ when using the expression “churches of Christ”.
3) It must be admitted that some of the congregations of Christ have become a denomination and it is understandable that these brethren now wear the official name “Church of Christ”. These brethren believe that the church began during the Restoration Movement here in America in the early part of the 19th century. The word ‘denomination’ carries the meaning of being a part of the whole. It is liken to our currency when we speak of how we might want a hundred dollar bill divided into various denominations, that is, we would desire four twenty dollar bills and two ten dollar bills. Our brother believes “We’re just a small part of the body of Christ.” There are literally thousands of denominations in the world and all of these religious entities comprise the body of Christ, of which the “Church of Christ” is “a small part” according to our brother’s understanding. It is necessarily inferred in this brother’s belief that it doesn’t matter what the various religious bodies teach on how a sinner should be saved. One way of salvation is as good as another. One can be saved by “faith only” or by saying the “sinner’s prayer”. A person would be accepted by the Lord by being sprinkled as a child or being immersed into water because one’s sins have already been forgiven. In this brother thinking, the diversity of doctrines propagated by the various denominations is not to be considered as a barrier to unity among the different segments of “the body of Christ”.

During the approximately fifty years that I have been preaching, I have never taught a person that he/she should become a member of any denomination. I have never baptized a person with the understanding that he/she would then become a member of any denomination, “a small part of the body of Christ”. Just like the apostles taught on the Day of Pentecost, I have instructed believers in Christ to repent and be baptized in the name Jesus Christ for the remission of their sins (Acts 2:36-38). I have further instructed these baptized believers that the Lord who saved them also added them to His church (Acts 2:41, 47). These new disciples of Christ were taught they should come together with others who have been born again of “water and the Spirit” (John 3:5) to worship and work as children of God (Acts 2:42). If people in the first century who believed in Jesus Christ and who obeyed the commands to repent and be baptized were saved from their sins by the blood of Jesus and who were added to the Lord’s church, can we not do the same today? If not, why not? The apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 1:22, 23 that the church is the body of Christ. In Colossians 1:18 Paul stated that the body of Christ is the church. He declared in Ephesians 4:4 that there is “one body”. According to Paul in I Corinthians 12:13 we are “baptized into one body” (church). It is sad indeed that many of our scholarly? /liberal brethren are making light of Christians who refer to the church being “Christ’s church” and/or “The Lord’s church”. Our brother has the right to refer to himself as a denominational preacher and the church where he preaches as a denomination but he should not pass judgment on the rest of the congregations of Christ of being a denomination, that is, “a small part of the body of Christ”.

Visiting Other Churches

2009-10-12T22:19:00.004-05:00

The title of this article was the heading of a brother’s writing on his blog page. A portion of the paragraph reads as follows:
“I like to visit other churches when I’m on vacation. This week I visited three different churches. Wednesday night I worshiped at the First Baptist Church in Proctorville. Sunday morning I went to Christ Temple in Huntington and tonight I worshiped with the Jefferson Avenue Church of God. It was a great experience and I enjoyed worshiping at all these churches.” You should also know that this brother is a preacher, having been a member of the church for several years. However he states that “My view of the church has changed. I used to think that a true church was one that baptized people for the remission of sins, never used an instrument in worship, observed communion every Sunday, had a plurality of elders and deacons (and refused to call the preacher “pastor”), rejected all five points of Calvinism, and taught a millennial eschatology”. He now considers his prior convictions as being “very sectarian and exclusive.”

I should first of all state that it is not inherently wrong to visit the assemblies of other religious groups. The apostle Paul often spoke on such occasions and at different gatherings. A gospel preacher can speak the truth in kindness wherever he might have the opportunity. Because our religious friends are invited to attend our gospel meetings, it might be expedient to attend their ‘revivals’ when invited. Our presence would not necessarily condone any false teaching or unscriptural practice. But please observe that this brother attended the assemblies of various denominations at the same time our brethren were conducting Bible classes and worship assemblies on Wednesday night and on Sunday. This action would infer his loose attitude towards the necessity of observing the Lord’s supper on the first day of the week as well as making sure that one is to worship God in truth (John 4:24). How is it that a preacher/brother has come this far in his actions as to willfully neglect the assemblies of our brethren to meet with different denominational bodies? I don’t believe such a decision was made impulsively. Rather, this liberal attitude was formed over time and after much deliberation following various influences exerted upon one’s thinking by the teaching and writing of influential men in our brotherhood and in the denominational world. I realize that there are usually exceptions to every rule but here are some of the contributing factors, in my opinion, that have led many members of the church to be more inclusive in their attitudes and actions.

In the case of a preacher, mark it down, where he obtained his education in one of our Christian colleges/universities will determine greatly his attitude toward the Word of God and what constitutes the authority in religious matters. Also, his respect and understanding of the church of Jesus Christ will be influenced by his various instructors. If he is taught that there were errors in the original manuscripts of the Holy Scriptures, his attitude toward the Bible will be forever damaged. If his teachers believed that the church of Christ had its beginning in the early part of the 19th century, he will view the church as being just another denomination among countless others. Usually there is a real sense of loyalty to one’s alma mater. When a Christian university conducts a lectureship, the speakers are generally chosen who represent the philosophy of that school. So, when he attends the lectures year after year and listens to influential men who have liberal views in their theology, he will have the tendency to accept their teaching on various biblical subjects. There are cases wherein teachers of certain Christians universities who were once faithful in their teaching/preaching but over a period of time have drifted away from sound doctrine and no longer view the scriptures as they once did. And in so doing, they continue to influence their former students who have a high regard for them to be led away from the plea to restore New Testament Christianity in its purity and simplicity.

What a person reads makes a definite impression on one’s thought process. Jesus said, “Take heed what you hear…” It could also be said, “Take heed what you read.” What we ingest by reading, we often become. As a man thinks in his heart, so is he; and what we think is often determined by what we read. The writings of Greek philosophers, German rationalists, atheists, agnostics, modernists as well as the Word of God have influenced men and women over the centuries. One ‘Youth Minister’ gave his recommendation of books on his blog page that have influenced him over the years. Of the 14 books mentioned, 13 were written by leaders of the Community Church Movement and other denominational authors. Only one book was written by two brothers in Christ and that book was “The Jesus Proposal”. It is not surprising that the articles he writes are tainted with liberal views and a gross misunderstanding of the church of Jesus Christ. Sad to say, that this is the general rule and not an exception. Our younger men are not acquainted with the writings of J. W. McGarvey, Gus Nichols, Rex A. Turner, Earl West, Guy N. Woods, William Woodson, Moses E. Lard and a host of other scholarly writers who were/are faithful members of the body of Christ. Furthermore, these same brethren do not subscribe to reliable publications such as the Gospel Advocate, the Firm Foundation, the Gospel Gazette (on line), the Spiritual Sword, etc. They would prefer reading Wineskins and other liberal papers among us.

Preachers who possess a powerful personality and who are extremely influential are in touch with hundreds and even thousands of members of the church over the Internet. One can read their articles/remarks on their blog page almost every day. One brother in Texas has perhaps the largest number of readers and he is one who thinks that the church is simply a denomination among thousands of others. It is alarming at the number of favorable comments he receives when he writes his criticism of the church of our Lord. And what can be said about the influence exerted by this brother via the Internet can be repeated many times. Our young men and women listen to what these well known preachers/educators are saying concerning the church, worship and a host of other subjects.

Of course there are other factors contributing to the present apostasy but the three that I have listed are among the leading ones, in my opinion. Lest I should sound too negative, I am very thankful for scores of young gospel preachers who have not bowed their knees to Baal. They are balanced in their understanding of the Word of God and in their proclamation of the gospel of Christ and in doing so; they are avoiding extremism that is dividing our precious brotherhood. May their number increase.