One of the latest journals to make its appearance before the brethren is one called the Sentinel of Truth. It is edited by my friend and brother in theLord, Charles A. Holt and is published by brother
J. D. Hall, Jr. Sentinel of Truth is a misnomer for it, as it teaches denominational error and should be more appropriately called the Sentinel of Denominational Error. I have all copies of this journal andhave consider ed the things said ther ein and want topoint out in this article some of the error.
CATHOLIC ERROR TAUGHT
Speaking of I Timothy 3 and Titus 1 in the October, 1967, issue on page 2, the editor says:
"A closer and unpr ejudiced r eading and study of the passages shows that the 'qualifications' are for the elders (those ALREADY such) whowould do the work of BISHOPS. The WORK (not OFFICE, in any official sense) of looking over or after, exercising care, and spiritually guiding the flock should be done by those whoare ALREADY 'elders' and who are qualified in ability and char acter to do such."
Notice that the Sentinel editor believes I Timothy 3and Titus 1 gives the qualifications for those who are already elders to be bishops. One is an elder and then is made a bishop. T hus, a differ ence between an elder and a bishop. This is a difference the New Testament does not make (Acts 20:17,18). Catholicism is the r esult of making a diff er ence between an elder and a bishop. The Sentinel has made this difference, thusthe Sentinel has taught Catholic doctrine.
PREMILLENNIAL ERROR TAUGHT
On .page 17 of the October, 1967, issue we havethis quotation:
"4. 'Church and kingdom are interchangeable terms, having the same meaning.' Men who tell us this are neither deep nor sound thinkers, forthey propose to prove their claim by verse 19of Matt. 16, a ver se that unquestionably disproves it. They quote verse 18, 'I will build,' etc. and point to verse 19, 'I will give unto thee thekeys of the kingdom of heaven.' If church and kingdom ar e synonymous why did He not say, 'key of the church of heaven?' Simply because He knew — and so should we — that the church, a group of saved persons, has no doors, hence,needs no keys. 'There are aspects of the church and the kingdom (gover nment) of heaven thatattest a r elationship; but that does not makethem 'One and the same.' "
T he wr iter does not believe that the chur ch and the kingdom of Christ are one and the same. Therefore, one who is in the church is not in the kingdom or one in the kingdom is not in the church, according to the writer. Thus, one can be in the church and not be in the kingdom; one can be in the kingdom andnot be in the chur ch.
Jesus said to the apostles (Matt. 16:13-20; 18:1,18) he would give unto them the keys of the kingdom after he promised to build his church. Whenthe apostles used the keys of the kingdom on Pentecost (Acts 2) those who obeyed the Lord were added to the church (Acts 2:47). Those in the kingdomwere in the church; those in the church were in the kingdom.
Premillennialism teaches there is a difference between the church and the kingdom. This theory teaches men are in the church now but Christ will come back to earth and set up his kingdom. Premillennialism teaches a distinction between the chur ch and the kingdom. Sentinel teaches a distinction between the church and the kingdom, therefore, Sentinel teaches the error of Premillennialism.
BAPTIST ERROR TAUGHT
The Sentinel publisher said in the September, 1967, issue on page 12:
"T he only thing established by the L or d wasthe Kingdom of Heaven, and it had come intobeing before His ascension, and before He said, 'All power is given unto me, in heaven and inearth' (Matt. 28:18)."
Since Pentecost was after the ascension of Christ and the statement of Matt. 28:18, we have the
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church or kingdom set up on earth before Pentecost, according to the Sentinel. This is the position of the Baptists. T hey contend the kingdom or chur ch was set up before the day of Pentecost. The Sentinel editor has met this in debate with Baptists before. His answer to the Baptist then would be a good answer to the Sentinel's published now. Baptist doctrine says the kingdom existed in fact before Pentecost; the Sentinel says the same thing, therefore, the Sentinel is teaching Baptist doctrine.
MODERNISM TAUGHT
In the August, 1967, issue on page 10 we find this statement fr om the publisher :
"Unfortunately the New Testament (English present day translations) is NOT the holy Scriptures. It is a translation ONLY of the holyScriptures, and a very very poor one at that.It is an indisputable Fact that FAR MORE PEOPLE TODAY ARE BEING LED AWAY FROM GOD T HAN T O HIM by the pr esent translations. Who can doubt it?"
Now how does that piece of modernism set with you,dear reader? If "the New Testament... is NOT the Holy Scriptures" then what is? We are told that the New Testament "is a translation ONLY of the holyScriptures." Therefore, if we accept the modernism of the Sentinel, we do not have a New Testament, because every copy of the New Testament today is a "translation." If we do not have the New Testament today, Sentinel should go out of business because nothing matters. I have a question for the Sentinel. Do we have the word of God today? If so, where is it?
But think about this statement: "Far more peopletoday ar e being led away from God than to Him bythe present translations." Sentinel has men beingled away from God by r eading our pr esent day Bibles. Therefore, in order to keep from being led away from God, Sentinel would have men stop reading theBible. Just think of just blasphemy and moder nism coming fr om men who say they want to get peoplecloser to God.
But consider again the fact that Sentinel is bringing out its own "translation" of the Scriptures. Will the Sentinel "translation" lead people to God, a thing they say no present one will do? Or will it be just one more "present translation" that will lead peopleaway from God?
The Sentinel brethren are teaching error and theonly way around the word of God is to bring outtheir own "translation" doctored up to their liking.We hope that these brethren will see the error oftheir way and return to a "thus saith the Lord" and quit teaching err or .
BEWARE OF THIS DENOMINATIONAL PUBLICATION!
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worship when they move, when they travel, or when asked by others for the location of brethren whobelieve in the all-sufficiency of the church of ourLord. It would take but a few minutes of these brethren's time to tell of their work and the location of their place of meeting.
Some of these young men do not report their work because they feel that if they do so they willnot appear humble and they do not want to advertise themselves. T his is a noble attitude and one that all of us, young or old, should have. I marvel, however, at one thing: if they can pr each a sermon and show the right humility, why can they not write a report of what they are doing and reflect the same spirit? I believe that a moment's reflection will show them that the principle is the same. It is true that in thepast some reports have been nothing but "preachers ads." I remember one preacher of the past who sent in to all the papers this statement: I have moved toblank to take up the work and have been here one Sunday and we already have a noticeable increase in interest and attendance. Even a novice could not help but laugh at such a report. People could have very well come as the result of curiosity just to see whatthey had by way of a preacher. This is not the kind of report that a humble man would write, but thatsame pr eacher in all pr obability pr eached the same kind of sermons.
CONSIDER SOME EXAMPLES
Let me call attention to some examples where the right kind of reporting has paid dividends tothese small congregations. Just an issue or two ago I called attention to the fact that my son, RodneyMiller, was preaching for the small but courageous congr egation that meets at 6101 L inton in HaltomCity, T exas. T his is a suburb of Fort Worth, one of the great cities of the big state of Texas. As the result of this mere mention of his work and the location of the same in Searching The Scriptures one family who had moved to that part of the country found the brethren and now the entire family is meeting with the church there. When you have fifty or sixty member s just think of how worthwhile thetwo or three minutes it took to write the report were to the brethren there.
The West Side church in Murray, Kentucky isanother example of this principle on a far greater scale. A few brethren were called together two or three years ago by brother Irven Lee and a meetingfollowed. The sound brethren who supported themeeting were less than twenty in number. They were hedged in by liberal brethren on every side. Ifollowed br other L ee's meeting with a tent meetingthe following summer and used all of the scr iptural means open to me to advertise the work. Since thattime brother Aude McKee who came to preach for the new congregation has published a fine bulletinthat goes to the entire county. The work has beenkept before the brethren who love the truth everywhere. It can be truthfully said that in spite of the gr eat opposition by many that the wor k has gr own and prospered from the very beginning. A newbuilding has been erected that would be a credit tothe cause anywhere. As this is being written a newrecord of 92 were present just three Lord's days ago to wor ship. T he chur ch in Dickson, T ennessee that supplied brother McKees salary at the beginning has been relieved of about two thirds of his support. Inaddition to this a new congregation has been started in Henry County, Tennessee, just over the line andwith Weldon Thomas as the preacher. They have anew building in which to meet. T he br ethr en havestarted the work in Paducah, Kentucky out of the West Murr ay chur ch.
Let no man misunderstand, it took far more thanjust communication. It r equir ed har d wor k and sound preaching by brother McKee and others. It took helpfrom Academy Street church in Dickson and the fine12th Street church in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Itrequired prayer and sacrifice by the membership butthe point is this: when any one moves or visits in Western Kentucky he knows about the congregation and if he loves the Lord and wants to serve Him he knows where to find the brethren.
TWO WAYS TO REPORT
Not only Searching The Scriptures but almost every sound journal among us will place a regular ad in the paper calling attention to the vital facts concerning the work. In this paper we call this section simply, Worship With These Churches. T he other means is to send in from time to time, to what wecall the News Letter, a short story of what is being done and of the progress that is being made where the gospel is pr eached.
Yes, I marvel that brethren will not take the time to "rehearse all that God has done with them," andthat if they can pr each a humble sermon they cannot write a humble report.
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On page 7, September, 1967, issue of "Searching the Scr iptur es," is a r eply by Br o. Patton to my "r e-view" of his article in the April issue of the same paper on I Cor. 11:2-16. Following is my "review" of his second article.
DEALING FAIRLY
Bro. Patton charges me with not "dealing fairly" with his teaching. He said: "Bro. Lewis' review leaves much to be desired in this respect" (dealing fairly, WHL). If it can be shown wherein I havedealt unfairly with his teaching, I will gladly apologize just as soon as someone points out such. I havebeen unable to detect such after a careful reading. Now, let Bro. Patton PROVE wherein I have dealtunfairly with his teaching. Bro. Patton didn't likethe term "passover" with regard to his passing over THE VERY FOUNDATION OF PAUL'S ARGUMENT AS TO WHY MEN SHOULD PRAY WITH UNCOVERED HEADS, AND WOMEN SHOULD PRAY WITH COVERED HEADS IN THE ASSEMBLY. His position is that such practice was based upon the "custom of Paul's day," and ONL Y in thecity of Corinth. (See S.S. April, 1967, page 5.) I say it was based upon the ETERNAL DECREE OF GOD! I believe that the readers can determine if I have dealt fairly with his teaching.
BRO. PATTON IS AFFECTED BY "CUSTOMITIS"
In Par. 4, p. 7, Bro. Patton shows why he believesthat the subject of "cover ed" and "uncover ed" headsof I Cor. 11:2-16, is based upon the "custom of Paul's day." Listen to him: (1) "that the use of the covering was in conformity to custom, (2) that the 'custom' signified submission to the divine order of authority established in these ver ses, and (3) that wher ever this custom prevailed the covering should be used asdirected. I therefore, believe that what Paul taughtin I Cor. 11:2-16, AS OUTLINED ABOVE, is as binding today as then." Bro. Patton has "missed the boat" in these statements. What he should have said is: "I, therefore, believe that what Paul taught inI Cor. 11:2-16, IS AS BINDING TODAY AS THEN, and left off "as outlined above." His "above outline" doesn't agree with the facts of the case! Comments on the above statements: (1) The "covering" of ICor. 11:2-16, was NOT based upon "custom," but,upon the eternal decree of God, which states that theMAN is to pray with HEADS UNCOVERED, andWOMEN were to pray with their HEADS COVE RED, because of the subordination of woman toman, man to Christ, and Christ to God! This relation still exists, and cannot be changed by "custom." The TYPE of artificial covering worn to show the woman recognizes her subordination MAY be determined by"custom," but, "custom" cannot remove the COMMAND for the women to be "covered" when she prays! (2) Bro. Patton says: ". . . the CUSTOM signified submission to the divine order of authority established in these verses" (Emp. mine, WHL). Inthis Bro. Patton is wrong again. Bro. Patton seems to NOT be able to see the difference in "custom," and in the TYPE OF COVERING TO BE WORN, beingdetermined by the prevailing "custom in Paul's day." Br o. Patton, Paul did not say that "custom" wouldshow woman's recognition of her subordination to man, but, the ARTIFICIAL COVERING would!Can't you see the difference in the two ? I know that the readers can. (3) Bro. Patton says: "That wher ever this custom prevailed the covering should beused as directed." You missed it again, Bro. Patton.What you should have said is: "that wherever this RELATIONSHIP OF GOD, CHRIST, MAN ANDWOMAN prevails, the COVERING should be worn as directed! That is what the Bible teaches.
Br o. Patton, it is the "custom" for many of thewomen in, and around Birmingham, to wear an artificial covering when they come into the assembly. Should they do it or not? You said "wherever the custom prevailed the covering should be worn as directed." If it is all right for the women in Birmingham to wear the covering, in recognition of their subjection to man, because it is their "custom," would it be all WRONG for the women in Huntsville to wear them for the same reason, even though itmay not be the "custom" for the women to wear them in Huntsville. Maybe this is one of those "missing links" you talked about!
PRAYING AND PROPHESYING
Br o. Patton calls to our attention that what I said on the above subject was not an answer to his argument, as he believed that what is taught in I Cor. 11:2-16 COULD apply at OTHER TIMES than whenmen and women were INSPIRED; I explained when I wrote it that it was not an answer to Bro. Patton's position, BUT MANY OF HIS BRETHREN TAKE SUCH A POSITION. I brought this out to show our readers how woefully brethren are divided as to WHY they think I Cor. 11:2-16 does not apply to us today. They can't agree as to WHY it does not apply today. About the only thing on which they are agreed is IT DOESN'T APPLY TODAY."
GENERIC AND SPECIFIC
Bro. Patton tells us that the "covering" the manis NOT to wear while praying is "generic," while the"covering" that IS to be wor n by the woman is "specific." I am glad that Bro. Patton can see that there are two coverings taught in this passage — the natural, the hair, and the artificial. Some say that the"hair" is the only covering mentioned, and that thepassage DOES apply today. Bro. Patton says: "Myargument involved the meaning of 'katakalupto'which excludes a hat, cap, turban, and anything that does not 'fully cover' the head." Bro. Patton, if I, forargument sake, conceded the point that the "covering" under consideration MUST be a "veil" just a?were worn "in Paul's day, and in the city of Cor inth," WOULD YOU T HEN SAY THAT I COR.
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11:2-16, WOULD APPLY TODAY? IF a "hat," cap,or turban, were to "fully cover" the head, would yousay that such would "fill the bill?" I think that wewill have to have a little more than just Bro. Patton's wor d to PROVE that a "hat, cap, or turban"won't meet the requirements of a "covering" in ICor. 11:2-16. Bro. Patton says: "None of the translators quoted by Bro. Lewis are at variance with anything I said concerning the meaning of the original wor d." I think that the r eader s can see that such is not the case. T he King James says "uncover ed," th
A.S.V. says "unveiled," the Amplified N.T. says"bar eheaded," and Williams says the same. Waessat uses the term "SHAWL," and "MANTLE." Does that sound like these tr anslator s agr ee with Br o. Patton's position of the "generic and specific" covering of I Cor. 11:2-16? I know of no one who says that a woman must wear a HAT, when she prays in theassembly, but, SHE MUST HAVE SOME KIND OFAN ARTIFICIAL COVERING ON HER HEAD TO SHOW THAT SHE RECOGNIZES HER SUBORDINATION TO MAN as set forth in I Cor. 11:2-16. And, "CUSTOM" cannot set this aside!
"MISSING LINK" NOT MISSING!
Br o. Patton said: "Br o. L ewis is wr ong about this (that the covering should be worn by the woman today when she prays in the assembly to show that she recognizes her subordination to man, WHL) because his chain of logic has a missing link. With this missing link his conclusion is an a
umption. T he missinlink is PROOF OF THE UNIVERSAL SIGNIFICATION OF THE COVERING." Bro. Patton agrees that the relationship of God, Christ, man, and woman still exist. He also believes that Paul taught thchurch at Corinth that the woman should be "veiled" when she prayed in the assembly TO SHOW THAT SHE RECOGNIZED HER SUBORDINATION TO MAN. We agree on these points. Now tell us, Bro. Patton, WHO is to tell us that such a "sign" of woman's subor dination IS NOT T O BE WORN T ODAY,IF the same relationship still exists ? If it is not binding today, WHEN was it done away? "CUST OM" may change the TYPE of covering to be worn, BUT IT CANNOT REMOVE THE COMMAND FOR THE COVERING TO BE WORN! Bro. Patton, the "covering" was the "sign," and NOT "CUSTOM." No, Bro. Patton, the "link" was NOT "missing," you just obser ved the "passover " again! Br o. Patton said "T his brings us back to the issue set forth in my former article which shows this SIGN to be given in the first place because of local usage and custom." Bro. Patton, will you just quote ONE verse in I Cor. 11:2-16,that says that the wearing of the "veil" by thewoman, to show her subordination to man WAS BASED UPON CUSTOM? I set forth six reasons WHY a man should NOT be cover ed, and WHY woman SHOULD be covered, when they pray in theassembly, and I gave Bible reasons for every one of them. All that I am asking you, Br o. Patton is, give us JUST ONE VERSE THAT TEACHES what Paul said in this passage was BASED UPON THE CUSTOM OF PAUL'S DAY, AND ONLY IN THE CITY OF CORINTH! Bro. Patton says: "While Paul didnot call the covering a "custom" in verse 7, he diin verse sixteen." No, Bro. Patton, Paul didn't call the "covering" a "custom" in verse sixteen. There is a great difference in the TYPE of "covering" worn being determined by "custom," and the command to WEAR the "covering." You need to study verse sixteen some mor e. Williams gives this ver se thus: "But if anyone is inclined to be contentious about it, I for my part prescribe NO OTHER PRACTICE THAN THIS, and neither do the churches of God" (capsmine, WHL). Moffatt says: "If anyone presumes to raise objections on this point — well, I acknowledgeno other MODE OF WORSHIP, and neither do the churches of God." The New Testament in Basic English says: "But if any man will not be ruled in this question, THIS IS NOT OUR WAY OF DOING THINGS, and it is not done in the churches of God." Br o. Patton, WHAT HAPPENS TO YOUR "CUSTOM" ARGUMENT ? In verse sixteen, Paul set forththe universality of WHAT HE HAD JUST TAUGHT IN VERSES 2-15! It was not limited to Paul's day, or to the city of Corinth.
Paul said that what he taught was the practice of ALL OF THE CHURCHES OF GOD. What did he teach in verses 2-15? That man was to have "short hair," and not have any artificial covering on his head, and that a woman should have "long hair," and SHOULD have an ARTIFICIAL covering on her head, when they prayed in the assembly. The ARTIFICIAL COVERING would have the same "universal signification" TODAY, as it had in Paul's dayIF people would preach the truth on this matter? If no, why not?
I close with this quote: "But if anyone wants toargue about this, all I can say is that we never teach anything else than this — that a woman should wear a covering when prophesying or praying PUBLICLY IN THE CHURCH, and all the chur ches f eel thesame way about it." (Caps mine, WHL.) (LivingLetters — The Paraphrased Epistles— I Cor. 11:16,by Kenneth N. Taylor.)
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defense of my position as a matter of record for my column.
I have carefully searched in vain the articles byBrother Lewis to find an answer to the brief threefold ar gument made in def ense of my position. His last article offers little, if anything, new. In view ofthese circumstances and without any desire to overly burden our readers with so much material on the same subject, I yield further discussion, at least forthe present, to the forthcoming articles.
QUESTION — Is is possible to observe Christmas today as a civil holiday without r eligious implications? Does the use of a tree, decorations, and theexchange of gifts imply religious significance? If not, why not, since these things have religion for their background? Please answer in SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES before Christmas this year, ifpossible. — J. P.
ANSWER — From the above questions I take itthat our querist understands that no religious significance should be attached to Christmas. This is right. However, some of our readers may not understand why this is so, hence, a brief explanation before answering the above questions.
The following quote is a fair sample of the scholarship of the world on the origin and celebration of Christmas:
"The observance of Christmas is not of divine appointment, nor is it of New Testament origin. The day of Christ's birth cannot be ascertained from the New Testament, or, indeed, from anyother source. The fathers of the first three centuries do not speak of any special observance of the nativity . . . The institution may be sufficiently explained by the cir cumstance that itwas the taste of the age to multiply festivals. ... It was not till the 6th century that the wholeChristian world concurred in celebrating thenativity on the same day." (Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature by McClintock & Strong)
Is is the absence of divine authority for celebrating the birth of Christ that makes it wrong to attach religious significance to Christmas. It is sin to transgress divine limitations (Col. 3:17; II John 9; I John 3:4). God has made the death of Christ more significant than His birth by authorizing in its memory the weekly observance of the Lord's supper (Matt. 26:26-29; I Cor. 11:23-24; Acts 20:7). Had Hewanted His nativity celebrated He could and wouldhave so authorized.
T her e ar e many things right within themselves which become wrong when religious significance isattached thereto. The washing of hands is proper for all Christians, but to observe such as a religious ordinance unto God would be wrong (Mark 7:1-13). T he gathering of individuals to eat food is right within itself, but to turn such into a religious festival would be wrong. The observance of national holidays such as the Fourth of July, Memor ial Day,Thanksgiving, and even Christmas is proper so longas no religious significance is attached (Gal. 4:10,11).
Now, concerning the questions above. I believe that it is possible to observe Christmas as a civil holiday without religious implications. There are things used every day in our modern society whichhave their origin in r eligion, but which things havelong since lost their religious significance. T he days of the week are of heathen origin and are named inhonor of pagan gods. Some cities of our nation ar e of Catholic origin and were named to signify andhonor things peculiar to Catholicism. However, it is possible for one to separate these from their religious background and use them in our society without religious implications. In the same way the word "Christmas" can be used today.
It does not meet the issue fully to say that religious significance is still attached to Chr istmas by some. Paul taught Christians to eat meat sacrificed to idols, if they had "knowledge," and were able to disassociate it from the religious significance attached to it by others (I Cor. 8; 10:25-28). However, they were forbidden to do this when circumstances wer e such as to necessarily have r eligious implications : "If any of them that believe not bid you to afeast, and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. But if any man say unto you, T his is off er ed in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof: Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other : for why is myliberty judged of another man's conscience?" (I Cor. 10:27-29). Furthermore, they were warned of thedanger of "offending" a brother. But the point is —it was possible under some circumstances for one to partake of that to which others attached religious significance without doing so himself or signifying such by his action. Upon this same basis Paul acted in relation to circumcision — at times he practiced it, but did not attached religious significance to it,though others did (Gal. 2:3; Acts 16:3; Gal. 5:6).
It is also a fact that some things with religious significance undergo a change in significance. For example, the "yule log" was once burned in worship to the Sun-god. The decoration of trees with ornaments was a part of the Saturnalia (worship toSaturn) in Rome. However, these things with paganreligious significance were changed by Catholic authorities and made a part of the Christmas celebration signifying the birth of Christ. Thus, the ancient pagan significance no longer exist in our modern society. He who tries to attach such significance to these things today does so arbitrarily, and is guilty of reviving relics of pagan idolatry. It is folly to affirm a significance and implication which is contrary to facts. Their former significance has changed!
It is also a fact that the religious significance given by Catholics and others to Christmas and its celebrations — honoring the birth of Christ — has under gone a tremendous change. Thousands now observe Christmas by use of traditional practices — sendinggreetings, exchanging gifts, decorating trees, etc, — without r egar d to r eligion of any kind in any measure. Jews, who do not believe in Christ, and non-religionists observe the holiday by closing their stores, decorating their places of business and homes, having family reunions and special dinners, and by
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exchanging gifts — all without r egar d to r eligion. The Christmas holiday season has become so much a part of the American way of life that nearly all,regardless of religion, partake in its celebrations and shar e in a wonderful holiday spirit of good will andgratitude. It is a misrepresentation and a denial of facts to assign religious significance and implications to such activities in all instances.
True, many who see no wrong in attaching religious significance to Christmas try to keep its former concept alive. They cry "Put Christ back in Christmas," which cry within itself evidences a change insignificance. This religious concept is obvious on thepart of those who at this season of the year involvethe church and plan a program of church function ar ound the Nativity. Individuals also obviously attach r eligious significance to celebr ations when insuch they f ocus attention upon the Nativity. T he Christian, however should act in relation to Christmas and things used in its celebration as Paul toldthe Corinthians in relation to meats sacrificed to idols (see again I Cor. 10:25-29). Thus, Christmas may be observed as a civil holiday along with "Folk Customs" used in its celebration which are separated from religion by those using them.
I am persuaded that Christians should not contribute anything to the reviving of former religious concepts, pagan, Catholic, or other wise, by putting Christ in Christmas or assigning a religious significance in any instance that does not necessarily exist in our modern society. On the other hand he mayenjoy the celebration of what is perhaps the happiest holiday season of the whole year in our time signifying good will and gratitude without "conscience of the idol."
ONE REASON WHY "PROTESTANTS" ARESUSPICIOUS OF ROMAN CATHOLICPOLITICAL CANDIDATES!!
We copy from a Roman Catholic publication, Civilita Catolica, April 1948:
"T he Roman Catholic Chur ch, convinced thr ough its divine prerogatives of being the only true church, must demand the right of freedom for herself alone, because such a right can only be possessed by truth, never by error. As to other religions, the church will never draw the sword but she will require that bylegitimate means they shall not be allowed to propagate false doctrines. Consequently, in a state where the majority of the people are Catholic the church will r equir e that legal existence shall be denied to error and if religious minorities actually exist they shall only have a de facto existence without opportunity to spread their beliefs. In some countries Catholics will be obliged to ask full religious freedom f or all, r esigned at being f or ced to cohabit wher e they alone should rightfully be allowed to live. But in doing this the church does not renounce her thesis, which remains the most imperative of her laws, butmer ely adapts her self to de facto conditions which must be taken into account as a practical matter."
T he publication from which the above paragraphis copied is an organ of the "Society of Jesus" or "Jesuits." In order for us to properly understand and evaluate the above quoted policy, we need to determine the nature, character and purpose of the "Jesuits." T his or ganization was initially set up in theyear 1534, some seventeen years after Martin Luther's revolt against the Roman Church's spiritual and mor al decay. Concer ning the "Society of Jesus," a Roman Catholic historian says:
"The most celebrated of all the new orders was also Spanish in its origin, the Society of Jesus. Here was not only a new order but a new kind of order, religious who dispensed with the customary foundations of community life and the common r ecitation in choir of the Divine Office. Wherever there was a Jesuit ther e was the or der. All the individualism characteristic of the age was seized on by the newsociety and brought into the service of religion. The discipline of the order, that reflected the current authoritarian tendencies, was something new in its military strictness, and it produced the most per fectly subordinated instrument the papacy has ever had at its disposal. T he tr aining was long; a discipline of the will in the inter ests of the will of God,shown through whatever orders the superior gave,was its main object. And the Jesuit was to be superbly educated in the best the Renaissance had togive. Wherever the Holy See needed them the Jesuits went, r eady to do whatever work lay to hand. Fr omthe beginning they had a deserved reputation as
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". . . THEY REHEARSED ALE THAT COD HAD DONE WITH THEM . . ."— Acts 14:27
preachers, controversialists, confe
ors, and schoolmasters, and willy-nilly, they soon became involvedlike their masters the popes, in all politico-religious activity of the later sixteenth century." (Page 187, A Popular History of the Catholic Church, by PhilipHughes.) (Emphasis mine. LWM.
Several nations of Europe had occasion to suppress the Jesuits and banish its members from their dominions. Finally, Pope Clement XIV, in 1773 signeda decree that suppressed the Jesuit order, althoughthis was done with reluctance on his part. However,in 1814, Pope Pius VII ...
"called the great society back to life, and because of its flexible organisation, it was to be the chiefauxiliary of the popes in the Catholic restoration of the next sixty years." (Ibid, page 227.
In the present century, the most overt activity ofthe Jesuits is that of operating various educational institutions throughout the world. In the United States such schools as Fordham, Marquette, Loyola at Chicago and New Orleans, Georgetown and St.Louis University, are among those operated by members of the Jesuit order. Georgetown University, bthe way, is commonly used by our nation's State Department in the training of U.S. diplomats. One of the better known members of the Jesuit order is Avery Dulles, a son of the late John Foster Dulles,formerly Secretary of State.
SPAIN AN EXAMPLE OF THIS POLICY TODAY!
Jesuitism had its beginning in Spain. The "Inquisition" which had its beginning in Spain and Southern France saw thousands upon thousands of peopleput to death. The authoritarian power that was once wielded by the "Inquisitor General" is still exercised in a more civil fashion in the 20th century
1. Many "Protestant" church buildings have beenclosed by the Spanish authorities. 2. Protestants are prohibited from engaging in religious services in the privacy of their own homes. 3. Protestant parochial schools are prohibited. 4. Protestants are not permitted to import, publish or circulate copies of the Bible. Protestants are not permitted to publish religious books or papers. 6. Protestants desiring to be married ... in order to avoid a Roman Catholic ceremony, must PROVE TO THE SATISFACTION of Spanish Catholic Officials, that the persons desiring marriage, were not baptized into the Roman Catholic faith when they were infants.
SPAIN IS A COUNTRY IN WHICH THERE WAS NO REFORMATION . . . there was no Martin Luther, Calvin, Knox, Huss or Zwingli, to challengePapal authority!!
REPORT FROM JACKSON, TENNESSEE
Earl Fly, P. O. Box 57, Jackson, Tenn. 38301 —The Hollywood congregation is making progress with increases in membership, contributions, and attendance. We had 28 additions during the last 17months, and our membership now totals 50. Prospects for future growth are still very good
Since we are still being falsely charged with opposing care for needy children and others, we submitthe following information for our many Jackson readers and others: The Hollywood church of Christ is a scriptural congregation, believing in, preachingand practicing, according to ability and opportunity,the caring for the fatherle
, widows, other needy saints and aliens, according to scriptural authority governing church and individual actions in these fields. If anyone can prove by the Bible that we are preaching and/or practicing anything unauthorized by God, we will immediately cease it; if anyone caprove that we are failing to preach and/or practice anything which God requires, we will immediatelbegin to do it.
If we are not abiding in Christ's doctrine, we havenot God (II John 9). If we have erred from the truth, we are sinners in danger of eternal death in hell fire,and we need to be converted that our souls may bsaved (James 5:19-20). Yet those who have charged us privately and publicly with erring from the truth,have not accepted our standing invitation to show us by the Bible wherein we err, if indeed we do.Why"?
We are "set for the defense of the gospel" and determined to "contend earnestly for the faith." Weare willing and ready to arrange a decent and orderlydiscu
ion, to be conducted in brotherly kindne
, ofthe current, controversial, church-dividing i
ues,which vitally affect the eternal salvation of multitudes. This is a God-approved honorable way to discuss differences and scripturally settle i
ues, thereby eliminating division and promoting unity of thSpirit, based on the Bible only
It is regrettable that some prefer to use the carnal weapons of misrepresentation and false charges to prejudice people and alienate brethren. Truth never needs such carnal defenses; it depends only on God's word. Let us all remember that hatred, bitterness,malice, evil speakings, whisperings and slanderous lies, will eternally condemn the guilty to hell fire. God requires that his children show brotherly kindness and love in corr ectly representing their brethren.
I continue to appreciate the fellowship in the gospel with several churches of Christ, which are scripturally cooperating to preach the gospel in this area.
Page 9
Florida. From all indications the wor k ther e seems challenging and the congr egation strong. During thepast few months I have noted that many preachers are in the process of moving. I trust that these newsituations will give us all new zeal in ser ving Jesus Christ.
Talmadge Polk, Trenton, Fla. — I was in a meeting at Eloise, Florida, September 10-17 with 15 responses. Six were baptized and nine confessed unfaithfulness. John Thomas is the faithful preacher there. I was with the Northside church in Trenton, Florida October 8-15 with one baptized and onerestored to the Lord. The work in Archer is progr essing. Five wer e baptized and one r estor ed andfive identified with us in the last two months. Paul Andrews of Tampa, Florida is to be with us in a meeting in August, 1968.
Lt. Vernon R. Butler, USS Iwo Jima (LPH-2), Ward Room, c/o FPO San Francisco, 96601 — I am happy to announce that the church of the Lord is now meeting aboard the USS IWO JIMA (LPH-2).If any readers have friends or relatives aboard thisship they would like me to contact, I will be happy to do so. Please contact me at the above address.
Wayne L. Payne, Poteau, Okla. — We are finally getting off to Nigeria. We will be leaving Memphis, T ennessee October 30th. T he chur ch which meets here in Poteau at 506 S. Front St. (P.O. Box 416) is looking for a preacher, as of now. They are able tosupport a man and it is a good place to do agood wor k.
A NOVEMBER TOUR James P. Miller, Tampa, Fla.
The first part of the month found me busypreaching the gospel. I left Tampa after teaching the ladies Bible class on T uesday, October 31, andpreached for the fine West Murray congregation inMurray, Kentucky on Wednesday night, November
1. T he chur ch in Murr ay is making good pr ogr ess and has a beautiful new building. My brother carried me to Paducah on Friday and I flew to Louisville and started a meeting with the Shively congregation on Friday night. Vestal Chaffin met me at theairport and did all he could to make the meeting asuccess. Since I pr eached at Shively at 7:30 Sundaynight, the brethren at Expressway invited me tospeak for them at 6 p.m. Expressway is a strong church and is still growing. I closed the meeting atShively on Friday night and when the brethren atValley Station found that I had Saturday night free they invited me to speak there on Saturday night.Ronald Mosby preaches for this strong church. Alarge crowd assembled to hear the lesson on "Does the Gospel need a change?" On Sunday mor ning, November 12, I started an effort with the church inClarksville, Indiana. This is just across the river from Louisville and it a good church. Under the leadership of good brethren and the preaching of
H. Robert Williams they have constructed a beautiful colonial building on route 131 at Hale Street. This is a fine congregation of 150 members and is a credit to the efforts of brother Williams and all who had a part. I closed the meeting at Clarksville on Saturday night, November 18th, and flew home to be back inthe pulpit at Seminole Sunday morning the 19th.Several were baptized and several restored during this wonderful 19 days of preaching. I will never forget the kindness and love of the brethren inmaking all this possible.
The Seminole congregation broke all records with a meeting with brother Don Bassett of Sacramento, California, October 15-25 in Tampa. Brother Bassett is one of the outstanding young preachers of this generation. Five were baptized and six restored during the meeting. Others have been added sincethe meeting closed. We rejoice in this fine effort.
NIX CLIFFORD
Brother Nix Clifford, a brother of brother Rufus Clifford, passed away suddenly of a heart attack onSeptember 3, 1967 as he was getting r eady to attend the evening worship at the Perry Heights church inNashville, Tennessee. He was 59 years of age at his passing.
Brother Nix Clifford was born in Bedford County, T ennessee on June 8, 1908. He attended local schools. He engaged in the gr ocer y business, farming, and for the past few years was associated with T.I.M.E. inNashville, T ennessee. He suffer ed a str oke aboutfour years ago and was retired by the company, andsince that time he devoted himself to the work of the Lord as fully as he was able. He was a member ofthe Perry Heights church.
He was married to Mary Josephine Williams whosurvives him. T o this union was bor n two childr en. Besides his wife he is survived by a daughter, granddaughter and great-granddaughter.
Brother Nix Clifford was a great friend of gospel pr eacher s and helped all in ever y way possible. He'was a good friend to me and brother Miller in ourwork with Searching The Scriptures. He sent thepaper to many families, and gave us all theencour agement he could in this wor k.
The funeral services was conducted by Eugene Crawley of Russellville, Alabama, and Martin Lemon of Shelbyville, Tennessee. We share the loss of his loved ones. His first love was the Lord and his work.
H. E. Phillips
Frank Jamerson, Louisville, Ky. — After four years and seven months with the Wendell Avenue congr egation in L ouisville, Ky., I will be moving thefirst of November to work with the faithful church in Cordele, Georgia. The church building is located one mile west of Interstate 75, on East Sixteenth Avenue. (Use this exit marked "Cordele-Abbeville" and you will be on 15th Avenue). Any who are in the ar ea ar e ur ged to visit with us. My addr ess as of November 1st, 1967 will be: 913 E. 17th Avenue,Cordele, Georgia 31015.
THE POWER OF APOSTOLIC EXAMPLESNO. 2
Ward Hogland, Box 166, Greenville, Texas 75401
The arrows of truth from this column are not onlydirected toward denominationalism out of the church but also within. A few months back, I wrote an article called, "The power of apostolic examples" (see Volume 8 No. 9). In this article, I emphasized thatevery major apostasy within the confines of thechurch had resulted from denying the authority ofappr oved examples. While in a meeting with theRiverside Drive church in Nashville I pressed this affirmation. At the following ser vice, br other David Claypool, of the Franklin Road church brought amagazine called "North American Christian," in which he pointed out an article by the editor, Jim Bob Jarrell on this subject. In the July issue, brother Jarrell, a preacher in the church and editor of the paper wrote an article on "Authority." In this article he denied the very thing I said liberal brethren everywhere are denying. I had not seen his article before I spoke on the subject. I have contacted many brethren who deny approved examples verbally, butthis was the FIRST time I had seen it in writing. His article was an open denial of apostolic examples. Sobrethren we are on our way to full scale apostasy and I predict that some will not stop this side of Rome! In my first article (September issue), I said this was our problem and I must insist that br other Jarrell confirms my affirmation. In order to be fair Iam going to give brother Jarrell's article in its fulness. After I do this I will answer all his quibblesand show that he evidently has a poor understanding of the subject he attempted to explain. Here is his article:
"It has often been said that THE NEW TESTAMENT binds us in three ways: (1) by 'command';
(2) by 'approved example'; (3) by necessary inference.' Chur ches of Chr ist haven't had much tr ouble with 'command," or even with 'necessar y infer ence.'
( Continued on page 382)
Page 12
INDEX FOR
| 326 |
| 99 |
| 4 |
| 70 |
| 373 |
| 243 |
| 308 |
| 130 |
| 340 |
| 195 |
| 275 |
Arrows Of Truth For Denominational Error— Ward Hogland
A Hundred Millio n Dollars— And No Gam 118 "A Round-up At Talco" 260 Apostolic Examples, T he Power Of 328 Apostolic Examples, The Power Of — No 2 379 Baptism — Not A Drop Of Water 51 Bogard's Baptist Way Book 199 Bogard's Baptist Way Book — No. 2 211 Bogard and Campbellism 246 Campaign Meeting, T he Big 24 'Consolidation" 1 80 E mbellish Or E dify 131 Love — The Greatest Of These 39 Modernism In Disguise 72 Right And Left, The Extreme 103 The Call Of An Alien Sinner To Preach 342 The Falling Tree 356 'Th e Lemmons Lovell Exchange' 230 The Mountain Of The Lord's House 83 ' The Poor Sisters Of Saint Francis ' 31 1 Works — A Play On Words — No 2 5
Baptist Doctrine, The Errors Of— H. F. Sharp
Dead Act? — No. 4, Can T he 108 Depravity 46 Depravity — No. 2 73 Elect Only In Baptist Doctrine— No 3 86 Limited Atonement— No 5 121 Primitive Baptist Doctrine 135 Primitive Baptist Doctrine 150
Bible Word Studies— E. V. Srygley, Jr.
Benevolence 200 Benevolence — No 2 227 Benevolence — No 3 245 Benevolence — No 4 268 Benevolence — No 5 295 Benevolence — No 6 330 Benevolence — No 7 343 'Biblical Words Of Luke & Acts — No 2 15 1Biblical ' Words Of Luke & Acts — No 3 25
Catholicism, The Errors Of — Luther W. Martin
A Confused Catholic And The Pelican 147 A T ypical Letter From A Roman Catholic 211 Authority In Religion 259 Baptism — By A Roman Scholar, Comments On T he Subject Of 276 Blessing Statues? What Do Catholics Mean By 120 Catholic Admissions 6 Catholic Admissions 44 Catholicism's Opposition To The EnglishBible 228 'Clerical Celibacy And God's Word ! 309 'Forced Baptism And Roman Catholic Hospitals 332 'Freedom ' and ' Censorship" As Defined By Roman Catholicism 134 Marriage With A Roman Catholic . Becoming "Unequally Yoked" 197 Political Candidates, One Reason Why "Protestants ' Are Suspicious
Of Roman Catholic 375 Roman Catholic Efforts To Change The Context Of Scripture 172 "Saints", T he Sub|ect Of 181 Salvation Outside The Roman Catholic Church? Yes Or No I 357 Simon Peter — Apostle Or Bishop Of Rome' 101 Summary Of Vatican (II ) Council Documents 28 The Bible Is A Catholic Book — A Review 294 The Finger bone Of Saint Anne 245
Dangers Facing The Church — Thomas G. O'Neal
Deacons To Be Informed, The Need For 231 Elders' Rule, The Nature Of 53 Elders To Be Informed, The Need For 149 Eldership, T he 46 Evangelists To Be Informed, The Need For 183
Informed, The Need To Be 133 Editorial — James P. Miller Mr Inside And Mr. Outside 257
Editorial — H. E. Phillips
Book, Chapter, And Verse," 'Give 241 Book, Chapter, And Verse, ' More On "Give 273 Church? What Is T he 50 Divisions, Causing 34 Institutions, Churches And 3
167
Letters To The Editors, Some 305 Letters To Editors, More 321 Letters To Editors, More 337 Love Will Solve T he Problem 289 Miller-Woods. Debate, The 293 161 Phillips, Tribute To Mrs Charlie 177 Policy Of Searching T he Scriptures 210 Searching The Scriptures 129
Editors
Miller Woods Debate, Review Of 162
Evolution Or Creation?— Paul Foutz
My Visit T o Chicago Natural History Museum 149 My Visit To Chicago Natural History Museum — No. 2 1 66 My Visit T o Chicago Natural History Museum — No. 3 182 My Visit To Chicago Natural History Museum — No. 4 258
Hebrew Word Studies — Harold Tabor
Names Of God — No 1 283 Names Of God — No 2 297
I Marvel — James P. Miller
College Question, The 1 15 Communication 370 Herald Of Truth Story, The 23 Human Organizations, The Divine Church vs. 36
Our Religious World — Bob West
Catholicism's War On Poverty 263 Church On The March 375 "Except The Lord Build The House' 130 Human Creeds 101 Look What Was In side! 289 Man's Version Of Giving 342 Modernism's Holy Trinity 121 Not The Way To Save Souls 168 Rather Fight (And Lose) Than Switch 209 The Devil's Catch 148 T he Devil's Reporter 355 The Evolutionist's Dream 196 The Pope And His God 236 They Stand Or Fall Together 178
T o Be Seen Of Men" 277 "Unchurched" 247 Wrong Foundation 308
Teaching To Teach — Jimmy Tuten, Jr.
An Analysis Of Seeking T he Prospect 283 Cottage Meeting, The 155 Cottage Meeting Teacher, T he 219 Motivation Of Personal Evangelism 1 25 Overcoming Objections 139 Personal Work, Successful And Practical 104
The Bible And Family Relationship— Irven Lee
Child? Who Is T he Fortunate 71 Harlot, The Attire Of A 8 Living? Who Owes You A 383 Love Or Lust? 263 Money Problem, The 84 Unmarried Only, For 55
Adams, Connie W.
Healing, Miraculous Divine — No 6 13 Healing, Miraculous Divine — No 7 52
Adams, James W.
Campus Advance — A New Or ganization With An Appropriate Name 353
Adams, Wiley
Plea Restated, Our 222
Alexander, Donald M.
Intellectualism, Or Divine Wisdom? 59
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 13
Anonymous
And The People Stood Beholding
Bassett, Don
| California | The Work In — | No | 2 |
| California | The Work In — | No | 3 |
| Blackford, Dick | |||
Moderate Drinking The Bible And T oday'sNo Pattern Theory — Some Sad Results T he
Bozarth, Elvis
Revelation T he Finality Of
Butler, Thomas G.
Henderson Walter N.
Buffer, Vernon R.
Divorce And Remarriage' It It Po
ible T o Scripturally
Cogdill, Roy E.
Hale Spears Debate In Oklahoma City T he
Crawley, Eugene
Time Ye Ought To Be The
Dean, G. D
| 123 156 171 | Knapp, Edwin P. Liberal's Dilemma T he LaCoste, Robert J. Glory What Price Personal | 95 88 | |||
| 298 156 | Lewis, Brent Benevolence' Is T he Church Limited In Its Blood T he Precious | 197 238 | |||
| 297 | Churches Of Christ Funeral A Sad | Achieved Denominational Status For | 272 254 | ||
| Proof Text I Long Live The | 256 | ||||
| 265 | Lewis. William H. | ||||
| 1 11 | Divorce — T he One Exception Of Matt 19 9 I Cor 11 2 16 — A Review Of Bro Marshall Patton On I Cor 11 2 16 — A Review Of Bro Marshall Patton On — No 2 | 61 324 371 | |||
| 77 | McCullogh, Carl Ireland Says Come | Christ Said | Go | 154 | |
| 189 | Martin. Luther W. An Open L etter T o T he Stewart Avenue Church Of Christ — Sedalia Mo | 107 | |||
| Women T o Speak In T he Assembly It I sn ' t Right For Denison, James L. Church The | 141 318 | Incorrect Report Circulated By Spokesman For Sedalia (Mo ) Straining Out Gnats And Swallowing Camels | 126 62 |
| Difference T here Is A | 350 | Miller, James P. |
Scientist Teach What
Dortch, Gene
Church Building Using T heChurch Building Social Activities In The
Duncan, Billy
Morality Basis ForWorthy Reading
Eldridge, George T.
Henry County T ennessee Salt lake City Ogden Utah Area Jesus Cause In The
Flatt, Curtis E.
False Teachers Among You — Who Are They'Family The Power Of OneWisdom T he Bitter Fruits Of Earthly
Fly, Earl
Jackson T ennessee Report From
Fudge, Roy S.
Reason, By Faith Or Human
Givens, Donald R.
Sin Glorifying And Glamorizing
Graham.Bobby
Authority BibleInstitutionalism A History
Grider, A. C.
Checked Up On MeSmith Christian Debate TheWrong If Is Is
Hafley, Larry Ray
God's Wor d Stands Alone? What Happens When
Halbrook, Ron
Christians And Use Of Arms An Inquiry
Hall, J. D.. Jr.
Another Lion Roars
Halstead, Dana
Divorce And Remarry' A Review Of Is It Possible T o
Harkrider, Robert
Australia The Lord's Work In
Hendricks, Roger M.
Humility The Meaning And Essentiality Of
Hendrix, Charles M
Communication
Hirshey, Kenneth
Cornerstone Story T he
Hodges, James A
Coins In The Gospels The
Holderby, Olen
An Ancient Lesson For Modern Use
Hughes, Thomas
Middle Of T he Road Get Out Of T he
Ingram, J. Frank
Truth Our Weapon IsThe
Herald Of Truth Pre
ure And T he T hings Appointed Surles Albert Roy Jr Mott, L. A., Jr. Baptized For Remission And Hanged For Murder Catholicism — L etter T o A Newspaper Editor Eis In Matthew 1 2 41 |
1 323 345 145 7 49 | |
| Galatians 6:10 — Independent Or Collective Actions' | 210 | |
| Scriptural Precedent | 240 | |
| Nowlin, J. Edward | ||
| Organized Effort | 222 | |
| O'Neal, Thomas G. | ||
| Sentinel Of Denominational Error Sentinel Of Truth — Answering The Invitation Owens, E. C. Christianity The Undenominational Character Of Marriages Divorces And Remarriages Patton, Herschel E. Churches T he State Of American | 369 30 302 95 214 | |
| Lewis John T. | 235 | |
| Patton, Marshall E. | ||
| Jackson Craft Debate T he | 267 | |
| Pascual, Tahana | ||
| Venezuela T he Need For Missionary Work In Phillips. H. E.Anti-Orphan Home Movement In T ampa T he Church T he Lord's | 279 113 17 | |
| Church — J. D. Hall's Article T he | 65 | |
Digre
ion Marches On Have We T otally Failed' Heist Nannie — A Great Woman Has Finished Her Course Instrumental Music David And |
81 320 226 224 | |
| Love T he Real Meaning Of Marking The Offenders Pre|udiced' Ar e You Revelation' What I s Searching The Scriptures For 1968 | New | 291 176 192 304 353 |
| 362 | Norwegian Work Report On T he Porter, Richard281 |
| 146 | Inspiration Of The Scriptures The Puckett, Carroll W.136 |
| 310 | Montgomery Debate T he Rogol, Leo Action And The Universal Church160 187 |
| 105 | Action And T he Universal Church —Action And T he Universal Church — No 2 No 3204 213 |
| 60 | Action And T he Universal Church —Action And T he Universal Church — No 4 No 5229 247 |
| 315 | Action And The Universal Church —Rury, James W. Roberts Anna T. No 6261 10 |
| 358 | |
| 94 |
Page 14 __________________________________________________________________________________________
Sadorra, Ronnie P.Gunselman, A Review Of
Sexton, William C.
Disturbed And StrengthenedReady To Preach The Gospel In Saint Joseph, MissouriWhat Happened'Where Are You?
Shelton, D. W. H.Fornication And Adultery
Skinner, Conway
Hospitality A Bi g Difference
Sloan, Leslie E.
Church, T he Purity Of T heChurch, T he Purity Of T he' God I s Dead"
Smith. J. T.
Denominationalism Is Wrong, Why Grider— McCaghren Debate, Review Of The Institutionalism Should Not Even Be An Issue11 Pressure"' No Women T o Speak In The Assembly' Is It Right For
Snell, J. R.
Debate In Big 'D'
Spears, Dudley Ross
O'Neal-Ballard Debate, TheTipton Home, Elders Or Directors Of The
Thornhill. Thomas A.
"'Must We For ever Cr y In Vain'"
Thurman, John A.
Liberals, More Liberal Than Most
Tuten, Bob
Jesus, T he E pitaph Of"We Are Well Able To Take It"
Tuten, Jimmy, Jr.Nothing Ever Seems To Go Over
West, Sob
Love Me, But Don't Correct Me
Yopp, James L.
Brock McWhorter DebateBrock McWhorter Debate — No 2Brock McWhorter — No 3
250
336 123 288 220
111
1 86
144 286 33
128 202 172
57
126 251 347
1 10 79 362
208 282 132
89 14 28 40
APOSTOLIC EXAMPLES
But the 'appr oved example' concept has caused division and confusion.
"Nowhere does THE NEW TESTAMENT indicate that 'appr oved example' is law, or is binding uponus. Any 'approved example' is an acceptable act, or method, or aid, but not necessarily the only acceptable act, or method or aid. A command may be carried out in any way that does not violate any other command of God. We do not have to have a specific command or example for every aspect of a general command.
"If every 'approved example' is binding, then thefollowing things which we do not usually pr actice are binding on us.
"1. Having all things in common (Acts 1:44-45;4:32, 34-45, 37; 5:1-10; 6:1-6)
"2. The prayers (Acts 2:42) A. Sixth hour of prayer (Acts 10:9) B. Ninth hour of prayer (Acts 3:1)
"3. Daily assembly (Acts 2:46,47)
"4. Daily eating together (Acts 2:46)
"5. Love feasts (Jude 12)
"6. Partaking of the loaf and cup of blessing always at night (Matt. 26:20, 26-29; Mark 14:17, 2225; I Cor. 11:17-23; Acts 20:7-11) it is the Lord's Supper (I Cor. 11:20)
"7. Partaking of the loaf and cup of blessing always in an upper room (Luke 22:12; Acts 20:7-11)
"8. Partaking of the loaf and cup of blessing always with a meal (Matt. 26:20-29; Mark 14:17-25; Luke 22:7-20; Acts 20:7-11; I Cor. 11:17-33)
"9. Partaking of the cup of blessing after the meal (I Cor. 11:25; Luke 17:20)
"10. Having the same per son ask the blessing or give thanks for both the loaf and cup of blessing (Matt. 26:26-29; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:17-20; ICor. 11:23-25)
"11. Fasting (Acts 13:2-3, 14-23)
"12. Solo-singing (I Cor. 14:26)
"13. Many other things.
"If we must have 'approved example' or specific command for everything we do, then the following things which we usually practice would be sinful:
"1. Singing to non-Christians. 2. Having a songdir ector. 3. Partaking of the loaf and cup of blessing while standing (the servers). 4. Using a buildingexclusively for 'worship services' or teaching. 5. Having more than one congregation in a town. 6. Owning a chur ch building. 7. Perf orming marriage ceremonies — by preachers or other members. 8. Calling each other BROTHER Jones, SISTER Smith, Dr.Brown. 9. Paying (from the church treasury) nonmembers for goods or services (janitors, nurses, baby sitters). 10. Having weddings in church buildings. 11. Having funerals in church building. 12. Congregational singing. 13. Sending flowers (from thechurch treasury) to ill and bereaved. 14. Singing inparts or harmony. 15. Humming. 16. Teaching withdrawings and photos. 17. Many other things. Whatdoes constitute New Testament authority, What is binding? ONLY COMMANDS! T he command maybe explicit or implicit (implied). 'Approved example'and 'necessary inference' are binding only when theycontain implied (implicit) command."
Br other Jarr ell says that appr oved examples havecaused confusion and division. This is incorrect. The thing which has caused the division and confusion is the denying of appr oved examples by men likebr other Jarr ell. T his has caused every major apostasy in the chur ch since its inception. Again, he says, "We do not have to have a specific command or example for every aspect of a general command." What a statement! This has never been the issue. The real issue is, must one obey either the SPECIFIC or GENE RAL authority of an appr oved example? Br other Jarr ell proved beyo nd any doubt that he doesn'tknow the difference in an EXAMPLE and an APPROVED EXAMPLE. An approved example is whenthe coherence and consistency of God's word showsthat something was done in a certain way, place or time, etc. For example, the r eason Acts 20:7 is anapproved example and not merely an example is because the harmony of God's law shows that the first day of the week was the only time authorized toobserve the Lord's Supper. If one could find a scriptur e which showed the disciples had obser ved theLord's Supper on some other day, then Acts 20:7 would be r educed from an APPROVED EXAMPLE to an EXAMPLE and would not be binding.
Jesus rode a donkey but he also walked, therefore riding a donkey is an example but certainly not anapproved example. Jesus ate fish but he also ate honeycomb, therefore eating fish is an example but
__________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 15
not an approved example. Paul rode a ship; Phillip rode in a chariot, while others walked; therefore, riding a ship is an example but certainly not an appr oved example. T his should show any honest per son the difference between an example and an approved example. In the latter part of his article henames several things which he says "WE" usually practice. He needs to limit the use of his pr onoun "WE." He names calling men DR. BROWN; SENDING FLOWERS OUT OF TREASURY OF THE CHURCH AND HUMMING DURING WORSHIP SERVICE. Such is a bunch of foolishness and I have never gone along with these things. I shall deal withthese matters in another article.
Brother Jarrell said, "If every 'approved example' is binding, then the following things which we donot usually practice are binding on us." He makesthe mistake of giving us a list of examples but notapproved examples. I shall take them up one by oneand show that brother Jarrell needs to study hisBible a little more before he rushes into print. Here is the list:
1. Having things common.
ANSWER: If brother Jarrell had read Acts 5:4 which says, "Whiles it r emained, was it not thineown?", he would have known that many Christians owned PRIVATE property. Then, Paul said in I Cor. 11:22, "Have ye not houses to eat and drink in?" showing that br ethr en owned houses. Having thingscommon is an example but certainly not an approved example. When the devil quoted scripture to theLord, he didn't read far enough. The Lord said, "It is written again" and this is the answer to the quibbles given by brother Jarrell. "It is written again," and we must accept all God says on any subject and nota f ew scr iptur es which suit our fancy!
2. Prayers at the sixth and ninth hour.
ANSWER: If brother Jarrell had looked, the answer to his problem was right before his eyes. The very scriptures he gives refutes his theory. Peter prayed at the ninth and sixth hour. This shows that neither are binding. Jesus prayed many hours of thenight (see Matt. 26). Paul said he prayed night andday (I T hess. 3:10). So we have another example,but certainly not an approved example.
3. Daily assembly.ANSWER: Again, if brother Jarrell had read Acts
20:7 he would have known that the disciples cametogether on a specific day, the first day of the week.T hen in Acts 16:14, Paul and other Chr istians assembled with L ydia on the Sabbath daily. So again,the daily assembly was an example but not an approved example.
4. Daily eating together.
ANSWER: In I Cor. 11:22, Paul said some brethren ATE in their OWN houses. Eating together is fine, and we do it today on certain occasions. However, it is not binding because it is mer ely an example and not an approved example. Again, I say, "It is written again."
5. Love feasts.
ANSWER: I do not know too much about the love feasts of Jude, and neither does brother Jarrell. It is guess work. However, I believe in what the words imply. I believe in both LOVE and FEASTS. If abrother invites me over to eat a steak — that is a feast! If he loves me and I love him — that is Love! Now, if that isn't a love feast, I don't know how wewould have one. I believe in them, but the Bibledoesn't say how often we are to have them. Frankly, I wish it were more often, especially if the other man would furnish the steak. Again, brother Jarrell gave us an example but not an approved example.
I do not have the space to finish answering his arguments but will in the next issue. Please watch for the next issue and keep this one handy for reference.
WHO OWES YOU A LIVING?
Some one owes every child good food, warm clothing, shelter, medical needs and love. While the child is small and can smile and bounce with gratitude, he can pay his way with such. "Children are a heritage of the L or d . . . Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them" (Psalms 127:3-5).
Little children do not understand the meaning of responsibility. That word is too big for them, butthey can learn to do little deeds of service with joy.They may want to do things they are not yet ableto do. As the year s r oll by, they incr ease in abilityand can grow into an understanding of that word responsibility. T he complaining and whining over assigned chores must be overcome. A child needs to be trained in the way he should go (Proverbs 22:6). And he should go into the path of duty wher e he carries his own load.
In the model prayer, our Lord suggested that wemight pray: "Give us this day our daily br ead." T he Lord does not cook and serve the bread. In fact, some one must plant and water, or there is no bread. The Lord does not do for us what we can do for ourselves. One must earn his bread by the sweat of his face. God does give the incr ease when the seed is planted in His good earth, but the man who will not work should not eat (Matthew 6:11; Genesis 3:19; IIT hessalonians 3:10).
Paul could say, "We did not eat any man's br ead for nought." He could also say: "Ye yourselves know that these hands have ministered unto my necessities" (Acts 20:34; II Thessalonians 3:8). Someone must even open the door for the very small child. The child does not know how or realize the need of caring for his clothes. Soon he can and should openthe door for himself. He then reaches a time when he can put up his own clothes and help with manylittle tasks about the house. The half grown childshould tie his own shoes. T his is but to say that he should do the things for himself that he can do. Why
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should another do for you the things you can do for yourself? Why do you have hands and feet?
The apostle's message to the men in the church at T hessalonica was that they "study to be quiet, andto do your own business, and to work with your own hands" (I T hessalonians 4:11). Does this duty holdoff until the day of one's marriage? How would onesuddenly know how to do these things? One is notblessed if he is spoiled by having some one do for him what he can and should do for himself. He is wonderfully blessed if he is taught self reliance, independence and industry. He needs to develop theknow-how, the willingness, and the under standing of the wor d r esponsibility.
"Give, and it shall be given unto you: good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For withthe same measur e that ye mete withal it shall bemeasured to you again" (Luke 6:38). "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). May we trust Him and fully rely on these very positiveremarks of the Lord ? We have every reason to believe Him, and He has definitely taught that if wewould receive good measure in life, we must givegood measure. There is not much in life for the lazy,shiftless, selfish people. They are unwelcome everywhere. There is a place of happy welcome on every hand for the thoughtful courteous person who isenergetic, unselfish and eager to serve. Wake up,young people, love life and see good days. Love flows where it can flow both ways. Water flows down hill,but love is of such nature that it grows through mutual service. It does' not last when it is a one way, down hill proposition.
Who can get a better job ? T he one who did the last
job well. Life carefully measures back blessings in
proportion to what we put into it. Good measure,
pressed down, shaken together, and running over
comes marked for those who learn to give. To find
the abundant life, we must learn that to be great in
God's sight one must lear n to ser ve well (Matthew
20:25-28). The good positions and places of true
honor in life are reserved for those who are ready to
fill such places and positions full of service. We are
told that the world will beat a path to the door of
the man who can build a better mouse trap. Weeds
may grow, as far as the world cares, in the path to
the house of the lazy sluggard.
The Lord, as well as man, rewards the faithful
servant. "Servants, obey in all things your masters
according to the flesh; not with eye service, as men
pleasers ; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, andnot unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done, and there is norespect of persons" (Colossians 3:22-25). Servants who serve well adorn the doctrine of God (Titus 2:10). T he wor d of God sounds good when spoken,but it is beautiful indeed when faithfully applied inone's life. The beauty of holiness is seen in the BUSY life of a Christian. A lazy, shiftless, selfish person isnot a Chr istian.
T he helpless child r eceives ser vice with joy fr om the loving parent. The time may come when the parent is sick or old and the child is an adult. It is then time for able hands to serve the less able. Such service is not alone for parents and children but for neighbors. Heaven has no treasures for those whohear and do not. Learn to lay up treasures early, young people (Matthew 25:31-46; Ephesians 4:28;Luke 10:30-37; Matthew 6:19-21; Matthew 7:24-27;etc.). In fact, you find this burden bearing idea thr oughout your New T estament. Read and act.
Each of the fourteen volumes of New Testament Commentaries is clear and nontechnical, easy to understand and easy to use. Each volume provides detailed verse-by-verse explanation of the Biblical book or books it covers.
Matthew, by H. L eo Boles ......................... $3.75Mark, by C. E . W. Dorris ........................... 3.75Luke, by H. Leo Boles .................................. 3.75John, by C. E. W. Dorris ........................... 3.75Acts, by H. L eo Boles ................................ 3.75Romans, by David Lipscomb
& J. W. Shepherd .................................... 3.75 I Corinthians, by David L ipscomb
& J. W. Shepherd .................................... 3.75 IICorinthians and Galatians, by David .Lipscomb & J. W. Shepherd ..................................... 3.75
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