IMPOSSIBLE APOSTASY?No. 2
H. E. Phillips If a child of God cannot be lost in hell after he
has received remission of sins, been cleansed by the
blood of the Lamb, added to the body, the church,
the house of God (Acts 2:47; Eph. 1:22,23; I Tim.
3:15), what point is there in the warnings in the
New Testament against losing the hope, falling
away, and turning back to the things from which he has been delivered?
Galatians 5 is a chapter difficult to explain by the very best of those who hold to the eternal securityof the believer. This letter was addressed to those for whom Christ gave himself, "that he might deliver us (Paul and all to whom he wrote) from thispresent evil world, according to the will of God andour Father" (Gal. 1:4). He said, "I marvel that yeare so soon removed from him that called you intothe grace of Christ unto another gospel" (Gal. 1:6).You and I know that one cannot be removed unless we are at the place from which we are removed. Wecould not be removed from a house unless we were in the house. These Paul said were "so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ."All admit we are saved by grace. All who are calledinto the grace of Christ must be in a saved condition. If not, what would one lack to be saved?
In chapter 3 the apostle said: "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us . . ." (3:14). "That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through JesusChrist; that we might receive the promise of theSpirit through faith" (3:14). "For ye are all thechildren of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ haveput on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male norfemale: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye
be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirsaccording to the promise" (3:27-29).
Christ had redeemed these and they had received the promise of the Spirit through faith; they were all the children of God by faith (by the faith in con
trast to the law) and were baptized into Christ and
were Abraham's seed and heirs according to the
promise. What did they lack being children of God?Were they believers? Were they saved?
Christ came and died "to redeem them that were
under the law, that we might receive the adoption
of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent
forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying
Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a ser
vant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God
through Christ" (Gal. 4:5-7).
The apostle then gave the allegory beginning in verse 21 and concludes, "So then brethren, we arenot children of the bondwoman, but of the free"(4:31). Now note the very next verse, 5:1 — "Standfast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hathmade us free, and be not entangled again with theyoke of bondage." Since they are the children of thefree — the New Testament — they are to "standfast" in the liberty by which they were made free.If these people were not free, saved, sons of God,heirs of the promise, I do not know what it wouldtake to make them such. Now to these people theHoly Spirit said: "Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace" (Gal. 5:4). If one falls from grace, is he still on heir? Is he still free? Ishe still in a saved condition? Why should we "standfast" if there is no possibility of falling away ?
The apostle then instructs them to walk in theSpirit and avoid the lust of the flesh. "This I say
then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the
lust of the flesh" (5:16). Why walk in the Spirit to
avoid the lust of the flesh ? If it makes no difference
how one lives, why "stand fast" and "walk in the
Spirit?"
The works of the flesh are listed in verses 19-21
and include adultery, idolatry, strife, envyings,
murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like.
What will happen to those who do these things?
"... that they which do such things shall not in
herit the kingdom of God" (vs. 21).
There are three facts in this chapter that cannot
be denied by anyone who can read and understand
language. First, these were saved, justified, sons of
God, heirs of God and in the grace of Christ. Sec
ond, they were warned to stand fast in the liberty,
to walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lust of the
flesh. It makes no sense whatever to warn one of a
danger that does not exist. Certainly no one who
recognizes the power and perfection of God would ac
cuse Him of revealing a warning against something
that would not endanger the soul. Third, the apostle
plainly says that those who walk after the flesh can
not inherit the kingdom of God. These could walk in
the flesh because they were warned not to do so. If
they did walk in the flesh, and some could and did,
they could not inherit the kingdom of God. This was
spoken to sons of God. It must follow that the sons
of God and heirs of the promise can walk in the
flesh (sin) and be lost after being saved by the
grace of Christ. They could fall from grace!
ONE MORE CHANCE
SAVE MONEY AND TIME ON THIS OFFER OF
Searching The Scriptures
under the
AUTOMATIC RENEWAL PLAN
You can renew your subscription now at the present price of $3.00 per year. In addition to this, and for your convenience, we now offer a PLAN whereby you can have your subscription automatically renewed each year and we will bill you at the price of $3.00 per year as long as you desire to continue this plan. You may cancel at any time you desire, but renewal after cancellation will be at the new rate of $4.00 per year. Your card must be on file to receive the Automatic Renewal Plan. Put your correct name and address on the enclosed card and return in the self addressed and stamped envelope. It is so easy to do. Why not do it now and save each year by your
Years ago when I started the column "I MAREL" I did not realize that the word "marvel" would not be strong enough. Webster defines the word asthat "which causes wonder." Although "astonishment" is given as a synonym, I thought that thelatter term was a stronger word and did not intendto use "marvel" in this sense. After seeing thecourse of liberalism since the column began I amnot so sure that I should not have called it "I AM ASTONISHED."
The readers of the Gospel Advocate on the editorial page of the December 10th issue are exposed to an article copied from Christian Victory on the effects of "rock music" on geraniums, radishes, philodendron, squash, petunias, zinnias, marigolds, coleus and beans. Shades of Tolbert Fanning and David Lipscomb, surely these great men who sat in theeditor's chair need a word spoken in defense of theirmemory. I am astonished that all of this could happen in the space of a few years and the "OLD RELIABLE" is now without, not only an editorial policy, but without direction, stand or purpose.
The following was handed to me by Royce Simons,historian here at Twelfth Street where I labor. Take a minute and compare and see what a liberal attitude will do to all who embrace it.
CHURCH COOPERATION
The American Christian Missionary Society wasorganized by the Disciples of Christ (Christian Church) at Cincinnati, Ohio, in October 1849, withAlexander Campbell as its first president.
There was much opposition to this move by Campbell and others among the people who had labored forty years for the restoration of the New Testament church.
In 1855, Tolbert Fanning of Nashville, Tennessee,established the "Gospel Advocate." Brother Fanningwas a sound man who thought things through,made up his mind, and stood upon his conclusion.When he started the "Gospel Advocate" he wrotethat his purpose in so doing was to give the subject of cooperation a thorough examination. This he did,and this religious paper opposed any outside organization to do the work that the church was charged to do.
We note, too, that the church in Nashville calleda meeting to study cooperation. They studied the Bible as though they had never seen it before, and wrote these conclusions:
1. There is positive scriptural authority for every religious work that is well pleasing to God.
- The church of Christ is the only divinely consecrated organization on earth for Christian labor.
- All other organizations through which men propose to perform spiritual labor tend but toobscure, discredit, and subvert the reign ofthe Messiah.
"TELL IT TO THE CHURCH"
For years Baptist debaters have tried to prove anante-pentecost church idea. Many passages havebeen taken out of their setting and used to try tosustain their claims. One passage used quite frequently is Matt. 18:15-17 which says, "Moreover, ifthy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tellhim his fault between thee and him alone; if heshall hear thee, thou has gained thy brother; if hewill not hear thee, then take with thee one or twomore, that in the mouth of two or three witnessesevery word may be established; and if he shallneglect to hear them, tell it unto the church, but ifhe neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican."
In trying to vindicate their doctrine Baptists willask, "How can you tell it to the church if the church did not exist?" From this they will assume that the church existed during the personal ministry of Christ. They fail to understand that Christ gavemuch teaching about his church before it actually came into existence. For example, in Matthew twenty-six the Lord instituted the Lord's Supper.This supper was placed in the Kingdom but theKingdom had not come! One might as well arguethat it was to be observed at that time because he talked about it; as to argue that "tell it to the church", means the church already existed. A pertinent question is in order here; viz., Is Matt. 18:15-17a part of the testament of Christ? Baptists areforced to answer in the affirmative. Then, Paul saysin Heb. 9:15-17 "And for this cause he is the mediator of the New Testament that by means of death,for the redemption of the transgressions that wereunder the first testament, they which are calledmight receive the promise of eternal inheritance.For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament ifof force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth." From thistext it would not take a Solomon to observe that Matt. 18 did not go into effect until after Christ died. Therefore one couldn't tell it to the Church
until after Christ's death.
Baptists also lose sight of the fact that just two chapters back, in Matt. 16:18-19 the Lord said,"Upon this 'rock will I build my church." The verb
phrase "will build" is future tense which shows thatthe church had not been established at that time. The words "will build" (oikodomeso) according to
Thayer, the well known lexicographer, means tofound or establish. A Baptist preacher once told methat he would accept Thayer as a giver of definitions but not as an expositor of the scriptures. He then asserted that Thayer was trying to be an expositor when he gave the meaning of Matt. 16:18-19.This is an old Baptist dodge which consists of aplay on words. Webster says in his dictionary that an expositor is one who "sets forth or explains". Doyou know what he says about the word define? He says it means "To explain the meaning of a word."Baptist preachers say they will accept him as onewho gives good definitions but will not accept him as an expositor. I marvel at such a foolish quibble.What they really mean is when Thayer defined "oikodomeso" he didn't say what they wanted him to do so he became an expositor! If he had said what pleased the Baptists he would have been a man who gives good definitions.
I have had Baptist preachers get a concordance and find the various meanings of a word and thenselect the one they wanted. This is a demonstration of ignorance of the Greek. Anyone with a tyro ofknowledge should know that a Greek word, in orderto be properly defined must be held in context. Forexample the little word "eis" has been translated atleast a half dozen ways. It has been translated "to""into" "in" etc. But the Greek scholars all agreed when it was used in Gal. three, and Rom. six, that"eis" must be translated "baptized into Christ." If one had the liberty to take a Greek concordance andlook up all the meanings of a word and then selectthe one he wanted in a given text we might as welltoss our Bibles in a trash can and forget it because we could never have that unity for which Christprayed.
Gentle reader, let us return to the Bible and respect its authority.
SHORT SWORD SWIPES
Have you ever tried to teach someone and feltthat you were not getting your point across? If so,then you can appreciate the following: "Daddy, isthere a Christian flea?" "Why, son, what makesyou ask?" "Well, the preacher said, 'The wicked flee
when no man pursues.' "
"Oh, he meant the wicked man flees." "Then,
is there a wicked woman flea?" "No. It
means that the wicked flees — runs
away."
"Well, why do they run?"
"Who?"
"The wicked fleas."
"Now, son, can't you see? The wicked man
runs away when no man is after him."
"Well, is there a woman after him?"
"Son, why don't you go to bed?"
Here is an interesting statement which I pass onto our readers:
"Among the speakers at the Southern BaptistConvention, held March 16-18, 1970, in Atlanta,were Anson Mount of Playboy magazine; JulianBond, pro-Marxist Negro legislator; David R. Mace,former President of SIECUS, and Joseph Fletcher,an identified Communist, who is author of SituationEthics. Among Fletcher's anti-Christian blasphemies were these gems: 'I'm prepared to argue inthe utmost seriousness, that Christian obligationcalls for lies, and adultery, and fornication, and theft, and promise breaking and killing — sometimes, depending upon the situation . . . as a situationist, I should want to hold that each of the so-called Ten Commandments should be amended with the qualifier, ordinarily ... our business, Christianlyspeaking, is to live by the law of love, and never byany love of law ... unmarried love (either adultery orfornication) is infinitely superior, morally, to married.'
"Fletcher was roundly applauded by the roundersin attendance, mostly Baptist preachers." — TomAnderson, Arkansas Farmer, November, 1970.
About fifteen years ago, when the lines of fellowship were being drawn over current issues in the church, several of my friends (I think) suggestedthat I should either change my position or get mean insurance debit while I could for I would soon have no place to preach. I did neither, and I havemore places to preach than I can get to — and the same is true with hundreds of faithful gospel preachers. In fact, we have a serious shortage offaithful preachers. Many churches are in need ofsuch a man, and millions in the world are lost without the gospel. Let us do what we can to teach,train and encourage more men to preach the gospelof Christ.
The same liberals in our society who are demanding legalized and unrestricted abortion are alsostrongly opposed to capital punishment. Their philosophy seems to be that it is right to kill themwhen they are innocent but wrong to kill them whenthey are guilty!
In his recent Louisiana Crusade, Billy Grahamtold of visiting LBJ on his Texas ranch. While outriding through the pastures one day, Mr. Johnson remarked that they needed rain. Billy said that hebowed and said a short prayer, and it began raining before they got back to the house. He told that onthe night of November 6th, and the rain was pouring down in the stadium as he preached. I wonderedif his prayers would not work both ways.
I don't know what all the Woman's Liberation Movement has accomplished, but something has placed four women on the FBI's most wanted list. The truth is, the LIB movement is another insidiousand ungodly effort to destroy the home. Women should have their rights, but it is right for themto be "keepers at home" (Titus 2:5).
What will the liberals think of next? In the November, 1970, issue of MISSION, Dudley Lynch hasan article entitled, "The Worship Hour: A Break With The Past." Among other things, he said:
"For long years now, the Churches of Christhave adhered unerringly to a basic mode of worship — the traditional song-prayer-sermon-invitational service....
"In the Dallas area, a large congregation hascreated a worship committee that plans in detailevery Sunday morning service and services connected with Christmas, Thanksgiving, a homecomingSunday, or other special days. Format changes haveled to frequent use of antiphonal singing, in which one side of the audience will sing and then another,or the women and then the men. Occasionally, a soloist is used. Varied approaches to scripture reading are employed; the format is usually centeredaround the Lord's Supper or the prayer and includesantiphonal and congregational readings and narration and response. The Lord's Supper has become atime involved with singing and scripture readingsas the emblems are served.
"The invitation hymn has been eliminated, thepurpose being, this church's minister said, to 'complete integration of the service as a single unit. Thesermon is made subordinate to be compatible withthe worship emphasis and the evangelistic factor omitted completely.'"
May I suggest that one of their "approaches toscripture reading" should be trying to find authorityfor observing "special days" other than the Lord's day. And what about the use of a soloist? That wasdone in a church here in Little Rock recently. How could such preachers condemn the denominationalchoir? They don't! If the sermons have omitted the"evangelistic factor completely," what do they emphasize? I imagine it would be interesting to hear.
Remember back when we thought Elvis Presley was wild?
WINE —AND THE LORD'S SUPPER
In this study we propose to show three things.One, we intend to show the general terms that areused for the word "wine" in both the Old and New Testaments. Secondly, we intend to show the Bibleteachings on the drinking of alcoholic beverages.And thirdly, we intend to examine the Bible and see what it teaches on whether or not the fruit of the vine used in the Lord's Supper was fermented or unfermented.
GENERAL TERMS USED IN OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS
The general term that was used in the Old Testament was the Hebrew word YAYAN. This term includes both fermented and unfermented juice. The general term that is used in the New Testament forwine is the Greek word OINOS. There are several different passages that will show that both termsare used in three different ways. In Gen. 9:21 weread, "He drank the wine and was drunken." (Hence, the term "wine" in this passage was obviously fermented, or intoxicating.) In Isa. 16:10 we read, "Tread out no wine in their presses ..." (Theterm "wine" here is used to refer to the juice being pressed out of the grapes — not intoxicating.) Then,in Jer. 40:10-12 "Gather wine and summer fruits . . ." (The term "wine" here is used to refer to the juice still in the cluster — not intoxicating.)
The general term oinos used in the New Testament is also used in three different ways in theGreek. In Matt. 9:17, "Neither do men put new wine(oinos, non-fermented JTS) into skins; else theskins burst, and the wine (oinos, fermented JTS) isspilled . . ." Then in Rev. 19:15, "And he that treadeth the vine (oinos, referring to the juice being pressed out of the grapes JTS) press of the fierce
ness of the wrath of God." So, in both Old and New
Testaments, the general terms that are used to
translate the word "wine" are used in the three following ways.
- Intoxicating wine.
- Juice being pressed out of grapes — not fer
mented.
3. Juice still in the cluster — not fermented. The
same thing, then, would be true of these
words that would be characteristic of any other
word. The context would have to determine how it
is used.
BIBLE TEACHING ON WINE AND DRUNKENNESS
In the Old Testament there are several passagesthat talk about wine and drunkenness. However, Ibelieve that one will be sufficient to show the teaching. In Prov. 23:31-32 we read, "Look not thou uponthe wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At last it biteth like a serpent and stingeth like an adder." Wesee from these passages that: 1. Wine is enticing,that is to the sight (red and giveth colour) and alsoto the taste (moveth itself aright, or goeth down smoothly). 2. Wine is very dangerous. For, it biteslike a serpent and stings like an adder. Hence, when we draw our conclusions on these passages we notethat we should not even look upon wine, but we are utterly to shun it or leave it alone.
The New Testament also teaches about drunken
ness. In Galatians 5:21 we learn that no drunkard
shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven.
WHAT ABOUT SOCIAL DRINKING?
The words "social drinking" are used to signify
one who drinks at social gatherings where banquets
are being held, or drinking just to be sociable. How
ever, I would like for you to note a passage of scrip
ture in I Pet. 4:3. Here Peter is talking about things
that the Christian does not do after he turns aside
from sin; and how those who are yet living in sin
think "it strange" that we do not engage in those
things anymore. One of the things that he men
tions is "banquetings" along with "excesses of
wine," or drunkenness. Hence, he makes a distinc
tion in drunkenness and banquetings. The word
"banqueting" as used here by Peter is from the
Greek word potios and suggests people getting to
gether socially to drink.
WINE —JESUS' FIRST MIRACLE
It has been argued that the wine that was made
by Jesus in his first miracle at the wedding feast
was intoxicating wine. However, I see not how we
can come to this conclusion in view of the facts that
have been set forth on other passages of Scripture
in this article. If he made wine that was intoxicat
ing, then he did the very thing that God through.
Solomon forbade. Solomon said not to look upon it,
that is wine that was intoxicating, that would finally
cause one to be drunk. I do not believe that Jesus
encouraged, by making intoxicating wine, drunken
ness which finally would cause a person to lose his
soul. Jesus came to encourage men to do that which
would save them, not to encourage them to do that
which would CAUSE them to be lost. Not only this, but this would involve Jesus giving others intoxi
cating wine to drink socially which would be nothing
more than "banqueting" that Peter, as we have noted, condemned.
WHAT ABOUT THE WINE IN THE LORD'S SUPPER?
The fact of the matter is that the word "wine" is not used with reference to the Lord's Supper. Thatis, neither the Hebrew yayin nor the Greek oinos is used to designate the drink that is to be used in the Lord's Supper. The Greek word gennema that is translated "fruit of the vine." The English word "fruit" is defined to mean: "The edible succulent products of certain plants." The word "succulent" means JUICE. Hence, the usable product of the vine in the form of juice.
The word "vine" is used 56 times in the Old Testament and 32 in the New Testament and alwaysmeans grape vine. So, Jesus did not take yayin noroinos when he instituted the Lord's Supper: but instead took gennema (fruit of the vine). Nowhere,to my knowledge, in the Old Testament or in the New Testament, or in any other book has the wordgennema ever been used to suggest fermentation.I suggest to you that if God had wanted to show that fermented wine was to be used in the drink in the Lord's Supper, there are at least two words that MIGHT have shown it (but not necessarily). But,God used NEITHER of these words, but a word thatis NEVER used in the Bible to show fermented wine. Nuff said!
IMPROPER ACTS OF WORSHIP
By way of introduction to this article, I want to redefine worship with Thayer's definition of proskuneo: "prop, to kiss the hand to (towards) one, intoken of reverence: . . . hence among the Orientals,esp., the Persians, to fall upon the knee and touch the ground with the forehead as an expression ofprofound reverence (to make a 'salam');... hencein the N.T. by kneeling or prostration to do homage(to one) or make obeisance, whether in order to express respect or to make supplication." Our worship is action upon our part toward God. The action uponman's part toward God must be according to truth,that which God has required (John 4:24; 17:17).
WHAT IS NOT WORSHIP?
There are some things which men do in whichthey think they are worshiping God. However, Godhas not required this action and therefore he is displeased with such. Let us notice some of these.
(1) Ritual and Formal Worship. Men often offer to God their worship from a formal procedure or ina ritualistic manner. Their worship is mechanical.A machine could offer such worship. There is nofeeling of thanksgiving and gratitude manifested toward God. The action is cold. Much of this kind of worship is as though it were "computer programmed." I have seen such when it was evidentthat the "clergyman" was nothing more than a robot
operating as programmed.
(2) Worship of Catholicism. The Catholic Sys
tem has "holy water" to be sprinkled at the right
time, in the right place, upon the right object. She
has her "mass" offered daily, weekly, monthly, and
yearly depending upon when one attends. Indul
gences make up a part of the system. "Holy" days
such as Easter, Christmas, Good Friday, etc., are
observed with great caution. However, none of these
acts are mentioned in the New Testament, therefore,
they are not required by God and are not acceptable
to Him.
(3) Protestant Worship. Some churches that regard themselves as being protestant (protesting against Catholicism) have forgotten their origin andoften engage in the same things of Romanism. Protestant churches observe their special days, teaching false doctrine, engage in services in which aboutanything and everything is advocated except thatwhich is found upon the pages of the New Testament. To ask the preacher or anyone else in such achurch for the divine authority for some act of theirworship would not produce a "thus saith the Lord." (4) Worship of Some Churches of Christ. Not only is denominational worship, both Romanism andProtestantism, not pleasing to the Lord, neither isthe worship of some claiming to be of Christ. Somechurches of Christ advocate "attend the church of your choice" in which some of the choices are Catholic churches, Baptist churches, Methodist churches,etc. Some churches wanting to identify with Christwill engage in the joint services with the denominations. Others will use men as featured speakers who are known false teachers, some of them claimingHoly Spirit baptism today, saying that God is working miracles now. Some say they eat the Lord's Supper at times other than on the first day of the week.Some claim to speak in tongues. But these thingsare not authorized in the New Testament. Some of them, like joining up with the sects, never were.Some of them, like Holy Spirit baptism and miracles,were in New Testament days but are not eitherauthorized or practiced today. How can some churchclaiming it is of Christ engage in a period of worship and do things which the Christ who they seekto worship never authorized? How can they act toward the Lord when the Lord never authorized suchaction ?
(5) Your Worship and Mine. Those of us making
a sincere attempt to worship God in his church after
the New Testament order, what about our worship
to God? When we act toward God, is such pleasing
to Him? Do we act correctly yet in correct action
make our action vain? In a future article, I want to
study this question.
In our next article, I want to study what action
God has required upon our part in worship unto Him.
ARE ALL CHURCHES "CHRISTIAN?" THE
"ECUMENICAL CHURCH"
When present day theologians are forced to discuss the unity of Christians they invariably affirmthat denominationalism presents a picture of unityin the "Ecumenical Church."
These men insist that the "Ecumenical (meaning"universal") Church" embraces all denominations in a spiritual or "invisible" institution.
UNITED IN FAITH
Modern theology further affirms that all thosewho sincerely profess to be Christians are truly united in their common faith in Christ.
It is also insisted that this common faith in Christ
meets the Bible requirement relative to the unity of
Christians. To be sure, there are some voices among
sectarian preachers that are re-examining this whole
unity proposition.
ALL ARE CHRISTIANS
Modern theology claims that it is uncharitable, even unscriptural, to refuse to regard one as a Christian just because he does not accept one's viewof certain Bible teachings.
THE ECUMENICAL CHURCH: A FALLACY
The "Ecumenical Church" as sectarians view it is strictly a product of modern theology; not the Bible.
All serious students of religion must surely seethat the Reformation and rise of different denominations became the "mother of invention" that produced the fictitious "Ecumenical Church."
A DILEMMA
Many different denominations present an obvious
picture of religious division. Yet, such Bible pas
sages as John 17:20, 21 and Eph. 4:4 present an
obvious picture of religious unity.
Hence, modern theologians are caught in a di
lemma: they refuse to reject denominationalism for
fear of condemning someone's religion; yet they
know at least enough about the Bible to know that
some sort of unity is taught by the Scriptures.
Therefore, modern theology looks for something
that will do two things: save the denominations, and
present at least a semblance of unity.
THE ESCAPE
The "Ecumenical Church" is the theologian's dream-come-true. It is just what the theologicaldoctor ordered. To modern religionists the "Ecumenical Church" presents "unity in division": it
allows them to retain the different denominations
by insisting that members of all churches are "invisibly united" in a common faith in Christ.
REAL ISSUE MISSED
Modern theology fails to see that no amount of
common ground among denominations can possibly
justify the sin of dividing professing Christians into
sects, parties, or churches, John 17:20, 21; I Cor.
1:10-13; Gal. 5:20 (heresies).
It would be just as Scriptural and just as logical
to labor to justify adultery on the basis of the good
done in common by a man and a woman.
WHO DECIDED?
Who decided that it is uncharitable to refuse to
regard one as a Christian just because he does not
accept one's views of certain Bible teachings ?
Modern theology would immediately reply: "The
Bible decided it."
But, if we can't all see the Bible alike (as sec
tarians say) how do all sectarian preachers see alike
on that point?
The truth is, if sectarian preachers would acceptat face value all the Bible, as they obviously acceptat face value some of the Bible (one Lord, etc.) we could achieve the unity for which Christ prayed in John 17:20,21.
PAP
THE BROKEN MOLD
A light hearted attempt at biography of James
P. Miller by his only son, Rodney Miller.
"Written in the hope that this volume may beread with pleasure and profit and that the thousands who have heard PAP preach the gospelwill find a place in their home for this work asthey have found a place in their hearts for PAPhimself."
— Rodney Miller
** ** THE HAFLEY - LEWIS DEBATE
Jimmy Tuten
It was my good pleasure to moderate for LarryRay Hafley in his debate with Billy Lewis, who preaches for the First Apostolic Church in Aurora,Illinois. This was an unusual debate in that it covered four nights (November 9-10, 12-13) on thebaptism of the Holy Spirit. The conduct of brotherHafley and Mr. Lewis was outstanding in every way.Even the audience conducted themselves in a refined,mild manner. With only one out-burst the first night,the audience displayed no rudeness or turbulence. ALutheran preacher interrupted brother Hafley in hissecond speech, stating that he had experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and that he was wrongin his expression of condemnation of the experience.A point of order was called by this writer and orderwas restored immediately. The preacher apologized for his conduct.
It was obvious that Mr. Lewis was in trouble during this debate. A second moderator (Mr. Paul Ferguson, graduate of Wheaton College, Wheaton,Ill.) was called in to assist Mr. Lewis. The Truthwas defended and upheld in a commendable mannerby brother Hafley. The brethren at Piano, Illinoiswere well pleased with the outcome. The debate tookplace in the Federated Church Building at Sandwich,Illinois. While a review is forthcoming, the followingpoints will be of interest.
- Mr. Paul Ferguson had publicly stated that noChurch of Christ preacher would meet him in debate. Brother Hafley handed him signed propositionsduring the debate. Thus, silenced him.
- Mr. Ferguson has refused to meet brother Hafley. Instead he challenges me to meet him in discussion on the Godhead and baptismal formula issue.He says: "I am returning your propositions as Iindicated to you (in a letter to brother Hafley).I am suggesting that the discussion take place between Mr. Tuten and myself... I feel that similar background and experience (an obvious reference tomy notes on the Holy Spirit that were sold duringthe debate) of Mr. Tuten and myself are more nearlysimilar than yours and mine." I personally enjoyeddiscussions with Mr. Ferguson before and after each night of the debate. An interesting aspect is thathe has also refused to meet Brother Wayne Jackson of Stockton, Calif, in a second debate. I am signing three of the four propositions he mailed to me,with the stipulation that he and I meet only afterhe fulfills his obligations to brother Jackson andbrother Hafley. It is obvious that he is trying to get the pressure off himself by trying to shift emphasisto Indianapolis, where to my knowledge, no one knows of him. It is apparent that he is running.
Even though Mr. Ferguson is well educated, having taught at Western Apostolic Bible College in Stockton, Calif, for four years and is at the presentcontinuing his education, brother Hafley is capableof handling him should the debate materialize.
I personally was impressed with the entire discussion at Sandwich, Illinois. I think if more brethren could attend more debates like this, they could have demonstrated to them that disputants can disagree without being disagreeable. The stigma thatsome brethren feel is attached to debates would be removed. It was an honor and a pleasure to moderatefor brother Hafley. I hope that I shall have thepleasure to assist brother Hafley in other effortslike this.
Jimmy Tuten, Jr. — During 1970 I preached atmeetings in Blytheville, Ark., Poughkeepsie, N. Y.,Rantoul, Ill., High School Road and 40th & Emerson in Indianapolis, Ind., Champaign, Ill., Lilbourn,Mo., Lufkin, Texas, Dyersburg, Tenn., Benton, Ill.,Connersville, Ind., and Barberton, Ohio. I participated in lectureships in Rantoul, Ill., Harrison, Ark.,and Owensboro, Ky. I also moderated in the Hafley-Lewis debate at Sandwich, Ill.
After eight years at Spring and Blaine in St.Louis, Mo., I moved in August to High School Road in Indianapolis, Ind. The physical facilities and opportunities at High School Road appear great. However, during the five years of their existence theyhave not had a constructive arrangement of work.Things are very slow at the present, but we are hoping that by working together we can get thingsmoving. I have agreed to hold only four meetingsin 1971. In this way I can concentrate on the workat High School Road.
I have received numerous letters asking whetherI will publish a bulletin while in Indianapolis. Atthe present there are no plans for such, but in several months if finances permit, we hope to off-setone. An announcement will be made to this effect and all who wish to be placed on the mailing listwill be added. Even though I have been unable toreply to all letters concerning the bulletin that Ihave received, I appreciate the interest in this respect.
Robert E. Herndon, P.O. Box 1366, Lumberton,
N. C. 28358 — Two families constitute the church in Lumberton, a city of 20,000 in southeastern North Carolina. Unable to locate our own meeting place,we are meeting in my office. Let me know of friendsand relatives in this area.
James D. Hensley, 1518 E. Third Street, Port Clinton, Ore. — We have several copies of ChristianHymns I and II. We will send these used books free and postage paid to anyone who needs them. We will give preference to men in the service trying to hold
services. If anyone desires some of these books, request that they specify the number of books theyneed and send their request to the above address.
Danny M. Holton, 3514 Palmetto Avenue, Columbia, S. C. 29203 — A new work was started, of which my wife and I are members, in Columbia, S. C. Atpresent we are meeting in our home, but we are trying to rent a suitable building. The average attendance has been about 15 so far. This is the only workin the Columbia area which opposes the church supporting benevolent organizations. Columbia is the Capital of the State and there are some 150,000 to200,000 people in the metro area. Fort Jackson, aUnited States Army base, is located here, as well asthe University of South Carolina. If any of yourreaders are planning to move to the Columbia areaor know of someone here seeking to meet with theLord's body, we ask that they contact Danny Holton, 3514 Palmetto Ave., Columbia, S. C. 29203, phone254-4697, or M. C. Reynolds, phone 396-0873.
L. L. Applegate, Umatilla, Florida 32784 — Ourmeeting with Bobby K. Thompson of North MiamiAvenue church of Christ, was held Nov. 2-8th. Hepreached the gospel of Christ, without fear or favor of man. The meeting was well advertised in newspaper, Post Office, grocery stores and filling stations.The people in Umatilla, Fla. are real friendly and anad was run in the paper thanking them for kindnessshown to us during our meeting. They are still friendly with us in spite of the fact they learnedthey were teaching false doctrine. In fact, our literature is still being placed in the tract box inside the Post Office by ones not members of the church ofChrist. They say, "You teach the truth; it cannotbe denied and we want more of it." I enjoy workingfor my Master in hard places as I know His Wordwill not return unto Him void. One restoration during the meeting. To God be the glory through our Lord and Master. I solicit the prayers of my faithful brethren everywhere in my behalf that I faintnot in work He has assigned me.
Bill Crews, 1363 Central Dr., Beaumont, Texas 77706 — It has been almost 16 years since I movedfrom the state of Louisiana and came to live and preach in Texas. For more than 5 1/2 years I preachedin Lake Charles and Opelousas. Now my plans areto return in the summer of 1971 to the state where churches of Christ are few and far between, andsound churches even more so. Baton Rouge, a cityof more than 160,000 (275,000 in the parish), thestate capital and the home of Louisiana State University and Southern University, is my destination.For several months now a small band of faithful Christians (now about 20 in number) has been meeting in Baker, La., a suburb. These brethrenhave a nice corner lot, nearly paid for, in a growingsubdivision of greater Baton Rouge. They plan to construct a building as soon as they are able to do so. Even though small and while doing this, theyplan to furnish part of my support. Could I hear from some churches who would be willing to havefellowship with me in the furtherance of the gospelin a needed area ? There is presently no sound churchmeeting in Baton Rouge — the one that did exist in years past has been lost to the truth. I would behappy to furnish more detailed information concerning this new work or make a personal visit to any churches that are interested. I have been in Texas since March of 1970 and have worked with the De-Queen Blvd. church in Port Arthur, West Orangechurch in Orange, the West Side church in FortWorth and the Central church in Beaumont.
Roy L. Foutz, Gainesville, Fla. — Jerry Raypassed away at 8:15 (EST) this morning, Saturday, Jan. 2, 1971, at his home in Gainesville, Fla. His condition gradually worsened until death, but therewas no struggle of any kind — he simply went tosleep. He will be buried near Brundidge, Ala., Monday morning, Jan. 4. We will have a brief memorialservice at the grave at 3:00 that afternoon. No flowers, please. Gladys and family will be in Brundidge over the weekend, and will then be at homein Gainesville, 418 N.W. 17th St., 32601.
Olen Holderby, San Pablo, Calif., Dec. 1, 1970 —The Cause in San Pablo continues to move forward. Twenty-one have been baptized since last report,with a number returning to their first love. Peace and harmony continues with us. The church here isnow assisting preachers in Lethbridge, Canada; Milbridge, Maine; Oroville, Atwater. and Concord, California.
Vestal Chaffin, 200 Carrington Way, Marietta, Georgia 30060 — We had a very fine gospel meeting here at Powers Ferry Road, Dec. 7-13, withHarold Dowdy doing the preaching. Our local song-leaders directed the song services. December has been a very excellent month for us. One was baptized before the meeting started, one during themeeting, and two have been baptized since the meeting closed. Five, other than those baptized, have identified themselves with the church here, two ofthem came from a liberal church in this area. If you are passing through our area, stop and worship with us.
BAPTIST DEBATE
Olen Holderby
Nov. 17-20, 1970, Brother Voyd Ballard met Mr.Lee Wright in debate. The first two nights Mr.Wright affirmed a 1000 year reign of Christ on earth. The last two nights Brother Ballard affirmedbaptism for the remission of sins. No effort will bemade in this report to review the arguments presented; however, a few points might be of interestto some.
Mr. Wright, of course, literalized such Old Testament prophecies as Dan. 2, 7; Psa. 132; Isa. 52, 53.Having done this, he merely skipped this age and applied them to a future kingdom. Rev. 20 was treated in the same manner. Brother Ballard had prepared some excellent charts which presented thetruth on these as well as other passages concerning the origin of the kingdom. Mr. Wright introducedZech. 14 as proof that Jesus would set foot on thisearth again; again refusing any idea that this had
already been fulfilled. A few quotes from Mr. Wrightmight be interesting: "John the Baptist, first Missionary Baptist preacher on earth," "From his resurrection until he comes again — where is the passage that calls Christ king?" "If Satan is bound,what causes the evil of today?" "God didn't so much as set up a pig pen on pentecost," "God has not taken away the sins of Israel, and will not until Jesus comes," "The church is not here on earth; itis up in heaven," "a political rule" is to be the ruleof Jesus. In addition to his excellent charts, BrotherBallard presented the fact that we now have a perfect King, a perfect Kingdom, a perfect Law, and asked Mr. Wright to show what else could possiblybe needed. Brother Ballard's chart on Luke 24 never ceased to give Mr. Wright trouble; and, he continued to refer to it throughout the four nights of debate.
On the second proposition, Brother Ballard presented five basic arguments. The first based on I Cor.1:12-13; the second based on the relation of baptism to faith and works; the third based on Matt. 7:1314; the fourth based on Rom. 6:3-5; and the fifth based on Acts 2:38. His arguments were not touched by Mr. Wright. Mr. Wright presented a perverted wording of Acts 2:38 in a diagram; this deceptionwas easily recognized when Brother Ballard merelyhad the audience to read Acts 2:38. Mr. Wright thentried to pass off a commentary as a translation thathad used "EIS" as "because of". When this was exposed, it angered him to no end. He finally took the position that "all translations are just commentaries of what men think God said."
Personally, I have heard several Baptist preachers debate; but, I have heard none any meaner,more unfair, or more unkind than Wright. Anyoneplanning to meet him should plan on such conduct.Brother Ballard did a good job on both propositionsand conducted himself as a Christian should. The Baptists claim that they are planning on putting the debate in book form, circumstances permitting.I predict that it will never reach book form. Thedebate was conducted in Atwater, Calif., and waswell attended by the Baptist people and membersof the church.
We should be concerned that there are so many
brethren presently intent upon making the church
a modern denomination, a society with as its princi
pal aim social betterment, a glorified social and rec
reational club. We should be concerned at the growing disbelief
in the Bible record of creation among our brethren.Also we should be troubled at the greater interestin the philosophies of modernists over that which is
divinely revealed, heaven's decrees.We should be concerned that so many among us
are more intent on following fashion than on con
forming to Divine dictates — that so many have lit
tle or no respect for the Bible standard of modesty
and chastity.We should be genuinely concerned that there is
so little respect for authority of every sort! We see
disrespect for parents, disrespect for our rulers, and
above all, disrespect for God. Twenty years ago,
could you have found a man among us, professing
to be a preacher of the gospel, accepted and widely
used, who would say openly, "We don't have to have
authority for what we do?"We should be concerned that human societies (as
adjuncts of the church or subsidized by the church)are found among us in ever increasing number.Homes for unwed mothers, adoption agencies and dope-rehabilitation centers are equally unauthorized.We should be concerned that so many who know
or have known the truth lack the moral courage to
stand for it when it becomes unpopular to do so.
We so direly need men who will let God be heard
through them, men who will speak the truth when
it is liked and continue to speak it when it is not
liked. We should be concerned that our brethren are now
practicing what has been in time past condemned
in denominationalism and known to be without
authority.
We should be concerned that we are hearing of
our brethren's entering into alliance with denomina
tions and an increasing number having fellowship
with them. We should be concerned that so much emphasis is
being given to collective action and so little to indi
vidual responsibility.
We should be concerned that so much is being expended on lavish and unnecessarily ornate buildings
with vanity as the motivation — an attempt at keep
ing up with the denominations.
We should be concerned that the function or work
of the independent local congregation no longer
seems to suffice with many brethren. Now it has to
be a multi-congregation campaign or crusade. In
fact, some brethren have been so sold on this "BIG
itis" that they don't think we ought to have simple
gospel meetings any more. That is far too tame to
attract any attention or create any interest.It should be a point of concern that so many are
not confident of the power of the gospel. Celebrities must be featured; folks must, some think, be bribed
into attending with the prospect of food and enter
tainment. (Folks will have to look elsewhere since Pat Boone defected. Or will they???)
It should be a point of concern to us that so littledistinctiveness is now seen in the lives of many professed Christians. Social drinking is commonly defended and increasingly practiced. Dancing, mixedbathing "and such like" are not being opposed as they once were.
The fact that many brethren are not concerned
about the matters just mentioned just goes to show
what a period of mental conditioning can do. Though
few dissenting voices are being heard, we take heart
in the fact that there are still those who are deter
mined to discern God's will, teach it, and live by it.
There are more voices raised in protest today than
were 100 years ago when digression swept the Lord's
body. For this reason we take heart and press on.
718 Lambuth Lane Deer
Park, Texas 77536
Have you heard about the merger of three large
Ft. Worth churches, thus forming the largest church
among "Churches of Christ", the Midtown church?
The Eastridge, Riverside and Diamond Hill churches
of Ft. Worth, Texas, are the ones involved in this
merger. The new Midtown church will begin meeting
January 1, 1971. Of course, as has been the trend
among liberals, their facilities are enormous.
COST OF EDIFICE
Their building, or rather edifice, with its towering
steeple will cost — hold on to your hats — $1.8 mil
lion. It was constructed to accommodate 4,000 peo
ple. The Midtown church, when she officially begins
meeting in these elaborate facilities, will have 1,400
members. The literature that I have received rela
tive to the completion of Midtown has, of course,
placed emphasis on the costly facilities and large
membership, and that she will be the largest church
among Churches of Christ. For years, the liberally
minded churches have been in competition with de
nominationalism. They have built their hospitals,
colleges and orphan homes, caring not for the ab
sence of Bible authority, justifying themselves by
reasoning — denominations are doing it, we cannot
let them outdo us! It is not, therefore, inconsistent
for them to stress having the largest buildings and
memberships. Where liberalism abounds, true spirit
uality is wanting.
As you know, the plan for the New Testamentchurch is the very opposite of this. When churchesbecome large enough that they are self-supportingand have a good many extra families, they should,in most instances, start a work elsewhere for theproclamation of the gospel and convenience of themembers.
THE MORAL
Brethren, let us not glory in worldly things, but
rather let us abhor every sign of departing from
God's holy word (I Cor. 5:6; Rom. 12:9). Let us ab
stain from the spirit of worldliness and denomina
tionalism, and do all that we do for the glorification
of God and the spreading of His unadulterated doc
trine (Phi. 1:11).
— Pineland, Tex.
As the aged apostle was preparing to lay aside the pen of inspiration for the last time, he gave untothe preacher words that are ageless in their application and need for application. The words that compose Paul's charge to Timothy should be burnedinto the hearts of all young preachers and older onesand should remain there to guide and govern everythought, desire, decision, and action related to theirpreaching. It appears that too many of us think thatthese should apply primarily to a young man whenhe begins his work, but the principles herein mentioned are needed by all who proclaim the gospel ofthe son of God.
Lessons along the line of a preacher's work and responsibility should be frequent for the benefit ofpreacher and audience. When members of the Lord's body understand what the God of heaven has bound preachers to do, they will be more disposed to understand the preacher and to sympathize with his sometimes unpleasant task.
These instructions will mean much more to us if we see them against the background of the previous verses. While they cannot be separated from thecontext of the entire second letter to Timothy, those verses that are immediately previous give us someinsight as to why the charge was given. After Paulhad urged Timothy to continue in the sacred writings that he had known and followed from a child,he then explained to him that all scripture is inspired of God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training which is inrighteousness, unto the end that the man of Godmay be adequate, equipped for every good work (IITim. 3:14-17). In the context of such a statement,the apostle moves to charge the preacher with hisresponsibility to God and man in regard to this inspired word.
Let Paul speak: "I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Jesus Christ, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and hiskingdom: preach the word; be ready in season andout of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with greatpatience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulatefor themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths" (II Tim. 4:1-4NASV).
One of the outstanding points noted by Paul inhis charge to Timothy is that authority underlyingthe charge and thus the authority underlying the preacher's discharge of this instruction. The chargewas given in the presence of God and Jesus Christ.These are not elective principles for our work: theyare requisite for the faithful gospel proclaimer. Unless a man in this way serves God, he cannot pleaseGod. The preaches who preaches to please men oughtto remove his shingle, for he is not serving Christ(Gal. 1:10). We also need to note that the man who faithfully discharges these commands is doing so bythe authority of God and Christ from whom hisorders come, not from any church board or otherhuman organ. He preaches with authority, and hismessage is accordingly authoritative (Titus 2:15).He needs to urge the word of God with the importance that it bears.
Paul also defines the subject of our preaching and,at the same time, indicates the extent or limit of ourpreaching. Preach the word! To dwell on other subjects is to displease Him who gave the charge. Toreview books or to relate personal experiences forno real purpose is to disobey God. The preaching ofa gospel preacher begins and ends with the wordof God. He goes no further.
We fail to understand the charge when we fail tonote the importance that Paul attaches to gospel preaching. He said, "Be instant (urgent, ready)."He who realizes that teaching God's word is important will not stand before an audience to presentan unthought and an unprepared sermon. Furthermore, members of the church who understand its importance will be quick to attend services where such preaching is being done but slow to criticize the preacher when his sermon exceeds man-imposedtime limits.
In the fourth place, Paul specifies regularity asa part of his charge. The preaching of the word is in-season and out-of-season. There is no off-season for the preaching of the word. Sometimes it is seasonable to preach on certain Bible subjects butunseasonable to preach on others, but the apostlesays that we need to preach even the unliked sermons when they are out-of-season.
The instructions of Paul also include the kind of preaching that we should do. It includes reproof,pointing out sin and bringing it home to the sinner;rebuke, reprimanding sharply; and exhortation, calling aside for instruction, encouragement, or anyother need. In order to be the kind that God approves, our preaching must include all of these — inseason and out of season.
The passage under study finally emphasizes thespirit or attitude that should accompany the preaching of God's word. All longsuffering or patience should be evident on the part of the preacher, andhe should preach for instruction. There is no occasion when it is right to tell someone off or get somebody told. Even when reproof is due or rebuke isthe order, we should speak the truth in love.
As to the reasons why Paul gave the charge, thecontext suggests at least five. False teachers will surely arise, and the word of God alone is sufficientto counteract their influence. The word specified is the inspired word — it is God-breathed. It is a profitable word; it will perfect a man; and it furnishesus to all good works.
We who attempt to preach the gospel would dowell to ponder often the charge of Paul to Timothyand make a place for it in our preaching.
1506 Somerville Rd.
Decatur, Ala.
