SELF AMBITION
Larry Ray Hafley
There is no spirit farther from Christ than that ofself ambition. When pride guides one to seek prestige and prominence among men, he is as far from"the meekness and gentleness of Christ" as it is possible for a man to be. Such an attitude leads men to covet power and recognition, to lust for theirname to be magnified and their person glorified.
The New Testament word for this obsession with self is eritheia. It is translated as "strife" and "contention" (II Cor. 12:20; Gal. 5:20; Phil. 1:16; 2:3;James 3:14.16). It aptly describes one who workssolely for self benefit to advance himself over others.It is politics in religion. One who seeks for personalesteem and party influence is a careerist, one who lives and labors for party acclaim and personal fame.Eritheia is a "desire to put one's self forward, a partisan and factious spirit" (Thayer, p. 249).
There were such people in the church at Corinth(I Cor. 3:1-3), and there were preachers of the gospel motivated by this devious drive in Paul's day (Phil. 1:16). It must be resisted. Where it exists,says James, "there is confusion and every evil work" (James 3:14-16).
FERTILIZERS OF SELF AMBITION
1. Love for flattery: Good men are honored. Thisis as it should be. Paul spoke in glowing terms ofOnesiphorus (II Tim. 1:16-18), Timothy (Phil. 2:1923), and Epaphroditus (Phil. 2:25-30). However,these men did not seek flattery for self but ministered to others "for the work of Christ." Theyserved selflessly. not selfishly.
Several Old Testament passages condemn flattering tongues, but it is the love of flattery whichprompts and promotes self ambition. When flattering compliments become soothing and are savoredin pride's memory, the love for preeminence growsits first tentacles. Christians must not only developa thick skin against carping criticism but also against intemperate works of adoration and adulation. "Who flatters, is, of all mankind, the lowest, save he who courts the flattery" (H. More, New Dictionary of Thoughts, p. 213).
- Love of recognition: It is said that some famous entertainers would gladly trade their fame forthe ability to walk about unknown and unnoticed asmost of us do. Is that not a switch ? The self-seeker regards public recognition as personal gain and favor over others. He not only desires it, his debased dreams demand it!
- Naturally good and godly men are recognized and should be esteemed "very highly in love for their work's sake." But the man of strife and contention sees recognition as his mind's motive and glorygoal. The man who sifts your eye for recognition in the market place will look the other way if he findsyou in the ditch.
- Love of influence: No good man will tolerateunjust demeaning of his influence for the Lord. Conversely, no righteous man will seek an office for thesake of influence or party status. Men who love to manipulate others are ripe for the spirit of strife,self ambition. To control another for self advantage requires influence. Thus, the contentious, ambitiouswill court consideration and petition for popularity.It may necessitate belittling and beguiling others,but if it will cause his party to cry for his counsel,he will do it. One who loves political, partisan position is not above any means to attain it.
Silence when godly influence is being attacked issin, but loquaciousness to establish influence is equally sinful. Beware of the love for influence.
STIFLERS OF SELF AMBITION
- Love as Christ: "Be ye therefore followers ofGod, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christalso hath loved us, and hath given himself for us"(Eph. 5:1,2). Christ's love was based upon concernand compassion for others. He emptied himself ofhimself. Self ambition cannot lurk or thrive where self is lost in love like that of Jesus.
- Serve as Christ: "For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not hethat sitteth at meat ? but I am among you as he thatserveth" (Luke 22:27). Christ "came not to be ministered unto but to minister" (Matt. 20:28). Selfish desires wither with neglect when one serves for thebenefit of others and not of self. Jesus' humiliation had no ulterior motives. He gave everything thatwe might gain everything. "For ye know the grace
of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, for your sakes hebecame poor, that ye through his poverty might berich" (II Cor. 8:9).
3. Walk as Christ: "He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also to walk, even as he walked" (I John 2:6). "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us leaving us anexample, that ye should follow his steps" (I Pet.2:21). "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesusthe Lord, so walk ye in him" (Col. 2:6).
Peter said Christ is an hupogrammos, "example,"or perfect pattern (I Pet. 2:21). Good penmanshipis developed when the child copies as closely as hecan the flawless hupogrammos of written letters of the alphabet. Christ is such an ideal "example." A good life is acquired when one seeks to walk according to the perfect hupogrammos of Christ.
CONCLUSION: DEATH OF SELF AMBITION
"Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves" (Phil. 2:3). "Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another" (Rom. 12:10). "Finally, be yeall like-minded, compassionate, loving as brethren,tenderhearted, humble-minded" (I Pet. 3:8 —ASV).
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Because of the increasing: interest being shownregarding the woman and the covering of I Corinthians 11,1 have decided, at the insistence of severalbrethren, to set forth my findings in this article. Isend them forth with the prayer that we may bedrawn closer together as we consider the Bible teaching on this subject.
FIVE POINTS TO CONSIDER
In my estimation, there are five points that needto be understood with reference to this question.
1. Why was this instruction given? 2. Who was authorized in the word of God to wear it? 3. Where was the covering to be worn? 4. Was it simply amatter of custom? 5. Must a veil be worn?
WHY?
In I Corinthians 11, Paul is considering the question of headship. The purpose of the man beinguncovered when he prayed or prophesied was to show his recognition of headship. Since man coulddo what Christ did, having the same miraculouspowers in praying and prophesying, he must do thiswith his head uncovered to show that he recognized that it was not being done by his own power. He hadone to whom he was in subjection — Christ. Also,woman was to wear the veil when she prayed orprophesied showing that even though she could do what man did in praying and prophesying, she recognized him as her head.
According to my understanding of the passage,there are two coverings under consideration. One isthe hair (v. 15). However, we would note that thereis another covering involved other than the hair,else how could a man be uncovered? Shave his head
— take off his hair?
WHO?
The question of "who" in the context of I Corinthians 11 is the woman who prayed and prophesied.It is very significant to note that whatever the manwas doing in praying and prophesying, the woman was also doing. Hence, to show her subjection, thewoman was to be veiled when she did the same thingthe man did in praying and prophesying.
We need to consider also what is meant by the words "pray" and "prophesy." The twelfth, thirteenth, and fourteenth chapters of I Corinthians were written to discuss the spiritual gifts beingpracticed by Christians in the first century. Both praying and prophesying were done miraculouslyin New Testament times. Praying in tongues was aspiritual gift described and practiced in I Cor. 14:13-16. Also, I have not been able to find in theNew Testament where a prophet of God was evermentioned that it did not mean one who received miraculous, divine, revelation. Peter said that a prophet was one who "spake as he was moved by the Holy Spirit" (II Pet. 1:21). That is the Bible definition of a prophet. Philip had four daughtersthat did prophesy (Acts 21:9).
WHERE?
Anywhere a woman was permitted to pray andprophesy, as the man was doing, she needed to becovered. One thing, however, is worthy of our consideration. The assembly is not mentioned in thecontext of I Cor. 11:1-16 as the place where this wasdone. Also, one of the things that I am positive aboutis the fact that though I may not be able to determine all of the places she could pray and prophesy,the one place I know she could NOT do this was INTHE ASSEMBLY. For I read of an assembly in theNew Testament where the spiritual gifts of prayingin tongues and prophesying were being practiced.I Corinthians 14 gives regulations for such an assembly. In that assembly Paul said for the womento keep silent. In that assembly, where spiritual giftswere being practiced, a woman could not utter a sound; for it was "not permitted unto her to speak"(I Cor. 14:34-35). The Greek word Lalao from which we receive the words "to speak" means, "to utter a sound, to make a vocal utterance." But in the assemblies where spiritual gifts were being practiced,she could not lalao (utter a vocal sound).
CUSTOM
Many try to make the argument that even though Paul gave these instructions regarding the veil (orcovering) that he annuls all that has been said whenhe states in verse 16 that we have no such custom,neither the churches. I do not believe Paul is so stating. I cannot conceive of the Holy Spirit, throughPaul, making an argument for a practice that wouldtake up the space of fifteen verses and then say thatit really didn't matter. The thought is that churchesof Christ had no such custom (practice) of womenpraying or prophesying un-veiled, nor men praying or prophesying while wearing a covering. And if a man wanted to be contentious about the woman having to wear a veil as a sign and a man havingto be uncovered as a sign, that he needed to understand that there was no church that taught anyother practice.
VEIL
Now to say a few words about the subject of the "veil." Many translators translate the word katakalupto "veil." This is true especially with reference to the covering that is to be used by the woman. Forwe might note just here that the word "covered" with reference to the man is a general term in theGreek. The expression that is used regarding theman in I Cor. 11:4 is kata kephales echo settingforth the fact that he was not to have any kind ofcovering on his head. But, the word translated "covered" is specific with reference to the woman and her being "veiled." This simply shows that man wasprohibited from using any kind of covering, butwoman was specifically instructed to wear the "veil."So. the argument that many make that we may substitute a hat, feathers, ribbons, etc. for a "veil"could not be so — unless we could allow the sectarians to substitute sprinkling for baptism.
CONCLUSION
If you find a woman today who, by the Spirit ofGod, can pray and prophesy as they were doing inNew Testament times, then be sure to tell her towear a veil.
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QUESTION: Was Deut. 22:5 written for the people of Israel only? (No name submitted with question.)
ANSWER: The reference in the above questionreads as follows: "The woman shall not wear that which pertain-ethunto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the Lord thy God." While the verse applied directly to Israel only, it was written for others. According to Rom. 15:4 and I Cor. 10:11,the "things written aforetime were written for ourlearning." Great lessons on faith, patience, obedience, etc., can be learned from the "things written aforetime," but the particulars re-quiredthen in such matters are not always binding on us now — in fact, never, unless authorized also by Christ in His Last Will and Testament (Col. 3:17).
The meaning of Deut. 22:5 is a matter of somecontroversy. Some see in it only the design to maintain a difference in the style of clothing worn bymen and women so as to distinguish between thesexes. Others see in it a design that is deeper andmore significant, namely, precluding God's peoplebeing associated with idolatry and sexual aberrations. Hence, they conclude that it applied onlyunder such circumstances as would involve one in such matters. It is a fact that the heathen religiousfestival occasions often involved licentious rites and activities. Frequently clothing was exchanged between the sexes to intensify exotic interest. In viewof the setting of the text, the people addressed, thecircumstances under which it was written, and withwhich the Israelites were surrounded, I concludethat the latter view is correct.
How much difference appeared in their clothing?
While accurate and detailed information concerningthe dress of those of ancient Israel is scarce, the bestauthorities available conclude there was very littledifference in that worn by men and that worn bywomen. Only the outer garment of the woman differed from that worn by the man, and only then inits ornamentation. Exceptions to this rule were found in special garments for special occasions. Jewelry, worn by the woman, also served to augment the difference in the outward apparel. This fact, however, should be noted: there was a difference — enough to preserve the natural feelings according to creation.
Of what significance is this passage to those ofthe New Testament era? In the light of Rom. 1:26,27 and I Cor. 6:9, we learn that it is just aswrong now as then to "change the natural use intothat which is against nature," so far as sexual feelings and experiences are concerned. From "whatwas written aforetime," namely, Deut. 22:5, we learn of one thing designed to preclude such aberrations.This knowledge should be respected and honored inour lives today.
THE TRAGEDY OF TWENTY
I am not a good prophet. If someone had told metwenty years ago that the church would be in such a mess in 1971, I would have laughed them to scorn.It is still difficult for me to believe this has happenedamong a people who call themselves children of God.When I say all this has happened in twenty years,I am speaking in round numbers — give or take alittle. Let us reminisce, perhaps in an unpleasantway, back to the late forties and early fifties.
SPONSORING CHURCHES
The first outward sign of an improper attitude toward the word of God was the formation of what the brotherhood called sponsoring churches. I amnot sure where the first one really started. It could have been Lubbock, Texas. Actually it doesn't matter where it started; the sad part of history is thatit did start. This was the concept that many churchescould send to one congregation for the work of evangelism. Not one vestige of Bible authority wasgiven to sustain such a position. To the contrary, theBible gives us apostolic examples of how they supported the preaching of the gospel. This was the direct method as taught in II Cor. 11:8 and Phil.
4:15,16. These passages were completely ignoredand it was claimed that God has given us perfectliberty about how evangelism is to be done. The sadpart of it all is that these brethren couldn't see two inches in front of their face. If their theory was correct then the Missionary Society brethren were correct decades ago when they split the church overchurch cooperation.
HERALD OF TRUTH
Somewhere in the early fifties this monstrosityhad its inception. I remember well the high poweredliterature sent out to get it off the ground. This nation wide radio program concept was a take-off fromthe sponsoring church idea. If one was scriptural,so was the other. The elders in Abilene set themselves up as the collecting agency for the nation wide program. Like Saul who said to Samuel, I am bringing the sheep back to sacrifice to the Lord, these elders said, we are going to do a great work for the Lord. They didn't consider that obedience was better than sacrifice. Like the sponsoring church brethren they completely ignored the Bible teaching oncooperation in the field of evangelism. I rememberback in those days many brethren said, "The Lutherans have the Lutheran hour; the Catholics have the Catholic hour and we sure need the Church of Christ hour!"
YOUTH CAMPS
Another craze which swept the church in the earlyfifties was the youth camp business. It seems thatbrethren felt that more emphasis should be placed on youth. Actually, this is not bad within itself.However, we must keep in mind that all things mustbe done according to the pattern. Some desired tomake a special organization of the young. Most ofthe time they would take the young folks up in a mountain where they would be allowed to hike,swim, play tennis, etc. The sad part of the matterwas many times this sponsored recreation was takenfrom church treasuries. Once again, the Bible wasignored and brethren argued that the end justifiesthe means. Any casual reader of the Bible knowsthere is no authority for supporting swimming ortennis out of the church treasuries. I recall a young lady from Arkansas telling me about one of thecamps she attended. One of the youth leaders approached her about being baptized. She told the youth leader she felt it best not to be baptized atthat time because she was doing something a Christian couldn't do. He asked her what it was and she replied, "I like to dance." He said, "Oh, come on andlet me baptize you and we can talk about dancing later." So you can see why they could report so many baptisms at the youth camp meetings. Really,brethren, was this true Bible conversion or a publicity stunt?
HOLY HOOTENANY AND GREASED PIG CHASESIn the late fifties we heard a great deal about hootenanies. Well, some fellow came up with the idea that we needed one sponsored by the church.So they changed it from hootenany to holy hootenany. This made the pill go down easy for some brethren and so we had our share in the church. Alongwith this came some recreational enterprises which sponsored the greased pig chase. It seems that a greased pig was turned loose and a prize was offered to the boy who could catch and hold the swine. Thesethings are so far out that it would be a reflection upon your intelligence to tell you why they arewrong. They were sponsored by the church and advertised in church bulletins.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
In the late fifties I heard of one preacher whothought and taught the instrument to be acceptablein worship service. By the late sixties his tribe had increased and now many preachers in the church are advocating this same heresy. There is no telling howmany believe it but have said nothing. Behold, how soon we forget.
MODERNISM
One wouldn't expect a gospel preacher to denypart of the Bible but, presto, this is what we havetoday. Years ago we reserved this position for the infidels, atheists, etc., but our chickens have comehome to roost. We now have preachers who openly say they don't believe all the Bible. One recentlyappeared on a program at a leading college andstated that he did not believe all the Bible to be inspired. Well, what do we really expect when peoplestart denying the approved examples of the Bible?
TONGUE SPEAKING
Years ago I lived in central Texas. During themoonlight night of July and August the Holinesspeople would have their revival. They used loud speakers and I couldn't sleep so I went down to observe first hand. I remember they had a guitar pickerwho was flat good! Their music and singing was better than some you get on TV today. As I sat and watched these dancing sanctified, jumping, jiving,bone-shaking, shouting Holiness, I was amused. I thought within myself we won't have to worry about any "church of Christer" going off after that doctrine. Oh, how wrong I was. We now have some whohave emulated the Holiness people. They claim the baptism of the Holy Ghost and the ability to speak in tongues. Well, where do we go from here? Onething is for sure, I am not going to be surprised atwhat my brethren do next. If I hear of some usingMark 16 and inviting me to a rattlesnake handlingcontest, I won't be surprised. However, I hope theywill not become offended if I take a rain-check!
When our Savior arrived at the Jordan to be baptized of John, the Baptist "forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thouto me?"
Jesus answered: "It becometh us to fulfill all righteousness." This means that we should obey allthe commands of God (Ps. 119:172; Rom. 1:16,17).
Christian service cannot be restricted to a few hours of worship each week. Such should not be counted service at all. If it is, something must bewrong. Worship should be looked upon and engagedin as a period of edification and motivation. Our service to the King should begin anew, not end, withthe dismissal of worship "services."
The Christian life must be lived in EVERY relationship, or it is not being lived at all. We need to examine ourselves whether we are fulfilling ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS.
1. Fulfilling All Righteousness in Marriage: A marriage may be rightly described as "successful" if it is: a) by God's authority; b) permanent; c)happy; d) productive of good.
If one or more of these elements are missing, the marriage must be described as a failure. If the couple have no scriptural right to each other, a successful marriage is impossible regardless of howpermanent or happy the relationship may be. If themarriage is dissolved for any reason, it is a failure.If it does not produce happiness for both partners, it is a failure, regardless of how long they may remain married. If they do not become better peopleand if their children are not raised for God, thenthe marriage is not a successful one.
Marriages fail because husbands and wives ignoreGod's laws which are given to regulate and directthis relationship. People are naturally more concerned with getting their rights than in fulfillingtheir responsibilities. God's word teaches us that rights are earned through the fulfillment of responsibilities.
The husband who will leave father and mother and cleave (unite in interest and affection) unto hiswife (Gen. 2:24); love his wife as his own body andas Christ loved the church (Eph. 5:25,28,29) ; dwellwith her according to knowledge and give honor toher as unto the weaker vessel (I Peter 3:7) will usually receive his rights as head of the home without having to demand them.
The wife who will love her husband (Titus 2:4) ;submit to him (Eph. 5:24); reverence him (Eph. 5:33; I Pet. 3:6); count her body not her own (I Cor. 7:2-5, a mutual responsibility); and be akeeper at home (Titus 3:5) will generally receiveher rights to be loved, nourished and cherished, and provided for, and will find fulfillment and satisfaction in marriage.
Are we fulfilling all righteousness in this realm?
2. Fulfilling All Righteousness in Raising Our Children: Some parents in the church are astounded when their children turn out worse than the neighbors' children who had no religious training. Theythrow up their hands and exclaim: "We took themto services every time the doors were open!" Yes,but did you FULFILL ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS inthe realm of child raising?
There's more to raising children in the disciplineand instruction of the Lord (Eph. 6:4 NASB) thantaking them to church services. In fact, if many Christian parents would consider and investigate,they would probably find that some of their unreligious neighbors are more nearly conforming to theBible pattern in child rearing than they are.
When laws are obeyed in any sphere, people areblessed in that area. A farmer is not blessed with good crops because he's a Christian. He must apply himself in the science of agriculture. Parents arenot blessed with good children because they're Christians. Rather, because they're Christians, they mustapply themselves in fulfilling God's laws for parents.
If I fail in this, and my religiously indifferent ordenominational neighbor succeeds, his children willturn out better than mine.
Eph. 6:4, to which we've referred, sums up theresponsibilities of raising children. There's a lot involved in the proper discipline and instruction of children. The word for discipline or the KJV "nurture" is translated "chastening" in Heb. 12:6-11. In this passage we are taught that a father who doesnot whip his children and make them mind is likea whoremonger who begets children outside of marriage and assumes no responsibilities for them.
To raise children in the admonition or instruction of the Lord is to instill in them a knowledge of and respect for the imperishable word from a very early age. This responsibility is upon parents (fathers inparticular) and it cannot be relinquished with impunity. A couple of 45 minute sessions in Bibleclass each week is not enough for either us or our children. We must study and teach the word dailyin our homes. We must teach our children to pray,both by example and instruction. We must try towin our children to the Lord when they reach the stage of responsibility.
It's but little wonder that most church members do not talk with their neighbors and friends aboutthe truth. They seem embarrassed over the idea ofdiscussing it with their own flesh and blood. Wemust ask, ARE THEY FULFILLING ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS?
3. Fulfilling All Righteousness in Business: Whether one is a servant or master (or within our socialand economic structure, an employee or employer)he is to conduct himself as a servant of Christ.
Labor unions were organized because employersdemanded all they could get and gave as little aspossible in return. Today's unions have reversed the
problem. Employees are becoming more and more interested in benefits and less concerned about earning: those benefits.
I know of a few cases where workers have consistently refused any notion of a union. They are treated fairly, paid good wages, given reasonableliberties and benefits, and are known and respected by the employer. Employers who wisely chart sucha course are usually repaid many times over.
This relationship is dealt with in Eph. 6:5-9 andCol. 3:22-4:1. Certainly the master-servant relationship does not parallel the employer-employee relationship in every way. An employee voluntarily offers his services in exchange for stipulated wages.But so long as he continues this voluntary services,he must pull his share of the load and keep his end of the bargain. And the employer who is a Christian must assume his responsibilities and treat his workers as he would like to be treated. The Bible is all-sufficient as a revelation. Let us apply its teaching to our every relationship. —4001 Taylor Blvd. Louisville, Ky.
Jude 3 says, "Beloved, when I give diligence towrite unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you that you should earnestly contend for the faith which was once deliveredunto the saints."
Why would Jude write this way? Because therewere those who were entering the church and perverting the truth, for in verse 4 he said, "Turningthe grace of God into lasciviousness and denying ouronly Master and Lord Jesus Christ." These falseteachers have entered into the church secretly today.They are trying to destroy the faith of the people.The old as well as the young are following afterevery wind of doctrine. Those who will not attendthe worship of the church are dead wood, and along with the liberals need cutting out. Withdrawn from.Brother J. D. Tant reported a great meeting a few years ago by saying, "There were five baptisms, tworestored, and seventeen withdrawn from." He said this was a great meeting, and I agree! The church will never grow until we remove the dead wood, andthose who are unsound in the faith.
Brother Andrew M. Connally writes in part: "Ireceived a letter from some liberals and they said,we should not make a test of fellowship of suchthings as instrumental music, missionary societies,premillenialism, classes, colleges, preachers, etc. Letus leave our unwritten creeds to Christ."
The liberals also stated: "You notice that I am not so presumptuous as to speak for the mainstreamof the brotherhood of churches of Christ whatever that is, although I belong to that sect of people byvirtue of the fact that I was born into it. Much to your dismay I am sure, I do not intend to leave because there is no other more interesting place to go.One may as well be in one sect as another . . . youwitch hunters may as well learn to live with us liberals because we are here to stay." This is denominationalism pure and simple.
There you have it. They do not intend to leave,they plan to stay and corrupt the church that Jesus
died for. It is time that elders and church leaders went to work and cleaned the dead wood and liberals out.
Even in the church there are those who ridicule faithful gospel preachers, as being fundamentalists,too conservative, literalist. Let them talk, we muststand for truth as it was revealed in God's word bymen guided by the Holy Spirit.
It should be the concern of every Christian to bea true Christian by attending every service of thechurch. Don't be like the driftwood just driftingabout, never taking a stand for the truth. Following every wind of doctrine that comes along. Paul said,"Be steadfast," stand for something.
Oh yes, they will deny their views, but by theiractions they are known. Paul tells us how to dealwith false teachers, and how long we should stay insuch condition. "To whom we give place in the wayof subjection — no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you" (Gal. 2:4,5).He said no, not for an hour. How long are we goingto ignore such? Think on these things!
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ATTENDING GOSPEL MEETINGS
I am concerned about the attitude of many brethren toward gospel meetings. I speak of the widespread apathy and general indifference toward thepreaching of the glorious gospel of the Son of God.
I preach in several meetings each year and participate in at least two where I live, therefore I feelqualified to offer some profitable criticism and practical suggestions with reference to this great work.
For hundreds of years, the protracted meetingshave been a great means of edifying saints and instructing sinners. In a sense, they have been the backbone of our teaching efforts. Who can't remember the time when the gospel meeting once a yearwas about all the preaching that many churcheshad?
But in our affluent, industrialized, hedonistic society, too many brethren feel that they just don'thave time for faithful participation in gospel meetings. They attend in shifts; one group will cometonight and then they'll sleep tomorrow night and send a new crew! Consequently, we can't get a crowd nor the proper interest and enthusiasm.
Not only do brethren fail to support their own meetings, but many feel absolutely no obligation toward meetings in nearby congregations. And when some do attend, they do so on a reciprocal basis,saying, "Now we came to your meeting and we'll expect you to attend ours." Is that why we attendmeetings ? I thought we should go to hear, learn, and encourage the Lord's work. I have preached inmeetings recently in cities where there were enough 'faithful" brethren to overflow the building each night, but instead we had plenty of room!
Of course you have the few faithful souls whoalways drive far and near to hear the gospel. I preached in a meeting this year at El Dorado, Ark.,and brother and sister S. B. Hartsell came nearly3very night from their home in Haynesville, La.While that faithful couple (who recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary) was driving thatdistance to attend, many brethren nearby never attended once, and some of the members there only a time or two. Why the difference? The Hartsells lovethe Lord, the truth, and those who teach and defendit! Isn't that enough?
The Sword says that we should "be ready to everygood work" (Titus 3:1).
While we are thinking of gospel meetings, let mesay that I am also concerned about the lack of effective communication between the pulpit and the pewwhen people do attend. In a recent issue of CHRISTIANITY TODAY, there is an article entitled, "Pastor, What Was That You Said?" which deals withthis problem. The writer said:
"Too often there is an interplanetary space between the pulpit and the pew. The response fromthe pew is, 'Pastor, what was that you said?' "
"When you preach on Sunday, you have a startlingvariety of persons before you. Some are highly educated, some functionally illiterate. Some are committed Christians; some are irreligious. Some cameout of force of habit. Some are there because husband or wives were determined that the family wasgoing to church.
"How do you get through to a crowd like that? Isit any wonder that some sleep through your sermon and others ask, 'Pastor, what was that you said?' "
The writer then gave six characteristics of peopletoday that have a bearing on our problem of communication. I shall give them with a brief commentfollowing each:
"1. Our people live in a pleasure-oriented world.Existence is directed toward satisfying personal needs and desires."
This is the most common form of idolatry today!I know that's what it is, for the Bible says so. "Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it iswritten, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play" (I Cor. 10:7). Isn't that a good description of our society, with the many vacations,holidays and long week-ends?
"2. People are money-plagued, deeply in debt fortheir gadgets and luxuries. If they hear us preach once a year on stewardship, some immediately getthe impression that we are just after their money."
This is true with many brethren. Things have crowded the Lord out of their budget. With the amount that brethren waste and spend for luxuries,the gospel could be preached to millions of people.
"3. They are scientifically minded. To many, atleast subconsciously, science has become almightyand can answer all problems."
How true this is! Science has become a god tomany. Men have deified human wisdom, humanizedGod, and minimized sin. They forget that there is a "science falsely so called" (I Tim. 6:20).
"4. They are sales resistant. As they watch television and listen to radio commercials, they develop a built-in resistance to the sales pitch. They are accustomed to a continual stream of attempts to get them to buy toothpaste and detergents, and theyhave developed a shell of resistance. When we try to challenge them, they can retreat behind thatshell."
I have been saying this for some time. People havewatched the TV commercials which are as phony asa four dollar bill, and they just naturally resist anyeffort to reach and convince them of anything. Whenthey sit down to hear a preacher, they feel that he
has to do his thing so they might as well relax for about forty minutes and then they can go home. Butall the while they are thinking that he is not going to sell me on that.
"5. They are thoroughly pragmatic. To them, whatever works is right. The question of right and wrong is not as important as momentary expediency."
Yes. That's like the old preacher who tried to justify infant baptism by comparing it to an oxyoke. He said that it had to be right because it worked! Many brethren are guilty of this. If theyhave branded some scheme or organization a "good work," never mind about the means and methods,or the principles of truth which are violated. Theyforget that the Bible says, "And if a man also strivefor masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strivelawfully" (II Tim. 2:5). The end does not always justify the means.
"6. They are accustomed, through television, to polished performances. When they sit in our churches, seeing something less than perfection, we are immediately put at a disadvantage."
I suppose this is true, and certainly we, especiallypreachers, should do our best to present the truth in the most effective manner. While we are not to be so filled with pride and concerned about mannerismthat we become vain and ostentatious, neither arewe to be rude, crude and sloppy. The gospel of Christis worthy of order, effort and dignity. Everyone who participates in the Lord's service should be capableof doing what he does and then do it to the best ofhis ability.
The writer of the article also said:
"Our task is, to take the preacher in the pulpit,whose heart is in heaven, and the man in the pew,distinctly rooted in this world, and bring the two together. How can we do this ?"
That's a good question. There must be an answer.
Just as assuredly as the life of our Lord was characterized by conflict and turbulence, so must oursbe. Jesus said, "If the world hateth you, ye knowthat it hath hated me before it hated you. If ye wereof the world, the world would love its own: but because ye are not of the world, but I chose you outof the world, therefore the world hateth you" (John 14:18,19).
Why would Paul urge Christians to don the wholearmor (Eph 6:10,11), if the Lord did not intend forevery Christian to fight?
We must "contend (meaning 'fight' EAF) earnestly for the faith" (Jude 3). Elders are chargedto hold to the faith that they "may be able both toexhort in the sound doctrine, and to convict the gainsayer" (Tit. 1:9). Exhorting is a vital part ofan evangelist's labors, but so is reproving and rebuking (II Tim. 4:2).
Error and Truth have diametric ends. Error wills to damn the soul; Truth wills to save, to make menfree (John 8:32). There can be no peace between truth and error or sin. The love and practice of error will lead to eternal destruction (II Thess. 1:8,9;
2:10-12).
You can be sure that legions of Satan will be unrelenting in their efforts to hinder Truth and blindthe hearts of men. There can be, therefore, no armistice for the soldier of Christ, no discharge from service as long as life and breath remain. The "sword ofthe Spirit, which is the word of God," is the onlyeffective weapon against Satan (Eph. 6:17). It mustnever be sheathed. It alone can press him into cowering flight. We must trust in its effectiveness to defeat him. With it and the "shield of faith" we are equipped to "quench all the fiery darts of the evilone" (Eph. 6:16).
When time is no more the Lord shall call for a general inspection of all His troops. Shall the Lord,the Great Captain of our ranks, find your body andshield battle-scarred when you face Him up there?If you are found to bear no scars it will be evidentthat you did not carry the battle to the enemy. Youcannot say with Paul, "I have fought the good fight."
Let us heed the admonitions of Paul, "Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus"(II Tim. 2:3) ; "Fight the good fight of the faith"(I Tim. 6:12).
718 Lambuth Lane Deer
Park, Texas 77536
RONALD G. LOVELADY — GOSPEL PREACHER
Charles F. House
Ronnie is gone. We extend our heartfelt sympathyto "Gerry" and the children. In addition to the manyfine words that have been said to cherish his memory, this writer wants to add the following:
He was, in my opinion, perhaps one of the mostpowerful, most eloquent preachers ever heard in thepulpit, within his generation. Ronnie loved the truth and stood four-square behind it. February 4, 1952, Ronald G. Lovelady, formerly of Douglas, Arizona,identified with the Gardena church of Christ, 16424 South Ainsworth St., Gardena, Calif, (a suburb ofLos Angeles). I was preaching for this church,which three other men and I of the nearby Compton church started on Nov. 18, 1951, in a rented building. The church at Gardena had failed twice before.
On Feb. 7, 1952 I had the pleasure of baptizing hislovely wife Geraldine into Christ. She had been a former Methodist.
Ronnie was a fine singer and liked to sing. We started him right off leading singing at Gardena. Sunday evening, Aug. 17, 1952 he delivered his first sermon there, which was powerful, scriptural and moving. He had been blessed with a strong voice,and he was able to project it so all could hear and understand. Two weeks later, Aug. 31, 1952, he delivered his next sermon at Gardena. By Sept. 29,1952 he was one of the featured speakers in a lecture type Gospel Meeting here at Gardena. He waswell on his way. His career, power and influence asa fine preacher was now established.
Ronnie loved small churches. The ones who could
not "pay big." This was one thing that made him
"big" in the opinion of others. He became the lo
cated evangelist at Gardena Nov. 9, 1952, after my
resignation there and my later move to Wilmington,
Calif, (in the same general L.A. area).
Ronnie and I were both "tent makers." In those
days we supported our families as grocery salesmen
calling on super markets. Ronnie sold H. J. Heinz Co.
products, one of which was canned soups. We were
competitors working the same territory in south
eastern L. A. as I sold a product then known as
Rancho Soup (now out of business). By 1954 I had
gone into the Mexican work. Ronnie continued in the
American work, but still as a "tent maker." He and
his brother Glen (presently preaching at Wilming
ton) were in the printing business when he died.
Glen also served as local evangelist at Gardena for
a number of years.
Truly a great warrior has fallen. We who loved him shall greatly miss him.
P. O. Box 1031 Douglas,Arizona 85607
WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM
Mr. Connie Adams 4724 E. Manslick Rd. Louisville, Kentucky
Confirm direct results Smith-Lacuata debate. Number liberals walked out joined conservatives: Elevenin Kidapaan, twenty in Lambayng, one in Matalam,and ten will walk out Sunday where Alegres preaches. Non-members who were confused due to issues were baptized: Twelve in Lambayong, another twelve in nearby churches, fifteen during debate in M'lang, two preachers confessed in M'lang, two preachers in Kidapaan. Some more walkouts will follow. God is glorified, faithful members are happy. But, liberals are worried, disturbed, blaming Lacuata.
/s/ Romuo B. Agduma
EVANGELISTIC WORK IN MEXICO
Alejandro Hernandez, P. O. Box 417, Columbus,New Mexico, 88029 — By means of these few lines Iwish to inform the brotherhood who speak English of the great need for support among those of us who deal with the Spanish-speaking people, and who work in the vineyard in Mexico along the U. S.Mexico border.
Perhaps you remember reading about starting theLord's work at Las Palomas, Chihuahua, which isthe Mexican border town in front of Columbus, New Mexico. This work began in November, 1969. Todayour little congregation has seven members. Twentymonths ago my wife, three children and I came toPalomas determined to start the true church here. By the grace of God, and with the cooperation ofseveral brethren, we began our activities here. Within a year and a half God gave us visible fruitof five active members besides the preacher and hiswife. We have a good start.
My reason for writing is to inform you who readthis paper that your financial support is greatlyneeded at this time, all along the border. Are there churches and/or individuals who love the Lord and the Mexican people who would like to have fellowship with me?
If you have questions, please write to me in Spanish, or you may write in English to Bro. Charles F.House, P. O. Box 1031, Douglas, Ariz. 85607. We eagerly anticipate hearing from you.
TO AUSTRALIAPaul Branch
Our planned move and labor in Australia in August of this year will not materialize. Inadequatesupport plus other valid reasons necessitates delay
in further consideration for foreign work.
Regarding travel funds sent or planned, each church sending such have received or will soon receive it back. Those planning to assist in our travelexpense, please do not send additional funds. Please transfer your intended funds to brethren Foy Shortwho is returning to Rhodesia or Charles Gentry who is making plans to labor in Japan or some otherworthy effort. Contact brother Short in care of B. L.Fudge, Box 858, Athens, Ala. 35611 or Charles Gentry at 3602 Rush Place, Hobart, Ind. 46342. MayGod bless each of you who sent or had an interestin our planned work.
My work will terminate as planned in Palmetto,Fla., Aug. 1. The past three years have been pleasant and fruitful. Illness (and many deaths) crippledour early progress but we have made a wonderful recovery, setting new records in attendance and' contributions. Several baptisms (one man 82) plus newfamilies moving in helped our work. Brother DanielTarn will follow me in the work.
Our new address will be 2505 20th Avenue W.,Bradenton, Fla. 33505. I will be free to hold somemeetings or conduct teacher training or personalwork training classes or possibly some fill-in preaching on the week-ends. We still hope to enter foreign fields next year; however, I would consider localwork if needed. If I may be of service contact meat the above address or consult new listing forphone number.
James L. Denison, 3402 Henderson Blvd., Tampa,Fla. 33609 — Brother Don Taaffe began full-timepreaching May 1 at the Dundee, Fla. church. His family moved to 224 7th St. South, Dundee, Fla. inJune. Don is still about $200 per month short of hissupport. The Dundee church, Santa Fe Hills, PlantCity, Lake Wales and Lake Wire in Lakeland are helping in his support. Don is worthy of support,and if you as an individual can do so, I urge you toaid him financially in his work. He has done a goodwork in Dundee since April, 1970 on a part-time basiswhile working to help support himself. He is mid-dleaged and has four children. He is sound in the faithand a hard worker.
Larry R. Devore, 1802 Caroline St., South Bend,Indiana 46613 — April 5-li brother Glenn Shaver preached at Caroline St. in a gospel meeting withRood attendance, no additions. June 15-18, we areengaged in a Vacation Bible School, with children'sclasses and speakers for the auditorium class. Thespeakers are: Michael Grushon, Hobart, Ind.; Robert Archer, Berwyn, Ill.; W. C. Hinton, Hammond, Ind.; and Wesley Dawson, Hessville in Hammond,Ind. June 24 I began my third year here at CarolineStreet.
Wayne Earnest, 1916 Rockford Lane, Louisville,Ky. 40216 — In gospel meetings Cat Island, BahamaIslands, May 3-10; Hopkinsville, Ky., May 20-23;
Medina, Tenn., June 14-20.
WANTED: Minister of the gospel to work fulltime in Walker County, Alabama. For full particulars write to Brewer Gant, Route 1, Box 99A, Parrish, Ala. 35580 or call collect: (205) 686-5562.
Don Martin, Rt. 1, Box 20, Pineland, Texas — We have been laboring with the Pineland church for approximately three years. Since the last report inAugust, 1969 we have enjoyed considerable growth.At that time we were not self-supporting, but nowwe are self-supporting and helping preach the gospel in other places. We have had fifteen baptisms.When in the Sam Rayburn or Toledo Bend area,worship with the Pineland church of Christ.
Mrs. John W. Wilson, 1366 Manzanita, Chico, Calif.
— We wish to express our thanks to our manyfriends in Christ around the country for the manycards, letters and calls since my husband's recentheart attack. He is much improved and is able tocarry on a light schedule of work. We thank God forthe prayers of Christians which have ascended inhis behalf.
Church of Christ, 1995 South Holly, Denver, Colo.80222 — The University Hills church of Christ hasbeen blessed in obtaining a new meeting place. The new building has a seating capacity of 100 andclassrooms for all ages. We feel that this is an encouragement to the Lord's work in this area. To reach our new location, take 1-25 Valley Highway toExit 92; go east on Yale Avenue to South Holly; then north on South Holly to 1995. Our new schedule for services are: Bible Study, 10:00 a.m.; Worship service, 10:50 a.m.; evening worship, 5:30 p.m.; Wednesday Bible study, 7:00 p.m.
Brother David Harkrider of Birmingham, Alabamawill arrive here July 13 to begin working with us inthis area. Our meetings for the remainder of the year are: July 25-August 1 with Brother JimmyThomas and September 27-October 5 with BrotherKen Stamper.
We wish to encourage you when traveling in ourarea to worship with us at any time for any of ourservices.
Nathan E. Hagood, P. O. Box 100, Beaufort, S. C.29902 — I have just recently moved to work with acongregation in Beaufort, S. C, The church here isa very small group of the Lord's people and havenot much finances with which to work. In order to help me do work with people in this community Ineed a mimeograph machine. If you know of a place where I can get a used one in good condition for a good price, let me hear from you. If some one hassuch a machine that they would give for this work,I would be grateful.
G. W. Vandagriff, 200 Shore Drive, So., Miami, Fla. — Brother Kenneth Frazer has closed a good work of two and a half years duration with theSouthwest church of Christ in order to move back to Montgomery, Ala. We desire to locate a good man to work with us in the gospel. We have a good 3 bedroom house and adequate support. Write to theabove address or phone: (305) 854-1864.
Derrel Starling, 627 Glamis, San Antonio, Texas78223 — The Pecan Valley church (formerly South Flores) is now in its new building at 268 UtopiaRoad in the Southeast part of San Antonio. I recently began my sixth year with these faithful brethren.
Calvin C. Essary, 9132 Sierra Avenue, Fontana,California 92335 — The self-supporting congregation in Fontana, Calif., will be needing a full-timepreacher shortly after Sept. 1. If interested, pleasewrite to the Elders care/of 9132 Sierra Avenue, Fontana, Calif. 92335 or contact them by phone at822-0625, 822-2822, or 822-7894. Area Code 714.
NEWS FROM THE FOUR STATE AREA OF
S.W. MISSOURI; N.W. ARKANSAS;
N.E. OKLAHOMA AND S.E. KANSAS
Donald G. Collins 2005 Wisconsin Ave., Joplin Mo. 64801
Since moving to Joplin, Mo., last fall, two congregations have been established, one in Springdale,Ark., and the other in Joplin, Mo. If you are in thisarea at any time we invite you to visit these congregations of the Lord's people. The congregationin Springdale meets in the Legion Hall at Springand Johnson Streets, and in Joplin we meet at 2619
S. Main Street. The congregation in Joplin is theonly conservative congregation in about a 70 mileradius, and we have a lot of opposition all around us.
Our plans for the summer call for a tent meetingevery other week. If you are traveling in the area,be sure to plan on being with us in these meetingsas many services as possible. If you have relativesor acquainted with someone living in this area, we urge that you write and inform them of the meetingsand insist they attend, whether they be saint orsinner. Also, send us their names and addresses, and we will call on them.
I will list these meetings so that you may makea note of the time and place if you plan on being inthe area during the summer. Also, that you mayinform anyone you may know in the area as to thedate and place of the meeting nearest them. Of course, those of you who live in this area, that read this paper, we invite and encourage you to support these meetings. I will be preaching in all the meetings unless otherwise stated.
May 31-June 5, Elm Springs, Ark.
June 9-16, Joplin, Mo.
June 21-26, Pea Ridge, Ark.
July 5-10, Baxter Springs, Ark.
July 19-24, Neosho, Mo., W. R. Jones preaching
Aug. 2-7, Miami, Okla., Keith Sharp preaching
Aug. 16-21, Carthage, Mo.
Sept. 6-11, Nevada, Mo., Billy Moore preaching
Sept. 20-25, Granby, Mo.
Oct. 10-17, Joplin, Mo., Charles Boshart preaching
There will be some other meetings during these
months when time permits.
We have been working for some time in trying toget two other congregations established, and as ofnow things look favorable for them to come into existence during the summer. Pray for us, and thosewho hear the gospel.
SOME ANSWERS ABOUT COLORADO
H. L. Bruce
P. O. Box 9071, Colorado Springs, Colo. 80909
"The challenge is tremendous," was my first evaluation which motivated my moving to Colorado over11 months ago. Today, the picture is even clearer,and I understand more of what I then wrote. There are many answers which are not available, but hereare some which I would like to share with you:
What is the area perspective? Colorado is theeighth largest state, with an area of 66,718,080acres, of 104,247 square miles. The population was1,325,089 in 1950; 1,718,947 in 1960; an increase of32 per cent which made Colorado the eighth fastest growing state during the ten year period. Recentlythe population was estimated to be over 2.1 million.
How many good sound "conservative" congregations are in this vast area? To my knowledge, onlyfour. There are brethren, however, in isolated areaswhich were previously parts of good sound churcheselsewhere, who are not in favor of the present trend to institutionalize the Lord's church.
What about Colorado Springs? The U. S. Censusreported that the Colorado Springs Statistical Areaincreased in population from 74,523 in 1950 to143,742 in 1960, an increase of 92 per cent. Morerecent reports state that Colorado Springs residesin a metropolitan area with a statistical populationof 255,000.
How many "conservative" congregations in thisarea? The Northeast church of Christ, which meetsat 2363 East Platte Place, stands isolated in this area.
What is the perspective of the Northeast churchof Christ in the area? To the east, south and west,the closest congregations standing for the truth areseveral hundred miles away — in each respective direction. To our north, Aurora and Denver areabout 65 miles away, and each have a good soundcongregation. Fort Collins, with a good sound church,is yet further north beyond them.
What progress is being made in the spiritually isolated area of Colorado Springs? Beginning inApril 1969, with six members, the congregation metat first in private homes, then in various locationsby the day. Ronnie Houchen did an excellent and sacrificial work in getting the Northeast congregation underway. In July 1970 the service of a full time evangelist was obtained. At the same time, thechurch needing more space, rented a store-front hall(seating about 75) on the east side of Colorado Springs at 2363 East Platte Place. Since this movemembership has doubled and now stands at near 40.
What about a permanent meeting house? Property in Colorado Springs is exceedingly high, being a resort city. Zoning, building and covenant regulations complicate matters even more. However, afterset-backs and struggles, we now have a well located lot at 6660 Galley Road in the east Northeast partof the area and have floated a bond issue to finance the erection of a new commodious meeting house.
How do things now stand? Local members havedonated several thousand dollars in work, money and other services. We have already sold about 50per cent of our bonds. We still have bonds availablewhich are due serially and pay 7 1/2% and 8% interest.
Are there ways of helping the work in ColoradoSprings? Yes! If you have some funds available,which you would like to invest at 7 1/2 or 8% interestwhile helping a congregation to build a meetinghouse in an isolated area, you should contact us soon. By doing this you could be assured of thisbenefit and we would be able to have our funds for our meeting house earlier. Our bonds are in denominations of $250.00, $500.00 and $1,000.00. If youwould like further answers feel free to ask. Send all correspondence to us at P. O. Box 9071, Colorado Springs, Colo. 80909. Our phone number is (303) 5976375.
May 29, 1971 Southside Church of Christ c/oEarl Hartsell 4110 Loop RoadMonroe, Louisiana 71201 DearBrethren:
A group of brethren have recently banded together and agreed to start a sound congregation inMonroe, Louisiana. At present, we have four familiesof like mind who believe in the all-sufficiency of thescriptures in regard to the work of the church, aswell as in regard to the terms of entrance, worship,and organization of the church. It is apparent thatthe other six congregations in Monroe and WestMonroe, from whom we have separated ourselves,are not able to give a thus saith the Lord for all theyteach and practice in the church. In view of this, we are thankful that we have the opportunity to stand for God's truth in this area.
The meeting place is located in the southern partof Monroe on 208 Pear Street. Twenty-four people,at present, including children, have committed andobligated themselves to work and worship togetheras the Southside church of Christ.
We have leased as a temporary meeting place, a warehouse building. With a few alterations, it is adequate; not only for present needs but for futureexpansion as well.
We have also secured a gospel preacher to workfor us full time. At present time, it appears that$400.00 of this monthly support has been raised.Since he must move from where he is by June 1 and has agreed to come to Monroe, it is urgent thatwe raise an additional $450.00 to $500.00 per month support as soon as possible.
Brother Thomas Swilley is a faithful and dedicated gospel preacher who loves the Lord's cause and is not ashamed to stand for the truth. He also brings with him a consecrated Christian wife and four children. I personally know that he has been through some severe trials and persecutions fromfalse brethren in the past year because of his stand for truth. For further reference regarding his stand,contact Jim Cope, Florida College, who was instrumental in leading him out of liberalism.
Brethren, we appeal to you for help in supportingBrother Swilley and family in this mission field. Yes,it is a mission because this is the only sound congregation in Monroe, a city of 70,000 people; and theonly one in all Northeast quarter of Louisiana.There are many aliens who need to know the truth and also brethren who need the know the way of theLord more perfectly. With strength, encouragement,and help of faithful brethren, and above all bothyour prayers and your financial assistance to supply the Swilley family's needs. For answers to this call or for future inquiries, address all mail to Southsidechurch of Christ, c/o Earl Hartsell, 4110 Loop Road,Monroe, Louisiana 71201.
In Brotherly Love,
Earl Hartsell
Thomas Swilley
Charles C. Barlow
Wallace Price
