all the children of God by faith (by the faith in con- IMPOSSIBLE APOSTASY? trast to the law) and were baptized into Christ and were Abraham's seed and heirs according to the No. 2 promise. What did they lack being children of God? H. E. Phillips Were they believers? Were they saved? Christ came and died "to redeem them that were If a child of God cannot be lost in hell after he under the law, that we might receive the adoption has received remission of sins, been cleansed by the of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent blood of the Lamb, added to the body, the church, forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying the house of God (Acts 2:47; Eph. 1:22,23; I Tim. Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a ser- 3:15), what point is there in the warnings in the vant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God New Testament against losing the hope, falling through Christ" (Gal. 4:5-7). away, and turning back to the things from which The apostle then gave the allegory beginning in he has been delivered? verse 21 and concludes, "So then brethren, we are Galatians 5 is a chapter difficult to explain by the not children of the bondwoman, but of the free" very best of those who hold to the eternal security (4:31). Now note the very next verse, 5:1 — "Stand of the believer. This letter was addressed to those fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath for whom Christ gave himself, "that he might de- made us free, and be not entangled again with the liver us (Paul and all to whom he wrote) from this yoke of bondage." Since they are the children of the present evil world, according to the will of God and free — the New Testament — they are to "stand our Father" (Gal. 1:4). He said, "I marvel that ye fast" in the liberty by which they were made free. are so soon removed from him that called you into If these people were not free, saved, sons of God, the grace of Christ unto another gospel" (Gal. 1:6). heirs of the promise, I do not know what it would You and I know that one cannot be removed unless take to make them such. Now to these people the we are at the place from which we are removed. We Holy Spirit said: "Christ is become of no effect could not be removed from a house unless we were unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; in the house. These Paul said were "so soon removed ye are fallen from grace" (Gal. 5:4). If one falls from him that called you into the grace of Christ." from grace, is he still on heir? Is he still free? Is All admit we are saved by grace. All who are called he still in a saved condition? Why should we "stand into the grace of Christ must be in a saved condi- fast" if there is no possibility of falling away ? tion. If not, what would one lack to be saved? The apostle then instructs them to walk in the In chapter 3 the apostle said: "Christ hath re- Spirit and avoid the lust of the flesh. "This I say deemed us from the curse of the law, being made a then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the curse for us . . ." (3:14). "That the blessing of Abra- lust of the flesh" (5:16). Why walk in the Spirit to ham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus avoid the lust of the flesh ? If it makes no difference Christ; that we might receive the promise of the how one lives, why "stand fast" and "walk in the Spirit through faith" (3:14). "For ye are all the Spirit?" children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as The works of the flesh are listed in verses 19-21 many of you as have been baptized into Christ have and include adultery, idolatry, strife, envyings, put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like. is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor What will happen to those who do these things? female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye "... that they which do such things shall not in- be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs herit the kingdom of God" (vs. 21). according to the promise" (3:27-29). There are three facts in this chapter that cannot Christ had redeemed these and they had received be denied by anyone who can read and understand the promise of the Spirit through faith; they were language. First, these were saved, justified, sons of Page 2___________________________________________________________________________________________________ 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 auto- matically 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 ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 3 2. The church of Christ is the only divinely con- secrated organization on earth for Christian labor. 3. All other organizations through which men propose to perform spiritual labor tend but to obscure, discredit, and subvert the reign of the Messiah. Years ago when I started the column "I MAR- EL" I did not realize that the word "marvel" would not be strong enough. Webster defines the word as that "which causes wonder." Although "astonish- ment" is given as a synonym, I thought that the latter term was a stronger word and did not intend to use "marvel" in this sense. After seeing the course of liberalism since the column began I am not so sure that I should not have called it "I AM ASTONISHED." The readers of the Gospel Advocate on the edi- "TELL IT TO THE CHURCH" torial page of the December 10th issue are exposed For years Baptist debaters have tried to prove an to an article copied from Christian Victory on the ante-pentecost church idea. Many passages have effects of "rock music" on geraniums, radishes, phil- been taken out of their setting and used to try to odendron, squash, petunias, zinnias, marigolds, co- sustain their claims. One passage used quite fre- leus and beans. Shades of Tolbert Fanning and David quently is Matt. 18:15-17 which says, "Moreover, if Lipscomb, surely these great men who sat in the thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell editor's chair need a word spoken in defense of their him his fault between thee and him alone; if he memory. I am astonished that all of this could hap- shall hear thee, thou has gained thy brother; if he pen in the space of a few years and the "OLD RE- will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two LIABLE" is now without, not only an editorial pol- more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses icy, but without direction, stand or purpose. every word may be established; and if he shall The following was handed to me by Royce Simons, neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church, but if historian here at Twelfth Street where I labor. Take he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee a minute and compare and see what a liberal atti- as an heathen man and a publican." tude will do to all who embrace it. In trying to vindicate their doctrine Baptists will CHURCH COOPERATION ask, "How can you tell it to the church if the church did not exist?" From this they will assume that the The American Christian Missionary Society was church existed during the personal ministry of organized by the Disciples of Christ (Christian Christ. They fail to understand that Christ gave Church) at Cincinnati, Ohio, in October 1849, with much teaching about his church before it actually Alexander Campbell as its first president. came into existence. For example, in Matthew There was much opposition to this move by Camp- twenty-six the Lord instituted the Lord's Supper. bell and others among the people who had labored This supper was placed in the Kingdom but the forty years for the restoration of the New Testa- Kingdom had not come! One might as well argue ment church. that it was to be observed at that time because he In 1855, Tolbert Fanning of Nashville, Tennessee, talked about it; as to argue that "tell it to the established the "Gospel Advocate." Brother Fanning church", means the church already existed. A pertin- was a sound man who thought things through, ent question is in order here; viz., Is Matt. 18:15-17 made up his mind, and stood upon his conclusion. a part of the testament of Christ? Baptists are When he started the "Gospel Advocate" he wrote forced to answer in the affirmative. Then, Paul says that his purpose in so doing was to give the subject in Heb. 9:15-17 "And for this cause he is the medi- of cooperation a thorough examination. This he did, ator of the New Testament that by means of death, and this religious paper opposed any outside organi- for the redemption of the transgressions that were zation to do the work that the church was charged under the first testament, they which are called to do. might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. We note, too, that the church in Nashville called For where a testament is, there must also of neces- a meeting to study cooperation. They studied the sity be the death of the testator. For a testament if Bible as though they had never seen it before, and of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no wrote these conclusions: strength at all while the testator liveth." From this 1. There is positive scriptural authority for every text it would not take a Solomon to observe that religious work that is well pleasing to God. Matt. 18 did not go into effect until after Christ Page 4 _________________________________________________________________________________________________ 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 that the church had not been established at that time. The words "will build" (oikodomeso) according to Thayer, the well known lexicographer, means to found or establish. A Baptist preacher once told me that he would accept Thayer as a giver of defini- tions but not as an expositor of the scriptures. He then asserted that Thayer was trying to be an ex- positor when he gave the meaning of Matt. 16:18-19. This is an old Baptist dodge which consists of a play on words. Webster says in his dictionary that SHORT SWORD SWIPES an expositor is one who "sets forth or explains". Do Have you ever tried to teach someone and felt you know what he says about the word define? He that you were not getting your point across? If so, says it means "To explain the meaning of a word." Baptist preachers say they will accept him as one then you can appreciate the following: "Daddy, is who gives good definitions but will not accept him there a Christian flea?" "Why, son, what makes as an expositor. I marvel at such a foolish quibble. you ask?" "Well, the preacher said, 'The wicked What they really mean is when Thayer defined flee "oikodomeso" he didn't say what they wanted him to do so he became an expositor! If he had said what when no man pursues.' " pleased the Baptists he would have been a man who "Oh, he meant the wicked man flees." "Then, gives good definitions. is there a wicked woman flea?" "No. It I have had Baptist preachers get a concordance means that the wicked flees — runs and find the various meanings of a word and then away." select the one they wanted. This is a demonstration of ignorance of the Greek. Anyone with a tyro of "Well, why do they run?" knowledge should know that a Greek word, in order "Who?" to be properly defined must be held in context. For "The wicked fleas." example the little word "eis" has been translated at "Now, son, can't you see? The wicked man least a half dozen ways. It has been translated "to" runs away when no man is after him." "into" "in" etc. But the Greek scholars all agreed when it was used in Gal. three, and Rom. six, that "Well, is there a woman after him?" "eis" must be translated "baptized into Christ." If "Son, why don't you go to bed?" one had the liberty to take a Greek concordance and look up all the meanings of a word and then select Here is an interesting statement which I pass on the one he wanted in a given text we might as well to our readers: toss our Bibles in a trash can and forget it because "Among the speakers at the Southern Baptist we could never have that unity for which Christ Convention, held March 16-18, 1970, in Atlanta, prayed. were Anson Mount of Playboy magazine; Julian Gentle reader, let us return to the Bible and re- Bond, pro-Marxist Negro legislator; David R. Mace, spect its authority. former President of SIECUS, and Joseph Fletcher, an identified Communist, who is author of Situation Ethics. Among Fletcher's anti-Christian blasphe- mies were these gems: 'I'm prepared to argue in the utmost seriousness, that Christian obligation calls for lies, and adultery, and fornication, and theft, and promise breaking and killing — some- times, depending upon the situation ... as a situ- ationist, I should want to hold that each of the so- called Ten Commandments should be amended with the qualifier, ordinarily ... our business, Christianly speaking, is to live by the law of love, and never by any love of law ... unmarried love (either adultery or fornication) is infinitely superior, morally, to married.' "Fletcher was roundly applauded by the rounders in attendance, mostly Baptist preachers." — Tom Anderson, Arkansas Farmer, November, 1970. About fifteen years ago, when the lines of fellow ship were being drawn over current issues in the ___________________________________________________________________________________________________Page 5 church, several of my friends (I think) suggested omitted completely.'" that I should either change my position or get me May I suggest that one of their "approaches to an insurance debit while I could for I would soon scripture reading" should be trying to find authority have no place to preach. I did neither, and I have for observing "special days" other than the Lord's more places to preach than I can get to — and the day. And what about the use of a soloist? That was same is true with hundreds of faithful gospel done in a church here in Little Rock recently. How preachers. In fact, we have a serious shortage of could such preachers condemn the denominational faithful preachers. Many churches are in need of choir? They don't! If the sermons have omitted the such a man, and millions in the world are lost with- "evangelistic factor completely," what do they em- out the gospel. Let us do what we can to teach, phasize? I imagine it would be interesting to hear. train and encourage more men to preach the gospel of Christ. Remember back when we thought Elvis Presley was wild? The same liberals in our society who are demand- ing legalized and unrestricted abortion are also strongly opposed to capital punishment. Their phi- losophy seems to be that it is right to kill them when they are innocent but wrong to kill them when they are guilty! In his recent Louisiana Crusade, Billy Graham told of visiting LBJ on his Texas ranch. While out riding through the pastures one day, Mr. Johnson remarked that they needed rain. Billy said that he bowed and said a short prayer, and it began raining before they got back to the house. He told that on the night of November 6th, and the rain was pour- ing down in the stadium as he preached. I wondered if his prayers would not work both ways. I don't know what all the Woman's Liberation WINE —AND THE LORD'S SUPPER Movement has accomplished, but something has placed four women on the FBI's most wanted list. In this study we propose to show three things. The truth is, the LIB movement is another insidious One, we intend to show the general terms that are and ungodly effort to destroy the home. Women used for the word "wine" in both the Old and New should have their rights, but it is right for them Testaments. Secondly, we intend to show the Bible to be "keepers at home" (Titus 2:5). teachings on the drinking of alcoholic beverages. And thirdly, we intend to examine the Bible and What will the liberals think of next? In the No- see what it teaches on whether or not the fruit of vember, 1970, issue of MISSION, Dudley Lynch has the vine used in the Lord's Supper was fermented an article entitled, "The Worship Hour: A Break or unfermented. With The Past." Among other things, he said: "For long years now, the Churches of Christ GENERAL TERMS USED IN OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS have adhered unerringly to a basic mode of wor- The general term that was used in the Old Testa- ship — the traditional song-prayer-sermon-invita- ment was the Hebrew word YAYAN. This term tional service.... includes both fermented and unfermented juice. The "In the Dallas area, a large congregation has general term that is used in the New Testament for created a worship committee that plans in detail wine is the Greek word OINOS. There are several every Sunday morning service and services con- different passages that will show that both terms nected with Christmas, Thanksgiving, a homecoming are used in three different ways. In Gen. 9:21 we Sunday, or other special days. Format changes have read, "He drank the wine and was drunken." led to frequent use of antiphonal singing, in which (Hence, the term "wine" in this passage was obvi- one side of the audience will sing and then another, ously fermented, or intoxicating.) In Isa. 16:10 we or the women and then the men. Occasionally, a read, "Tread out no wine in their presses ..." (The soloist is used. Varied approaches to scripture read- term "wine" here is used to refer to the juice being ing are employed; the format is usually centered pressed out of the grapes — not intoxicating.) Then, around the Lord's Supper or the prayer and includes in Jer. 40:10-12 "Gather wine and summer fruits antiphonal and congregational readings and narra- . . ." (The term "wine" here is used to refer to the tion and response. The Lord's Supper has become a juice still in the cluster — not intoxicating.) time involved with singing and scripture readings The general term oinos used in the New Testa- as the emblems are served. ment is also used in three different ways in the "The invitation hymn has been eliminated, the Greek. In Matt. 9:17, "Neither do men put new wine purpose being, this church's minister said, to 'com- (oinos, non-fermented JTS) into skins; else the plete integration of the service as a single unit. The skins burst, and the wine (oinos, fermented JTS) is sermon is made subordinate to be compatible with spilled . . ." Then in Rev. 19:15, "And he that tread- the worship emphasis and the evangelistic factor eth the vine (oinos, referring to the juice being Page 6___________________________________________________________________________________________________ pressed out of the grapes JTS) press of the fierce- but this would involve Jesus giving others intoxi- ness of the wrath of God." So, in both Old and New cating wine to drink socially which would be nothing Testaments, the general terms that are used to more than "banqueting" that Peter, as we have translate the word "wine" are used in the three fol- noted, condemned. lowing ways. 1. Intoxicating wine. WHAT ABOUT THE WINE IN THE LORD'S SUPPER? 2. Juice being pressed out of grapes — not fer- The fact of the matter is that the word "wine" is mented. not used with reference to the Lord's Supper. That 3. Juice still in the cluster — not fermented. The is, neither the Hebrew yayin nor the Greek oinos is same thing, then, would be true of these used to designate the drink that is to be used in the words that would be characteristic of any other Lord's Supper. The Greek word gennema that is word. The context would have to determine how it translated "fruit of the vine." The English word is used. "fruit" is defined to mean: "The edible succulent products of certain plants." The word "succulent" BIBLE TEACHING ON WINE AND DRUNKENNESS means JUICE. Hence, the usable product of the vine In the Old Testament there are several passages in the form of juice. that talk about wine and drunkenness. However, I The word "vine" is used 56 times in the Old Test- believe that one will be sufficient to show the teach- ament and 32 in the New Testament and always ing. In Prov. 23:31-32 we read, "Look not thou upon means grape vine. So, Jesus did not take yayin nor the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in oinos when he instituted the Lord's Supper: but in- the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At last it bit- stead took gennema (fruit of the vine). Nowhere, eth like a serpent and stingeth like an adder." We to my knowledge, in the Old Testament or in the see from these passages that: 1. Wine is enticing, New Testament, or in any other book has the word that is to the sight (red and giveth colour) and also gennema ever been used to suggest fermentation. to the taste (moveth itself aright, or goeth down I suggest to you that if God had wanted to show smoothly). 2. Wine is very dangerous. For, it bites that fermented wine was to be used in the drink in like a serpent and stings like an adder. Hence, when the Lord's Supper, there are at least two words that we draw our conclusions on these passages we note MIGHT have shown it (but not necessarily). But, that we should not even look upon wine, but we are God used NEITHER of these words, but a word that utterly to shun it or leave it alone. is NEVER used in the Bible to show fermented The New Testament also teaches about drunken- wine. Nuff said! 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- IMPROPER ACTS OF WORSHIP gether socially to drink. By way of introduction to this article, I want to WINE —JESUS' FIRST MIRACLE redefine worship with Thayer's definition of pros- kuneo: "prop, to kiss the hand to (towards) one, in It has been argued that the wine that was made token of reverence: . . . hence among the Orientals, by Jesus in his first miracle at the wedding feast esp., the Persians, to fall upon the knee and touch was intoxicating wine. However, I see not how we the ground with the forehead as an expression of can come to this conclusion in view of the facts that profound reverence (to make a 'salam');... hence have been set forth on other passages of Scripture in the N.T. by kneeling or prostration to do homage in this article. If he made wine that was intoxicat- (to one) or make obeisance, whether in order to ex- ing, then he did the very thing that God through. press respect or to make supplication." Our worship Solomon forbade. Solomon said not to look upon it, is action upon our part toward God. The action upon that is wine that was intoxicating, that would finally man's part toward God must be according to truth, cause one to be drunk. I do not believe that Jesus that which God has required (John 4:24; 17:17). encouraged, by making intoxicating wine, drunken- ness which finally would cause a person to lose his WHAT IS NOT WORSHIP? soul. Jesus came to encourage men to do that which There are some things which men do in which would save them, not to encourage them to do that they think they are worshiping God. However, God which would CAUSE them to be lost. Not only this, has not required this action and therefore he is dis- ___________________________________________________________________________________________________Page 7 pleased 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 in a ritualistic manner. Their worship is mechanical. A machine could offer such worship. There is no feeling of thanksgiving and gratitude manifested toward God. The action is cold. Much of this kind of worship is as though it were "computer pro- grammed." I have seen such when it was evident that 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- ARE ALL CHURCHES "CHRISTIAN?" THE gences make up a part of the system. "Holy" days "ECUMENICAL CHURCH" such as Easter, Christmas, Good Friday, etc., are observed with great caution. However, none of these When present day theologians are forced to dis- acts are mentioned in the New Testament, therefore, cuss the unity of Christians they invariably affirm they are not required by God and are not acceptable that denominationalism presents a picture of unity to Him. in the "Ecumenical Church." (3) Protestant Worship. Some churches that re- These men insist that the "Ecumenical (meaning gard themselves as being protestant (protesting "universal") Church" embraces all denominations against Catholicism) have forgotten their origin and in a spiritual or "invisible" institution. often engage in the same things of Romanism. Prot- estant churches observe their special days, teaching UNITED IN FAITH false doctrine, engage in services in which about Modern theology further affirms that all those anything and everything is advocated except that who sincerely profess to be Christians are truly which is found upon the pages of the New Testa- united in their common faith in Christ. ment. To ask the preacher or anyone else in such a It is also insisted that this common faith in Christ church for the divine authority for some act of their meets the Bible requirement relative to the unity of worship would not produce a "thus saith the Lord." Christians. To be sure, there are some voices among (4) Worship of Some Churches of Christ. Not sectarian preachers that are re-examining this whole only is denominational worship, both Romanism and unity proposition. Protestantism, not pleasing to the Lord, neither is the worship of some claiming to be of Christ. Some ALL ARE CHRISTIANS churches of Christ advocate "attend the church of Modern theology claims that it is uncharitable, your choice" in which some of the choices are Cath- even unscriptural, to refuse to regard one as a olic churches, Baptist churches, Methodist churches, Christian just because he does not accept one's view etc. Some churches wanting to identify with Christ of certain Bible teachings. will engage in the joint services with the denomina- tions. Others will use men as featured speakers who THE ECUMENICAL CHURCH: A FALLACY are known false teachers, some of them claiming The "Ecumenical Church" as sectarians view it is Holy Spirit baptism today, saying that God is work- strictly a product of modern theology; not the Bible. ing miracles now. Some say they eat the Lord's Sup- All serious students of religion must surely see per at times other than on the first day of the week. that the Reformation and rise of different denomi- Some claim to speak in tongues. But these things nations became the "mother of invention" that pro- are not authorized in the New Testament. Some of duced the fictitious "Ecumenical Church." them, like joining up with the sects, never were. Some of them, like Holy Spirit baptism and miracles, A DILEMMA were in New Testament days but are not either Many different denominations present an obvious authorized or practiced today. How can some church picture of religious division. Yet, such Bible pas- claiming it is of Christ engage in a period of wor- sages as John 17:20, 21 and Eph. 4:4 present an ship and do things which the Christ who they seek obvious picture of religious unity. to worship never authorized? How can they act to- Hence, modern theologians are caught in a di- ward the Lord when the Lord never authorized such lemma: they refuse to reject denominationalism for action ? fear of condemning someone's religion; yet they (5) Your Worship and Mine. Those of us making know at least enough about the Bible to know that a sincere attempt to worship God in his church after some sort of unity is taught by the Scriptures. the New Testament order, what about our worship Therefore, modern theology looks for something to God? When we act toward God, is such pleasing that will do two things: save the denominations, and to Him? Do we act correctly yet in correct action present at least a semblance of unity. make our action vain? In a future article, I want to study this question. THE ESCAPE In our next article, I want to study what action The "Ecumenical Church" is the theologian's God has required upon our part in worship unto Him. dream-come-true. It is just what the theological doctor ordered. To modern religionists the "Ecu- Page 8__________________________________________________________________________________________________ menical Church" presents "unity in division": it allows them to retain the different denominations PAP by insisting that members of all churches are "invis- ibly united" in a common faith in Christ. THE BROKEN MOLD REAL ISSUE MISSED Modern theology fails to see that no amount of A light hearted attempt at biography of James common ground among denominations can possibly P. Miller by his only son, Rodney Miller. justify the sin of dividing professing Christians into "Written in the hope that this volume may be sects, parties, or churches, John 17:20, 21; I Cor. read with pleasure and profit and that the thou- 1:10-13; Gal. 5:20 (heresies). sands who have heard PAP preach the gospel It would be just as Scriptural and just as logical to labor to justify adultery on the basis of the good will find a place in their home for this work as done in common by a man and a woman. they have found a place in their hearts for PAP himself." WHO DECIDED? — Rodney Miller 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 accept at face value all the Bible, as they obviously accept at face value some of the Bible (one Lord, etc.) we could achieve the unity for which Christ prayed in John 17:20,21. __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 9 Stockton, Calif, for four years and is at the present continuing his education, brother Hafley is capable THE HAFLEY - LEWIS DEBATE of handling him should the debate materialize. Jimmy Tuten I personally was impressed with the entire dis- cussion at Sandwich, Illinois. I think if more breth- It was my good pleasure to moderate for Larry ren could attend more debates like this, they could Ray Hafley in his debate with Billy Lewis, who have demonstrated to them that disputants can dis- preaches for the First Apostolic Church in Aurora, agree without being disagreeable. The stigma that Illinois. This was an unusual debate in that it some brethren feel is attached to debates would be covered four nights (November 9-10, 12-13) on the removed. It was an honor and a pleasure to moderate baptism of the Holy Spirit. The conduct of brother for brother Hafley. I hope that I shall have the Hafley and Mr. Lewis was outstanding in every way. pleasure to assist brother Hafley in other efforts Even the audience conducted themselves in a refined, like this. mild manner. With only one out-burst the first night, the audience displayed no rudeness or turbulence. A Lutheran preacher interrupted brother Hafley in his second speech, stating that he had experienced the Jimmy Tuten, Jr. — During 1970 I preached at baptism of the Holy Spirit, and that he was wrong meetings in Blytheville, Ark., Poughkeepsie, N. Y., in his expression of condemnation of the experience. Rantoul, Ill., High School Road and 40th & Emer- A point of order was called by this writer and order son in Indianapolis, Ind., Champaign, Ill., Lilbourn, was restored immediately. The preacher apologized Mo., Lufkin, Texas, Dyersburg, Tenn., Benton, Ill., for his conduct. Connersville, Ind., and Barberton, Ohio. I partici- It was obvious that Mr. Lewis was in trouble dur- pated in lectureships in Rantoul, Ill., Harrison, Ark., ing this debate. A second moderator (Mr. Paul and Owensboro, Ky. I also moderated in the Hafley- Ferguson, graduate of Wheaton College, Wheaton, Lewis debate at Sandwich, Ill. Ill.) was called in to assist Mr. Lewis. The Truth After eight years at Spring and Blaine in St. was defended and upheld in a commendable manner Louis, Mo., I moved in August to High School Road by brother Hafley. The brethren at Piano, Illinois in Indianapolis, Ind. The physical facilities and op- were well pleased with the outcome. The debate took portunities at High School Road appear great. How- place in the Federated Church Building at Sandwich, ever, during the five years of their existence they Illinois. While a review is forthcoming, the following have not had a constructive arrangement of work. points will be of interest. Things are very slow at the present, but we are 1. Mr. Paul Ferguson had publicly stated that no hoping that by working together we can get things Church of Christ preacher would meet him in de- moving. I have agreed to hold only four meetings bate. Brother Hafley handed him signed propositions in 1971. In this way I can concentrate on the work during the debate. Thus, silenced him. at High School Road. 2. Mr. Ferguson has refused to meet brother Haf- I have received numerous letters asking whether ley. Instead he challenges me to meet him in discus- I will publish a bulletin while in Indianapolis. At sion on the Godhead and baptismal formula issue. the present there are no plans for such, but in sev- He says: "I am returning your propositions as I eral months if finances permit, we hope to off-set indicated to you (in a letter to brother Hafley). one. An announcement will be made to this effect I am suggesting that the discussion take place be- and all who wish to be placed on the mailing list tween Mr. Tuten and myself... I feel that similar will be added. Even though I have been unable to background and experience (an obvious reference to reply to all letters concerning the bulletin that I my notes on the Holy Spirit that were sold during have received, I appreciate the interest in this the debate) of Mr. Tuten and myself are more nearly respect. similar than yours and mine." I personally enjoyed discussions with Mr. Ferguson before and after each night of the debate. An interesting aspect is that he has also refused to meet Brother Wayne Jackson Robert E. Herndon, P.O. Box 1366, Lumberton, of Stockton, Calif, in a second debate. I am signing N. C. 28358 — Two families constitute the church in three of the four propositions he mailed to me, Lumberton, a city of 20,000 in southeastern North with the stipulation that he and I meet only after Carolina. Unable to locate our own meeting place, he fulfills his obligations to brother Jackson and we are meeting in my office. Let me know of friends brother Hafley. It is obvious that he is trying to get and relatives in this area. the pressure off himself by trying to shift emphasis James D. Hensley, 1518 E. Third Street, Port Clin- to Indianapolis, where to my knowledge, no one ton, Ore. — We have several copies of Christian knows of him. It is apparent that he is running. Hymns I and II. We will send these used books free Even though Mr. Ferguson is well educated, hav- and postage paid to anyone who needs them. We will ing taught at Western Apostolic Bible College in give preference to men in the service trying to hold Page 10_________________________________________________________________________________________________ services. If anyone desires some of these books, re- years past has been lost to the truth. I would be quest that they specify the number of books they happy to furnish more detailed information concern- need and send their request to the above address. ing this new work or make a personal visit to any churches that are interested. I have been in Texas Danny M. Holton, 3514 Palmetto Avenue, Colum- since March of 1970 and have worked with the De- bia, S. C. 29203 — A new work was started, of which Queen Blvd. church in Port Arthur, West Orange my wife and I are members, in Columbia, S. C. At church in Orange, the West Side church in Fort present we are meeting in our home, but we are try- Worth and the Central church in Beaumont. ing to rent a suitable building. The average attend- ance has been about 15 so far. This is the only work Roy L. Foutz, Gainesville, Fla. — Jerry Ray in the Columbia area which opposes the church sup- passed away at 8:15 (EST) this morning, Saturday, porting benevolent organizations. Columbia is the Jan. 2, 1971, at his home in Gainesville, Fla. His Capital of the State and there are some 150,000 to condition gradually worsened until death, but there 200,000 people in the metro area. Fort Jackson, a was no struggle of any kind — he simply went to United States Army base, is located here, as well as sleep. He will be buried near Brundidge, Ala., Mon- the University of South Carolina. If any of your day morning, Jan. 4. We will have a brief memorial readers are planning to move to the Columbia area service at the grave at 3:00 that afternoon. No or know of someone here seeking to meet with the flowers, please. Gladys and family will be in Brun- Lord's body, we ask that they contact Danny Holton, didge over the weekend, and will then be at home 3514 Palmetto Ave., Columbia, S. C. 29203, phone in Gainesville, 418 N.W. 17th St., 32601. 254-4697, or M. C. Reynolds, phone 396-0873. Olen Holderby, San Pablo, Calif., Dec. 1, 1970 — L. L. Applegate, Umatilla, Florida 32784 — Our The Cause in San Pablo continues to move forward. meeting with Bobby K. Thompson of North Miami Twenty-one have been baptized since last report, Avenue church of Christ, was held Nov. 2-8th. He with a number returning to their first love. Peace preached the gospel of Christ, without fear or favor and harmony continues with us. The church here is of man. The meeting was well advertised in news- now assisting preachers in Lethbridge, Canada; paper, Post Office, grocery stores and filling stations. Milbridge, Maine; Oroville, Atwater. and Concord, The people in Umatilla, Fla. are real friendly and an California. ad was run in the paper thanking them for kindness shown to us during our meeting. They are still Vestal Chaffin, 200 Carrington Way, Marietta, friendly with us in spite of the fact they learned Georgia 30060 — We had a very fine gospel meet- they were teaching false doctrine. In fact, our litera- ing here at Powers Ferry Road, Dec. 7-13, with ture is still being placed in the tract box inside the Harold Dowdy doing the preaching. Our local song- Post Office by ones not members of the church of leaders directed the song services. December has Christ. They say, "You teach the truth; it cannot been a very excellent month for us. One was bap- be denied and we want more of it." I enjoy working tized before the meeting started, one during the for my Master in hard places as I know His Word meeting, and two have been baptized since the meet- will not return unto Him void. One restoration dur- ing closed. Five, other than those baptized, have ing the meeting. To God be the glory through our identified themselves with the church here, two of Lord and Master. I solicit the prayers of my faith- ful brethren everywhere in my behalf that I faint them came from a liberal church in this area. If you not in work He has assigned me. are passing through our area, stop and worship with us. Bill Crews, 1363 Central Dr., Beaumont, Texas 77706 — It has been almost 16 years since I moved from the state of Louisiana and came to live and BAPTIST DEBATE preach in Texas. For more than 5 1/2 years I preached in Lake Charles and Opelousas. Now my plans are Olen Holderby to return in the summer of 1971 to the state where Nov. 17-20, 1970, Brother Voyd Ballard met Mr. churches of Christ are few and far between, and Lee Wright in debate. The first two nights Mr. sound churches even more so. Baton Rouge, a city Wright affirmed a 1000 year reign of Christ on of more than 160,000 (275,000 in the parish), the earth. The last two nights Brother Ballard affirmed state capital and the home of Louisiana State Uni- baptism for the remission of sins. No effort will be versity and Southern University, is my destination. made in this report to review the arguments pre- For several months now a small band of faithful sented; however, a few points might be of interest Christians (now about 20 in number) has been to some. meeting in Baker, La., a suburb. These brethren Mr. Wright, of course, literalized such Old Testa- have a nice corner lot, nearly paid for, in a growing ment prophecies as Dan. 2, 7; Psa. 132; Isa. 52, 53. subdivision of greater Baton Rouge. They plan to Having done this, he merely skipped this age and construct a building as soon as they are able to do applied them to a future kingdom. Rev. 20 was so. Even though small and while doing this, they treated in the same manner. Brother Ballard had plan to furnish part of my support. Could I hear prepared some excellent charts which presented the from some churches who would be willing to have truth on these as well as other passages concerning fellowship with me in the furtherance of the gospel the origin of the kingdom. Mr. Wright introduced in a needed area ? There is presently no sound church Zech. 14 as proof that Jesus would set foot on this meeting in Baton Rouge — the one that did exist in earth again; again refusing any idea that this had