In This Issue...

• Bible Doctrine and Denominational Doctrine Contrasted -- Charles Box p.33
• Gospel or Gimmicks -- Dan Goddard p.34
• The Work of the Church #4, Evangelism -- Roger D. Campbell p.35
• Dangerous Book -- Paul Holland p.36
• Different Words Describe Church Leaders -- Douglas Hoff p.37
• A Hiding Place -- Mike McDaniel p.38
• Lectureship Schedule -- p.39
• Mail Bag -- p.40

          Division is a terrible thing. Denominationalism, with all its conflicting doctrines, causes heartaches, sorrows, and even religious hatred. Denominationalism is one of the tools Satan is using to increase Hell's population. Denominations are sinful because the Lord hates division.
        Near His death on the cross Jesus prayed for unity. Hear the words of John 17:20-21, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” Christ is not divided and He does not want His work divided. He sets forth a plan for religious unity by naming “seven ones” which should exist in the religious world. These are: one body (church), one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God (Eph. 4:1-6).
        To uphold denominationalism is to uphold the work of the Devil. It is for this reason that churches of Christ plead for a return to the Bible and a “thus saith the Lord” in all religious matters. Observe a few contrasts between Bible doctrine and Denominational doctrine:
        A contrast in teaching about baptism. Bible Doctrine says, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). The Bible also says, “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal. 3:27). Denominational Doctrine says, “baptism does not help a person to be saved or to become a Christian” (from a tract “When you join the church” printed by the Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Church). Denominational preachers even call Gospel preachers “water dogs.” Why? They use such derogatory names because they have no faith in Bible teaching! Which will you accept Bible, Doctrine or Denominational Doctrine? You cannot believe both!
        A contrast in teaching concerning eternal security. The Baptist church says, “We believe when sinners convicted by the Holy Spirit repent and believe in Jesus Christ for salvation, they are regenerated by the Spirit of God...and that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto eternal salvation, so that they can neither totally nor finally fall away and be lost.” The Bible teaches that it is possible to hear the word, receive it with joy, believe for a while and then fall away (Luke 8:13). To be saved eternally we must hear the word of God and keep it (Luke 8:15). John wrote, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death” (John 8:51). Will you accept Bible doctrine or Baptist doctrine?
        A contrast in teaching about the resurrection. The Bible teaches Jesus' body was resurrected from the grave. Luke 24:6-7 says, “He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.” Jehovah's Witnesses, in their book “Studies in the Scriptures II, p.129” say, “Christ's body was not raised.” Witnesses also say Jesus was never equal with God but was a created being (“Let God be true” p.87). Jehovah's Witnesses are false witnesses because they teach many things contrary to the Bible.
        A contrast in teachings about religious titles. Catholics say their priest is to be called “Father.” The Bible says, “And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven” (Matt. 23:9). Other denominations call their preachers “Reverend.” Hear the word's of the Bible as it speaks about religious titles, “And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted” (Matt. 23:6-12). The term “Reverend” refers to the name of God because He has sent redemption to His people. “He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name” (Psalm 111:9). Neither Catholics nor anyone else have the right to exalt men with religious titles.
        A contrast in teachings about the day of worship. Sabbatarians say that the Sabbath is perpetual for everyone forever, not just perpetual for the children of Israel throughout their generations. The Bible says, “Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant” (Exodus 31:16). Christians are to worship on the first day of the week because: 1) That was the day Jesus was raised (Mark 16:9), 2) The church was established on that day (Acts 2), 3) The early church ate the communion on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7), and 4) Weekly collections were commanded on the first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:1-2).
        A contrast in teaching about God. There are many strange Mormon doctrines. One of them is their concept of God. Joseph Smith said, “God Himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man and sits enthroned in yonder heavens!” (Discourses of Joseph Smith, p.263). Brigham Young said of God, He “was once a man in mortal flesh as we are” (Journal of Discourses. volume 7, p.333). The Bible says God is eternal. “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Tim. 1:17). Again we read, “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Gen. 2:7). Another strange Mormon doctrine says Jesus was born in Jerusalem (Alma 7:10). The Bible says he was born in Bethlehem (Matt. 2:1). Will you accept Mormon's lies or Bible truth?
        You cannot be a denominational Christian. There is no such thing! From its beginning, denominationalism was the work of Satan. Religious division is a sin. Search your Bible and learn whether: 1) “Faith only” is a wholesome doctrine (James 2:24), 2) Babies should be baptized (Mark 16:16), 3) Sprinkling is baptism (Rom. 6:4), 4) We can or cannot fall from grace (1 Cor. 10:12), and 5) Women can be elders (1 Tim. 3:2).
        You can be an undenominational Christian. To become a Christian hear God's word (John 6:44-45), believe (Mark 16:16), repent (Luke 13:5), confess (Acts 8:37), and be baptized (1 Peter 3:21). After baptism, live your life in obedience to the Bible, recognizing that religious division is sinful.
                --- Charles Box
                PO Box 551, Greenville, AL 36037

Table of Contents

        One does not have to be a prophet of gloom and doom to recognize some ominous rumblings on the modern ecclesiastical scene. Pragmatic philosophy of existentialism is already making inroads on the Lord's church. A watered down version of love has begun to replace New Testament agape.
        Such current philosophies are calculated to elevate the individual over everything and everyone else. Most charismatic ideas ignore the Gospel and make cheap grace the prevailing standard. A kind of playboy philosophy is emerging among some of the brethren. The idea is to “do your own thing” in the worship and the work of the church as long as it feels good and makes one happy.
        Nicholas Von Hoffman hit the nail on the head when he wrote about the “Mush God” who caters to all tastes. This “Mush God” has no distinctive theology, being a kind of “Cream of Wheat” divinity. He has no particular creed, no articles of faith, and nothing that would make it difficult for believers and non-believers alike to bow their knees together in pious genuflections. As N. Von Hoffman pointed out, he is a vapid deity who makes everything kosher. This is the type of divinity that caused the President of the United States to expect peace in the Middle East because the President of Egypt and the Prime Minister of Israel both worship the “Great Mushy One.”
        This type of poppycock and gimmickry is bad enough among people of the world, but when it rears its head in the church, definite action needs to be taken. A “mushy god” allows every person to do what is right in his own eyes. But such has no sanction in the inspired Scriptures. Do whatever it takes to get the people to the church building is the rule of some today -- even if it means to cheapen the church and the Gospel of Jesus Christ by the use of such methods. Promise them their pie and ice cream but use every gimmick to get them into the building. God has spoken (Heb. 11:1) and we ought to learn to “keep silence before him” (Hab. 2:20). His word is powerful to save (Rom. 1:16-17) and it will furnish the man of God “completely unto every good work” (2 Tim. 3:17).
        Leadership apathy (some leaders would not recognize the Gospel if they fell over it), pulpit neutrality (spineless preachers) and “Mickey Mouse” literature (containing no more truth than the rag-tag newspapers) should have no place in the Lord's church. We need competent preachers and teachers who are dedicated to the promotion of healthy spiritual maturity. This will never be achieved if leaders spend their time on noise, numbers and nickels.
        Although there is a place for social fellowship among the people of God, the church cannot compete with Hollywood, Las Vegas, and Miami Beach. Trying to imitate Billy Graham, Oral Roberts and Robert Schuler is also a waste of time. There is no way their theology and techniques will fit the Gospel format. Compulsive drives that feature coffee and confetti will only multiply neurotics in the church and create further confusion.
        There is no substitute for the Gospel of Christ -- “the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth” (Rom. 1:16). We have a grand story to tell, the likes of which most people in the modern world have never heard. Since it contains all things that pertain unto life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3), the message is vibrant and viable. Only when we get in its way by our blunders and ignorance does it fail to appeal and accomplish its purpose.
        We sometimes wonder how Paul and his fellow-workers turned the world upside down without the benefit of modern cliches, gimmicks and crusades. It must have been difficult for them to make a go of it in the absence of contemporary semantics, seminars, specialists and tomfoolery. How was Paul able to preach the Gospel to the masses without first giving out free passes to the Circus at Rome to all who would attend his preaching?
                Dan Goddard
                29511 Bock St., Garden City, MI 48135

Table of Contents

        In addition to its work of benevolence and edification, the church is also to be involved in spreading the glorious Gospel. Have we left this topic until last because it is not as significant as other matters? Not at all! What could be more important than preaching the Gospel to a lost and dying world? Jesus Christ came to this world to be the Savior of the world (1 John 4:14). But before He ever got to the cross of Golgotha He was preaching a message of salvation.
        Every nation in the world faces its own unique problems. However, contrary to what some might suggest, the number one problem in this nation, and the number one problem in every other nation on the planet, is not one of economy, ecology, or education. The world's number one problem is sin! God knew that such would be the case. From eternity He had a plan that could serve as a remedy for man's sin. By His grace He revealed that plan (Titus 2:11). His plan of grace and love, by which He sent His Son to die for our sins (John 3:16), is revealed in the Gospel of grace (Acts 20:24). The Gospel of Christ is God's power unto salvation (Rom. 1:16). Like Paul, we dare not be ashamed of it.
        So, God has a plan for the salvation of the lost, God has a Savior for the lost, and He has a message for saving them. Notice that God also has a chosen people to preach that saving message. That is you and me, the church. The Lord's church has the special obligation to preach the Gospel to those who are lost. We need to be about this business of our Father! Civil government has its place, but it is not the role of the civil government to preach the Gospel. Public and private schools have their place, but again, it is not their assignment to preach the Gospel. Brethren, it is the work of the church of Christ to preach the Gospel to every person in the world! It does not matter what their skin color is. It does not matter what their sinful background might be. Every person that is outside of Christ is lost without God, without Christ, and they stand without hope (Eph. 2:12). Each one of them needs the Gospel!
        This task of preaching the Gospel to every person deserves our greatest preparation, time, prayers, and effort. If we are giving anything less than our best in getting the Gospel to the lost, then we simply are not giving enough! There are now over six billion people living on the earth. When the masses of the world stand lost outside of Christ, when the people in our area, whether it be in the county, in the city, across the tracks, or living next door to us, are lost in sin, just what should be the major focus of a local church? How could it be anything other than preaching the Gospel to those who are lost?! Yet, brothers, how often is the major focus of attention in men's business meetings or bishops' meetings on how we can preach the Gospel to those of our community and elsewhere in a more effective way? My answer is, “Not often enough.” A lot of time is spent in those meetings discussing the color of paint to be used on the walls of the church building, the type of carpet that will go in the classrooms, who is going to go buy office supplies, who is going to clean up the parking lot, or other such matters that pertain to the physical structure where we assemble. However, not nearly enough time is spent talking about how we are going to get the Gospel out to the people in our area so they don't die and go to hell.
        Look at the diligence of the first century church in preaching the Gospel. Notice some things of which they were accused due to their being so evangelistic-minded and zealous in preaching the good news. They were accused of filling the whole city of Jerusalem with their doctrine, even though they had been charged by the Sanhedrin council not to do so (Acts 5:28). How many of us today are guilty of that? How many churches are guilty of putting forth the effort to fill their areas with the doctrine of God's Son, so that if they were called before a judge and jury there would be sufficient evidence to prove that they are, in fact, striving to teach the Gospel to every person in their community? The apostle Paul and those that were with him came to the city of Thessalonica where they were accused of turning the world upside down (Acts 17:6). Are we turning the world upside down today, not by being belligerent, noisy, and unkind, but by aggressively preaching the Gospel and calling on men and women to repent and live godly lives?
        Suppose we do not manifest that old first-century zeal in preaching the Gospel in our day and time. What are some of the consequences that will follow? None of them are pleasant to consider, yet consider them we must. 1) If we do not preach the Gospel to the lost, then they will not hear the Gospel, and they will remain lost in sin. Those who do not hear and obey the Gospel will continue on the path to eternal destruction (2 Thess. 1:7-9). 2) If we don't preach the Gospel with a fervent spirit, then the church will not grow and God will not be glorified. The bottom line for you and me, as members of the church is this: if we do not give it “our all” to preach the Gospel to the lost, then God is not going to be pleased with us.
        The Bible declares that on one occasion Jesus was looking at the people of His day and saw them as sheep without a shepherd. This caused Him to be moved with compassion (Matt. 9:36). He turned to His disciples, saying, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest” (9:37,38).
        There is a section in most daily newspapers that is called “Help Wanted.” Jesus' message that He gives to His church through the Word is not only “Help Wanted,” but also “Help Needed, and Help Expected.” God wants every congregation, and every individual in every congregation, to be involved in preaching the Gospel of Christ. That's the charge we are given in “The Great Commission.” “Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15; cf. Matt. 28:19,20; Luke 24:46,47).
        As we go about our Father's business of preaching His Gospel, just as in the realms of benevolence and edification, so our activities in the sphere of evangelism must be those that are authorized by the New Testament of Christ. To the shame of those involved, this past summer in Nashville, TN some congregations that still call themselves “Churches of Christ” assisted, encouraged, and endorsed the preaching that Billy Graham did in his “Crusade” there. The message of 2 John 9-11 makes it clear that to endorse those who bring not “this doctrine,” the doctrine of Christ, is to become partakers of the evil deeds of those who preach a different doctrine.
        Thankfully, most congregations are not yet ready to join hands with the denominations in declaring a man-made message. But, we need to also avoid the temptation to turn the work of the church over to a secular school. It is the work of the church to train and support men to preach the Gospel (2 Tim. 2:2; 2 Cor. 11:8,9). Brethren, let us not get caught up in the practice of sending preachers to foreign nations or across the state to preach in the name of a school. Some past reports that we have read gave glowing praise to some particular school for heading up a “mission” effort, but little if any credit was given to the individual saints and congregations that provided the funds to make it possible. Glory is to be given unto God in and for the church, not a human institution (Eph. 3:21).
        Thank God for the church. Thank God for giving us the privilege to be a member of it. Thank the Lord for the privilege of working as His co-laborers (1 Cor. 3:9). May God help us to first understand the New Testament teaching about the work of the church, then apply that truth in our lives so that through our efforts He might be glorified and souls might be saved.
                4865 Bates Pike SE
                Cleveland, TN 37323

Table of Contents

SUNDAY, JULY 22

MONDAY, JULY 23

TUESDAY, JULY 24

WEDNESDAY, JULY 25

THURSDAY, JULY 26

East Corinth Church of Christ
1801 Cruise St., Corinth, MS 38834
Voice (662) 286-2040 or 286-6575
Fax (662) 286-2040
Contact Us


MOTELS:
Comfort Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 228-5150
Executive Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 354-3932


Limited housing is available in member's homes. Contact the church office for reservations. Water and electrical hook-ups (no sewer) are available for RVs. We would like to know in advance of your arrival to reserve you a space.


VIDEO TAPE INFORMATION
Complete set of video tapes, $40 postage paid
Order from:
Jim Green
2711 Spring Meade Blvd.
Columbia, TN 38401
Phone: 931-486-1365


CASSETTE TAPE INFORMATION:
Cassette audio tapes are available.


BOOK INFORMATION:
A book of the lesson outlines is also available
Pre-publication price: $5.50  if postmarked by July 31, 2001.
After July 31, 2001 $6.50
Please add postage and handling:
1 book $1.50 -- add 50cents for each additional book

Order books from:

Old Paths Publishing
P.O. Box 97
Nettleton, MS 38858

The church is not involved in the sale of any materials.