Martin Luther called the epistle of James, "an
epistle of straw," largely because of the section under
consideration in this article. Beginning with Luther, the
beautifully harmonious Bible teaching of faith and
works has been a major problem and matter of misunderstanding
among denominational churches. The infatuation with "faith only"
has absorbed too many. This enigma has even infiltrated the Lord's
church; a clear statement of the confusion runs as follows:
.
"Whatever we say about baptism or a 'plan of salvation,' we must place it within the context of a free gift from God. We cannot do anything to be saved, not if it is a free gift...It is clear that we are justified by what God has done for us, not by what we have done. We are not saved by obeying commandments; we obey commandments because we are saved. We do no works to be saved; we work because we are saved...We do not do baptism as a work on our part. It is rather something done to us...." |
No works, no obedience, all by grace. Another
false brother concurs:
"It is all by grace! If one is to be saved, it must be totally by grace. One cannot be saved partly by law keeping and partly by grace... [But now note just a few pages later, MKL]: We are justified by faith through grace in obeying the gospel." |
We do wish those folks would make up their minds.
Is salvation totally by grace? The word "totally" means
"in a total manner; wholly; as a whole." If salvation is totally
by grace, then faith and obedience have nothing to do with it. So
enamored are some by grace, and so filled with bitterness are they
concerning obedience, they resort to this contradiction and cannot
see it to save their souls. Let us see if we can untangle this
mess.
No one denies that salvation is by grace (Eph. 2:5;
Titus 2:11-12). Nor is there any debate on whether salvation is by
faith -- a plethora of verses so teach (Eph. 2:8; Heb. 11:6; John
3:16; John 8:24; Rom. 10:9; ad infinitum). The question has never
been does faith save, or does grace save? The dispute is, does
faith (or grace) ALONE save (of course, by definition, if
one of the two saves ALONE, i.e., by itself, then the
other is automatically excluded. However, there are none so blind
as they who will not see). Look at faith "alone" in James 2:14-26:
alone, "Can faith save him?" (v.14, the rhetorical question is
obviously answered, "no"). In vs.15-16, James insists that works
are needed, and if not forthcoming (v.17), then faith is dead,
being alone. Yea, indeed, there is a matter called "faith alone."
James says it is "dead" and unable to save. In verse 19, we learn
that even devils believe faith only! The Greek word for believe is
the same as used for a Christian's belief; there is an obvious
difference between the devil's faith and the Christian's faith, and
that difference keeps the devils from being saved. What is that
difference -- works! Faith only is the possession of devils -- it
is amazing anyone would claim that it could save. Note now, in
verse 21, James gives an interesting perplexity that no "faith (or
grace) only" advocate has a prayer of solving, and was the enigma
that Luther couldn't resolve that led him to his condemnation of
the book. In Romans 4:3, Paul says that Abraham was justified by
faith without works and then quotes Genesis 15:6 in confirmation.
In James 2:23, James says Abraham was justified by works, and then
quotes Genesis 15:6 as confirmation! Unless one properly
comprehends faith and works, this puzzle is unsolvable. Then in
verses 24-26, James flatly states that justification comes by works
and not by faith only. Those words are plainly in Scripture and we
believe them; only those with a preconceived ideological axe to
grind cannot accept what James, the brother of our Lord, is
teaching. Let us unravel the solution to this encumbrance.
What does the Bible teach about works? Well,
obviously, and there is no disagreement here, some works cannot
save (Eph. 2:8-9; Rom. 3:20; 2 Tim. 1:9; Gal. 2:16; 5:19-21). Yet,
there are just as obviously some works that are required by God:
"In every nation, he that feareth him, and worketh
righteousness is accepted with him" (Acts 10:35 cf.
James 2:24-26). Note also the interesting problem created by Titus
3:5 and Acts 10:35: Titus reads, "not by works of
righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy
he saved us." Now read again Acts 10:35: "he...that
worketh righteousness is accepted with him." We invite
the reader to contemplate that, while we provide the key to unlock
this simple mystery. Please refer to John 6:28-29: "Then said
they unto him, What shall we do that we might work the works of
God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God,
that ye believe on him whom he hath sent." The answer is
easy: there are works that cannot save and works that can! The
works of man -- his own "plans of salvation," his meritorious
deeds, his piling up of good actions -- these are ineffectual
towards our salvation. But those commandments which God gives us
-- called His works -- ARE necessary for eternal
bliss. Notice that even faith is a work! Not a work of
man, though man must believe, but a commandment, a LAW
(perish that word!), a work of God required for man to
please Him. (The key to Acts 10:35 versus Titus 3:5 is Paul's
fragment in the latter, "which we ourselves have done"
-- our "works of righteousness" cannot save; but God's -- Acts
10:35 -- can)! The motive also is important here. If our works
are done to earn salvation, they will fall short. They must be
performed with the intent to glorify God (Matt. 5:16; 1 Peter
2:12). These works show our love and appreciation for God, and
while they are insufficient, in and of themselves, to save, we
cannot be saved without them.
The Scriptural examples of this principle are
abundant and staggering in their simplicity. Hebrews 11:30 states
that the walls of Jericho fell by faith after they had been
compassed about for seven days. If one turns to Joshua 6, he will
find God saying to the great military leader of Israel, "See,
I have given into thine hand Jericho" (v.2). Jericho was a
gift (grace) of God to the people. He then proceeds to tell them
exactly what they had to do to receive this gift of grace! And, by
faith, the people did exactly what God said do, and when they had
finished -- and not one second before -- when they had done ALL
that God commanded, the walls fell. Joshua did not reason the
way some "enlightened" ones do today: "Well, now wait a minute God.
If You are going to give us this city, if it is by grace, then how
can we DO anything to get it?" Joshua had no problem with
this, and neither should we. You see, cities aren't earned by
traipsing around them, blowing horns, and shouting; no other city
in history has been conquered that way. Thus, Israel did not
earn Jericho; God gave it to them by faith, but they had to
prove they believed in Him. Thus, the test came by their
obedience. The plan of salvation for you and me is the same
principle. God has always demanded that the faithful prove their
obedience by doing things He asked of them -- "His works of
righteousness."
Since God is righteous, then all He commands is
righteous as well. We have not earned salvation by obedience, we
are accepting God in His way, on His terms, fully believing that if
we will do as He requests, He will deliver the blessing He has
promised. If anyone can see "earned salvation" in those works, he
has spiritual myopia of the grossest sort.
Let us not be confused on faith and works; there
is nothing that is confusing about it.
2912 N Chester Ave.
Bakersfield, CA 93308
.
Return to Table of Contents
"Through the years, I've noticed that people that I know, in our fellowship and out of our fellowship, sometimes migrate to one of two extremes. For example, many, many people go to the extreme that baptism is nice, even important, but it's not really necessary for one to come to Christ in obedience to the Gospel. ... That's one extreme. At the other extreme, I've encountered many people who think baptism is necessary because faith is not enough. Baptism is necessary because faith is not enough. In fact, I've heard that stated before. And this group refers to many New Testament passages that link baptism to a saving moment -- the washing away of sin. So many come to the conclusion, well, God did his part in salvation back on calvary and now its up to do your part. And, these folks tend to talk about salvation as a matter of steps, you step your way to salvation. And the idea is God works, now you work, and you come together and you get it done. Now let me say, both of those groups are trying to stress something important. But I believe both those notions, as I have just described them, are wrong. ... The important thing is to say what does the Bible say about baptism." (Steve Flatt, The Necessity of Baptism, We Believe Seminar, 1998, Granny White Church of Christ, Nashville, Tenn.) |
Brother Flatt went on to say many good
things in his lesson about both faith and works. And, he certainly
is right when he says "the important thing is to say what does the
Bible say about baptism." However, I want to examine what he calls
an extreme and wrong position; i.e., that it is up to man to do his
part in salvation and that there are steps to salvation.
Is it an extreme position to teach that God has a
part in salvation and that man has a part in salvation? Is it
wrong to speak of man's obedience to the Gospel as steps he must
take? Isn't faith a step toward salvation (Mark 16:16)?
Isn't repentance a step toward salvation (Luke 13:3)?
Isn't confession a step toward salvation (Matt. 10:32;
Rom. 10:10)? Isn't baptism a step in being saved (Mark
16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16)? Brethren, if the Bible teaches anything
it teaches that man has a part in his own salvation. He is not an
arbitrary object that has nothing to do with his own salvation.
Each act (work) of faith is a step, if you please, toward
salvation. Each step (act) puts one closer to salvation than he
was before.
God has done his part so completely that there
remains nothing more God can do to save man. God is true to his
nature and promises. He cannot lie (Titus 1:2). He has promised
to save those who do His will and He has promised to punish those
who do not obey his will. There is nothing more God can do in
saving man than what he has already done. What remains now is
man's response, man's part if you will. Brethren, man having a
part in his own salvation is not an extreme position and is not
contrary to the Scriptures.
The thousands on Pentecost were exhorted to
save themselves (Acts 2:40). Did Peter forget to tell them
there was nothing they could do to be saved? Did they not
understand it is an extreme position to think they played a part in
their own salvation? The text says, "then they that gladly
received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added
unto them about three thousand souls" (Acts 2:41). Did they
have a part in their own salvation? Yes. Would or could they have
been saved without their participation -- without doing their part?
Absolutely not.
Those to whom the apostle Peter wrote in his first
epistle were told: "Seeing ye have purified your souls in
obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of
the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart
fervently" (1 Peter 1:22). By doing our part, what God
requires us to do, we purify our souls. Would
our souls be purified without us doing that which we are commanded
by God to do? No. Man has his part to do in being saved.
"Take heed unto thyself, and unto the
doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both
save thyself, and them that hear thee" (1 Tim. 4:16).
How was it that Timothy could save himself and contribute to the
salvation of others? It was by doing his part -- by taking heed to
the Lord's doctrine/teaching, obeying it and teaching it to others
for them to obey. We have a part in our own salvation when we do
what God has commanded.
"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to
you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your
hearts, ye double minded" (James 4:8). If man does not
have a part in salvation, then why is he commanded to cleanse his
own hands and purify his own heart? If it's all God's part, then
it's God's fault if anyone is lost! But it's not God's fault if
anyone is lost (Rom. 5:8). The very fact that God commands men to
do anything is evidence and proof that man has a part to play in
his own salvation.
Those who are saved are those who obey God's Will.
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter
into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my
Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 7:21). The Lord is
the author of eternal salvation to them that obey Him
(Heb. 5:9). The Lord will take vengeance on them who do not
obey (2 Thess. 1:7-9; cf. 1 Peter 4:17). Does man therefore
have a part in his salvation?
When we do that which God has commanded, have we
earned salvation? No. Will one be saved without obeying? No.
None-the-less, God requires man to do his part in accomplishing
salvation. If there is anything man must do to be saved, then that
is the part man must do. Without that part being supplied, there
is no salvation. By obeying God's Word, we do not supply that
which God lacks, wherein God comes up short. It is simply the case
that God predetermined (predestined) to allow man to make his own
choice in his own salvation. God does not and will not force
salvation upon anyone. He leaves that final decision with each
individual. Therefore, man must do that part which God has left in
man's own hands: faith (Heb. 11:6), repentance
(Acts 17:30), confession (Rom. 10:9-10), baptism
(Acts 2:38) and continued faithfulness (1 Cor. 15:58).
These acts (works) are done in faith. Without these works, faith
is dead, vain, barren (James 2:24). Without man doing his part in
both faith and works, he cannot be saved. But remember, these are
not works designed by man, they are God ordained works and when we
do them in faith, they definitely play a part (man's part) in
salvation.
.
Return to Table of Contents
An interesting quote was printed within the very
colorful, glossy booklet from ACU (Abilene Christian
University) advertising their 81st annual lectures. Before I
consider the quote, let us examine a few things from the opening
"welcome" comments made by Royce Money (President).
He tells us that we will be welcome to this "period
of spiritual renewal." He assures us that through the efforts of
the invited speakers, we shall be uplifted and rejuvenated to "new
levels of faith and commitment to His service." Now, I have never
been to ACU, nor have I been to Corinth. But I can read and learn
what sort of things to expect when one travels to such places.
Anyone who contends that their spirits will be "renewed" or that
they will reach a new level of "faith and commitment" is one who
does not understand what the Bible teaches regarding these
subjects. One cannot "grow in grace and knowledge" (2
Peter 3:18) while being fed a diet of post-modern poppy-cock,
neo-Pentecostal paddy-cake, nor ecumenical enfamil (baby formula).
Such comments are insulting to those who have studied their way out
of denominationalism, and it is amazing to believe that there are
"Christians" who will go to such an event called the ACU lectures
and think they are being edified in the most holy faith (Jude 20).
The quote: "The ACU Lectures are one of the few
forums left in the Churches of Christ where one can be exposed to
a variety of viewpoints, all of which are presented with an
attitude of love and respect for the brotherhood as a whole." This
is credited to Mark Smith, a member/preacher/associate (I know not
which, rwh) of Vaughn Park Church of Christ, Montgomery, Alabama.
I do not know Mr. Smith, nor do I know of Vaughn Park Church of
Christ, but when such "praise" is spoken for such as ACU in her
departure from the faith, I immediately suspect ignorance on
someone's part. Perhaps it is mine. Let us examine this quote.
First, there seems to be a lamentation expressed
in the opening line. To paraphrase, I would interpret this man
saying, "Alas and what a shame that such open-minded freedom to
castigate the doctrine of Christ, and to lambast the church of our
Lord is too soon being limited to such a few opportunities like
those at ACU." This is like lamenting the fact that the chances of
contracting polio are sorely reduced.
Second, he seems to actually be lauding the fact
that at ACU one can be exposed to all kinds of thinking. Now wait
a minute. This is ACU. Abilene Christian University.
Christian, Christian, now let me think. Where have I heard this
title? Oh yes, the Bible. What does that word Christian
mean again? Is it really a good thing that
Christians can be "exposed" (subjected) to all kinds of poisonous
doctrines and thinking of men? Did not Mr Dollar, er...Money, say
that we would be spiritually renewed? That we would be carried to
new levels of faith? Whence cometh faith (Rom. 10:17)? What
happens when God's people "give heed to seducing spirits and
doctrines of demons" (1 Tim. 4:1-2; 2 Tim. 4:3-4)? What did
Paul recommend to the saints at Corinth? Read it: "Now I
beseech you, brethren, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that ye all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions
among you; but that ye be perfected together in the same mind and
in the same judgment" (1 Cor. 1:10). Where does "a variety
of viewpoints" fit in here?
Now, lest the reader conclude that I am against
open-mindedness and consideration of other doctrines, I am not. I
believe it is very beneficial to study denominational doctrines and
false philosophies so that we know how to combat and destroy them
with "thus saith the Lord." Is that what Mr. Smith is
advocating that takes place at ACU? Is there anyone that ignorant
and misinformed?
This quote by Mr. Smith contradicts what Mr. Money
stated. On the one hand we have one saying that we "will explore
the very nature and true depth of God's plan" (Money), and on the
other we can be "exposed to a variety of viewpoints" (Smith).
Which shall it be: God's plan, or a variety of viewpoints? Which
do the attendees at ACU desire? What shall they receive?
Actually, "God's plan" or what passes for it, will be but a small
part of the wide variety that shall be, and has been offered for
some years at ACU. This is good? Mr. Smith seems to think so.
Sad.
Our title: I deny that these "viewpoints" are
offered "with an attitude of love and respect for the brotherhood."
Peter said, "Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God.
Honor the king" (1 Peter 2:17). To offer the doctrines of
men and pass it off as something from God is not loving the
brotherhood, neither is it an action of love, but of destructive
irresponsibility! What a shame that so many will continue to be
duped by so few there at ACU.
211 N 5th St.
Marlow, OK 73055
.
Return to Table of Contents
[Editor's note: The front page article, "A Disturbing Conversation," in our October issue concerned Youth In Action (YIA) sponsored by the University Church of Christ in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Under pressure from the exposure of their evil deeds by faithful brethren, they issued a letter concerning this year's upcoming program. It is printed below along with an examination of it by O. B. Porterfield and Todd Clippard.]
Youth in Action has been a ministry of the
University Church of Christ in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, for twenty
seven years. The sole purpose of this event is to aid in the
spiritual growth and development of any and all teenagers as they
seek our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. We have and will continue
to use any and all methods necessary to achieve this, as long as
they are Biblically based. We seek to have the most challenging and
convicting speakers, the most powerful worship, and teachers who
help make it personal for each and every student. This is a Youth
Rally. It is about teenagers. It is about growth. It is about
changing the lives of teens and pointing them toward the Father. We
teach baptism, we teach grace, we teach love, we teach service, we
teach a changed life of discipleship, but most of all we teach
Jesus.
|
Now, consider the following...
They invited a Baptist preacher to be a speaker at
Youth In Action and one of the "ministers" at the
University Church of Christ says, "I don't know what he teaches in
regard to the plan of salvation." Smith remarks, "...many of his
views have been misrepresented." The man is a Baptist preacher. It
doesn't matter that Campolo's views may have been misrepresented.
We know what the Baptists teach with regard to salvation and that
they are in error. Does that sound like the youth who would attend
this event are in good hands?
Notice that Smith says that Campolo's invitation
was rescinded because the "...controversy has spiraled out of
control..." not because he was a Baptist preacher and didn't have
anything to offer for Christian growth. The University Church just
got their hands caught in the cookie jar and this was their only
way out.
Smith says, "The sole purpose of this event is to
aid in the spiritual growth and development of any and all
teenagers as they seek our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ."
That's not possible with the lineup of false teachers they had and
still have on the program. They are planning to treat our
young people to the likes of Buddy Bell, Jeff Walling and
Acapella. How sad to think that there are some in the
church who would intentionally pollute the spiritual well-being of
our youth.
It seems odd that the University Church would
cancel a Baptist preacher and keep Buddy Bell on their program.
Buddy is quoted as saying that he intended to fellowship the
Baptist Church when he could. What's the difference?
Faithful Christians and congregations can't and
won't support Youth In Action. Kindly warn
others.
--O. B. Porterfield
Seibles Road Church of Christ bulletin
541 Seibles Rd.
Montgomery, AL 36116
October 18, 1998
Campolo's Invitation
In a letter dated September 23, 1998, the
University Church of Christ in Tuscaloosa, Alabama announced
it had withdrawn Tony Campolo's invitation to speak at
Youth in Action. The letter was written and signed by
Craig Smith, the Youth Minister at University and the organizer of
Youth in Action. Also, the names of the University elders are at
the bottom of the letter. The reason for this action is given as
follows: "A lot of controversy has arisen around one of our invited
speakers for this year. Mr. Tony Campolo has been featured by the
national news media and many of his views have been misrepresented.
This controversy has spiraled out of control and therefore, we have
decided to rescind his invitation to speak at Youth in Action this
year." In fairness to Mr. Campolo, the national media did
misrepresent at least one of his views. Following Campolo's hiring
by President Clinton as a "spiritual advisor," the media called
Campolo (to paraphrase) "a liberal Baptist who does not view
homosexuality as incompatible with living the Christian life."
While Campolo IS a liberal Baptist, he does NOT believe the
practice of homosexuality is compatible with living the Christian
life. He made this clear in March of this year in a speech before
a group of United Methodists. (Incidentally, it is Peggy Campolo,
Tony's wife, who attempts to defend the practice of homosexuality.)
This is the ONLY reason given for rescinding Campolo's invitation
to speak.
Noticeably absent from the letter is any admission
of wrong-doing by brother Smith or the University eldership. Like
in the original promotion, no mention is made of the fact that Tony
Campolo is not a member of the Lord's church. There was, however,
this defiant and unrepentant statement in the opening paragraph:
"The sole purpose of this event is to aid in the spiritual growth
and development of any and all teenagers as they seek our Lord and
Savior, Jesus Christ. We have and will continue to use any and all
methods necessary to achieve this, as long as they are Biblically
based."
According to University, inviting a Baptist
preacher to address hundreds of young Christians is a biblically
based mode of operation. I beg to differ. Since Mr. Campolo is not
a Christian, he will not bring the doctrine of Christ to
Youth in Action. Hear the Word of God as given by John,
"Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ
does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both
the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring
this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him;
for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds" (2 John 9-11,
NKJV). Hear the Word of God as given by Paul, "have no fellowship
with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them"
(Eph. 5:11).
One may do what is right for the wrong reasons and
without repentance. From the content of this letter, I am inclined
to believe University will continue to believe and teach unbiblical
doctrines regarding salvation and fellowship. In so doing, they
"trample the Son of God underfoot, count the blood of the covenant
by which they were sanctified a common thing, and insult the Spirit
of grace" (Heb. 10:29).
Todd Clippard
10655 US HWY 278
Hamilton, AL 35570
toddrow@sonet.net
.
Return to Table of Contents
In 1996, the elders, where we were attending in
Durham, North Carolina, endorsed the "Unity in Diversity" movement
that has destroyed many churches of Christ. Because of these men's
false teachings, a remnant of God's people established a faithful
congregation in Durham. In September '97, I wrote an article for
Seek The Old Paths entitled, "Times Change, People
Change, But The Lord's Church Will Never Change!" That
article outlined the events that lead to the establishment of "The
Durham Church of Christ." The purpose of that article was written
for members of the Lord's church to see how the false teachings of
"Unity in Diversity" move into a congregation. This present
article is being written one year later to show how a faithful
group of Christians overcame that evil by "Seeking the Old Paths."
On the first Sunday of '97, a meeting was held with
the elders to determine exactly where they stood on several
doctrinal issues: baptism, Lord's supper, women's role, etc. That
meeting convinced us that we had no choice but to leave the people
we had worshipped with for years. We were in shock! What do we
do? Where do we go? What do we do next? Starting a new work
seemed ominous and the nearest faithful congregation we knew of was
30 miles away.
On the second Sunday of January '97, the Durham
Church of Christ opened its doors with 23 faithful Christians.
During our first three months, we met in one of our member's home.
We then rented a small house that would accommodate 40 people, but
by June of '97, we were popping at the seams with 40 to 50 people
every Sunday. We were growing!
We had to find something larger! We searched every
street and alley in Durham trying to find a place where 60 to 70
people could meet to worship God. We checked with schools, hotels,
and civic groups, but nothing could be found that met our needs.
Then in August of '97, we got a call from our realtor that she had
just listed an "old" church building that would seat 100 people.
Calls were made to every member to let them know about the "old"
building. Two hours later, almost every member arrived at the
"old" building with hope and dreams in their eyes. After a short
evaluation of the "old" building, we bought it the next day for the
asking price. Now I want to make one thing clear. I don't believe
in miracles, but I do believe in the providence of God. The Lord
provided us with an "old" building that needed a lot of love, and
we were a people that had a lot of love to give. Was this a
miracle? No! Was it the providence of God? We believe it was!
Through God's word and through prayer all things can be
accomplished (Phil. 4:6-7,13). The location was perfect, the
neighborhood was great, and we were growing!
October '97 was spent remodeling the auditorium,
two classrooms, and the bathrooms. Our first service was held in
our beautiful "new" remodeled building the first Sunday of November
'97. The singing was great, the prayers were wonderful, and the
sermon I preached that Sunday morning wasn't half-bad either.
There wasn't a dry eye in the house on that glorious day the Lord
had made (Psalm 118:24). We were growing!
The pace and fervor to serve the Lord never slowed
down. The very next weekend we held our first gospel meeting.
Four sound gospel preachers from the area volunteered to hold a
meeting for us on "The Authority of God's Word." The elders at our
former congregation had distilled God's authority by proclaiming
the New Hermeneutics and teachings from material such as,
"Wineskins" and "The Second Incarnation" by Shelly
and Harris. We had to get back to the basics!!! Souls were at
stake!!!
Remodeling continued through the end of the year,
but that was not all that was happening. Members were doing works
they had never done before. Men were preaching, teaching, leading
prayer, directing songs, and developing talents as God had
intended. Women were teaching children's classes, conducting
ladies Bible studies, working in the building, and providing
support wherever needed. We were spiritually alive again and God
was adding precious souls to the church daily. We were growing!
From January '98 until present, everything has been
a blur. We have grown in membership from 45 to 75 members,
appointed elders, conducted our first vacation Bible school, held
our second and third gospel meetings, and baptized 6 precious souls
into Christ. Also, we are helping a sister congregation by filling
the pulpit every Sunday, conducting Bible studies with six
non-Christians, and we just called the realtor to ask her to start
looking for a larger church building. We are growing!
If you have missed the point of this article, here
it is, "Don't sit in self-pity, worrying about what the liberals
are doing. Get off the couch, roll up your sleeves and put your
faith to work." There are precious souls in this world that are
seeking the truth! Paul tells us, "How shall they call on him
in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him
of whom they have not heard" (Rom. 10:14)? Brothers and
Sisters, if we don't take the Gospel to the world, we are going to
lose our souls and many others will as well (Mark 16:15-16).
You are not alone in this battle! There has always
been a remnant of God's people who will fight for the truth; and,
there always will be (Rom. 11:5). One reason why it appears we are
losing ground to the liberal element in the church is because we
are allowing it to happen. I have been asked on numerous occasions
why the Durham Church of Christ has grown so rapidly since its
conception. The answer is simple. Jesus said, "love the Lord
thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy
mind" (Matt. 28:29). You cannot love the Lord with all your
heart, all your soul, and all your mind, and then watch the church
be destroyed. It is time for all of us to put our faith into
action and stop whining (James 2:20)!
How are we putting our faith into action? We are following the instructions given to all of us over 1900 years ago!
REMEMBER, People Change, Times Change, But The Lord's
Church Will Never Change. If we let "change agents" go
unchallenged, the devil wins. Is that what we want?
Oh, by the way, we had 86 in attendance last
Sunday! We are growing!
Elder of the Durham Church of Christ
722 Duluth St.
Durham, NC 27705
Return to Table of Contents
|
|
Seek The Old Paths $5 (includes postage) Make check payable to Old Paths Publishing 304 Ripley St. Corinth, MS 38834 The 1996 Volume is still available The 1995 Volume has been sold out |
 1998 -- The
HOME, $6.50
1997 -- The Church At Colosse, $5 1996 -- The Seven Churches of Asia, $5 1995 -- The Church at Corinth, $4 1994 -- Immorality, $3.50 (sold out) 1990 -- New Testament Questions, $3 1989 -- Old Testament Questions, $2 Preparing For The Eldership, $2 The Race That Is Set Before Us, $8 -- 1996 Garfield Heights Lectureship Book
FAITH, $8.00 -- The 1997 Garfield Heights Lectureship Book
"Messianic Prophecies & Their Fulfillment," 24 sermon outlines,
118 pages, $3.50
2-3 books, $2.25 For each additional book, add 50 cents. All books are sold by Old Paths Publishing, not the church. Send order to: Old Paths Publishing 304 Ripley St. Corinth, MS 38834 |
This page has been turned to
