Sometimes the question is asked: "What difference does it make whether each congregation takes care of its own 'charge' in the work of relieving the destitute; or all of the churches do their work through a human organization built and maintained by them for this purpose?" The difference is exactly this: One is found in the New Testament and the other is not! (Acts 6:1-6)

Then sometimes brethren are heard to ask: "What difference does it make whether a church sends a preacher and supports the preacher by sending money to him: or sends the money to another church and lets that church support a preacher with it?" The difference, again, is exactly the same: One practice is found in the New Testament and the other is not! (Phil. 4:15-16)

"What difference does it make whether each church does its own work, by using its own resources, under the supervision of its own eldership: or pools its resources with another congregation or a group of congregations (as is the case with the Highland Church and Herald of Truth), as a means of cooperating in fulfilling their preaching mission?" The difference is exactly this: One is found in the New Testament and the other is not found there! (Phil. 4:15-16; 1:1).

"What difference does it make whether a church sends its contribution directly to a preacher or church; or through another church, acting as its agent?" The difference is exactly this: One is found in the New Testament and the other is not! (Phil. 4:15-16; Acts 11:27-30)

"Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son (2 Jn. 9). (Truth Magazine [10 Jan. 1974], p. 156)

Guardian of Truth XXXIV: 13, p. 388
July 5, 1990