By Vance E. Trefethen The Problem Grows: When elders privately decide all matters of collective and individual judgment for others (2A, 6 19), the plane has landed in Boston. We’re told elders may decide whether a member needs circumcision (1st Debate, 2N, 67). If the saint disagrees, they cite Hebrews 13:17 and decide for him (2 …
Continue reading “Roberts Trefethen Debate on the Role of the Elders: Second Negative”
By Tom Roberts My first affirmative showed that the definitions of scriptural terms (bishops, elders, etc.) permitted elders to “exercise the oversight” (1 Pet. 5:3), thereby empowering them to make private decisions on behalf of the congregation. Now we will prove in a Scripture study that elders actually did make decisions “before and without” calling together …
Continue reading “Roberts-Trefethen Debate On the Role of Elders: Second Affirmative”
By Tom M. Roberts Proposition: “Resolved: The Scriptures teach that the elders of a local church are authorized to assemble privately to make decisions in matters of judgment for the local church before and without calling together the whole congregation.” Definitions: “The Scriptures,” the 66 books of the Bible. “Teach,” instruct by commands, approved examples or …
Continue reading “Roberts-Trefethen Debate On the Role of Elders: First Affirmative”
By Don Wright Sin is repulsive. It was sin that made it necessary for God to go to extreme measures to redeem mankind. God sent his Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to condemn sin in the flesh (Rom. 8:3). The conquering of sin, however, required more than the manifestation of God’s Son in the …
