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 …
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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 …
By Vance E. Trefethen Introduction As before, my articles represent my own views and not those of any church, eldership, or other saints. Quotes from Tom’s material are italicized, as are Greek words. The Problem Many are stuck between the false choice that elders either privately decide all matters of judgment, or else they have no …
Continue reading “Roberts-Trefethen Debate On the Role of the Elders: First Negative”
