Truth Magazine

By Roy E. Cogdill

One of the very evident indications of a sectarian attitude and a movement upon the part of liberal churches of Christ today toward denominationalism is a change of message or emphasis in preaching. This is evident as the changes in organization and methods that we have been writing about. All of it is very definite evidence of a difference in attitude toward the Word of God.

The difference in the preaching that is heard now and that of just a few years ago is evident in the fact that there is very little actual preaching of the Bible. Fundamental doctrines have been laid aside. Denominational error is no longer condemned. Religious bodies are rarely ever criticized for what they do or say and even when they are, the name and identity must not be made known. The plain, positive preaching of a distinctive New Testament message is rapidly becoming a thing of the past. Unity upon the basis of love, toward fellowship, that will allow anything but opposition to what we want to do is the order of the day. Nice, eloquent speeches full of “sweet little nothings” that will emotionally stir up the people and bring responses to the invitation are the demand. “Hell Fire and Damnation” preaching is out of order, for so many do not believe in it any longer. Just a very few of the “ancient landmarks” are adhered to in the preaching that is being done now. How long has it been, my brother, since you heard the preacher to whom you listen, condemn the popular sins of the day: dancing, drinking, gambling, etc.? How long has it been since you heard your preacher condemn denominational and sectarian organizations? How long since you heard the sectarian methods of money raising condemned by the teaching of the Word of God? Liberal preachers today are giving only lip service, and sometimes not too much of that, to such fundamental themes as “one faith, one baptism, and one body.” Such themes as “Divine Authority” are forgotten. Instead we are being told on every hand that we need no authority! The undenominational character of the church is no longer emphasized and the old slogans, scriptural in principle whether in word or not, are no longer pressed upon the attention and consciences of the people of God: “We speak where the Bible speaks and we are silent where the Bible is silent;” “We call Bible things by Bible names and do Bible things in Bible ways.” Of course, if we are not going to practice them, we should quit preaching them!

In the slackening of opposition to denominational doctrines, organizations, and to the very spirit and core of sectarian religion, there is very strong evidence of our drift toward this same end. Protistan denominationalism is impotent in its opposition to Roman Catholicism today and has been all along because its heritage is largely Catholic in origin. There are too many of the “relics of Rome” in all of the protestant bodies for them to militantly and successfully oppose Catholicism. They are non-protestant. Even so many of the preachers and congregations among the, so-called, “churches of Christ” today are disarmed before they start opposing denominational error, because they have adopted too many of the things that originate therein.

Very few of the denominational bodies around us are giving any more emphasis to “social gospel” preaching and activity than many of the brethren. A few years ago, preachers like Foy E. Wallace, Jr., were crying out from one end of this country tip the other against the demand for a “new and social gospel.” In clear and ringing tones that still resound in the hearts of many of us who were inspired by him and others then, all error in and out of the church was condemned and the “perversion” of the Gospel of Christ into a “Social Gospel” was anathematized with all of the power and eloquence of the prophets of old when they cried out against the departures and unfaithfulness of Israel in the long ago. What a pitiful spectacle he is now, as he becomes the agent and tool of the liberal element among the churches and condones and endorses and seeks to build up that which he once destroyed. A recent paper from a “benevolent society,” called an “Old Folks Home,” stated that he had investigated its organization and its operation and endorsed it in every detail and that they were free to use his name and influence for their promotions in whatever way tyey wished. Now whatever name and influence he may have among brethren today will not mean much to those who remember him in days gone by. A sell-out is too evident! Will he try to defend and justify such a change in attitude by the Word of God? No, he, along with the rest, knows that there is no scriptural justification for such a change in attitude toward God’s Word. With faces set toward Rome, they march on and choose to ignore those along the way who cry out against their unfaithfulness and their unbelief and warn them that “men-pleasers cannot be servants of Christ.” Those who once rose up to defend what they preached and practiced, choose to withdraw from the field of battle and try to make themselves secure in the valley of compromise. They may fatten for awhile but eventually the “anathemas” of the Lord, which once they sounded out, will sweep them out of their “refuge of lies” and leave their pitiful plight exposed to God’s righteous judgment. We find no delight in their condemnation, but grief. We would save them if we could, and we still love them, but when bitter resentment is the only response to every appeal that can be made, there is nought left to do but grieve and pray that they may see the error of their way.

Sometimes we have indications that some of our readers think that we have gone off on some tangent and are beside ourselves when we constantly call the attention of brethren to the “degressive” departures being made by liberal brethren all over the land. Many of the things being done are so far out in “right field” that even liberals themselves cannot believe it. Such projects as “Cows For Korea,” “World-Wide Radio,” “World’s Fair Evangelism,” “Campaigns For Christ,” and many, many more that could be listed are but impressive evidence of what have been writing about: “Denominationalizing The Church.” A dozen different kinds of missionary societies, as well as benevolent and educational societies, some of them under a single eldership-but missionary societies none the less-and some of them even set up as separate organizations, whose very existence is designed to do the work that the Lord committed to His organization, the church, make the departures of so many professed “churches of Christ” very real even though they may to many sound unbelievable. Many of the “middle-of-the-roaders” would be completely astounded by a list of such projects and organizations, but they need to be, so they can see what they have committed themselves to; and committed themselves they have, for there is no “halfway” ground. The attitude of “liberalism” is a package deal-if one is right they are all right. To try to find little things to object to and eliminate about the whole program is to “strain out the gnat and swallow a camel.”

Truth Magazine XIX: 56, pp. 888-889
December 11, 1975

By Don R. Hastings

Some members of our Lord’s church remark, “I find the services of the church to be dull and boring.” “I just can’t get interested in church services.” Well, it is not surprising. It reminds me of a little quote I have seen in several bulletins that have crossed my desk. The little phrase goes something like this, “Interest in the worship services is like interest at a bank. The more you put in the more the interest grows.”

People enjoy what they have been trained to appreciate. The musician enjoys a concert. The artist enjoys art. The spiritually-minded enjoys offering up spiritual worship, which is in “spirit and truth” (Ps. 122:1). However, the worldly-minded finds spiritual food to be unappetizing and the worship of God to be a waste of time. We can develop an appetite for the spiritual or carnal. Which shall it be? Will you become interested, or indifferent, to the Lord’s work?

Indifference Is Manifested: In Our Worship

Indifference can be seen in those who forsake their assembling together with the saints (Heb. 10:25). Many think it is important to attend civic meetings, sales meetings, union meetings, etc., but not a meeting called for the purpose of glorifying God. When such meetings, or vacation time, conflict with the Lord’s meeting, many will forsake the Lord and attend worldly gatherings, or attend to worldly matters (Mt. 6:33). What is the cause of this sin? Indifference!

Indifference is seen in those who do assemble with the saints. Our worship is in vain when our heart is not in it (Mt. 15:8). What is wrong with those who do not have their minds on the words of the song, prayer, and lesson being proclaimed? What is wrong with those who do not have their thoughts on the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ as they partake of His supper? Indifference!

Indifference Is Manifested: In Our Teaching

Many seem to be unconcerned that multitudes are dying in sin because they are ignorant of the Gospel (Mk. 16:15; Ac. 20:20). With every tick of the clock, it is estimated that 8 to 10 people depart this life and most of these are not prepared for the judgment. We talk with our acquaintances about everything except the Savior of men and the church for which He died. “Are you sowing the seed of the kingdom, brother?” How many have tried to arrange a Bible study in your home with friends and neighbors? How often do you try to teach the precious Word (Phi. 2:14-16)? How often do you pray for wisdom to help you do so?

Many are just plain indifferent about teaching, both publicly and privately, those who have already become children of God (Heb. 5:12-14). As a personal observation, I have found it difficult to persuade others to teach the Scriptures. Have you turned down the opportunity to teach a Bible class? Do you try to correct some brother or~sister who has turned aside from the Truth (Jas. 5:19,20)?

Indifference Is Manifested: On The Part Of Some To Know The Truth (John 8:32)

How many just fail to study (1 Tim. 3:15)? How many refuse to study the false doctrines which are troubling and dividing the Lord’s church? This failure will lead to a departure from the Truth.

Indifference Is Manifested: By Our Conformity To The World

How many are willing to be different from this world in order to please Christ? How many of us have the spiritual courage to stand alone, if we must, to uphold the principles Jesus taught (Rom. 12:2; 13:11-14; 1 Jn. 2:15)? We may be conforming to the world in our thoughts, language, actions, habits, dress, etc.

Indifference Is Manifested: By Our Failure To Actively Support A Work Of The Church

Do we support verbally, and with our presence: gospel meetings; ladies Bible class; men’s training class; visitation programs; etc? Or do we say, “Well, there is no need in having them because only a few will atend.” Or, “It won’t do any good.”

The Cure For Indifference

1. Regular assembling, accompanied by daily Bible study and prayer (Acts 2:42).

2. Working steadfastly in the Master’s service (1 Cor. 15:58; Tit. 3:1; Eph. 2:10; Jas. 2:24).

3. Associating with those who are “zealous of good works” (Phil. 3:17).

4. Strong preaching (2 Tim. 4:2; Ac. 20:26,27; Gal. 6:1).

5. Disciplining the indifferent (2 Thess. 3:6). We may fail by not withdrawing from the “disorderly,” but the Lord will not fail to remove His fellowship from the indifferent (Rev. 2:5, 3:16).

The indifferent do not feel that they are opposing the Lord, but they are! “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth” (Mt. 12:30, ASV). How can we be indifferent to the Lord when we consider: He is our Creator; His great love for us; and, that the salvation of our soul, and that of others, depends upon our diligent service to Him? Are we fervent or indifferent in our service to the Lord (Rom. 12:11; Col. 3:23,24)?

Truth Magazine XIX: 56, pp. 887-888
December 11, 1975

By Dennis L. Shaver

Funk and Wagnall’s Standard Dictionary defines contentment as “1. The condition or fact of being content; satisfaction.” All men seek contentment. Every creature of God desires to be content, or satisfied, in the physical realm. Men seek contentment in their jobs, marriages, family relations, standard of living, etc. However, many fail to realize that at best this offers only temporary contentment. Many never really find the contentment they are looking for. They spend their life in search of satisfaction, but it is never theirs to grasp. The reason for this failure is simple. Men look for contentment in material things and possessions. Most of mankind never understands nor enjoys contentment, satisfaction, or peace of mind. Only when men seek after godliness and God’s will can they find real contentment.

The apostle Paul said: “Not that I speak in respect of want, for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Phil. 4:11-13). The teaching of Paul in this passage cannot be grasped by everyone. The contentment in Paul’s life did not rely on his physical conditions. Whether he was in need, or his needs were supplied, he was still content. As he stated to the Corinthians: ” . . . but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day” (2 Cor. 4:16). Far too many rely upon the things of this life for their contentment. When everything is going their way, they feel content. During this time they feel satisfied. But, let something happen which upsets them, and they are no longer content. Why? Because they were not really content in the first place. We are all happy (I hesitate to use the word content) when our bills are all paid, and we have a couple of dollars in a savings account. How happy are we when something unexpected happens? What happens to us when our financial situation takes a turn for the worse?

Again we look to the apostle Paul that we may learn how a man can be content, no matter what his physical state. Paul said that whatsoever his state he had learned to be content. It was not something that was born within him, but something he learned. How does one learn contentment? Again we beg you hear the teaching of the apostle Paul. “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content” (1 Tim. 6:6-8). Paul had just been talking about some who felt that physical gain was godliness. However he instructed the young Timothy that this was not so.

Contentment is accompanied by godliness. Paul instructed us to be content with such things as we have. Food and clothing are enough. Let each man shun worldly contentment, and seek higher contentment; that which comes only from doing God’s will. Only Christians can hope for and attain true contentment. It is said that many of God’s children have not learned this teaching and therefore availed themselves . of this blessing in Christ. Every Christian should be content just knowing that he/she, is a Christian. As Paul said, he learned to be content. Let us determine to learn to be content just being a Christian. I would pray that no child of God would allow this physical life dictate his/her contentment. If this is the case, t$en we need to learn well the real contentment that comes from God.

As Job answered, “Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21). Yes, blessed be the name of the Lord, for no matter what may happen to me, I am a Christian!

Truth Magazine XIX: 56, pp. 886-887
December 11, 1975

By Jefferson David Tant

On July 23, a beloved brother and friend was called to his long awaited home. Lemuel Applegate would have been 84 years old in mid-August, and he and his good wife, Grace, were planning to come to Atlanta for his birthday, as had been their custom the past few years. But his spirit departed, and now we shall have to wait for that glad reunion until we shall all be gathered around that great white throne.

Two days later, it was this writer’s honor to speak at the funeral service in Chipley, Florida, honoring a request made by Brother Applegate some years ago. His earthly tabernacle was laid to rest beneath the bright skies in a country church-yard.

I know of none who better fit Christ’s words concerning the woman in Mark 14:8: “She hath done what she could.” I never knew the man when he and his wife were not working for the Lord. At 71, he called me to come and help establish a church in Vernon, Florida. When I arrived, he had erected a tent on the square, and we preached for nine days, leaving a band of six disciples meeting there, with L. L. Applegate preaching. In the ensuing year, he had secured an old house and had remodeled it into a meeting place.

At 75, they wrote to me offering to take two homeless girls into their own home. Around then they took an old lady whom no one else cared for, and kept her and loved her until she died. About three years ago we received a call from Panama City stating that Brother Applegate was near death-could we come? Imagine our surprise when we arrived at the motel owned by mutual friends, and we were told to wait there until the Applegates arrived! Sure enough, after a few minutes he came walking in, weakened, but very much alive. As we talked and visited, he was making plans for us to hold another tent meeting near his birthplace in far western Florida. In his 80’s, he went and worked with the church in Okeechobee, Florida. At the age of 80, when the Applegates were visiting our home in Atlanta, they walked through the Embry Hills neighborhood meeting people and passing out religious tracts.

He never wanted to quit, but of course death had the final say. “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow with them” (Rev. 14:13).

This humble servant of God is survived by his wife, Grace, by his two daughters, Virgie Duncan and Mary Ellen Vandermolen, by grandchildren, and by a great number of brethren and friends whose lives have been enriched by having known this kind and gentle man.

Truth Magazine XIX: 56, p. 886
December 11, 1975