Truth Magazine

By Larry Ray Haffley

(The following words were spoken by J. W. McGarvey to J.P. Sewell in 1902. We hope that these sad words will be of sobering benefit to all our readers. They are recorded in Biographical Sketches of Restoration Preachers, from a lecture by Sewell.)

“You are on the right road, and whatever you do dont let anybody persuade you that you can successfully combat error by fellowshipping it and going along with it. I have tried. I believed at the start that was the only way to do it. Ive never held membership in a congregation that uses instrumental music. I have, however, accepted invitations to preach without distinctions between churches that used it and churches that didnt. Ive gone along with their papers and magazines and things of that sort. During all these years I have taught the truth as the New Testament teaches it, to every young preacher who has passed through the College of the Bible. Yet, I do not know of more than six of those men who are preaching the truth today. It wont work.”

A brief comment on these words is in order. Brother McGarveys advice is something that is particularly pertinent at the moment. There are efforts being made in several quarters to attempt something in the way of greater association among those who are known as the Lords people only. It is a movement in which I have personally participated, and without regret. However, real candor demands that I note little over which to be encouraged that such efforts will be fruitful. It will be a pleasure for me to have opportunity to preach among brethren who have alienated themselves from us over mechanical instruments in worship, or institutions through which some churches are working, or centralized sponsorship by a church; I will be glad to speak to denominational churches – any! However, after such an opportunity it would not likely be thought, either by them or me, that I was making no distinctions between churches, going along with them, or fellowshipping their error! This is the crucial point we must never fail to grasp. We need not – yea, we dare not become isolationists in our practices or our attitudes. But, we dare not and cannot encourage them, or anyone, in error. The words of 2 John 9-11 are fittingly appropriate now. “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” Enough said.

TRUTH MAGAZINE, XVI: 50, p. 2
October 26, 1972

Ray Ferris

 

By Donald P. Ames

Larry Ray Haffley

Many times objections are raised to the fact Christ said, “The way is broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it.” (Matt. 7:13). These claim that such an attitude toward our fellow-man and the Bible is “narrow-minded,” and that actually all sincere people will be going to heaven. In spite of the statement of Christ in John 14:6, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes unto the Father but through me,” we are repeatedly told that there are many ways and it does not matter which we select-they are all going to the same place.

Still, the Bible does affirm that there is but “one faith” (Eph. 4: 6). Even the N.T. disciples were branded because of their conviction in the singular nature of the way of salvation. Note the following passages taken from the book of Acts: Paul went to Damascus to arrest and brings to trial all he found belonging to “the Way” (9:2). “The Way” was evil spoken, of by the multitude (19:9) and a disturbance was caused over “the Way” at Ephesus (19:23). Paul acknowledged he served God according to “THE Way” (24:14) and even Felix had knowledge of “the Way” (24:22).

Such a study hardly implies the Bible teaches many ways to salvation. Christ said, “The way is narrow that leads to life and few are those who find it” (Matt. 7:14). Would you rather trust the teaching of men in something as important as the salvation of your soul?

TRUTH MAGAZINE, XVI: 49, p. 13
October 19, 1972

By Mike Willis

Paul in Corinth

Larry Ray Haffley

When Paul arrived in Corinth, he had reached “the most advantageously located city in Greece” for his purpose of spreading the gospel throughout the world. Commerce drew men from all over the world, as also did the famous isthmian games.1 Archaeology has found several things in this city relative to the New Testament.

Luke said that Paul reasoned with the Jews in the synagogue for a while. That Jewish people were in large enough number to have a synagogue is amazing in so distant a place from Palestine. In excavations in 1898, a stone was uncovered which bore seven letters which, when restored, said “Synagogue of the Hebrews.” “The stone once formed the lintel of a door and bore an inscription in Greek letters . . . Other discoveries in the neighborhood indicate that this was a residence quarter of the city, and we learn from Acts 18:7 that the house of Titus Justus where apparently Paul organized the first church in Corinth, joined hard to the synagogue.” 2

Paul stayed in Corinth over a year. When Gallio became proconsul of Achaia, the Jews unsuccessfully tried to prosecute Paul before the judgment seat of this ruler. An inscription found at Delphi spoke of Gallio as proconsul of Achaia. 3 The inscription is dated 51-52 A.D., coinciding with Pauls period in Corinth. Even “his Judgment seat has been identified in the ruins of the ancient city…” 4

While at Corinth on his third journey, Paul wrote the letter to the church at Rome in which he said, “Erastus, the city-treasurer greets you.” 5 Earlier mention of a man named Erastus occurred in Acts 19:22 when Paul sent hi and Timothy ahead of him into Macedonia. Another reference to him in 2 Tim. 4:20 said, “Erastus remained in Corinth. . . .” “In the course of excavations at Corinth in 1929 Professor T. L. Shear found a pavement bearing the inscription . . . which in translation reads, Erastus, procurator and aedile, laid this pavement at his own expense. An article was later written in the Journal of Hellenic Studies by A. W. Woodward, who remarked, The evidence indicated that this pavement existed in the first century A.D. and it is most probable that the donor is identical with Erastus the friend of Paul who is mentioned in the Epistle to the Romans. . . . Most scholars today are agreed that there is no good reason why the man who prepared the pavement inscription should not be the same as Erastus the chamberlain.” 6

In the first letter which Paul sent back to the church at Corinth, he instructed them concerning their course of action in eating meats. He said, “Eat anything that is sold in the meat market, without asking questions for conscience sake.” 7 The meat market in Corinth has also been located. Cadbury says, “Almost the only Latin word used by Paul in his Greek letters is the macellum, or meat market at Corinth. This word also is now found in some Latin inscriptions dug up there. The excavators have uncovered now the Roman market itself.” 8

In the same epistle written back to the church at Corinth, Paul must certainly have had in mind the Isthmian games when he compared the fight of faith” to their athletic competition. Here is that passage:

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. And everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we are imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I buffet my body and make it my slave lest possibly, after I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.” 9

It takes just a slight stretch of ones imagination to conjecture that perhaps the young preacher Timothy might have been so impressed by the sight of these games that lie might have become interested in competing at some future date to such an extent that lie became so overly involved in his exercise program that Paul had to write:

“On the other hand discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily exercise is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” 10 Whatever the situation, it makes a good theory!

Footnotes

I . Oscar Broneer, “The Apostle Paul and the Isthmian Games,” The Biblical Archaeologist, Reader 2, ed. David Noel Freedman and Edward F. Campbell, Jr. (Garden City: Anchor Books, 1964), p. 395.

2. George A. Barton, Archaeology and the Bible (Philadelphia: American Sunday-School Union, 1946), p. 264.

3. R. K. Harrison, Archaeology of the New Testament (New York: Association Press, 1964), p. 43.

4. Henry J. Cadbury, The Book of Acts in History (New York: Harper and Brothers Publishers, 1955), p. 44.

5. Rom. 16:23.

6. James A. Thompson, The Bible and Archaeology (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1968), pp. 397-398.

7. 1 Cor. 10:25.

8. Op. Cit., Cadbury, p. 44.

9. 1 Cor. 9:24-27.

10. 1 Tim. 4:7.8.

TRUTH MAGAZINE, XVI: 49, pp. 8-9
October 19, 1972

By William B. Wright

Larry Ray Haffley

One of the real problems these days in churches of Christ, such as those in the upper Ohio Valley region, is persuading Christians to take a clear-cut stand against digression. I often hear people who feel something is wrong express themselves in private conversation as being opposed to some of what is being practiced, but to persuade them to move boldly against error is quite another thing. Among the comments I hear from dissatisfied brethren who have membership in middle-of-the-road/ liberal churches of Christ are these:

(1) “I dont agree with everything that is done, but I dont want to create division in the church.”

(2) “We dont support anything wrong, but we do use preachers that think church support of colleges and some other things are alright.”

(3) “I havent heard a real gospel sermon here since I dont know when, but my children have their roots down here so I cant leave.”

(4) “Im opposed to what they are doing, but you cant fight city hall.”

(5) “If they ever put a kitchen in the meeting house, Ill leave!”

And, on and on they go. “Resolute to be irresolute. All powerful to be impotent. Adamant for drift.” Trying to make their conscience believe they are against what they support with their presence and their gifts. They seem to be hoping, like Micawber in David Copperfield, that something will turn up.

How Long Will You “Hold Still” For It?

The question arises, how long should one “hold still” for things he believes to be wrong, hoping that something will turn up? How long should one “hold still” for weak preaching that will not profit in the matter of saving ones soul and in the process subject ones family to teaching that only deadens their spiritual senses? Is it really true that one can not fight city hall? These are truly serious and momentous questions!

To put the issue in bold relief, let us look at it this way. How long will you “hold still” if a mechanical instrument of music is installed and used in the worship? You answer, “I will leave immediately!” Fine. But suppose it is installed only for weddings and funerals … at first? Will you leave? Further suppose that about two years later it is used to accompany the congregation in practicing singing on Saturday night. Will you leave then? Then, say, eighteen months later, it is used during the regular Sunday morning service. Will you leave? Remember, you have had three and one-half years to get accustomed to it being there. The chances are very good that if you wont leave now and voice your opposition to doubtful practices, you wont leave after three and one-half years of being conditioned to the presence and use of a mechanical instrument of music inside the church building. (Let me ask an incidental question-incidental only as far as this essay is concerned. What precept, approved example, or necessary inference would authorize a church of Christ to provide a mechanical instrument of music for weddings and funerals?)

Conditioning Individuals to Accept Error

Lets try that same line of reasoning (the progressive conditioning of individuals in churches of Christ to accept innovations into the work and worship of congregations) on the college question. Suppose the first stage is simply to have a meeting in the church building concerning raising funds to support the college (but from private sources, not the church treasury). Then suppose, as the next stage, the elders select an individual to coordinate the fund raising, but just as a friendly gesture and not in their capacity as elders. Then suppose it is reported as the gift from the Blank church of Christ, but we really know it is only what individuals have done. But why worry; it is only an accidental mis-statement. We all know the facts about it-or do we? Then, after three and one-half years some gifted advocate of financial support of the college out of the church treasury (Batsell Barrett Baxter, for example) is permitted to address the church on this subject. The elders then “buy” his line of reasoning “hook, line, and sinker” and put David Lipscomb College in the congregational budget. Will you leave? Probably not if you are still hanging on in a church that now practices things you doubt to be right!

Be honest with yourself. Try any doubtful practice you wish. Visualize three or four years of conditioning and its effect on your powers of resistance. See what I mean! These things are not presented to us all at once. They are presented to us a little at a time, line upon line, precept upon precept, as we are taught the doctrines and commandments of men.

Why Cant You Fight City Hall?

Next, let us have a look at the idea, “You cant fight city hall.” Who says you cant? Dont you ask and expect people who are in other forms of religious error-such as churches practicing sprinkling, wearing the wrong name, and applying the title “reverend” to preachers — to come out from that connection? Then why cant you do the same thing? If the preacher and elders advocate the use of church funds to entertain and to maintain a fellowship hall (which is without Biblical authority), why cant you and why dont you come out from among them and be separate and touch not the unclean thing? (Read 2 Cor. 6:14-18) What is so different about error in a church of Christ as opposed to error in some other church? Isnt error, error? Does error receive sanctification because it is practiced under the name “church of Christ” by people who have been baptized (immersed) for the remission of sins? And did not Paul state: “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which be received of us.” (2 Thess. 3:6) If you alone wish to stand for truth and all the rest are disorderly, are you under any less obligation to withdraw yourself? By what scriptural principle must you bow to a majority in the wrong? Suppose the majority wanted to commit murder twice each week. Would you “hold still” for it because it was done under the name “church of Christ” by people who were baptized for the remission of sins and were in the majority?

When you go to the judgment bar of God, do you think it will be adequate to say to our Lord, “I didnt want to rock the boat”?, or, “I wasnt responsible because the elders did it”?, or, “What could I do about it?” The Bible I read tells us that just a profession of Christianity is not enough (Matt. 7:21-23), that we ought not to go beyond the things written (I Cor. 4:6), and when we speak, we are to speak as the oracles of God (I Pet. 4: 11).

But you may say, “Its hard to just get up and go.” It certainly is! I had to do it myself. But who said we would have a bed of roses in Christs church? Who said everything would be smooth? Have you ever read or heard of any group of Christians who were standing for truth as it is in Christ who did not encounter troubles and opposition?

“I Havent Made Up My Mind!”

You may say, “I havent quite made up my mind on these issues yet.” Really! Come now! You do not know about:

(1) Precept, approved example, and necessary inference as the basis for establishing scriptural authority?

(2) Church support of human institution being without scriptural approval?

(3) Fellowship halls and entertainment under church auspices being beyond the bounds of sensible scriptural interpretation?

(4) One large church handling the funds 01 2,000 churches to do a work not its own being an innovation into the work of Christs church?

On what basis in scripture (precept, approved example, or necessary inference) do you justify the use of church funds to support colleges, entertainment, etc., as many churches of Christ are doing? The answer is, you dont! These are doctrines and commandments of men. Let your preacher who contends that we are a bunch of legalistic “antis” sign some propositions and engage in honorable discussion of these issues before all interested hearers. The truth has nothing to fear from investigation, you know. Ask him to cease and desist from telling only one side of the story and deluding good people into believing we are binding our opinions on others. Thats fair, isnt it? We are willing to have anything we teach subjected to open public examination in the light of the scriptures. Are your elders and your preacher willing to do the same?

Then, Do Something About It!

“I dont agree,” you say, “with what is going on where I have membership”? Then, do something about it! Dont just sit there and wait for death, judgment, and Hell!

TRUTH MAGAZINE, XVI: 49, pp. 6-8
October 19, 1972