Truth Magazine

By C. D. Plum

Continuity as used here simply means continuous. By the continuity of elders we simply mean God intended that “elders and their work” be continuous in the church, and not cease when the “miraculous gifts” in the church ceased, as some erroneously suppose.

When I was a young preacher 43 years ago, an old preacher at Paden City, W. Va. tried to take me under his wing and warm me with the false idea that the elders and their work were not intended for the church in this day. He did not even get to first base with me. He fooled a few, but this false teaching soon faded away.

I am told now about another preacher with whom I am not personally acquainted, who is singing this same wicked tune, and who is fooling a few who ought to know better. In this case, as in the case of the Paden City preacher, I do not remember the Scriptures they perverted in trying to prove elders are unscriptural since the special gifts ceased. Hence, in this article I am not attempting to answer their so-called arguments to uphold their false teaching, but I shall set forth some positive proof that it is the will of God that elders continue in the church. But, first let us notice that God authorized:

The Appointment of Elders

Acts 14:23. “And when they had ordained them elders in every church.”

Titus 1:5. “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee.”

Acts 20:28. “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy ‘Ghost has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood.”

Now let us take an additional step from this thought. Here it is: God not only authorized the appointment of elders but,

God Specified the Work of Elders

Acts 20:28. Elders were to “oversee” the flock (church).

1 Timothy 3:5. (“For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?”)

Hebrews 13:17. “Obey them that have the rule over you, etc.”

1 Peter 5:1-4. “The elders which are among you I exhort… feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall wear a crown of glory that fadeth not away.”

God Never Placed a Time Limit Upon the Work of Elders
As long as His Specified Work Is Here There Must Be Elders to do it Here

God’s word does not say elders are to oversee,” “rule,” “feed” till the special gifts cease. Who dares say he does? Who dares “pervert” this word to make it say what it does not? Such a one better read and heed Galatians 1: 6-9.

1. As long as there are “sheep” there must be shepherds. “And when the chief Shepherd (Christ) shall appear, ye (the little shepherds, elders) shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” (1 Peter 5:4.)

2. As long as sheep need food there must be someone to look after the feeding. Who does this? (1 Pet. 5:2.)

3. As long as there needs to be overseeing in the church, there needs to be overseers.

4. As long as there are wolves to destroy the flock (church), there needs to be elders (shepherds) to protect it. (Acts 20:28-32.)

5. As long as there are “gainsayers” there must be elders who are sound in the faith to resist them. (Tit. 1:5-11.)

SO!

The Lord still has sheep in this world, and these sheep still need shepherds (elders).

Men are still made elders “by the Holy Ghost,” when 1 Tim. 3 and Titus 1 are obeyed.

Neither Timothy nor Titus could lay hands on elders to impart the special, miraculous, spiritual gifts, yet they were to appoint elders. (Only apostles could do this.) Why was this so? Perhaps to save us from that false doctrine that elders are not today because they have no miraculous gifts. Neither Timothy nor Titus imparted anything to those they appointed as elders.

The “apostles,” “prophets,” “evangelists,” and “pastors” were not done away with the coming of the “unity” of the faith; just their miraculous powers ceased to be demonstrated “when that which is perfect (New Testament) is come.” (Eph. 4:11-16; 1 Cor. 13:810.)

Truth Magazine VI: 11, pp. 22-23
August 1962

By David Lawrence

It becomes apparent when we discuss religion with one who differs with us that we must have common agreement in one area before proceeding to the next. For instance, it is necessary that we concur on the existence of God before we can discuss the divinity of his Son. We must then agree upon the divinity of Christ before we can discuss the validity of his word, and we must agree upon the validity of the word before we can discuss its teachings. Without common ground it is impossible to have a basis for argumentation.

For instance, I could discuss the Bible with a Roman Catholic more easily than with a Unitarian. The Catholic usually believes that the scriptures are inspired and infallible. The Unitarian usually believes that the Holy Scriptures are of human origin.

The current problems plaguing the Lord’s church in recent years present just such a problem in communication. Brethren advocating church support of human institutions and “brotherhood elderships” are reluctant to discuss the matter from the word of God. The truth of the matter is that they cannot discuss the word of God with us, for they do not think of the scriptures as we do. We have two opposing attitudes toward the Bible.

It is difficult to determine whether the attitude was always present and resulted in the unscriptural practices, or whether the practices came first and brethren changed their attitudes and their preaching to fit the practices, which they refused to abandon when they found them not in harmony with the scriptures. I am of the persuasion that the two attitudes existed simultaneously for many years. One attitude resulted from sincere faith in God’s word as the all-sufficient guide to heaven. Such passages as I Peter 4:11, II Cor. 5:7, Col. 3:17, I Samuel 3:9-10, Acts 10:33 reveal what attitude God intends for us to possess. It is the attitude that seeks divine authorization for all beliefs and practices. It is the attitude that we must have a “thus saith the Lord” for what we do religiously.

The other attitude developed in recent years, even as it did in the nineteenth century, among many converts who were brought into the church and never taught the full truth, and among congregations where preaching was weak and worldliness strong. It is the attitude that “I’ll do what I want, what pleases me, and expect it to please God.” It is an attitude that provides that Bible examples are never binding, and man is free to act in areas where God has not specifically prohibited us. This attitude developed the missionary societies and instrumental music in the last century. It finally resulted in the Christian Church. Today it is developing the benevolent and edification societies, sponsoring churches, and other arrangements. If pursued, it can only lead to the establishment of a denomination. The end result of such an attitude, taken to its logical extremity, involves a complete apostasy from God. Witness the liberal element of the Christian Church. Mark the “progressive” brethren of today who will soon leave the Christian Church far behind.

Thus we have two fundamentally different attitudes. Until we regain common ground, which appears unlikely, there can never again be the old scriptural discussions and debates. We have tried to get them to prove that the building and maintaining of benevolent institutions on the part of churches is in harmony with the scriptures. But how can we discuss such a matter from the scriptural viewpoint with men who do not believe it necessary to have scriptural authority? They cannot see the reason in our arguments; we cannot see the reason in theirs. We operate from two separate premises. So long as we have different attitudes toward God’s word, agreement is impossible. And where there is no agreement, there can be no unity, for Amos truly said, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”

As to the solution of the problem, I certainly would not propose to offer one. It will surely be possible to find some of our brethren who basically desire to serve God and who do reverence his word sufficiently, who, when they are shown the error of their way, will abandon it and cleave to the truth. But I fear that in many cases we must admit that “Ephraim is joined to idols.” However, let us be diligent in teaching those who remain to develop the proper attitude toward the Bible, and make application of that attitude in practices. Let us do so now while we have the opportunity. Let us especially teach our young folks and recent converts. If we may all, as Paul commands, “be not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is,” then perhaps we can prevent a repetition of this unnecessary tragedy.

Truth Magazine VI: 12, pp. 10-11
September 1962

By Bill Fling

From Vancover, British Columbia, a church bulletin carried this announcement:

“It is requested that no equipment or furnishings such as typewriter, coffeemaker, etc. be taken from the building without permission from the building committee.”

The Lord’s church in many places is using some strange pieces of equipment. Of course the church has a legitimate need of communion trays, a meetinghouse, a place for teaching Bible classes, a baptistery and other things to carry out the commands of the Head of the church. These have been used for years by faithful churches.

Within the last few decades, however, some unusual pieces of chattel have been acquired by various churches. A church in San Francisco has ping pony tables; one in Long Beach has a gymnasium; and others have baseball bats. Several churches now have recreation rooms (sometimes called “fellowship halls”) with coffeemakers, double-door refrigerators, restaurant-type gas ranges, and drawers of silverware.

My question is, What command of the Lord do these things contribute to? What authority do churches have with these things and the activities they represent7 As an individual Christian, I can serve coffee to friends, play on a ball team, or buy a stove; because they come within the scope of my personal responsibility. But the church has no authority from Christ to do such things. Or is there a Bible command for congregational socials, “entertaining yourselves in pies, punch and playful songs?” Did Paul write, “when ye come together to take tea, tell tales’ and joke jestingly?” Did Jude say to “earnestly root for the church ball team?”

What church in the New Testament had a “chariot racing team” or “playtime schedule for persecuted saints?” Did Jerusalem have a “Fun, Fellowship and Frolic” program? If not, how can a church, which claims to follow their pattern, have coffeemakers, ping pony tables, and such like. IN THE ABSENCE OF A COMMAND TO EXPEDI TE, WE CANNOT ARGUE FOR EXPEDIENTS. They must abandon the pattern if they want things which are not in the pattern.

Many grownups are wanting to play like children and expect the church to subsidize and supervise it. One of the sins of Israel was –“They rose up to play.” (1 Cor. 10:7.) Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, p. 188, says “play” is PAIZO (Gr.) “properly, to play as a child, hence denotes to play as in dancing and making merry.” This was connected with idolatry and methinks fun and pleasure have become idols to some. (II Tim. 3:4.)

During the digression of 100 years ago, a little old lady protested the bringing into the church building of the first piano. They put it in, but she took an axe to it one night and chopped it up. She said it had “no business there.” We need some little old ladies to chop up some other things today “which have no business” in the Lord’s church.

Truth Magazine VI: 11, pp. 23-24
August 1962

By O. Fred Liggen, Jr.

How much would you be willing to sacrifice for the Lord and His work? Jesus told us in Luke 14:27; “If a man cometh unto me and hateth not his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yea, and his own life also he cannot be my disciple.” To people who never have to worry about being called upon to give up such things or who are secure in their country free from religious and physical persecution, these words may seem far less important. Yet in a country where you must be careful not to do things that might bring the wrath of the governing party upon you, these words have more meaning. Here in Africa one must be very careful what he does and must do all he can do not to conflict with the thinking of the governing party. Yet when the Bible and such a group contradict, one must stand fast for the Faith. Such was the case here in Nyasaland not too many weeks past.

Upon our return from Tanganyika, we learned some very disturbing news. The churches at SIzokoto, along with many denominations, were scared out of worshiping God on Sunday. A certain Malawi Congress Party man — the local governing party– had been going around the area announcing, “Do not go to church to worship God. All people must worship Dr. Banda (the leader of the party) until we gain our freedom, then we will worship God.” Brother Calvin Nyirenda who preaches at Mzokoto was with us in Tanganyika at the time; therefore nothing could be done about it until he returned. Immediately upon his return and upon learning of this, he did a very brave thing and began to take action. He didn’t run to us to see what we could do about it. Instead, he went straight to the Mzokoto branch head and discussed it with him, demanding to know the reason for it. Then, he went to Rumpi, 17 miles, to the District office to inquire into the matter. He was told that no one had authority to do such speaking and received a letter from the chairman of the party stating this. For this brave action, he is to be commended highly. We know that many Christians would have gone in hiding just as the denominations did. But brother Nyirenda met the problem head on being prepared to lose his house and possessions in order to stand fast in the Faith. Let me add here that not all of the Mzokoto Christians obeyed this announcement. About five of them, including brother Nyirenda’s wife met secretly at 10:00 p. m. on that Sunday to break bread.

We thank the Lord for those faithful Christians and the courage of brother Nyirenda. We are also thankful that the governing body here in Nyasaland has not reached the point where they will forbid the people to meet in peace and worship God.

The Lord has continued to greatly bless our work here in the Northern Province. The work moves forward but leaves much to be done. Since March of this year 74 have been added to the Lord’s Body and 42 restored. Still we need to do more in order to strengthen the churches here. In order to do this more help is desperately needed. The Leon Clymores will be leaving the work in October of this year and no one has yet responded to the call. Who is willing to accept the challenge? The Lord needs workers in the field. Truly, the harvest is ready and the laborers are few. “

We are glad the Doyle Gilliam family reached the Central Province of Nyasaland safely. They are now on their second missionary Journey and are working with the Pressnell Higginbothams.

Brethren, we continue to ask your prayers and financial help. Should you desire to help please send your contribution to me here, P. O. Kumpi, Nyasaland, Africa or to my bank account at the Citizens and Southern Bank of Albany, P. O. Box 140, Albany, Georgia. Your contribution will be gratefully accepted and recorded in our monthly newsletter. Send whatever you can. Remember the poor widow and her two mites. God bless you all and cause His light to shine upon you.

Truth Magazine VI: 12, p.1
September 1962