Reviewing, “An Expression Of Concern”

By Raymond E. Harris

The article, “An Expression of Concern” found elsewhere in this journal is signed by over 200 preachers. They are all numbered among that segment of the church which endorses church financial support of human institutions and the sponsoring church arrangement.

They say they have a fervent desire to avert division and prevent further harm to the spiritual body of Christ. That statement seems rather hollow, meaningless and hypocritical coming from men who have personally fostered or supported activities that have caused division in the church for over thirty years.

Where was their concern back through the years when faithful preachers and churches were being called “anti” and being quarantined and cut off because they would not endorse church support for the Herald of Truth and human institutions operating in the field of benevolence.

It is rather remarkable that at this late date the 200 plus preachers are so upset about the “liberalism that is so evident in the brotherhood today.”

Well, just what is it that they label as “liberalism” that they so oppose?

1. They lament the fact that preachers across the country are preaching weak, diluted and polluted sermons. They say it is so bad that in many congregations, preachers, elders and church members can not even identify or recognize true Christianity.

I marvel that they are so surprised at what has happened. Where were they in 1957 when Athens Clay Pullias, President of Lipscomb college was going about the country preaching “Where There Is No Pattern”? Where were they back through the years when big name preachers preached and wrote, “We Do Many Things For Which There Is No Authority”? Didn’t they think young preachers and elders were listening. For more than thirty years Bible and Speech departments in “our” schools have de-emphasized “Book, Chapter and Verse” preaching. Young preachers were taught to have a quiet, conversational delivery. They were taught that evangelism can best be accomplished through benevolence. They lost their respect for the authority of God’s word as college presidents, editors of papers and noted preachers promoted countless unauthorized and unscriptural schemes, organizations and programs.

2. These preachers further bemoan the fact that some brethren want to “restructure the organization, worship and work of the church. ” Again we ask where have you Image of the Church.” Again we ask where have you been? Where were you in 1967 when Jimmy Allen, Pat Boone and Bill Carpenter were featured in the “Greater Indiana Campaign For Christ” when the expressed purpose of the campaign was to “Change and Improve the Image of the Church.”

Where were you on February 16, 1967, when the Gospel Advocate, printed a review of a speech by Athens Clay Putlias, wherein he lamented that in Nashville, TN, a city with more Christians than any other in the world, there was not one hospital operated by Christians. From the context it is obvious that the Advocate endorsed Pullias and that Pullias was advocating a Church of Christ supported hospital.

Where were you October 15, 1981, when the Gospel Advocate ran a classified advertisement for the Garrett, Indiana, church of Christ, wherein they were soliciting an eldership to “oversee the work” there?

For years prominent preachers, college presidents and editors of our “old reliable” papers have discounted plain passages such as 1 Peter 5:14 and Acts 20:28 which limits elders to overseeing a local congregation. For years they have urged that elders can and should “assume” brotherhood projects and programs that reach far beyond the resources and borders of their own congregations. And just now they are concerned about those who would restructure the church.

3. Also we are told of their concern about doctrinal compromise and brethren fellowshipping those in blatant religious error. Where were these troubled brethren back in January of 1967 when the Harding College Bulletin was obviously used to try to encourage young people to attend their school by showing what a wonderful town Searcy, Arkansas was. Among other enticements, on the back page of the bulletin they printed pictures of the church buildings of the First Methodist Church, the First Baptist Church and the St. James Catholic Church right along with that of the Downtown Church of Christ. Does this not suggest that the students at Searcy will have no trouble attending the church of their choice?

Where were they July 12, 1978, when the Nashville Tennessean reported that Dr. Ira North, was co-chairman of Nashville’s Century III steering committee? Is it any wonder some preachers, elders and church members can no longer distinguish true Christianity, when the preacher from Madison, the former Editor of the Advocate, joined with Jews, Catholics, Episcopals, Baptists, Methodists and Nazarenes to study the establishment of an inter-faith institute for Nashville?

4. Our concerned brethren further tell us that they are alarmed by the inroads that worldliness and immorality have made into the churches. We suggest their alarm is terribly belated. With three decades of soft preaching it was inevitable that the church would lose respect for the authority of God’s word. With three decades of practically no church discipline it was inevitable that church members would soon come to understand that they could live any way they pleased and still continue to be in full fellowship in the institutional churches. It is obvious that great masses of these people in churches across the country will continue to get unscriptural divorces, enter into unscriptural marriages, drink, dance, gamble, dress immodestly and live generally as the people of the world live.

5. And then these alarmed brethren make the most unbelievable cry of all. They just can’t understand the typical emphasis on recreation and entertainment. They can’t understand the emphasis on solving the social ills of society. They can’t understand why elders, preachers and churches have allowed recreation, entertainment and social programs to supplant the God-given work of meeting the spiritual needs of those both within and without the body of Christ.

Hogwash! That is surely as hypocritical a charge as you will ever see in print. I would judge that 99 percent of those who signed their names to the article, presently preach for congregations that are engaged in recreational activities and promote or finance social programs. There is not a man among them that will raise his voice against church support of man-made institutions to care for unwed mothers, dependent children or old folks. Few if any have ever opposed the pitch-ins, the luncheons and dinner on the grounds. I dare say most of them preach in buildings that have facilities in which to cook and eat. A large per cent preach presently for churches where they employ a youth minister to cater to the young people’s recreational and social wants. Who do they think they are fooling?

Where were these brethren back in 1963, when the Smithlawn church of Lubbock, along “with several other area churches” began to turn to the social gospel so prevalent in denominational churches? Look at these statements from the December 15th, edition of the Avalanche-Journal. “The Smithlawn Church of Christ . . . is providing the principal support for the service center.” “Our aim is to get the church more directly involved in the purpose of helping and working with people.” “Family counseling services, aid to the downtrodden and help for juvenile delinquents and teenagers with problems, a home for unwed mothers and other social services will be directed through the Main St. Service Center. ” “A soup kitchen will be operated when needed.” The head of their welfare committee said, “It is our feeling that by being of direct service to people who need help, the church is fulfilling its true mission.”

Over the last twenty-five years I have collected (and still have in my possession) countless church bulletins and other accounts of churches of Christ all across America engaged in fish fries, chili suppers, teachers banquets, pitch-in suppers, homecoming dinners, Halloween parties, fellowship dinners, men’s luncheons, church festivals, church open golf tournaments, Hawaiian parties, newcomers parties, Hootenannies, salad suppers, fellowship breakfasts, weekly skating parties, pot-luck business meetings and spaghetti suppers, just to name a few. And now commercial ventures such as Opry Land in Nashville, Tennessee, realize they can profit from this church of Christ entertainment craze by providing a special “Church of Christ Day” at their amusement park. Isn’t it interesting that even people in the business world have known what was going on in churches, but these poor distressed brethren have just now decided they have a problem?

The truth of the matter is this. These wailing brethren would like to be just a little liberal. But now they can see that the whole institutional church is about to be lost in worldliness, the social gospel, and denominationalism.

The truth of the matter is this. Elders, preachers and all Christians will either respect the authority of the Scriptures and remain true and faithful to God or they will be self-willed, turn to their own pleasure and after a few generations drift into complete apostasy.

These Johnny come lately, pseudo defenders of the faith nail their own hides to the wall in their closing statement. Listen as they piously declare, “Truth is not only violated by falsehood; it may be equally outraged by silence.”

Over the past 25 years many of these men have violated the truth by both falsehood and silence, and now they wonder why their brotherhood does not take them seriously when they warn of apostasy.

Woe be to the Shepherds of Israel!

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 4, pp. 103-104
February 19, 1987

Pearls From Proverbs

By Irvin Himmel

Frankness Finds Favor

He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favor than he that flattereth with the tongue (Prov. 28:23).

Although there are people who do not care what others think about them, most of us desire the esteem and good will of our acquaintances. Our words and actions toward others reflect our inclination to find favor with them.

On the surface it seems that rebuking someone is not the way to gain his respect and admiration, but frankness finds more favor then flattery.

Rebuke

The Hebrew word for “rebuke” (yakach) in this proverb means to decide, judge, reprove, or correct. We rebuke a person when we take him to task or reprimand him.

(1) Rebuking requires courage. It is much easier to brag on someone than to tell him that he wrong. When God charged Nathan the prophet to go to David and convict him of the sin of adultery, it took boldness on Nathan’s part to fulfill the assignment (2 Sam. 12). David was the king of Israel. He had great power. Already he had arranged to dispose of Uriah the Hittite. If he became angry toward Nathan, the prophet might be imprisoned or put to death. Nathan courageously went to David and pointed out his sinfulness.

(2) Rebuking may be painful. Possibly there are some who relish telling another his faults, but a conscientious person, keenly aware of his own shortcomings, finds no pleasure in confronting another about his transgressions. “Nothing is more irritating or hardening than to be rebuked by one who evidently enjoys his office. But if the one who points out our fault is evidently deeply pained himself, we must be very obdurate if we are insensible to such an appeal. The wayward child is conquered, not by the rod in his mother’s hand, but by the tears in her eyes” (E. Hurndall).

(3) Rebuking shows love. Paul found it painful to rebuke his brethren but love compelled him. He expressed his feelings this way: “For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you” (2 Cor. 2:4).

(4) Rebuking is commanded. God told the Israelites, “Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbor, and not suffer sin upon him” (Lev. 19:17). The command to rebuke one who sins was to avoid developing hatred toward him and to avoid complicity in his sin. Jesus taught that if a brother trespasses against thee, “go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone” (Matt. 18:15). Again, Jesus commanded, “if thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him” (Lk. 17:3).

(5) A rebuke is a call to repentance. The aim in castigating someone is to produce godly sorrow which in turn brings about repentance. The design of a rebuke is not punishment. Read Paul’s remarks in 2 Corinthians 7:8-10 on this point.

(6) A rebuke may cause temporary displeasure. The one who is reproved may not like his medicine. He may get angry and attempt to justify his misconduct.

Favor Afterwards

In the long run rebuke is more likely to bring admiration and respect than displeasure. “We are so prone to self-love, and pride, that the most prudent, and needful rebukes are apt to create transient displeasure. Yet upon reflection most men will have a better opinion of a faithful reprover, than of a soothing flatterer, and will show him more favor” (T. Scott).

When the rebuked person comes to his senses, his heart will be grateful toward the individual who pointed out his fault and convicted him of his sin.

Failure of Flattery

As Proverbs 26:28 states it, “a flattering mouth worketh ruin. ” How many people do you know who have been brought to repentance through flattery? The real friend is not the flatterer but one who rebukes in the spirit of love.

“He who gives us kisses when he ought to give us reproof, or who holds back deserved rebuke from cowardice, is more cruel than if he withheld from us an indispensable medicine simply because it had a bitter taste. And if a wound is to be probed it is surely better for the patient that it should be done by a skillful and tender hand than by one who has no sympathy with us and no acquaintance with our inner life” (W. Harris).

Firm, frank, and kind rebuke finds more favor than flattery will ever produce.

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 4, p. 108
February 19, 1987

They Walked Wi.th Him No More (2)

By Jady W. Copeland

In our previous article, We noted that it is possible for a child of God to lose his faith, and hence quit walking with (being in harmony with) God. Also we saw what a tragedy it is to lose fellowship with God, as well as losing fellowship with the brethren to say nothing about losing our potential for good and the hope of eternal life. To say that losing our faith and hence our hope is a tragedy is surely an understatement. Furthermore we saw the symptoms of falling. In this article we want to look at some causes of falling away, how it can be prevented, and finally how to restore the erring.

Causes

Underneath all “causes” is Satan. The devil aims at our weak points, and has no hesitation in using any means possible to cause one to leave the fellowship of God. Let us illustrate. Suppose a football coach realizes that the left tackle of the opposing team has been injured and is not in the game. His substitute is a very weak one with no experience. Does the coach say, “We will be easy on the opposition, so we won’t run the plays over that young man”? No, indeed, but he takes that opportunity to find a weak spot in the opposition’s defense and takes advantage of it. So Satan finds a “weak spot” in our defense; he comes right at us in that area. It is Satan that wants us to fall, and is always looking for ways to cause it (1 Pet. 5:8).

Companionship, One of the greatest causes for falling is evil companionship. Paul said, “Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good morals'” (1 Cor. 15:33, NAS). Macknight says in his commentary, “Shun the company of the wicked, that ye be not deceived by their false reasonings. Profane discourses and vicious examples corrupt even those who are virtuously disposed” (James Macknight, Macknight on the Epistles, Vol. 2, p. 27 1). Solomon found out that even family members can have an evil influence on one, as his wives turned his heart from God to idols (1 Kgs. 11:1-4). It is a common experience for a mother or father to come to a preacher, elder or friend writhing in pain over a wayward child and saying, “He got into the wrong crowd.” While it is true that the parent should have thought of such earlier in the life of the child, still it is not to be denied that companionship did play a major role in the loss of the boy or girl.

Weakness Toward Pleasures. Another major cause of falling is our vulnerability to pleasures in life. Americans have become so accustomed to plenty that we are unwilling to make any sacrifices, and this applies to the Christian as well as any other. Satan strikes at the heart of our weak points, knowing that the Christian is not willing to give up his “soft” way of life. We have more money, more leisure time and more opportunities for “fun, frolic and fantasies” than ever before. And since many have become accustomed to such a life style before conversion, it is difficult to give it up. John says, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 Jn 2:15). It is becoming more and more difficult to schedule a gospel meeting when people are not busy with the things of the world – not meaning necessarily immoral activities, but worldly things that crowd out the spiritual life that should take first place in the life of every child of God. In the parable of the soils Jesus explains, “And he that was sown upon the rocky places, this is he that heareth the word, and straightway with joy receiveth it; yet hath he not root in himself, but endureth for a while; and when -tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, straightway he stumbleth. And he that was sown among the thorns, this is he that heareth the word; and the cares of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful” (Matt. 13:20-22). Are we becoming too busy with the pleasures and the cares of the world to be Christians? Along with this, we must put the material things of life as a major cause of falling. Riches are deceitful, as this passage teaches, and can and do lead many astray.,Money promises much, and delivers little in the way of happiness and contentment (1 Tim. 6:6-10).

Inability to Withstand Persecution. As noted in the parable above, some fall away because they cannot handle persecution. The Lord’s, way is not the most popular way in life’ so when pressures mount from friends, relatives and fellow-workers, they yield to such and become unfaithful. Persecutions do not usually come from physical danger, but from pressures on one’s social or family life. Having been accustomed to the ways of the world, the Christian finds himself pressured into turning back to the ways of Satan because of the social pressure placed on him for living for Christ. There are some who simply cannot bring themselves to make the sacrifice necessary to live the Christian life. They decide the “hard sayings” of Jesus are simply too much to handle and their faith fails them (Jn. 6:66-68).

Prevention

In the area of prevention of falling, Christians must be careful to help one another. Some become discouraged because, being weak in faith, they think the elders or other Christians simply don’t hold up their hands and offer help while they are growing. Perhaps they have expected too much, but still the young Christian needs all the encouragement he can get from those who are stronger. The spiritually-minded must realize that they once were where the weak person is, and therefore offer his help, encouragement and advice to hold up the hands of those who need help. In Romans 14 we have the attitude of the strong toward the weak, and we must never forget that we once stood where they now are. Perhaps we have not taken seriously enough Paul’s admonition in Romans 14:15, “For if because of meat thy brother is grieved, thou walkest no longer in love. Destroy not with thy meat him for whom Christ died.” I often hear caustic remarks to a weak brother by one who has been in the church a long time. They talk to the newborn babe as if he should know everything. We seem to be more patient with the weak brother than with the older Christian who should know better. “Rebuke” is often necessary, but often (especially with the new Christian) exhortation, teaching and love is what the new Christian needs. After all he may not have been “raised in the church.”

Brotherly love is very important in the prevention of one’s falling away from Christ. “Let love of the brethren continue. . . ” (Heb. 13:1). “In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another. . . ” (Rom. 12:10). Since serving as an elder for some years, I find that too many brethren say, “That’s the elders’ work” when it comes to helping a weak brother. Sure, it is the elder’s work, but Galatians 6:1 was not spoken exclusively to elders. When did brethren get the idea that the only one who could lift up a weak brother’s hand is the elder? It is often a “cop-out.” They simply don’t want to talk to the brother, or are fearful of doing so. I am afraid many have been lost to the Lord, because we are “too busy” to encourage one weak in faith. In our group here, we have asked on several occasions that the congregation go to speak to erring brethren about their life. Only a very few do so. “That’s elder’s business. ” Often a good friend can do more than an elder in such matters. Many a Christian who is “falling” could be helped if we would “consider one another to provoke unto love and good works. . . ” (Heb. 10:24).

I am not saying the weak brother doesn’t have a responsibility. Surely he needs to pray more, read the Scriptures more and exercise himself unto godliness more. He must realize his eternal destiny is at stake. He must realize the Lord said to him, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18). He must realize a constant search for truth is very important for as Peter also said, “As newborn babes long for the spiritual milk which is without guile, that ye may grow thereby unto salvation” (1 Pet. 2:2). He must realize that prevention of sin in his life necessitates the “hiding” of the word in his heart (Psa. 119:11). Also the Psalmist said in that same connection (v. 35), “Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.” In fact it would do well for the Christian who finds himself losing faith to read the entire 119th Psalm and note the many advantages to the knowledge of and the Application of the word of God.

Awareness is so very important to the Christian. If we are always aware of the possibility of falling and becoming an apostate, surely we will watch for pitfalls. The Hebrew writer said, “Take heed brethren, lest haply there shall be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in falling away from the living God: but exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called Today; lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin” (Heb. 3:12-13). A great advantage in regular attendance with the saints is the encouragement we get from other saints. While no one is going to be responsible for us in judgment, surely we can “reprove, rebuke and exhort” one another to love and good works. As we so often say, “We need all the help we can get” from God as well as the saints.

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 4, pp. 110-111
February 19, 1987

An Expression of Concern

By Gospel Preachers

We, the undersigned preachers of the gospel, set forth the following heartfelt expression of genuine concern. It is offered in sincere Christian love for our brethren everywhere to consider. It is our fervent desire that this expression may help to avert division and prevent further harm to the spiritual body of Christ. Our prayer is that this statement to which we affix our names will awaken many brethren to some ever-increasing dangers confronting us.

I. We are deeply disturbed over the liberalism that Is so evident In the brotherhood today. By “liberalism” we mean especially the following Items, though not excluding other specifics that could be mentioned:

A. There is a drifting from the Bible-centered, definitive, distinctive doctrine that once characterized our preaching. Presently, uncertain sounds and weak messages emanate from many pulpits among us. Brethren are becoming accustomed to diluted and polluted preaching. We are rapidly approaching the point where many of our people, including preachers and elders, no longer know the difference between true Christianity and the corrupted forms of it so prevalent about us.

B. There is a concerted effort on the part of some of our brethren to restructure the organization, worship and work of the church along sectarian lines, thus tending to denominationalize the New Testament body of Christ.

C. A spirit of doctrinal compromise and fellowshipping of those in blatant religious error has permeated our ranks.

D. The world has made alarming Inroads into the church. Instead of the church influencing the world for righteousness, as it should, the world has adversely affected many brethren In matters of morality and conduct of life.

E. The typical emphasis of the denominational world on recreation, entertainment, and solving the social ills of society has been Incorporated into the thinking and programs of many congregations, supplanting the God-given work of meeting the desperate spiritual needs of those both within and without the body of Christ.

II. We are also greatly concerned over the controversy surrounding Abilene Christian University, and we fool that It needs to be property resolved.

A. About a year and a half ago, two ACU biology professors were charged with teaching as fact the theory of evolution, without any refutation whatsoever. Strong evidence was presented to substantiate the charges. In January of 1986, an ACU graduate with a Ph.D. In the field of biology published a book entitled, Is Genesis Myth?, in which much of the evidence was made available to the brotherhood. Since then. even more facts and damaging testimony have emerged.

B. In February of 1986. ACU responded with an “Investigative Report” and “Institutional Statement,” in which the charges were wholly denied. Though many have accepted these statements without question, It is our conviction that they have not responsibly addressed the accusations, much less answered them. And many specifies were left untouched.

C. ACU’s statement W83 simply the result of blanket acceptance of the findings of an In-house “Special Committee,” which consisted of three members of the Board of Trustees appointed to Investigate the matter. We believe that such an arrangement was the same, In principle, as If President Nixon had appointed three close associates to Investigate the Watergate scandal. A lack of objectivity and thoroughness must surely account for the definite conflict between the tangible evidence available and the official denial Issued by the school. In our judgment, this leaves a cloud of shaken confidence hanging over Abilene Christian University.

D. Some apparently fool that our educational Institutions should never be called in question. We believe that this attitude is seriously flawed. If New Testament writers could highlight the mistakes of certain first-century congregations. surely no school is immune to scrutiny. It Is because we want to see ACU safeguarded for the benefit of the Lord’s people that we raise these concerns.

E. We therefore urgently request the ACU Administration and/or Board of Trustees to allow an impartial, independent investigation of the evolution controversy by a committee of men who are outside the framework of the ACU family, who are knowledgeable in Bible-3clence matters, and who have the confidence of sound brethren. Such an Investigation should be as extensive as possible in order for a proper determination to be made and a just disposition of the matter to be implemented.

F. Over the past several years. ACU has also become Increasingly known for using numerous liberal-leaning speakers on its annual lectureship and other programs. Such has caused great concern to many about the direction the school is headed. Surely faithful and concerned brethren have the right to call for inquiry as to why such speakers are given a warm reception on ACU platforms to promote Ideas which are harmful to the Cause we love.

This statement is simply an urgent plea from preachers of the gospel who love the Lord, His church, and His cause with all our hearts. We oppose both radicalism and liberalism, and we fool sure that the vast majority In the Lords church today share these convictions. Therefore, we wish to emphasize the following:

We are convinced that It is time for more and more brethren to speak forth plainly! We must not sit idly by and watch the cause of truth erode. We urge brethren everywhere to join us in fatting their voices be heard.

Express your convictions to the elders and preacher of your local congregation. Write letters to ACU Board members and Administrators, and let them know how you feel. ( We can furnish a list of their names and addresses.) Brethren, please speak up! “Truth is not only violated by falsehood; It may be equally outraged by silence.”

The names affixed to this statement by no means exhaust the roll of faithful and concerned preachers. We are merely reprosentathis of many who are anxious for the welfare of the Lord’s church.

Maxie B. Boren, Frank Dunn, Noble Patterson, Eddie Whitten, Gary Workman, Tommy Hicks, Richard Melson, Dan Jenskins, T.B. Crews, Loyd Smith, Mark Bass, J. Leathel Roberts, Keith Oliver, Bobby Bates, Ed Rodgers, Jack Orbison, Jon Gary Williams, Goebel Music, Roy J. Hearn, W.L. Fricks, Jim Dobbs, F.F. Conley, Stan Stevenson, David P. Brown, Wayne Price, Jerry Noblin, Sr., Carl Garner, Bobby Duncan, Perry B. Cotham, Michael Wyatt, Charles E. Wrenn, Ken Butterworth, Tim Ayers, T. Larry Marshall, Keith Mosher, Sr., W. Michael Hatcher, John Baldwin, Luther Savage, Don Ruhl, Frank Starling, William Cline, Glenn Willcut, Tony Lawrence, Rex A. Turner, Sr., A.C. Morris, Barry Hatcher, Foy Forehand, Clarence Lavender, Darrell Conley, Jim E. Waldron, Bobby Wood, H.A. “Buster” Dobbs, J. Donald Nash, Joe B. Rhoten, Demar Elam, H.R. “Bob” Hurd, Blackie Ellison, Phil Scott, Ralph Genry, Dabney Phillips, Johnny Anders, John Temples, Graham Cain, Kippy Myers, Tom Blewitt, Timothy A. Pahman, Sr., Leon D. Schrei, Steve Patterson, M.L. Sexton, Barry Kym Polk, Cecil Corkren, Sammy Cooper, T. Pierce Brown, Dalton Graves, Oran Rhodes, John Morgan, Andy Kizer, Jack C. Scott, Jr., Owen Aikin, David E. Hanson, Bubba Phillips, Preston Cotham, Don Tarbet, Flavil Nichols, Tom Adams, Jodies Boren, Ray Peters, Gaylord Cook, Andrew Connally, Gary Summers, A.G. Hobbs, Reid Bennett, Robert Dodson, Jr., Steven Lloyd, Dwight Fuqua, Rod Rutherford, Wayne Coats, David Dugan, Bill Lockwood, Joe Galloway, Terry Hightower, W.L. “Bill” Hearn, Burt Groves, Clyde Freeman, Tim Nichols, Bob Odle, Bronson Ostic, Toney L. Smith, Charles Atnip, Gilbert Gough, John Waddey, W.E. Skipper, Fred McClung, W.N. “Bill” Jackson, John D. Griffis, Graland Elkins, Idus England, Earl L. Craig, Byron Denman, James D. Willeford, Don Hinds, Dub McClish, Al Brown, Jerry Moffitt, Manlif Barnes, Dick Biggs, Rex Oberg, Dave Collier, Jack Cox, Joe Cross, Don Michael, Brad Broming, D. Gene West, Jack Norris, Bud Bayless, Pat McGee, W.D. Jeffcoat, Noah Hackworth, M.T. Crass, Dennis oss, Glann Lee, Tom Bright, Arnold Sexton, Billy R. Davidson, Paul Epps, Archie Waldrum, Russell Artist, Lynn Matheny, Johnny Ramsey, Harrell Davidson, Kenneth Franklin, Larry Fluitt, Troy Cummings, Joe K. Alley, H.L. Shirley, Donald W. Walker, E.L. Whitaker, Marvin Weir, John G. Shaver, Joe Malone, W. Terry Varner, Jim O’Connor, Steve Gibson, Murray Marshall, Charles E. Hill, Robert Stephenson, Glen Williams, Robert F. Berard, J.D. Boren, Darrell Perry, Dick Sztanyo, Billy L. Morris, Tim Lavender, William C. “Bill” Hatcher, Roy C. Deaver, Gary Colley, J. Cleo Scott, Garell Forehand, Perry Hall, Lester Fisher, Foy L. Smith, Alfred Palmer, Terry Hill, Winfred Clark, Cody A. Burgin, Glenn R. Sheumaker, J.T. Marlin, Paul Wilkinson, Joe Ruiz, Darrell Moore, Paul T. Kidwell, Jr., Roy Hannah, Dan Flournoy, Bobby Cullum, Ken Chumbley, Phil Smith, Steve Orduno, Kenneth Bayles, Wayne Jackson, Eldon Rodgers, Frank Faircloth, Comer Hall, Kenny Cain, Edwin S. Jones, Joe Wilson Smith, Charles Reid, Mark K. Lewis

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 4, p. 102
February 19, 1987