Truth Magazine

The earliest signs of trouble seemed nothing very much out of the ordinary. Whenever I bent my neck down I felt a tingling sensation in my right arm and both legs. Originally, I felt little concern about it. However, it persisted and other problems started to appear. After several weeks I finally went to the doctor. The first series of tests did not show anything. The doctor diagnosed it as a bruised spinal cord that should clear up within a few months. I accepted his conclusion and decided to get on with my life. However, instead of getting better, my condi- tion only got worse. Eventually I went to another doctor who did a more thorough series of test. His diagnosis hit me very hard — multiple sclerosis.

At first, I felt completely devastated. I could not get out of my mind the many horror stories about the disease and its end result — death. I remembered a teacher whose disease had progressed to the final stages. She sat in a wheelchair as she taught class. Her speech and mental abilities made it very difficult for her to communicate. She believed she did not have long to live. At only 25 years old, I believed that my life was soon to be over; I would not live a normal, productive, long life. The doctor reassured me when he said in most cases the disease is not terminal. However, he could not do that much for me — there is no cure. He could only allow the disease to run its course.

The first few months were very hard. When I woke up mornings, I tried believing it was all a bad dream, only to be brought back to reality with the first step that I took. I tried walking every day to keep in shape. After I had walked only a short distance, the pain started in my legs and my coordination grew worse. It became more and more difficult with each step. The more I walked the more frustrated and depressed I became. Often I stumbled and fell, each time it took more courage to get back on my feet. Working in the garden for only 20 minutes left me completely exhausted. Gradually, more and more problems with my vision appeared. Simple everyday things I had taken for granted, getting dressed or taking a shower became difficult and strenuous tasks. My emotions became harder to control. The feelings of helplessness, frustration, and self pity grew stronger ev- ery day. I asked God over and over, “Why me?” It did not seem fair that I suffered such an ungodly disease when I wanted so much to serve him. Why was I having this problem when there were so many who had no desire to serve God who seemed to be doing so well?

Like many people I believed that Christians should not encounter problems like this. Surely the God I served would not make things so hard for me. After the initial shock wore off I then faced the biggest challenge, how do I deal with it? How do I face life when my body grows ever closer to death? I knew deep down the answer must lie in Christianity.

True Christianity is not just a system of beliefs and ceremonies but a way of life. A way to face and overcome the difficult challenges that life presents by a true faith in God. I began at that time to look for answers, to un- derstand. I know that I still do not have all the answers, but dealing with it becomes easier with each new day. Looking back, dealing with my fear of death has become the greatest challenge of life.

These passages of Scripture helped me to understand a little better how I, as a Christian, should face an incur- able disease. First of all, my ability to deal with difficult situations should not be based on my understanding of all the answers. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and he will direct thy paths” (Prov. 3:5, 6). Many times, I have tried to understand everything about my world and my life when that is not always possible. Placing my faith in God when I do not understand, at times seems almost impossible. However, it is an absolute necessity, not only to be pleasing to God, are spiritually. That’s something that no disease can take away from me. Paul gloried in weaknesses that the power of Christ might shine forth. He realized that persecutions, shortcomings, and illnesses would make him depend upon God that much more. In the same manner, when- ever I am faced with a difficult problem, I should realize that I can use that situation to draw myself much closer to God. I remain determined not to simply survive, but to glorify God through this adversity.

Finally, we must keep in mind at all times Paul’s thought in Romans 8:18: “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present world are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us.” All the problems and difficulties in this life will seem insignificant when com- pared with the glory of heaven. I now believe I can use this disease to glorify God. I intend to use whatever amount of time and strength I have left to be God’s servant. To the true Christian, there is no such thing as an incurable disease because our hope does not lie in a mortal body, but an immortal soul. And for my brothers and sisters in Christ who face similar problems, this passage seems to be tailor made for us, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with.

By Matt Allen

Change. This has been the beacon call of numerous social agendas throughout the years. Get rid of the old hard line thoughts/ideals and bring in a more non- judgmental and tolerant atmosphere. Rational thought and reason behind one’s actions is tossed out and his decisions and opinions tend to be based upon emotion. This change, from the rational to the emotional, has now crept into the politics and religion of the day. While we lament the change in the social and political arena, we are most concerned with the change going on around us in the religious world. The change going on in the religious world is now creeping into the Lord’s body. Christians — be aware!

The trend in modern American religion is now point- ing away from biblical proof and reason toward a better felt than told experience. One does not have to look very far to see this. That the confusion by many so-called “Christians” concerning the workings of the Holy Spirit has come about is due largely to the false teaching of men who claim to have spoken personally with God or the Holy Spirit. Perhaps some will recall the story from a few years back of Oral Roberts being instructed by the Holy Spirit to go up into his prayer tower and stay there until a certain amount of money was raised. The popular television evangelist of the 90s, Benny Hinn, claims to speak with God regularly. But it is not just the televangelists that make such claims. The number of men and women now claiming that God himself or the Holy Spirit speaks to them is continually growing — especially among those who are charismatic in religion. Perhaps you know someone who claims that God speaks to him. Some claim that God personally tells them what clothes to wear, what to say, what to believe, and what to do in matters of religion.

What does the Bible say concerning such? In all reli- gious matters one must be governed by the precepts contained within the Bible. Colossians 3:17 says, “What- ever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” The Bible means what it says and says what it means. No Scripture can be interpreted in such a way as to put it in contradiction with any other passage. All things in religious matters can be ascertained if one will approach the subject with an open mind and a honest heart. Does the Bible teach that God still speaks personally to men today?

If God speaks to men personally today, God is a re- specter of persons. What makes the men that claim to have personal conversations with God more special than the rest of us? Why can’t every believer have the same access to the Father as these men do? What exactly does God sound like as he imparts the information to the hearer? Is it a voice? A gentle breeze? Could it be through the rustling leaves of a nearby tree? How is one to distinguish these messages from nature? If the claims of many of our religious friends are true, then God shows partiality toward a selected few and neglects all others. This would contradict the plain teaching of Paul found in Romans 2:11. Here he writes, “For there is no partial- ity with God.” Peter spoke words to the same effect in Acts 10:34-35. Observe: “Then Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘In truth I perceive that God shows no partial- ity. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.’” God treats all men the same, everywhere. It is understood that in the past, God communicated with the prophets and apostles to impart his word and will to men. This was done during the giving of the Law of Moses (Exod. 19:3), warnings to Israel and prophecies concerning the Messiah (major/ minor prophets), and during the first century as the New Testament church was being established. The mission of those men was simple: ‘In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.’” God treats all men the same, everywhere. It is understood that in the past, God communicated with the prophets and apostles to impart his word and will to men. This was done during the giving of the Law of Moses (Exod. 19:3), warnings to Israel and prophecies concerning the Messiah (major/minor prophets), and during the first century as the NewTestament church was being established. The mission of those men was simple: to impart the message of God to the masses. They sought in no manner to bring honor, fame, and popularity upon themselves (contrary to many today) but rather chose to esteem God as being worthy of the glory. For God to show favor on one person by speaking to him personally would cause him to show partiality — which the Scriptures plainly deny.

If God speaks to men personally today, the Scriptures are inaccurate. How is this? The Scriptures teach over and over again that one may be made complete through the Word of God. The passage found in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 perhaps is the most explicit concerning this matter. Paul writes, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” From this passage, one finds that through his application to the Word of God — he may be made complete — ready for the work of the Lord. Paul told the Colossian brethren that they were complete in Christ. They had received and adhered themselves to the gospel preached to them by the Apostles. We can become well pleasing to God when we adhere to the teaching of the gospel found in the word of God! Since one can be made complete through the Word, why then would God speak directly to men today?

Is there something new and different that God now wishes to impart to men? If that be the case, Paul taught us not to believe this “new revelation” because there is only one gospel, and that is the one of the apostles, given by inspiration, found in the New Testament (Gal. 1:6-9)! Psalm 19:7 teaches us that the law of the Lord is perfect, making wise the simple. James 1:22 echoes this. If what we have received (the Bible) is perfect, what else needs to be added?

If God speaks personally to men today, then the word is not our final authority. This, I believe, is the root cause of the claims of many men today. A principle being taught or some particular practice does not fit into the pattern of Scripture, so one simply makes up his own declaration from God. This is usually the convenient thing to do, and when the supposed revelation from God is portrayed in some mystical manner the masses overwhelmingly accept it. The Scriptures plainly teach that they are the final authority in religious matters. Jesus said that his words would judge the world at the end of time. John 12:48 says, “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him — the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.” If God still speaks to men today, how could the New Testament be the final authority? There is no doctrine according to Oral Roberts! There is no doctrine according to Benny Hinn! There is only one doctrine and that is found in the gospel of Christ given to us by the apostles (1 Tim. 1:3). Let us seek to apply it!

If God speaks personally to men today, then he is contrary to his word. God speaks to men today through the Word of Christ, the gospel. Hebrews 1:1-2 says, “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds.” Paul wrote that the things he wrote were not from him, but from God (1 Cor. 2:9-13). Prophecies and gifts of the Spirit have ceased (1 Cor. 13:8-12).

Let us not fall for the religious emotionalism of the day! While we may be intrigued and entertained by the claims of men, we must remember that God speaks to.

Adam Christopher Lanphear was killed in an automo- bile accident on Sunday evening, September 19, 1999 as he was returning from his home in Bowling Green, Ken- tucky to Bloomington, Indiana where he was a student at Indiana University. Adam had been worshiping with the Ellettsville, Indiana church of Christ for the past two years. He was 21-years-old and a junior at IU. I was asked to speak at his funeral on Wednesday, September 22, 1999 to over 700 people, many of them young people, in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

There are some timely lessons from this tragic death that I would like to call to your attention.

Death Is Not A Respecter of Persons

All ages die, infants, young school children, teenagers, early 20s, the middle aged, and those who are older. Paul wrote the Romans,“For there is no respect of persons with God” (Rom. 2:11). This applies to physical death as well as everything else. The wise man said, “For the living know that they shall die” (Eccl. 9:5). The Hebrews were told, “And it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Heb. 9:27). The Psalmist informed, “What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death?” (Ps. 89:48). Adam was smart, good looking, a good student with a bright future, but death comes to all.

Life’s Plans and Dreams May Be Altered

Adam had planned to finish IU and then attend Duke University, get a job in finance, save his money, buy a Porsche and travel. These plans and dreams were cut short. I am reminded of the story a rich man in Luke 12:16-21 whose ground brought forth plentifully. He decided to build greater barns to bestow his fruits. The use of the word “I” in the story tells us he was selfish and left God completely out of his plans as he said, “And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take then ease, eat, drink, and be merry” (Luke 12:19). Now notice how his plans were altered. “But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:19-20). This man’s plans were cut short and so can ours! We must plan, “If the Lord wills” (Jas. 4:15).

We Never Know What A Day May Bring Forth

Little did we know when Adam led the closing prayer on Wednesday evening, September 15 at the Ellettsville church that would be his last one here or when we in- vited him with some of our other students for dinner on Sunday, September 12 that we would never eat with him again. As a number of us got together for a pitch-in, on an individual basis for our young students on a recent Sunday evening, little did we know that was Adam’s last get together like that. As Adam left home to return to IU, his parents had no idea that they would never see again see him alive. It is as Proverbs 27:1 says, “Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not a day may bring forth.” James said it this way, “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow” (Jas. 4:14). We all need to live everyday as if it were the last. One of these days will be!

Life Really Is Short

Adam was 21 on August 13, 1999. By the way, how old are you? The Lord’s description of the brevity of life should be read by all. He said, “Life is short” (Ps. 89:47), “a handbreadth” (Ps. 39:5), “a step” (1 Sam. 20:3), “a flower that is cut down” (Job 14:1-2), “of few days” (Job 14:1), “as a tale that is told” (Ps. 90:9), “as grass” (Ps. 103:15), “as a shadow” (Job 14:2), “swifter than a weaver’s shuttle” (Job 7:6), “removed as a shepherd’s tent” (Isa. 38:12), “a vapour” (Jas. 4:14), and “a moment” (1 Cor. 4:17).

Your earth life has just been described!

The Young Die Too

Adam was only 21! All ages die. Pick up your local newspaper and notice the ages of those in the obituary list. By the way, when do you plan to die? None of us has a lease on life.

Must Be Ready, At All Times, To Meet God

The parable of the wise and foolish virgins teaches us that, “. . . they that were ready went in and the door was shut” (Matt. 25:10). Didn’t the Lord say, “. . . be ye also ready”? (Matt. 24:44). Paul said, “I am ready . . . to die for the name of the Lord Jesus”(Acts 21:3). We must live so we can say as did the apostle Paul when it came time for his departure, “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Tim. 4:6-8).

If you would like to write Adam’s parents and broth- ers, you may do so: David & Debbie Lanphear, Kyle and Colin, 350 Hillwood Dr., Bowling Green, KY 42101. David Lanphear serves as one of the good elders of the West End church of Christ in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

By Archie E. Proctor

The term “elder” in the New Testament, is used in two senses: first, to designate an older man as compared to a younger (Rom. 9:12; Luke 1:18). Second, to designate men who are appointed to a position of authority in a local congregation of the Lord’s church (Acts 20:17, 28). It is in this second sense to which this article is addressed.

For those readers who are not familiar with the term, elders were appointed in every church, (Acts 14:23) and had to meet certain qualifica- tions to be selected for this office (1 Tim. 3:1-7; Tit. 1:5-9). In short, elders were to be older men, not recent converts, who had been married to one wife, with believing children, who ruled their households well, were hospitable, of good reputation, sober, just, holy, full of wisdom, and well versed in the word of God.

There are two words in the New Testament that are used to refer to the office of elders. The first is presbuteros, from which we have the English word presbyter. It is variously translated as elders and presbytery in the NT. The second is episkope, or episcopal. It is rendered bishop and overseer. The words are used interchangeably, and in the New Testament refer to the same office and work.

The Bible never speaks of a single elder in any New Testament church; the term is always plural. Elders were by definition older men, there is no verse or example in the New Testament where women were authorized to direct the work of the church in the office of elder; on the contrary, the Bible forbids women to even teach in an assembly where men are present, or to have authority over a man (1 Cor. 14:34, 35).

The work of elders is well defined in the Scriptures, but in practice, the application has sometimes been lacking. The verses which define the work of the office of elder are:

• Feed the flock, the church of God (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:1).
• Watch for the souls of the congregation, and give account to the Lord (Heb 13:17).
• Take the oversight of the flock (1 Pet. 5:2).
• Rule well (1 Tim. 5:17).

To accomplish these duties, an elder of the Lord’s church must have these qualities:

• (He must) hold fast the faithful word as he has been taught.
• Able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convict the gainsayers (Tit. 1:9).

• Be ensamples to the flock (1 Pet. 5:3).

The use of the term “flock” brings to mind the meta- phor of a shepherd guarding the sheep. Indeed, Peter uses this figure in 1 Peter 5:1-4 where he speaks of Christ being the “chief Shepherd”:

The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, 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 ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

It would seem that many think the principal work of elders is to maintain the meeting house, keep and increase the treasury, and keep the pews full. To this end, they seek preaching to please all and offend none. Issues that might stir up the church are to be avoided, and all who come to the meeting-house door are welcomed and accepted as members of the congregation without question.

The wise use of the Lord’s money, attention to the physical assets of the congregation, and concern for the attendance are not to be neglected by the eldership, but they are as “tithes of mint and rue” (Luke 11:42). They are important, but not the primary work of the eldership. The proper use of the talents of deacons will assure these needs are met, and the elders will be able to assure that the church is spiritually fed with the gospel, so that error will be condemned, proper application of the principles of the teaching of Christ will be made, and vigilant care of the souls of the weak and spiritual babes is maintained.

Feed The Flock

In Ephesians 4:11-16, Paul wrote that God had given a number of functions in the local church, including bishops, evangelists, and teachers. He stated that these positions are for perfecting the saints, and edifying the body of Christ, the church. The objective is that all may come to the unity of the faith, and full knowledge of Christ. As a result of this growth, Christians will reach the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: They will become mature in the biblical sense (Matt. 5:48).

When properly fed with the gospel of Christ, children of God will grow up to be mature in Christ. They will no longer be spiritual infants who constantly need care and nurturing, and who need to understand the difference between right and wrong (Heb. 5:11-13). Those young in the faith are always subject to the danger of falling for any false teacher who speaks false doctrine in a pleasant manner (2 Tim. 3:5, 6). However, such spiritual babes, when fed with all the gospel, will become “fitly joined together,” and learn to spend their time in mutual support, edification, and brotherly love.

All teaching should be done with the objective of increasing the spiritual growth of all members, not the growth of numbers. The teaching of the truth in love may have the immediate effect of lowering the attendance, as those who will not change their lives are driven out by the truth of God’s word (1 John 2:19). When the truth is taught, error is exposed, members are properly edified, and when attention is given to these things, Paul says that “God will give the increase” (1 Cor. 3:7). The numeri- cal growth may be slower, but the numbers will not fall away at the first sign of controversy, or condemnation of error.

When Christians are constantly fed with spiritual candy, and the wisdom of men, they will become soft and of no use to the Lord. Efforts to make men feel good, and avoid controversy will ultimately destroy a flock. Sooner or later, the wolves will come in, teaching error and false doctrine. Paul says they will have a “form of godliness” and will capture those who have sins in their lives, and who are unable to come to a knowledge of the truth (2 Tim. 3:5-7).

Elders who have the opportunity, and refuse, for the sake of numbers in attendance, to teach the flock to repent of moral sins; and who will not permit, for the sake of the feelings of those who are good friends, teaching and preaching on the specific errors of false doctrines among the churches; will stand condemned with the wolves and those whom they deceived, in the Day of Judgment.

Watch For Souls

The care and concern for the souls of the congregation is a never-ending task for the eldership. There is constant watching and exhortation for the weak, lest they slip. The congregation must be taught and encouraged to “bear one another’s burdens” (Gal. 6:1, 2). A well thought out Bible teaching program is necessary, otherwise instruction might be limited to just the basic principles, and members will not be given opportunity to grow and become teachers in their own right (Heb. 5:12). Elders are commanded to visit the sick and to make prayer over them (Jas. 5:14). The need for multiple elders is manifest in the care of souls in the local church, as no one man could do it all.

Given the different personalities among a congregation, wise elders may, in some cases, seek mature members to assist in this work. They can be of value when their spiritual experience will help the weak and discouraged. This needs to be done carefully, as all such assistance must limit itself to instruction of the Word of God and its application. Many times such assistance must involve the greatest discretion, as a situation can be made worse by inclusion of one who is not thoroughly grounded in the Bible, and has not demonstrated an ability to keep such matters confidential.

A word of caution: Many times marriage problems, and resultant sinful behaviors are among the situations elders will face. All who are involved should limit themselves to being a good listener, and make proper scriptural applications to the situation from the Word of God. They should never take the role of a marriage counselor or other professional social worker. If the need is indicated for this service, a professional should be sought. If one of the elders, or a member is such a licensed professional, well and good, but their work should be separate and apart from the work of elders in this regard.

This duty is the most difficult part of the elder’s work, but we dare not neglect it. For the sake of precious souls, we must do our best “to restore such a one” who has fallen (Gal. 6:1).

Take The Oversight

The requirement to “rule” and “take the oversight” refers to a third responsibility of the eldership. The local congregation of the Lord’s church is the only expres- sion of organization in the New Testament. Each local congregation is autonomous in its function; there is no larger organized function directing the work of the church which Christ built (Matt. 16:18). As in any such organization, there are decisions to be made as to the use of buildings and other assets, use of the treasury in the support of evangelists, and matters of benevolence among the congregation. Wise elders will not make such decisions in secret, but make their decisions known to the church. They will seek out the cares and concerns of the congregation. Business meetings of the men are one tool in achieving this. Other methods include informal contact with all the men who are heads of families, and widows, and other women who have no husband.

In all these things, elders have only the authority to make such decisions as related to items which are expe dients to the work of the Church. Their authority to make such decisions is also limited by the Holy Spirit to the local congregation over which they have been given oversight (Acts 20:28). They do not have authority under any circumstances, to make such decisions for another congregation.

In the performance of this duty, there is no biblical authority for elders to limit the teaching and preaching of the full counsel of the truth of God so as to avoid controversy (Acts 20:27), or to introduce innovations in the work and worship not authorized by the Bible.

While all may freely come to the assembly to worship (1 Cor. 14:23), elders have a responsibility to examine those who wish to join themselves in membership to the congregation before they are accepted into the flock (Acts 9:26). Failure to meet this responsibility may result in a wolf in sheep’s clothing coming among them (Matt. 7:15). If Christians who have been involved in sinful practices, are permitted to join the flock without proper repentance and confession, their sin will become the leaven that “leavens the whole lump” (1 Cor. 5:6). That is, the influence of their sin will spread and cause great damage to the work.

Unless elders have full knowledge of the faith and abil- ity of a new member, they err greatly if they allow such a one to teach a class they do not attend. Otherwise, they have no opportunity to know if false doctrine is being taught. More than one congregation of the Lord’s church has been badly damaged when elders allow a new mem- ber to teach the high school class immediately after he has joined himself to the flock. In this critical transitional class between the child and the adult, an improper choice of teacher can destroy the faith of a young Christian for life.

Qualities of Elders

To feed the flock, watch for souls, and take the over- sight, elders must have two qualities. The first is a good working knowledge of the Bible. Second, he must be able to read a passage from the word of God, and to make a proper application of it. This is not to require that all elders be able to preach a sermon from the pulpit, although this is a useful skill to any eldership. However, the requirement “apt to teach” does imply that every elder should be able to teach what the Bible says in some public forum, be it class or pulpit.

All elders must be able to discern when error is being taught, and have the skills necessary to show from the Bible how the false teaching is wrong (Tit. 1:9). It is in fulfilling this need, that a good eldership will function as a “team.” Where one may not be able to immediately refute a false doctrine, the combined study of all may be presented by the one who is best skilled in public teaching.

The selection of an evangelist is crucial to the work of an eldership in spiritual growth and edification of a con- gregation. Elders must always be vigilant that not only is the whole truth of God being taught, but that proper application of that truth is made to the issues and sins in the flock. It is only by kind and patient application of the truth that spiritual babes in Christ are able to grow up and become mature Christians. Failing to teach and nurture such spiritual infants will result in their probable loss when the storms of conflict and error come.

Elders must be ready to rebuke and discipline those of the flock who become rebellious, and will not take encouragement or correction. 1 Corinthians 5:5 and 1 Thessa- lonians 3:6 require such action in the case of one who takes part in public sin to the hurt of the local congregation. There are times when such sins are ignored for the sake of “peace.” Invariably, such refusal to act will result in more than one soul being lost.

Finally, an elder must remember that he is an “en- sample” or example to the flock. If an elder engages in sinful behavior, how can he teach the truth, encourage the weak, and keep the flock as he should? 1 Timothy 5:19, 20 requires that elders are to be publicly called to account by the other elders or the evangelist, if they are guilty of public sin and will not repent.

A man who has the potential to be an elder, is under obligation to develop himself to have the qualities an elder needs. If he refuses, he becomes like the unfaith- ful servant who buried his talent in the ground (Matt. 25:24ff ). His refusal to use the ability God had given him led to his being cast into outer darkness where there was “weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Paul said that one who desires to be an elder “desireth a good work” (1 Tim. 3:1). It is important that we be fruitful in every good work (Col. 1:10).

Conclusion

In this day and time, it has become the view of many that the eldership is a hindrance to the teaching of God’s word. Preference is expressed for a business meeting arrangement where all of Paul and Barnabas ordained elders in every church where they preached the gospel (Acts 14:23). The maxi- mum time that could have elapsed between the start of a work and the time they appointed elders was about two years. Why could they have appointed elders so quickly, yet some churches today never have elders? Of course, Paul was able to lay hands on men and fill them with the Holy Spirit to know the word of God immediately. But knowing the word then, is equivalent to being educated in the Bible today. There is not a hint in the Scriptures that elders were miraculously qualified by the laying on of hands.

Too often, men who are qualified are rejected for some minor quibble by men or women who will never be qualified. These wish to maintain the business meeting arrangement, as they have the ability through political skill, to dominate and control the affairs of the church. If they accepted elders, they would no longer have such control.

Those who reject the eldership need to consider; if any church in the New Testament did not need elders, it should have been the church in Jerusalem. They had apostles to teach and strengthen it, and they had deacons to wait on tables (Acts 6:2). Yet after a few short years, they also had elders, and the elders are mentioned as acting with the apostles in the meeting that took place in Acts 15.

In many places, there is a greater need for godly elders than for the evangelist, yet many think that a good evan- gelist will substitute for elders. We need to keep in mind that God’s arrangement is to have elders in every church. This is not impossible if we dedicate our efforts helping good men become qualified. God will provide what we.