Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

Through the years, those who have been associated with Truth Magazine have changed. I am the third editor of the paper and certainly our staff of writers is not the same as in the initial issue of the paper. Furthermore, our readers have changed; we are certainly not writing to the same audience we wrote to twenty-four years ago (as a matter of fact, I was only eight years old at that time). Consequently, a statement of our aims and purposes would be most helpful to those who are interested in helping increase our circulation through putting this paper into the hands of those who might benefit from its teaching.

A Weekly Subscription Periodical

Truth Magazine is a sixteen-page weekly periodical which is published by Cogdill Foundation. It is the only weekly periodical circulating among conservative brethren. There is only one other weekly periodical published among brethren (Firm Foundation which circulates among liberal brethren). We, however, are the only weekly periodical which stands opposed to church sponsored recreation, church support of human institutions, and the sponsoring church arrangement.

As a subscription journal, this fact needs to be kept in mind. When some people see that our price is $10.00 per year in comparison with $7.00 per year for Searching the Scriptures, $6.00 per year for Preceptor, $7.00 per year for Gospel Anchor, $7.00 per year for Gospel Guardian and $9.50 (!) per year for Vanguard, they forget that all of these subscription journals are monthlies whereas we are a weekly. Hence, by comparison, Truth Magazine continues to be the best bargain among religious periodicals circulated among conservative brethren.

An Uncompromising Commitment To Truth

Truth Magazine is a gospel paper which has an uncompromising commitment to truth. We intend to stand for the truth and make our stance known so clearly that no one will wonder where and why we stand. Brethren will not have to wonder what we believe about any subject, inasmuch as we shall be delighted to give an unambiguous answer through our pages.

Historically, Truth Magazine has been known for its stand for the truth. Under its former editors, Cecil Willis and Bryan Vinson, Jr., Truth Magazine has been known for its unflinching stand in opposition to church support of benevolent societies, the sponsoring church arrangement, church support of recreation, church support of colleges, and, more recently, the grace-unity apostasy. Its pages have been filled with instruction on these topics inasmuch as Truth Magazine was originally started to provide a medium for the discussion of problems within the churches of Christ.

If there has been one criticism of the paper which has had any legitimacy, it would be criticism that Truth Magazine is militant (indeed, too militant for some). For this, we make no apologies. We intend to always be militant against sin of any kind. We intend to expose the men who are espousing views which stand in direct conflict with God’s word in order that brethren might be aware of who they are, what they are teaching, and what is wrong with it.

To protect all of us from one man’s opinion, Truth Magazine maintains an open format in which issues might be discussed. Truth Magazine will publish both sides of an issue in order that brethren might decide what is right and wrong for themselves as they study from the word of God. We have no interest in seeing anyone else or to become ourselves the official spokesman for what those in the churches of Christ must believe. Therefore, we shall speak what we think is the truth of God’s word, but we shall offer those with whom we disagree the opportunity of public response. In this way, Truth Magazine maintains its commitment to truth.

A Good Staff of Writers

Truth Magazine is a paper which has an excellent staff of writers. The names of the men who comprise our writing staff are easily identified by those who do much reading of material written by Christians. Here are the names of our writing staff:

Donald P. Ames

O.C. Birdwell

Bill Cavender

Roy Cogdill

Karl Diestelkamp

Johnie Edwards

Larry Hafley

Ron Halbrook

Irvin Himmel

Daniel H. King

Irven Lee

John McCort

Earl Robertson

Keith Sharp

Jimmy Tuten

Steve Wolfgang

In addition to this fine staff of writers, the following brethren also contributed articles for publication in 1979: Weldon Warnock, Leonard Tyler, Dudley Ross Spears, Tom O’Neal, Marshall Patton, Bob Buchanon, Leslie Diestelkamp, Norman Fultz, David Harrell, Hoyt H. Houchen, and many others

One can see from this list of names that Truth Magazine is not the work of one man; it represents the collective labors of many different brethren. I appreciate the many men who have taken the time to study the word of God on some particular subject, write it, and submit it for publication in Truth Magazine. I am thankful for the caliber of writers who send in material for publication.

A Channel For News

Truth Magazine is also a channel for news. In our Quips and Quotes, New Churches Established, and Field Reports columns, we try to report the news which might be of interest to brethren. We want to help keep brethren informed about what is happening throughout the world among God’s people. Hence, we encourage brethren to write their news and send it to us.

There is rarely a year that goes by but that an extended report is printed regarding the work in the Philippines. As brethren conduct meetings in various parts of the country which might tend to be isolated, they send in a report regarding their labors there and the condition of the churches in those areas. Hence, the news items in the paper make it especially helpful to brethren.

An Advertising Medium

Truth Magazine is also an advertising medium for churches, brethren and Truth Magazine Bookstore. Inasmuch as the funds necessary to pay the bills come from the sale of books by our own bookstore, the primary focus of our advertising space must be given to Truth Magazine Bookstore. Hence, all of the books\which are published are available through Truth Magazine Bookstore. Furthermore, we emphasize in our advertising those works which are published by Cogdill Foundation.

Occasionally, however, some person will publish something which he needs to advertise. He will then purchase advertising space in Truth Magazine to get his publication before the brethren. Others sometimes lead ,a group of interested people on trips to the Bible lands. They also advertise in our pages.

However, one of the most significant advertisers is the local congregation. Many local congregations advertise their location and times of services on the pages of Truth Magazine. This is not a back-door method of making a contribution to Truth Magazine. It is the purchase of a legitimate product. Hundreds of elderships across this land have accepted the fact that brethren are traveling more these days than at former times. They recognize that these brethren will want to worship while away from home, so they advertise their locations to assist them. Those of you who travel any at all and have sought to find a place with which to worship know how useful these ads are to you. On my vacation to the Northeast last year, I took a copy of Truth Magazine with me to help me locate places to worship and had no trouble locating a place to worship.

Furthermore, Christians are constantly moving because of their jobs. As many are transferred here and there, the problem of finding an acceptable place with which to worship becomes greater in direct proportion to the number who are re-locating. There is hardly a week which goes by but that someone is contacting me, trying to find faithful saints in some area of the country with which to worship. Frankly, I become more convinced each day of the need of brethren to advertise their places of worship, times of services, and the name of someone to contact to help brethren who are traveling and re-locating. Hence, the advertising medium of Truth Magazine is another service which we provide for the brethren.

A Balanced Journal

Truth Magazine is also a balanced journal in that it contains articles on a number of different subjects in each and every issue. Last year, we had three special series of studies on Romans, worldliness and worship (these issues constituted 20% of our total publication last year). In addition to these special issues, we had articles throughout the year on such topics as the church, worldliness, authority, assurance of salvation, attitude, baptism, Calvinism, Catholicism, cults, drug abuse, faith, grace, heaven, immodest dress, instrumental music, Jesus, Jonah, liberalism, Mormonism, situation ethics, the temptations of Jesus, personal evangelism, and a number of other topics.

Those who circulated the statement that “all that Truth Magazine publishes is fights among the brethren” are either misinformed or lying. Indeed, the number of articles pertaining to problems among brethren would certainly constitute a small percentage of our total output of material.

In preparing Truth Magazine’s layout, I seek a balanced presentation. I want to print something which will help the weak Christian, the non-Christian, the mature Christian, and the growing Christian. I want to publish things which my wife will read-as well as what I would like to read. I seek for balance in our pages.

Conclusion

I suppose that this is the reason that many congregations think that Truth Magazine should be sent to everyone of their members. I would agree with their judgment, however biased I may be. I would think that brethren would recognize the need of an informed membership (not just an informed preacher and/or eldership). The key to doctrinal soundness is a taught membership. Some brethren, therefore, send the paper into the homes of every member of the local church as a tool for helping them to teach their members.

The rates of Truth Magazine are such that this is not much of a financial load for the local church. Sending the paper directly into the homes of ten people only cost $7.50 per month (larger quantities can be figured at the rate of $.75 per person per month). Many individual Christians purchase groups of subscriptions in order to personally send the paper into the homes of some of their friends (even as I do).

To the best of my ability, I have sought to inform you as to the purpose and work of Truth Magazine. Again, if any of you have any questions pertaining to our work, please feel free to personally contact me and I shall attempt to answer your letter. We have nothing to hide so I shall be as forthright with you as I know how to be. If there is any way that Truth Magazine can be of any service to you, just contact us and we shall do what we can to accommodate your needs.

Truth Magazine XXIV: 5, pp. 83-85
January 31, 1980

By Weldon E. Warnock

A few of our brethren advocate that if a church puts a tract written by a woman in the tract rack, a sin is committed. Among all the absurd positions that brethren have taken through the years, this one is in competition to “take the cake.” What a warped conception of women’s role in the kingdom of God.

If these extremists are to be consistent in their position, they must quit singing all of the hymns written by women. In fact, they will have to print their own songbook that contains only songs written by men or they will have to mutilate the books they have by cutting out the songs written by women.

According to their illogical thinking, it would not be enough to not sing the songs, but the teaching done by women through the printed page (songs) must not even be in the meetinghouse. What would be the difference of having what women wrote in a songbook and what women wrote in the tract rack (or in a Truth Magazine – editor) It seems to me that having the women teaching us in the worship assembly through the songbook would, be far worse than haying a tract in the vestibule for anyone who might choose to, read it outside of the assembly, if the tract is sinful.

Brethren, such a ludicrous position could not be right. The fact that in its ultimate consequences the position makes the church a laughingstock shows that these brethren who embrace such extremity need to back up and reconsider.

In the songbook, Sacred Selections, there are nearly 150 songs written by women. This book is one of the songbooks used by the anti-women-teachers’ brethren and they sing the songs written by the women. (Oh, consistency, where art thou?) Some of these songs are “Just As I Am,” “Oh, Why Not Tonight?,” “I Am Thine, O Lord,” “Near the Cross,” “He Hideth My Soul,” “Anywhere With Jesus,” “Hold To God’s Unchanging Hand,” “When We All Get To Heaven,” and “Take the Name of Jesus With You,” to name a few. What are they going to do? Will they admit their extremism and back off or will they start using the scissors and cut out the songs?

Phariseeism

Such strict and narrow limitations on a woman’s role in the church because of a misunderstanding of 1 Tim. 2:11-12 reminds me of the spiritually deranged Pharisees during Jesus’ personal ministry. Due to their warped concept of the Sabbath, they meticulously defined “work” that prohibited nearly every imaginable activity.

There were 39 basic actions laid down by the Jews which were forbidden, on the Sabbath. Each action had to be carefully defined. One of the actions forbidden was a “burden.” But, what is a burden?. Some said a “burden” is anything that weighs as much as two dried figs. The orthodox Jews condemned anybody who drew water; who struck or killed anything or who just planned to do anything on the Sabbath.

The Catholic Church

These “no-tract-by-women-in-the-vestibule” brethren are just as preposterous as the Catholic Church’s restrictions concerning fasting before communion. In one of the Catholic books I have it states: “The Communion fast requires that one should take nothing in the way of food or drink, not even medicine. Things that are not digestible, such as a hair, thread or piece of wood, do not break the fast. Neither do the remains of food sticking between the teeth, not blood from the mouth or gums or tongue, since they do not come from without. Little drops of water which mingle with the saliva in washing the teeth and are swallowed unintentionally are not considered a violation of the fast . . . . One who is eating or drinking must stop at the first stroke of twelve o’clock, though he may swallow what is in his mouth.”

So, from midnight till Communion, a Catholic may not, according to this book, eat or drink anything digestible. However, Catholics may have all the wood, hair or thread they may want to eat.

Someone said there are three senses that man follows (not counting the five physical senses): revealed sense, common sense and nonsense. Of course, all must follow revealed sense, but brethren, for the sake of truth, peace and growth of the church, let’s start using a little common sense and not so much nonsense.

Truth Magazine XXIV: 5, p. 82
January 31, 1980

By Jimmy Tuten

There is a great need for teaching regarding abuses of church organization. The eyes of the beholder in the sectarian world view the church as another denomination because they see no distinctiveness associated with it. Generally speaking, brethren have become like those around them. Certainly we do not want to “harp” on issues, but we must teach what they are and how to deal with them. Failure to bring brethren to a remembrance of these things results in spiritual anemia (Rom. 14:1; 15:1; 1 Cor. 11:30; 1 Thess. 5:14). Our new generation simply does not understand that the basic “cause for the “new religion” facing us is unbelief! Generally speaking, brethren no longer anchor faith in objective truth (God’s Word), but in subjectiveness, the “we want it, we are going to have it because we don’t see anything wrong with it” approach. The “we do many things for which we do not have authority” philosophy has become a way of life in the brotherhood. As always there are three distinct groups among us: (1) the liberals, (2) the middle-of-the-roaders, and (3) the conservatives, who most often are called “antis.” The liberals and middle-roaders insist that the what of the work of the church has been given, but not the how. The conservatives maintain (and, rightly so) that the issue is not one of methods, but of organization. The who may not do the what (if not specified) in any way that does not violate Biblical principle. But can the church (the who) build and maintain human institutions (missionary societies, colleges, hospitals, etc.) through which to do the work God gave it to do?

The All-Sufficient Church

The church is God’s organization. It is called ekklesia in Greek, meaning the “called out” ones. It is a spiritual house, a priesthood and a holy nation (1 Pet. 2:4, 9). It is the fulness of the Lord Jesus Christ (Isa. 28:18; Eph. 1:22-23). God’s plan for man’s redemption focuses in the church: “this is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church” (Eph. 5:32). The only organization for function on the part of citizens in the kingdom known to the New Testament is the local church with Jesus Christ as its head, independently organized under its elders (Eph. 5:25; Acts 14:23; 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2). There is no earthly headquarters for the head of the church is in heaven. Though churches of Christ are not tied together by any central organization on earth, they do cooperate by functioning independently in carrying out God’s instructions.

Each local church can, to the extent of its ability do all that God intended the church to do. Each congregation is autonomous, independent, equal and sufficient in their relation to other collectivities. In the absence of authority should any local church financially subsidize through contributions any human organization such as a college, they sin! Should the elders of any local church give up their duty to see the things done by the flock are done rightly, they give away their autonomy; they sin! In either case the local church becomes dependent in$tead of independent, unequal instead of equal, and insufficient instead of sufficient. The issue is still this: if elders can delegate part of their oversight (resources, for example) to an unauthorized sponsoring church or to a human organization, then why not the rest of the elements of the local church? Why not some big, super organization! If elders can delegate a part of its work, is the whole left? Are they overseeing the flock, the whole? Shades of Rome! Please observe the chart and see the common ground of agreement, that the church doing its authorized work by the expedient methods deemed best causes no breach. Division occurs when human organizations or arrangements usurp the place of the church. All agree that methods are permissible but strife occurs when it comes to which organization shall employ these methods. The organizations are not methods, they are organizations that use methods!(See chart below)

 

 

A Glance Backward

In this writing, only a sketch of the historical aspect of digression will be given. Our immediate situation ties in with the early elements of the cooperation movement about a hundred years ago. Desiring to bring into being machinery for pooling resources in evangelism, influential men in the 1850 era began to commend the “sewing societies” of certain women desiring to provide clothing for the poor, the sponsoring of the “United Kingdom” fund by the Bethany, Virginia church (campaigned for by Walter Scott and S.K. Pendleton), and other institutional societies for church-supported benevolence. Voices of opposition were heard. Men like Barton W. Stone wanted to know where the New Testament authorized such. From this, the demand for cooperation of churches on a local and national level resulted in division when the American Christian Missionary Society began in 1849. Then as now, the desire for unscriptural arrangements was more important than unity among believers. As early as the middle nineteenth century, one can see the development of “liberalism” and “conservativism.” There was a clear, distinct cleavage between the two. A casual reading of events relating to the American Christian Missionary Society and election of Alexander Campbell as president reveals vividly that the one goal was not unity, but cooperation. Men like McGarvey and Pendleton took opposing positions on the society. The Gospel Advocate came out strongly against the Missionary Society in 1866.

One cannot overlook the “college issue” of this period. Beginning with Bethany College, the problem of the relationship between colleges and churches of the Lord was apparent. In the past, colleges have denied taking contributions from churches except when sent without solicitation. Now funds are openly solicited from churches by various colleges. In 1939, when G.C. Brewer went on record at Abilene Christian College as endorsing colleges in the budgets of churchs, a statement was made by him that it was his (i.e., Brewer’s) understanding that this had been the situation since Bethany College was founded in 1840. With qualifications, men like George Benson of Harding College, E.H. Ijams of Lipscomb in Nashville and N.B. Hardeman of Freed-Hardeman opposed placing colleges in church budgets.

From this situation, it was but a short step to sponsoring church arrangements with elderships taking oversight of foreign fields. Having proven workable overseas, the method was applied at home. Such things as the Herald of Truth were born. Anything that brethren want to promote is now placed under a sponsor and diocesan elderships are commonplace. The mania of “Frog Kissing Retreats,” and other clap-traps are fallouts.

When will brethren wake up to the fact that all human institutions and arrangements in evangelism, benevolence and edification stand or fall together? The church cannot by divine authority work through, nor contribute to any of them. How sad to witness brethren’s desire for their promotions taking precedence over peace and unity. The intoxicating glory of man-made schemes are short-lived when compared to eternity’s hell and loss of identity.

Where Is The Stopping?

In The Christian Monthly of August 1870, James Pickens said, “If the door is set ajar for innovations, how shall we determine where it shall stand or that it should not stand wide open, and that continually?” The giants of liberalism are lamenting the fruits of unscriptural cooperative efforts spawned by them. Ira Rice attacks the “maverick pastor” Jim Reynolds of Dallas, Texas; charging him with the responsibility of certain churches in Cupertino, California and Dallas joining the inter-faith movement. The truth of the matter is this: brother Reynolds only watered the digressive element in these churches. Brother Rice planted the seed of digresion when he convinced the Southwest Church of Christ to sponsor him in Singapore in 1955. Listen to him: “. . . your editor feels peculiarly qualified to comment personally on this one, because the now so called Southwest Church of Christ . . . is the same old Hampton Place Church of Christ, which was the original sponsoring church that sent my family and me to Singapore in 1955 – and was our sponsor for more than 13 years!” (Contending for the Faith, January 1978, italics mine, jt). The Southwest church where Jim Reynolds preached at the time of this statement had as much right getting involved in inter-faith movements as she did sponsoring and taking oversight of Singapore works. The pot calling the kettle black? I say so!

Questions

1. Why do brethren need to be constantly reminded of issues which divided the church in bygone years?
2. Was the last division over church support of benevolent societies and colleges simply a division over methods? Explain your answer.
3. What does the belief in the “all-sufficiency of the church” mean? Is the church all-sufficient to market books and other literature? Is the church allsufficient to care for the poor of all the world?
4. Why is it sinful for a church to contribute to any human institution?
5. Is there any significant difference in a church contributing to a missionary society, benevolent society, or edification society (college)?
6. Is the missionary society, benevolent society or col lege simply a “method” of doing a given work?
7. Is there any difference in principle in sending a cash contribution to a college, loaning a school the use of the church building, and building a church school?
8. Why is a “little liberalism” dangerous?

Truth Magazine XXIV: 4, pp. 73-75
January 24, 1980

By Karl Diestelkamp

If the founders are wrong, can the followers be right (Matt. 15:13, 14)`! If the foundations are unsound, can the building be sound (Matt. 7:26, 27)`! If the doctrines are false, can the beliefs be true (Gal. 1:6, 7; 2 Tim. 4:3, 4)`! If the belief is error, can the practice be true (Matt. 15:7-9)`! If the practice is unacceptable, will the worshiper be accepted (2 Thess. 2:7-12)?

These are crucial questions challenging every thinking person regarding personal faith, practice and religious affiliation. However, most of the denominational world long ago decided that these are unimportant and unnecessary questions. Many have been convinced that real religious unity is impossible and, thereby, deny the knowledge, wisdom and revelation of God. Multitudes have been led to believe that simplicity means inadequacy so everything from worship, to work, to organization is compounded and complicated in an effort to please men and to implement humanly devised programs and practices.

Perhaps the most clear-cut identifying mark of any modern denomination is its organizational structure. From the simple “presiding elder” to the complex “vicar of Christ” papacy, the word “departure” screams out at those who know the New Testament pattern for the Lord’s church. Remember, denominationalism could not exist without there first being a departure from the authority of the Scriptures. When anyone decides that the Bible is not the absolute, unerring authority for personal faith and obedience, such a person will not follow, or be concerned about, authority for the establishment and organization of the church.

That denominationalism is a departure from the New Testament pattern is clearly seen when it is contrasted and compared with the simple organization of the church which Jesus established. Please consider the absolute simplicity of the organization of Christ’s church.

(1) Christ has all authority (Matt. 28:18). He is “the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords” (1 Tim. 6:14, 15). He now reigns and rules at the right hand of God, over His kingdom, the church, as an absolute monarch (Heb. 1:1-3, 5, 13; 8:1; 10:12, 13; 1 Cor. 15:25; Col. 3:1; 1 Pet. 3:22; Eph. 1:20-22). Having all authority in heaven and on earth, He built His church as He had promised (Matt. 16:18). He is the foundation (1 Cor. 3:11) and the chief cornerstone (Eph. 2:20; 1 Pet. 2:6).

(2) Christ is head of His church (Eph. 1:22, 23). All things are under His feet (authority) and He has preeminence in all things (Col. 1:18). Under Christ, the apostles and prophets functioned in keeping with His will (Eph. 2:20). We hasten to point out that there is no provision in the New Testament for any “succession” of apostles to this day and none today can meet the divine qualifications (Acts 1:15-26). First century prophets revealed the truth by the power of the Holy Spirit. Their work was temporary and has been completed (1 Cor. 13:8-13; Zech. 13:1, 2); since there are no living apostles to impart the gifts (Acts 8:14-19), there can be no true “latter day” prophets today.

(3) As head of His body (church), Christ has authorized the only organization for the church meeting in any given place. The church in such a place consists of “all the saints . . . with the bishops and deacons” (Phil 1:1). Saints are “set apart ones” who have been added to the church (Acts 2:47) by the Lord. It is the will of Christ that each church have elders (bishops) when a plurality of qualified men are found (Acts 14:23; Tit. 1:5). The qualifications are set forth in 1 Tim. 3:1-7 and Tit. 1:5-9. The Lord has decreed that elders be “overseers” (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2), that they “rule” (1 Tim. 5:17; Heb. 13:24) and that they “feed” and “tend” the flock (1 Pet. 5:2; Acts 20:18, 28). This is not to be construed as giving elders any legislative (law-making) authority. They serve under Christ, shepherding the flock according to His will alone. Deacons are specially appointed “servants” in the church who meet the qualifications in 1 Tim. 3:8-13. However, deacons do not “oversee” or “rule” in the body of Christ. Elders are to “take heed . . . to all the flock” over which they are overseers (Acts 20:28), and are to “feed the flock . . . which is among you” (I Pet. 5:2). There is a complete absence of New Testament authority for any organization larger or smaller than the local church. Intercongregational combines, cooperatives, associations and institutions are without Biblical sanction.

Now note some visible departures in organization found in modern denominations that argue against any of them being the New Testament church:

Roman Catholicism — A diocesan arrangement is used, including unmarried Bishops, Archbishops, Cardinals and Pope. They have a highly centralized form of government and organization with offices unheard of in the New Testament.

Lutherans — There are three major denominations by this name. All have earthly headquarters with synodical (ecclesiastical council) forms of government and organization not seen in the New Testament.

Baptists — They are divided into various “Conventions” and “Associations,” having local offices and organizations not authorized by the New Testament.

Methodists — There are fifteen-plus different denominations by this name. Many are part of the World Methodist Council and have a local form of organization and offices foreign to the New Testament.

Presbyterians — They are organized into Presbyteries (a division of synods and councils) with several Boards and Assemblies unheard of in the Scriptures.

Disciples (Christian Church) — Abandoning the New Testament pattern, this group reorganized in 1968 and clearly identified itself as a denomination. The reorganization was admittedly not in the direction of Biblical authority.

Christian Science — They are organized under the Board of the Mother Church in Boston, Massachusetts about which the New Testament says nothing.

Jehovah’s Witnesses — They are organized under the direction and control of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, Brooklyn, N.Y., an organization unknown to the pages of the New Testament.

Mormons — They are organized under a 38-man body called the General Authorities consisting of a President and two counselors, the Council of Twelve Apostles and their Assistants, the church Patriarch, a 7 man First Council of the Seventy and three member Presiding Bishopric with headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, all of which are without New Testament basis.

Space forbids that we should list even most of the departures in the area of organization found in modern denominations. However, those sincerely seeking to identify the true church can quickly determine if any organization is correctly organized by comparing every facet of it with the New Testament pattern. Without scriptural organization, no “body of believers” can be truly the Lord’s body. Also, it should be pointed out that “organizational departures” are not the only departures that can cause a religious body to be false!

Any organization that includes offices and appointments unheard of in the New Testament has departures from the pattern of the New Testament Church. To illustrate, all of the following are unheard of in the New Testament: Sunday School Superintendent, Presiding Elder, Presiding Bishop, Board of Elders, Board of Deacons, President, latter-day Apostles, Headquarters, Councils, Elected Representatives, Evangelistic Oversight, Conventions, Associations, Sponsoring Churches, Intercongregational Cooperatives, Overseeing Elderships (with control of more than the local church), Statewide Nationwide and/or International Conventions (Workshops, Campaigns, etc.) which constitute functions beyond the realm of the local church.

Denominationalism is not of God! It is the invention of Satan who has, in turn, influenced men to accept his inferior, ineffective and soul-condemning substitutes. Since denominationalism is not from God, it can only be a departure from the divine plan and pattern. Brethren everywhere need to be ever alert to any and all such departures from the faith (Jude 3) and increase determination to “abide in the doctrine of Christ” (2 Jn. 9-11). Remember truth has nothing to fear in open, honest investigation!

Questions

1. Discuss the simplicity of the organization of Christ’s church.
2. What are some departures in organization found in modern denominations that argue against any of them being the New Testament church?
3. Assign each member of the class to find out how the major denominations of the community are organized.
4. Can all authority reside in Christ (Matt. 28:18) if there is another man or group of men claiming to be the head of the church?
5. Is the council of Jerusalem (Acts 15; Gal. 2:1-10) justification for church councils to legislate doctrine? Explain and defend your answer.
6. How has the office of elders been perverted by denominationalists and liberal brethren?
7. If there is no pattern for the organization of the church, would any form of church organization be sinful?
8. If God has revealed a pattern for the organization of the New Testament church, what is it and what is our obligation to it?

Truth Magazine XXIV: 4, pp. 71-43
January 24, 1980