Truth Magazine

By Ron Halbrook

For years Buff Scott, Jr. has scoured the Guardian of Truth magazine to collect names and addresses to send his publication, The Reformer. Consequently, he says that his “paper goes to more `Guardian’ brethren than any others  including many `elderships”‘ (Scott to Halbrook, February 4, 1996). Scott promotes the Carl Ketcherside-Leroy Garrett concepts of unity-in-doctrinal-diversity and often attacks the Guardian of Truth. Explaining his displeasure with my booklet Trends Pointing Toward a New Apostasy, he argued that fellowship can be withdrawn only for immorality, divisiveness, or denying Christ’s deity, but never over doctrinal matters (The Reformer, January/ February 1994, 2-5). Since the January-February 1996 Reformer, Scott has focused on the church of Christ here in West Columbia with its elders (C.P. Alexander, James Moore, and J.D. Harris) and myself as an evangelist. Brethren from around the country have been asking how they got on Scott’s mailing list and what is the background to his tirades against us.

Scott says he “decided some time ago to expand my ministry of reformation” by publishing articles in local newspapers “across the country” where churches of Christ meet (Scott to Halbrook, October 18, 1995). After mailing his materials here for several years, he started fighting us in the local media but plans to tar-get other churches in the future. This report can help brethren in other places to be prepared when he strikes again.

In September 1993 Scott proposeda forum on whether churches of Christ are “counterfeit” and whether instruments of music in worship should be a test of fellowship. His letter explained, “I am associated with the Mountain View Christian Church in Phoenix whose assemblies employ instruments of music. Additionally, I am `Associate Pastor,’ a function and title unknown in scripture and disapproved of by me” (Scott to Halbrook, September 3, 1993). We ignored this letter because an effort to arrange a discussion with him years ago led nowhere, and the elders and I saw a lack of integrity in Scott’s participation in things which he himself knows to be wrong. His articles attacking us and renewing his forum proposal began to appear in local newspapers in July 1995. They are classic examples of the sophistry spoken of in 1 Timothy 6:3-4, If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmising .. .

Raging against the church and the KJV Scott rants, raves, and rages against the word “church” in the Bible, insisting that the Greek term ecclesia be translated “congregation” or “assembly” but never “church.” “Church” in Scott’s overheated imagination can mean only religious bodies, institutions, hierarchies, and bureaucracies unknown to Scripture. We pointed out that this attack on “church” is contrary to Bible translations representing hundreds of Greek scholars, and Scott is certainly no Greek scholar! We need not jettison “church” or “God” from the Bible when people misuse such words, but use the Bible to teach proper concepts of God and church.

Scott claims he wants “Jesusism” not “churchism” but admits Jesus has a body or kingdom. Do we need “Jesusism” not “bodyism” or “kingdomism”? The New Testament church is the body or kingdom of Christ. To be in Christ is to be his church, body, or kingdom. To be out-side of the church of Christ is to be outside of Christ (Matt. 16:18-19; Eph. 1:3, 22-23; 5:5). The rich irony is that after all of Scott’s ranting against churches, he believes we can go to heaven as members of them and he is an Associate Pastor of one which promotes all sorts of human institutions (Arizona Evangelistic Asso- ciation, American Indian Christian Missions, Pacific Christian College, United Christian Youth Camp, etc.).

Scott attacks the King James translation of the Bible because it uses such terms as “church,” “baptism,” and “Easter” in Acts 12:4. He boldly asserts without documentation that the KJV translators mistranslated many things with the motive of pleasing King James. Scott claims that the KJV translators corrupted the earlier work of William Tyndale’s translation, which Scott said translated “ekklesia congregation and baptizein immerse” and “passover in the place of Easter.”

Here are the real facts concerning Acts 12:4 and Tyndale. “In the earlier English versions Easter had been frequently used as the translation of pascha. At the last revision Passover was substituted in all passages but this” by the King James translators (McClintock and Strong, Cyclopaedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature, 111:12). “Easter” was not used to suggest Bible Christians observed that day, but to designate springtime as the season ofthe year when “the Jews” kept “the days of unleavened bread” (Acts 12:3-4). We can disagree with the translators’ designating the time of the year in verse 4 by “Easter” without impugning their motives.

Tyndale (1494-1536) wanted to do a translation for the common man, al-lowing “a boy that driveth a plough to know more of the Scriptures than [the Pope] did” (B.F. Westcott,A General View of the History of the English Bible, 32). To improve his first effort (1525), he published a revision in 1534, followed by an inferior edition in 1535. Historians agree his 1534 New Testament was his “noblest monument” (Westcott, 185). “It was this revision that eventually became ninety percent of the King James Authorized Version of 1611” (B.H. Edwards, God’s Outlaw [Tyndale Biography from Tyndale House publ.], 146). Tyndale’s 1534 New Testament has “Easter” in Acts 12:4 and “baptized” in Mark 16:15 and Acts 2:38. He used “congregation” in the text but added marginal comments using “congregation” and “church” inter-changeably. From Tyndale’s time until now, Greek scholars have widely recognized “church,” “congregation,” and “assembly” as proper translations ofecclesia. Scott is “doting about questions and strifes of words” to no profit; we are to reject such men (1 Tim. 6:3-4). Ironically, the Christian Church of which Scott is an Associate Pastor celebrates Easter!

Defection From Christ

One of Scott’s newspaper articles entitled, “Why I’m a Church of Christ Defector,” said that he was raised “in the non-instrumental music church of Christ” like the one in West Columbia. “I too believed this church was the only true and divine institution upon the face of the earth. I preached her on the sidewalks and from many pulpits . . . I fought for her and de-bated those who spoke ill of her . . . I felt that King James’ Mark 16:16 was pure gold! I equated the church of Christ with God’s new reign.” He then explained that he no longer parroted “the old partisan cliche” that salvation is found only in the church of Christ because he had been “deprogrammed!” “Did I leave Jesus when I left the church of Christ? Goodness, no! He and I are closer now than ever before.” He explained he now accepts people in all sorts of religions, asked which church of Christ is authentic, and said he was “working within the system to reform the system,” inviting readers “to help finance these articles” for that purpose.

In other words, long before Buff Scott became an “Associate Pastor” of the Christian Church, he pro-claimed the way of Christ as the only way to salvation. He believed that all men are lost in sin without the gospel of Christ (Rom. 3:23; 6:23). He preached the very words of Christ, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). Scott preached that men must be baptized into Christ  into the one body, kingdom, or church of Christ (John 3:5; 1 Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:26-27; Eph. 4:4-6). Now that he has defected from the teaching of Christ, he believes some sinners will be saved without faith in Christ  without baptism into Christ  outside the church of Christ.

His article was paraphrased as follows in our weekly column:

I was raised in the teaching of Christ. I believed this was the only true instruction on earth. I preached Him on the sidewalks. I fought for Him and debated those who spoke ill of Him and His teaching. I felt Mark 16:16 was pure gold! I equated the rule of Christ with the rule of God. Why do I no longer broadcast the old partisan cliche that sinners are saved only in Christ? Simply, I have been deprogrammed! Did I leave Jesus when I left His teaching? Goodness, no! He and I are now closer than ever before.

I now accept within the brotherhood of God many sinners who do not believe in Christ but who worship in paganism. In any case, which doctrine of Christ is authentic? Hundreds of teachers claim to offer His teaching, including the Metropolitan Community Church (homosexual), David Koresh, Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and me. As for me, I intend to reform religion by telling people to defect from the New Testament teaching of one true Christ, one true baptism, and one true church as the only way of salvation from sin. If you wish to help finance defection from this teaching of Christ, contact me. Associate Pastor Buff Scott, Mountain View Christian Church, Phoenix, AZ.

To defect from Christ’s teaching and Christ’s church is to defect from Christ himself (John 14:23-24). Our regular newspaper columns exposed Scott as having “made shipwreck” of the faith; “deceiving and being deceived”; “ever learning, but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth”; and “being condemned of him-self’ (1 Tim. 1:19-20; 2 Tim. 3:13, 7; Tit. 3:10-11). He affirmed in debate many years ago that men can be saved “without becoming born-again believers in Christ” (Scott/ Pennock debate, Truth Magazine, January-March 1959). Christ said, “No man cometh unto the Father but by me,” and he promised to build just one church (John 14:6; Matt. 16:18; Eph. 4:4).

Jesus requires unity of faith and practice in his church, and forbids the unity-in-doctrinal-diversity and inter-denominational unity advocated by Scott (1 Tim. 1:3; 2 Tim. 1:13). Time would fail us to tell of all his liberal, erratic, inconsistent, and confused ideas such as the claim that God inspired the Bible with errors and contradictions in it; Scott wants to debate but says “pagans and all others” can be saved without the gospel; instrumental music in worship is an “infraction” but not sinful (Reformer 3, 4; 4, 6; 4, 2).

Taking the Battle to the Mountain View Christian Church

The Mountain View Christian Church in Phoenix, Arizona where Buff Scott is an Associate Pastor has a number of “pastors” and “elders” (listed as separate offices). Copies of each of Scott’s articles and of our responses were sent to each of these men. Though Scott’s letters to the elders here have been faithfully delivered to them through the years, the materials first sent to the “pastors” and “elders” at the Mountain View Christian Church fell into the hands of Scott and were withheld by him. He said, “I have decided to withhold from them the copies you intended for them” (Scott to Halbrook, October 18, 1995). He insisted I should reproduce these materials and contact the pas-tors and elders at their private domiciles. Such conduct is bizarre and unethical, but typical, confirming our decision not to debate him.

I notified the “pastors” and “elders” of the Mountain View Christian Church of Scott’s antics and offered to help arrange a public debate there with some more reliable speaker of their choosing on the following propositions: “New Testament authority for singing in worship during the gospel age excludes mechanical instruments of music,” and “The New Testament authorizes unity-in-diversity with reference to mechanical instruments of music during the gospel age.” A return letter from Pastor C.C. Moody declined the offer for such a discussion.

Scott’s newspaper attacks on the church here ran from July 1995 through February 1996. Those articles are being reprinted in The Reformer. Since he plans to target other areas as well, this report will help brethren to be prepared. Our articles responding in the local papers along with any other documentation referred to in this report are available to anyone who may request them. If he strikes in your area, I encourage you to take the battle to his own doorsteps by sending cop-ies of all exchanges and correspondence to the “pastors” and “elders” at the Mountain View Christian Church, and by offering to arrange a debate there if they will select some speaker more reliable than Scott. I can supply you with their names, and you may address them at the Mountain View Christian Church, 2927 E. Campbell Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85016.

Scott’s attacks on the church here and elsewhere will continue in The Reformer. In fact, he recently notified the elders and myself that he plans to publish his objections to my article on “The Shame of Nakedness” (Guardian of Truth, May 16, 1996, 293). He argues that we cannot “specify” any “kind of apparel” as immodest but only the “motive is evil.” Scott objects to using necessary implication to identify specific forms of immodest dress. If the intent was right, apparently women could appear in public in string bikinis or topless attire. He cannot find terms like “abortion on demand” or “pedophile” or “drug abuse” in the Bible. Does he use necessary implication and make the necessary application on these subjects? Abortionists use the same arguments against Scott that he uses against us on immodesty, such as charges of making laws for God and pleas for diversity and tolerance. Doctrinal looseness breeds moral compromise and moral compromise breeds doctrinal looseness.

Brethren, do not be discouraged by Associate Pastor Scott’s attacks if he targets your area. When the soldiers of Satan’s army attack, we can know that we are doing something right in the service of the Lord or Satan would not feel the necessity of making such vigorous attacks. “Fight the good fight of faith” and do not be ashamed of the gospel (1 Tim. 6:12; Rom. 1:16).

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 14, p. 18
July 18, 1996

By John L. Nosker

Sister Adams was born November 6, 1912, in Pike Road, North Carolina, the daughter of the late David B. and Mary Allen Adams. All of her four brothers and two sisters preceded her in death. She moved to Hopewell, Virginia in 1930 to make her home with her brother Joyner and his wife, Nollie. They were the parents of the preachers, Wiley and Connie Adams and the preacher’s widow, Mrs. Thomas (Glenda) Icard. Throughout their childhood and youth, Aunt Beulah was a beloved member of their family circle. She had an impact on their lives; today they “rise up and call her blessed.”

She was employed at times outside the home; how-ever, most of her adult life was spent in personal service in the home and in caring for children, those of family members and others. She cared for scores of youngsters; Beulah loved children, and children loved Beulah.

This fine Christian lady also was always interested in those in poor health. She made her concern known with cards, phone calls, and assurance of her prayers and her love. Connie commented regarding his aunt just prior to her funeral services, “Her life exemplified the Lord’s definition when he answered those discussing who would be greatest in the kingdom `… whoever wishes to be first among you, shall be servant of all’ (Mark 10:43). She spent her life in service to others.”

Doubtless all who knew this noble Christian would agree that the words of the song “Others” epitomize her life:

“Others, Lord, yes, others,

Let this my motto be,

Help me to live for others

That I may live like thee.”

Paul wrote that it is required in stewards that one be called faithful (I Cor. 4:2). Beulah Adams filled the bill of a steward found faithful. This writer came to the church in Hopewell in May 1943, and for more than three years worked and worshiped with that church. Beulah was among the first persons I remember meeting. I cannot recall a time when she was absent from the assembly. Of course, attendance of worship was not the only regard in which she was faithful. She loved the word of God, and she studied it consistently. She exemplified its teaching in her life. In all the years I’ve known her I never heard her say an unkind word about anyone. Family members con-firm: “She spoke no ill of her neighbor.”

Perhaps there was no period in her life when her light shone more brightly in the realm of service, than during the several years prior to her brother Joyner’s death when he was in failing health and eventually required a great deal of care. What a team his devoted wife and this dear sister made in caring for him. During the last few years of his life  round the clock service. They worked hand-in-hand caring for the husband of one and brother of the other. Together they performed a feat which few women could have, and still fewer would have.

After his death they shared life together  neither in good health. Countless times, undoubtedly, they were in their customary place in worship when neither was really able to be there. Her sister-in-law, Nollie, passed away about nine months prior to Beulah’s death. Their departure leaves a void in the Rivermont church. They are missed.

Following Nollie’s death, Beulah made her home with Glenda in West Virginia. She passed away in a hospital in Weirton, West Virginia on April 7, 1996. A funeral service was conducted in Wellsburg, West Virginia on April 9 by Owen Thomas. Nearly ten years ago, she requested this writer to speak at her final rites. On April 10, it was a privilege to comply with her wishes during a service near the Adams home in Chester, Virginia, assisted by Michael W. McLemore. A quartet of Christians from churches in the area sang appropriate hymns. Her body was gently laid to rest in the family plot in nearby Sunset Memorial Gar-dens to await the clarion call of the resurrection.

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 14, p. 14
July 18, 1996

By Kevin Maxey, Dennis Scroggins, and Steve Wallace

In late March of this year Dennis Scroggins and Steve Wallace arrived to start another effort to spread the gospel in Kaunas. Kevin Maxey and Bill Bynum followed them. The effort continues as this article is being written with Randy Blackaby and Joe McCameron presently laboring there.

Street Work

Almost everyday we set up a table full of literature in the Lithuanian language on the main pedestrian street in Kaunas, Laisves Aleja. While things are starting to taper off from what they once were in terms of the number of people taking literature, we still gave away a good amount. Also, there were a good number of discussions with people who passed by.

Lectures

The attendance at the our Sun-day lectures grew to a high of twenty people in attendance, twelve of whom were non-Christians. We advertized the lectures in the city paper and handed out invitations to people who passed by the table. We usually made overhead charts of our lessons for the lectures which were also copied and handed out to all who came.

The Church in Kaunas

At this point there have been four souls baptized into Christ this spring. While the workers mentioned of course had a part in these conversions, it is important to note that three of these baptisms came as a result of the efforts of members of the church there in making contacts or talking with others. Two of those baptized had also been at-tending the lectures.

Other Work

Work is continuing in getting books translated into Lithuanian. At this point Denominationalism and The Church, by Larry Ray Hafley, The New Testament Church, by Roy Cogdill, Discussion Between a Preacher and a Priest, by Leroy Brownlow, Glossoalia, by Jimmy Jividen, and The Houchen-Tatum Debate are in various stages of preparation for being printed. Many hours have been spent up to this point in the proof-reading of translated material. Through the contributions of individuals some of our translators now have old 286 computers with which to work. This simplifies the job of editing and final printing.

Jay Horsley, who previously worked in Vilnius, returned to the U.S. in mid-April. Hence, it has be-come necessary for us to take opportunities to work with the church in Vilnius. Also, there is a Christian in the northern city of Shiauliai whom Jay had been visiting as he found time whom Steve also was able to visit during his time there.

Can You Come to Lithuania in 1997?

At this point, an adequate number of workers has been found for the fall 1996 effort in Kaunas. Be-ginning in January 1997, a further effort to spread the gospel is being planned for Kaunas and other parts of Lithuania. It is planned to continue the whole year. Tracts and lecture halls are available. A number of churches in the U.S. and Germany have shown themselves willing to support these efforts. Workers are needed. Can you come for a few weeks? Everyone who has worked in Kaunas believes in the need for further work to be done there and has found the work something they were able to do. We are seeing the fruits of labors in the number of converts. Please contact one of us for information about working there.

One of the baptisms was the first male addition to the church there. The Christians there were encouraged by the recent additions. There have continued to be visitors at every service who have shown interest in the gospel.

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 14, p. 19
July 18, 1996

By Don Willis

While sitting in two different air-ports as I returned from a gospel meeting, I purchased a local newspaper. Reading the religioun page of The Indianapolis Star (April 27, 1996, C-8), a shocking realization overcame me at what had entered the open door of digression!

“Light of the World church sets celebration of prayer Tuesday. Heaven on Earth Conference 1996.” The article identifies this as the Eighth Annual Heaven on Earth Conference. “Highlights of the conference, sponsored by Light of the World Christian Church (Disciples of Christ, my emphasis, DW) include some well known recording artists,” and the “. . . Indianapolis area churches participating in the choir performance are: Messiah Missionary Baptist Church, Oasis of Hope Baptist Church, St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, Mount Zion Baptist Church, Mount Paran Baptist Church, and Christ Missionary Baptist Church. Daily worship services will be led by evangelists Bishop Charles Edward Blake, pastor of the West Angeles Church of God in Christ in Los Angeles; Bishop Paul S. Morton, senior pastor of Greater St. Stephen Full Baptist Church in New Orleans, and Bishop T.D. Jakes, senior pastor of Temple of Faith Ministries in Charleston, W.Virginia. On May 2, the Rev. T Garrott Benjamin Jr., senior pastor at Light of the World, will be consecrated as a bishop. . . . Although Benjamin’s de-nomination, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), is not run by appointed or elected bishops, congregations can choose to honor their pastors with the title. Because of the election, Benjamin also becomes bishop of the Christian Evangelical Covenant Fellowship, a national ecumenical group of congregations and ministries Benjamin founded this year.”

There are numerous manifest departures from the word of God with fellowship of denominational error. Some seem to think the only difference between truth and the Christian church is the mechanical instrument. One is confident the Christian Church could join in fellowship with us, as they do with the Church of God in Christ de-nomination, and the Baptist Church denomination.

That is not the real issue! Can we have fellowship with their efforts? Are we to contend for the faith once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3)?Are we to give an answer for the reason of the hope that we have (1 Pet. 3:15)? Are we to speak as the oracles of God (1 Pet. 4:11)? Are we to think of men above that which is written (1 Cor. 4:6)? Are we to preach the Word (2 Tim. 4:2)? If we must stand with the word of God, we must stand against departure there from!

Later that afternoon, I was stuck in the Houston Intercontinental Airport. (I was too cheap to purchase another paper, but there just happened to be an opened paper left on the seat next to mine, and the top sheet was the religioun page.) The Houston Chronicle (April 27, 1996, 3-E), had an article entitled: “She’s 95, still serving as church elder.” Emma Parker, of Abilene, Texas, is a member of the Abilene First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). “. . . Her pastor, Rev. Jim Zug (reports) `the greatest gift that one can give to another is the gift of oneself. Emma does that on a daily basis, and brings honor and dignity to the position of elder. Women elders? And is she the husband of one wife?

Open the door to additional and/or other doctrines than the Bible, and one will reap the whirlwind. Such is an at-tack on the all sufficiency of Jesus Christ and his revealed will! Once the door is opened, a block is placed; and every form of spiritual digression is permitted to enter.

Preachers are to stand opposed to error. Jesus opposed the Pharisees and Sadducees. Paul stood against the religions in Athens, Elymas the sorcerer in Pathos, Demetrius and the silversmiths in Ephesus, and even a brother in Christ (Peter) when he was to be blamed. One cannot afford to have fellowship with error; for when this happens, we cease to have fellowship with God (2 John 9-11).

Elders are charged in Titus 1:9, “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers (my emphasis, DW).”

All Christians must “expound the word of God more perfectly” (Acts 18:26; 8:3-4; 2 Tim. 2:2).

Brethren, we may think that error will not enter, once the door is opened. In just 150 years of error, look at what has happened within the Disciples of Christ. I started preaching in 1950, and just look at the changes that have already taken place in the church. Who could have imagined that some preachers from Christ’s church would apostatize so far as to teach evolution, deny inspiration, support centralization, follow the denominational craze toward serving the social needs of mankind, rather than the spiritual needs as Christ ordained?

Where are we going? Where will we end? Jesus Christ is head over all things to the church! Let each abide under his authority!

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 15, p. 1
August 1, 1996