Truth Magazine

By Johnny Stringer

Introduction

“Behold, how good and how pleas-ant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity” (Ps. 133:1). Unity is surely to be desired, but differences arise and interfere with unity among brethren. This article will discuss the various categories of differences and the scriptural ways of handling them.

Differences in Matters Pertaining

to Congregational Activity

We must agree to the point that we can worship and work together in the local church. Paul instructed the Corinthians that they were to have no divisions but be joined in the same mind and judgment (1 Cor. 1:10). He did not mean that they could have no disagreement about anything. Romans 14 shows that there is room for some differences within limitations. Paul was condemning the divisions among the Corinthians. He was requiring them to agree, therefore, to the point that they could avoid division, worshiping and working together in harmony. Similarly, the Philippians were required to strive together as one in furthering the gospel (Phil. 1:27).

Such agreement is possible when brethren look to the same authority to guide them (2 John 9; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Col. 3:17). If it were not possible, God would not require it, for God does not demand anything beyond our abilities.

There are two kinds of differences involving congregational activity:

1. Differences that arise because some will not be guided by the Scriptures. Some, for example, may insist that the congregation engage in an unscriptural practice. In that case, we must not yield to the advocates of error in order to have peace and unity. Truth must not be sacrificed or compromised (Prov. 23:23; Jude 3; John 8:32).

2. Differences in matters of personal judgment. In carrying out scriptural mandates, congregations must make decisions regarding specific details that the Scriptures have not spelled out. For example, in carrying out the command to assemble, decisions must be made as to the times the congregation will meet. Such decisions are matters of judgment. In making such judgments, meekness and the de-sire for peace must prevail (Eph. 4:1-3; Gal. 5:22-23; Heb. 12:14; Jas. 3:17). If it does, brethren will be willing to yield to the judgment of others rather than press their own judgment to the point of causing strife.

Differences in Private,

Personal Matters

There are four kinds of differences in this category:

1. Differences of opinion about matters not vital to salvation. For ex-ample, some brethren have wasted their time arguing over what Paul’s thorn in the flesh was. Such questions are of no consequence and should not be a source of strife. Brethren should heed 2 Timothy 2:23.

2. Differences in matters of judgment regarding one’s personal service to the Lord. As they planned a second journey, Paul and Barnabas had a disagreement over whether they should take John Mark. This was a matter on which God had not revealed the truth; it was a matter of personal judgment. The disagreement resulted in each preacher acting in accordance with his own judgment. They separated, Paul taking Silas and Barnabas taking Mark. This was not a disagreement that affected whether they could worship in the same congregation. We have already seen that in judgments regarding congregational matters, there must be compromise, for without it, peace in the congregation cannot be preserved. In private matters, how-ever, each one may practice what he believes to be best without disturbing congregational unity. For example, one couple may think it best to home school their children and may try to persuade another couple to do so. The other couple may judge such not to be best. These couples may strongly disagree, and each couple may act in accordance with its judgment; but each couple continues to love the other couple and worship and work with them in the congregation.

3. Disagreements with brethren because they are teaching or practicing things that are clearly sinful. The congregation must not tolerate sinful conduct or teaching among its members (Eph. 5:11; 1 Cor. 5; Tit. 2:10; 2 Thess. 3:6-15). Romans 14 does not deal with things that are clearly sinful. If it did, it would contradict the above passages.

4. Disagreements with brethren regarding practices that are questionable. The practices discussed in Romans 14 were not condemned; yet some could not engage in them with a clear con-science. There are things some Christians today cannot do in good conscience; yet, there is no clear-cut condemnation of those practices in the Scriptures.

Some, for example cannot in good conscience observe Christmas, even in a non-religious way; some cannot in good conscience serve as policemen; some cannot in good conscience play cards even when no gambling is involved. Most brethren who cannot do these things, however, do not consider the scriptural teaching to be so cut-and-dried that they can bind their conclusions on others. We must recognize a distinction between cases of clear-cut sin and cases that are not so cut-and-dried. Certain scriptural principles may be clear as a bell, but devoted Christians may reach different conclusions regarding the application of these principles in all the varied circumstances of life. We must make allowances for differences in such matters.

Here is where Romans 14 must be applied. When practices are involved that are not clear-cut cases of sin, let each individual act according to his conscience, not condemning those who differ. Otherwise, the church will be endlessly splintered. If brethren get to the point that no brother can ever worship or have fellowship with anyone who can engage in a practice in which he cannot engage, enormous problems will ensue. We simply must recognize, whether we like it or not, that there are practices in the questionable category.

A question arises at this point. We have said that when the Scriptures clearly condemn a practice, we must not tolerate it, but when the matter is not so clear-cut, we must allow for differences. The question: Who decides whether a matter is clear cut or not? Is someone going to provide a list for us? No list is needed. Discipline is exercised on the congregational level. When a situation arises within a congregation, the brethren in that congregation must decide whether it is a matter of unquestionable sin that cannot be tolerated or whether it is not. It is the business of the congregation to deal with such situations to the best of its ability in the light of scriptural teaching.

What about the divorce and remarriage question? There has been much discussion lately as to whether the principles of Romans 14 should be applied when those who have unscripturally divorced and remarried seek acceptance in a congregation. I believe that as brethren in any congregation make this decision, they should consider the clarity of New Testament teaching. Matthew 19:9 and Romans 7:1-3 clearly teach that if one did not put away his first mate for the cause of fornication, his second marriage is adulterous. There is another point that cries out for consideration: In view of the seriousness and magnitude of the problem of divorce and remarriage in our society, it is vital that God’s people take a firm stand against unscriptural divorces. But how can a congregation exert a strong influence for truth on this matter if there are people in the congregation who are clearly living in adulterous marriages?

It should be pointed out, however, that the question of whether the first mate was put away for fornication is not always cut-and-dried. Some-times, when there is some doubt regarding that question, we must al-low an individual to act according to his conscience; we must leave the matter between him and God.

The fact is that if the truth about divorce is firmly preached in a congregation, it is unlikely that it will be necessary for that congregation to decide whether or not to accept those who are in adulterous marriages. Usually, when the truth is preached strongly and forthrightly, those in adulterous marriages will either repent or leave because they find the preaching intolerable.

Conclusion

I do not claim to have all the answers to all the questions that arise regarding fellowship and Romans 14. I only hope that this contribution to the discussion will be helpful.

Guardian of Truth XL: 7 p. 6-7
April 4, 1996

On December 24, 1995 I concluded my work with the Westwood Church of Christ, after thirty years and six months. The following is an abbreviated form, with a few additional thoughts, of my farewell remarks on that date.

Some folks will little note nor long remember the remarks that I make here tonight However, the work that I have endeavored to do among you, will endure both time and eternity. It belongs to the nature of things that cannot be erased or removed by the passing of time, nor the forgetfulness of men.

The world has turned over many times since that warm June day in 1965 when Aurelia and I, along with our three children, pulled into Tullahoma, even before day began to dawn. Our furniture was en route but we were pulling a two-wheeled trailer with a few items we did not send on the truck. When it was light enough to unhitch the trailer, I began to look for something with which to block up the trailer. As I did, a snake slithered off into the weeds and grass. I recall remarking to Aurelia, “Well, the Old Serpent has served notice on us that he intends to oppose us for every inch and foot of ground we undertake to retake for the Master.” Now, I did not actually take that to be an omen or divine warning of some kind. However my assessment of what lay ahead of us, was right on target. Being aware that such is true, helps us to be alert and aware of his many devices, as he operates even as an angel of light, and his ministers as ministers of righteousness.

Nevertheless, God has dealt graciously with me. The good has far outweighed the evil that has come our way. Our blessings have been innumerable, and immeasurable. Our true and trusted friends outnumber by far our foes. God, the giver of all good things, has more than supplied our necessary food, raiment, and other material needs. Spiritually, he has blessed us above all we could ask or think. My heart rejoices beyond expression. By his marvelous grace, we are his and he is ours. What is there more important than this?

Additionally, God has given us children’s children, and memories that fill our cup to the overflowing. I am eternally grateful that God has seen fit to so use me here in this work. And my prayer is that my labor here is accepted in his sight.

My sentiments, as I bring to a close thirty years and then some with this congregation, are not easy to express either by pen or by tongue. The nearest language that fits the occasion can be found in the “Farewells” of the apostle Paul. Five times in his epistles, Paul came to say “Finally brethren.”

The term “finally” carries with the idea of concluding something. In the context of my use of it, it carries the idea of ending my thirty years and six month work with this church. As you think of that, be reminded that we are all also terminal. The time will come when you will end, in one way or another, your labors and work with this congregation.

Before, looking at some admonitions I want to make from Paul’s farewells, I want to take a glance backward for a few moments.

It has been in round numbers 1600 Sundays ago that Aurelia and I came here in answer to our “Macedonian call.” In December of 1964, a group of truth loving, dedicated brethren began to meet down on South Polk Street in what had been a dirty, greasy, abandoned restaurant building. There were just 23 people in the first gathering, including several small children, some of whom are here tonight with their own families. They formed the South Polk Street Church of Christ, because there was not an-other congregation in the town that had not embraced digressive practices. They stated that they wanted to build all things according to the pattern in God’s revealed word. In this they spoke the language that I spoke and under-stood well. With great anticipation and enthusiasm I accepted the challenge and came fully determined that in those goals I would give them all the help and aid I had the power and ability to provide. I was determined to know nothing but “Jesus Christ and Him Crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2). To the best of my ability, I have not swerved from that purpose. Such has been my constant theme. Some who were there in the beginning, have departed the faith and some who came after them stated that they were sick of “Bible authority.” Nevertheless, to that commitment I have remained steadfast and unmoveable thru all these years of labor.

Tonight, I come to turn in to him who gives the talents and the pounds, who opens doors of opportunity, my report on those 30 years and then some. He is the one who knows our abilities, and our failings. He knows our real motives from the asserted ones. He knows where we are lacking and why. He knows when our heart has pained and when we have not found sleep because of the sheep that were discontent either with food or fold. He knows the difference in caring shepherds and mere hirelings. It is into his hands that I place my report which he already knows perfectly.

However, as my work with the congregation is brought to an end so does the report of each of you go into the same hands of the perfect record keeper. We have professed to be “workers together with God,” for the advancement of the greatest work on earth, the only enduring work. He knows when we have been workers and when we have been shirkers. He knows when we have been backers and when we have been blockers. He knows the difference in mere rhyme and reason. So, we are each and everyone turning in our own report tonight on a work to which each of us committed our pledge to God to give him our all. Only eternity will fully reveal how well we have performed in our respective roles. These matters are not matters we can dismiss with a wave of the hand or shrug of the shoulder. We are men and women accountable to God above. I come now to make a few final admonitions to you.

Be strong in the lord and in the power of his might” (Eph.6:10f).

A. What will make you strong in the Lord.

1. Being in every way a Scriptural church.

a. Scripturally organized (Phil.1:1).

b. Scripturally functioning (Eph. 4:11-12).

c. Taking orders from Christ the head (Eph. 1:22-23).

2. Being a church composed of true believers (Acts 4:4).

3. Deep convictions, willing to suffer (Acts 8:4); sharing prayerful (Acts 6:6-7); walking in the fear of the Lord, and comfort of the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:31).

4. Strength is not to be confused with size.

B. You will have issues to face that will require the best in all of you.

1. Issues on marriage, divorce and remarriage.

2. Issues involving dress and conduct.

3. Perhaps sooner than you think you will have to deal with issues involving the role of women in the church.

C. Only by being strong in the Lord will you be able to handle successfully these and others is-sues.

II. Finally, brethren rejoice in the lord (Phil.3:1).

A. There is much joy and rejoicing for the people of God.

1. Romans 14:17.

2. Joy in Christian association (Phil.1:3).

3. Joy in worship (Psa.122:1).

4. Joy in seeing people obey the gospel (Acts 8:5-8; 3 John 3, 4).

B. Brethren, if your service to God is boring and you cannot find joy in it, heaven will not be for you.

III. Finally brethren, think on things true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of good report (Phil. 4:8).

IV. “Finally, brethren, farewell, be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the god of love and peace shall be with you” (2 Cor. 13:11). Whether I come and be with you or else be absent, I want to hear of your affairs (Phil.1:27). Like Paul, I want to hear that you are standing as a solid phalanx of committed men and women committed to the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Don’t be terrified by your adversaries. They will think that your standing for the truth is a token of your damnation, but you know that it is a token of salvation and that of God.

Sometimes men and women in the church get so careless and loose in their conduct and in business affairs that even the world would blush with shame. Let me say that if members of the church stand fore square upon the truth, and conduct themselves in a way that adorns the gospel, there is not a force in the whole world that can stop or hinder their onward march for the Lord, for He has promised never to leave or forsake such (Heb.13:5). This church will live or die, survive or vanish, according to the character of those on the inside. The enemy without can do but little harm and that only due to our own failings within. It is my honest conviction that we are our own worst enemy! I want to hear of unity in truth, soundness in faith, steadfastness in labor, purity in life, and untiring efforts in Christ.

V. My final “finally” is found in 2 Thessalonians 3:1. “Finally brethren pray for us.” Paul wanted the prayers of his brethren, and so do I. He was not asking that they pray for his ease and comfort. He was asking that they pray for him that the word preached by him might have free course and be glorified. He was asking to be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men. Those are my sentiments tonight as I leave you. Pray for me, that the word of God might have free course. Pray that I may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men. My heart and soul is wrapped up in the desire to preach his word, to saving of souls and up building of his cause and Kingdom. Pray that hindrances may be minimal. Pray for our strength and continued good health to that end. Pray that the Lord’s will may be done in all my undertakings.

I placed on the bulletin board a statement which can never fully express the bounty of thanksgiving and gratitude which Aurelia and I have for our years in your midst. We feel richly blessed. And I close with the admonition: “Therefore My be-loved brethren, be steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Cor.15:58). “And now brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified” (Acts 20:32).

Guardian of Truth XL: 6 p. 22-24
March 21, 1996

By Dan King

The natural longing which exists within each one of us to “better our situation” and improve upon our lifestyle, grows out of a deeper instinct within the human soul. Our parents wanted us to “have it better” than they did, and we want out children to “do better” than we have. One gets the impression that we human beings are either impossible to please, or else there is an instinct that resides within us which points us to-ward another and incomparably better future than anything we are ever able to enjoy here in this world. I am convinced that the latter is the case. Like the patriarchs of the book of Genesis, “We have not here an abiding city, but we seek after the city which is to come” (Heb. 13:14). So, no matter how good we have it now, we are never satisfied, nor shall we ever be, this side of heaven.

Peter speaks of the consummation of this present world, with its very elements dissolved, yet concludes upon a clear note of hope:

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing that these things are thus all to be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy living and godliness, looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, by reason of which the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness (2 Pet. 3:10-13).

The prospect of being stripped of what we have by the “death knell” of this present universe should give us no joy. After all, there are some very good and pleasant aspects of our beautiful planet which we would hesitate to sacrifice to fiery destruction. Yet, if we could be assured, with absolute certainty, that this is merely a trade-off, and we will come out the better for it, then we could “look for and earnestly desire the coming of the day of God.” That is the idea. It is not what we lose that is important. It is what we gain in the transaction. This is what really counts.

Peter points out four things we ought to appreciate in order to keep this terrible and wonderful future time in proper perspective:

These things are all to be dissolved. All earthly things, material possessions, earthly power and prestige, worldly accomplishments and ambitions, will be no more. As Christ said, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36). Some things really matter, while others actually do not. We must keep our perspective: “If then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth (Col. 3:1-2).

What manner of persons ought we to be? Realizing that this world and its possessions and attainments have no long-term future, no permanency, places the emphasis where it belongs: upon developing Christian character: “holy living and godliness.” What will abide is what we send on ahead of us into eternity (Matt. 6:19-20), and the qualities we allow God to develop in us, while here, which make us fit citizens of the heavenly kingdom: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control; against such there is no law. And they that are of Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with the passions and the lusts thereof’ (Gal. 5:22-24).

We ought to look for and earnestly desire the coming of the day of God. As the writer of the Hebrew epistle said: “They that say such things make it manifest that they are seeking after a country of their own . . . they desire a better country” for they are truly “strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (Heb. 11:13-16). As the old hymn says, “This world is not my home, I’m just a-passing through; my treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.” We must have the outlook of John who, when robbed of all earthly moorings and sent to the prison-isle of Patmos wrote, “He who testifieth these things saith, `Yea: I come quickly.’ Amen: come, Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:20).

According to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth. The Christian keeps his anchor tied securely to the promises of God. No earthly loss, discouragement or frustration can break the chain. We see beyond this world, its treasures and achievements. There is ahead a destination where we truly can say, “The first things are passed away,” and where God will say, “Behold, I make all things new” (Rev. 21:4, 5). When we consider the terrible evils we will put behind us, “we who are spiritual” can appreciate with great anticipation “new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness.” How can we? Because God promised! As a popular expression has simply but majestically articulated it: “God said it. I believe it. That settles it.”

Guardian of Truth XL: 7 p. 5
April 4, 1996

By Connie W. Adams

Since God created the world, he controls it as it functions according to the laws which he set in motion. It is subject to his authority. God also made man in his image and therefore man is subject to divine authority. He will be called to judgment (Acts 17:30-31). God established the family and defined the roles of men, women, and children in the relationship. When it operates according to the will of him who created it, then great blessings flow. When his authority is rejected, then chaos follows. God also ordained civil government “for the punishment of evil doers that for the praise of them that do well” (1 Pet. 2:13-14). Peace and safety emanate from following this divine plan. Rejection of it brings anarchy, crime, and violence of every kind.

The church is a divine creation. Those who make it up are called “a new creation” (2 Cor. 5:17). We are “created in Christ unto good works” (Eph. 2:10). It was built according to the “eternal purpose of God” (Eph. 3:11). The very establishment of it made known to heavenly powers the “manifold wisdom of God” (Eph. 3:10).

Everything about it suggests divine order. Christ is its builder. “Upon this rock I will build my church” (Matt. 16:18). Christ is its foundation. “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 3:11). It rests upon his divine power and deity. Christ is its “chief corner stone” (1 Pet. 2:6-7). He is the point of reference for every-thing about it. He is the purchaser. He purchased it “with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). He is its savior. “He is the savior of the body, the church” (Eph. 5:23). He is its king. “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). He is “head over all things” to it (Eph. 1:22-23). All things in it must be done according to his authority. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Col. 3:17). If anything is taught or practiced which he has not authorized, then divine authority has been rejected. This will amply proved in a future article.

Walk By the Same Rule

There is an objective standard by which all who make up the church of the Lord are expected to walk. “Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things). For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Phil. 3:16-20).

The word “rule” in verse 16 is kanoni from which we get the word “canon.” This is from the Hebrew /canna) which meant a cane, reed. It was used of a measuring rod, rule, a carpenter’s line, or measuring tape. In the New Testament it meant (1) a definitely bounded or fixed space within the limits of which one’s power or influence is confined; the province assigned one; one’s sphere of activity: 2 Corinthians 10:13,15, and (2) Metaphorically, any rule or standard, a principle or law of investigating, judging, living, acting: Gal. 6:16; Phil. 3:16 (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament 324). Green says “met., rule of conduct or doctrine” and cites Gal. 6:16 and Phil. 3:16 (Greek and English Lexicon to the New Testament 92).

There is a rule, a standard of action, to which all in Christ are subject. All are expected to walk by it. Paul was stern in describing those who did not walk by that rule. Since our citizenship is in heaven, then the rule of God and Christ must govern our “walk” as citizens.

That rule, also involves the practice of the apostles of the Lord. “Be followers together of me” and walk so as ye have us for an example.” Apostolic examples are crucial in understanding the rule of Christ. I hear preachers speak disparagingly of the old sermons they have heard on “ac-cording to the pattern.” One said recently, “and do you know what that pattern is? The pattern is Jesus Christ.” Well, now, what does that include? Is that limited to what Jesus said while here on earth? Only what we can read in red? Or does it include what the Holy Spirit guided the apostles to preach and write? Paul wrote “Which things also we speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Spirit teacheth, combining spiritual things with spiritual words.” “But we have the mind of Christ” (1 Cor. 2:13,16). “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord” (1 Cor. 14:37). When we speak or write about “the pattern” for scriptural worship, work or organization, then we must consider what the head of the church about it, including what the Spirit guided his apostles to preach and write. The Lord’s pattern is the sum total of all he said on any subject. This business of arguing that we “must major in the gospels and minor in the epistles” and that the epistles are just “love letters” and therefore the doctrinal matters presented there are not of equal weight with what Jesus said while on earth, or what we might imagine he would have said or done based on our own subjective analysis of his person, springs from an unwillingness to “walk by the same rule.”

Unity in spiritual things is both desirable and required. We are to be “of one mind.” How is that possible? Don’t we all have our own prejudices and opinions? That may be, but when we stretch out the reed of divine truth for measurement, than what it says is right and I must be willing to lay aside my prejudice or opinion. And so must you! If there is no rule by which we all walk then we are left with spiritual anarchy. The universe functions by divine law. So does the family. So does civil government. And so does the church. Disrespect and disregard for divine authority in either or all of these matters brings chaos of gigantic proportions. (More To Come)

Guardian of Truth XL: 7 p. 3-4
April 4, 1996