Truth Magazine

By John F. Hughbanks

Because of our human nature, man from time to time needs to be reassured and encouraged in all facets of his life. Mankind can find help from different sources, both good and bad. I doubt anyone reading this article has not been discouraged at some time in their life.

We all feel frustrated at times and maybe get to the point of saying, “What’s the use? Why go on and keep trying?” Or we might develop an attitude that no one else is trying so “Why should I?” In being in such a state we might feel justified in cutting back on work we need to be doing more than ever.

In times like these we need encouragement to go on and do our job even when others aren’t fulfilling theirs completely or not at all. If we were to define and put in words the meaning of encouragement, it might be, “to give courage, hope, or confidence, to give support to; help.” (Webster’s New World Dictionary). What I would like to do in this article is to note some ways we can be encouraged to go on and be about our Fathers business.

I believe that mankind needs to recognize first and foremost that God cares for you and does not want you to be discouraged all the time. Think for a moment with me about the following examples we can learn from and draw courage and confidence from. From Genesis 21:10-21, Abraham was told by God to listen to Sarah’s voice and cast out the bond-woman and his child by her. This would be a grievous thing for anyone to do, but God promised and reassured Abraham that good would come out of this. God promised Abraham that Ishmael would become a great nation. We see the fulfilling of this in the Arab states today. I know it also had to be discouraging to Hagar as she traveled with her son in the Wilderness of Beersheba, no longer in the midst of security of numbers to protect her and then running out of water from the skins. When the water was gone she sat opposite the boy and said, “Let me not see the death of the boy” (v. 16). As she sat in the depth of despair, while lifting her voice, crying, and weeping, feeling deserted and alone, God heard the voice of the lad. Again we see God’s care for those afflicted by circumstances. In verses 17 and 18 we see an angel of God calling to Hagar out of heaven, and saying to her, “What ails you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is. Arise, lift up the lad and hold him with your hand, for I will make him a great nation.”

We can glean many lessons from this account, but the one we need to see here is that regardless of what situation you might be forced to deal with, there is a God of heaven who cares and is concerned always for your state of being. You are not alone, you are not! God’s umbrella of concern is always covering you. Our Father gives us encouragement through many avenues, if we just reach for them, including instructions and encouragement through the scriptures, both old and new. He gave us a channel to talk to him through prayer. We can gain encouragement by association with those of like precious faith and as we worship on the Lord’s day (Acts 20:7).

Our Lord is a constant companion and friend for the lonely pilgrim on his journey of life experiences. He is an encouraging and protecting God. Reflect with me a moment from Hebrews 13:5b-6. “. . . For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: `The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”‘ (cf. Deut. 31:6, 8; Psa. 118:6)

In society today there are those who would prosecute us when we stand for the truth, when we practice what I Peter 4:11 teaches  “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God.” When we learn God’s will in the question of whether or not to be involved in the social gospel appeals, the teachings on marriage divorce and remarriage, or the uniqueness of the church we will encounter those who will not stand for sound doctrine (Isa. 30:10). Paul warned Timothy of those who would be guilty of this in his day (2 Tim. 4:3), so it should not amaze us that this same thing can and does happen in our generation.

To the warrior (soldier) of Christ, fighting the fight of faith, he is our strength and shield. Let us learn the lesson of old time by the King of Israel as David stated, “But you, Oh Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head” (Ps. 3:3).

Yes my friends, on this storm-filled sea of life we will be rocked and discouraged, but God will encourage us and protect us. Be not afraid, God will lighten our paths and give us encouragement.

Up to this time I have addressed my thoughts primarily toward those who are God’s elect (those saints and faithful brethren in Christ, cf. Acts 2:47,38). But there are those who have never obeyed Jesus as the New Testament outlines. They are as Isaiah describes  separated from God, his face hidden from you and your hands are defiled, your fingers with evil or iniquity: your lips have spoken lies (Isa. 59:1-3).

Even in this state of enslaved sinner, he gives pardon and release from the shackles that bind him. Our Saviour gives peace, salvation, assurances of eternal life. This my friends and brethren is the greatest encouragement anyone can possess (Matt. 11:28-30; Mk. 16:16; Rev. 2:10). “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27; cf. Phil. 4:7)

I want to change our thoughts from what God will do to encourage us to areas each of us are charged to be doing toward our service to God and our fellow man. As Christians, we have a duty (command) to encourage men, women, and children to stay strong. Your next question might be; How do we accomplish this? First, as Jesus taught by precept and example that persecutions will come and be prepared for them (John 15:18-16:4). We who might be stronger in the faith have an obligation not only to warn but to encourage the weaker ones (Gal. 6:2) “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” But my brethren this is not a one way street. Both the “strong” and the “weak” are to encourage one another.

I believe we can see even our Messiah desired the sympathetic understanding of his fellow man. Jesus, even while divine on earth took on a fleshly body (John 1:14; Luke 22:42-45; Matt. 26:40), needed encouragement for the ordeal awaiting him. After his prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, he came to the disciples and found them asleep, and said to Peter, “What, could you not watch with me one hour?” If our Saviour desired it as good and needful, shouldn’t we also look upon it in the same way?

It has been my experience that any person, whether leader or not needs encouragement. Not only during times of hardship and persecutions but also the good times. When was the last time you encouraged your elders, deacons, preacher, Bible class teachers or anyone who takes a lead in the local congregation. Believe me brethren, they need it as you need it, so do it!

Secondly, the older should encourage the younger. Toward the end of David’s life he instructed Solomon concerning certain things and encouraged him (1 Kgs. 2:1-4). David wanted to impress on his son that he should walk in God’s paths and do his will. If Solomon did this, the kingdom would prosper. If not, it would face vast problems. We also read of Paul encouraging young Timothy, assuring him of love and prayers (nothing is more heartening and needed, 2 Tim. 1:2-3). To the older brethren of the kingdom, you know you won’t be here forever. Brothers and sisters fulfill your obligation (or in many cases continue doing it) toward those who are younger. They need your wisdom and guidance. They need to hear of life experiences that you overcame and triumphed over. Young people need the encouragement that you can offer. Please share it with them so they can be stronger and live for Christ.

The flip side is also true. Thirdly, the young should encourage the older or the aged. May it never be said of any young person the latter part of this verse: “A wise son makes a glad father; But a foolish son is the grief of his mother” (Prov. 10:1).

Young folks can encourage their parents by honor and obedience to the things taught them. I’m reminded of the Chinese culture and I’m sure of others which put great stock in the older. Respect and reverence are part of the young people’s attitudes toward the older wise family members. They realize that a vast fountain of wisdom is there to be tapped. Any reasonable person today would benefit from such. As young adults or children, society can benefit from godly advice. From 1 Kings 12:6, 13 we learn that Rehoboam didn’t listen to the elders of the kingdom and as a result the United Kingdom split into two kingdoms. What a sad account! Young people, listen to godly wisdom from older brethren. It not only will benefit you in the years to come but also encourage and fulfill a need as older brethren need to feel appreciated, loved and wanted.

While God encourages us and our brethren, also we need to remember with this encouragement, help, hope and confidence comes our turn to encourage ourselves. This might sound strange to many, but we have an obligation to prime our pumps also. If we aren’t very careful in our troubles we can start to think that everyone else should help us and I don’t need to do anything myself to overcome discouragement. We can get into a self-pity party, become over sensitive and go off on a tantrum or some sort of depression. If this happens we have asked and expect too much of our fellow servants. It is the responsibility of each Christian to encourage us and get us on the track, no matter how long it takes. But once we are on the track (right course) we are obligated to run ourselves in order to help others that have been temporarily derailed by frustration or hardship. The general admonitions are these: “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong” (1 Cor. 16:13). Consider the passage in the book of Ephesians written by Paul. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might” (Eph. 6:10). Let each of us individually fulfill our obligation to this end.

My brethren, discouragement is a reality in life. If you live long enough you will get your share of it, but the reassuring news is that with the proper attitude we can overcome it. Remember these words and believe them always. “No temptation has overtaken you except such as common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able; but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Cor. 10:13).

Friends, use all the avenues available to you to over-come discouragements and you will find it easier to be faithful to God. He gives the tools, pick them up and overcome. God loves you (John 3:16). He proved it. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Draw encouragement from that. Our brethren are concerned. Draw strength from this source. Ask for help and I believe you will see flood-gates of help delivered to you for your problem. “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:16b).

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 20, p. 21-22
October 21, 1993

By Wilson Adams

Those who know me well are aware of my love for the old Andy Griffith Show. Many a late afternoon is spent mentally escaping the hubbub of the Washington-Baltimore corridor for the simpler life of Mayberry. (And by your smile I detect that I’m not the only one.)

My all time favorite episode is Man in a Hurry. Remember? (You’re smiling again!) It’s about the uptight businessman whose car breaks down on a Sunday afternoon in Mayberry. His frustrations mount at the slow pace of townspeople who refuse to be rushed until finally he learns that life is more than feverish work and excessive hurry. It’s a lesson many need to learn, including me.

And I did. One moment I was whizzing along Interstate 64 in eastern Kentucky on a quick trip from Washington D.C. to Louisville and the next I was sitting on the side of the road thanks to a fuel pump which decided to “expire.” (If you’ve ever been in that position you know it’s a pretty helpless feeling.) The exit sign ahead said: “Grayson.” I got out and walked towards town.

Thanks to a fellow with a tow-truck, which had seen better days, we limped into the Chevy garage. I soon learned that the Chevy dealer in Grayson is the place where men-folk gather on Monday mornings for coffee and talk about politics, the Cincinnati Reds and whatever else is on people’s minds. “Any of you know where Kehoe, Kentucky is  up on the Carter-Greenup County line?” I asked. Several heads turned in my direction perhaps a bit wary of the stranger whose car bore Maryland plates but who seemed to be well versed in eastern Kentucky geography (it probably didn’t hurt that I still retained my Kentucky accent). “Why sure I know where Kehoe is,” said an older man born and raised in the county. He added, “My wife’s people are from Kehoe.” I replied, “Then you’ve no doubt heard of the Wamocks from Kehoe.” “Wamocks, sure I knew some of the Kehoe Wamocks,” he said with a touch of warmth. I then proceeded to tell him that my father-in-law was Weldon Warnock who grew up in those parts. (There is nothing that promotes acceptability any faster than when people learn that you know who they know.) Our conversation from that point on was especially pleasant.

My car was finally repaired and it was time to leave. The bill was presented and I pulled out the plastic I carry for just such emergencies. A funny look came over the face of the owner behind the counter. “Uh, we’re not set up to take credit cards,” he said. “Just cash or check.” Now that presented a problem since I hadn’t bothered to bring the checkbook and the small amount I had in cash wouldn’t begin to cover the bill.

I explained my dilemma. “No problem,” he said. “Just send me a check when you get back home.” “Say what?” I wasn’t sure I had heard him correctly. He repeated himself. I thanked him and offered my license that he might gain the needed information. He declined. “Don’t need to see that. Just drive careful and send me a check when you can.” And with a grateful smile, I did (both!).

On the road to Louisville later that thy I couldn’t help but be thankful of a few things, namely:

The value of a good name. Solomon said, “A good name is to be more desired than great riches.” It was good to be reminded that one’s reputation carries more clout than the finest credit card. (I might still be in Grayson if the “Warnock” name hadn’t been so well received.) Thanks Weldon, I owe you one!

That people still believe in people. I realize that businesses can’t always operate on the honor system (not and remain in business!) but it’s encouraging to know that sometimes people are willing to trust you anyway. I often think of my grandfather who never had much money but who had more credit than anyone. His word was his bond. He defined integrity. People believed in him and he believed in them. It is very apparent that Jesus lived that way, too.

The need to slow down. I love the verse in Psalms which says, “Be still and know that I am God” (46:10). I am impressed with the fact that as busy as Jesus was he was never hurried. He was never too busy to pray, or answer another question, or bounce a child on his knee. He illustrated in life that God wants us to be faithful, not frantic.

I’m aware that there are some Christians who equate spirituality with busyness and frugality of everything, including emotions. Possessed with the elder-brother syndrome (always uptight and overly stiff about everything including themselves), they feel that life is too serious to be wasted on such frivolous things as laughter and relaxation. (I know some preachers like that. Do you?) That’s sad. Please correct me if I’m wrong but didn’t Jesus enjoy periods of relaxation (Mk. 6:31-32)? And didn’t he attend festive gatherings On. 2)? And wasn’t he criticized by some who didn’t consider him to be serious enough (Matt. 11:19)?

Sometimes we get moving too fast. I’m convinced when such happens our spirituality suffers. I know mine does. That’s when I must listen again to the psalmist’s counsel, “Relax and know that I am God.”

It was Hugh Prather who wrote,

If I had only … forgotten future greatness and looked at the green things and the buildings and reached out to those around me and smelled the air and ignored the forms and the self-styled obligations and heard the rain on my roof and put my arms around my wife . . . perhaps it’s not too late.

My friend, don’t let the time become a tyrant rather than a friend. Don’t allow joy to become something to be done later. Slow down. Do it now. Schedule less and enjoy it more. Take a deep breath and gain a taste of life. And remember that our strength lies not in our hurried efforts and long hours but in our quietness and confidence in God.

And . . . should your travels take you through the hills of eastern Kentucky, stop in at Chevy dealer in Grayson and tell ‘um  “Weldon Warnock sent ya!” ct

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 20, p. 13
October 21, 1993

By Donnie V. Rader

Near the end of his second missionary journey, Paul went to Corinth with the gospel of Christ. This seems like a most unlikely place to expect to find people interested in the gospel and therefore establish a church. Corinth was the commercial capital of Greece. It was a city of half a million people. It was filled with immorality. I am told that 1000 prostitutes served daily at a pagan temple in the city. It was the Las Vegas or Atlantic City of that day. Furthermore, Paul faced opposition as he attempted to instruct the Corinthians in the way of the Lord (Acts 18:6, 9,10).

However unlikely it may have seemed, many were converted and a church was established in Corinth. Let’s consider what we know about their conversion.

The Message

The message Paul preached was “Jesus is Christ” (Acts 18:5). Later, in writing to those who were converted, he said that when he came to Corinth, “I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2).

The word that was presented was not the wisdom of men (1 Cor. 2:1), but the testimony of God that their faith would be in God and not man (1 Cor. 2:5).

Paul said the gospel that he preached and they received was the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (1 Cor. 15:1-4).

These passages tell us that the message revealed who Jesus is, the sacrifice he made, the salvation that is available through him and how man must obey him.

The Response

How did the Corinthians respond? What did they do upon hearing the message? Obviously, there were some who turned a deaf ear (Acts 18:6). However, “many” did respond in obedience.

They heard the gospel (Acts 18:8). They believed the preaching about Jesus (Acts 18:8; 1 Cor. 15:1-4, 11). They repented of their sins. They turned from lives of sin to serve God. Later, in writing to these brethren, Paul listed fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, homosexuals, sodomites, covetous, drunkards, thieves, revilers and extortioners and said, “such were some of you” (1 Cor. 6:9-11, emphasis mine, DVR). They had changed; they had repented. They were baptized (Acts 18:8; 1 Cor. 15:29).

The Change (1 Cor. 6:9-11)

In becoming Christians, the Corinthians had to and did make some drastic changes in their lives. From this we learn:

1. The gospel of Christ can change the worst of lives. Some of those in the church at Corinth had been fornicators, others were homosexuals, some idolaters, some thieves and others were drunkards. Sin doesn’t get much worse than that. But, they changed! They stopped their practice of sin. If they could change and live right  anyone else can too.

2. The life they lived after obeying the gospel was different  it was a life unto God. After turning from their sins, they were instructed to give their lives to glorifying God (1 Cor. 6:20; 10:31), following Christ (I Cor. 11:1,3), walking worthy and living lives of a separate people (2 Cor. 6) and fearing God (2 Cor. 7:1).

3. Sin must cease when one becomes a Christian. True repentance demanded that their fornication, homosexuality, drunkenness, etc. stop! Notice again, that the text says, “such were some of you” (emphasis mine, DVR). Their continuing in sin was past tense.

All who come to God must cease their practice of sin. That includes those who live in adultery. If the practice of homosexuality must cease (meaning they must cease their sexual relationship), so must those who have committed adultery by remarrying (Matt. 19:9), i.e. thy must cease their sexual relationship.

The Results

Various terms and expressions are used to describe those who were converted by the gospel. These words tell us what they became by obedience to the gospel.

A church was established (1 Cor. 1:2). The term that is translated by the word church means the “balled out.” Thus they were called out of sin and darkness into the salvation and light.

They were sanctified which means they were separated from sin and unto God (1 Cor. 1:2; 6:11). The term saints also suggests this separation.

They were saved (1 Cor. 1:21; 15:2), washed (1 Cor. 6:11) and justified (1 Cor. 6:11). Consequently they gained the hope of eternal life (I Cor. 15:50-58).

You can be saved just like the Corinthians when you believe the same message, obey the same commands and make the same kind of changes. You will also receive the same results.

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 20, p. 15
October 21, 1993

By Dick Blackford

In March of 1972I moderated for A.C. Grider in a debate with brother Alan Highers. The few times I have seen brother Highers since then have been congenial, but we do have a difference that keeps us divided. This is not a response to his complete editorial, for much of it was commendable. However, one paragraph deserves a reply. (Note: My use of the term “liberal” and “conservative” apply to the institutional issues among brethren.)

In the October, 1992 issue of the Spiritual Sword an editorial titled “We Must Face The Facts” appeared. In it, brother Higher said:

The problems of theological liberalism in our midst have not arisen because we support orphan homes or engage in church cooperation. The very suggestion that this is the case (as found occasionally in the periodicals of our anti-cooperation brethren) manifests a myopic analysis and a failure to recognize that some of the most liberal thinkers among us came from the most conservative backgrounds, including some from their midst .. .

In his footnote, brother Highers then says, “Edward Fudge, who denies eternal punishment in hell, came from the anti-cooperation movement”

FIRST, brother Highers would agree that there was nothing being taught among those of us who oppose the “Sponsoring Church” and church donations to a Board of Directors of a human institution that would cause brother Fudge to take his unscriptural position on hell (Matt. 25:46). The subjects are totally unrelated. Nor is there an attitude among us toward the Scriptures that would cause him to adopt this position. The whole point of what brother Highers said is that one may adopt a position that is totally unrelated to his background. With this we would agree.

SECOND, we do not agree that this is always the case. Unless I missed it I do not recall any of us saying theological liberalism has arisen because brother Highers and those associated with him support orphan homes or engage in church cooperation. However, one would have to ignore the obvious not to see a connection between such attitudes as “We don’t have to have authority for everything we do,” “Where There Is No Pattern,” “What the individual can do, the church can do,” etc., and the “restructuring” some are wanting today.

(1) Some want to restructure the church’s worship so as to tolerate instrumental music and/or the sounds of instruments duplicated with the voice. They feel “there is no pattern” that applies. (2) Some want to restructure the organization of the church to include female elders and “The Nashville Jubilee,” which appears on its way to becoming a “Church of Christ Convention.” They believe “there is no pattern” that would prohibit this. (3) Others want to restructure the work of the church to include the modem “Family Life Center,” social work, etc. After all, “what the individual can do, the church can do” and “there is no pattern.” There is no end to what a church can do, given these premises. (4) Still others want to restructure in the area of interpretation. The “new hermeneutic,” which essentially says “there is no pattern on how to interpret Scripture” is the fruit.

This “restructuring” began with the “Sponsoring Church” (the best known fruit of this is The Herald of Truth) and an entity separate and apart from the local church known as the “Board of Directors” (often composed of men living many miles apart and in other states) which calls itself a “home” (before and without children) and in turn oversees a “home” (two different usages of the word “home”). This is what we have said! This is what brother Highers has defended in debate (both of which originated within the past 100 years). That is a far cry from saying theological liberalism originated because someone supports orphan homes or engages in church cooperation, for one can believe in both without believing in the modern “Sponsoring Church” or the institutional “Board of Directors.” It makes one’s position sound good to imply that he is against someone who opposes homes for orphans or to churches cooperating, but I do not know anyone who holds such views. Brother Highers uses a “straw man” and a misrepresentation.

Just as we can tell when one is following the philosophy of evolution (by his actions), those wanting to restructure the church are following the philosophy they learned from those who advocated “There Is No Pattern,” “We don’t need scripture …,” etc. It is only fair to say that brother Highers will no longer defend some of the things he defended in the past because they have gotten more liberal than he is. Nor would they want him to, for he is a “neoanti” from their point of view.

No tract did more harm to the cause of Christ in leading the apostasy over institutionalism than “Where There Is No Pattern” by A.C. Pullias. It was a lecture delivered at David Lipscomb College on April 25, 1957, while Pullias was president of that institution. The tract was published by the Gospel Advocate in 1963. This was the popular theme of the day. Thousands of copies of the tract were distributed by liberal churches, among whom was the Getwell church in Memphis where brother Highers used to preach and which publishes The Spiritual Sword. Brother Pullias eventually left the faith and died in a manmade denomination. It is the genuine feeling of many of us that he followed the consequences of his teaching, taking his philosophy a little farther.

I attended the Blakely-Highers Debate on instrumental music in Neosho, Missouri, in April, 1988. Brother Highers had to affirm a pattern in worship. But he didn’t find the pattern all in one verse. He had to use various scriptures on the subject of church worship to establish the pattern. When one does this on the work of the church he will not find churches donating to a “Board of Directors” who then decide the methods of “how” to do the work. (The “Board” is not a method. These “Directors” are a separate organization who decide or “direct” the methods. They are another “who” that decides “how.”) Nor will he find “Church hood Elders” as in the “Sponsoring Church” deciding methods for the brotherhood.

For the past 32 years I have heard conservative brethren preach that God gave us a pattern for every aspect of the church. I checked several old periodicals of institutional brethren and there were few articles on the topic of “the pattern.” There was a dearth of lectureships advertised, dealing with this subject  until about 4 years ago! Brother Robert Taylor (a frequent writer and speaker for The Spiritual Sword spoke on “Pattern Authority” on the Southwest Lectures in the late 1980’s (it was printed in In Word and Doctrine, July-September, 1991). Sounding like a conservative, he said ,”Pattern authority undergirds every fundamental facet of the Lord’s church.”

Now, as though there was a “Great Awakening,” those associated with brethren Highers, Warren, Deaver, and Elkins are acting as though they just discovered the “pat-tern” idea. It has suddenly become the theme of many lectureships and periodicals. One brother has even recently written a book, Behold, The Pattern (Goebel Music, 1991). Where were these brethren 25-30 years ago when conservative brethren were preaching this message? Many of them were traveling the circuit preaching “Where There Is No Pattern!”

Brother Highers and his associates have not been willing to accept the consequences of the “no pattern” doctrine. In the debate on instrumental music, Given O. Blakely was honest enough to admit that “worship is a right thing to do and there is no wrong way to do it.” That is true, if there is no pattern. Brother Highers pointed out that this would allow the rosary, snake-handling, etc.

If, as Robert Taylor said, “Pattern authority undergirds every facet of the Lord’s church,” then it must, by necessity, include the work and organization of the church. For some strange reason those who preach or write on the subject stop before they get to the church’s work in benevolence and evangelism. If there is such a pattern, our institutional brethren have never shown it to us. And if there is no pattern, then “there is no wrong way to do it” (sponsoring church, board of directors, missionary society, conference, convention, a “Vatican-type” council etc.). My institutional brethren are in a “catch-22” situation. They can’t have it both ways.

THIRD, brother Highers referred to us twice by the prejudicial term, “anti-cooperation brethren.” Because we believe in one kind of cooperation, direct and independent of a “Board of Directors” or a “Church hood Eldership” (Phil. 4:16-18; 2 Cor. 11:8; 1 Cor. 16:1-3), does that make us “anti-cooperation brethren”? Was Paul one of the “anti-God” brethren because he believed in only one God (Eph. 4:6). Was he one of the “anti-baptism brethren” because he believed in only one baptism (Eph. 4:5)? Was Paul one of the “anti-faith brethren” because he believed in only one faith (Eph. 4:5)? Was he one of the “anti-church brethren” because he believed in only one body (Eph. 4:4)? Brother Highers’ logic, misrepresentation, and use of a prejudicial term would force him to call Paul by these terms.

The gap between conservative and liberal brethren will not be bridged until we accept the fact that there is a pattern for the work and organization of the church and until we correctly represent (without prejudicial terms) those with whom we disagree. Yes, as the title of brother Highers’ editorial says, “We Must Face The Facts.”

Guardian of Truth XXXVII: 20, p. 11-12
October 21, 1993