IMPOSSIBLE APOSTASY?No. 4
H. E. Phillips
I John 4:7 says: "Beloved, let us love one an
other : for love is of God; and every one that loveth
is born of God, and knoweth God." In I Peter 1:14
we read: "As obedient children, not fashioning
yourselves according to the former lusts in your
ignorance . . ." These are obedient children who were
delivered from former lusts. They were not to fash
ion themselves after their former condition. What
could this mean if it is impossible for these who
are "obedient children" to commit sin? In verse 15 we read: "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of
conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for
I am holy. And if ye call on the Father, who with
out respect of persons judgeth according to every
man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here
in fear: forasmuch as ye know that ye were not re
deemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold,
from your vain conversation received by tradition
from your fathers; but with the precious blood of
Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without
spot: who verily was foreordained before the foun
dation of the world, but was manifest in these last
times for you, who by him do believe in God, that
raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory;
that your faith and hope might be in God" (I Pet.
1:15-21).Who can read these words and conclude that this
refers to anything but our relationship to God as
children through the Lord Jesus Christ? But now
what of these children of God ?
"Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the
truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the
brethren, see that ye love one another with a pureheart fervently" (vs. 22).Their hearts had been purified in obeying the
truth. One is not born of God who does not obey the
truth. But they had obeyed the truth unto (looking
toward or going toward) the "unfeigned" (unpre
tended) love of the brethren. As children of God
they were to "see that ye love one another with a
pure heart fervently." This love was to be unpre
tended, with a pure heart and fervently. This comes
after "purified your souls in obeying the truth
through the Spirit." After they were born of God
in obeying the truth they were to love in the manner described in this verse.
But now notice: "Being born again, not of corrup
tible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God,
which liveth and abideth for ever . . . but the word
of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word
which by the gospel is preached unto you" (I Pet.1:23,25).
One is born of God when he obeys the truth,which is the word of God, the gospel of Christ.Jesus said one is born of water and of the Spirit inorder to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:5). Thisis the same as the "washing of water by the word"by which Christ sanctifies and cleanses the church (Eph. 5:26). It is the same as the "washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost" bywhich we are saved (Titus 3:5). It means the sameas that which Ananias told Paul to do in Acts 22:16: "And now why tarriest thou ? arise, and be baptized,and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of theLord."
Being born of incorruptible seed, by the word ofGod, by obeying the truth, is that which makes onea child of God. But this is unto the unfeigned loveof the brethren. Thus, one who loves has been bornfrom God. Love is the fruit of being born of God.But I John teaches that such an one can cease to love the brethren: he can hate his brother and be a murderer and not have eternal life abiding in him.Do not say that this one is not a child of God andnever has been, for the whole context shows thatthis brother is in Christ. Besides, the one who loves his brother is doing so because he has been born ofGod. It must follow that I John 3:9 does not mean that a child of God cannot possibly commit a singlesin, because the epistle teaches that one can hatehis brother. Of course, if one wants to take the position that the child of God cannot possibly hate hisbrother, he has a much greater problem to deal withthan just I John 3:9. We know that one can hate his
brother. John teaches that he can. He does not have
a brother to hate or love unless he is a child of God
because I Peter and I John teach that this brother
is the result of being born of the word of God.
SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES CONTINUES TO GROW
We have put forth every effort to provide as widea range of material for study and as many writersas we can for the benefit of the thousands of readers who receive Searching The Scriptures each month.We add to the roster of regular writers for this journal Kenneth Green of Louisville, Kentucky. He is ayoung man who labors with the South End church in Louisville. He has the ability to express himself clearly in writing and evidences a good knowledge of his subject in the light of the scriptures.
I have asked him to submit a few articles on the general theme: Examine Yourselves, Whether Ye Be In The Faith. We need to have our attention directed to more self-examination. It is too easy to findfault with everyone else and ignore our own needsspiritually. We hope you will enjoy his lessons andprofit from them.
A number of other good men have submitted good articles, which will be used in time, and I wish to express appreciation for their efforts.
AUTOMATIC RENEWAL PLAN
When renewing your subscription to Searching The Scriptures, why not ask to be put on the ARP?This costs you nothing. It does not obligate you morethan subscribing each year. It simply means thatwhen your subscription is ready to be renewed, we just send a statement for another year. If you wishto continue, return your check for another year. Ifyou do not wish to renew, notify us and your namewill be removed from our files. This is just a convenient way to handle your renewal without youmissing an issue. The subscription is $4.00 per year.A club of three for $10.00. Be a friend and help afriend — send two subscriptions or renewals whenyou mail your own renewal. When you send your renewal just say, put my subscription on A.R.P.
WHO NOW IS THE DUMMY?
For years one of the sure things that can be said
for the anthropologist is that he has never been
consistent. Like the professor from the University
of Tennessee who was speaking to an audience at
the court house of a county seat, telling them that
some of the rocks they were using for door stops
were four million years old. A farmer stood up and
said they were four million, four years, three months
and seven days old. In amazement the speaker asked
him how he knew and he replied, "One of you fel
lows was here from Vanderbilt four years, three
months and seven days ago and he said they were
four million years old then."
A long article appeared in the Jan. 31, 1971 issueof the Courier-Journal published in Louisville thatcompletely reverses what the scientists have beensaying about the cave man as long as I can remember. It was written by Walter Sullivan and releasedby the New York Times News Service. Space willnot permit the printing of the entire article but Iassure the readers I have done no violence to the facts or spirit of the writer in the following.
"NEW YORK—Our image of the cave man isvivid. He was filthy, hairy, stoop-shouldered, dull-
witted and carried a rough-hewn club. Furthermore,
according to the cartoonists, he liked to pull girls
around by the hair.
"But what was he really like? From what is
known now it appears that the men who lived in
limestone caves scattered across Europe, from
34,000 years ago until some 10,000 years before the
present, were innately much like ourselves.
"In fact, some anthropologists argue that they
were taller than modern man with larger brains.
Were our ancestors, then, intrinsically smarter than we?
"Ancient artifacts studied.
"How, for example, would the child of Cro-Magnon man of 200 centuries ago, given an upbringing in the world of today, do at Harvard? There are some psychologists and anthropologists who believehe would do rather well.
"The debate on this issue has been going on anumber of years, but it came to the fore recentlywith the disclosure that 34,000 years ago — more than 10,000 years before the introduction of pictographs and other primitive forms of writing — Cro-Magnon man and his contemporaries were apparently using abstract symbols to keep track of thelunar cycle."
And how well would a Cro-Magnon youth do at Harvard? "He would not be conspicuously in bad shape," according to Dr. Jerome S. Bruner, professor of psychology at that university and an authority onthe development of human cognition.
I marvel that the anthropologists did not knowthat years ago. All they had to do is read the accountof man's beginning in Genesis 1:26, "And God said,Let us make man in our image —." After all, however it might be too much to expect them to know about the book of Genesis; the professor did not know about the four years, three months and seven days.
A REVIEW OF LESLIE E. SLOAN'S "HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM"
I would like to set forth in the very outset of this
article that I am not reviewing this article because
I have a "crow to pick" with brother Sloan person
ally. I consider brother Sloan a fine, faithful, gospel
preacher and a close personal friend of mine. How
ever, I do not agree with some of the things he had
to say in his article, and thus my review. I hope you
will look back and get your September issue of
Searching the Scriptures in which brother Sloan's
article appeared, and study both of these articles in
the light of the Scriptures.
"NEED" OR "NECESSITY"
First of all, I disagree in part with the "need" or"necessity" for which the baptism of the Holy Spirit(in our brother's view) was given. I agree with thefact that they were to receive the Spirit that theymight be guided into all the truth (John 13:16;14:26). However, my brother also took the positionthat the reason for their being baptized with theHoly Spirit was in order that they might be "witnesses" of the Lord to the whole world. If this be the case, then I submit unto you that not only werethe Apostles baptized with the Holy Spirit, but alsoover FIVE HUNDRED brethren were baptized withthe Holy Spirit. For Paul argued the resurrection of Jesus in I Cor. 15 on the basis that Cephas, thetwelve, over five hundred brethren, and last of all he (Paul) were all witnesses of Christ's resurrection. I do not believe our brother will concede that all of these were baptized with the Holy Spirit inview of the fact that he doesn't believe that even Cornelius received such baptism.
The "need" or necessity" — apart from receivingdivine revelation — was their receiving "power,"and this is explained in Acts 1:6-8 cf. Mark 9:1.They were to receive the "power" to preach repentance and remission of sins by the authority ofChrist; and to set up or establish His kingdom. Thekingdom was to come with power (Mark 9:1), andthe power was to come with the Holy Spirit (Acts1:8). Hence the establishing of the kingdom andthe power to receive people into it (or unlock thedoor to it, Matt. 16:19), was the purpose of theirreceiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. However,as in the prophecy of Joel that "all flesh" would bethe recipients of this outpouring, so was the preaching of Peter in Acts 2:39 with reference, not onlyto the outpouring of the Spirit, but the "promise"of salvation. Those who were "afar off" were not in Acts 2, and thus were not included as recipientsof either the "outpouring" or the "promise" madeto Abraham regarding salvation.
COULD NOT RECEIVE THE SPIRIT
Secondly, brother Sloan did not think that the household of Cornelius received the baptism of the Holy Spirit because Jesus said in John 15:16-17"the world could not receive Him." Now the fallacyof this argument is seen at a glance. Even if it could not be proven that that which the household of Cornelius received was, in fact, the "baptism of the Spirit," the fact still remains that they DID RECEIVE THE SPIRIT. Surely no one will deny that,for that is what the passage says (Acts 10:44).Now, I may not understand what Christ was talking about in John 14:16-17, but one thing I do know forsure, Cornelius and his household DID RECEIVEthe Holy Spirit, call it whatever you will, a gift, orbaptism.
PURPOSE OF HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM
Thirdly, our brother missed the point again whenhe took the position that there was not a baptism of
the Spirit at Cornelius' house, because there are two purposes served by the two incidents. In many respects, they were the same. The baptism in Acts twowas, as we have already suggested, to fulfill theprophesy of Joel and to establish the kingdom forthe Jews. But the same is true of the household of Cornelius. His baptism was to fulfill the prophecy of Joel and to establish the kingdom, or allow entrance into it, for the Gentiles. It was also a sign tothe Jews that there is no respect of persons withGod, and as Peter said in Acts 15:9, "And put no difference between us and them, purifying theirhearts by faith." If they did not receive what theApostles received in Acts two, then anyway you lookat it THERE IS A DIFFERENCE. But, grantingfor argument's sake, that the Apostles received something in addition to what the Gentiles received (revelation from God)', does that mean that youcould not have God using the same act for two separate and distinct purposes? I think not! In fact, Ibelieve I can cite one such incident from the Bible. When John was baptizing in the Jordan, those whowere coming to him were told "bring forth fruitsmeet for repentance" (Matt. 3:8). Also, verse six of the same chapter tells us that they "were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins." But Jesus was baptized of John's baptism, and he was not baptized for the same PURPOSE as were theothers who came to John. Does that mean that Jesus was not actually immersed? No, for eventhough the same thing took place with Jesus and the others that were coming to John (they were allimmersed in water) the same man baptized Jesusin order to "fulfill all righteousness" (Matt. 3:15),and not because he had sins to confess.
ACTS 11 AND ACTS 2 EQUAL
Though our brother does not understand thatActs 11 and Acts 2 are equal, the fact still remainsthat Peter said, "And as I began to speak, the HolyGhost fell on them as on us in the beginning" (Acts11:15). The beginning was on Pentecost, and theexpression "as on" comes from the Greek hosperand means, when used as an adverb, "to the same extent, in equal degree." Also, Peter said in verse 17,"Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift ashe did unto us . . ." A. T. Robertson in his Word Pictures Volume A, Page 154, says of this expression"like gift," "The equal gift, equal in quality, rank or measure." W. E. Vine says of this same expression (which comes from the Greek word Isos)"equal, the same in size, quality, etc." (Vol. 2, Page 38 cf. 342).
Finally, in Acts 15:7-11, Peter is relating the matter to the brethren in Jerusalem when they cametogether over the matter of circumcision. Peter saidin verse 8, "And God, which knoweth the hearts,bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost,even as he did unto us." The word I want to emphasize is the word "as." It comes from the Greek word kathos which is a derivation of and comes from the same root word as hosper (see above paragraph)and means "According as, just as, even as" (Thayer,page 314).
CONCLUSION
Thus I believe I have proved sufficiently that notonly were the Apostles baptized with the Holy Spirit
in Acts 2, but also the household of Cornelius in
Acts 10. If they were not baptized (that is the Gen
tiles), then we are yet waiting for the prophecy of
Joel to be fulfilled concerning us, we have not re
ceived the promise as Peter said we would, and hence
the Premillenialists are correct when they say that
Christ still has some work to do with reference to
the Gentile; for he is not yet in the kingdom the
Jews were allowed to enter.
"THE WASHING OF REGENERATION"
It was back in the year 1950 that I first met J. W.Kesner, Sr., who was called the Pastor of the Central Missionary Baptist Church in Ft. Smith, Ark.Mr. Kesner was a likeable sort of a man but fancied himself as a great defender of Baptist doctrine. He was a protege of Ben M. Bogard and a good friendof a Mr. Foreman, then President of the Baptistcollege in Little Rock. Mr. Kesner seemed to enjoy publishing books and came out that year with his"Campbellism Exposed" which he offered for saleover his daily radio program. I felt it was time tochallenge him for public debate. In the presence ofmy good friend and brother, Dr. C. B. Billingsley,I made the challenge. Mr. Kesner was reluctant tohave a debate but after certain pressures werebrought to bear on him he succumbed and the debatewas scheduled. It was conducted in his large meeting house in Ft. Smith. The four night debate waspublished into a book. The first edition was sold outin less than two years. I hope to come out with thesecond edition before too long.
It was during this debate that Mr. Kesner cameout with his argument on Titus 3:5 which I plan to discuss in this article. I had presented Titus 3:5,"not by works of righteousness which we have done,but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the HolyGhost." I kept pressing Mr. Kesner to tell what thewashing of regeneration was. I insisted that Paulsaid we were saved by it. He would not answer my question but rather took the first part of the verse and tried to tie it to Matt. 3:15. Christ said to John in regard to his baptism, "Suffer it to be so now; forthus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness." Mr. Kesner took the word "righteousness" and tried totie it with "Works of righteousness" in Titus. His conclusion was that Paul said we are not saved bybaptism. It never ceases to amaze me at what somepeople will do to evade the impact of God's word.
Now, let us get back to the text. Did the Lord sayin the above text that baptism was a work of man's
righteousness? Certainly not. He told John in his
being baptized, (they) both John and Jesus would
be fulfilling all righteousness. It must be understood
that there is a vast difference in God's righteous
ness and man's righteousness. Paul talks about
man's righteousness in Titus and the Lord talks
about God's in Matthew. Over in Romans 1:16 Paul
says, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ;
for it is the power of God unto salvation to every
one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God re
vealed." Please notice that the righteousness of God
is revealed in the gospel. Paul tells us we are saved
by that gospel. In Acts 10:34-35, Peter said, "Of a
truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
But in every nation he that feareth him, and work
eth righteousness, is accepted with him." It must be
observed in this text that a man cannot be saved
without working righteousness. However, let it be
known that the righteousness is not man's but God's.
All the commands of God are righteousness (Psa.
119:172). Since baptism is a command of God (Mark
16:15,16; Acts 2:38), it follows as the night follows
the day that baptism is not a work of man's right
eousness but a part of God's righteousness which is
able to save our souls. In our text Paul tells us that we are saved by thewashing of regeneration is. I have had great diffi
culty in getting Baptist preachers to tell me what
the washing of regeneration is. They want to skip to
other matters. Paul says we are saved by it. What
could it be but baptism? So all the mutilating of the
word righteousness will not avail until the question
is answered. Gentle reader, what is the washing of
regeneration? Yes, Paul says we are saved by it.
You talk about a liberal attitude toward the Bible;
in a discussion with Gordon Wilson in 1962, Dan
Lion, a Unitarian preacher, said:
"I would like to plead for a Bible that is not yetfinished; a sort of loose-leaf Bible to which we wouldadd a great passage from Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, or from his inaugural address: 'With malicetoward none,' and 'A house divided cannot stand.' That deserves to be stuck in the back of the Bible,and not just as an appendix either. We would add to it, possibly, a sentence or two that Mr. Glenn saidrecently. Perhaps we would add to it a speech byDouglas MacArthur, or Eisenhower; name your own heroes. Maybe I would paste in something that Eisenhower said, because I thought it was pretty great.Then, after ten years I might say, 'Well, that struckme as pretty good then, but now that I am no longeran adolescent it is not quite what I thought. Besides,Adlai Stevenson has said something better sincethen.' Being a loose-leaf Bible, I could take out the one and substitute the other. I am all for this."
That man does not believe in the inspiration of
the Bible. While few people would state it as he did,
many manifest the same attitude as they make addi
tions, deletions and perversions at their own dis
cretion.
Brother Reuel Lemmons has been called the
"spiritual enigma" of our time. Sometimes it seems
that he tries real hard to earn that designation. For
example, in the FIRM FOUNDATION of Jan. 12,
1971, he wrote an editorial concerning Pepperdine
College becoming Pepperdine University. He said:
"Pepperdine College was begun in 1937 by a man who believed strongly in the separation of the college and the church. He wanted education to stay inthe education field and the church to stay in thechurch business. Our people have always had trouble keeping the two separate. We believe stronglythat this very separation has been partially responsible for the phenomenal growth of the institution. From beginning to University status in a thirdof a century is real progress. Complete separation ofchurch and college has given Pepperdine a much broader base of financial support for education thanthe church alone could give it."
From this statement we get the impression thatbrother Lemmons believes in the separation of thechurch and the college, and that he is interested inmaintaining a clear line of separation. He said,"Our people have always had trouble keeping thetwo separate." We can say to him, as Nathan saidto David, "Thou art the man."
In the front page of the same paper he has a pic
ture of Norvel Young, along with this statement:
"To M. Norvel Young, President of Pepperdine Uni
versity, in Los Angeles goes the distinction of be
coming the first man among churches of Christ to
head a church-related university." And in the first
paragraph of the editorial from which I quoted, he
said, "On January 1, Pepperdine College officially
became Pepperdine University. Thus, the beginning
of the year 1971 marks a giant step forward in the
history of Christian education among church related colleges affiliated with the churches of Christ."
See what I mean? In one paragraph he is interested in the separation of the church and the college
and concerned about those who have trouble keeping
the two separate, and in another paragraph he is
speaking of "church related colleges affiliated with
the churches of Christ." That's a good example of
an enigma. It is just such teaching and double talk
that causes many brethren to have trouble keeping
the two separate.
I would like to ask brother Lemmons just how a
college is church-related any more than a drug store
which is owned and operated by a Christian?
I see by the paper where the "prestigious" La
Jolla Presbyterian Church in California has ap
pointed Miss Ann Muilenburg, age 19, to serve as
an elder! I've seen some pretty serious mistakes
made in appointing elders, even in the church, but
this takes the cake. I heard an old man say of an
elder one time that he had only two qualifications:
he was a man and desired the office. But this young
California "elder" can't even say that! If you will
read I Timothy 3:1-7 you will find it difficult to un
derstand how anyone could be so ignorant or uncon
cerned about the teaching of the Bible.
Do you realize that almost one hundred police
men were murdered in their line of duty during
1970? And seven were killed on a recent weekend.
Have you seen any signs, marches, demonstrations
and boycotts in their behalf? No, and you will not.
Had those men been hippies, criminals, anarchists
or agitators we would have seen and heard some
loud and much-publicized protests and demonstra
tions. As Paul Harvey would say, "I don't know." There was a time when certain garments worn
by ladies were referred to as "unmentionables." Now they are modeled, pulled, stretched and displayed in the homes via television. There are manyfoolish and vain commercials on TV, but the Playtex commercials are certainly in poor taste. But we havea way of adapting to such changes without gettingtoo concerned. That's like the movies. Some of the movies that were classified "adult only" when theywere made and shown in theaters are now televised for all to see. The movies haven't changed, but the
people have!
In these articles, we shall attempt to challenge
Christians to a greater degree of service and effec
tiveness. I recognize that we should never lose sight
of the basics of the gospel. But one basic principle
is that we must grow (I Pet. 2:1,2). We must "go
on to perfection" (Heb. 6:1).Several good reviews of Pat Boone's "new song"
have appeared. Much more will doubtlessly be writ
ten. It's my purpose in this short article to note
some matters from the book which should be help
ful to us.
(1) Preachers and teachers should examine themselves and their teaching concerning the all-sufficient revelation: Boone says, and I have no reasonto doubt, that he is well versed on what he wouldcall "Church of Christ doctrine." He knows the arguments against instrumental music in worship. He can explain why baptism is in order to salvation,and not because of salvation. Such things were apparently about the gist of Boone's grasp of the Bible.
I fear that many brethren look upon the Bible as
merely a textbook or a set of debate notes. If so,
their view is too limited and small. Paul wrote: "All
scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profit
able for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for in
struction in righteousness: That the man of God
may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good
works" (II Tim. 3:16,17).
Thus, the written word is pertinent, practical and relevant. The God who created us and designed our intellects, emotions, and appetites, knows our needs.
He has provided for us counsel to meet and satisfy
every spiritual and psychological need.
Pat Boone's failure to see this was paramount in
his departure from what he knew about New Testa
ment Christianity.
(2) We need to examine ourselves whether weare walking in the light we have: All who constantlyfeed upon God's word are constrained to changetheir convictions on various points from time totime. They are, that is, if they are honest with the word and with themselves. Attitude is the primary consideration. It makes little difference what we know if our lives are out of balance with our knowledge. Such was the case in Boone's life. He was trying to serve two masters. He was torn between two fidelities. He was a hypocrite and he knew it. "A
double-minded man is unstable in all his ways"
(James 1:8).
Is it any wonder that Boone got little from wor
ship services ? Authorized worship is not sensational
or spectacular as the world views it. One who does
not love God with all his heart, soul, mind and
strength will receive no edification from singing,
praying and breaking bread.
(3) Elders should examine the services of the
church: Any steps which can be scripturally taken
to promote a truly spiritual atmosphere should be
studied and adopted. Cold, "dried-eyed formalism"
is as unscriptural as uncontrolled emotionalism.
The disciples of the first century did not jump,
scream, and roll in the aisles in worship, but their
love did bring tears (Acts 20:31,37); and they did
rejoice (Acts 8:39; 16:36; Phil. 4:4). A degree of
formalism is essential to "doing all things decently
and in order" (I Cor. 14:40). But God made us emo
tional creatures. Our emotions should not be stifled
by overly-formal services.
Emphasis needs to be placed on our singing.Brethren need to be taught to pray in worship and
not merely repeat memorized cliches. Efforts should
be made to gear people's minds to the purpose of
the Lord's supper as that grand spiritual event is
observed. Conclusion: These are a few positive thoughts
which registered as I read Boone's book. He does
have a few things to say which should be of benefit
to us all.
Monday morning, March 8, my phone rang and I learned the sad news that Linda Srygley had beeninstantly killed in a car accident about 8:20 p.m.Sunday about seven miles north of her home inTampa. She and Ronald K. Brewer, to whom shewas to have been married on May 24, were en-route home from worship when the accident occurred.They had attended services in Zephyrhills where her father, E. V. Srygley, Jr., preaches. No other carwas involved and no charges were filed.
Ronald Brewer, who was not seriously injured,
was driving about 50 or 60 miles per hour when the
right front wheel dropped from the pavement to the
shoulder of the road and in his effort to bring the
car back on the highway it overturned. Linda was
thrown through the windshield and killed by the
impact upon the pavement. About ten minutes later
her parents and sister came upon the scene of the
accident as they returned home from worship. They
were the first to arrive on the scene. Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Thursday after
noon, March 11, with burial at Garden of Memoriesin Tampa, Florida. Louis Garrett, dean of Florida College, a close neighbor and long-time friend, spokewords of comfort and encouragement to the familyand several hundred brethren and friends. Ferrell Jenkins read from the scriptures and expressed ourhearts to God in prayer. The Florida College chorussang three songs.
Linda is survived by her parents, brother and sister E. V. Srygley, Jr., one sister, Janet Lynn Srygley,maternal grandparents, brother and sister VernonFreeman of Florence, Alabama, and paternal grandparents, brother and sister E. V. Srygley, Sr., of
Texas.
During the week of February 22-27 I was with
brother Srygley in a meeting at Zephyrhills, about
22 miles north of Tampa. Linda and Janet were pres
ent every night with several other young people.
The encouraging remarks to me by both Linda and
Janet will be remembered for many years. In her
quiet way Linda especially impressed me by a few
brief words of gratitude after the service Thursday
evening when I spoke particularly to young people
about their responsibilities and the principles for
success.
Linda was a brilliant young lady who was beyond
her years in mental and spiritual maturity. She was
a straight "A" student through her two years at Florida College.
Why should a lovely and beautiful young lady betorn from this life in a moment ? Why should one onthe very eve of her expected happiness as a wifeand mother be taken away? Why should all thissorrow and grief be brought upon her devout parents, her sister, her fiance, her grandparents and loved ones? Why do those so pure and sincere withsuch a great faith in Christ and His word have tobe called from time to eternity in the early spring of life? These and a hundred like questions raceback and forth through our minds when a tragedy
such as this occurs. There seems to be no ex
planation which satisfies the human yearning for acomforting answer.
While I may never understand in this life why somany of these things happen, I do understand by
faith that every good and perfect gift is from the
Father above, and He does all things well. God
knows the end of all His works from the beginning.
By an understanding that the Father loves us more
than the human mind can comprehend, and that
many of the most precious blessings are enveloped
in trial, hardship and suffering through which one
must go to inherit the blessings, I believe that these
trials and sorrows draw us nearer to God and serve
to make us better servants of Him who delivered us from spiritual death.
Linda was a Christian. She enjoyed the rich hope
of every promise God has made through Christ. She
lived in preparation for the day of departure,
whether early or late in life. She had learned from
the Master how to love, how to obey, where the real
values are, and how to give to others. Because of
this she did more real living in 19 years than most
people do in three times that number. She leaves an
influence and an example that will affect the lives
of many people, some whom she would never have
known in life.
She had the rich heritage of having a father and
mother who were faithful Christians. She was nur
tured in the chastening and admonition of the Lord
from infancy. She enjoyed the association and love
of a sister in the flesh who shared her riches in fam
ily relationship. She had the pure love of a devout
and faithful young man of her choice who was a
Christian to share her life in the marriage bond.
She had the love and respect of all the young men
and women who knew her and the older friends as
well. If one lived to be a hundred he could have no
more than this. It is not how many years one lives upon this earth that is important; it is how one lives that really counts.
Our grief and sorrow is with the parents, grandparents, her sister, Ronald Brewer and other members of the family. But a moment's reflection upon the riches in Christ will give an entirely differentview of the cause of this grief. Edgar and BettySrygley have had their lives enriched by 19 years ofwonderful joys that thousands of husbands andwives have never had. They still have a sweetdaughter who is a credit to any father and mother.Edgar and Betty Srygley have accomplished greatersuccess as a father and mother in 19 years thanmost parents accomplish in a life time. They laboredto help Linda prepare for eternity, and they weresuccessful. How many thousands of parents in thiscity of Tampa have utterly failed with their children whom they have had twice 19 years and theyare not yet prepared for eternity. This is the real tragedy! These are the ones for whom we should weep!
Through the mist of tears because of our loss in
this life we look up by faith unto God with thanks
giving for every happy moment with Linda and for
the warm and bright influence she had upon our
lives while she was with us. One by one we shall
follow from time to eternity. This is the common
experience of all men. The only thing that really
matters is whether we have walked in the light of
His word. If we die in the Lord, whether old or
young, all is well and we shall enjoy that endless
day with all the redeemed who have gone before
and who will follow us. This hope in Christ Jesus
overshadows our grief and sense of loss.
The thousands of you who have read brother Srygley's regular column (Word Studies In The Greek New Testament) in Searching The Scripturesshare the sorrow with him and his family in theirgreat loss. If you care to write him a card or note,his address is in his column heading in the paper.
H. E. Phillips
PREACHING AND DEBATING IN THE PHILIPPINES
J. T. Smith and Connie W. Adams Louisville, Kentucky
Who said "Nobody reads a tract?" Several years
ago, J. T. Smith wrote a tract entitled Institutional
ism— Why I Changed, telling the story of the
change from that error to the truth. Somehow, some
of those tracts got to the Philippines. A liberal
preacher on Mindanao read it and wrote J. T. in an
attempt to answer it. He replied and in time the
matter was turned over to a brother Eusebio La
cauta, a seasoned preacher and debater among the
liberals, who wrote J. T. and enclosed two signed
propositions for debate, one on benevolence and the
other on cooperation. The propositions are clear and
focus the issues. He offered to meet J. T. in debate
in Bansalan where the liberals have a building and
a good following.
Conversations with Roy Cogdill and Cecil Willis
(who were in the Philippines in May of last year)
revealed that brother Lacauta is about 50 and re
spected highly as one of the ablest of the liberal
preachers. He has debated some of the brethren over
there. Brethren Cogdill and Willis both felt that
much good would result from such efforts and urged
that we make the trip.
Ever since those brethren were there last year,
the native preachers have urged that some Ameri
can preachers come this year to speak in as many
places as time permits. So, in addition to the four-
day debate on Mindanao, we will speak two or three
times a day in lecture-type meetings on Luzon, Min
danao and Mindoro. Brethren there are now work
ing on a schedule which will use our time to thebest advantage.
During the meetings last year, a number were
baptized and several liberal preachers have since
taken a stand for the truth. The prospects look good
for even more to be accomplished this year. There
are some able Filipino preachers who are faithfully
carrying on the work in the face of opposition both
from false brethren and from the denominational
world. It is our hope that our work among them will
strengthen their hands.
FELLOWSHIP IN THE GOSPEL
When the brethren at Gardiner Lane were approached about it, they made ready for Smith to go by assuring his continued support and providing a large part of his travel fund. We will be gone a month, and some congregations are slow to part witha full-time preacher for that long at a time. The brethren at Manslick Road reacted similarly and arranged for Adams t6 be gone to help in the debateand to preach as often as possible. They, too, willprovide support in continued salary and have provided much of the travel fund. It has been a wonderful experience to see the unselfish spirit of these congregations and the great encouragement offered by the elders of each to make these plans possible.
An extended report of the meetings, debate and
situation of the work of the islands will be given
upon completion of the trip in May. We ask the
prayers of faithful Christians everywhere for safety
in travel and for our families while we are gone,
and above all that the word will be faithfully
preached and defended and received with joy by
honest souls.
(Smith) 1320 Gardiner Lane 40213
(Adams) 4724 E. Manslick Rd. 40219
BROTHER CECIL B. DOUTHITT PASSES
Brother Cecil B. Douthitt, 74, 2203 N. E. St., diedSunday, Jan. 24, 1971, at a local nursing home. He was a preacher of the gospel for 55 years, authorof several religious books and hymnal lyrics, paststaff writer for the Gospel Guardian, and a lecturer-debater. He is survived by his wife, Mary; one son,Cecil G.; two daughters, Miss Dortha Douthitt andMrs. Carl Bowen; four brothers, Ezra, Boone, Ira,and Noah; two sisters, Mrs. Ethel Lester, Mrs. William Grogan; and three grandchildren.
Brother Douthitt's funeral was conducted at Edwards Chapel here in Fort Smith Tuesday, Jan. 26;and the burial was at Rose Lawn Park Cemetery.Pallbearers were Milton Minchew, Spencer Card,Arch Holloday, Floyd Kuykendall, Harvey Graves,and George Roberson.
Kyle McElroy of the Etna church lead the opening prayer at the service. Mike Rogacs, of the Southside church, read the 23rd Psalm. George Jones, of theSouth 46th Street church, gave a talk regarding theDouthitt family, and Guthrie Dean made a talk onthe meaning of Death. Mike Rogacs offered the benediction at the grave-side. Many of the Douthitts' friends were in attendance at the funeral service.
Brother Douthitt was loved and appreciated bymany, many people throughout the nation. All willbe sorry to hear about his passing. I cherish my association with him, and join many hearts in prayerto God for sister Mary and the family. Truly, aprince and a great man has fallen in Israel this day (II Sam. 3:28).
— Guthrie Dean 1900 JennyLind Fort Smith, Ark.72901
Ralph Joiner, 204 N. Lee St., Cambridge City, Ind.47327 — The first of August I moved my family to
Cambridge City, Ind., where I am now working with
the faithful church in this city. This is a town of
about 3500 population and the church is unusual in
at least one way — attendance at the services Sun
day evening and Wednesday evening are at least as
much as on Sunday morning and sometimes greater.
Opportunities here seem to be good. The people are extremely friendly and seemingly have not closed their ears to religious discussion. Using the Jule Miller filmstrips, I have been able to stay busysince arriving as this material is new to this area.We have just completed one home study last weekand we have hopes for the three people involved. Weare engaged in two more weekly classes and plan tobegin two others in a week or so. One of these will be in a city 45 miles away where the church is un
known except in the hearts of two Christians. The
class will be in their home, hopefully both to restore
them to service and arouse interest in New Testa
ment Christianity in this city.
The brethren here are actively engaged in these filmstrip classes. When a preacher moves there is no need to wait six months or a year to become acquainted with the townspeople before going to workif the brethren are willing to help him. Upon arriving here one of the first things I requested of thebrethren was a 12 week course on personal work sothat they might become aware of the many thingsthey could do in teaching the gospel. I taught thisclass using material by Homer Hailey, Jule Miller,and Jimmy Tuten and the average attendance was
11. I learned much from the class myself and since
then the brethren have been keeping me busy with
home studies.
CARL WELLS
Friends of Carl Wells will be saddened to hear of his sudden death. Brother Wells had lived in Jacksonville, Fla., for a number of years and while therehe served as an elder for the Lake Shore Church. He moved from there to Homestead, Fla., and finally back home in Greenville, Fla. His death came onFeb. 5. Funeral services were held on Feb. 8 and Brothers James Ledford and C. L. Overturf, Sr.spoke. Brother Wells is survived by his wife, Lottie, two daughters, Mrs. Martha Black and Mrs. SarahHelms, and one son, Carl. There have been so manythrough the brotherhood who have extended sympathy and kindness. The family wants each of you to know how much all is appreciated. We love each of you dearly — The Wells family.
Roy L. Foutz, 2301 Franklin Drive, Texarkana,
Ark. 75501—I will conclude my work here at Frank
lin Drive on March 14. I have had a most pleasant
work here, and my move is necessary because of
personal reasons. I will move to Gainesville, Fla., to
work with the Northeast church, where Jerry C.
Ray preached the last 18 months of his life. The
building is located at 1433 NE 16th Ave., and I will
be living at 1403 NE 12th St., Gainesville 32601.
Any information that you might give concerning
students in the University of Florida or others in
the area will be appreciated. Before my move, I will
preach in meetings in Magnolia, Arkansas and in
Mt. Pleasant, Texas.
Billy Ashworth, Box 500, Franklin, Tenn. 37064
— James R. Cope was with the church at Hillview
in Nashville recently in a concentrated weekend
series of lessons on the home or family life. We had
seven services during the meeting beginning with
one service on Friday evening, one on Saturday
afternoon, one on Saturday evening and four serv
ices on Sunday — two in the morning, one at 2 p.m.
and one at 7:30 p.m.
The meeting was highly successful with outstand
ing preaching by brother Cope, fine interest on the
part of all who attended, and many visitors from
throughout middle Tennessee. We had the largest attendance on Sunday afternoon and Sunday eveningthat had ever been in the Hillview building.
I highly recommend the weekend series of meetings by brother Cope. We had outlines of the lessonsprepared for everyone who attended to use duringthe sermons and to take with them for additional study. This added to the interest and effectivenessof the lessons. I sincerely believe that the churchwas edified and the Lord was glorified by this effortduring which the gospel of Christ was preached.
Parkiman Avenue Church of Christ, 724 Parkman Avenue, Selma, Ala. 36701 — We Christians who make up the Parkman Avenue church of Christ inSelma, Ala., would like to make it known to thebrethren throughout the country that we stand against all doctrines and practices which have noBible authority. Anyone who has a friend or relative stationed at Craig Air Force Base is urged to contact us that we may invite them to meet with usat our new location. We are presently made up offour families including our brother Ashley Duncanwho with his family drives here each Lord's dayfrom Montgomery to preach for us. For further information call Nile Castleberry at (205) 872-1839.
Lewis E. Painter, Route 3, Box 202F, Conover,
N. C, 28613 —The church of Christ in Newton,
N. C, is in need of a full-time gospel preacher. Weare small in number and have only been meeting for two years. Whoever comes must provide a large part of his support. Anyone interested may obtainfurther information at the above address, or call 464-1069.
WANTED
Anyone having the first bound volume of Searching The Scriptures that they would sell, please contact Randal Woolbright, Box 247C, Route 2, FloydsKnob, Ind., 47119.
Terry L. Sumerlin, 214V2-A, W. Heard, Refugio,Texas, Feb. 9, 1971 — I have just completed eightmonths work with the brethren here. In this time we have had one to be restored, two baptisms, andthree to be identified with us.
I just closed a meeting at Dundee, Fla., on Jan. 26
in which two were baptized. This makes a total of
seven baptisms and two restored in the nine months
Don R. Taaffe has been preaching for these breth
ren. The attendance and contribution have doubled
during this period of time. Fourteen cottage meet
ings have been arranged. Brother Taaffe would like
to begin full time work with these brethren but
must have additional financial support. Anyone in
terested in helping with this work contact Don R.
Taaffe, 3118 San Jose, Tampa, Fla. 33609 or phone
833-3532.
Larry R. Devore, 1802 Caroline St., South Bend,
Ind. 46613 — January 11-24 the W. Lake Street
church of Christ in Roseville, Ohio held the first
gospel meeting in their new meetinghouse just re
cently completed. Brother Russell Everson of Woos
ter, Ohio preached January 11-17, and I preached January 18-24. There were no public responses buta number of visitors from the community came allduring the meeting, and the brethren seemed pleased with the series. I commend them to you asa faithful church in the Lord.
J. Edward Nowlin, 3004 Gena Dr., Decatur, Ga.30032, Feb. 15, 1971 — I am now in my thirteenthyear with the church here at Glenwood Hills, during which time we have helped to start four new congregations in the Greater Atlanta area. We plan a new building this year in a new location. We had James P. Miller and James R. Cope here for meetings last year, and I preached in some meetingsaway from home. We are helping support preachersat Jasper, Tunnel Hill and Albany, Georgia.
Bill Crews, 1363 Central Dr., Beaumont, Texas77706 — "But I have all things, and abound: I amfilled, having received from Epaphroditus the thingsthat came from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God" (Phil.4:18). This Paul said when he received financial aidfrom his brethren in Philippi. This I can also say because adequate financial support for me has been promised by six churches to enable me to live andlabor in Baton Rouge, La. The churches are: MyrtleGrove in Pensacola, Fla.; Gonzales, La.; Imhoff Ave.,in Port Arthur, Texas; College Rd. in Lafayette,La.; West Side in Fort Worth, Tex.; and the church with which I will be working (now meeting in Baker,La., but planning to build on their lot in the ParkForest, subdivision of Baton Rouge). Some other churches have graciously consented to provide themoving expenses from Beaumont, Texas to Baton Rouge. I am still planning to move the first of June.If you know of any prospects in or near Baton Rouge whom I may contact and, hopefully, teach,please send me their names and addresses. Perhaps you know of college students there who should bemeeting with a faithful congregation. Possibly youknow someone who has become a "spiritual dropout." Give me the opportunity to try to bring themback to faithfulness — let me know who they are.Presently, the Park Forest church is meeting at12979 Wedgewood Dr. in Baker. Sunday Bible studyis at 9:00 a.m.; Morning Worship at 10:00 and Evening Worship at 6:00. Wednesday Bible study is at
7:00 p.m. ____
Charlotte church of Christ, 5327 York Road, Charlotte, N. C. 28210 — The Charlotte church of Christis in need of a full-time gospel preacher. Please contact Bro. Rudy Cribb, 3815 Sharon-Amity Rd., Charlotte, N. C. 28205.
James Spencer, P. O. Box 703, Americus, Ga. —
The brethren of the church of Christ of Albany, Ga.,
517 Pine Ave., Moody B. Swann, minister, would
like to let all Christians know they have purchased
the old church of Christ building in Ashburn, Ga.
and had it moved to Leary Road, southwest Albany
for their new meeting place. It can be reached by
coming south on Slappy Blvd., following highway
62 west about three miles beyond the Albany Air
port, on Leary Rd. If coming through Albany or
want more information, call Moody B. Swann, area
code 912-432-0879.
Leo Rogol, Rt. 4, Box 39, Greensburg, Ky. 42743
— On Dec. 20, 1970, a new congregation met forworship for the first time in a rented hall in Greensburg. This faithful group found it necessary to withdraw from the factious element in the Greensburgchurch and was forced to leave the church building.The lock was even changed to prevent any of us fromentering the building.
At that first meeting in December, 24 were present for worship. Presently attendance runs in the30s. These brethren are filled with zeal and are veryactive in the work. Every one who is present on Sunday for worship is also present for mid-week Biblestudies, which is an indication of their spiritual strength.I continue to work with these brethren, although Ialso preach for the good church at Cyclone, Ky.Because of this schedule, our services at Greensburg are as follows: Sunday
Bible Study — 2:00 p.m.Worship Serv. — 3:00 p.m.
Thursday
Bible Study — 7:00 p.m.
If you are passing through Greensburg we heartily welcome you to meet with us. We are temporarily meeting in the dining hall of the American Needle-craft Company located on Industrial Road. For further information call: 932-5252 or 932-7371 (areacode 502).
John W. Wilson, 1366 Manzanita, Chico, California95926 — The Spruce Avenue church of Christ, 1618Spruce Ave., Chico, Calif., had her beginning in November of 1961 with two families, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Morgan and Mr. and Mrs. John Wilson. No thought was entertained other than to worship and work according to the New Testament pattern. Thegospel was taught, received and obeyed and othersouls were added who also worshipped and workedaccording to the New Testament pattern.
Our first meeting place was in the Eagles Club
building on Mulberry Street before we purchased
the little building we now meet in.
Due to the fact that working conditions have
moved many to the industrial areas (many more
than moved here), our growth has been slow so far
as to having large numbers at any one time. We
have not become discouraged in that we are assured
that those who passed our way learned the truth
plain and simply from God's word, and are passing
the truth on in other places. As best we can deter
mine at this time there would have been a church
of 200 or more members meeting here had they all
remained in Chico, or faithful.
We now rejoice in the actuality that the church isself-supporting at this time; whereas the preacherhas previously received support from other churchesin other areas to preach the gospel in Chico. Wethank God and press on. We invite all who pass ourway to worship and work with us according to theNEW TESTAMENT PATTERN.
NEW CONGREGATION
Robert E. Lee, Jr., P. O. Box 1646, Port Arthur,Texas 77640 — A new congregation has begun meeting in South Nederland, Texas. This new work is comprised of families living in the Nederland, PortNeches, Groves, and Port Arthur communities. The new congregation will be situated in the southernpart of Mid-County, and with this growing section of some 40,000 residents, the need for a new workis tremendous. The growth potential is great. Families from Thomas Boulevard, Pear Ridge, and WestGroves form the nucleus of this new work. Theyhave invited Ardie P. Brown, Jr., who has lived and worked in this area with the Thomas Boulevard congregation, and is now working with the Vivion Roadcongregation, to preach for them. He is planning tobegin working with the new group in April, 1971.At the present time, various men of the congregation are doing a fine job of carrying on the work.Three baptisms have added to the enthusiasm ofthe work. Cottage classes have begun and a largerbuilding has been rented. We covet the prayers offaithful brethren everywhere that this work mightgrow and prosper in keeping with the will of the
Lord. Eugene Britnell, Little Rock, Ark.— The Lord
willing, I am to preach in Gospel Meetings this year
in the following places: Pine Bluff, Humphrey, Yell
ville, El Dorado, Tuckerman and Bald Knob, Ark.;
Haleyville, Ala.; Chicago, Ill.; Chiefland, Fla.; Ken-
nett, Mo.; Berea, Ohio and Lubbock, Tex. If you live
in any of these areas, your presence and encourage
ment will be appreciated.
A new congregation, composed of members from
the Arch Street and Mabelvale Cut-off churches, has
been established in Little Rock and is now meeting
at 7115 Blount Road.
Our work at Arch St. continues to make progress.
IS APOSTOLIC UNITY FOR OUR TWENTIETH CENTURY?
TWO QUESTIONS
A study of church unity necessarily involves an
swering two questions: Was there in apostolic days
one visible body or church? If there were one visible
church in apostolic times, did God intend for that
one body to continue as such in following genera
tions ?
THE PROBLEM TODAY
Today's question of church oneness does not concern, in most cases, whether or not there was but
one church in Paul's day. The question as it faces
Bible students today involves whether or not God
wills the existence of only one church on earth today.
Indeed, one prominent church manual admits that
in apostolic times "no differing denominations ex
isted." But in the same manual proceeds to say, "but
now it is different" (Hiscox, The Standard Manual for Baptist Churches, p. 22).
I AFFIRM
In this article the writer affirms two propositions:
In apostolic times there was one and only one church
on earth with God's approval. God wills the exis
tence of one visible church on earth today.
It will be observed that I do not, in this article,
seek to justify the church with which I am asso
ciated. I am merely seeking to uphold a Bible teach
ing, whether that teaching is fulfilled in my brethren
or not.
ONE CHURCH IN PAUL'S DAY
Every informed student of the Bible knows thatin apostolic times God approved no differing denominations; that at that time there was one visiblechurch on earth, made up of identical, visible, nondenominational congregations of people who calledthemselves Christians, and just Christians. The above concepts are abundantly supported by Acts2:47; 11:26; I Cor. 1:10-13; Eph. 4:4; etc. This isnot to affirm, however, that there were no divisionsof any kind among Christians. There were divisions,but these divisions were not at any time approvedby God. See again I Cor. 1:10ff.
ONENESS WAS TO CONTINUE
Most denominational theologians agree that whatI say in the above argument is true. But they denyit should be so today. They say that today "it is different." They affirm that no church is perfect;that all the denominations are branches of the "great invisible church of the redeemed," etc.
But I affirm that apostolic oneness was to con
tinue ; that a division of believers into sects and de
nominations is expressly condemned in the New
Testament.
I COR. 1:10-13 FORBIDS SECTS
The carnal division described and condemned in
I Cor. 1:10-13 parallels perfectly, in principle, mod
ern sectarianism.
EPH. 4:3 DEMANDS ONENESS
In Eph. 4:3 the Ephesians are urged to "keep the
unity of the Spirit." But that unity was composed
in part of one visible church on earth. Therefore,
primitive Christians were to keep, or hold firmly to,
one visible church on earth. I presume this "keep
ing" is still to be kept.
SECTARIANISM IS SINFUL
In Gal. 5:20 Paul describes heresies as being of
the flesh. The term haireseis ("sects," or "heresies")
is defined by Thayer as follows: "dissensions arising
from differences of opinions and aims" (Lexicon,
p. 16). This definition is a veritable picture of mod
ern denominationalism.
NOW READY!
PAP THE
BROKEN MOLD
A light hearted attempt at biography of James
P. Miller by his only son, Rodney Miller.
"Written in the hope that this volume may beread with pleasure and profit and that the thousands who have heard PAP preach the gospelwill find a place in their home for this work asthey have found a place in their hearts for PAPhimself."
— Rodney Miller
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