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By Miller, Matt, on December 1st, 2002
Let me ask you something. If you noticed that others applied a stricter, harsher standard to you than they applied to themselves, how would you feel? I write this article in defense of my fellow evangelists; I write this article, not in the spirit of complaining, for we are to “do all things without complaining and disputing.” (Philippians 2:14) Nevertheless, it is equally evident in the scriptures that, when we see an injustice or error, we are to expose it and fight it. (Ephesians 5:11)
“Then I returned and considered all the oppression that is done under the sun: and look! the tears of the oppressed, but they have no comforter—On the side of their oppressors there is power, but they have no comforter.” (Ecclesiastes 4:1) No doubt human cruelty and oppression have always existed, and God knows this. But, is it right when this oppression and cruelty comes from within the church? There is an oppression under the sun today, and it involves setting a double standard for evangelists.
Continue reading » The Double Standard
By Miller, Matt, on October 1st, 2002
(Editor’s Note: The following series of sermon outlines are complementary to the discussion regarding the proper “Tone” in preaching).
I. Introduction. Very soon after the establishment of the church of Jesus Christ, there were problems with false doctrine. Probably the first big problem the church experienced was that of the Judaizers: those who taught that all Christians had to obey the Law of Moses. Soon thereafter, the Gnostics became a problem; they were a group that taught that Jesus did not come in the flesh, and that they had a special, secret understanding of the scriptures that the unenlightened could not understand. Ever since then, there have been heresies, false doctrines, and problems in Christ’s church. Today is no different.
Continue reading » Problems in the Lord’s Church
By Reed, Dennis, on October 1st, 2002
(Editor’s Note: The following article is complementary to the discussion regarding the proper “Tone” in preaching).
Just about my first memories of the term “neutral” was that it had to do with placing the gear shift on the Model “A” Ford in a position where you could release the clutch when the motor was running (we called them motors – not engines, as in “Ford Motor Company”). When you were in “neutral”, there was no movement of the car – it was just a “do nothing” position. You also had to remember, when parking your car on an incline, that it would surely roll backward or forward if you left the gear shift in “neutral”. Neutral simply meant that you were not in gear – you had no influence whatever on the motion of the car!
I am seriously afraid that a lot of our brethren today are determined to operate in “neutral”! They don’t want to make any distinction between a false teacher and a sound teacher. They don’t want to take a position on fellowship which would make a distinction between darkness and light, between truth and error, or between sinfulness and righteousness – they simply want to smile and stay “neutral”. For years we have been trying to tell them that neutral (no position) is an open stand for the Devil – but they simply smile and go about their merry way being perfectly satisfied with staying in “neutral” – not really standing for anything and not really standing against anything! These brethren are about as useless to the cause of Christ as a Model “A” crank is to a new Ford automobile!
Continue reading » The Motor is Running, But Brethren Are In Neutral
By Halbrook, Ron, on October 1st, 2002
Editor’s Note: Brother Ron Halbrook emailed an article by Tom Roberts, which first appeared in Watchman in June of 1998, to many individuals this past August. His email led to an exchange on what constitutes an appropriate tone in preaching and a defense of the gospel. This is brother Halbrook’s contribution to the discussion.
Dear …..,
Thanks for your thoughts. I am not offended by your remarks but am thankful that you are concerned enough about me to write. I am always open to consider anything you wish to offer. I do not dismiss criticism out of hand, nor do the men I know and work with, though your post implies we do. As you have spoken frankly w/o bitterness, I will try to do the same. We speak as friends, not enemies: “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend” (Prov. 27:17) . Just as you hoped I would not dismiss your concerns w/o giving them thought, I hope you will not be guilty of the same.
FIRST, let’s consider the issue of “positive” and “negative” preaching and teaching.
Ironically, your post is what men call “negative” in protesting what you regard as negative. It has the tone and content of a “watchdog” message in that you identify and protest things which you think need to be corrected. This always has been a valid function and duty of God’s people (Ezek. 3; 1 Thess. 5:14; 2 Tim. 4:1-5; 1 Pet. 5:8). You probably did not stop to think or worry about whether your message would be perceived as so-called negative or positive, or whether you might be labeled as a watchdog, but you simply addressed a need as you see it. So it is with what those you criticize preach and write. We are little concerned about how people perceive what we say, but our focus in on “speaking the truth in love” so as to please God not man (Eph. 4:15; Gal. 1:10).
Continue reading » Ron Halbrook’s Rejoinder
By Halbrook, Ron, on October 1st, 2002
Editor’s Note: Brother Ron Halbrook emailed the article by Tom Roberts entitled “Your Preaching Is Offensive to Me”, which first appeared in Watchman in June of 1998, to many individuals this past August. His email led to an exchange on what constitutes an appropriate tone in preaching and a defense of the gospel. The resulting exchange is printed in this issue for your consideration. The name of the author who penned the following email to Ron is being withheld here.
Ron,
You may recall that I am the institutional brother who is studying the NI view. I would like to express a few observations, in love, about the e-mail you are sending out written by others. I ask that you consider this with an open mind, and take it in the spirit of sincere love it is offered.
Ron, I want you to understand very clearly that I believe in preaching against sin, including doctrinal error. I firmly believe that all the saved are in the church of Christ, and that we should not fellowship denominations. And Tom Roberts, who wrote this below, is a dear friend of mine. I have attended Judson Road, where he preaches, and enjoyed all my visits there. I have heard Tom preach, and admire him greatly. I agree with him that truth sometimes is unavoidably offensive, even when presented kindly.
Continue reading » A Response, Written to Ron Halbrook
By Cox, Stan, on June 1st, 2002
Most of you are aware of the fact that this is the first new issue in several months. There are a number of reasons for this, and I ask that you indulge me as I seek to explain the causes of the sporadic publishing schedule.
The major reason for the lack of activity on the site for the past several months is a very busy schedule on my part. A heavy meeting schedule, coupled with the responsibilities I have in my local work have made it difficult to maintain the monthly publishing schedule I have set for the magazine. Watchman is "extra" work, and when a choice has to be made between the magazine and my other obligations, the magazine must suffer. I beg your understanding in this.
If the magazine were a subscription paper, the obligation would be there to supply monthly material as per the agreement with subscribers. As the magazine is free to all on the internet, occasional lapses in the publishing schedule will hopefully be met with more understanding on the part of readers. Having said that, I realize that it is not good "business" practice, and such lapses have a deleterious effect upon readership. The magazine always shows a decrease in monthly "hits" after one of these lapses.
Continue reading » Editorial: A Magazine Update
By Smith, Jeff, on September 1st, 2001
We have read a few criticisms of the computer in the work of the preacher recently and wish to accept the warning and issue our own.
Advertisements seeking new evangelists at various churches have stated that they do not want a man who will be trying to convert his machine or spending too much time at the keyboard. There seems to have developed the idea that the kingdom is being slighted when the preacher is on the Internet and his phone line is tied up. One wonders if the invention of the telephone itself brought similar controversy, but we digress.
Continue reading » Electronic Preaching: In Defense of the Computing Preacher
By Hafley, Larry Ray, on August 1st, 2001
(Correspondence on the Question)
(Editor’s Note: The following correspondence between Larry and a teenage girl’s grandmother may be helpful to other parents and grandparents as they try to teach their children.)
Larry,
We had a discussion with our 16 year old granddaughter yesterday, and she is very upset with us and wants an answer to the discussion other than what we gave her.
The discussion was over the news report about 2 gay men who had adopted a little boy, and they forced his school to do away with making anything for Mother’s Day because it made him feel uncomfortable. (My husband) said it was wrong to force their ideal on everyone since they were living in sin. (Our granddaughter) said she thought we were gossiping and that we should not judge them and just pray for them and everything would be OK. (My husband) tried to tell her we were not judging them that God’s word was judging them.
She left us this note. Can you help us give the very best answer possible. She is a prime example of the thinking of our "church kids" today. Her Question:
"Could you show me the verse where it says we are supposed to point out the wrong? I am just wanting to read it."
Larry, we would really appreciate your help. We feel our answer can not be too lengthy or it will turn her off. She is 1st in her class in high school so she should be able to reason. It is very disturbing that our young people think, "Your OK I’m OK."
We will be waiting for your answer.
Response To This Request
Here are some passages which deal with her request:
Continue reading » Contending for the Faith: Should We Criticize Error?
By Osborne, Harry, on June 1st, 2001
What would you think of a preacher whose sermons offended people and were taken as insulting by the hearers? What if a preacher caused the audience to be filled with anger because of the hard things that he said? What if he went so far as to mock false beliefs? Regardless of his intent, many would denounce such preaching as wrong. Even if he did not intend to insult people, but merely sought to preach the truth boldly, many would condemn him for offending others.
However, the Bible is filled with cases of those who preached the truth boldly in an effort to bring sinners to repentance, only to see those addressed react with anger because of taking offense at the message. Preachers of the truth in Bible times were not men of timidity and a totally “positive” message which was pleasing to the hearers. Their message had elements which were not always appreciated by all who heard it. Notice the reactions to Jesus’ preaching.
In Matthew 15, Jesus reproved the Pharisees for their replacing of the law of God with their human commands and traditions. This reproof was in forceful terms as He said, “You hypocrites, rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying, ‘This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from me. But in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men’” (Matthew 15:7-9). Continue reading » In the Steps of the Savior: That Preacher Offended Me!
By Smith, Marc, on October 1st, 2000
There is no more despicable behavior among men of war than the traitor. A great gulf lies between the valiant warrior and the traitor.
Just think of the examples we can take from famous battles of true selfless devotion and sacrifice for the sake of others. Too numerous to count have been the lives that were freely given with the full knowledge that they themselves would die so that others might enjoy some benefit of their ultimate gift. We know this is the most noble sacrifice of all because our Lord offered Himself for us so that we might have eternal life. He respects this selflessness when shown in man, as well. John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” We too, are to display this greatest form of love and honor it highly.
Being a Texan, I always think of the Alamo and its place not just in Texas history but in the greater story of democracy for the entire American Nation. There are examples of battles from wars in ancient history that had even greater importance than those that usually come so easily to our minds. Continue reading » Are Those Who “Sleep On Watch” Traitors to the Cause of Christ?
By Hafley, Larry Ray, on October 1st, 2000
It was prophesied that John the Baptist would preach and prosecute his work “in the spirit and power of Elijah.” All who have ever read Elijah’s debate with the prophets of Baal, or who are familiar with the fire and fervor of John, know what that means (1 Kgs. 18:17-40; Matt. 3:1-12; 14:4)! Such a spirit is much needed today in the work of the gospel (2 Cor. 10:3-5; Phil. 1:17; 2 Tim. 4:2-5). “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority” (Titus 2:15). The following quotation from Foy E. Wallace, Jr., in Bulwarks Of The Faith, speaks to the same effect:
“The subjects that have been handled in this meeting are weighty, dealing with issues of vast importance to the church, to society, to all individuals, young or old, great or small….The subjects that have had to do with denominational dogmas and doctrines involve issues and controversies that have been debated through the years; but concerning which the young generation has not had the advantage of the thorough indoctrination, such as had our fathers before us, under the early preachers of the church, preachers under whom some of you were reared, and under whose preaching I was tutored. They indoctrinated us. We knew what it was all about. I am firmly convinced that the rising generation should have the opportunity of hearing these issues thoroughly discussed and debated, that they may be anchored to the truth and able to meet “every wind of doctrine” in modern forms of error.
Continue reading » Contending for the Faith: The Spirit of Elijah
By Needham, James P., on July 1st, 2000
A saw is not always a tool with which to cut something. Webster says it is a proverb, or a trite saying. We are being treated to several old saws today. Lets have a look at some of them.
These are perilous times for conservative brethren. Unless some changes in attitude occur, division is inevitable among the conservative churches. It will likely take a while for it to occur, but all the elements of division are now present: misrepresentation, accusation, polarization and separation. This all started with the publication of erroneous views on marriage, divorce, and remarriage. It has moved from that to widespread discussion of what is generally called “fellowship.” Romans 14 is being misused in an effort to foist upon the brethren generally an attitude of tolerance known as “unity in diversity,” You believe it your way and I’ll believe it mine, and we’ll get along just fine. A brother recently described the situation in the congregation where he worships. He said, “We have people here who are institutional, some who are anti-institutional, and some who are liberal on the marriage issue. We have agreed not to do anything that violates anyone’s conscience, and we will not preach on these things or try to convert each other.” I will guarantee you that we could get along with the devil with that philosophy! What ever happened to “earnestly contending for the faith”(Jude 3), and preaching the whole counsel of God? (Acts 20:27). Continue reading » Some Old Saws — Same Old Saws
By Cochran, Arnold, on July 1st, 2000
In the last epistle that the Apostle Paul wrote unto Timothy, he charged him to preach the truth in a simplistic manner that would distinguish it from the perverted and soft preaching of his day. “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:2-5).
Is it possible brethren, that we have become so carnal that Timothy would not be considered an acceptable preacher for our pulpits? What kind of preaching does our youth need? What kind of preaching does we young preachers need to preach? Continue reading » Would You Fellowship Timothy in Your Pulpit?
By Deaton, Steven, on November 1st, 1999
[The Gospel Guardian, Vol. 19, No. 38, February 1, 1968]
“And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou he that troubleth Israel? And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father’s house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord…” (I Kings 18:17, 18) Ahab was infamously wicked, (I Kings 16:30) and Elijah refused to let him forget it. Thus, when Ahab saw Elijah he condemned him as a troublemaker, though the genuine cause of strife and confusion then, as now, was a forsaking of God’s commands. Christ rebuked the hypocritical traditions of the Jews and urged a return to his Father’s will. Those undeniably shown to be of their father, the devil, accused the harmless Lamb of God of offending them. (Matt. 15:12) Their rejection of God’s law for the teaching of men left them void of acceptance by the Spirit of God, and when this was manifest they labeled the world’s Truth-teller a troublemaker. Continue reading » Voices from the Past: Trouble Makers or Truth Tellers (Larry Ray Hafley)
By Cox, Stan, on October 1st, 1999
The problems facing institutional churches are well chronicled. Some in the institutional churches have awakened to the need for strong and distinctive preaching in the face of “change agents” who have sought to destroy the divine hermeneutic, and replace it with a new “non-patternistic” one. Recently, while reading the April 1998 issue of The Spiritual Sword, I ran across a quote from Alan E. Highers in his editorial “What Is Happening in the Church?” It admits to what non-institutional preachers and writers have claimed for many years about our more liberal brethren. The quote came in the context of previous polemic struggles with the denominations.
“Unfortunately, just as the opposition had strengthened churches of Christ and had caused members to know what they believed and why, so the lack of opposition caused some to grow soft and indifferent. Without the opposition and frontal attacks, their interest in doctrinal preaching waned and so did their knowledge and understanding of the truth. As a result, doctrinal resolve weakened and many were left vulnerable to the influence of false teaching and error. We sowed the wind and today are reaping the whirlwind of thirty-five years of indistinct teaching among churches of Christ” (pg. 2, The Spiritual Sword, April 1998).
Of course, our viewpoint is somewhat different. In the 1940′s and 1950′s institutional issues threatened, and ultimately succeeded in dividing the people of God. The polemic struggle often was not with the denominations, but rather between brethren. As with the struggles with the denominations, truth had the upper hand. So, those who wished to retain their precious human institutions ceased debating (with few exceptions), and instead shifted their tactics to a more subtle attack upon non-institutional brethren. Instead of direct debate there were whispers shared about those “anti’s” and “orphan haters”; churches which were “dying on the vine.” The resultant inability and unwillingness to defend from the pattern of God’s word their man-made inventions led to the indistinct preaching mentioned above. The analogy of sowing the wind and reaping the whirlwind is apropos. It is precisely because of such indistinct preaching that liberal churches are having to deal with the “change agents” and the so-called “new hermeneutic.” Continue reading » Editorial: Is Something “Happening” in the Church?
By Deaton, Steven, on October 1st, 1999
Truth Magazine, Vol. XVI, No. 40, August 17, 1972
God told Moses to choose twelve men, one out of each of the twelve tribes, and send them into the land of Canaan to search out the land (Num. 13). The general plan was for these men to bring back firsthand information about the promised land as an encouragement for the people to go up and possess it. The twelve spies returned after spending forty days in Canaan. Ten of them protested the idea of attempting to conquer the land. Admitting that it was a good and fruitful land, they thought Israel was too weak to fight the strong people inhabiting Canaan. They objected because they thought there would be a wholesale slaughter if the Israelites made an attack. Joshua and Caleb, good spies, were powerless to quiet these loudmouth objectors, rebellion broke out, God threatened to disinherit the whole nation and raise up a new nation through Moses, but the punishment finally inflicted was the forty-year wilderness wandering during which time the protesters died.
During the earthly ministry of Jesus, on more than one occasion opposition was voiced to his eating with publicans and sinners (Matt. 9:9-13; Lk. 15). It seems that some of the religious leaders (scribes and Pharisees) attributed the worst of motives to our Lord. They imagined that he ate with publicans and sinners because he enjoyed their company. It never occurred to the objectors that Jesus’ sole purpose was to teach and save the publicans and sinners. Of course, the scribes and Pharisees wanted to find fault with Jesus, and when one wants to find fault, objections can be invented. Continue reading » Voices from the Past: “I Object” (Irvin Himmel)
By Roberts, Tom, on September 1st, 1999
“These things He said in the synagogue in Capernaum. Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, ‘This is a hard saying; who can understand it?’ When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples murmured about this, He said to them, ‘Does this offend you…’ …From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more” (John 6:61-66).
Jesus has been rightly said to be the “Master Teacher.” Not only was Jesus’ personal character in harmony with the teaching that he did, he always said the right thing at the right time, in the right place, and in the right attitude. No other person can claim such perfection in his preaching.
Yet, Jesus did not convert all that heard him. In the text above, “many of his disciples” turned away from Jesus. Why is that? Did he preach too long? Did he have a poor attitude? Did he preach too caustically? Was Jesus out of touch with the “needs” of his audience, irrelevant to their value systems? Did he not “feel their pain?” Of course, none of this is true. Yet Jesus received severe criticism and the truth he taught was rejected. He was accused of representing Beelzebub!
The fact of the matter is that some people will reject truth when it is presented perfectly. Continue reading » Associate Editorial: Why Is Preaching Ineffective?
By Deaton, Steven, on May 1st, 1999
(The Gospel Guardian, Vol. 7 No. 3, May 19, 1955, adapted from “The Evangelist”)
Saul Paul, Evangelist
Corinth, Greece
Dear Brother Paul,
The “Blazon of Gospel,” our nationwide program of work made possible by the cooperation of many congregations has suffered as the result of your outspoken opposition. Many congregations have ceased supporting this work–they seem to be so shallow in their thinking as to believe it is wrong for churches to cooperate. Who are you to set the pattern of congregational cooperation for all time?
It shall be our policy to be as frank and open minded as possible with you in this matter. We have made an exhaustive survey of your history and we feel it necessary for the good of the “Blazon of Gospel” to expose you. We are surprised that you have been able to hoodwink so many congregations.
At Antioch for example, we learn you opposed Brother Simon Peter, an esteemed preacher of the gospel, and actually rebuked him publicly. You stirred up so much trouble at Antioch that a special meeting of apostles and elders had to be convened in Jerusalem. Who can condone such conduct?
Do you think it seemly for a missionary to do part-time secular work? We hear that you are making tents on the side. In a letter to the church at Philippi you admitted that they were the only church supporting you. We wonder why? We also wonder if the church contributes to your tent-making enterprise. Continue reading » Voices from the Past: A Letter from a Sponsoring Congregation
By Deaton, Steven, on April 1st, 1999
American Christian Review, Vol. I, No. 3, March 1856, pp. 75-77
[Reprinted in The Gospel Guardian, Vol. 27, No. 15, August 1, 1975.
Slightly edited to add some scripture references. - sfd]
The church of Christ was not made for the preachers, but the preachers of Christ were made for the world and the church [Rom. 10:14-17]. The church of Christ does not belong to the preachers of Christ–it is not their property but they belong to the church–are its property [2 Cor. 4:5]. The church is not the servant of the preachers, but preachers of Christ are servants of the churches [Eph. 4:11-16]. The church of Christ is not called and sent by preachers, but preachers are called and sent by the church [Acts 11:22]. Preachers in the kingdom of Christ are no more dignitaries, kings, and priests, than any other members [Gal. 3:28; 1 Cor. 4:6]. They are the Lord’s instruments, put forth through the church to do his work, and mighty instruments too, while the Lord is with them, but the poorest, most useless and miserable creatures on this earth when forsaken of God. Or, in other words, when they are doing the Lord’s work, with an eye single to His glory, there are no such instruments for good among men; but when they become selfish, engage simply in their own work, or that which they can turn to their own personal aggrandizement, their usefulness ceases, and they are dead weights upon the cause. Our Lord’s own life is the model of all perfection in human character, both public and private. No community need look for any permanent good from any preacher who does not imitate the character of his Lord and Master. He may be much of a gentleman, very fine, pleasant and interesting to worldly-minded persons, and not do anything or say anything that would remind anyone of the Saviour of the world [Lk. 6:26]. But to come under the name of a preacher of Christ, a disciple of Christ, and not be like Him, not make men think of Him, love Him, and desire to come to Him, is a deception upon the church and the world. Continue reading » Voices from the Past: The Christian Ministry (Benjamin Franklin)
By Cox, Stan, on April 1st, 1999
Last month’s issue of Watchman Magazine included a written exchange between myself and David Mathews. His article, entitled Slandering the Denominations, contained assertions I believe to be unsubstantiated and untrue. As a result, I wrote a rebuttal piece I titled Slandering the Brethren?
I would encourage the reader to read both of these articles before continuing with this exchange. If you are already familiar with them, then carefully read the following:
In my reply to Mathews, I used questions as a device to point out the inconsistencies and error of his article. The questions were rhetorical in the sense that those who accepted my argumentation would see his error through the questions posited. While not seeking to answer the arguments I made, David did choose to answer the questions. While this was a bit unexpected, we are grateful for his candor, as his answers serve to further expose the poverty of the position he advocates, and the falseness of the charges he makes. His answers are included below in green type, and my own comments follow. It is hoped that this format will be the most effective in presenting the final thoughts in our exchange. Continue reading » Editorial: A Final Exchange with David Matthews
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