The Church and the Preacher

The Church and the Preacher

R. D. ICE    FIRM FOUNDATION-MARCH 2, 1976

 

      Restoration thinking on the exact role of the "the preacher" has varied to some extent. Campbell thought initially that the eldership should assume all the duties of "the preacher." But practical experience dictated a revision of this thinking. Having a "preacher" on the local scene acts as a catalyst in a way that no group-of-men seems to be able to duplicate. Perhaps this should not be true, but facts are stubborn things. Here is some Restoration thinking about the work and mission of "the preacher" from around 1905, taken from How To Set the Church in Order, by Martin L. Pierce, Chancellor of Phillips Bible Institute. (You must make some allowance for the language.)

      1. The Office. "This office is nowhere spoken of in the New Testament. Its rise and development was a matter of expediency just as the erection of church-buildings and our present use of song books .... In the development of religious work, in a given community, the congregation continued to increase in size until at last it demanded as much time and attention as the evangelist had previously given to several congregations. . . . By this we see that the preacher should have the qualifications of both the elder and the evangelist. His work is a twofold work."

      2. The Call. "There must be, on his part, a supreme purpose to proclaim God's word to a sinful world. There must also be a willingness to be used of God; a willingness to enter every door that may be opened to him."

      3. The Qualifications. "The congregation has a right to expect that their 'man of God' be a serious-minded man. This piety (faith and holy life, rdi) must be so forceful that it will radiate into the lives of his people .... The real power of every preacher lies in his earnest godliness. and not in acquired culture or talents. . . . A loving man will always accomplish more than a merely learned one. It is not great talents that God blesses so much as it is great likeness to Christ."

      4. Educational. "The preacher must go before his congregation with a message. This must be thoroughly wrought out of his own life before it can possibly influence the lives of others .... He is to bring to his congregation, not the problems of his study, but the results of his own life's experiences.  Science, language, history, and literature are valuable to the preacher only insofar as they sharpen and assist him to drive home the divine message."

      5. Social. "The preacher should, first of all, be a manly man. A man who can meet others, and converse with them intelligently regarding the things of deepest interest to them .... The preacher cannot afford to withdraw himself from the world, because his supreme work is to draw the world to Christ.  He will observe the Golden Rule and mete out simple justice to every man."

      6. Business. "A preacher who will not pay his honest debts is not a fit man to lead a congregation morally and spiritually."

      7. Use of time. "It is an open secret that no one preacher can meet the needs of every congregation. (Or of the same congregation at all times. rdi.) Every man has his own peculiar (unique, rdi) strength. As a result, the usefulness of every man will depend, to a great degree, upon his ability to use this strength.  Every preacher should stand or fall before the congregation, on his own merits, and not in comparison with the merits of some fellow-preacher.

      8. The Church Officers. "The preacher is a member of the local congregation which he serves and has the same responsibility as other members, plus the same rights and privileges. The fact that he is to perform the duties of an elder does not mean that it is necessary for him to be an elder of the local congregation. (Thinking on this is changing, rdi.). There should be no infringement on their prerogatives and they in turn should realize the rights and privileges of the ministry. Co-operation should be the watchword .... The development (maturation, rdi) of the members of the church is a necessary part of the preacher's duties."

      9. Salary. "Preachers and teachers cannot be paid in money for their services; but they should receive sufficient remuneration so that the problem of meeting their necessary expenses will not interfere with the performance of their spiritual work."

      10. Trials and afflictions. "It is a common experience of all preachers that the more faithfully they perform their duties to God and the church, the more persistent and constant is the opposition they meet with. The ·preacher, likewise, has the trial of being misinterpreted regarding what he both says and does. (Also what he doesn't say and do. rdi.). Again, it often happens that after years of hard labor the preacher will have very little to show for his work in the way of visible results. This is one of the most severe trials that beset the path of a preacher .... Again, the 'man of God' is tried with the apathy and indifference of the church itself .... It is a trial for a man, who has turned his back upon a successful business career, to have the congregation regard him as a hireling. His commission comes from God .... It often seems easier to stir up the godless in the world than to stir up members of the local congregation."

      11. Reward. "The life of the preacher is a life of love, peace and goodwill to all men. There is no reward in this world as great as that which comes to a man who has lived such a life as this." The following is taken from the Bible Study New Testament, by this scribe, published in 1974. "It is unfortunate that many think of evangelists in terms of 'revivals.' The evangelists in the first century of the church were what we call 'preachers,' but with a little difference in the job description. The evangelist did much the same work as the apostles and prophets, but was not inspired (although he might have one or more gifts), and did not have the same authority. The mission of the evangelist is to preach the good news ( 2 Tim 4:1-5; to water ( 1 Cor 3 :5-9) ; to train other workers (2 Tim. 2:1, 2); to put things in order (Titus 1 :5); and in general to teach the true meaning of the Good News (Titus 2).

      [PS: Gospel means Good News.]

Unity - Restoration - Common Sense

Unity . Restoration . Common Sense

2 Timothy The year is 67 A.D, Paul is in chains, imprisoned at Rome for the second time. This time he is not allowed to live by himself (Acts 28:16) but is placed in the dungeon. This Letter he writes from Rome to Timothy, is the last he will ever write. Perhaps three months after this, he will be executed (beheaded) as a criminal (armed terrorist) who had tried to destroy the city. [The Christians were made the scapegoat for the burning of Rome.] Peter was also executed in Rome about his same time, crucified upside-down. The uniform testimony of the early church verifies these things.

"For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing." 2 Tim 4:6-8

"But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!" 2 Tim 4:17-18



1. Perilous times are always here.

"...having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!" 2 Tim 3:5

"And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold." Matt 24:12

Many people’s love will grow cold. Sin eats the heart out of religion. Love grown cold is a serious matter (Rev. 2:l-7). But whoever holds out. The Christian Jews who did not give up their faith, saw the signs and escaped to Pella in Perea across the Jordan, and saved their lives. This is symbolic of all who escape God’s wrath through Jesus. "Having a form of godliness. This implies that the persons described professed to be religious, worshipers of God in outward form. A godless church is described. Denying the power. Rejecting its power. Their lives are not molded by it. From such turn away. This implies that some of this formal, godless religion had begun to show itself even at that time." —Johnson’s Notes

The Good News Gospel cannot be prevented from spreading. "But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed: "Their sound has gone out to all the earth, And their words to the ends of the world." Romans 10:18; Luke 1:78-79



2. Revival, Renewal, Spiritual Awakening.

"Have you received any new light from the Scriptures today?" [old Restoration greeting.] They were called New Lights.

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." 2 Cor 4:16-18

"Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord." 2 Cor 5:5-8



3. Unity is the Lord’s command.

"I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me." John 17:20-23

(John 17:21) I pray that they may all be one. This is a prayer for the UNITY [not union] of all disciples. The "spirit" that divides "Christians" into warring factions, is CONTRARY to this prayer. Christians should be ONE in intent and purpose. So that the world wlll believe You sent Me. It must be a unity which the world can see and recognize. [Some think the prime force of what He says was directed to the apostles. See John 13:4-5.] Church quarrels and sectarian division causes unbelief. (22-23) The same glory You gave Me. The work of Christ is accomplished when men are ONE in Christ. See John 1:12; 1 John 3:l; Gal. 3:26-29. Just as You and I are one. All who are guided by the One Spirit will be one with each other. See Eph. 4:3,13. (24-26) And I will continue to do so. By His death and by sending the Spirit of Truth. The purpose of this, is so that the love the Father has for the Son will be in the disciples from that time on, to the end of time!

UNCOMMON WORDS

UNCOMMON SCRIPTURAL PHRASES

The Holy Language of King James.

[adapted by R. D. Ice from Given O. Blakely]

      One of the devastating losses of our time is that of Scriptural terminology. With the flood of new translations has come  an erosion of meaningful nomenclature-words and phrases that bring great bodies of truth to the mind. One of the primary postulates of Scripture is that God's truth is contained in spiritual words-words used by the Spirit, and invested with both power and meaning.

     [Words are symbols to be decoded.  A word must communicate the message of the Original Bible as it was penned in the Ancient languages by the sacred writers.  It is, only then, the message communicated, that is the words taught by the Holy Spirit.]

      When the Apostle spoke or wrote, he was careful to use proper words. "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words" (1 Cor 2:12-13).  (“We have not received this world’s spirit; instead, we have received the Spirit sent by God, so that we may know all that God has given us.  So then, we do not speak in words taught by human wisdom, but by words taught by the Spirit, as we explain spiritual truths to those who have the Spirit” TEV.)

     The Apostles wrote in the living language spoken by the people on the street.  God spoke to the people to be understood by them.  On Pentecost (Acts 2) the Apostles spoke all the living languages of those who had come there.

      Moulton & Milligan's The Vocabulary of the Greek Testament shows from the New Testament era that the Koinè Greek was in common use as everyday language.  Some words were given meaning by the Septuagint Version (the Old Testament in Greek), which version was extensively quoted by the New Testament writers.  But other words were non religious words used to express a religious truth.  Apostolos was a a naval expedition; a traveler; a messenger; and now an apostle. Ekklesia was an assembly of citizens [note Acts 19:32,39,41]; a corporation; an assembly room; and now a church.

      Here are some Scriptural phrases that are especially weighty, yet are not common. Different standard versions will express them in different ways, but all of them will, if received, register a decided impact upon the soul. The quotations are from the KJV with NASB added. [I have added the TEV which expresses the meaning of those things written.  When the TEV is compared with the original Greek text it will be seen to be an accurate version.]

 

      *       "Election of grace" - "God's gracious choice" (NASB), (Rom 11:5).  “whom God has chosen because of His grace” (TEV).

      *       "Ordained unto eternal life" -"appointed to eternal life" (NASB), (Acts 13:48).  “chosen for eternal life” (TEV).

      *       "Believed  through  grace"  -"believed through grace" (NASB), (Acts 18:27).  “through God’s grace had become believers” (TEV).

      *       "Spirit of faith" - "spirit of faith" (NASB), (2 Cor 4:13).  “the same spirit of faith” (TEV).

      *       "Hearing of faith" - "Hearing with faith" NASB), (Gal 3:2,5). “hearing the gospel and believing it” (TEV).

      *       "Sanctification of the Spirit" -"Sanctification by the  Spirit" (NASB), (2 Thess 2:13).  “the Spirit’s power to make you His holy people” (TEV).

      *       "The faith of Christ" - "Faith in Christ" (NASB), (Phil 3:9).  “through faith in Christ” (TEV).

      *       "The faith of God's elect" - "faith of those chosen of God" NASB), (Tit 1:1).  “the faith of God’s chosen people” (TEV).

      *       "The joy of faith" - “joy in the faith" NASB), (Phil 1:25).  “and joy in the faith” (TEV).

      *       "Patience of hope" - "steadfastness of hope" NASB), (1 Thess 1:3).  “how your hope in our Lord Jesus Christ is firm” (TEV).

      *       "Joy of the Holy Spirit" - “joy of the Holy Spirit" ASB), (1 Thess 1:6).  “with the joy that comes from the Holy Spirit” (TEV).

      *       "Justified by faith" - “justified by faith" NASB), (Rom 5:1).  “put right with God through faith” (TEV).

      *       "Righteousness without works" -"righteousness apart from works" (NASB), (Rom 4:6).  “whom God accepts as righteous, apart from anything that person does” (TEV)

      *       "The law of faith"- "law of faith" (NASB), (Rom 3:27).  “but that we believe” (TEV).

      *       "Obtained like precious faith" - “have received a faith of the same kind as ours" (NASB), (2 Pet 1:1).  “given a faith as precious as ours” (TEV).

      *       "The righteousness of faith" -"righteousness of faith" (NASB), (Rom 4:13).  “he believed and was accepted as righteous” (TEV).

      *       "Children of promise" - "children of the promise" ASB), (Rom 9:8).  “children born as a result of God’s promise” (TEV).

      *       "According to election" - "according to His choice" NASB),  (Rom 9:11).  “based on His call” (TEV).

      *       "Fitted to destruction" - "prepared for destruction" (NASB),  (Rom 9:22).  “who were doomed to destruction” (TEV).

     * "Riches of His glory "-"riches of His glory" (NASB), (Rom 9:23 a).  “prepared to receive His glory” (TEV).

      *       "Prepared unto glory" - (Rom 9:23b NASB).

      *       "Law of righteousness" - "law of righteousness"   (NASB), (Rom 9:31).  “a law that would put them right with God” (TEV).

      *       "Word of faith" - "word of faith" ASB), (Rom 10:8).  “the message of faith” (TEV).

      *       "Spirit of slumber" - "spirit of stupor" (NASB), (Rom 11:8).  “their minds and hearts dull” (TEV).

      *       "Reconciling  the  world"  -"reconciliation  of the  world" ASB), (Rom 11:15).  “changed from God’s enemies into His friends” (TEV).

      *       "Standest by faith" - "stand by faith" (NASB), (Rom 11:20).  “you remain in place” (TEV).

      *       "In heavenly places" - "in the heavenly places"  (NASB), (Eph 1:3).  “in the heavenly world” (TEV).

      *       "Predestinated unto adoption" -"predestined us  to  adoption" (NASB), (Eph 1:5).  “already decided that through Jesus Christ He would make us His sons” (TEV).

      *       "Accepted in the Beloved" -"bestowed on us in the Beloved" NASB), (Eph 1:6).  “For the free gift He gave us in his dear Son” (TEV).

                "Riches of His grace" - "riches of His grace" NASB), (Eph 1:7).  “How great is the grace of God” (TEV).

      *       "Mystery of His will" - "mystery of His will" (NASB), (Eph 1:9).  “the secret plan He had already decided to complete by  means of Christ”  (TEV).

      *       "Counsel of His own will" -"counsel of His will" NASB), (Eph 1:11).  “God’s plan and decision” (TEV).

      *       "Spirit of wisdom and revelation" -"Spirit of wisdom and revelation" (NASB), (Eph 1:17).

      *       "Eyes of your understanding" -"eyes of your heart" ASB), (Eph 1:18).  “your minds may  be opened to see His light” (TEV).   

      *       "Old man with his deeds" - "old self with its evil practices"  (NASB), (Col 3:9).  “the old self with its habits” (TEV).

                "Election of God" - "His choice of you" (ASB), (1 Thess 1:4).  “has chosen you to be His own” (TEV).

      *       "Rich in faith" - "rich in faith" (NASB), (James 2:5).  “to be rich in faith” (TEV).

      *      "The trial of your faith" - "proof of your faith" ASB), (1 Pet 1:7).  “to prove that your faith is genuine” (TEV).

      *       "The end of your faith" - "outcome of your faith" (NASB), (1 Pet 1:9).  “which is the purpose of  your faith in Him” (TEV).

      *       "Calling and election" - "His calling and choosing you" (NASB), (2 Pet 1:10).  “God’s call and His choice of you” (TEV).

      *       "The elect's sake" - "sake of the elect" NASB), (Matt 24:22).  “For the sake of His chosen people” (TEV).

      *       "Love in the Spirit" - "love in the Spirit" (NASB), (Col 1:8). “the love that the Spirit  has given you” (TEV).

      *       "Wisdom  and   spiritual understanding" - "spiritual wisdom and understanding" (NASB), (Col 1:9).  “wisdom and understanding that His Spirit gives” (TEV).

      *       "Longsuffering with joyfulness" -"steadfastness  and  patience; joyously" NASB), (Col 1:11).  “able to endure everything with patience.  And with joy give thanks” (TEV).

      *       "The power of darkness" - "domain of darkness" ASB), (Col l:13a).  “the power of darkness” (TEV).

      *       "The Kingdom of His dear Son" -"kingdom of His  dear  Son" NASB), (Col 1:13b).

      *       "The Image of the invisible God" -"image of the invisible God" (NASB), (Col 1:15).  "the visible likeness of the invisible God." (TEV)     

      *       "The dispensation of God" "stewardship from God" (NASB), (Col 1:25).  "this task to perform" (TEV)

      *       "Riches of full assurance" - "full assurance  of understanding" (NASB), (Col 2:2).  "full wealth of assurance" (TEV)

      *       "Treasures  of  wisdom  and knowledge" - "treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (NASB), (Col 2:3).  "hidden treasures of God's wisdom and knowledge" (TEV)

      *       "Rudiments  of the  world"  -"elementary principles  of this world" (NASB), (Col 2:8).  "worthless deceit of human wisdom handed down by men and from the ruling spirits of the universe" (TEV)

      *       "The handwriting of ordinances -"certificate of debt consisting of decrees" (NASB), (Col 2:14).  "unfavorable record of our debts" (TEV)

      *       "This present evil world" - "present evil age" (NASB), (Gal 1:4).  "this present evil age" (TEV)

      *       "Apostleship of the circumcision" -"Apostleship to the circumcised" (NASB), (Gal 2:7-8).  "the task of preaching the gospel to the Jews"  (TEV)

      *       "Frustrate the grace of God" -"nullify the grace of God" (NASB), (Gal 2:21).  "to reject the grace of God" (TEV).

      *       "Ministereth to you the Spirit" -"provides you with the Spirit" (Gal 3:3 NASB).  "You began by God's Spirit" (TEV)

      *       "The curse of the law" - "the curse of the law" (Gal 3:13 NASB).  "the curse that the Law brings" (TEV)

      *       "The hope of righteousness" -"hope of righteousness" (Gal 5:5 NASB).  "our hope is that God will put us right with him"  (TEV)

      *       "The marks of the Lord Jesus" -"brand-marks of Jesus"  (Gal 6:17 NASB).  "the scars...show that I am the slave of Jesus"  (TEV)

      *       "The day of redemption" - "day of redemption" (NASB), (Eph 4:30).  "that the day will come when God will set you free"  (TEV)

      *       "Children of disobedience" - "sons of disobedience"  (NASB), (Eph 5:6).  "those who do not obey him" (TEV)

      *       "The day of Jesus Christ" - "day of Christ Jesus" (Phil 1:6 NASB). 

      *       "The bowels of Jesus Christ" - "the affection of Christ Jesus" (Phil 1:8 NASB).  “the heart of Jesus Christ Himself” (TEV).

      *       "The fruits of righteousness" - "fruit of righteousness"  (Phil 1:11 NASB). "the truly good qualities which only Jesus Christ can produce" (TEV)

      *       "Supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ" - "provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ" (Phil 1:19 NASB).  "the help which comes from the Spirit of Jesus Christ" (TEV)

      *       "Evident token of perdition” - "a sign of destruction" (Phil 1:28 NASB). “that they will lose” (TEV)

      *       "Fellowship  of the  Spirit"  -"fellowship of the Spirit" (Phil 2:1 NASB).  “fellowship with the Spirit” (TEV)

      *       "Service of your faith" "service of your faith" (Phil 2:17 NASB).  “that your faith offers to God” (TEV)

      *       "Companion in labor" - "fellow worker" (Phil 2:25 NASB).  “who has worked and fought by my side” (TEV)

      *       "That I may win Christ" - “in order that I may gain Christ" (Phil 3:8 NASB).  “so that I may gain Christ” (TEV)

      *       "Fellowship of His sufferings" -fellowship  of His  sufferings" (Phil 3:10 NASB).  “to share in his sufferings” (TEV)

      *       "Enemies of the cross of Christ" -''enemies of the cross of Christ'' (Phil 3:18 NASB).  “enemies of Christ’s death on the cross” (TEV)

      *       "Whose god is their belly" - “whose god is their appetite" (Phil 3:19 NASB).  “their god is their bodily desires” (TEV)

      *       "Our vile body" - "the body of our humble state" (Phil 3:21 NASB).  “our weak mortal bodies” (TEV)

      *       "Knew the grace of God in truth" -"understood the grace of God in truth" (Col 1:6 NASB).  “heard about the grace of God and came to know it as it truly is” (TEV)

      Every person is Christ is obligated to pursue spiritual understanding. This is distinguished from academic learning. Spiritual understanding is granted by God, and cannot be developed by men. That is why Paul prayed for early believers, that they would "be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding" (Col 1:9). The objective of this understanding was not pedagogical acumen, but acceptable living: i.e., "So that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God" (Col 1:10 NASB). It is also the prelude to being "strengthened with all power" in order to joyous steadfastness and endurance (Col 1:10). These are areas in which intellectual powers alone are powerless.

 

A Proper Vocabulary

      A proper vocabulary is essential to "spiritual understanding." It provides the  container in which  spiritual perception is attained. It allows the individual to think in heavenly, rather than earthly, patterns. A nomenclature that reflects the world's wisdom and way is an inappropriate vehicle for the conveyance of the truth of God.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT DENOMINATION ARE YOU?

Rhoderick D. Ice

      "Don't you want to be sure you belong to the true church?"  Two "Jehovah Witnesses" stood at my door.  My answer to them was: "I was baptized into Christ.  God added me to His church.  I'm sure He did not add me to the wrong one."

      "True church" may help to confuse the matter.  Jesus built One Church in the sense in which Israel in the wilderness was God's church [Acts 7:38]. Churches of Christ use denomination in a pejorative sense (a "cuss word"). But a "denomination" is often a "brotherhood," a group of congregations who hold basically similar beliefs and practices, who work together is some ways, and who hold themselves distinct from other groups of churches.  This may not be wrong - and it's almost impossible not to be a "denomination" in this secondary sense.

      Sometimes denominations arise because followers emphasize their favorite teacher and reject those who disagree.  Paul was horrified when the Christians at Corinth began splitting up to follow "Paul," "Apollos," "Peter," and "Christ."  (Perhaps the Christ Party was led by some who had been eyewitnesses of Christ during His earthly life, and who claimed power because of this.) The Corinthian church would have fragmented into competing factions if Paul had not put a stop to this.

      It is my intention to be a Christian - nothing more and certainly nothing less.  But I exist and live in a Christian environment which has certain "distinctives" which are part & parcel of our religious identity.  When I visit a church, I unconsciously listen for familiar shibboleths.  Are these the people I know and love???

      Our uniqueness is Christ Jesus.  Yet our world thinks in terms of "denomination" and "gimmick."  It is almost impossible, even for a strong Christian, to avoid thinking in worldly terms.  We are "proud" of certain "distinctives," and we tend to "identify" through certain external forms. We know little of what "others" are doing.  We have "our ideal," and we measure ourselves by ourselves."  We choose ~ sides according to the latest issues and concerns.  To our shame we are sometimes guilty before God of dishonoring the oneness of the body of Christ.

      "I hear of some things going on that are like the 'denominations.'" What does this mean???  Is anything done by a "denomination" automatically wrong even when it is scriptural???  Someone said: "If the denominations go in and out the door, we will go in and out the window."  Would this be correct???  Is some of our cherished "tradition" based on "just trying to be different?"

      Some things we do could be misidentified, at least in certain parts of the USA.  Some might think us "Baptists," because we baptize only believers [those old enough to believe for themselves]  and by immersion.  "Missionary Baptists" baptize for the remission of sins.  So does the "Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith."  And others do also.

      "Plymouth Brethren  were a "restoration movement" originating in England. Some might think us "Plymouth Brethren," because we eat the Lord's Supper weekly in an open and sharing style.  Individual churches of various groups also observe weekly communions.  Wesley believed in weekly communion.  A Methodist Church in Kentucky "immersed" all who would accept it, and had "weekly communions."

      In Pittsburgh, "Orthodox Catholics" sing without musical instruments [and permit their priests to marry and have families].  Churches of Christ make an issue of singing "a capella."  So also do the Reformed Presbyterian Church; and others.  Most Churches in Russia sing "a capella."

      Some might think of us as "Primitive Catholic" because we attempt to reproduce the faith and practice of the early [primitive] church.  ["Catholic" means "Universal."]  There have been at least 176 movements in the Western World to "restore" the primitive church   But the New Testament shows a variegated local church, doing the same things in worship, but with individuality.

      The Presbyterian Church is so named because of their practices in local church government.  Some might think of us as "Presbyterian," since we believe the church should be guided by elders [presbyters] and deacons.

      Our insistence on the "authority of the Bible," might identify us with various "Bible Churches" which abound.  A "Bible Church" preacher said: "I am not calling you to be a Baptist, or a Methodist, or a Presbyterian.  I am inviting you to be a Christian.  I encourage you to be part of a Bible-believing, Bible-preaching, Bible-practicing church and to get involved in it."

      Even though some of us have been "anti-charismatic," we do believe in the Book of Acts and the Power of the Holy Spirit of God.  We could, then, be identified with the "charismatic movement."  But not by those who know much about us.  In fact, since some of us reject the Holy Spirit, we might be misidentified with the Jehovah Witnesses.

      Stone & Campbell wanted to be part of the "Church of Christ at large," and included in fellowship more than we do today.  In our wish to avoid being a "denomination," we should not "denominationalize" ourselves by just being against others and not for Christ.

      Our goal is to be a Christ-centered fellowship, bringing people to Jesus, whose Name is above all names (Acts 4:12).  We are bound together with "chains of love" to those of like precious faith in Christ Jesus.  We believe that to be a "Christian" is to be in a living relationship with a living PERSON - Jesus Christ God's Messiah.

 

 

 

THE TENTH ANNUAL REFRESHING WATERS RENEWAL - UPDATE                      The Word of Truth, Summer 1999

 

 

 

* The Holy Spirit is a Person - Leon Bates, Longview, TX

*  His Role in the Giving of Scripture - Phil Poe, Dayton, OH