BB SEP 1998

Waldron Mission Fund

Under the oversight of the elders of the Crossville church of Christ, PO Box 211, Crossville, TN 38557

Vol 1 SEP 1998 No. 9

Text Box: ORDAIN PREACHERS, DEDICATE BABIES? Johnny Ramsey (Where in the Bible does it teach about ordaining preachers and having services for dedicating babies? Are these things to be practiced today?) There is no Bible authority for either practice. Christ told his servants, “Go ye and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world...Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved? (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16). In this commission, Jesus appointed, or ordained, believers to preach and teach His gospel until the end of time. That is all the authority we need to proclaim His truth with power (Titus 2:15). Human hands cannot intervene in that arrangement. No council or synod or hierarchy countermands heaven’s decree. Nowhere in the Scriptures do you find the practice of “dedicating babies” as a religious rite. Parents are told, “Ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but nurture them in the chastening and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). No religious ceremony is necessary or commanded to “train up a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6). We are told, “Whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). How can we do something in the name of the Lord which He never authorized? Too many people desire display and ostentatious ceremony rather than personal responsibility. P.O. Box 235 - Rowlett, TX 75088

Text Box: MARK 16:16 Tracy Dugger Jesus stated to His apostles, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:15-16). Surely this passage is among the clearest in all the Bible. It explicitly teaches that baptism is necessary for salvation. However, many attempt to dismiss the force of Jesus’ words: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” They teach, “He that believeth and is not baptized shall be saved.” One can easily see that Jesus did not so teach. One objection leveled against God’s people when they teach from Mark 16:16 is that Jesus did not say, “He that believeth not and is not baptized shall be damned.” When Curtis Porter met Glenn Tingley on this matter in public debate, Tingley responded to Porter’s argument on Mark 16:16 by saying that it did not say, “He that believeth not and is not baptized shall be damned.” Brother Porter countered in the following manner: No. I know it did not. If it had, it would have been silly. Suppose that some of you teachers who have a class in school, would give your class this statement tomorrow: “He that eats food and digests it shall have health.” You require the class to bring the negative of that on the following day. The next day Johnnie comes back with this: “He that eats food and digests it shall have health; but he that eats not and does not digest it shall starve.” I wonder what kind of grade little Johnnie would get on that?...Why that’s silly - the very idea of digesting food that you haven’t eaten. Let me tell you, my friends, the man who has not believed can no more be scripturally baptized than a man can digest food that he has not eaten. It takes both eating the food and digesting the food to bring health; but eating no food alone will bring starvation; and you do not have to say, “And does not digest it.” It takes both belief and baptism to bring the salvation; but unbelief alone will bring the damnation; and you do not have to say, “And is not baptized.” It takes both belief and baptism to bring salvation, but belief alone will bring condemnation. (Porter-Tingley Debate; Dehoff Publications, Murfreesboro,TN; 1947, p. 269). Porter devastated the error of Mr. Tingley by using a simple parallel. 1519 Miller Street - Malvern, AR 72104 some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God” (I Corinthians 6:11). (625 W. Orchard Lane, Greenwood, IN 46142-3029) EVOLUTION - A SCIENCE-FICTION FANTASY Jon Gary Williams When questioned about evolution, believers in the theory do not know why they believe it, and, surprisingly, this is true even among scientists. Dr. Henry Morris stated the case well: “...the main reason most educated people believe in evolution is simply because they have been told that most educated people believe in evolution” (The Twilight Of Evolution, P. 26). The theory of evolution is a philosophy based on nothing more than science-fiction, a proposition easily established. First, a very large number of scientists totally reject the theory. And in addition there are many others who have serious doubts about it. The February, 1988 issue of Industrial Chemist published the results of a survey taken among scientists world-wide. It revealed that one fifth rejected the theory! How can a view be considered scientific if one out of every five scientists reject it? Second, any theory that can be denied without denying any fact of science must be unscientific. For example, one can deny the theory that rats are produced from old rags by spontaneous generation, without denying any fact of science. Hence, that theory is unscientific. The same is true regarding evolution - since it can be denied without denying one single fact of science, it cannot be classified as science. Let the defender of evolution produce just one fact of science that must be denied when denying evolution! it cannot be done. Third, evolution does not fit the evidence. The only place to go to find concrete, empirical evidence to show that evolution has occurred is the fossil record. If evolution has occurred two things should be true. 1) At the beginning of the fossil record (Cambrian period) only the very smallest of fossils should be found. However, the fact is that at the Cambrian period there are millions of fossils of highly complex life forms! Evolution just does not fit the evidence. 2) In the geological strata from the Cambrian to the present there should be many examples of intermediate forms of life. However, there is not one single case of a transitional form! Not one! Evolution does not fit the evidence. To the contrary the fossil evidence fits perfectly with the Creation view, which predicts that complex forms should be found at the base of the fossil record and that throughout the fossil record there should be no intermediate forms. Leading evolutionists now say that intermediate fossils are not found because they did not exist, that evolution occurred by “sudden leaps” which instantly produced completely new forms. What a convenient way to explain this inconsistency, but where is the evidence? Evolution is not science, but science-fiction! (P.O. Box 35 LaVergne, TN 37086) LEGISLATIVE AWARENESS Jim E. Waldron The United States Congress has this year or will vote on many life or death issues for the American people and their children. The following is a partial list of such issues with their House of Representative’s (HR) number if available: Euthanasia. Infidels in this country are pushing to promote more suicide, especially among the elderly and informed. The Psalmist wrote, “Do not cast me off in the time of my old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails” (Psa. 71:9). Lethal drugs for suicide (HR - 4006) Partial birth abortion (HR - 1122) This is the demonic practice which allows a doctor to deliver all but the head of a baby, then stab the infant in the back of the head and use a vacuum to such out the little brain. The president has with two vetoes protected this ungodly practice. Child Custody Protect Act (HR- 3682) This bill would make it a federal crime to transport a minor across a state line to obtain an abortion if the resident state required parental involvement. Chemicals for abortion (HR - 4101). Health plans to include abortion (HR - 4104). Foreign aid to promote abortions (HR - 1757). The Word of God plainly says, “The Lord hates...hands that shed innocent blood” (Pro. 6:16-17). Christians do not fight abortion with sticks, guns or bombs for it is written, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh” (II Cor. 10:3). Those individuals who shoot at or bomb abortion clinics are enemies of the whole effort to stop the evil. Christians war with the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Eph. 6:17). And with prayer to the Father that through His Son, who sits at His right hand as King of Kings (I Pet. 3:22; Rev. 1:5) He will reverse this evil. The problem is that so few of us ever write a letter to the editor, call a radio talk show or write a senator. When it comes to such evils most use the sword of the Spirit like it was a butter knife. And what about prayer? How long has it been since you have heard a prayer which prayed for the baby killing industry in this Country to be shut down? If you want some resource material on legislation on such things phone the Right To Life news in Washington at 202-626-8800. If you want bumper stickers or precious feet pins, or other pro-life materials phone 1-800-676-7258 and ask for their free catalog. WORLD POPULATION MID-1998 The World Population Reference Bureau, estimates there were 1.6 billion people on earth at the beginning of the century. They also report world population will surpass the 6 billion mark early next year. 1968 years ago our King, just before His inauguration at the right hand of the Father affirmed: “All authority has been given unto me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:18-20). Again He said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:15-16). There are about 12,000 churches of Christ in the United States and the saints who make up these congregations are the most blessed of human beings on this planet. Not only have we been redeemed by the mercy of God from our vain lives of sin (cf. I Pet. 1:18-19) but no body of Christians have ever been so blessed materially. Being blessed with such abundance and with salvation we have the greater obligation. For it is written, “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required;...” Thus as congregations of God’s people and true disciples of Christ we must radically re-think our obligation toward the billions with whom we share this planet, for our Father desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (I Tim. 2:4). Here are some needed things: 1) Let every congregation, or through congregational cooperation, begin a preacher training school in the he evenings, on Saturday or Sunday afternoon. For the apostle Paul required “the thing that you have heard from me...commit these to faithful men who Will be able to teach others also” (II Tim. 2:2). 2) Parents and grandparents must encourage and support young Christian men for one or two years as “apprentice” evangelists on the field. 3) Dedicate our material wealth to evangelism (domestic and foreign missions). At the present time much of the church's wealth goes to para-church organizations instead of going through congregations to support world evangelism. God is to be glorified “in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end” (Eph. 3:21). God has not authorized brethren to set up corporations, boards or similar bodies to do the work of the church. Yet, churches are regularly bombarded with requests (not to say demands) for money to fund some semi-church project. 4) Resist false teachers who would restructure the churches of Christ into being just another evangelical community church. The Holy Spirit warned “there were also false prophets among the people even as there will be false teachers among you...” (I Cor. 11:19).

HOMOSEXUALITY

John M. Grubb

God, through Paul, makes it clear those who practice homosexuality will not go to heaven. “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God” (I Cor. 6:9-11). The word for “homosexual” comes from the Greek phrase which means “men having sexual relations.”

Is the Word of God ambiguous about homosexuality? No! For it says, “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination” (Lev. 18:22). Again it is written, “For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due” (Rom. 1:26-27).

Note the words Paul uses in this passage: “vile,” “against nature,” “shameful,” “error.” These are not words of approval. In the context, Paul is discussing the unrighteousness of the Gentiles (Rom. 1:18). Again it is written, “But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine” (I Tim. 1:8-10). In verse 10, Paul mentions the “sodomites.” This is the same Greek word that is translated in I Corinthians 6:9 as “homosexual.” All of these passages show us the way God views this practice. It is condemned.

CAN THE HOMOSEXUAL BE SAVED?

God loves all people and wants all to be saved (John 3:16; I Tim. 2:4). The homosexual can be saved the same way any other sinner can be saved. They must repent and be baptized (Acts 17:30; Acts 22:16). Then the practice must be stopped (See Acts 26:20)! “Such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God” (I Cor. 6:11). 625 W. Orchard Lane, Greenwood, IN 46142

JEFF WALLING AND JOHN 17

Barry Gilreath

In John 17 we find Christ’s fervent prayer for the unity of believers. Biblical unity exists where truth is received and practiced (vv. 17-21). How tragic it is when some twist Christ’s prayer to advocate the very opposite for which He prayed. Such occurred on March 30, 1990 at the Soul Winning Workshop in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Jeff Walling presented a lecture entitled, “That They All May Be One.” He said, “And I really want you to get used to being with a lot of Christians, because in spite of what some of my brothers think, I think there’s going to be a ton of folks that God’s going to give grace and mercy to...I don’t think...a small crowd.” He then discussed unity in the context of John 17 and asked, “What if we were at a gathering where there were people sitting next to you who didn’t go to a Church of Christ? Now they believed in Jesus. They loved the Lord...they are not fellowshipping in a building that says ‘Church of Christ’ on it. Now just free your mind up for that bizarre possibility.” He later said, “Jesus doesn’t say...the obedient might be one...that the ‘Church of Christers’ might be one..He prays for those who will believe in me...put their faith and trust in me...the text says ‘believers’...I’ll tell you that in order to preach the text, we can’t get into this lesson without appreciating the fact that Jesus asked that we would throw the calf rope around all of those who just believe in Him, and pray and work for the unity of all for God. But before I hold your hand, I've gotta check your hand out. Whose hand am I holding here? Lands sake, if we have to, let’s pass out gloves, but let’s HOLD HANDS! Whatever it takes! I recognize that unity for you may mean at first reaching across the aisle to grasp the hand of the person who’s across your aisle...but brothers and sisters, we’ve got to reach outside the doors...to the hand of every believer in Jesus to seek some kind of oneness.”

Consider the fallacies Jeff Walling taught from John 17.

1) The church of Christ was described in denominational terms. What is a “Church of Christer”?

2) He affirmed a conviction that is in opposition to Christ’s teaching regarding salvation in Matt. 7:21-23 (“ton of folks” receiving grace).

3) He advocated fellowship with denominations. We are to “throw the calf rope around all those who just believe in him.”

4) He promoted a denominational understanding of believers in John 17 by associating true Christians with those in denominations.

5) He advocated degrees of fellowship (“some kind of oneness”).

This speech is only one example of the error he espouses. Brother Walling’s words and associations prove him to be a false teacher. He must be recognized as such by faithful brethren. Dalton, GA

BULLETIN BRIEF

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