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Waldron Mission Fund |
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Under the oversight of the elders of the Crossville church of Christ, PO Box 211, Crossville, TN 38557 |
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BULLETIN BRIEF
Vol. 6 OCTOBER 2003 No. 10
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How Long Were The Days In Genesis? David B. Smith Since a day consists of twenty-four hours, then each of the six days of creation was a literal, twenty-four hour period of time. The answer is easily gained from the reading of the text Itself. But, those familiar with evolutionary thought know this Is quite a contested passage. Even many so called "theists" compromise precious truth by claiming that the days of the creation week were eons of time, Instead of six twenty-four hour time periods. The theory of evolution is false doctrine, and any constituent of that theory Is equally damnable. To suggest a compromise between Genesis and pseudo-science denies the Inspiration and integrity of the Bible and eventually leads the compromiser to a complete denial of God's existence. Though men try, no one can deny the fact that each day of creation was a twenty-four hour time period. The Holy Spirit, through Moses, consistently employed the Hebrew word for "day" (yom) with a number to indicate literal twenty-four hour days. This fact remains constant throughout the entire Pentateuch. Even the first chapter of Genesis bespeaks the nature of the days. Plant life was cre ated on day three (Gen. 1:9-13), and the sun on day four (Gen. 1:14-19). Those who would assert that each day of the creation equaled thousands or millions of years must accept the Impossible fact" that plant life thrived for thousands or millions of years with no sunlight! Consider also that Israel's work schedule was patterned in the likeness of the six days of creation (cf. Ex. 20:8-11). Each six day period was as lit eral as the other. Thus it is clear, the days of creation were each twenty-four hours long. 700 Jolly Rd. NW, Calhoun, GA 30701 |
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BROTHERHOOD WATCHDOGS? Thomas F. Eaves Webster defines watchdog as a dog kept to guard property. A dog that guards against loss, waste, theft, or undesirable, practices. A watchdog is a dog, which guards against the loss of' something valuable. One of the most valuable things in the world is the Gospel. It is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16), calls sinners to God (II Thess. 2:14), and produces faith in the hearts of God's creatures (Rom. 10:17). The apostle Paul recognized that some were false brethren (II Cor. 11:26), and that some would depart from the truth (I Tim. 4:1-5; II Tim. 4:1-4). This great teacher of God's word charged that men not teach a different doctrine (I Tim. 1:3) than that which came from God (Gal. 1:8-10). Some erred concerning the truth and were rebuked by Paul (II Tim. 2:17-18). These were identified by name and their false doctrine condemned in keeping with Paul's own instructions in Rom. 16:17. Paul rebuked sin (Gal. 5:19-21), false teachers (II Tim. 4:3), hypocritical Christians (II Tim. 3:1-5) and erring brethren (Gal. 2:11). The great man of God defended God's doctrine of the resurrection (I Cor. 15; Acts 23:6), grace (Rom. 5:20; 6:4), and the New Covenant of Jesus Christ (Gal. 4:21-31). Paul acted through Love (Eph. 4:15), conviction (I Cor. 9:16, Acts 20:27), and was guarding God's word from loss, waste, theft, and undesirable practices. He sums up his activities on this earth, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith" (II Tim. 4:7). Today when faithful preachers follow the example of Paul, some cry "BROTHERHOOD WATCHDOGS!" Some time ago when Randy Mayeux (preacher for the Preston Road church of Christ) made the statement, "I have preached and believed that the New Testament teaches that salvation is a free gift of God period. You are saved by grace alone." Several brethren pointed out that salvation is not by anything alone. The Bible teaches that the sinner is saved by: Grace (Eph. 2:8), Mercy (Titus 3:5), Jesus Christ (Matt. 1:21), Life of Christ (Romans 5:10), Blood of Christ (Rom. 5:9), Gospel of Christ (I Cor. 15:4), Faith (Rom. 5:1), Works (James 2:24), Calling on the Lord (Rom. 10:13), Baptism (I Peter 3:21), Hope (Rom. 8:24), and sinners save themselves (Acts 2:40). But when such inconsistency is pointed out, instead of honoring God the cry goes forth "BROTHERHOOD WATCHDOGS!" Larry James' (preacher for the Richardson East congregation in Richardson, Texas) statement, "and so I would conclude that to praise God from the heart with an instrument of music is not wrong, it's not sinful nor will it result in anyone being lost, and to condemn someone who uses such an approach I think is a terrible mistake," was not allowed to go unchallenged. When compared with the truth of God's Word (I Cor. 14:15, Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16, Heb. 2:12, 13:15), the truth was not glorified but the cry goes forth, "BROTHERHOOD WATCHDOGS!" When a college uses speakers on its lectureships who have in classes, books or recorded speeches upheld teachings, which are contrary to the word of God, why are they defended and those who point out the false teachings labeled as "BROTHERHOOD WATCHDOGS?" There is a tendency today on the part of some to defend false teachers and condemn those who contend for the faith (Jude 3). The great prophet Isaiah wrote, "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter" (Isaiah 5:20). If Paul lived today would he be labeled as a "brotherhood watchdog" for rebuking Hymenaeus, Alexander (I Tim. 1:19-20), Philetus (II Tim. 2:17), and Peter (Gal. 2:11-16)? Where is our allegiance today? It should be with Christ and His word (Gal. 1:10). If proving all things and holding fast to that which is good (I Thess. 5:21), and contending earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints (Jude 3) makes a brotherhood watchdog, then woof, woof! ! ! ! (NOTE: Brother Eaves is deceased but his widow, Pat, resides in Cookeville, TN)
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IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS Jim E. Waldron serves as evangelist under the oversight of the elders of the Main Street church in Crossville, TN. His main obligation is to obey 2 Timothy 2:2 by training native brethren in other countries to reach their own with the gospel. He works with 14 schools of preaching (SOP) in three countries (India, Nepal, Ukraine) where more than 435 brothers are enrolled in intensive Bible training programs. These SOPs are directed by local brethren and virtually all the classes are taught by them. Waldron and other American preachers teach special courses to train those who are going to train others. The work requires that Waldron spend six to seven months a year abroad and the rest of his time in the States raising support for men while they train. The vast majority of the graduates from the schools become tent-making gospel preachers. They are supported while they train and are assisted to learn a trade while studying, but rarely is anyone put on support after graduation. We do not want the Lord's church in India or any other place to become a welfare program for the churches of Christ in America. The work grows exponentially, that is, God willing, there will be six to eight more SOPs in the next three years. If you would like to help in this work of training native brethren to preach the gospel of Christ write us at Box 1010, Crossville, TN 38557 or phone Clyde Randolph, elder in charge of evangelism -931-935-5933. Bulletin Briefs is a part of Waldron's work as evangelist to be "set for the defense of the gospel" (Phil. 1:17). It is mailed to churches and individuals across the land at no cost to them. If you would like to help with this work, let us know. If you have questions about our free (except for small shipping charge) distribution of books phone Randall Standefer at 423-322-3212. |
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I NEED YOUR HELP
The country of India has the second largest population in the world -1.2 billion and it is at present open to the gospel. To just begin to reach such an enormous number, native brethren must be trained to preach, for "how shall they hear without a preacher?" (Rom. 10:14). Of the 16 preacher training schools spoken of above 14 are in India. Of these the one in Shillong, Meghalaya, northeast India, is unique because it is the only one where we use American teachers and English as the medium of instruction. These brethren come on an interim basis and are chosen because of their maturity and soundness. The school, known as the northeast Bible Institute, was begun in April of 2002 with 14 students in a small rented building. Today we have 31 enrolled that speak six different languages (as well as English). India has more than 300 languages. This emphasizes the value of this school for, God willing, through the use of English we can train men from all parts of the nation and send them back to their native states to train faithful men in their own tongue. Shillong is a college and university town and space is at a premium. Our monthly rent at present is $640 a month. Because of the tremendous potential of this Bible Institute for the future of God's Kingdom in India the Crossville elders have given us permission to make our work less precarious by buying our own building. We have located one, which was intended as a boarding school, but the owners have not been able to meet their commitments. It is three floors, with ample rooms for classes and space that can handle 100 to 150 in bunk beds. There is also an apartment where visiting teachers can stay. The building has a hall where the church can meet, which is now averaging 45 each Lord's day. The obstacle is that we must raise $235,000 to purchase the building and to pay the 13.5 percent state registration tax. The owners want to sell by January 1, 2004, so that gives us little time. If you can help send your gift to the Crossville Church of Christ marked "building fund Northeast Bible Institute." At this writing I am in Shillong teaching Revelation, but you may phone our elders at Crossville for more information. Thank you for prayerfully considering this request. Jim E. Waldron |
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BOOKS FREE: Yours for a gift of $2 to offset postage and handling. All are one copy unless noted. /. DIVORCE DEBATE: Olan Hicks VS Jim E. Waldron 2. PRE-MILLENNIAL DEBATE: Peter Picketing of Hobart, Tasmania and Jim E. Waldron on the 1000 Year Reign. 3. BIBLE WINES: A classic by William Patton which illustrates that wine in the Bible must be understood in its context. It can be alcoholic (Pro. 23:1) or non-alcoholic (Isa. 65:8). Five copies for $2. 4. AN EXCHANGE OF LETTERS between Mac Deaver and Jim Waldron on whether or not the Holy Spirit dwells in the Christian in a direct, supernatural manner. Three copies for $2. 5. A STUDY OF THE BOOK OF MORMON: By Jon Gary Williams of LaVergne, TN. This is a small book and is excellent for class study. Ten copies for $2. 6. IS THERE A UNIVERSAL CODE OF ETHICS? Edited by Jim E. Waldron. Fourteen writers answer urgent questions about ethics and morals around the world. 7. NEW KING JAMES NEW TESTAMENT: A small paperback edition of the finest translation of the New Testament in contemporary English. Five copies for $2. NOTE: Order all the above books from WALDRON MISSION FUND in care of Randall Standefer, P.O. Box 123, Dunlap, TN 37327. Make checks payable to Waldron Mission Fund. THE LAMB/THE LION What wicked woman was calling herself a prophetess in Thyatira? One designated as "that woman Jezebel" (Rev. 2:20). The origin of this name is from the wife of Ahab, the king of Israel, who reigned BC 919-896. Of him it is written, "there was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do wickedness in the sight of the Lord, because Jezebel his wife stirred him up" (I Kings 21:25). "Jezebel" is a fitting name for the one in Thyatira who was destroying the church with her lewdness. There are some in the church like that today, men too, who are as bad or worse. This is question number 73 of 576 on the book of Revelation found in the commentary The Lamb/The Lion by Jim E. Waldron. Questions on the first beast (Rev. 13:1), the second beast (13:11), the image of the first beast (13:15), the number 666 (13:18) and others are answered in a clear and simple manner. You may have a copy for $7.50 including postage. |