Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 10
NEED_DATE
NUMBER 49, PAGE 11b

He Is Growing Weary Of Many Of His Brethren

Pryde E. Hinton, Dora, Alabama

In the Gospel Advocate of January 1, 1959, James F. Kurfees, M.D., says, "I am growing weary of those members of the Lord's church who would have us do nothing lest we should do something wrong. I believe this to be one of our besetting sins."

Does Doctor Kurfees think that we are doing nothing unless we are sending donations from the church treasuries to the orphan homes and the Herald of Truth? That seems to be what he means. Are these human organizations the only means, or way, or method, of doing the work of Christ? Is it a sin to do the work of caring for the needy and preaching the gospel individually or simply through the church? Yes, Doctor, is it really sinful not to support the organizational orphan homes, or the Herald of Truth program? If it is not a sin to refuse to support these human programs, why all the arguments? Must a church or individual support the institutional homes and the Herald of Truth to be saved? Am I disloyal to Christ if I don't support them? May I not just work individually and through the church in peace, without being called "anti" and other unwanted names?

He also writes this: "Not a few of us have had that sickening feeling that comes when doing personal work, nearly converting a prospect, to have him point an accusing finger at the church, and say 'This is the church of Christ? You have led me to believe that the church is active and full of good works'." Then he says that sincere people say, "What is the church of Christ? Isn't it like the Holiness churches or the Church of God?" May I remind the doctor that people said things like the latter to me nearly forty years ago, before "Our orphan homes" existed as they are now. But you let out the secret, Doctor. I can diagnose your case. You are worrying about what worldly, unconverted people say about us. You need to read I John 3:1. Now if you will follow Paul's example, as set forth in 2 Cor. 4:5, and preach Christ to the lost, instead of us, they might be able to know and understand why some faithful souls refuse to disregard John's warning in 2 John 9. Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?"