Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 22
June 11, 1970
NUMBER 6, PAGE 8b

Disfellowship Over Fellowship

Larry Ray Hafley

Some months ago in the Gospel Guardian, brother Wallace candidly listed 69 items over which brethren differ — everything from the covering of I Corinthians 11 to the wearing of new clothes on Easter Sunday. Brother Dick Blackford jests and suggests number 70: Disfellowship anyone who does not agree with me on who should be fellowshipped!

Mushy, sweet sentimentalism, feel-goodishness, may replace love for peace and purity in the truth as it is in Jesus. Under this oozy molasses unity, Thursday evening communicants, peddlers of the Premillennial heresy, contenders against the "strict" Genesis creation "account," users of mechanical instrumental music, advocates of institutionalism, speakers in tongues who are also directed by the Spirit apart from the word, doubters of the virgin birth, and unbelievers of plenary inspiration of the Scriptures are patted on the back and welcomed to a Brotherhood Love In.

Oh, yes, accept all of this diversity with all its distinct faiths and fallacies! But if someone has the unmitigated temerity and the illimitless audacity to question the scripturalness of certain doctrines mentioned above, or dares to call the skeptics and doubters unbelievers, he is marked and avoided, castigated and relegated to the Pharisees. Such a call for Biblical faith and unity is a good way to get mugged at a Love In.

There are some, "who concerning the truth have erred, saying that "the doctrine of Christ is not ultimately important under grace, "and overthrow the faith of some. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity."

— 602 W. Lee St., Plano, Ill. 60545