Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 11
NEED_DATE
NUMBER 32, PAGE 8

We All Agree

Ellis F. Webb, New Philadelphia, Ohio

That Jesus Christ prayed a scriptural prayer, no sane religious person would deny. Yes, my fellow Bible loving and God fearing Christian friend, WE ALL AGREE on that point. Now, one step more to those who are members of the Baptist church (since I grew up as a Baptist, I know what they teach): Would you agree with me that when Jesus Christ said, "I will build my church" (Matt. 16:18), 'John the baptist' was already dead (Matt. 14), and that John stated himself 'I must decrease' but he (Christ) must increase (John 3:30) ?

We all agree that, "Jesus did pray a scriptural prayer to God" when he said "that all be one through the words of the apostles." (John 17:20-21.)

We all agree that before this can become a reality in the world today, "all denominations" must lay down their manuals and creed books so that we may all become one in Christ by following God's book the Bible! Am I right, brethren, in assuming that 'every religious' person ought to be satisfied with the instructions given to Christians in Holy writ? Would any one of you disagree with a 'sincere honest religious' person who would dare to ask for a "thus saith the Lord?" . . . Jesus prayed that we "all be one" through the words of the apostles, so if we expect to encourage people to 'work' so as to bring about an answer to that great prayer of Jesus, each one of us must not become offended when asked 'show me such an example' in the Bible.

We all agree that Paul (1 Cor. 1:10) always preached such sermons as would be in harmony with "the prayer and teachings of Jesus", even though he did say "I hear that there be divisions among you" . . . and isn't it silly to think that they were divided over preachers . . . We all agree (or should agree) that it's wrong to follow any man when he (if he) discontinues to follow Christ (1 Cor. 11:1.) . . . Brethren, let us continue to tell the world, both 'in season and out of season' that anything that is done today in the name of Christ must be done by scriptural proof. We all agree that a gospel preacher would be a "soft-soaper" or 'tender-foot' who would fail to declare the whole counsel of God!

We all agree that such subjects as Faith in Jesus Christ must be stressed (Heb. 11:6; John 20:30-31; 8:24; 3:16); also Repentance is a necessary step in the direction of salvation. Brethren, do we all agree that when a person is "married and divorced, then re-married without a scriptural divorce", before such a one can receive remission of sins (Acts 2:38), that he must repent of that condition? Does baptism forgive such sins? If so, could a thief keep stolen goods and be forgiven after baptism?

Brethren, 'we all agree' that false teaching is creeping in among our ranks on this point. Are we afraid to preach the truth on this subject? Is it because some of our members have blood relations guilty of the above mentioned sin?

We all agree that "Paul said, "If I seek to please men, then, I am no servant of Christ!" (Gal. 1:10) .. . Jesus said "My kingdom is not of this world." (John 18:36.) So brethren, let us preach the word with love, and be honest (not have selfish motives) to the younger folks coming on who will be the church of tomorrow.

We all agree that we will be judged by this word (John 12:48), and that we must not add to nor take from this book. (Rev. 22:18-19.) May God help us to "all agree" (those who claim to be Christians) that the Holy Bible is the only way that we can make heaven our eternal home . . . Yes, "WE ALL AGREE" that if only the Bible is preached, there would be No denominational churches . . . and "Do we not agree?", that if only the Bible is stressed for authority, there would be no strife among the churches of Christ. Brethren, I am willing to accept the "Bible as authority", even though my blood relations do not! ARE YOU?