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I have wondered why some writers, in defense of a project, system or belief, proceed by saying: "Now brethren, let us be realistic about this thing." Listening further, I note that in about 98 percent of the times such a statement (in its final analysis) means: "We intend to go to any length to carry our point and achieve our aims, regardless."
In case anyone has been wondering why the leaders (elders, preachers et. al.) among a sizeable number of churches of Christ are sometimes referred to as "liberals," well, here is a possible clue: 'While it may not be the principal reason (really, it isn't), yet, from more than a modicum of evidence, it appears that it is because they are so unusually liberal in the promiscuous spending of somebody else's money?
A typical modern report of the results of a series of evangelistic meetings reads about like this: Total responses, 38; 25 restored, 6 by membership transfer, 7 were baptized. Shades of Catholicism and denominationalism! Where in the New Testament can one find a report akin to the above? Nowhere! Brethren, the practice of counting the "restored" and members from other congregations as additions had its beginning a great distance this side of the apostolic era.
Paul says, in Gal. 2:18: "For if I build up again those things which I destroyed. I prove myself a transgressor." One version says, "I make myself a sinner." Paul here states a thing that was true then, and is just as time to-day. So, if one builds up now the error he destroyed or sought to destroy in 1946, 1939, and back of those dates, inspiration says he is a transgressor. There are some widely known and influential preachers and editors among us who ought to read and reread this scripture and ponder it prayerfully.
"Only whereunto we have attained, by that same rule let us walk," is Paul's timely caution in Phil. 3:16. Please let us not forget that we (Christians) attained unto our current numerical strength, spiritual influence and respectful recognition by all sincere Bible believing people, even "the sects," by this rule: "Where the Bible sneaks, we speak, and where the Bible is silent, we are silent;" also, "We will do Bible things in Bible ways." all of which expressed in a Bible phrase means "we walk by faith, not by sight-2. Cor. 5:7. So let us not set aside the RULE and try to grope our way through a maze of questionable "expedients."
Elders of a few churches have indicated, in recent advertisements in quest of a new minister, that they will not consider employment of any who do not have a college degree. Well, in such case it is almost certain that they would reject an application by Peter and John, if they were around and offered their service. Why? Because "they were unlearned and ignorant men — Acts 4:13. If these same elders are age 50 or over the chances are that they were both taught and baptized by men who never attended even a junior college. Do they contemplate going through their conversion process again — have the job done over by a college graduate? I doubt it. Still, to be consistent, they should.
Several congregations say they are "on the march." If they are really following our Captains marching orders, that is fine. A few others are only "marking time," maybe; but there are many that seem to be marking progress along some lines. A vast number, however, have reversed our Lord's order in some respects; for instance, God said, "ask for the old paths where is the good way; and walk therein. "But now they say, we don't like old paths; we make us some new paths. God said. "sing unto him (Jehovah) a new song." But they say we want OLD songs, 100 to 300 years old. It makes no difference if they were written by denominational composers, or published by a premillennial press or teach error. Well, it should make a difference. There are lots and lots of gospel songs written by men and women of the church which the singers of to-day would love and enjoy singing, if they had a chance — songs that are inspiring and would greatly improve song service in the churches. More about this later, maybe.
"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved: but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned. — Mark 16:15,16.