Here And There
Recently I had the privilege of engaging in a very pleasant discussion concerning institutionalism. It was pleasant because it was concerning God's word, and because everyone concerned in the discussion (eight preachers!) truly acted as Christians throughout.
During this discussion, a new (to me, at any rate) argument was made in the defense of various forms of congregational cooperation. The argument was as follows: The only scripture specifying the appointed, time for Christians to give is 1 Cor. 16:2. But this passage has reference to a contribution in the field of benevolence, and said contribution was to be taken up by one congregation (in its treasury) to be sent to another congregation to be placed in the treasury of the second congregation. Now, so the argument continues, if this passage is to be used to justify Lord's Day collections for the benefit of preaching and edification, we must also admit that the money can be transferred from the treasury of one congregation to another for the same purposes; if not, why not?
There is an old saying, "That which proves too much, proves nothing," and so we shall see with reference to 1 Cor. 16:2. Without exception, every person with whom I am acquainted who upholds institutionalism in general believes the church has the right to take from the "treasury" referred to in 1 Cor. 16:2 in order to build and maintain orphan's homes (benevolent institutions). But, from the argument made above, if whatever 1 Cor. 16:2 allows in benevolence, it also allows in preaching and edification, watch where this will lead:
Brethren, where do we stop? The truth is, we must stop right back at the beginning. It is ridiculous to endeavor to apply every use and limitation of this passage pertaining to benevolence over in the areas of preaching and edification. This contribution was only for the benefit of saints (see 1 Cor. 16:1); therefore, my good brother's own logic would lead to the church treasury only being used to preach to the saints!
We know that saints were taught to give (2 Cor. 9:6-7); that they met upon "the first day of the week" (Acts 20:7); that churches had money to support (pay) preachers (2 Cor. 11:8; Phil. 4:15-16); therefore we justly conclude from 1 Cor. 16:2 that Christians were accustomed to giving on the first day of every week to the treasury of the church. And as far as preaching or edification is concerned, this is about all that we can safely conclude from this passage.
One more thought in closing. Every cent of the collection mentioned in 1Cor. 16:2 was to be sent to another church. Does this mean that in preaching and edification that every penny in the treasury of one church must be sent to another church's treasury in order to be scriptural? As was said earlier, "That which proves too much, proves nothing!"