Another Horse To Ride
Several years ago when brother Foy E. Wallace, Jr. preached in the famous "Music Hall" series in Houston, he brought a lesson on "Viewing the Walls," a timely and valuable lesson for any generation. Referring to the digression concerning the incorporation of the mechanical instrument in worship he said:
"Instrumental music was never the real issue. The actual issue is now and has always been the authority of the New Testament. The music question was only the horse they rode out on; and if the music question were eliminated, the real issue would remain and manifest itself along manifold other lines, centering in whatever particular practice they regarded to be most convenient as an issue." (Bulwarks of the faith, Part 1, p. 25)
Brother Wallace very effectively pin-pointed the real cause of any digression a lack of respect for the authority of the New Testament.
The Roman Catholic and Greek apostasies developed because of a lack of respect for the word of God. We have in this community the Baptist church, the Methodist church, the "Assembly of God" denomination, the sect who refer to themselves as "Jehovah's Witnesses" and many others who developed and exist because of a lack of respect for the authority of the New Testament. The Masonic Lodge of this city and all other similar lodges of a religious nature exist because of a lack of respect for God's word.
In the former century our own brethren rode out on the "Missionary Society" horse. It existed without scriptural authority and divided the church. About ten years ago brethren rode out on the "Herald of Truth" horse. It was the answer to boyish dreams to have a nationwide program "like the Catholics and Lutherans have." For its defense, scripturally, none was offered. It was just defended as a "good (?) work;" or it was no worse than some other things that certain brethren had practiced in years gone by. Like its historical counterparts, it too, has divided the Lord's church, severed friendships, caused "quarantines" against faithful brethren and preachers, stimulated hatred, bitterness and misrepresentation. What was the real core behind it all? Simply a lack of respect for the authority of the New Testament.
After the "Herald of Truth" horse came the "Gospel Press." It was the same old "nag" as the "Missionary Society" only a little different color. It was another "good (?) work" whose design was for a human corporation to preach the gospel through national publications. At first it was ridden out in disguise, the organization pleading for support of individual Christians, but not churches, and only recently has the disguise been removed and the plea now is for support by churches as well as individuals. Whether this "horse" was and is supported by individuals or churches or both it was still born and raised because of: a lack of respect for the authority of the New Testament.
Several years ago brethren rode out on a horse of "Christian" colleges supported out of the treasury of churches.
Faithful gospel preachers were able to "hobble" this horse and put it back in the corral for awhile. Those who rode it out got off for awhile but are "back in the saddle" again. This horse has been well fed during the past ten years on such things as the church support of Benevolent "Orphan" Societies, the Gospel Press, the Herald of Truth, the sponsoring church, and what have you? Now the barricade is down and this horse will undoubtedly be ridden again in stampede fashion. This, too, will add to the differences and division that exist among brethren. It is merely a result of a lack of respect for God's word and the authority of the New Testament.
How can I say such things? Because by their fruits they are identified. (Matt. 12:33) If those who defend such practices object, let them step forward with the Bible authority (not a perverted version) and give a "thus saith the Lord" for their practices.
Where shall it end? It has been taking shape quickly and effectively. A human denomination known as the "Church of Christ" is being formed. It is unlike the Lord's church which wears his name and pleads for Bible authority in faith and practice. This new "horse" can be identified by its many departures in practice and teaching. A plea as old as the one faith rings out to those who would be governed strictly by the contents of God's word — "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean things; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." (2 Cor. 6:17,18)