Gospel Guardian Tell-Al-Gram
ABILENE REPORT — The Pulse of The Brotherhood: Cross sections and cross currents make the Abilene Christian College annual lectureship a most interesting and highly significant occasion. This year's lectureship brought together modernist, mystics, liberals, conservatives, sound, orthodox, and novel. The 1970 lectureship offers much of interest about which to write for the readers of The Gospel Guardian. But our discretion as to taking space for a lengthy presentation will limit this special report. Of special interest to our readers, I think, is the growing and escalating tension between conservatives and liberals within the ranks of those who are not with us in our opposition to church support of institutions and sponsoring church arrangements. There is great concern expressed among conservative thinkers as to the continuing drift away from the moorings which have sheltered churches of Christ from denominational currents and intellectual theology.
It is more than apparent that the revolt against old time sound doctrine is growing, and what is especially amazing to sound thinkers present at ACC lectures is the policy of the college in promoting men who are so far along in the drift away and outward. The resounding complaint against the ultra-liberal movement from more conservative circles continues to hold this writer's interest as it relates to the prospectus for the future, involving the possibility of legitimate association with those brethren with whom we are still affiliated in "churches of Christ" of America. The value of keeping lines of communication open is clear. The worthiness of some sort of continuing initiative toward closer association with brethren who would hold the line against eroding forces is apparent.
Which Way ACC? With a cleavage between conservative and liberal elements looming on the horizon, which way goeth ACC? Will it turn toward the narrow way and take a conservative stance or will it move on to keep company with broad, liberal revolutions of the 1970s? This seems to be a question with which many are concerned.
Reception: We were well received again this year, although some lifted their eyebrows upon noticing our booth display. We had a poster on display inscribed with the words, "HOW FARE THE SO-CALLED ANTIS? READ THE GOSPEL GUARDIAN." Someone crossed out the "E" in the word "FARE." It was in good humor I suppose. I took it that way. It appears to me that the general conception among the institutional-sponsoring church brethren is that we (so-called "antis") are dead, dying, or rendered ineffectual. The brethren on "the other side" are not generally aware that so-called "anti-ism" is flourishing and thriving with fresh initiatives in nationwide and overseas evangelism, as well as in contention against innovation. The idea that we are a splintering splinter group is overdrawn and exaggeration. If there be some good come from our presence and promotion at the ACC lectures, it is in our contribution toward correcting the false impressions which are held about us. — W. E. W.
CAPSULE SERMON by Carl A. Allen — "CHRISTIAN"
The word "CHRISTIAN" is a name given to those who are obedient followers of the Lord. This word is found three times in the New Testament; Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28, I Pet. 4:16. In Acts 11:26 the name is given to the followers of Christ. In Acts 26:28 Agrippa almost becomes a Christian and in I Pet. 4:16 there were those who were suffering for being a Christian.
William Barclay said, "The Christian is a man who has ceased to do what he wants to do and who has begun to do what Jesus wants him to do." This is a wonderful way of expressing the actions of the Christian. It is no longer the flesh and the desires of the flesh that is the master; but rather, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Paul expresses himself in a way to show that we are no longer under the domain of the flesh; "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary the one to the other; that ye may not do the things that ye would," Gal. 5:16-17. Thus, we have passed from the old life to the new life, II Cor. 5:17.
This has produced a change in the man. It causes him to respect the master of the universe, to honor and glorify Him in word and deed. Truly he is a changed man who has "ceased to do what he wants to do and who has begun to do what Jesus Christ wants him to do."
I heard one of my colored brethren express it this way: "When these old people of the world come knocking on the door, you tell them — 'I USED TO, BUT I DON'T NO MORE!' " -Box 724 — Lufkin, Texas 75901.
A Debate On The "One Container" Issue
On March 14, 1970, Adrian C. Swindler will meet Ronnie F. Wade in a debate on the "one container" issue. The discussion is to be held at the church in Elmwood, Illinois; 206 S. Walnut being the street address. The debate is to be conducted in two sessions, the first commencing at one o'clock and the evening session at 7:30 P. M. The propositions to be discussed are as follows:
1. The scriptures teach that a congregation of the New Testament church must use one container for the distribution of the fruit of the vine of the Lord's Supper.
Affirms: Ronnie F. Wade — Denies: Adrian C. Swindler 2. It is in harmony with the scriptures for a congregation of the New Testament church to use as many containers as is expedient in the distribution of the fruit of the vine of the Lord's Supper.
Affirms: Adrian C. Swindler — Denies: Ronnie F. Wade NEWTON, NORTH CAROLINA — The first Sunday in March will mark the beginning of our second year of the Lord's work here at Newton, N. C. We rejoice that nine have answered the Gospel Call, three restored, (out of service for years), six baptized into Christ. This brings our number to 21 obedient, faithful members, attendance and interest good.
We have purchased a nice lot, on which we hope to start the construction of a building (which we are in dire need of) in the very near future.
Thanks, brethren for the many prayers, and your letters of encouragement. When in this area worship with us. — Giles M. Painter JAMIE RHODEN — 458 No. Jackson Ave., Jacksonville, Florida 32205. — We continue to enjoy reading The Gospel Guardian each week. Keep up the good work. I am now working with the Marietta Congregation in Jacksonville, Florida.
LUBBOCK, TEXAS, 62nd and Indiana — The new congregation in Littlefield, Texas has just completed a new building, and are in need of pews. They need about 8, 12 foot pews (or 14). If any congregation has some pews they are not using, this new group would be interested in purchasing them.
November 17-20, a Personal Work Class was conducted and out of those who attended, 27 committed themselves to make one call a week. This program has resulted in 2 cottage classes (now in progress), and 7 additions to our number: 5 baptized and 2 restored and identified.
Last quarter our attendance averaged 133. January was our best month — averaging 145 in attendance, and $382 in contributions. The last Sunday of the month a record was set when 175 were present for worship.
THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH TODAY by Lloyd Moyer I have just concluded reading this new publication, written by brother Lloyd Moyer. Brother Moyer has done an excellent job and I suggest that this book will be numbered along the side of, "Walking by Faith," by brother Roy Cogdill. (If you do not have brother Cogdill's book you should!)
The question, "Is the word of God relevant today?" is the theme of the book. Modem ideas are discussed and the scriptural plan advanced. Such subjects as: Establishment of the Church; Nature of the Church; Organization; Eldership; Qualifications of Elders; Deacons and their Work; Unity; Worship; All sufficiency of the church; Becoming a member and many other subjects that are related to the Church, are discussed.
It is interesting to note his comments on, "Having children that believe," "Husband of one wife," "Deacons" and "Sponsoring churches." These are only a few of the problems discussed.
This book would make a good adult study in class; or, would be good material for high school study. Order from the Gospel Guardian Company. $2.00 each. Order of 5 or more — $1.50 each.
Carl Allen — Box 724 — Lufkin, Texas 75901
Preacher Available
I would like to know of a location in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. You might add that they need not be able to support a man fully as a necessary prerequisite. Unless the church is brand new, I do prefer a congregation with qualified overseers, however. — R. A. Gilbertsen, 2532 Marvin Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75211.
WILL YOU COME? by Joe Corley For nearly six years I have been working with the small church in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. Prior to that I preached over five years in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Both of these works have been pleasant and we have never been sorry we came. It is our plans, however, if the Lord is willing, to be moving back to the states this summer.
The brethren here have so far been unsuccessful in finding a man to replace me though they have contacted several. They have been trying since I made known to them my plans in the fall of 1969.
The church here is small but sound in faith. At present we have 33 members with an attendance of 40 to 45. The prospects for growth look good. The brethren here, though some are new in the church, are zealous and faithful. We have a nice building of our own in an excellent location.
Lethbridge is a city of 40,000. The nearest church to us is Medicine Hat, 100 miles to the east. Marvin Noble is the devoted preacher for a small number of faithful disciples there. In Calgary, 130 miles northwest of here, there is a relatively new congregation of faithful brethren with about the same number that we have. Dave Bradford is doing a fine work there.
There are many things to commend this part of the country as a place to live. The weather is quite nice most of the year — not nearly as cold and miserable as most people imagine. The people are friendly, and the scenery is beautiful.
There is a great deal of modernism and religious indifference among the people of this area. This is our major problem in reaching people with the gospel.
A sound man is needed who is not easily discouraged, not afraid of work, and who would be willing to stick with the job a number of years if possible. He would have to raise most of his support though the church here is able to provide some.
WE NEED TO FIND SOMEONE SOON WHO WILL COME. It wouldn't be necessary that he move this summer (though this would be preferable) but it is important that some definite arrangements are made soon. I don't want to leave the work here until some arrangements have been made for someone else to come. I am hesitant about making any definite commitments about moving until someone if found. And if no one is found by July, it may be necessary for me to cancel my plans about moving and stay longer. But we feel we want to get back to the states. WILL YOU COME?
If you are interested, or know of someone who might be, you can write to me at 2710 21 Ave. S., or to O. Nerland, 918 8 Ave. S., Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. The brethren here would appreciate it if you would supply references, and we will be happy to give any information you desire. You can also get information about the work here from various ones who have been here and worked with us in meetings. Some of these are: Sewell Hall, Athens, Ala., Dale Smelser, Zion, Ill., Raymond Harville, Pagagould, Ark., Ferrell Jenkins, Tampa, Florida, Luther G. Roberts, Freeport, Texas, Hollis Creel, Birmingham, Ala. I am sure that either Marvin Noble, 23 Colter Cr., in Medicine Hat, Alberta, or Dave Bradford, 452 Willow Park Dr., Calgary, Alberta, would be happy to supply you with information.
Bulletin Article Of The Month Bible Solves Scientific Dilemma Of Missing Day
The following article has appeared in many bulletins. It first appeared in "Evening World" a newspaper in Spencer, Indiana, or at least this is stated as its origin by most of the editors of the bulletins in which it has appeared.
Did you know that the space program is busy proving that what has been called a "myth" in the Bible, is true? Mr. Harold Hill, President of Curtis Engine Company in Baltimore, Maryland, and a consultant in the space program, relates the following development. "I think one of the most amazing things that God has for us today happened recently to our astronauts and space scientists at Green Belt, Maryland. They were checking the position of the sun, moon and planets out in space where they would be 100 years and 1,000 years from now. We have to know this so we don't send a satellite up and have it bump into something later on one of its orbits. We have to lay out the orbit in terms of the life of the satellite, and where the planets will be so the whole thing will not bog down! They ran the computer measurement back and forth over the centuries and it came to a halt. The computer stopped and put up a red signal, which meant that there was something wrong either with the information fed into it or with the results as compared to the standards. They called the service department to check it out and they said, "It's perfect." The I.B.M. head of operations said, "What's wrong?" "Well, we have found there is a day missing in space in elapsed time." They scratched their heads and tore their hair. There was no answer. One religious fellow on the team said, "You know when I was in Sunday School they talked about the sun standing still." They didn't believe him, but they didn't have any other answer so they said, "Show us." So he got a Bible and went back to the book of Joshua where they found a pretty ridiculous statement for anybody who has "common sense." (Joshua 10:8-14). There they found the Lord saying to Joshua, "Fear them not, I have delivered them into thy hand; there shall not a man of them stand before thee." Joshua was concerned because he was surrounded by the enemy and if darkness fell they would overpower them. So Joshua asked the Lord to make the sun stand still! That's right! "The sun stood still and the moon stayed. . . . and halted not to go down about a whole day." The space men said, "There is the missing day!" Well, they checked the computers going back into the time it was written and found it was close but not close enough. The elapsed time that was missing back in Joshua's day was 23 hours and 20 minutes. Not a whole day. They read the Bible and there it said "about a whole day (approximately)." These little words in the Bible are important. But they still were in trouble because if you cannot account for 40 minutes you'll be in trouble 1,000 years from now. Forty minutes had to be found because it can be multiplied many times over in orbits. Well, this religious fellow also remembered somewhere in the Bible where it said the sun went backwards. The space men told him he was out of his mind. But they got the Bible and read these words in II Kings 20, Hezekiah, on his death bed was visited by the prophet Isaiah who told him he was not going to die. Hezekiah did not believe him and asked for a sign as proof. Isaiah said, "Do you want the sun to go ahead ten degrees? Hezekiah said, "It is nothing for the sun to go ahead ten degrees, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees. "Isaiah spoke to the Lord and the Lord brought the shadow ten degrees backward. Ten degrees is exactly 40 minutes! and 24 hours and 20 minutes in Joshua, plus 40 minutes in II Kings make the missing 24 hours the space travelers had to log in the logbook as being the missing day in the universe! Isn't that amazing? Our God is rubbing their noses in His truth! That's right."
The Bible is indeed like the anvil which wears out many hammers and remains unblemished. Read and think!
"Last eve I passed beside a blacksmith's door And heard the anvil ring the vesper chime;
When looking in, I saw upon the floor, Old hammers worn with the beating years of time.
" 'How many anvils have you had,' said I,
'To wear and batter all these hammers so?"
'Just one,' said he; then said with twinkling eye,
'The anvil wears the hammers out, you know.'
"And so, I thought, the anvil of God's word For ages skeptics' blows have beat upon;
Yet, though the noise of falling blows was heard, The anvil is unharmed — the hammers gone!"