Our_Bulletin_1_19

Are There 'Sincere, Knowledgeable, Devout Christians

Scattered Among The Denominations'?

by Tom Wacaster

I have been asked to address this question in the bulletin. An apostate brother living in Tennessee made a statement in 1983 at a preacher's forum that has since then, been embraced and promulgated by others. Since that time our brother has widened his circle of fellowship to embrace many of those in error. Others now parrot this new-found doctrine, and efforts at unity with the denominations finds increasing popularity, leading eventually to participation with them in their vain worship. All of this is done under the guise of seeking to uphold and maintain the restoration movement. But the implications of such a position will lead a man to abandon the principles of the restoration movement rather than uphold them. If I believed for a moment that a man could be a 'sincere, knowledgeable, devout Christian' and stay and work within the framework of denominationalism, I would immediately cease to preach and plead for a return to the ancient pattern. Some have been so bold as to do this, but we think to the detriment of their soul's salvation. That it is possible for a man to become a Christian and be associated in some way with a denomination, we do not deny. But for such a one to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord and remain in that denomination, while being acceptable in the sight of God, we deny. Brother Alan Highers addressed this issue in a most forceful way: "There are at least two senses in which we might expect to find Christians caught up in the errors of denominationalism. First, one might obey the gospel, become a Christian, and be faithful for a while, then apostatize, forsake the truth, and join a denomination. Second, one might study the scriptures, learn the truth, and obey the gospel, but thereafter become affiliated with denominationalism for lack of understanding about the New Testament church. In the first case if the individual is knowledgeable about the church, he cannot be sincere in joining a denomination. In the second instance if one is sincere, he cannot be called knowledgeable. The issue, therefore, is not whether one who is a child of God may sometimes become entangled in denominationalism, but whether he can be sincere, knowledgeable, and devout in so doing. If one is knowledgeable as a Christian, he will know that denominationalism is sin (1 Cor. 1:10). One who is sincere cannot knowingly participate in that which is sinful; therefore his knowledge would preclude his sincerity in becoming affiliated with denominationalism. On the other hand, if one is sincere as a member of a denomination, it must be because he feels he is doing right. That sentiment, however, would signify a lack of knowledge; therefore, his sincerity in belonging to a denomination would exclude the possibility of his being knowledgeable. Consequently, if one is knowledgeable, he could not be sincere; if he is sincere, he could not be knowledgeable. In this context, the terms are mutually exclusive." Sincerity is essential in one's faith, but it is not the secret talisman that makes all things right and determines what direction we should go. The Proverb writer clearly declared, "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man; But the end thereof are the ways of death" (Pro. 14:12). Saul of Tarsus was sincere, but he was wrong. In an effort to bolster up this new fancied doctrine, we hear of some who claim, "We are Christians only, but we are not the only Christians." This is not a new phrase, but we think it has been used in a new way. It is imperative that we define the word "we." If we are referring to the New Testament church, then one cannot scripturally declare that we are not the only Christians, for all Christians are members of that church. It should be clearly understood that the word "we" is being used by some to refer, not to the New Testament church, but to those Christians who have not affiliated with denominationalism. Their message is clear, though blatantly false: "We (Christians who are undenominational) are not the only Christians, but we are Christians only (in the sense that we claim nothing more). The late N.B. Hardeman declared, "I do not claim, and have never so done, that those who have taken no stand with denominations are the only Christians upon the earth; but here is the contention: Having simply believed and obeyed the gospel, we propose to be Christians only. Now, there is a wonderful difference between saying that we claim to be Christians only and that we claim to be the only Christians. The Bible clearly predicts that the Lord's people, some of them, will be engaged in a state of confusion; and the Lord bids his people come out of that state and just stand, if you please, as humble Christians only. The confusion of the twentieth century is denominationalism. There is no doubt about that" (Tabernacle Sermons, Volume II, page 253). Another restorationist pioneer, and one time editor of the Gospel Advocate, brother F.D. Srygley, was once asked if there were Christians in the denominations. He answered: "When there are Christians - not the best variety of Christians, to be sure, but the same sort that lengthen the lists of members on all 'our church books' - in saloons, on the race track, at the theater, in the ballroom, around the gambling tables, in the calaboose, behind the jail doors, in the penitentiary, and on the gallows, it should not create surprise or start a scandal if a few of the meanest specimens of them should occasionally be found temporarily in the most respectable and pious religious denominations of this degenerate age and God forsaken country....If there are Christians 'in all denominations,' or in any denomination, they ought not to be there, and the sooner they get out the better." If it is the case that there are 'Sincere, Knowledgeable, Devout Christians' in every denomination, then let us ask how they got there. They were either baptized into that denomination, in which case they were not baptized into the proper sphere. Or, having once obeyed the Gospel, they then "joined" that denomination, a step or action that is foreign to the New Testament. Why can men not be satisfied with the simplicity of God's word and the beauty of His pattern? We plead with all men to abandon man made institutions and return to the old paths, and walk therein.

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Family News and Notes

Ladies Bible Class will be studying "between the Testaments" on January 21st. Tom Wacaster will be giving the lesson. After class, there will be a "poor man's luncheon". Everyone is invited.

UPDATE:

A group will be going to visit the Pearl Street congregation in Denton for their student workshop on "Guarding The Heart, Protecting The Future" on Saturday, February 1st and NOT on January 25th as previously announced.

Copies of the Minutes from the Men's Business Meeting and of the Financial Report for the month ending December 31, 2002 can be found on the table in the foyer. If you are interested, please feel free to take a copy.

Sharon Fields (wife of Mike Fields) had brain surgery Wednesday in Tyler. She came through the surgery fine but will be in recovery for 3 to 4 days. She is waiting on determination as to type of tumor. Please remember her and the family in your prayers.

Narci Cooper is now out of ICU and has been moved to Room 421 at Titus Regional Medical Center. She is still very weak and tires easily, so if you visit her please limit your time there. Continue to pray for her.

Suzanne Charlton is doing better. She saw her doctor in Tyler Wednesday.

Justin Barker's MRI was clear but tests continue to determine his exact problem so proper treatment can be given. Physical therapy begins Monday.

Christelle Cato has been moved to Room 404 at Titus Regional Medical Center.

THANK YOU " To the Membership at North Jefferson. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated. We want to thank you for your encouragement, prayers, phone calls, food, visits and all the kind thoughts sent our way.

- With love

Bill and Ann Carter"

THANK YOU "I would like to thank all my brothers and sisters here at North

Jefferson for the prayers, phone calls, visits, cards, flowers, and food. The prayers and support you sent my way have been such a comfort to Alice and myself. I love and appreciate each of you and am truly blessed to be a part of the Christian family here at North Jefferson.

- In Christian Love,

Jerry and Alice Freeman

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PRAYER LIST:

Delores Adams, Justin Barker, Billy Carter, Suzanne Charlton, Narci Cooper, Perry Cooper, Jerry Freeman, Howard Horton, Wade Miller, Meryl Riley, Lewis Robertson, Murphy Ross, Ola Mae Simpson

ALSO: Christelle Cato, Tillman Ethridge, R.C. Grissom, Todd Ranes

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