In This Issue

• "ONE IS YOUR TEACHER, AND YOU ARE ALL BRETHREN"
• IS IT REALLY THE SAME OLD AX?
• SHOULD THE CHURCH BUILD A GYMNASIUM?
• MORE INFORMATION...

"ONE IS YOUR TEACHER, AND YOU ARE ALL BRETHREN"

The Bible says, "Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, saying: ‘The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. For they bind heavy burdens hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, greetings in the market places, and to be called by men, "Rabbi, Rabbi." But you, do not be called "Rabbi;" for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be abased, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" (Matt. 23:1-12).

In this speech, Jesus warns His listeners to respect and obey the truth taught by the scribes and Pharisees even though the teachers themselves may not do so. In these 12 verses, Jesus issues several warnings to His disciples.

First, in addition to the teachings that were derived directly from the law, the scribes and Pharisees had added many details that God had left up to individual discretion. They had made all kinds of minute laws to explain and enforce the Sabbath that were not really derived from what God had said about the Sabbath. It was such man-made rules that Jesus ignored, and that caused the religious leaders to accuse Him of violating the Sabbath. Jesus did not violate God’s Sabbath laws, but He did ignore the man-made rules the scribes and Pharisees had made to embellish God’s law.

Second, the scribes and Pharisees were guilty of disregarding many of the same rules they were teaching others to obey. "They bind heavy burdens... but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers."

Third, much of what they did in public was only for show. "All their works they do to be seen by men." The Pharisees had made a literal, physical application of Exodus 13:9 by tying on their bodies a device in which certain parts of the Law of Moses had been written. These devices became known as phylacteries, and those most desirous of being seen by men, would enlarge their phylactery so that others would be sure to notice it. The fringes or borders of their garments had a similar significance, Num. 15:38-39.

Finally, they sought to exalt themselves above other servants of God by keeping themselves visible in the seats of honor in the place of worship, and by wearing religious titles that distinguished them from other worshipers. These things Christ’s followers are not to do. We are all just brethren.

--CRJ

IS IT REALLY THE SAME OLD AX?

There are upwards of 500 different denominations today, all claiming to teach and practice the doctrine of Jesus Christ. Many of these religious groups do not even claim to be that church that was actually founded by Jesus. Some, of course, do make that claim.

Two of the largest bodies that do claim to be the church of the New Testament are the Roman Catholic Church and certain Baptist churches that are involved in that denomination’s "landmark" faction.

The Roman Catholic Church claims to be the New Testament church on the grounds of "apostolic succession." The church of Rome makes bold claims to be the same as the church we read about in the New Testament, yet her spokesmen readily admit many changes in teaching and practice. In a booklet published by the Knights of Columbus, "The Church of the Scriptures," by Daniel W. Martin, page 10, we read, "God didn’t do all the thinking for the church. He didn’t set it up with all the details of organization and policy and application of doctrine completely worked out."

In other words, the leaders of the Roman Church admit that they have taken the liberty to change both the organization the doctrine of the church. Yet, they still make the bold claim that they are the same church we read about in the Scriptures.

Another Catholic writer, James Killgallon (with Gerard Weber) admits, "In the early days of the Church, people were baptized by immersion" ("Life In Christ," page 165). How different from the "baptism" practiced by the Roman Church of today!

The claim of the "landmark" Baptists to be the church of the New Testament is based on a supposition of "congregational succession." That is, according to the theory, each congregation can trace its roots back to an earlier congregation, which in turn, can do the same, supposedly all the way back to the first century, A.D. Many Baptists thus believe they can trace their teaching and practice back to personal ministries of Jesus and of John the Baptist. But at least one noted Baptist writer admits departure from the New Testament pattern.

Edward T. Hiscox, in the first edition of his "Standard Manual For Baptist Churches" states that "It is most likely that in the Apostolic age when there was but "one Lord, one faith, one baptism" and no differing denominations existed, the baptism of a convert by that very act constituted him a member of the church... Now it is different."

Thus, because "Now it is different," Hiscox outlines the plan for Baptists to vote on candidates for baptism before they can be taken into their congregations.

All this sort of reminds me of a story I heard once about a man walking down a country road with an ax thrown over his shoulder. He met another man who asked, "Is that a new ax? It sure looks like a good one."

"It is a good ax, but it’s been in my family for over 75 years," replied the first man.

"Is it really that old? It looks as good as new."

"Yes. It’s had three new blades and five new handles, but other than that, it’s the same old ax."

A church which is not the same in organization, doctrine, or practice with the Christians we read about in the New Testament Scriptures, is not "the same old church."

--CRJ

SHOULD THE CHURCH BUILD A GYMNASIUM?

[Editor’s Note: We believe this is an excellent and timely article. The writer correctly recognizes the difference between the work of individuals and that of churches. Unfortunately, however, he makes the common mistake of citing Gal. 6:10 as involving church finance. Gal. 6:6-10 clearly deals with personal responsibilities and rewards. We suggest 2 Cor. 11:8 shows that churches have a responsibility in evangelism. 1 Cor. 16:1-3 (among others) shows that churches have benevolent responsibilities. --CRJ]

Many people are turning away from the Lord’s church today because they see it as not meeting "their needs." They like "fun and games," therefore, many churches have turned to "fun and games" in order to attract new members and hold old members. Many of the programs sponsored by churches are geared to furnish and satisfy the physical and social needs of people! Gymnasiums (often called family life centers or multipurpose buildings), ball teams, recreational events, entertainment bonanzas, "gymnastics to the glory of God". Annual fishing and golfing tournaments, skating parties, play land trips, and on and on is the order of the day. However, the work and purpose of the church is not found in any of these things!

The drawing power of God is not "fun and games." God’s drawing power is the Bible, the Word of God, Mark 16:15-16; John 6:44-45. The Gospel is the "power of God unto salvation" (Rom. 1:16). Without the Gospel, God is powerless. Men are called to obedience and righteousness by the Gospel according to 2 Thess. 2:14. If it takes candy to get people to church this week, it will take a hamburger next week. If it takes a ball team to get people to church in the summer it will take hunting trips and basketball in the winter. BUT, when people are drawn to the Lord and His church by the Gospel (God’s power unto salvation), they will be there every time the doors open! They will be truly converted. Which had you rather have?

A woman called one day saying she had moved to town and was looking for a church to attend. She asked, "What does the church there offer my family?" My simple reply was, "the Bible and faithfulness to the Lord." She never showed up!

Christians can certainly have fun. They are the most fun-loving people around. But, there is a time and a place for recreation and social activities. These things are not the work of the church. They are works of individuals and of families, not the church. When the church gets into this business, they are in the wrong business. The church’s money must be spent on evangelism (Matt. 28:19-20), benevolence (Gal. 6:10), and edification (building up the church through teaching God’s Word, Eph. 4:12). Righteousness is the Lord’s work, not playing ball.

--Garland M. Robinson, Seibles Road bulletin, Montgomery, AL

Church members are like coals in a fire. When they cling together they keep the flame aglow. When they separate, they die out.

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