2/16/99.
PLUMBLINE -- Editor, Wayne Coats
Volume 3 Number 2, September 1998
The Tragedy of
Forgetting
Jodie Boren
A while back I forgot something -- I don't remember what -- so my daughter laughed and said I was suffering from old timer's disease. A lot of jokes are made about old people forgetting, but the truth of the matter is that young people forget just as frequently as do old folks. We all forget things now and then! This is why Peter felt a keen responsibility to remind the brethren in Asia Minor of the truths they had been taught (2 Peter 1:12,13,15.)
One of the main reasons we forget something is a lack of interest in that particular something. Because we will one day be judged by God's word (John 12:48), it's imperative that we respect and love and desire God's word (Psalm 19:7-11).
We are to hunger and thirst after the righteousness contained in God's revelation (Psalm 119:172 and Matthew 5:6). God warned Israel in Deuteronomy 4:23, "Take heed unto yourselves, lest you forget the covenant of the Lord your God." In Deuteronomy 6:11 Moses wrote, "...beware lest thou forget the Lord." In Deuteronomy 8:11-14 we find a great exhortation not only to obey the commands of God, but to not forget the Lord. "Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; and when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the Lord thy God which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage." As Christians, we've been delivered from the bondage of sin -- we can't forget God!
All Christians are God's Israel of today (Galatians 6:16). Thus, James says that we are not to be a forgetful hearer but a doer of God's word (James 1:22-25). In this context, James says the one blessed is the one that continues in the perfect law of liberty, i.e. the gospel. This, of course, means following the teaching of Christ.
What will happen if we forget the Lord? We can turn to Jeremiah 23 and read the warning given to the wicked priests and prophets some 600 years before Christ. The record states in v.39, "Therefore, behold, I, even I, will utterly forget you, and I will forsake you, and the city that I gave you and your fathers, and cast you out of my presence." Can you imagine anything more tragic than being forgotten by God and cast from his glorious presence? It's terrible to even contemplate such a thing! Since the same God is still the sovereign ruler today as in Jeremiah's time, should we not heed that warning? Paul tells us in 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9, "And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power."
If we do not forget the Lord, but serve him faithfully, the reward is great! Jesus said, "Verily I say unto you. There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake and the gospel's, but he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come, eternal life" (Mark 10:29). What a precious promise!
It's no laughing matter to forget the Lord and his word, Our eternal destiny depends on our remembering the Lord and his covenant. Just as remembering names, dates, etc. takes desire, effort and practice, so does remembering the Lord. May we all be diligent seeker of God (Hebrews 11:6).
Without Controversy
Wayne Coats
The preacher allowed that he didn't want to deal with any controversy. Study that idea to its ultimate. Does that mean when ants and flies get in the preacher's sanctified tub of butter that there will be no controversy? When some heretic brings his letter (whatever that is) and proves by other heretics that the heretic is no heretic, does the non-controversalist raise no controversy when his tub of better is turned over? Does that mean when the congregation becomes the haven for every misfit in the area: drunks, adulterers, divorcees -- that there will be no controversy?
What of the church which affords such a lucrative wad of cash to the preacher who steers clear of controversy? Ah, that church has weathered many storms brought about by false brethren bringing in false doctrine. The congregation exists today because a few faithful brethren dared to be controversial. The pulpit is open for sound, faithful, men of courage who will not wink at sin when they are invited to visit and preach. This is commendable.
Someone actually said, "The Bible says, 'without controversy'." Oh yes! The Bible says "without controversy" -- but more is said in the verse. The non-controversalist cares but little about what the Bible says. Paul wrote, "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory" (1 Tim. 3:16). I find it impossible to see how any "nut" could pervert the above passage so flagrantly, but I suppose in the "garden of nuts," one is likely to find most anything.
The Bible is right. It teaches me to earnestly contend for the faith (Jude 3). What does the non-controversalist do when he comes to that verse? The Bible teaches me to reprove and rebuke (2 Tim. 4:1-2). The Patsy, pablum, compromising, non-controversalist has no use for the passage. Such verses puncture holes in his tub of rich, creamy, caloric butter.
No man can follow the master teacher, and refuse to deal with error. When one stands upon the inspired, eternal truth, one doesn't have to run like a frightened rabbit.
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Sear-Roebuck does not sell backbones. If they did, pacifying
preachers would not bother to purchase such help. They had rather
purchase tranquilizers for the parishioners.
Liberal Digression Is But A Deceptive Tool of Satan
James W. Farris
We hear that the church of Christ is in a state of transition. When one brings up such a concept about changing the church from what was intended by our Lord, one should immediately question what the church is being changed into. James D. Bales once asked, "The church is in transition to what?" Indeed what is the church of Christ becoming? What are the ultimate goals of those so-called "change agents?" There always have been extremes in the world and the religious arena is certainly not immune from illogical extremes. Some in the church today have harvested doctrines stating that one cannot do what is obviously sanctioned within the biblical framework of Christianity. On the opposite extreme there are those who would "water down" or "totally annul" certain facts that are explicitly commanded in God's word. Either problem is warned against in the pages of God's word. In Deuteronomy 4:2, Proverbs 30:6 and Revelation 22:19, one can read that mankind never has the authority to "add to or take from" His word.
Such problems are not new and have existed for centuries. Man has always risen in opposition and rebellion to God's commands. Briefly notice the rebellion of Adam an Eve in Genesis 3:1-19, the offering of strange fire by Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10:1-8, Korah's insurrection in Numbers 16, and the unsanctioned sacrifice of Saul in 1 Samuel 13:1-15. These example show conclusively that God's word is to be heeded without the addition of man's finite reasoning. God's people must not go further than or stop short of what we are told according to His word. Yet there are many who have done that very thing. Sadly, these men are gaining a great following among the denominational world and because of their teachings, many are going into eternity unprepared.
You may have heard of the problems facing the church today. There are some who with "persuasive words" are "deceiving" many people away from God's truth and leading to man's heretical lies (Col. 2:4). Those who would dare to tear away the necessity for obedience to God's commands are not espousing doctrinal purity of God's word. When one boldly tells another person that he is "saved" although he has not followed the commands of God, then he has deceived that person into thinking he is spiritually prepared to meet God in judgment. In reality, that person has a feeling of salvation without the blessing itself. Such a person will be standing before God one day and will say, "But Lord, did I not do many wonderful works in your name?" and the Lord will say to him, "Depart from me ye that worketh iniquity" (Matt. 7:21-23).
Yet there are some people who teach that man is saved "by grace alone." Some have taken down all barriers and have accepted full fellowship with anyone regardless of their doctrinal beliefs. Without properly teaching these people the truth, they allow hundreds and perhaps thousands to go away deceived. Such men, in the name of love declare, "God loves us and that is all that matters." Imagine the audacity of any man who presumes to think for the omniscient God!
Indeed, God does love mankind (John 3:16; 1 John 3:3). Indeed, God is one of Grace (Eph. 2:5-10; Titus 2:11). However, one must love God and keep his commandments to be pleasing to Him. Christ said, "Why say unto me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say" (Luke 6:46)? Again, in 1 John 5:3 we see that to truly say you love God requires obedience to His will. Those who have not been faithfully obedient to God's commands are simply, yet sadly, separated from the blood of the Lord (Matt. 7:21; Heb. 9:26). Without their own obedience to God's will, they are "without hope and without God in the world" (Eph. 2:12). Those who have followed the path of liberal digression are pleasing to Satan. He is always glad to deceive someone into thinking they are beyond the law of God's word. Yet, there are many men and women who are elevating their own opinions and ideas to a level above the Bible. Sadly, many are adhering to the "doctrines and commandments of men" (Matt. 15:9; Mark 7:7). Paul obligated Christians to rebuke sharply those who "turn men from the truth" (Titus 1:11-14).
In a recent article of the Dallas Morning Newspaper dated
November 21, 1998, there is an article spot lighting the minister
of the Oak Hills "church of Christ" in San Antonio,
Texas. (Anyone wishing to secure a full copy of this article can
do so by faxing or calling in a request to 1-409-275-0705. In the
article, Max Lucado is heralded as one who sees beyond the
teachings of the Bible and has come to view what is really
important in the eyes of God. There is no need for distinction
for Max. Whether you use organs in the worship, take
communion every quarter rather than weekly or even if you are
sprinkled rather than scripturally baptized that is fine to him.
Isn't it sad that there are those who would deny the basic
principle of God's authority? In an inscription written by
brother Roy Deaver in his book entitled, "Ascertaining
Biblical Authority," brother Deaver says, "We
cannot get off the launching pad until we get this right."
Man never has had the authority to go beyond God's authority.
Yet, men are constantly transcending the teachings of God's word
as if they have such a more profound knowledge of the Bible than
anyone else.
Enough Is Enough
Who could have imagined that churches of Christ would be fighting some of the battles they are forced to fight today? Who would have dreamed that so many of our pulpits would be used to propagate such obvious errors today? Who would have thought that so many elderships would tolerate, in fact, welcome such preaching, and tenaciously defend the wolf in sheep's clothing? Who would have thought?
In answer to the above questions, I know that several older and faithful preachers have been warning us for a long time about where we have been heading. They saw the signs of digression. They waned about compromising attitudes. And they pleaded for a return to the old paths, but to an extent much larger than I would like to admit, they were ignored. We have sown to the wind -- now we reap the whirlwind.
Who would have imagined that a well known gospel preacher would use his radio program to offer salvation to his listening audience by asking them to pray a sinner's prayer with him? But it has happened.
Who would have imagined that a university professor at a Christian college would travel the country preaching that there is no wrong in having women elders? But it has happened.
Who would have imagined that a gospel preacher could speak at a university congregation saying that there are faithful Christians in all the denominations, and calling us to acknowledge and accept this to be true? But it has happened.
Who would have imagined that a church of Christ would have women deacons and women preachers? But is has happened.
Who would have imagined that the church of Christ would participate in, and fellowship with denominational bodies in joint worship services? But it has happened.
Who would have imagined that "gospel" preachers would be preaching a doctrine of salvation by "grace alone?" But it has happened.
Who would have imagined that gospel preachers would argue in defense of instrumental music in worship? But it has happened.
Who would have imagined that gospel preachers would deny that the Bible provides a pattern for the life of the church every century? But it has happened.
Who would have imagined that congregations, and elderships who have the responsibility of shepherding the flock of God would invite, welcome, defend, and clamor for men who hold and teach such positions as mentioned above? But it has happened.
And, it continues to happen with more and more frequency! Brethren, enough is enough! When are we going to stand up and be counted? When are we going to say, "no more!" When are we going to stop opening our pulpits to such men who spread their poison? When are we going to demand book, chapter, and verse preaching? When are we going to insist on distinct preaching about the nature, work, and uniqueness of the church Jesus built?
We've slept too long already. The devil has seized the opportunity. A generation of young people are being polluted with weak, watered down preaching. What will happen to our grandchildren? I'm not an alarmist. The firm foundation of God stands (2 Tim. 2:19), and will continue to stand, But enough is enough! Take a stand
--Steve Higginbotham
Does Doctrine Really
Matter?
The catch phrase of the day seems to revolve around unity. Many among our own people repeat over and over that we need unity in Jesus, that He is the center of religion and of our lives and that nothing else really matters. Now of a truth, Jesus is the central figure of the New Testament. However, when one begins to imply that we should preach "about" Jesus and not worry about the doctrine of Christ (His teachings) he has erred greatly.
It is impossible to separate Jesus (the man) from His teaching (the plan). In Acts 2:42 we read, "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in the breaking of bread, and in prayers." The first Christians were not only interested in Jesus, but this passage points out that they CONTINUED IN THE APOSTLES' DOCTRINE. One cannot be faithful to God who is not striving to submit to the doctrine of the Bible.
All of this rhetoric about not needing to be concerned over the way one was baptized, the way one worships, or the way one lives, is a damning position. The Bible nowhere even begins to hint at the idea of "nonchalantness" in Christianity. It was and is imperative that the members study God's divine word. It was and is imperative that we love God and Jesus and render obedience (1 John 5:3).
Many today hammer away at the concept of trying to focus on these things that we have in common with denominationalists rather than those things wherein we differ. However, again, this is a misguided idea. We are not trying to emphasize anything that we teach but rather that which the Bible teaches. When one is out of harmony with God, it is that point of departure that will cost him or her their soul.
When Jesus walked the earth, He discussed religion with everyone He met. He did not skirt around the issues of the day. He did not avoid confrontation, He did not focus on that wherein the world of His day was right, bur rather He dealt with the issues head-on. The confrontations were constant, and He repeatedly and intentionally brought up the topics over which He and the teachers of the day differed.
If we are Christians, those who follow the footprints of our Saviour, then we will do the same thing. We cannot extend the right hand of fellowship to those who are out of fellowship with God. We should, like Christ, love everyone. We should strive earnestly with every fiber of our being to teach them with the truth, but if we ever leave the impression that they are right and in a saved state, when indeed they are lost, we are no longer faithful followers of Christ.
If we truly love the lost we will tell them what they NEED to hear, not necessarily what they WANT to hear. The doctrine does matter, adherence or rejection of the doctrine is the way through which we can determine if someone (ourselves included) is faithful (1 John 4:1). In 2 John 1:9-11 we read, "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, nether bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is a partaker in his evil deeds."
The doctrine of Christ IS IMPORTANT. Who is any one of us to come along and dispense with that for which Christ died? The teaching of how one contacts the blood of Christ is just as important as the teachings about His life. We must endeavor to submit to the whole council of God.
--Michael Light
Parents, Winterfest, Yes or No?
Jon Gary Williams
Parents, do you want your children exposed to this -- the 1999 "Winterfest" to be held at Gatlinburg, Tennessee, scheduled for February 19-21? The featured speaker is Jeff Walling. Some do not know what this man participates in and promotes. This past year (July 1-4, 1998) he was featured speaker at the Nashville Jubilee. At this event, outlandish and unscriptural things were practiced, all of which were done with his endorsement and encouragement. For example, there were women song leaders, a chorus which hummed during prayers and instrumental music. In his speeches he promoted the TV and radio program called "Crossview" which produces programs featuring denominational preachers. Obviously, he feels it is alright to promote denominational preachers. But we are not to bid God speed to such (see 2 John 9-11).
In his "sermons" he belittled the Lord's church, often having the audience in laughter. He was very dramatic. During one speech he stood over a pile of dirt with a shovel in his hand and then had a casket rolled onto the stage, supposedly to illustrate the death of Christ. He had a woman give a public testimony which turned out to be a sermon -- in violation of 1 Corinthians 14:34 and 1 Timothy 2:12-15. He cleverly promoted the direct operation of the Holy Spirit. In a charismatic tone he spoke of the need for Christians to get "out of control." Much hand clapping was heard indicating the people approved of this kind of entertainment.
He brought a number of small children onto the stage and used them to create a deplorable emotional scene. A woman sang an Amy Grant solo and was joined by the children in a crescendo with the accompaniment of instruments. There was much swaying, clapping and waving of hands.
Walling prayed several prayers that were really little more
than sermons, during which a chorus hummed to give an emotional
tone -- a practice long used by denominational churches. Parents
need to know what their children can expect at
"Winterfest." Things promoted by Walling is what one
can expect at "Winterfest." Many do not know that
"Winterfest" is not the work of a local church, but is
the work of a corporation know as "The Winterfest
Group" centered in Edmond, Oklahoma. These "fests"
are held all over the country. Their primary aim is to make
money! Sad to say, they are doing this at the expense of our
children.
LaGard Smith's New Book
Wayne Jackson
F. LaGard Smith is a professor of law at Pepperdine University. In addition, he writes popular-level books on a variety of religious themes. One of these, Who Is My Brother? is creating a good deal of controversy. In certain areas of the book, brother Smith makes some excellent points. At other times, he argues positions that are inconsistent with New Testament teaching. For example:
1) LaGard favors a much broader level of religious fellowship than is sanctioned in the Bible. He has no problem appearing with Pat Robertson on the 700 Club (to promote his books). He worships with he instrument with brethren in England, and celebrates the Passover with "Messianic" Christians in Jerusalem, personally assisting in the preparation of the sacrificial lamb.
2) Though brother Smith argues strongly most of the time for the essentiality of baptism for the remission of sins, on other occasions he suggests that "commitment to Christ" is "more important" than baptism. He contends that the issue of whether or not one must understand the "purpose" of baptism when receiving it, is one of those "grey" areas about which "we're simply not told." His 'tis/'taint mentality is quite confusing.
3) LaGard is very open-ended on the issue of divorce and remarriage. A case can be built for concluding that he believes that non-Christians are not amenable to the marriage law of Christ. His spirited defense of Homer Hailey, who wrote a book advocating this position, clearly points in that direction.
4) Our esteemed brother does not believe that the wicked will suffer eternal, conscious punishment in hell. He advocated that view at Pepperdine in 1988, and confirmed it in a series of letters to me in '92. He further hints of this in his Brother book.
5) While he censures liberal writers like Rubel Shelly, Mike Cope, and particularly his good friend, Max Lucado, he does not believe that these brethren have gone so far as to deserve the appellation of "false teachers." He has a very narrow, strictly unbiblical view of what constitutes a "false teacher." He contends that some of us, who have opposed these erring brothers, "owe them an apology."
6) One of the dangers of Smith's book is its tendency to use human legal standards as a base for opinions about God's final judgment. He wildly speculates as to who may or may not be saved, without any biblical basis whatever for his mental meanderings.
As much as many of us love and respect LaGard, we believe he has some serious doctrinal errors. I wrote a major review of his book in February of 1998. I sent him a copy as soon as the manuscript was available. He responded with a kind note thanking me for such a thorough review in a brotherly spirit. Eight months later, obviously feeling pressure, he is charging that he was misrepresented. He wasn't. NOTE: You may order a copy of Jackson's full review for $3.00 postage paid. P.O. Box 55265, Stockton, CA 95205.
People, Places, Things
I see by the Love Lines bulletin from Shelly's Church where a "Community Thanksgiving Service" was to be held on Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. The "joiners" with Shelly will be Brookhaven Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Cofers Chapel Freewill Baptist Church, Glen Leven Presbyterian Church and First Christian Church. Shelly babbles, "with music and scripture we will join with our neighbors and friends to honor the Lord for his continual goodness."
Please remember that Shelly's Church is where around fifty professors and members of the Lipscomb staff attend. I just cannot help but wonder about that music deal. Will Bob Hooper (elder) play the harp? Will Willis Owen do a number on the oboe? Will David Costello do his stuff on the clarinet? Will Blake Neville display his "spiritual gift" by making a "joyful noise?"
Will any of the elders of Shelly's Church have enough backbone to defend liberalism? Will any of the Lipscomb patsies care to defend the cause of liberalism? My physical strength has abated and my energy has been sapped so much. No longer am I able to stand up and meet false teachers in debate, but I have a box full of pens and reams of paper. I can sit in my happy chair and hurl hand grenades at the liberals all day long. I just need your help and prayers.
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It is a difficult task to try to catch up to date with the Plumbline. But the challenge is before me. Note that October through January is in arrears due to my near-death illness. Four months! Four issues behind! Please, brethren, be patient with me and I will strain my strength to catch up. Since the July issue has been received, we have had a blast of subscriptions. Thank you so very much for your interest. It would be a great help if brethren would send in good, scriptural short articles which will help the brotherhood. Remember, "some preachers have to say something, whereas others have something to say." The same is true of writers. Do not send articles filled with errors, grammatical blunders, etc. I reserve to myself the prerogative to split infinitives and dangle participles. An article with a hundred blunders is too much to expect anyone to correct.
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It may be that time of year when the spirit of giving pervades many people. Call it what you will. If our readers will respond with the names of one-hundred people -- poor, unable to pay and having a difficult time financially, I will send them the Plumbline without cost. I believe one restriction should be added. I do not want to spend my money, or yours, by sending the paper to people who will not read it.
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It is absolutely disgusting to learn of so many congregations having problems with liberal thieves. These thieves need to be exposed. The old papers exposed and opposed the digressive innovators one hundred years ago. Please send me the report of troubles in congregations caused by liberals. I want to write a booklet and let people know how mean, deceptive, low-down and wicked the liberal element really is. Please, please, please, help me with this.
Not only will it do good, but it can serve as a part of the history of our troubles with the devil's crowd. You will notice the article in this issue of one congregation's problems. The same could be said of many other congregations.
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Word has been received relative to the N. B. Hardeman Memorial Library to be built on the grounds of Memphis School of Preaching. The library is to be funded initially in part by sister Joann Powers Bradshaw and her children. Sister Bradshaw is the lovely granddaughter of the late brother Hardeman. What a magniloquent spirit upon the part of sister Bradshaw!
The influence of brother Hardeman lives in the heart and lives of multitudes all over the nation. I have been blessed many times over as a result of sitting in a low chair before this - to me - exalted teacher of God's word. A library erected in memory of my beloved teacher merits my support. I will be thrilled to join with my friend, Joanne Bradshaw in helping to assist in this worthy effort. You may receive information by contacting the Memphis School of Preaching, 3950 Forest Hill Irene Road, Memphis, TN 38125-2560.
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I see by the paper where they had some sort of affair down in the Huntsville, Alabama, area where couples renewed their wedding vows. "Charles Jones, the pastor of Harvest Baptist Church was responsible for the couples on the left side of the alter. Jim Ashworth of the Gurly Church of Christ handled the couples on the right side." With the Baptist preacher and Ashworth doing the renewing, one wonders which one did the best job at renewing? Ugh!
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He hit the nail squarely on the head when he wrote, "unfortunately, many brotherhood preachers are as silent as a tomb about what's going on in the brotherhood of Christ" (Robert Dodson).
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I see by the papers where Monica L. Has entered into a pact with some British Publishers to write a book pertaining to her episodes in and or around the Oval Office in Washington D.C. She will receive 1.6 million dollars. Be not surprised if every whoremonger in the nation treks to the door of the Oval Office...if shekels of silver can be derived thereby.
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Here Is How To Do It
In the above title, I am not referring to the methodology to be used in raping fair young virgins. Nor am I discussing the way to steal from Wal-Mart. I knew a young man one time who stole from the collection baskets. I think the brethren in that congregation took care of the thief.
I am discussing the devilish pattern used by liberals in stealing churches. My prayer is that all will be alerted to the unholy, diabolical, wicked, schemes of these creeps who privily spy out our liberty in Christ (Gal. 2:4).
If there are those who desire to use any material from the Plumbline, feel free to do so. Not one word is copyrighted. If the articles are good, they should be available to all. If they are sorry, sordid and shiftless, they should not be used.
From brother Darryl Pringle, of the Watauga church of Christ in Richland Hills, Texas, a letter and small bulletin has been received. Without reading the bulletin, I hereby state that I could tell brother Pringle as well as all other brethren who are troubled by the imps of hell just exactly "How They Do It." How do I know? Information pours in from all over which allows one to be informed. Being informed, alert and aware of what is happening to the precious bride of Christ is my aim and, purpose, then I try to let brethren know about the liberal foolishness.
The Watauga congregation meets in a building located in the "shadow" of the Loop 820 Church (Richland Hills Church)..." "The liberals in this area have tried every low-life thing imaginable in an effort to crush us," so brother Pringle writes.
Tis the same old story which was written many long years ago by the old digressives. Those old thieves, as well as the new breed, have no conscience. Brother Pringle wrote of "...one of the moles who was sent to our congregation to surface at an opportune moment to try and ruin us."
Does this sound familiar? Paul wrote about, "...false brethren unaware brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage. To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour: that the truth of the gospel might continue with you" (Gal. 2:4-5). This is exactly the way Satan chooses to undermine. The Crossroads-Boston creeps move in subtilly and get a number of followers, then when the time is ripe, they kick out anyone who opposes them. The liberals operate in the same fashion.
I have challenged the liberals all over the nation to meet me in debate and not one of the cowards has consented. Perhaps they will wait until I die and then romp all over me. It could be that I am not of the same high caliber as the self-exalted liberals. Too little to bother with!
The Pilgrims used to take guns with them as they went to worship. They did this in order to protect themselves from hostile Indians. We dare not shoot the liberals - but they ought to be shot with the Lord's dynamite. See Romans 1:16! Anyone who sneaks into a congregation of faithful Christians and attacks the pure and chaste bride of Christ is too sorry to live - and of course, not fit to die.
Brethren, there isn't any kind of wickedness - shape, form or fashion - which the scumballs of the world commit - which the liberals will not also commit.
Brother Pringle refers to the "mole" which was sent in to "...try and ruin us." Do you suppose the mole was sent "in the name of Christ?" Why was he sent? By whom was he sent? Why did the "mole" consent to be sent? What was the diabolical purpose of a man in trying to infiltrate a faithful congregation? No decent, respectable, Christian will resort to such deceit. I will try to destroy every liberal camp on earth but God forbid that I would become a sneaking, conniving, yellow-bellied, lily-livered, spineless, scoundrel. Let's work in the open, without fraud and satanic efforts.
Judas Iscariot acted like a liberal mole when he sold the Lord of glory for a few pieces of silver. Judas was a thief. Liberals are thieves. Judas was a liar. You never saw a liberal who was not a congenital liar. Do you contest this?
Hitler had his storm troopers, Stalin had his K.G.B. and the devil has his moles. So many brethren are too infernal blind to see the irreparable harm and havoc being wrought. They do not want to see.
When Satan moves in and is allowed to do his dirty work, then in some cases it is too late. The best scripture which comes to mind is found in Ephesians 4:27 which reads, "neither give place to the devil." We need to realize that we are dealing with devils and the "doctrines of devils" (1 Tim. 4:1). Note the plural form of devil. Where do we find those devils? How do we deal with devils? Need I answer? The church is suffering terribly due to the fact that a lot of people have been deceived. They wouldn't recognize one of the imps of hell if he walked about as a roaring lion.
It is the case that one of the devil's advocates can put on a nice suit, a flashing neck-tie, pretty shirt, shined shoes and many folks will be mesmerized when the clown gets into the pulpit and begins to spit out his "good words and fair speeches" whereby the simple minded are deceived (Rom. 16:18). I do not believe Wal-Mart sells brains but if they did, the liberal moles could profit by purchasing a large supply.
When liberal rogues slip into a peaceful congregation and cause heart ache, discord, strife and division, in my judgment they are mentally unbalanced. They are simple minded. We cannot deal with such people as if they were normal human beings. They are not sincere Christians but they are of that species who serve their own bellies.
I am informed by brother Pringle that the Watauga congregation has "nearly been ruined" by the liberals. The church is very small but continues to meet for worship. To me it is a strange phenomena that members, elders, preachers in one congregation will try to destroy another congregation which adheres to the word of God. Such is happening all over the country. Can you explain this to me? This is the tactic of beasts in the jungle. Male lions kill all the baby lions they can, which makes no sense to me. Two-legged lions are writing books, rambling about making speeches to the simple-minded in an effort to kill congregations.
A "handful of Christians" at Watauga can do everything God wants a congregation to do. How many does it take to worship God? As I recall, Jesus promised to be with "two or three" who gather together in His name (Matt. 18:20). This being the case, let me worship with two or three God-fearing, faithful children of the Most High God rather than two hundred or two thousand card-carrying, party socialites who wouldn't know whether my Lord was crucified on Calvary or was shot at Shiloh.
Brethren, take a strong stand for the truth.
2/16/99.