____________________________________________________ THE GOSPEL OBSERVER "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19,20). ____________________________________________________ January 31, 1999 ____________________________________________________ Undenominational Christianity by Robert F. Turner The evils of ``sectarian Christianity'' are apparent to all thinking people, and have been denounced by various spokesmen of the leading sects repeatedly. This general recognition of error has given impulse to many ``unity'' movements, and much so-called ``non-sectarian'' preaching. But IS union of all churches the desirable goal? May we correctly assume that such a union equals true Christianity? Is it not possible--or highly probable--that in the compromising process, union with one another would take the place of unity in Christ. After reading several proposals for religious ``unity'' I have concluded that man's plan goes something like this: ITEM ONE: Hold to no external authority, but allow everyone to ``find truth'' according to his own conscience. ITEM TWO: Avoid the inevitable conclusion created by Item One, by adopting a concept of ``religious freedom'' large enough to embrace all in one great ``brotherhood.'' ITEM THREE: Disfellowship and hold in contempt anyone who uses the freedom of Item One, to point out the fallacy of the false ``brotherhood'' in Item Two. Perhaps I have been a bit harsh on our modern ``Unitarians'' but I believe this depicts the net results. We are seeking Christianity without accepting the authority of Christ. THERE IS NO SUCH THING. The grand theme of Christianity is CHRIST--Prophet, Priest, and King. He is our teacher, advocate, and our ruler. How absurd to acknowledge all this--as most ``unity'' speakers do--and then give so little attention to the actual teachings of Christ. Instead of discouraging ``doctrinal'' studies, true undenominational Christianity is built upon such studies. ``If a man love me, he will keep my words'' (Jn. 14:23). ``The people were astonished at His doctrine; for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes'' (Matthew 7:28-29). The New Testament church was ONE--because it was made up of people who ``continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine.'' Their fellowship was, first of all, with God; and was maintained by walking in His truth (1 Jn. 1:3-7). When division threatened, the solution was ``God, and the word of His grace'' (Acts 20:29-32). Man has found no better solution today. Undenominational Christianity--and in reality there is no other kind of true Christianity--is the fruit of subjection to Christ's will. It brings war against evil; division between those who do, and do not; and world hostility (Eph. 6:10-f.; Lu. 12:51-f.; 1 Jn. 2:15-f.). But it offers the only peace worth while--peace with God, in heaven (Rev. 22). -- Via Plain Talk, May 1964 ___________________________________________ What Am I Worth To The Local Congregation? by Ben Shropshire Answering this question requires some honest introspection. It also assumes that all members of a congregation have some interest in whether they are of any value to the accomplishment of the congregation's purposes. This is a question that is easily avoided by those who may be afraid of the answer. A congregation, according to the New Testament pattern, is made up of Christians who have agreed to three things: (1) to be a congregation whereby the many may act together as one in worship and work; (2) to submit to a common oversight; and (3) to pool their resources together to accomplish mutually agreed upon work. Such a covenant is effective only when ``the whole body, joined and knit together by which every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share'' (Eph. 4:16). To some what the congregation does is something, apparently, just to watch sort of like a spectator sport. They come to services, but hardly participate in the worship. They don't sing, and we can only wonder whether they join in the prayers. They seem to have little interest in the sermon and may sleep through most of it. The Lord's supper seems to be observed perfunctorily. There would be no worship if it were up to them, but fortunately, others find joy and strength in participating in divine worship. Some folks, I'm reluctant to say, view the local congregation only from the standpoint of what it does for them. The question they most frequently ask is: `What is the congregation worth to me?' They seldom stop to realize that the congregation can give to them only what someone else has contributed to it. If they are learning, it is only because someone else is willing to teach. They meet in a clean building because someone else has cleaned it. They profit from the singing because someone is willing to use his talents to lead it and others wholeheartedly join in. If all of these ``someones'' were to be like them, nothing would be done. What am I worth to the church? Can I be counted on to help when there is work to be done? Do I accomplish what I commit myself to do? Am I carrying my share of the financial burdens of the congregation's work? Am I willing to do my share in the teaching program? Do I faithfully attend the services of the congregation? Is my membership in the congregation worth something to the other members, or am I looking at it only from the standpoint of what they can do for me? Am I of negative value to the congregation; that is, as a constant complainer, a critic of the efforts of others, as one who selfishly insists on having it his own way all the time, or a pessimist who discourages everyone else? Am I one who helps solve problems that come up in the congregation, or am I a part of the problems? Instead of avoiding the answer to the question, ``What am I worth to the congregation?'' let me try to answer it introspectively and honestly. To paraphrase a former president, ``Ask not what the congregation can do for you; ask what you can do for the congregation.'' -- Via THE BEACON, 1/26/99 ___________________________________________ Daughters of Bathsheba by Jere E. Frost The downfall of one of the greatest men of history is recorded in the eleventh chapter of Second Samuel. David is the man. He disgraced himself and dishonored his God, and the student of his life is saddened by the blackness that darkens his otherwise illustrious, admirable and righteous life. David sinned heinously in committing adultery with Bathsheba. He did not minimize it as a trivial matter (``it's just sex'') and tried desperately, if not honorably, to hide his transgression. But the point of this article is how it all began. After all, he had earlier been spoken of as ``a man after God's own heart'' (I Samuel 13:14). How this mighty man began his descent is simply told in 2 Samuel 11:1-2: ``And it came to pass...at the time when kings go forth to battle that...David tarried still at Jerusalem. And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon.'' First of all, he was not at his post of duty. Secondly, Bathsheba was bathing herself in a place where she could be seen. It matters little, as to the effect, whether she had it as her intention to attract David's eye or was simply thoughtless. Thirdly, David saw what he should not have seen, but did not turn away. Bathsheba's immodesty was the trigger in David's downfall. No woman can claim innocence in the arousing of a man's baser passions when she has displayed her physical, fleshly form before his eyes. Even when a woman neither contemplates nor permits a consummation of lust, she can induce sin. Did not David sin even as he looked? Truly, David sinned before he ever touched her. And regardless of her intentions and heart, whether evil or empty, her lack of discretion had a terrible effect. We live in a generation where girls and women boldly appear in various stages of undress. The fact they do it knowing that there are eyes of lustful men watching, compounds their guilt. Perhaps Bathsheba could have argued that she did not know anyone was looking. But she who knows eyes are watching, whether it is at a pool, beach, or in a performance of some kind, is utterly without excuse if she exposes herself in virtual nudity. Bathing suits, short shorts and the like appeal to a man's baser nature and have caused many to lust. Needless to say, virtuous and modest women wear clothing consistent with the claim of virtue and godliness. It has been said that if David could have seen the final result of his indulgence of lust that, since Bathsheba did not discreetly cover her body, he would have discreetly covered his eyes. ``Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issue of life'' (Prov. 4:23). -- Via The Bulletin of the North Courtenay church of Christ, November 1, 1998 ___________________________________________ NEWS & NOTES Les Atkinson is now coming along very well from after his surgery. He should be returning home today. He's been feeling a lot of pain, however, due to the operation itself; so we need to continue praying for him. ________________________________________ Tri-State CHURCH OF CHRIST 1314 Montgomery Avenue, Ashland, Kentucky 41101 Sunday: 10:00 A.M. Bible class 10:50 A.M. Worship 6:30 P.M. Worship Wednesday: 7:30 P.M. Bible study evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (606) 325-9742 e-mail: tedwards@zoomnet.net Gospel Observer web site: http://www.zoomnet.net/~tedwards/go ________________________________________