READERS' EXCHANGE

 

WHY NOT TRY IT?

Please renew my subscription for two years. Enclosed is 2.00. I don’t know who put me on your list a few months ago, but I’m grateful. Your insights and concepts are thrilling. How can we be so dumb (excuse the expression) in so many ways?—Houston

This is typical of many such letters from people who appreciate the paper, but would never have seen a copy if someone had not thought of sending it to them. All of our readers know of at least a few such ones who would like to see a few copies of Restoration Review, and who might then subscribe for themselves. Have faith. Give them a chance. One such brother wrote that when he discovered Restoration Review while reading late one night, he awoke his wife to share the good news with her. Our intention is not to disrupt households in any such way, but we are convinced that there are many who would find new encouragement in reading our columns. Why not select six such names and send them along to us. If you cannot afford the 50 cents for each name, 6 for 3.00, send the list anyway.

Oh, yes, how about the Houston brother’s question as to why we are so dumb in so many ways? And the word isn’t a bad one, for the prophets made good use of it. Basic to the problem, I think, is that we have things the way we want them and we do not want to be disturbed. So it is a matter of will. When we really want to be freer, more responsible, more spiritual, then God will point the way. But let’s keep faith. Many are awaking to the fact that we are dumb about a lot of things, and are resolved to bring about something better, the Houston brother himself being witness. There are many, like him, believe me!

As Others See Us

Vernon Newland, educator and minister among Christian Churches, writes as follows in his Crusader (Box 143, St. Clair, Mo. 63077) concerning our folk. It should cause us to ask ourselves if our attitude is right toward these brethren:

Church of Christ papers, for the most part, picture, indirectly or in subtle fashion, Christian Church folk and their preachers as ignorant, stupid, and unable to comprehend, or unwilling to follow, the plain teachings of Scripture. We are deficient in ability to reason logically, and perverse as concerns obedience to the commandments of God.

Our true position on the “Instrumental question” is seldom, if ever, presented in their papers. Instead, the almost universal practice is to present what they want their readers to believe is our position, and then they have a wonderful time shooting it full of holes. The result is to produce in Church of Christ folk a strong and deep feeling of dislike and contempt for us.

We should concede that there is truth to brother Newland’s complaint and be more gracious in our criticisms. Brother Newland is beginning what he calls a “Long-Range Program” of dialogue with Church of Christ folk in his Crusader, so you might want to get on his mailing list. I have made reference before to the aggressive stance these brethren take on the instrument question, which is interesting to say the least. We used to be the ones who challenged for the debates and were raring to shoot somebody out of the park, but now it is they who have assumed the initiative. While I think it just as well that we agree to a moratorium on debating the music question, it is probably a good sign that we have toned down our cry of “digressives.” We appear now to be a little less sure of our anti-instrument position, which is good. This gives me a chance to say again that I think the position this journal has always taken is the correct one for us: we are non-instrument but not anti-instrument. That means that we prefer for reasons we consider sound not to use the instrument, but we do not make it a test of Christian fellowship, allowing our brothers to decide the matter for themselves.

Daily Devotions

I get up about 6:30 and have breakfast and then read either the Bible or some devotional material I have, then back to bed to pray for the many things which are on my prayer list. I stay in bed for 30-45 minutes, then up and get ready for work, all ready to meet whatever lies ahead of me. It is a truly wonderful feeling.—Indiana

This comes from a busy working girl, an executive in fact and hardly a girl anymore. But I thought this part of her letter would encourage other busy people to start their day with a bounce like she does. Not many of us would ever make it up again if we went back to bed to pray as she does, but each can find his own way of doing it. I have a tape recorder to play stuff to me lest I lose marginal hours, such as when we are bundling up Restoration Review for the mail. I have long thought that one’s first moments each morning may be a good test of the degree to which his life is “hid with Christ in God.”

A suggestion for morning or evening devotionals would be the reading of portions of Daily Bible Study by William Barclay, which were originally written for that purpose. We will send you the entire set for 47.50, 17 volumes, and let you pay for them at 5.00 monthly and no carrying charges.

Oh, yes, the good sister who sent us the above says we should call your attention to an error in our piece in the February issue (page 23), where Eph. 5:18 is given as Eph. 4:18. We thank her and ask you to correct your copy. [The correction was made in the online copy.-gt]

Clouds Are Clearing

I appreciate your article on “The New Confidence” and praise God I can tell anyone “Yes, I am saved and praise the Lord, I give him the glory for it.” It sure wasn’t anything I have done, except to give my whole life to Him. I don’t mean to say I can boast. Oh, Lord forgive, but I am truly happy and I have a deep settled peace inside, and I do realize a joy in serving my Master...

Here I am again, bending your ear. I’ can’t seem to shut it off when I write to you. Someone in our faith who really understands my joy, they’re not too many! I have to share it! I hope you will forgive me.—Oklahoma

Continued best wishes in the excellent ministry you are carrying on through Restoration Review. Wholesome developments are taking place in this area although it is obvious that wholesome challenge to established positions will meet with vigorous reaction.—Michigan

May the Lord help you in trying to point out the true and living Way more perfectly. How surely it is needed and how humble and wise must be the leader. Always keep in mind Gal. 6:1. I will be 80 on May 30th. Awaiting the coming of Christ.—Florida

From what I can pick up here and there, Church of Christism is selling at a new low, especially amongst the newer generation. They are more interested in talking about and witnessing for Jesus than they are promoting sectarian practices, and the “we-are-THE-church” propaganda. I am convinced the young people would do very well were it not for the Church of Christ clergy, some facets of it, trying to hold them back.—Chaplain T. F. McNabb, U. S. Army

The foregoing excerpts are examples of the awareness our readers have of the cloudy skies that have long hung over the brotherhood, but there is also reason for hope that the clouds are beginning to clear. Many who had given up hope are now more confident of our future.

The clouds sometimes seem too thick to penetrate. The reader in Oklahoma having no one with whom she can share her joy. The Michigan brother is disturbed that challenge to established positions is still hazardous. The aged brother in Florida, looking back over a lifetime of discouragement, points to the need of “wise and humble leadership.” We thank him for the charge in Gal. 6:1, which reads so provocatively in the NEB: “If a man should do something wrong, my brothers, on a sudden impulse, you who are endowed with the Spirit must set him right again very gently.” Then there is Chaplain McNabb, who keeps a finger on our pulse beat, who sees the dark clouds clearly enough, but who is suspicious that something is about to break.

There is no question but that Church of Christism is a lost cause, for it will surely be laid to rest along with the whole of institutional religion. But I am pleased that we have so many among us who dare to be free and loving people in Jesus Christ. We shall overcome someday, believe me!

Unity Program At Lubbock

The non-class brethren who are sponsoring the Fifth Annual Unity Forum are to be commended for putting together such an exciting program. You will be missing something if you are not there.

From the Disciples will be Perry Gresham, president of Bethany College, who will reminisce on the Restoration Movement, and Lawrence Kirkpatrick, general secretary for the World Convention of Churches of Christ, who will set forth some practical suggestions for communication.

From Independent Christian Church will be A. Dale Crain, campus minister at Terre Haute, Ind., who will speak on the wholeness of the church, and Grayson Ensign, Bible Chair director at Amarillo, who will be on a panel discussing the barriers to unity and ways to overcome them.

Churches of Christ will have representatives from several persuasions. Roy Osborne will talk about the urgency of unity, which is in keeping with the Forum theme of Unity Now, and Wesley Reagan will discuss unity in reference to the church’s mission. J. Ervin Waters, who is identified with those folk of ours who are both non-class and one cup (to be distinguished from the main-line non-class that are sponsoring the forum), will give an evening address on “That the World May Believe.” Leroy Garrett will speak on the nature of unity.

G. B. Shelburne, Jr., longtime respected leader of our non-class group; LaVern Houtz, president of Southeastern Christian College, of our pre-millennial wing; Portis Ribble, instructor in the West Angelo School of Evangelism; Dudley Strain, pastor of the First Christian Church in Lubbock are also on the program.

Despite all the reports of the storm damage to Lubbock, the city will be in good order by July 2-4, the dates of the forum. There will be motel and hotel rooms, with some accommodations in private homes. If you are a student and want to come but lack funds, let us know. For further information and room reservations write to Thomas Langford, Box 4001, Tech Station, Lubbock 79409. A program and other details will be sent upon request.

We should add that Lubbock Christian College has graciously offered their facilities for this unique gathering.