OUR CHANGING WORLD

 

One brother up East writes us of his change of preaching ministry from a Church of Christ to a Christian Church, one, by the way, that enjoys fellowship with both the Disciples and Independents. He tells of the problem this is to the parents on both sides, indicating that one of them may feel compelled to resign from the eldership. It reveals what we have done to ourselves when a young minister’s main problem in moving from one Restoration group to another is two sets of distraught parents. For a brother to “go to the Christian Church” is taken far more seriously in some Church of Christ circles than if he were trifling on his wife, for that is some sort of “mortal sin” that can be forgiven neither in this world nor in the world to come. One purpose of this journal is to help liberate our people from unnecessary and debilitating bondage. We would urge such parents to keep in mind what their son is — his character, devotion to Jesus, mission in life — and not to judge him by congregational affiliation. If Jesus were judged on the basis of affiliation rather than character, then his life was a complete failure.

Friendswood Church of Chnst, Friendswood, Tx., which supports a missionary in Austria, recently reported that Austria has 20 million people and only three Christians.

Smithlawn Church of Christ in Lubbock conducts a home for unwed mothers-to-be, along with an adoption service. One of their recent communications was signed “Smithlawn Home Committee and Staff, and Smithlawn Girls and Babies.” They say their policy is what Jesus said in John 8:11: “Neither do I condemn you: go, and sin no more.” To their critics they explain that their work is a labor of love, a love for souls, both of the girls and the babies.

We apparently have not yet debated everything. Two brothers recently conducted a debate on smoking. A copy can be had for 75 cents by writing Eugene Britnell, Box 5624, Little Rock, Ar. 72205. By driving by our buildings after a service one will have no trouble determining what Churches of Christ practice on that issue.

Another “walk-out” congregation has begun in Cleburne, Texas, made up of families leaving the Westside Church of Christ. It is meeting in the bank community room. Westside’s bulletin reports: “Among the false doctrines taught by this movement is that there is no sin committed if people worship with instrumental music; that there are Christians in all denominations, and some of them believe the Church of Christ is just one among many denominations.”

Another such group is meeting as “Christians meeting at 1103 E. 7th, Hutchinson, Kansas, in the name of Christ.” Their bulletin says: “Entrance into this body is by immersion or identification of immersed believers in Jesus Christ. Those not Christians are taught to believe in Christ with the whole heart, to change their life to conform to the Way of Christ, to confess their faith in Jesus and to be baptized into union with Him for the forgiveness of their transgressions and the reception of the indwelling Spirit.” They go on to say: “We do not sit in judgment upon believers who differ from us. Instead, we quietly perform our own work and worship as we understand the Scriptures to teach. Along with other congregations of Christians, we celebrate the Lord’s supper each week, we offer up in psalms and hymns the praise of our lips, and we speak our prayers in faith, confident that He who has called us is faithful to hear.”

One item in the September, 1975 issue needs correcting. The item on p. 137 referring to a Church of God man who was reported baptized is not correct, if the man is Robert L. Schrienk. He was baptized for the remission of sins long before he became associated with us here. The Church of God, General Conference, believes in baptism for the remission of sins. Therefore, we accepted Bob because he was already our brother in Christ. He left them because of their leadership both locally and nationally which he felt was not in accord with God’s will. I agree with your stand against “rebaptism” in order to appease the brethren. We must please God, not man. —Mac D. Culver, Church of Christ, Box 1173, Front Royal, Va. 22630.

Those who have thought of sending us a list of names (5 for only 5.00), but have not done so, may be influenced by these statements by new subscribers: “I don’t know who sent my name in, but I’m glad they did. Enclosed is 5.00 and a list of five more.” “I saw your paper while working at the Ft. Worth post office. It looked interesting, so I thought I’d subscribe.”

Special for 1976

Starting in January, Carl Ketcherside will present his “Pilgrimage of Joy,” which will be the story of his eventful life. This will run through thirty installments, extending through 1978, the Lord willing. Several of these are already in hand, ready for the printer, and we have tested them in family reading. You are in for a treat, that’s for sure. The problem is going to be in having to wait a month to see what young Carl and then an older Carl is up to next. We are hopeful of eventually putting this in book form, even though it will be a part of the bound volumes of this journal. Ouida and I are pleased to be able to present this series to the public, not only because of our cherished friendship with Carl and Nell (who is also very much a part of the story), but as a token of our appreciation for their work in Mission Messenger for all these 37 years. That their efforts in that little journal could have such an impact for a freer and more loving disciple brotherhood should cause us to keep on believing in the triumph of good, in the providential care of God, in this country, in the power of modest efforts under God, and in the good sense of lots and lots of people.

Carl will also write, indefinitely, a column that we’re going to call “Down Home with Carl,” in which he will keep us posted on what he and Nell are up to these days, the books he’s publishing, the places he’s going, and what he’s thinking, if anything. This will provide at least partial continuity with his long years as an editor which ends next month. It demonstrates once more (as if we need to be reminded!) that all good things must end, but that is part of the glory of life in that all such ends are really but new beginnings. We welcome Carl aboard, and we greet many, many new subscribers who are with us mainly because he has taken passage.

We are also pleased to announce that this journal will join the nation and the world in celebrating our Bicentennial next year. This we will do by presenting some art creations by Talmage Minter, depicting both our nation and our Movement. Along with this we will begin a new series, replacing the present one on the nature of the Bible, on historical highlights of the Restoration Movement. We believe you will find this both informative and encouraging, and it is proper to present it in the framework of the Bicentennial celebration.

We will continue our series on The Word Abused all through 1976. Too bad that there has been that much abuse! We will then present to those who request it our bound volume under that title, all of 1975 and 1976 in one volume. You may order the double volume for 1973-74 for 4.95, which is now available, along with The Restoration Mind, 1971-72, for 4.50.