READER'S EXCHANGE

 

It's unfortunate that our brethren have found another divisive rallying point — one's particular favorite translation! — Phillip Roberson, Box 3147, Bartlesville, Ok. 74003

(While that is unfortunate, we are to remember that divisions are never over little things like organs or translations, but something very large indeed: carnality. Paul lists factions and divisions alongside idolatry and fornication, and called them all the work of the flesh. And that ain't little! — Ed.)

It seems that the first I heard about you was some trouble you were causing in Dallas, and the next was that you were disturbing the peace at Henderson, Tenn. I heard and believed these things because they were told to me by sound brethren. After being associated with these "sound brethren" for a number of years I began to find myself more and more out of step with legalistic and exclusive sound doctrine. I began reading such unsound papers as Charles Holt's Sentinel of Truth, who in turn introduced me to Mission Messenger, Integrity and Restoration Review. It is refreshing to read articles by brothers who are more interested in preserving the unity which the Spirit gives than in encouraging division over every petty opinion. — Burton Neugent, 2119 South N. St., Ft. Smith, Ar. 72901

(You probably heard and believed right, for, after all, sound brethren can't be wrong. An editor worth his salt is likely to disturb the peace. So it was with him who is called the Prince of Peace, even though he was no editor. It all depends on what one makes peace mean. To enjoy that peace that only Jesus can give, we might need for someone to shake us up now and again. The Spirit might even do so, and peace is his fruit. — Ed.)

One gem from Watchman Nee's The Normal Christian Church Life reminded me of your article in the May issue, "The Hidden Unity of the Church." Speaking of the unity of the Spirit he says: "We cannot make this unity, since by the Spirit we are one in Christ, and we cannot break it, because it is an eternal fact in Christ; but we can destroy the effects of it, so that its expression in the Church is lost." Many times I read your articles to my wife Janice as she fixes supper. — Joe Plemon, Anna, Il. 62906

I've known Ben Franklin all his life, and while I cannot accept all the doctrine he has lately embraced (tongues and healing), he is still my brother and a fine one. The Gospel Advocate referred to him as "Franklin" in their glowing report of the debate. If he was ever my brother he still is, as long as he is preaching Christ and him crucified. I guess I'm a rebel, and at 75 years of age it is high time I saw the light. — Gladice Marlow, Carbondale, Il.

In our story of the Brazilian missionary (who looks like Campbell!) we told of how R. A. Torrey's The Power of Prayer changed his life. We can now supply that book, reprinted many times, for 2.20.

Alex Bills, 4137 Corbett, Oklahoma City 73115, boldly calls himself a charismatic, and he is one of the leaders of "His People Together" which has both national and regional gatherings. Last December 200 gathered in Oklahoma City from Disciples, Church of Christ, Christian Church, and he reports that some were healed and some received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. You might want to be on his mailing list, for he has regular mailouts.

A class of believers of the Carriage Hill Church of Christ in Montgomery, Alabama has been studying the Declaration and Address by Thomas Campbell, making its way through that document and marking vital passages. The group is wonderfully encouraged by what they have found, realizing for the first time the riches of their heritage in the Restoration Movement.

The bulletin of the Westside Church of Christ, 11810 N. W. 19th St., Ft. Lauderdale, Fl., describes the congregation in these terms: "The group of believers at Westside is simply and earnestly searching the entire Word of God as we seek guidance from His Holy Spirit. We seek not to be the only Christians but to be Christians only, committed to God's Son, our resurrected Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Only in Him can we have the victory in life that all men want but so few recognize — true love, joy, peace, and other results of His Holy Spirit's working through those desiring to 'walk in His (Jesus') steps.' " Change did I say? Don't leave yet!

Mission, under the talented leadership of Ron Durham (Ph. D., Rice), is an unusually fine magazine these days. The March issue was a special on Christianity and the Arts. You get 24 pages of goodies each month for only $6.00 a year. The address is Box 15024, Austin, Tx. 78761. It is probably the most daring and most ambitious literary project in the history of Churches of Christ.