READER'S EXCHANGE

 

My first ministry was in a small town, Linden, Tn., between David Lipscomb College in Nashville and Freed-Hardeman in Henderson. Needless to say, this was the hot-bed of legalism in those years. Therefore, when you write about legalism, I have some experience and understanding of what you are saying. I sincerely pray that the time will come when brethren can disagree in a more Christian manner and the energy that is now used in fighting and arguing will be united against the great deceiver, Satan, who is our most horrible adversary.—Rupert R. Wallace, Laurel Ave. Church of Christ, Chesapeake, Va.

(It is encouragIng that more and more of US are discovering who the real enemy is and whom we should be fighting instead of each other. “Our wrestling is not against flesh and blood,” the Scriptures assure us, but against the strongholds of Satan. Even the Baptists and Methodists are not our enemies. They are “flesh and blood,” aren’t they? I rejoice that some are learning this, even between Henderson and Nashville.—Ed.)

I continue to appreciate and benefit from your work. It cuts through so much theological hog-wash and gets down to where it touches our lives. Your keen discernment amazes me. How about dealing with the question of inerrancy of the Bible? I feel we fundamentalists have glossed over this too glibly.—Jerry Frasure, Cedarville, Oh.

(If and when I can bring myself to write at some length on that question it will be to show that we cannot have it both ways, that the Bible is a human product and yet wholly without error. I believe in the trustworthiness of Scripture (it adequately conveys the message that God intends) but not in its inerrancy, for God has given us His word through imperfect earthen vessels. That there are errors in the Bible is a matter of fact, but there are no errors of consequence, errors that inveigh upon God’s self-disclosure. In fact, the jars and dashes only enhance the beauty of the Bible, showing how “the Master’s voice” still gets through, even if there is static on the record. I have no interest in worshipping a book, not even the Book, only the Person of the Book.—Ed.)

God bless you and Ouida both. WE LOVE YOU. We hope you are holding up under the heavy burdens that you are called on to bear. I preached last Sunday on Ps. 121. It is a message we all need. Keep looking up. We are on the winning side!—Antoine Valdetero, Jennings, La.

(Upon receiving this, I read Ouida the psalm referred to in the Good News Bible. If you will stop and read it now, it will bless you. I love that line, He is by your side. It reminds me of that great theologian Karl Barth, who wove his theology around the simple truth that God is for us. Many suppose He is against us and out to get us. To the contrary, however dark this world gets, the light still shines, and the darkness cannot overcome it. Yes, indeed, we are winners, already, even if we do get bruised and battered in battle.—Ed.)

I eagerly look forward to receiving your book on the Stone-Campbell movement. The European influences on the movement should be of special interest to us here. It will be good to read of Barton Stone because little is known here of his life and work.—Ian S. Davidson, Glasgow, Scotland

We consider your article “A Free Gift Visited” in the November issue so very important and needed in our fellowship. More should be written and spoken on this subject. I retired from American Airlines after 34 years and now function as a handy man for anyone who needs my talents. Life is wonderful and God is gracious!—Al Bradshaw, Tulsa, Ok.