OUR CHANGING WORLD

 

During a recent visit to the west coast I was privileged to visit with Bob Cannon, longtime minister in Churches of Christ but now pastor of Bethel Church (Assembly of God) in Eureka, Ca. Bob and his wife Shirley, who one time ministered to the largest Church of Christ in the Los Angeles area (Inglewood), have a fruitful service in a growing church. The Assemblies of God might surprise you with their strong biblical stance. After explaining that their Communion is open, one of their booklets goes on to say: “We also practice water baptism by immersion as a believer’s public declaration of his identification with Jesus Christ and of his new relationship with God through faith (Mt. 28:19; Ro. 6:4).” If that wouldn’t satisfy Alexander Campbell, it would Barton W. Stone! The Assemblies hold that the baptism of the Holy Spirit should be normative for all Christians and that speaking in tongues is the “first physical evidence” of this.

Dan Rogers, Box 277, Bellevue, Tx. 76228, has published his first issue of the Unity of the Spirit, the purpose of which is to help restore our lost unity. This first issue has an article on “The Criteria for Determining Brotherhood,” which concludes that we do not determine brotherhood since it is determined by God. You may receive the paper for the asking.

Ray Downen, Box 1065, Joplin, Mo. 64802, publishes Reborn Free, which is an attempt to show that Christians are not under the Mosaic law or any other law-system and it emphasizes our freedom in Christ. I t is highly resourceful and is available to you at two copies for 3.00.

The McDade Church of Christ, Box 471, McDade, Tx. 78560, is more than 100 years old, but has always been small, current attendance being 32. Some committed believers are trying to save the work and they solicit your help, especially in their effort to enlist the help of a full-time worker. Write to the above address if you are interested.