Watchman Archives

Men have continually shown themselves unwilling to acquiesce to Christ’s will regarding His church, and have altered the divine plan. Among the distortions of God’s blueprint for the church, and the focus of this article, is an assault on the concept of church autonomy as revealed in scripture.

Regarding the current controversy concerning “the days of Genesis 1,” let us ask, “How readest thou?” Are the days referred to literal days, or are they long ages of time as evolutionists theorize? Let us cite a portion of the text, and ask, “How readest thou?”

Not abiding in Christ’s doctrine is going beyond it: going beyond what is revealed to that which is not and asserting that one can take advantage of God’s silence to authorize anything not specifically condemned. The principle is clear: going beyond what we can read is sinful; God’s silence is golden and must be revered and not broken.

The preceding is sufficient to give readers a general idea of what is necessary to establish a Web presence. In future articles we will give suggestions and advice regarding specific aspects of the utilization and design of Web pages. The internet is a wonderful thing, and the potential for good is great. Congregations should consider taking advantage of such an efficient and exciting opportunity to preach the word!

A church like Ephesus is not likely to come into existence by chance. Rather, planning, sacrifice, and persistence are needed, and that on the part of men who are themselves grounded in the faith and have a love for the souls of others. Missionary zeal is to be commended. However, it can be emphasized to the point where it overshadows such necessary attributes as we have discussed herein. Let us channel our zeal to the end that we may be what we need to be and do what we need to do to establish churches that will stand the tests of time.

If we must cease references to “churches of Christ,” to be consistent we must do away with these other terms–Christian, elder, pastor, baptism, Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit baptism, tongues, and miracles. However, the truth is that we need not dispense with any of them. Rather, without shame or apology, we must teach the world the truth and use every opportunity to show the distinction between the words of men and the word of God (Acts 17:23; 1 Pet. 4:11).

As Jesus walked among men, He knew of the eternal realm and He knew the identity of the rich man and Lazarus. No mere man on time’s side of eternity could testify of the life and destiny of these two, but Jesus could. As the omniscient and pre-existent Word, he knew of their earthly lives and their destiny in the spiritual realm. That knowledge was yet with Him as the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. In this story, Jesus warns us that we might live in such a way as to meet Lazarus in that eternal day and never need to know the rich man. One day, we will be joined with one or the other. Which will it be?

Some brethren are weak and unwilling to take a stand, a firm stand, for what is right and true. These the Lord wants to vomit out (Rev. 3:15-16). We need men and women who have true love for the Lord and their brethren, and are uncompromising. We need those who are willing to stand in the face of overwhelming opposition, men and women of faith, ready to make a sacrifice for the Lamb of God as they stand like a lion (Heb. 11:32-40). Will you be one of these?

¿Por qué debemos estudiar acerca del hogar? ¿Debe incluirse este tema en los estudios bíblicos de la congregación?
Este tema merece mucho estudio. Debe ser predicado en el púlpito; debe ser enseñado en las clases bíblicas; y debe ser estudiado en el hogar mismo. Debe ser enseñado intensamente a los hijos. Dios tiene leyes y enseñanzas con respecto a la familia. El es el Fundador del hogar. El es el Autor del matrimonio. El nos explica todo en cuanto al origen y al propósito del hogar. Nos dice cuál es el papel de cada miembro de la familia: del marido, de la esposa, y de los hijos.

An institutional defense mechanism often sets in with a college to justify its practice at all cost. It was done by Lipscomb in the issue over church support of colleges. It was done by Abilene Christian University in the issue over theistic evolution in their midst. It was even done by Florida College when brother Hailey’s error was exposed. At that time, the administration attacked those who exposed brother Hailey’s error while saying precious little to fight it. When our critics fail to rebuke the error to the source and warn all others about it, all will know that their real agenda differs from their stated reason.

Again I will say that it is easy to understand how the events of the sixth day of a 144 hour week might be viewed as ‘the beginning of creation’; but it is difficult indeed to see how man’s creation 15-20 billion years after the original creation might in any sense be called ‘the beginning.’ The Lord said it was at the beginning of creation. Brother Roberts’ view is that it was near the end. I will leave the reader to judge who is right. But with all due respect, I will place my faith in the words of my Lord.

Heeding good advice, ordinarily I would not respond to such a letter. Such attacks bring me no harm. However, because I am being used as a means by which to attack and attempt to bring real harm on others, I must now respond. I offer these blunt comments in hopes of exposing and defeating this weak and ungodly attack on Florida College staff and other godly men who are busy preaching the Word.

Brother Jenkins, please accept these words in the spirit of love in which they were written. I have sought to follow Paul’s admonition in 1st Timothy 1:5, which says, “Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father.” This has been my only goal. I remain your friend and devoted former student. I shall never forget the many ways in which you have helped me.

I wrote, “Let’s be consistent, brethren. It is ‘inexcusable’ to practice the very thing that you condemn in others” (Rom. 2:1). Brother Jenkins has complained about his treatment by others. Perhaps it is time for brother Jenkins to look in the mirror. His entire article was nothing but a witch-hunt for inconsistencies and an effort to use those alleged inconsistencies to pit good brother against brother.

Parents are not sending their children to Florida College in order that they might hear different “views” or “options” concerning Bible doctrines, without any denunciation or refutation of that which is false. They are sending them, in particular as respects the Bible courses, to be taught the truth, while also learning to recognize false doctrine on certain Bible subjects.

Connie W. Adams, Shane Scott, Tim Haile, Miracles, Truth Magazine, and the CD (Editor’s Note: Brother Bill H. Reeves reviews this article with his article…

The ultimate end of this controversy is that which none of us knows for sure, but the signs do not bode well for the future. Doctrinal change away from truth is occurring at an alarming rate among us. Hostility is evident as those changing their doctrinal views are being called upon to defend the changes. Justification of a human institution seems to have gained the ascendancy in the hearts and minds of some.

It shall be my purpose in this article to provide an event-by-event chronology of the current controversy about the Florida College Biblical Studies faculty concerning creation and evolution.

The Open Letter is an expression of concern. It is carefully worded, and carries a reasonable tone. Every accusation made is accompanied by corroborating quotes and evidence. Much more material has been published in the last month, in response and rejoinder. All we are asking is for each Christian to examine all of the material. If Florida College deserves rebuke, raise your voice to help effect change for the better.

I signed the Open Letter and would again today. I am opposed to Shane Scott’s teaching and am also opposed to his remaining on the faculty of Florida College unless he repents (Luke 13:3,5). I am opposed to Hill Roberts’ teaching and that of the “Lord I Believe” Seminar, which said opposition I have previously espoused in the electronic pages of this communiqué (Hebrews 11:3). I am opposed to the position of tolerance furthered by President Caldwell and Chairman Jenkins (Revelation 22:18-19). Each parent must make up his or her own mind in regard to their own child’s maturity in their ability to reject the fiery darts of compromise and plain false teaching as is being allowed now in the Bible class rooms at Florida College.