July 25, 1999
Robert Turner, "Plain Talk," Vol. 1, No. 1,
January, 1964
World scholars seem to agree that the church was established in Jerusalem, the first
Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ. Acts 2: gives the record, and only a few with
some creed to defend offer objection. But WHAT was established when the church was
established? Foolish question?? Well, read Acts 2: carefully.
Any "dedication" services? "Chairman" appointed? Any of the
"institutional" procedure one would expect if today's common conception of
"church" were correct? It just isn't there.
Today the emphasis is upon the party-- the church is something like a lodge, or
"Royal Order of Saints"-- a society, somehow related to certain buildings. This
conception is missing in God's record of establishment.
Prophecies concerning the establishment of the church invariably refer to the
relationship, or the basis for the relationship, between God and individuals. Isaiah says,
"the mountain of Jehovah's house shall be established on the top of the
mountains---" referring to the establishment of God's law for all nations.
(Isa. 2:1-f.) The promised kingdom was a promise of peace according to divine government.
(Isa. 9:1-f) The ransomed of Jehovah would walk in "The Way of Holiness." (Isa.
35:8-f)
Little Red Wagon
It seems many think of the church as something like a little red wagon.
"Established on Pentecost"-- it stood ready to roll, and people could jump in
and ride to heaven. But somewhere along the line a side-rail broke, an axle was bent, the
tongue came loose, and finally a wheel fell away. Luther tried to put the wheel back on,
but further bent the axle in his effort. Others replaced the tongue with a new but
different instrument -- unsuited to the purpose and function of the original tongue. Alas,
the church was broken down and out of service.
Then A. Campbell and Barton Stone determined to restore the church. They straightened the
axle, replaced the tongue with an original model, repaired the side-rail and put the wheel
back in place. Now people could again ride home to heaven.
Have I stretched the picture? Perhaps -- but only to emphasize what I believe to be an
entirely erroneous conception of the church established on Pentecost. This is a
denominational concept. It glorifies the "party" and does not properly
distinguish between faithful and unfaithful people.
WHO are The Church??
The word "church" is a collective noun, and it "collects"
people. But not just any people. Christ's church consists of "Saints and faithful
brethren," "a people for God's own possession." (Col. 1:2 1 Pet. 2:9) Of
all the multitude gathered in Jerusalem, only those who "gladly received his
word" and "were baptized" became members of the church. (Acts 2:41)
Members of the church do sin, but they are expected to repent and pray God for
forgiveness. Failing to do this, they are denied the fellowship of Christians. (1 Cor. 5:)
A congregation of Christians who, collectively, no longer act in keeping with God's will
is unworthy of a name and place among the churches of Christ. (Rev. 2) The Lord's
church consists of people identified with the truth -- not just a people identified with a
party.
God's Establishment Unchanged
What God established-- truth-- the New Covenant -- never changes. (1 Pet. 1:23-f) But
the party -- the people could fall away. (1 Tim. 4:1-f) First their attitude toward divine
authority is altered, then their practices, then, usually many years later, their
terminology. Because the rule is one thing, and the people who supposedly
follow the rule is another, Paul said we must not measure ourselves by our selves. (2 Cor.
10:12-f)
One may "stay with the building" "stay with the preacher" "stay
with the elders" "stay with 90% of the people" -- and yet leave the
church which God established. In fact, this is precisely the history of
denominationalism with its creed-bound people.
Christians today need to restudy their conception of Christ's church. We must rededicate
ourselves, not to some "party" but to the Christ, and to His cause. I must know
the truth, and obey it, regardless of the action of others---"in the church" or
out of it. I must remember that it is the purified and cleansed church-- not the
"party"-- that Christ promises to save eternally. (Eph. 5:26-27) What God really
established is firm and sure, and cannot be shaken. Heb. 10:28
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If you did not read the introduction to Bro. Turner's articles, you can find it in the
"News of Interest" section in the July 11 bulletin. These articles are worthy of
reading, digesting, saving to read again, and to pass on to others.
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News of Interest
Phyliss Tuttle is undergoing tests. They began last week and will continue
into this week . . . Barbara Simpson's father had cataract surgery last week
and is doing fine . . . It was thought Andrea Osteen's father might have pneumonia,
but the good news is it turned out to be bronchitis and he seems to be doing okay . . .
Also remember in your prayers those who have chronic pain and illness: Zelma Bobbitt;
Glenn Bogs; Elaine Cannon; June Hodges; Erma Mackey; Dorothy Ottersbach; Dickie Tullos
. . . Pam Hurst moved to Seattle last week. Linda Hurst accompanied her on
the long trip . . . If at anytime you wish either to be added to or taken off the email
list to receive the bulletin, reports and other news of use to the congregation, let Steve
know via a message to fonsr@bigfoot.com . . . The August list to provide transportation to
assemblies for Zelma Bobbitt is filling up. That's great! If you can assist, please
look at the list and sign up today . . . The Bible was meant to be read. If you are an
adult and have difficulty reading the Bible and would like to improve your skills, there
is free assistance available. Let Steve know if interested and he can put you in touch
with those in the congregation who do work in this area. "Blessed is he who
reads" (Rev. 1:3) - for himself/herself, to his/her family, to his/her class, to the
congregation, to anyone.
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Transportation for Zelma Bobbitt
‹ July ‹
Ralph and Toy Robinson have graciously signed up to provide
transportation to Zelma for the entire month of July.
‹ August ‹
Sun., 1, am - Jim Crain pm - Porterfield
Wed., 4, pm - Jeff Bogs
Sun., 8, am - pm -
Wed., 11, pm - Jeff Bogs
Sun., 15, am - Fontenot pm -
Wed., 18, pm - Rocky Rodriguez
Sun., 22, am - Larry Legg pm -
Wed., 25, pm - Jim Crain
Sun., 29, am - pm -
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SCHEDULED TO SERVE
Song Leader: David Osteen
Announcements: Bill Faulkner
Song Leader: Boyd Hurst
First Prayer: Tod Aldridge
Lord's Table:
Bread: David Dickey
Fruit of the Vine: Mark Hargrove
Contribution: Mark LaBurt
Assistant: Larry Legg
Closing Prayer: Mark Ary
Song Leader: David Osteen
First Prayer: Boyd Hurst
Lord's Table:
Bread: Billy Lovell
Fruit of the Vine: Robert Rice
Contribution: Charles Tu
Closing Prayer: Kris Emerson