Brotherhood: Lost and Must be Found
By John Waddey
Churches
of Christ are faced with a determined enemy who is working to overrun
their borders and impose drastic changes on their faith, worship, and
practice. Where once we stood shoulder to shoulder in defense of the
kingdom of Christ, brethren are now scattered on a thousand hills,
virtual strangers to each other. This loss of brotherhood has left
us vulnerable to those who would do us harm. Many factors have
contributed to this sad situation. I have observed the following;
you may think of others.
▪The
disintegration and lack of cohesiveness of our modern society has
found its way into the church. Brethren are preoccupied and too
busy for a broader circle of friends. This has contributed to a loss
of brotherhood.
▪In
days past, we had outstanding preachers who traveled the nation
preaching in gospel meetings. They were loved and respected.
They preached the same message everywhere they went. This promoted
brotherhood. As brethren went to their meetings, they became
acquainted and bonds of fellowship grew.
▪Much
of our inter-congregational fellowship in the past centered around
gospel meetings. Brethren visited and supported each other on
these occasions. With the decline of meetings came a decline of
acquaintance and fellowship.
▪Fellowship
was enjoyed and cultivated at the annual lectureships of our
Christian schools. With the growing tensions from both
liberalism and ultra-conservatism, these occasions of fellowship and
brotherhood have diminished in effectiveness. Many choose to stay at
home.
▪There
was a time when most brethren read the same gospel papers. Journals
such as the Gospel Advocate and the Firm Foundation
served Christians over the entire nation. Preachers sent reports of
their work, allowing others to keep up with them. The editors of
those papers promoted brotherhood interests and undertakings. This
gave all a better awareness of the brotherhood of which they were
part. It fostered a holy pride in the accomplishments of other
brethren. Our papers do not command the readership they once did.
Little news is carried.
▪In
days past, all of our Christian schools held and taught a common
understanding of the gospel of Christ. That consistency in
doctrine helped to create and maintain an environment of unity of
thinking and that encouraged brotherhood. Today this is not the
case.
▪In
the last 50 years, as the bonds of fellowship weakened, two equally
destructive forces grew up, tearing the fabric of brotherhood.
On the left was the gradual rise of both theological and practical
liberalism; on the right was ultra conservatism. As these polarizing
forces struggled for dominance, the bonds that had bound us together
began to unravel. The liberals tended to tolerate any and all
variances of belief and practice. They were united in their disdain
for the mainstream of the church. The ultra conservatives attacked
anyone who did not subscribe to their code. The majority found
themselves in the middle, attacked from both sides. Rather than
presenting a united front against the liberal threat, many
conservatives shattered themselves by turning against each other.
They splintered into different camps, all conservative, all opposed
to liberal departures, but suspicious of each other, unwilling to
cooperate, and in many cases turning their guns on each other. While
they exhausted themselves on each other, the united liberals grew
stronger and are now a major force that threatens to consume much of
our brotherhood.
▪The
rise of a destructive kind of journalism that specialized in
harsh personal attacks on preachers and congregations has contributed
to our loss of brotherhood. This reckless style of writing appealed
to a class of ultraconservative preachers, and such journals
multiplied. In this environment, everyone is suspected of heresy
until he proves himself innocent to the satisfaction of each editor.
Brethren shielded themselves by avoiding contact with others with
whom they might have even a small difference. Brotherhood faded in
the face of this hostile environment.
▪With
the rise of large city churches, a situation arose that has taken an
unintended toll on brotherhood fellowship. Many such churches
have a full schedule of activities, hence have no time or interest in
those of sister congregations. Feeling self-sufficient, they have no
need for the fellowship and encouragement of other congregations.
The
sad result is a band of Christians under siege but unwilling or
unable to stand side by side with their brethren in defense of their
common cause. Standing alone or in small clusters, they can offer
little or no resistance to the juggernaut of the change movement.
Tragically,
men with the word of truth and the shield of faith may well be beaten
because they would not stand beside their brother and offer a united
resistance to a lesser enemy. What Sir Walter Scott wrote of the
human race is especially true of the church: “The race of mankind
would perish did they cease to aid each other. We cannot exist
without mutual help …” Oveta Hobby rightly observed,
“Brotherhood doesn’t come in a package. It is not a commodity to
be taken down from the shelf…it is an accomplishment of
soul-searching prayer and perseverance.” May we learn this lesson
before it is too late.
In Everything Give Thanks by Barry M. Grider
On
November 26, Americans will once again celebrate a national day of
thanksgiving. It is a day set aside to give thanks unto God for our
great heritage and the many blessings He bestows upon us. For many,
Thanksgiving is simply a day off from work. It is a time to overeat,
enjoy parades and ball games, and visit friends and relatives.
However, for the child of God, every day is truly Thanksgiving Day.
Paul admonished, “In everything give thanks” (1 Thessalonians
5:18). For what does the child of God give thanks?
►Give thanks for God’s goodness and mercy (1 Chronicles 16:34).
►Give thanks for God’s holiness (Psalm 30:4).
►Give thanks for God’s creation (Psalm 75:1).
►Give thanks for God’s deeds (Psalm 105:1).
►Give thanks for God’s righteous judgment (Psalm 119:62).
►Give thanks for our food (Matthew 15:36).
►Give thanks for the body and blood of Jesus (Matthew 26:26-28).
►Give thanks for the victory found in Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57).
►Give thanks for the care and compassion of others (2 Corinthians 8:16).
►Give thanks for God’s unspeakable gift—Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 9:15).
►Give thanks for our brethren (Ephesians 1:16).
►Give thanks for all things (Ephesians 5:20).
►Give thanks for the church (Colossians 1:12-13).
►Give thanks for all men (1 Timothy 2:1).
►Give thanks for civil authorities (1 Timothy 2:2).
►Give thanks for the hope of heaven (Revelation 11:16-17)
