2Co 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve in his craftiness, your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity and the purity that is toward Christ. [asv]

Mat 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.Ephesians 5:25-29 (nkjv)

25 . . . just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. . . . 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones.

I ended the article about Jonah with an argument for individual “evangelism.” That’s just another way of saying that each saved person ought to be so thankful for what the God of Heaven has done for him or her that they could not keep from telling the story.

I have been associated with two congregations whose beginning was well known because a few of the original members were still a part of the present congregation. Let’s consider:

Example #1: Sometime around 1937 a family moved from Oklahoma to the Gulf Coast to find more rewarding employment. The wife and mother was a very dedicated Christian; her husband was not at that time a baptized believer.

To her knowledge there was no group of brethren assembling in the city. She ran an ad in the Newspaper that said essentially, “If you are a member of the church of Christ,” please call me. Three souls did call, and all agreed to meet the next Lord’s day in her house. From this inauspicious beginning others began to join the group. Almost immediately the word got out about the assembly and others began to attend, some who as this family, were moving into the area because of employment opportunities. After about a year, by mutual consent, the group decided to find a larger meeting place than this lady’s living room provided. Because of his business competence, and knowledge of the city, the group unanimously agreed that one man (an accountant) would search out a suitable place and make recommendations. By common consent, a Lodge Hall that was not used by the Lodge on Sundays, was selected.

The group continued to grow.

Sometime later even this facility became inadequate for their needs, and the group decided to begin an effort for a meeting place of their own. When this was accomplished, the group continued to grow rapidly, with preaching and teaching assistance from an elderly brother from another town, some 40 miles away. The group prospered.

Shortly thereafter the brother of the lady who began it all came with his family into the area, providing quality teaching and leadership. Sometime later, probably 3-5 years, it became obvious that these two men, the accountant and the brother of the sister, had indicated spiritual maturity and were asked by the congregation to serve as elders. They did not seek the position, but were recognized for their spiritual character, and thus the appointment and recognition. These two men served this congregation for some thirty years as elders, as the congregation grew in numbers and influence.

As growth increased, a larger building was needed, and wanted, and by unanimous consent, was planned and built. This building stands today, with a number of additions, and is a “landmark” in that city.”

The congregation remains “alive and well,” with a membership of some 300. Evangelism at work?

Example #2: Among the membership of the above referenced congregation, several men began to preach in smaller congregations in the area. A family who was driving in from some distance suggested that a congregation could be formed near their home, and with the full support of the leaders and members, it was agreed to try such an effort. I was present at that first meeting, on a Tuesday evening, in a young couple’s mobile home, with about 6 or 7 present. (I well remember one of the songs we sang that night, “There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus. No not one; no not one.) The small group continued to meet on a week-night, and then later after considerable growth, on Sunday. An old store building was purchased, remodeled and made comfortable as a meeting place, and the group continued to grow. One of the capable teachers from the earlier mentioned congregation agreed to come and serve as their evangelist. Some twelve years later I was invited to preach for them in a Gospel Meeting, and found that the number of members of the congregation was about 100. The group today numbers about 250, and is doing well, from all reports. Evangelism at work?

Example #3: I had nothing to do with this particular group’s beginning. The information was gained from reports from the Gospel Advocate. A young woman had gone to a Southern city as a teacher, and through some means discovered a few brethren. Believing there was need for a more competent teacher, she called the Gospel Advocate one Saturday afternoon and asked if someone could come down the next morning and teach them. An associate editor of GA, who had answered the phone, got on a bus early Sunday morning and rode the 200 miles to meet with this small group. As stated above, I was not involved in this earlier beginning, but later participated in a number of Training affairs held by this congregation, by then one of the larger congregations in the area. Evangelism at work?

Example #4: H. M. Phillips of Nashville preached at some 16 congregations, 15 of which he assisted in beginning. I was involved with this great worker for the Lord in the only congregation to which he returned after several years, and participated somewhat in the forming of Brother Phillips’ congregation #17. (I was also at that time assisting a small “country” congregation in a neighboring County.) With the elders of the congregation (#16 for Phillips) in full agreement, this small group began to meet in an oversized but comfortable 2-car garage belonging to one of the new members. In a short period of time, this group, with Phillips as their evangelist, grew too large for the garage. They built a modern building, continued to grow, and shortly thereafter numbered approximately 200. Evangelism at work?

Example #5: This example contrasts the Phillips example, in more ways than one. About the same time that H. M. Phillips was helping several groups of saints to begin meeting and serving together, one man came on the scene and began a revolution of sorts in the Nashville area. An inspirational speaker, with certain leadership excellencies and a PhD degree, the emphasis shifted to a denunciation of “swarming,” and a battle cry of “see how much more can be accomplished if we all build a large Church, and not begin several smaller ones.” The result of this was the beginning of one of the largest religious groups of any kind in the State. The fact that the “building” was located in a fast-growing part of a fast-growing city contributed much to the rapid growth.

The emphasis of this congregation tended more and more toward service to the needy; benevolence of various kinds. And, the group grew, while at the same time members of smaller congregations changed their identification by the hundreds to become a part of this “bigger and better” Church of Christ. The time frame we refer to was in the 50's and 60's. Members of my family were members of this significant group of brethren by reason of residence, and I participated with the leadership in Training Workshops in several states. All went well until the 90's. and then – and now – because of conflicts in leadership, things at the moment are not well.

This example is included in this lesson because today (2007) the “mega-church” is becoming the model for success, being build around men of higher degrees, and the number of “services” provided to attract new prospects for conversion and to satisfy the large number of adherents. Because of the “business” character of the larger groups, elders/overseers for the most part are not primarily shepherds of the flock, but business managers of the organization. As with the denominational groups, we find the “pulpit preacher” to be the main employee of the group, the “Senior Minister,” with several other employees serving in various roles, as the congregation can afford. A comment by one of the senior ministers of a prominent mega-church is interesting: “Ministers are the greatest resource of the local church in terms of knowledge, experience, and investment in human resources.” We contrast this with a statement by Alexander Campbell: “Was there ever such a craft as priestcraft? No, it is the craftiest of all crafts. It is so crafty that it obtains by its craft the means to make craftsmen, and then it makes the deluded support them!" (Christian Baptist, Dec. 1, 1823, Vol. 1, p. 91).

We offer one more evaluation of the change in evangelism emphasis. During the Phillips era the number of conversions among the many smaller congregations ranked among the highest among all religious groups in America. One national magazine recognized the “Church of Christ as being the fastest growing Church in America.” The revered Bill Graham stated in one Magazine article that he judged that “the Church of Christ was closer to (followed more exactly, etc.) the Scriptures than any other in America.” Today, that is not the case.

For this writer to declare as dogma the progress or lack of progress, or the correct means of acceptable evangelism as opposed to incorrect means of evangelism, would be presumptuous, and insulting. Willie questions no brother’s sincerity or love for the Lord or the Lord’s people, the church. He only prays for greater numerical growth than is now apparent. His understandings are subject to question; his sincerity and desire for salvation of lost souls may not be!

We begin by stating a number of Truths that are, or should be, accepted by all who in sincerity want to “speak where the Bible speaks and remain silent where the Bible is silent.”

Truth #1: The church that Jesus said He was going to build would consist of people, saved people. That’s why he came to this world, to save those that were lost. (Luk 19:10). He did not come to set up a religious organization of any kind, or a human hierarchy in the likeness of the Roman Catholic Church, or the several “Pro-testing” institutions that have been formed in rebellion to the Catholic Church, and seemingly continue to be formed almost every day (63,000 registered with the United States authorities, according to one poll).

Truth #2: For those who believe the Scriptures, there never has been, and there never will be, but “one” church, the one that Jesus said he was going to build, and did begin to build starting at Pentecost, and is continuing to build today until He comes again to consummate all things. To preach and teach this one church concept has been one of the most difficult and unsuccessful tasks during my lifetime. It has provoked on occasion unnecessary hostility and regrettably has turned some away from Christ, because of inability to teach in acceptable terms. (How many of you preachers and teachers have had someone say to you, “You people teach that you are the only ones going to Heaven?”) This accusation would never have been made without the advent of sectarian, denominational religious groups who believe that “our” Church is no different from “their” Church. The Scriptures, properly taught, should answer all questions, shouldn’t they?

Truth #3: Christ and only Christ is the head of the church. He and He alone has the right to legislate concerning who constitutes his church. Those “in Christ” through repentance of sins, baptism into Him, and recognition of Him as Lord, and who sincerely strive to live faithfully to his commandments and are filled with His Spirit (Rom. 8:9), are the Body of Christ and for whom He is the Savior. (Eph 5:23).

Truth #4: Since Christ and only Christ is the head of the (note “the” as exclusive) church, his (note “his” as exclusive) church, no man has the right to add to, subtract from, or change any requirement for fellowship with him, and in reality, with the Lord God Almighty. God’s people may meet together (Heb 10:24,25) to accomplish any and all things that are matters of faith. In contrast, God’s people have no authority to approve, legislate or promote any doctrine or practice that is not specifically warranted by the Lord, as laid out in the writings of the inspired apostles and other approved writers.

Truth #5: The God who created mankind provided in their very nature the quality of sociability. No greater example is necessary, it would seem to me, than the example of creating them either male or female, and the ensuing bonds of the natural family. The church of Christ, God’s People on earth, possessors of the very spirit of Christ, are naturally social people. The early disciples were of “one accord.” (See articles under this heading.)

Truth #6: The same process that adds one to Christ (see lesson “in Christ”) makes him a member (Note “member” for later reference) of the spiritual Body of Christ, and brings him into the fellowship with the Father, the Savior Jesus Christ, and with all who have become a part of this fellowship through repentance of sin, baptism into Christ, and recognition of Jesus as Lord.

Truth #7: The soul who comes to Christ becomes a child of God and naturally a member of God’s family. He, the new member of the family, has no determination as to who the other family members are, and they have no determination (selection or approval) of him as an addition to the family, any more than fleshly brothers and sisters do not determine whether a newborn one is to be accepted or that newborn one determines whether he/she will accept or be accepted as a family member. Please consider:

Rom 12:4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

1Co 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. . . . 18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. . . . 20 But now are they many members, yet but one body. . . . 22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. . . . 25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. . . . 27 Now ye are body of Christ, and members in particular.

This writer has been blessed in so many ways they are innumerable. One important one was I was taught as a young man to “love the church.” Not our small segment of the church on Lindsley Avenue in Nashville, Tennessee, but the whole church. When Paul said that “Christ loved the church and gave himself up for it,” surely he meant the whole church, all of it. I’ve only heard a preacher or two in all my life suggest that Jesus was talking only about a religious group in Caesarea when he said that he would build his church. In the late 30's and then the 40's I thought of the church of the Lord as being all of those I had ever met, or heard about, as being brothers and sisters in Christ. My favorite uncle was a preacher of a small congregation in Middle Tennessee and I loved him and all that small group. My grandfather (one of the most Godly men I’ve ever known) was an elder and pillar in another congregation, and I loved that group of brethren, every one of them.

It was not until divisions occurred over certain “issues” that I was taught that certain “local churches” who were on one side of these issues were not faithful, and those “local churches” that taught as most of the brethren I knew taught, were “faithful” churches. This matter of “faithful churches,” and “unfaithful churches,” became one of the most troubling matters of my spiritual life. One day I discovered that the term “a church” could not be found in the Scriptures. This brought me back to my personal reality that there is “the” church, scattered all over the world, but not “a” church mentioned in the Scriptures.

That the church (God’s saved people) meet for sharing of worship of the Almighty, study of the Scriptures and for mutual edification, there seems to be no doubt. (Heb 10:24,25) But, to form some kind of official organization, give it a name, and claim “congregational autonomy” is little short of the sectarianism that has characterized the religious world. Consider with me the beginning of one congregation of saints with which I have had fellowship for a half century.

There are many situations in life that require balance. By this we mean, take advantage of opportunity as well as availability. In all cases, be a disciplined follower of the Lord. As a simple but effective example, let’s consider women and wives. Many of us were taught early in life that all women were to be treated with respect as the “weaker sex,” and with moral righteousness. To my knowledge, I have never been disrespectfully to a woman, although all women have not always proven to be respectable ladies. But having matured as a male, I met and “fell in love” with one female, who became my wife. My relationship with this one was special. Most of the principles of interaction were identical to that demanded for all women, but as my wife there were special obligations and responsibilities that were not binding with any other woman. With these special obligations and responsibilities there were also special privileges and blessings.

When one is baptized into the one Body of Christ he becomes a family member of God’s family, a fellow member of all other members in the Body. As said before, he does not choose who the other members are or will be, and they do not choose him as being acceptable or not acceptable. God does the adding to the family. And, similarly, when one comes into a community of God’s people, he becomes one with them. As someone has correctly said, “Where God has a child I have a brother (or sister).” They have a common Father, and a common Lord, Master, Savior, High Priest, etc. These are not optional matters. It is just God-ordained Truth.

We pause to remind that the example above of husband and wife is a limited illustration. The example of membership in a congregation has also been made to be a very limited illustration. But, should it be?

If a soul identifying himself as a brother in Christ is visiting a group of brethren in another city, hears falsehood being taught, or unrighteousness being practiced, or a need not being met, is he entitled to say, “This is not my congregation. I have no right to interfere.” It is my conclusion that the answer is obvious. Yes, a brother is to interfere if falsehood is being taught. Yes, with all kindness, but as Paul did in Athens, the brother needs to interfere. If a need is discovered, does the brother have liberty to ignore the plea? The answer is “no,” he does not. Concerning the congregation, a child of God in the Body of Christ is equal to all other children of God. So says Paul in 1Co 12.

There is no doubt whatsoever that this position is unacceptable to a majority of “members of the congregation.” But, is it unacceptable to the Lord, the Head of the Body, and the Holy Spirit who fills the minds and hearts of all of God’s children wherever they may encounter problems or needs?

One of the most memorable examples in all my experience concerns an elder in our congregation, who, introducing himself to a seat-mate on an airplane traveling across the country, discovered him to be a brother in Christ and with a serious moral problem. Getting information as he could, he contacted the leaders of the congregation where the brother was known, and offered advice and assistance as needed. The matter was, over a period of time, resolved and a brother’s soul was restored to the Lord. The elder could have, as so many others would likely have done, wished the man well, and said possibly, “I (or we) will pray that all things work out well with you.” Not this elder.

As we conclude this series of articles, we admit an inability to express many heartfelt desires that the church of the Lord – God’s people on earth – might grow to be the Glorious Fellowship that we ought to be. The church is God’s “masterpiece,” according to Paul (Ephesians 3:9.10). My paraphrase of Paul: “I was chosen to explain to everyone this plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning. God’s purpose was to show his wisdom in all its rich variety to all the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, when all men, Jews and Gentiles, are joined together as His church.”

This creation will never, by my judgment, be done by professionals, call them whatever you will, but by every saint recognizing that he is salt, light and leaven. His obligation to be such is not arbitrary, but imposed by the God of his salvation. The very beautiful song says it all:

If the name of the Savior is precious to you, / If His care has been constant and tender and true, / If the light of His presence has brightened your way, / O will you not tell of your gladness today?

If your faith in the Savior has bro’t its reward, /If a strength you have found in the strength of your Lord, / If the hope of a rest in His palace is sweet, /O will you not, brother, the story repeat?

If the souls all around you are living in sin, / If the Master has told you to bid them come in, / If the sweet invitation they never have heard, / O will you not tell them the cheer bringing word?

This one question lays down the challenge. “If the light of his presence has brightened your way, O will you not tell it today?” We believe that every true Christian has had his life “lightened by His presence,” probably beyond his ability to explain. But, the one essential thing is, whether live or die, he will be with the Lord forever.

We are commanded to sing with the “spirit and with understanding,” and “teach and admonish one another.” I’ve always loved to sing (although I don’t do it well), and admit I’ve often sung for the sheer pleasure of it. But as I began to go here and there preaching as best I could the soul saving Gospel of Christ, songs began to mean much more. The words above are very meaningful, but there are countless others that teach the same truths.

We pray and will work for the honor and privilege of being acceptable to God, and assisting others as best I can, and hearing come judgment day, “well done, good and faithful servant.”