Introduction: - There are few people who want to be called a "Liberal".

A. You will find no church sign "Liberal Church of Christ."

1. If you ask various brethren the question: "Who is a Liberal?" You will get various answers It is a relative term.

2. I do not wish to call someone a name toproduce prejudice. However there are attitudes and actions that need to be corrected. Let us see what God's will is and make any corrections in our lives.

 

B. In the Bible there are those described as "going beyond" the limits of the word of God. This is a "Liberal".

1. Positively - Col. 3:17; 2 Timothy 3:16,17.

2. Negatively - 1 Cor. 4:6; 2 John 9.

3. Rather than being defensive, let each of us open our hearts to our Lord. If I make any misrepresentations of my brethren or of God's word, please let me know.

I. The Sinfulness of Division

A. 1 Cor. 1:10; Jn. 17:20,21 - This prayer of my Lord caused me to stand with others who claimed to be undenominational.

1. I was taught to arrange studies with others who sought to follow our Lord and resolve our differences from the Bible.

2. I was confident in this approach. My brother soon was to leave the Baptist church because of our studies.

B. After coming out of denominationalism, it was a major shock to discover that brethren were divided!

1. I decided to do something about it, first investigate, and then teach whoever was in error.

2. I know of no other approach that one who loves the Lord would take! What is your attitude?

II. Things Which Did Not Cause Me to Leave

A. Personal Preference

B. Friendliness, Associations

C. Zeal, Activity

D. Personal Offense

E. Convenience - No, this is a matter of truth.

F. I was strongly motivated to justify my brethren. I tried for nearly two years to prove them right.

1. I knew that God would not lead me wrong. (Jude 3)

2. As I began to inquire among brethren as to why division existed among churches of Christ, I was shocked to find many who either did not know, or frankly grossly misrepresented others in an angry and crude way.

3. If someone was to ask you for a study on these questions, could you? (1 Peter 3:15)

III. What Are the Issues?

A. Please do not allow anyone to define the beliefs of another without first listening to both sides!

1. As a Baptist, I heard the Lord's people misrepresented as "believing in a works salvation", and as "denying the blood of Christ".

2. When people do not want an open study of the Bible, it is easy to hide behind prejudice. It was common to find some try to represent others as a "lunatic fringe".

3. Some depended on labels but never defined the points of differences. The common labels used are "anti", and "liberal". What do you mean by these words? ex. Ed Harrell - "anti-anti"

4. Some concentrated on only one issue such as "orphan homes" and "limited benevolence"

B. The truth is that many issues are involved. A study of the division that resulted in the "Christian Church" around 1900 will help one to understand the kind of differences that exist today.

1. See article "Why I Left the Christian Church" by Floyd Decker, 1944.

2. I would also like to add to this list "the sponsoring church arrangement".

3. What may be an "issue" of difference will vary from congregation to congregation.

1. "The Christian Church has women Counselors, Directors, and Lecturers; the church of Christ does not (I Tim 2:11,12; I Cor. 14:34).

2. The Christian Church has Educational Directors, Associate Ministers and Youth Directors; the church of Christ has elders, deacons, evangelists and teachers (Eph. 4:11; Phil 1:1).

3. The Christian Church has Missionary, Benevolent, and Educational Organizations to execute the work of the church; the church of Christ does not.(Eph 4:4;3:10,21).

4. The Christian Church celebrates days of heathen worship, such as Easter, Mother's Day, and Christmas; the church of Christ does not (Gal. 4:10).

5. The Christian Church fellowships various denominations in their activities, leaving the impression that all are brethren; the church of Christ does not. (Rom 1:16; 2 Jn. 9-11; Gal 1:6-10).

6. The Christian Church seeks to get crowds with Youth Meetings, Campaigns for Christ, Rallies, Drives and Promotions; the church of Christ does not. (Rev. 22:18,19).

7. The Christian Church emphasizes society and the physical man by appealing to the carnal nature--with church carnivals, bands, plays, choruses, dramatics, church kitchens, church camps, and elaborate fellowship halls; the church of Christ does not.(1 Cor. 10:7; 11:22-34; Rom 14:17).

8. The Christian Church elevates its preachers above. the rest of the members by using such titles as Pastor, Superintendent, President, Doctor, and Reverend; the church of Christ does not (Matt. 23: 5-12; Job 32:21,22).

9. The Christian Church takes up collections at services other than on the first day of the week, and uses unscriptural means such as suppers, property rentals,and special collections to raise money for the church; the church of Christ follows I Cor. 16:1,2 by having each member lay by in store on the first day of the week. This is the only way of raising money.

10. The Christian church misuses the name "Christian" (a noun) by speaking of " Christian nations ", " Christian schools ", and the "Christian Church"; the church of Christ does not (Acts 11:26; 26:28; I Pet 4:16).

11. The Christian Church owns and operates publishing houses, radio stations, hospitals, and other Benevolent Societies; the churches of Christ build nothing but churches (Eph. 3:21).

12. The Christian Church owns, supports, and operates schools for secular education, beginning with kindergartens and going all the way through theological seminaries; the church of Christ does not (I Tim 3:15).

13. The Christian Church has a compromising attitude and spirit, will not defend its doctrine, is nothing but a man-made denomination, has no regard for the authority of the Bible, bases its practice on the silence of the Scriptures, and appeals to the traditions of the elders rather than the simple unadulterated gospel of Jesus Christ. The Christian Church is no part of the NT church, and should not be regarded as a friend of Christ nor of the truth."

IV. Reasons Why I Left Liberalism.

V. Some General Observations

A. During my entire investigation I could not get preachers to defend liberal practices to me!

1. There was one exception however, Gus Nichols.

2. There were none would study with another preacher!

3. This is still true today --- I am open to a study on these questions!

B. While studying with faithful men, some assumed I knew more than I did!

1. Instead of a step-by-step study, some drove right into points of difference. Many do not have enough knowledge.

2. It is important to begin by studying points of agreement such as Bible Authority.

VI. I had to decide and so do you!

A. I wavered for one year before standing.

1. I was often frustrated and confused.

2. But I never lost faith in God's word! (Rom. 3:4)

B. There were two things that opened my eyes.

1. A brief visit I made to a church in Huntsville

2. I tried to study with Kenneth Reed, the man one who had baptized me! He angrily refused.

C. Please do not try to stand in the middle!

1. Ex. J. W. McGarvey

2. Apostasy will not stop here! I am amazed at the changes in just the last 20 years. Where will your children end up? (Jos. 24:15)

3. Some justify remaining in error saying: "But these brethren have a do- nothing attitude, etc. ..." You can both stand for truth and do something! Please stand in the right way yourself, then work with others.

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