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 R.
L. Whiteside was an honest, Capable Bible
scholar. The following is from a compilation of his works,
“Reflections.” (p.259-f) Omissions, necessary
for brevity, are indicated.
The
word church is a translation of the Greek word that means the called
out. All who have been called out of sin into the service of God, by
that very process become a part of the called-out people, members of the
church.
###
To say that the local churches of Christ constitute the church of Christ
is a great mistake, for there are children of God who are not members of
any congregation. When Philip baptized the Ethiopian eunuch, there was
no local church in that community for the eunuch to become a member of;
yet he became a child of God, a member of God’s family, which is the
church of God. ###
The
church is not so much an organization as it is an organism. This is true
whether the whole body of believers is considered or simply a
congregation. In either case, Christ is the head, “from whom all the
body fitly framed and knit together through that which every joint
supplieth, according to the working in due measure of each several part,
maketh the increase of the body unto the building up of itself in love.”
(Eph. 4:16)
course
where a group of people are banded together for a definite purpose,
there must be some sort of arrangement, or organization to meet the
needs of the body. In the very nature of the case, somebody must by
appointment or by common consent
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take the lead — must direct affairs. Every body
must have a head. Also somebody must look after various details
connected with the operation of the body. The local church is no
exception. Somebody must direct its affairs, and somebody must
attend to the detail a of service. Hence, in the early churches
there were elders and deacons. It seems very plain that elders were
appointed in every church.
The
early churches were bound together by strong spiritual ties. Jesus
was the head, and the gospel was the bond of union; but each church
was a whole unit; as much so as if there had not been another local
church in the world. It was complete in itself, independent of any
outside control. There were no ecclesiasticisms, such as the
denominations have today. There was no grouping of churches under
one man or set of men. Each church owed allegiance to the, Lord, and
worshipped and served His according to His will. That is the Lord’
s way today — walk in it.
Divisions
developed in the church of God at Corinth, and Paul told them that
they were carnal. So long as a church moves along smoothly, no one
can tell with certainty who are really true to the Lord. “For
there must be also factions among you, that they that are approved
may be made manifest among you.” (l Cor. 11:19) When divisions
come, those who are true to the Lord stay with the right. ### Of
course the group that stays with the Bible is the one to cast your
lot with.
(Reprint, Vol. 4, No. 3)
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