|
 Recently
one of our elders, W. E. Stephenson, preached a sermon on Col.
3:17 — "Do All in the Name of the Lord Jesus."
Brother Stephenson is seventy-six years mature, and mounted the
speaker's stand with a cane, but his voice was strong and his
lesson a model of plain talk. Some present may not have agreed
with what he said, but all understood both the principle and
the applications proclaimed.
"We
claim to be followers of Jesus Christ," he said. "Our
words and our deeds must be in accordance with His will —
promoting His cause — in keeping with His authority."
"What He has authorized we must accept as right, and limit
ourselves to that." There followed many examples, each
backed by scriptural reference. "Preachers, elders, all
members, are obligated to teach the truth."
"Individual saints are to care for their aged ones, that
the church may care for 'widows indeed."' "Elders are
shepherds of the flock among them." He gave scripture for
the support of the preacher, and of certain elders — and added
that he knew of no scriptures violated in appointing a preacher
to be an elder — but he said this may not be expedient, and
should be considered with extreme caution. (And I'll 'Amen!'
that.)
He
commended the two men Oaks-West is now considering for
additional elders; and cited the authority for additional
deacons — but he made it clear that deacons are not elders,
have not in the past been overseers here, nor should they be in
the future. He gave some pointed remarks on the need for
"qualified" women, children, and homes of elders and
deacons.
| |
He
expressed concern for members who were careless and negligent in
their service to God, and for young people who had not yet
obeyed the gospel; and he asked our forgiveness for failure on
his part to guide us toward more faithfulness, as a good elder
should. It was a plea of love.
Turning
then to Acts 20:28-f. he warned how elders, saints, and churches
can drift. "Changes," he said, "rarely come
suddenly." As an example he pointed out how, in 1929 or 30
the truck from an Orphan Home had come to his store to collect
food and cash left there by individuals. They would not then
accept cash or check from a church. THEN, a busload of singers
had come to the church building, and a man stood at the door
following the "sing" to collect donations. LATER, for
convenience sake, they asked the church to deposit the money,
and give them a check. NEXT, the church was asked to give a
"special" contribution — a second passing of the
plate.
WITH
THE PASSING OF A FEW YEARS, the institution asked for the entire
5th. Sunday contribution. NEXT, they wanted a place in the
regular monthly budget. AND WHEN OPPOSITION AROSE, it was,
"If you don't send, you are an 'Anti-' church." Asked
why he now opposed something he once had a part in, Bro.
Stephenson said he replied: "I once drank whiskey, and
smoked; but when I learned better, I quit it." He
concluded, "I am an old man, soon to die; but I must warn
younger saints of the ways of 'Step-by-Step digression'." Do
you wonder why we love our elders, and why this congregation has
grown more strong in the faith??
[Previous
Article] [Next
Article]
|
