|
 In
'51, '52 and '53 I devoted much time to meeting work, traveling
from the east to the west coast. Brethren were awakening to the
seriousness of institutionalism in Texas, although many churches
had already committed themselves so far with the "big"
"on the march" churches they did not care to hear what
I had to say. I remember preaching a sermon on "The
Church" in one community, and a brother took me aside and
told me I was just "too strict" in insisting on Bible
authority and pattern.
A
few weeks later, in the Ohio valley, I preached the same sermon;
and one old brother "had a talk" with me, saying he
liked my sermon, but I was "just a little loose" on
the subject.
The
Texas church had long ago lost its sense of restraint --
"Bible Things in Bible Ways" attitude; and was now
working for a popular "public image." The Pennsylvania
church was just then emerging from fifty years of "keeping
house for the Lord" attitude; and did not relish a sermon
that reminded them of an ultra-conservative, nonproductive past.
The
story is incomplete without a Tennessee preacher who heard a few
of my "different" illustrations and some
"fresh"
|
|
terminology; and wondered if Bro. Goodpasture
"would approve??" (I never did get around to asking
him!)
In
this day of mass communications it is easy to suppose that
churches elsewhere are "just like us." Come with me
and I'll prove differently. Gulf-coast Texas, Iowa, Indiana,
Maryland, and New Jersey should do it. One church is beginning
to experiment with something another has long ago tried and
rejected, and another is aghast to learn that any church
would even consider.
The
need is for patient understanding of local differences, and lots
and lots of basic, non-sectional, Bible teaching. We could do
with a big helping of humility, and less rushing into print with
bizarre ideas. At the same time, a willingness to "hear a
man through" and "search the scriptures daily, whether
these things were so" would help much. (Acts 17:11)
Above
all, it is God's truth, not party union, that must be sought. If
we will "cleave unto the Lord" (Acts 11:23) saints in
Iowa will have no difficulty in fellowshipping "you
all" saints in Texas.
[Previous
Article] [Next
Article]
|
