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 As
more and more brethren are rejecting the liberal trends among
us, and new churches are being formed, there is renewed interest
in how to "protect" this newly acquired property from
the hands and use of digressive elements. Many conscientious
saints have been forced out of meeting places they helped to
build (they could either condone and support unscriptural
practices or "get out") and they have obtained new
buildings at great sacrifice. What is to keep them from losing
this property also?
Traditionally,
an effort has been made to draw up property deeds which will
maintain possession for "sound" brethren of the next
generation. Usually this "creed in the deed" is little
more than a catalog of past problems, and fails, to guarantee
anything respecting the future tests, with their problems yet
unfolded. At the logical end, these statements of
"orthodoxy" become party paraphernalia, and the
building is the dowry given to those who will be wed to the
creed of the original owners. One can not protect the purity of
the church, nor its property, by carnal methods.
The
alternative to carnal warfare (2CO.10:3-6) is to capture hearts
with the truth of God. This is done by preaching and teaching,
not by quarantine tactics. "Except Jehovah build the house,
they labor in vain
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that build it" (PSA.127:1). The
finest building in the world will be of little value in building
up the cause of Christ, in the hands of poorly taught,
"house-worshiping" people. It may even be a grave
hindrance to the spiritual growth they sorely need.
"Protecting
property: is so poor a reason for teaching truth that I hesitate
even to make these statements. However, since this is my
subject, please hear me out.
If
"sound" brethren wish to keep their property (Ughh!)
they must see to it that "sound" doctrine (negative as
well as positive) is preached from the pulpit and in the
classes. They must not tolerate "broad principles"
alone, but must welcome application. If this "drives
someone away" you may console your materialistic hearts
with the thought that these who leave are the ones who,
otherwise, would one day take your property.
Further,
for your own protection, you must welcome constructive criticism
of your teaching and preaching. Bible study must be objective,
your faith and practice tested by fire, if "the
property" is to remain in the hands of true Christians,
rather than become the property of a sect. Save souls if you
would "save the property.
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