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 Many
brethren view problems dividing disciples today and dismiss them
with a shrug — “Oh, there is really not much difference;
they are not far apart.” It sounds like wishful thinking to
me. The same thing was said of the apostasy 100 years ago —
”a piano is the only difference. “ But more important than
the distance separating us is the direction we are going.
This
was emphasized to me recently in a preacher’s discussion about
current problems. One preacher said, “Give us the scripture
authorizing the things you are doing and advocating; that is all
we ask.” A prominent preacher retorted, “Give us scripture!
Give us scripture! You can teach an old green parrot to say ‘Give
us scripture.’ That is all you fellows say.” I was amazed!
Little matter what short distance may now separate us, we are
not going the same direction! Don’t be surprised if our
doctrine and practices become more and more different; we follow
divergent principles. Such irritation and disgust with
pleas for scripture point the opposite direction from the
appeals for a “thus saith the Lord” in all we teach or do.
(Col. 3:17)
A
situation may arise where brethren have some grave differences.
They both agree that we must “speak where the Bible speaks and
be silent where the Bible is silent.” We may confidently make
a prediction. IF — IF (1) they are honest men and (2) they
seriously study their Bibles; the differences will work out.
They will move closer and closer together as they move closer to
their common standard of authority (scripture). Unity will
eventually result; they follow converging courses.
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Some
find it encouraging that fewer differences exist between some
brethren and the 1st Christian Church today than 25 years ago.
You will notice this comes at the same time the same brethren
are moving farther from brethren who demand scripture for all
things. Be assured this “converging” is not because the
Christian Church people are returning to the biblical principles
they left 100 years ago. They are becoming more liberal all the
time. But we may well expect time to bring our liberal brethren
and the 1st Christians together. They both refuse to be
restrained by the silence of scripture; both accept and voice
the very same principles — they follow converging
courses.
Many
people have not recently examined the course they follow. Ask
yourself — Are you hearing fewer appeals from your preachers
to return to the Bible in all things? Do you ever hear your own
doctrine examined in the light of scripture? You see things done
today that were condemned a few years ago, but do you hear an
explanation for the change? Do you hear more poems and
philosophy but less scripture in sermons? WHICH WAY ARE YOU
HEADED? “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil.” (Ex.
23:2)
Some
churches could surely use an old green parrot to cry out, “Give
us scripture! Give us scripture!” Maybe he would awaken the
people. Doubtless the plea must come from the old green parrot;
few preachers are saying it. Joe Fitch
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