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 A
couple of decades ago Issues arose that demanded a new look at
our studying and teaching habits. We had continued to fight
yesterday’s battle and parrot arguments from the past. We
waged war on the retreating denominations and neglected
grounding the converts in a thorough knowledge of the truth. It
became obvious that critical and detailed work needed to be
done. Dedicated men rose to meet the challenge, and the years
have developed some fine Bible students among us, capable of
teaching and discussing the most technical subjects. Many
brethren also became enthusiastic students. Generally we
profited from good research and serious study. Of course, we al
so developed some “knot-heads” who pretend scholarship to
advance their pet speculations.
Community
trends, however. are the opposite — toward abysmal ignorance
of the Bible. Sectarian preachers are almost exclusively
concerned with social and political problems. They do not even
teach what little they know about the Bible. Many liberal minded
brethren are to busy promoting brotherhood projects and being
congregational pastors to do more than “warm-up” a borrowed
sermon outline. The result? General ignorance of even basic
Bible history and principles.
Now
to the point. We need good
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challenging lessons for mature
brethren who study. But it is no reflection on a
preacher’s scholarship or ability to also preach the basics in
terms that even a child can understand. In studies aimed at
unbelievers we need elementary lessons. A technical Greek word
study is hardly going to help a fellow who does not know who
came first — Moses or Paul. Feed the “full grown” on “strong
meat” but serve the unbelievers and babes in Christ some good
wholesome milk (Heb. 5:12. 14).
***********************
Jan.
18 was the big day. Brother Turner left Burnet for Australia and
is currently busy (what else for him) in meetings there. Also,
on Jan. 18 the Shipley's left Arizona to begin working with the
Oaks—West congregation in Burnet. The same day the Fitch
family bid sad farewell to home and friends in Burnet to work
with the Laurel Heights church in McAllen. Texas. So — a real
fruit -basket- turnover.
I
will be Plain Talk editor in Robert’s absence. The editor’s
shoes seem uncomfortably oversize, but I am
fortunate to have two good writing
helpers in Jim Everett and Dan Shipley. Joe Fitch, 1616 N. 6th.
McAllen. Texas
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