The Bulletin
of the
Church of Christ at
New Georgia
Tim Johnson, editor
June 10, 2007
In
This Issue:
What's
the Difference Between a Water Fountain and a Fellowship Hall?
by
Steve Klein
Whatsoever
Things were Written Aforetime
by
David Cox
Take
Heed To Yourself
Jason
Cicero
What's the Difference Between
A Water Fountain and a Fellowship Hall?
In trying to defend the practice of churches building fellowship halls, some brethren have offered the argument over the years that there is no difference between a water fountain and a fellowship all. Their logic is that if we can allow a church to provide a water fountain in the church building, we should not object to the church constructing a fellowship hall.
It has been said that you should never try to debate someone before you understand their position. The Bible says, "He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him" (Proverbs 18:13). Those who justify fellowship halls on the basis that those who object allow for water fountains have NOT really heard or understood the objections that have been raised. They may wonder why it is that what seems to them to be an incontrovertible argument, has no effect at all on those who disagree with them. Here's why:
First, if there is no difference between a water fountain and a fellowship hall, who is to say that they are not BOTH wrong? If I pass judgment on someone who is doing wrong, while I myself am practicing the same thing, it doesn't justify us both, it condemns us both! Paul said, "You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things" (Romans 2:1, NIV).
Second, the obvious fact is that there is a difference between a water fountain and a fellowship hall! What's the difference? It's the same difference that there is between a song book and a piano. One helps us fulfill a command, while the other encourages people to do something that the Scriptures do not authorize. We are commanded to sing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16), and song books help us do just that. But we have no New Testament authority to play musical instruments in our attempts to praise God. Therefore, pianos are not authorized. Even so, church buildings, pews, doors, rest rooms, air conditioners, speaker systems, lights and water fountains help us do something that churches are commanded to do - assemble for worship (Hebrews 10:25; 1 Corinthians 11:23; 14:26). They are aids that expedite the keeping of a commandment. On the other hand, no church was ever commanded to come together as a church to eat a common meal. In fact, they were specifically commanded NOT to do so. Paul said, "If anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, lest you come together for judgment." (1 Corinthians 11:34).
-- Steve
Klein
"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope" (Romans 15:4).
There is no doubt that when Paul mentions the things "written aforetime" he is making reference to the Old Testament. Some have attempted to justify the authority of the Old Testament scriptures by using this verse. However, if Paul had intended that the authority of the Old Testament is still in force today (in the Dispensation of Christ), then this verse would stand in direct contradiction to other passages of Scripture. For example, Paul writing to the Colossians spoke of Christ and the Old Testament, "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross" (Colossians 2:14). Paul, writing to the Galatians, referred to the Old Testament (the old law) as a "schoolmaster." Paul stated the purpose of the old law was "to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith" (Galatians 3:24). In verse 25 of Galatians 3, we read "But after faith is come, we are no longer under a school-master." It is clear that Paul was speaking of the old law being brought to an end which is in keeping with what Christ said about the old law as he lived on this earth (Matthew 5:17; Luke 24:44). Obviously, Paul never intended for this statement, in Romans 15:4, to be used to justify the practices of some based on the authority of the Old Testament.
The question now is: What exactly did Paul say about the use of the Old Testament? He said it was for our learning so that those who suffer for righteousness will have hope. Paul speaking to Felix, said, "But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and prophets: And have hope toward God which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust" (Acts 24:14-15). Notice that Paul said he believed all that was written in the law and prophets and he had hope as those before him had. As Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, etc looked by faith to the coming promise of God, so did Paul and in Romans 15:4, Paul is saying so should we. Think of Job and Daniel suffering because of their having a trusting faith in God. This should admonish (comfort) us to live lives that will be acceptable to Cod, our Father. As we think of the promises given to Abraham and the faithfulness of God in fulfilling them, this should help us to recognize that God is not "slack concerning His promise as some men count slackness but is longsuffering" (2 Peter 3:9). Men may say the world has not ended yet and that they desire to enjoy the pleasures of sin But Paul is reminding us that the lessons of the Old Testament are invaluable to us as we live our lives by faith; trusting in the promises of God as those have so done in the days long ago.
There are many lessons we can gain from the Old Testament that can give us comfort and hope. But Romans 15:4 should never be used to try to give authority to the Old Testament Scriptures for today.
-- David Cox
Timothy was instructed by the Holy Spirit to"take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you" (1 Timothy 4:16; NKJV). It was imperative for Timothy to begin with the man in the mirror. The effective evangelist will begin his work inside himself, cultivating the heart of Christ in his own heart. Each of us must do the same.
As we look into the word of God we see ourselves as we really are (James 1:23-25). Only when we correct the imperfections that we see in ourselves will we be in a position to help others enjoy the salvation of Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 4:16).
Those who do the work of the Lord "will be blessed" (James 1:25). Let us "take heed" to ourselves, looking into "the perfect law of liberty," so that we might receive God's blessings and in return be a blessing to others.
--Jason Cicero
Via PerryHill Rd Church of Christ bulletin, Montgomery, AL