The first article was written with the trust that the readers would know that the title under which the article was written with “tongue in cheek.” To the Bible believing folks there is but one plan and it belongs to God through his “dear Son!” However, nearly from the beginning, when the gospel was first preached, there were some who thought that God’s plan needed just a little help, if it was to work, if it was to do the job God desired! It is the wish and fervent desire of this humble writer that all efforts of humanity would stop and desist at this very moment, to change God’s plan! However, from history it is fully known that this will not happen!
In this second article an effort will be made to look at a “new plan” for the churches of Christ. This article is not written with the belief that it will stop or even slow down what is now taking place; one eldership over more than one congregation. Those who desire and are, at this time, implementing their manmade designed plan for the future of the churches of Christ, have long ago departed from the faith, “once for all time delivered unto the saints,” (Jude 3) and they have no desire to return! This suggests the question, why write at all? It is hoped that honest, faithful, children of God will take heed of what is happening among us, with the desire that they will never weaken, nor give in to such deadly doctrine!
So, just who is it that has introduced this “new” and deadly doctrine? Here, let us recall a little history. In the first century, yes, even in the time the inspired words were being written, such an effort was foretold. It was through the pen of the apostle Paul, who wrote: “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition” (2 Thes. 2:3). Please note that Paul’s words are set in his own time, pointing to the time when some within the churches of Christ would depart, or as Paul wrote, “there come a falling away.” Yes, from within the churches of Christ, from God’s redeemed, would this “falling away” take place. Before continuing, it is good that we notice the meaning of the Greek word used here. Our English words “a falling away,” come from the one Greek word, “apostasia,” which means: “defection from truth (properly the state), (apostasy): – falling away, forsake” (Strong). This was started in the days of the apostle himself and it took nearly 500 years before it became a full reality; Boniface III would take the seat of “The Pope” in the year 606 A.D. It is so true, that big things, are started small. In other words, the result may bear little resemblance to its beginning! So, we look at the beginning of such a “falling away,” and express the thought that the present action looks nothing like a “Pope.” To which we say, of course, not!
Now, let us look at what is really happening at the present time. We need not go outside the state of Oklahoma, beyond the second largest city in the state. Here we call your attention to an article in the “Christian Chronicle,” though we will only look in general terms and no quotes will be given. (Due to the fact that the article cannot be found at the time of writing.) The larger congregation is nearing the point of out-growing the building; therefore, a larger one is needed. It just happens about this time that, perhaps the largest denominational church in the state had fallen on bad times and needs to sell their property. Here is the general look at the property. The land is about eighty acres, with a large “family life center” building and a very large building of worship. It will serve the desires of the elders of the overseeing elders and the church. In the process of time, the now very large Church of Christ, does not have room for all the people in the congregations they have now taken over; therefore, the little congregations, which are now under the oversight of the elders of the large Church have to remain in their old buildings and are now identified as “satellite” churches. The number of which are unknown to this writer.
Here it is needful that we view what is taking place. This will be done through questions: 1) Where is the authority of Christ for the elders of one congregation overseeing the affairs of another congregation? 2) Where is the authority of Christ for these “family life centers?” and 3) Where is the authority of Christ for the church to provide “all things” of the family? These three questions are not to be just thrown to the side!
It has amazed me for years that some brethren read the New Testament as though families had no children. In other words, just what did children do who had parents who were “the called out of Christ?” We can read where children are to be obedient to their parents (Eph. 6:1), we can read where children are to “honor their father and mother” (Eph. 6:2), and we can read where fathers are to bring their children up in “the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). My brethren, please take no part in that which helps destroys the family as designed by God!
Frank R. Williams