The Truth in Print Vol. 21 Issue 10, Nov. 2015
A Publication of the Valley church of Christ,
2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364 (928-782-5058)
Website
Address ~ http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com
Patterns of Apostasy
Outline
The following brief outline is used in our
congregation for a “special class” when needed. The outline of itself presents
a quick view of patterns repeating themselves through the years of even our own
lives.
The Need to Understand “Patterns of
Apostasy” – Apostasies Repeat Themselves
Both “Individual” and “Church” Supported Societies Built by
Brethren
I.
General date for the Restoration Movement – 1800. The truth was taught and
restoration preachers rejected all human creeds and dissolved their
“associations” they’d formed. They did that understanding that the local church
was God’s divine organization to convert the world; neither
individuals or churches had scriptural authority to organize and support
evangelistic institutions that were separate and apart from the local church to
do the work of evangelism.
II.
The 1840s had both “individual” and
“church” support of evangelistic societies. Within some 40 years of the
dissolution of “associations” brethren are engaged in evangelistic societies
again!
A.
In 1845 J.T. Johnson’s evangelistic plan – in Danville, Kentucky - was
for an “individual, not a congregational association.” Efforts to co-operate by
churches had failed. This one is often overlooked when preaching or teaching on
apostasy.
B.
1849 the American Christian Missionary Society supported by the
churches; two very distinct groups appeared – those who opposed and maintained
the New Testament pattern and those who endorsed the society. Blatant apostasy
in just 40 years! *The hypocrisy of the first President is clearly seen.
1.
The methods promoting one apostasy will be used for another. In this same
period the apostasy of Instrumental Music in worship: (1) As early as 1851 in
Kentucky – “We are far in the rear of Protestants on the subject of church
music”; (2) L.L. Pinkerton of Midway Ky. In 1860 – can pinpoint the suggestions
and arguments “for”; (3) Back again 1864 W.K.
Pendleton admits no N.T. usage but argues on basis of “silence of the
scriptures” and “expediency” – it was an expedient like the church building.
Apostasies
Repeat Themselves:
C.
1942 Planning began for Florida Christian College, Informal meetings of
large groups until 1944, June 1944 State wide meeting – board of directors
appointed, Dec. 1944 “Florida Christian College” chosen as name, Sept. 1946
first students received. This was not church supported but tactics were similar
to earlier apostasies. * Preacher training — James R. Cope, President-Elect,
Florida Christian College
— “Our students will be taught the issues and how to meet them.”
D.
1948 Akin Foundation -- was an organization for the support of churches
of Christ. Our brethren had it thrown in their face at The Arlington Meeting
(Jan. 1968). A non-issue for it was to be viewed as just individual Christians
working together. Roy Cogdill proposed both churches
and individuals send money to a legal defense fund to help save it — based upon
what one local church may do to ensure its right to work and worship; Fanning Yater Tant in defense of Cogdill’s plea said “it is the collective property of
conservative churches.”
E.
1950s – The Gospel Press was organized initially to be supported
entirely by individuals – then started soliciting from churches.
F.
1950s – The church support of Human Societies – Orphan Homes, the
College, etc.. The Sponsoring Church movement: The Herald of Truth, Feb. 10, 1952 the Highland Church of
Christ, Abilene, TX. – was not the same
false pattern as the American Christian Missionary Society.
G.
1970s – 80s Talk about our brethren building human societies for
evangelistic purposes. As with other apostasies we can pinpoint the
beginnings - 1973 the Cogdill Foundation
appealed for contributions (donations) to send free tracts to the Philippines;
they were asked if they could send the writers of the tracts also and dropped
the appeal; late 1970s Mike Willis, the Guardian of Truth Foundation –
discussions with Gene Frost, etc..
H.
2004 --
The first Guardian of Truth Foundation Lectureship (have added children’s
classes since then). In just some 30 years again a major apostasy!
I.
Today we see a most “institutional” non-institutional brethren. To list a few
through the years:
1.
Florida College -- an organization that provides worship and evangelism. It was
presented to our brotherhood as a supposed non-issue for it is not supported by
the churches.
2.
Guardian of Truth Foundation -- an organization
that has the G.O.T.F. Lectures providing evangelism and worship. Again a supposed non-issue
for it is just letting the local church be the local church.
3.
Camps – F.C. Camps and now many others — some brazenly seek donations all the
while proclaiming that they engage in edification and worship; some have been
said to have served the Lord’s Supper.
4.
The Barnabas Ministry -- an organization at work in the Philippines in
evangelism, benevolence.
5.
WOW -- Women Worthy of Worthiness -- an organization for Edification.
6.
Bread Upon The Waters -- an organization for Evangelism & Benevolence. It
references James 1:27 sixty years after it was falsely used to justify
institutional apostasies in the 40s-60s by the transfer of individual duty to
an organization; References “Let the Church be the Church” by Ron Halbrook for justification.
7.
1213 -- an organization for benevolence; pleads for the recall of Gal.
6:10 sixty years after it was used to justify institutional apostasies in the
40s-60s; presented as “a new non-profit
working to meet the needs encountered by servants like you. I believe it’s
unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.”
Note:
Most always their self-identity is accompanied by a disclaimer saying that one
must not misunderstand their intentions; they in no way wish to supersede the
local church or take over the work of the local church for their organization
is supported by individual contributions only.
By Bob Lovelace
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