 DANGEROUS ASSUMPTIONS IN A TIME OF CRISIS
Churches of Christ are facing a major crisis as a sizable and influential body of men and some of our large universities have mounted a campaign to transform the church into a modern charismatic denomination. Apostles of this movement are traversing the brotherhood, sowing their seeds of change with significant success. Elders, whose task it is to protect their flocks from wolves and thieves (Acts 20:28-30), must be especially vigilant in this time of conflict. Faulty assumptions in the current climate could prove disastrous to congregations and souls of disciples, young and old.
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We cannot assume that because a brother or sister was once a faithful child of God that such is still the case. Time and circumstances have a way of eroding the faith of some. They fall away from the faith (I Tim. 4:1-2). |
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Nor can we assume that a man, once known as a faithful, dependable preacher, is still that today. Across the country a number of men have embraced the agenda of those who are trying to change our faith, worship and practice. John teaches us to try the spirits for many false prophets are gone forth in to the world (I John 4:1). Paul spoke of men who made shipwreck concerning the faith (I Tim. 1:19-20). Some of the leading advocates of change were once faithful, effective preachers of God’s Word. Elder’s cannot afford to assume soundness when interviewing preachers or inviting guest speakers. |
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We cannot assume that because a Christian College was once a sound bastion of the faith and a safe place to send our young people and preacher students, it still is. Some of our schools with illustrious beginnings and long histories of service to the kingdom have now emerged as fountainheads of false teaching and promotion of change. Parents and students should investigate carefully before deciding on a school.
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No longer can we assume that a congregation wearing the name Church of Christ is in fact a faithful church following the ordinances of Christ. The church in Ephesus had left her fist love (Rev. 2:4-5). Some churches that once were strong for the way of Christ are now a new variety of congregation, known for their changes in the faith, worship and practice. Before a person places his membership, he should observe carefully and inquire very pointedly as to their thinking and practice. |
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We cannot assume that because a brother or sister once loved the truth of God and rejoiced to hear it proclaimed, they still do. Jesus warned, the love of many “would wax cold” (Matt. 24:12). Experience demonstrates that such is happening among our people today. |
There was a day when we could safely assume that if one was a member of the Church of Christ he would:
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Believe the Scriptures to be inerrant (John 10:35) |
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The church to be the sacred body of Christ (Eph. 1:22); |
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That denominationalism was wrong (I Cor. 1:10-13); |
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That all things must be done according to the divine patter (Heb. 8:5); |
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That the use of instrumental music in worship is sinful (Eph. 5:19-20); |
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That women should not preach or fill roles of public leadership in the church (I Cor. 14:33-34); |
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That only those properly immersed have their sins forgiven (Acts 22:16); |
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That salvation by faith only is a teaching of man not found in Scripture (Jas. 2:18-26) |
Today, thanks to our change agents and to the universities from whence they came, all of these fundamental truths are openly challenged and even repudiated.
In such a spiritual environment, assumptions are dangerous things. Wise leaders will assume nothing. They will “prove all things; hold fast that which is good and abstain from every appearance of evil” (I Thess. 5:21-22).
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