SEE WITH YOUR OWN EYES WHAT THEY ARE SAYING

The following lines are from a brief correspondence I recently had with a brother in a northern state who is deeply committed to the "Change Movement."  We shall call him Thad. To understand what these brethren are really saying, you need to read Thad's correspondence for it reflects typical thinking of agents of change.

I. John: "I am a change agent. May God's grace consume you today!" Thad

II. Dear Bro. Thad:    If, as you say, you "are a change agent" why do you stay among a people you feel are wrong on so many points? You very likely would fit right in with a Christian Church, perhaps even a Baptist Church. You would not have to devote yourself to changing them. By staying among Churches of Christ and working to impose changes that are foreign to the Written standard given us by Christ, you create tensions, grief and division among people who were content to worship in the simple Bible fashion before you and your fellow change agents came along. Solomon said that God hates "he that soweth discord among brethren" (Prov. 6:19).

I write this in sincerity with no sarcasm or insult. I hope you will receive it as a sincere exhortation to follow your heart to a place where you belong.  John Waddey

III. Dear Bro. John: " ... You are correct in saying that I would fit in with the Christian Church, Baptist Church, or for that matter, any church that would claim Jesus as their Lord and Savior.... I would never dream of trying to change the way you worship God. Worship is your own personal response to what God has done for you! I will however try to change you and anyone else who would try to impose your way of worship as being the one and only way to God. When your traditions become a thus saith the Lord for all people and all time you have made an idol of your tradition. I will also try to change those who, like the Pharisees feel their adherence to their law and tradition is more important that the salvation of people! Jesus cared more about people than laws and traditions. He went out of His way to challenge, and change tradition for the sake of human need! How many of these simple, Bible-following people do you know that are bringing people to salvation? How many people are you bringing to Jesus? How many lives are you saving? Do you get more excited about arguing religion than sharing Jesus with lost people? You may want to see how that quote from Solomon looks in the mirror. I am content with how you want to worship....are you content with me? Who is it that is sowing discord? Did Jesus sow seeds of discord when He challenged the Pharisees and Sadducees of His day? When they had reduced God to a list of rules? Was He, and is He not a change agent? Did he not have his greatest criticism to those who claimed to be the religious leaders of His day? Did He criticize them because they were searching for new, innovative ways to be close in their relationship to God and to persuade others to love the Father? No, they were criticized for loving the rules, regs and traditions more than their relationship with the Father. You may want to clean your own house before going on the Internet trying to clean other's. You may be sincere in your heart as you write me, but you are in fact judging me without knowing me. By the way, I do not follow my heart and I hope you don't either as Jer. 17:9 says, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure." I will put my trust in the Holy Spirit of God to lead me to the place where I belong....I hope you can do the same.
Committed to change,"  Thad

IV. Dear Bro. Thad: I take it then that you have no problem with the fact that men have created hundreds of denominational churches that divide the people who wish to serve God into separate camps. I gather that you do not feel that it really matters what one believes or teaches, just as long as he believes in Jesus. Right? Explain then why Paul stressed the oneness of Christ's way in Eph. 4:4-5? Or why he chastened the Corinthians for being divided over their loyalties to men (I Cor. 1:10; 3:1-7)?

The fact remains that your thinking as expressed in your letter is far removed from that of members of Churches of Christ for the last 200 years....as well as from the teaching of the New Testament of Christ. You may stay among us, but you know that your heart is not with us...unless of course you can convince brethren to change to your way of thinking.
Best wishes in Christ, John Waddey

V. Thad's Response: Note: He cites lines from my correspondence and then responds. His thoughts are inset.

I (jhw) had said, "I take it then that you have no problem with the fact that men have created hundreds of denominational churches that divide the people who wish to serve God into separate camps." Thad replied:
"I can think of no more separatist group than that of mainline churches of Christ (generally speaking) No, I am against division. I am pro-unity. Not to mention the church of Christ is as much a denomination as the others are. God's Spirit has made it clear to me that I have brothers and sisters in Jesus that meet in all kinds of houses of worship. It has nothing to do with the name on the door but has everything to do with the Spirit within! Do you really think you know something about Jesus that they do not? Do you really feel you have something they do not? Do you not realize many of them feel the same about churches of Christ (the denomination)?"
I (jhw) wrote, "I gather that you do not feel that it really matters what one believes or teaches, just as long as he believes in Jesus."  Thad answered:
"Generally speaking yes! This was the heart and soul of the restoration leaders. There was much freedom in matters of opinion. Do you feel you know everything? Can you not learn from someone who does not attend your fellowship?"
I (jhw) had asked, "Explain them why Paul stressed the oneness of Christ's way in Eph. 4:4-5? Or why he chastened the Corinthians for being divided over the loyalties to men (I Cor. 1:10; 3:1-7)?" Thad responded:
"The answer to your question is found in the scripture you cite! Our oneness is not found in doctrine or church government, but in JESUS alone!! This is where we have our unity. We will NEVER all agree on doctrine or polity. We have so much freedom to do things different....but we are all one in Jesus! Jew, Greeks, slave, free, men, women are all ONE in Christ Jesus!!!"
"The fact remains that your thinking as expressed in your letter is far removed from that of members of Churches of Christ for the last 200 years...."  jhw
Really? What about the thinking of the 1800 years prior to that? What about the thinking of Barton Stone? Do you really think he thought more as you are describing or me? Ever hear of Cane Ridge? Much different from meetings we have today wouldn't you say?
"As well as from the teaching of the New Testament of Christ." jhw
Please show me the error, from the New Testament, of anything I've written to you. I am more than happy to debate you in any area of the Bible you wish to discuss.
"You may stay among us. But you know that your heart is not with us...unless of course you can convince brethren to change to your way of thinking."  jhw
Us? Who made you the decider of who is in and who is out? Jesus Christ is the one and only who decides who is a part of Him and who is not. When arrogant men (the disciples) tried to stop a man from casting out demons because he is one of "us" Jesus chastised them and said, Do not stop him, for whoever is not against you is for you." Jesus saw the man who was doing the best he could in serving God as for Him. He was not kicked out. He was not made to stop. Sounds to me like you are the divider, saying who is with "us" and who is not. You may want to pray and think long and hard about the consequences of such an arrogant decision.
The only changing I want anyone to do is to change from trusting in themselves, their works, their ability to follow law, trusting their tradition, etc. to trusting in Jesus ALONE. I don't put my trust in anything but in Christ and Him crucified. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works so that no one can boast. Anything else you want to discuss, I defer to your opinion, you are free to believe what you wish! That being said, please tell me, who is trying to change whose opinion? Thad
VI. John Waddey's Letter: " Dear Bro. Thad: Before we close our correspondence, may I say again that I write to you as a brother who wishes you only well.  I see you as a man who has abandoned his roots and is adrift in a world of thought that will ultimately lead you completely away from Christ's church and his way.  God has given each of us the freedom of will to either obey him or to follow our own paths. But we should try to help each other stay in the approved way He has given us in His sacred Word (I Tim. 4:6).

You said, "I can't think of no more separatist group than that of mainline churches of Christ." I can. Roman Catholics, Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, the Amish and others are more separatist than we. "Of course it was Paul who wrote, "Come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord" (II Cor. 6:17). Peter's statement that we are a holy nation (ASV) means a different people belonging to God  (I Pet. 2:9).

You stated, "The church of Christ is as much a denomination as the others are."  This may be the case of the Church of Christ where you serve.  But seeking to believe, worship and practice Christianity just as it is revealed and described in Scripture does not make a church into a denomination. Is it denominational to believe that Jesus is the founder of the church? That he only founded one church? That he wants us to be united in him?  Is it denominational to commune with Christ as it is recorded in the gospels or in Paul's account?  Is it denominational to pray to God through Christ as our only mediator (I Tim.2:5) rather than through Mary? Is it denominational to baptize people into Christ by immersion and for remission of sins rather than sprinkle them or baptize them for church membership? If you had said that some members of the church behave in a denominational way, we would have no quarrel, but your statement that the church of Christ is a denomination is unfounded.

You write that "God's Spirit has made it clear to me that I have brothers and sisters in Jesus that meeting in all kinds of houses of worship."  I would be most grateful if you would tell me just how the Spirit of God made this clear to you.  Is this a new revelation you have received? Can I receive similar revelations? Jesus himself said, to the churches of Asia, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches" (Rev. 2:29), and he was speaking of the message the Spirit gave them in the letters He inspired.

When I inquired, "you do not feel it really matters what one believes or teaches just as long as he believes in Jesus?" you responded, "Generally speaking, yes."  I take it then that you could embrace in fellowship such folks as the Jehovah's Witnesses, the Zionist Church of Africa which believes in Jesus, yet has animal sacrifices and polygamy, The Roman Catholic church with its images, pope and priesthood. If you cannot, on what basis do you make a distinction?  Paul warned brethren not to teach a different doctrine (I Tim. 1:3) and the author of Hebrews warned against being carried away by different and strange doctrines (Heb. 13:9). Of course they were only inspired by the Holy Spirit and had not been privileged to drink at the well of "change."
You said, "This (acceptance of any and all doctrine) was the heart and soul of the restoration leaders." I have read virtually every history of the Restoration Movement that has been published as well as the biographies, including three of B. W. Stone.  I did read that they stressed the following, "In matters of faith, unity, in matters of opinion, liberty, in all things charity."  I also read that they discussed doctrinal and practical issues seeking to come a proper understanding of the Will of Christ in all things.  When men like John Thomas, Sidney Rigdon and Jesse Ferguson went astray, efforts were made to correct and restore them.  When they were determined to  depart, they were rejected by our brethren. I have been to Cane Ridge on several occasions and even visited the house that Stone built. The revival was not the beginning of the church of Christ, nor of the Restoration Movement.  Although the participants were no doubt sincere, the situation was chaotic and more Pentecostal than Biblical. At that time Stone was a Presbyterian.  But good came out of the event. Stone went on to learn more about New Testament Christianity and abandoned his Presbyterian faith and practice, and  the emotionalism of the revival.  There is a vast difference in our brethren of that early generation and today's change agents.  They were trying to escape the errors of denominationalism and you folks are rushing back to embrace it.
You ask, "Can you not learn from someone who does not attend your fellowship?" The answer is yes. On my shelves are some 20,000 religious books by scholars of all sorts and kinds.  I learn much from them, but I do try to sift out the errors they hold and promote.
You write, "Oneness is not found in doctrine or church government but in Jesus alone." While this sounds lovely it is only half right. Oneness is found when all men come together in Christ (Gal. 3:26-29). But notice Paul believed that we are baptized into Christ. You do not think that is an essential element in being a Christian.  Jesus himself prayed that the Father would sanctify us "in the truth," then added, "Thy word is Truth" (John 17:17).  So oneness in Christ does involved being united in his truth.
You challenged me to show the error, from the New Testament, of anything you have written. While this reply has done that, you will likely have trouble accepting it since you evidently do not accept the New Testament as authoritative and binding upon all believers alike. Your position is just believe in Jesus and then one is free to believe do most any thing he wishes in his discipleship, worship and service.
You mention the man that John saw casting out demons and would have forbidden as proof that anyone from any kind of church, or preaching any kind of doctrine should be left unchallenged (Mk. 9: 38-41). Notice that since he was not working against Christ, he was obviously on his side.  Had he been teaching or doing things "against" Christ and his mission, he would have been culpable.  I accept this story as the correct way to deal with brethren or people I don't happen to know. But if they are against Christ, then I find here authority to speak against them.
You say, "I am more than happy to debate you in any area of the Bible you wish to discuss."  This is remarkable coming from a change agent.    One of the central and constantly repeated criticisms against those not willing to embrace your agenda is that we are too willing to debate those with whom we disagree. Perhaps you can help me understand this.
In hope of a better day, I am
Yours in Christ
John Waddey

VII. Thad's Reply: "Dear Bro. John:  It is very telling that you have missed the spirit of my reply. You have obviously not answered the heart and soul question I have asked of you. I have answered everyone of your questions and you have not answered mine. You clearly feel you are qualified to judge a fellow brother in Jesus, even though you do not know him. I pray in the name of Jesus that one day you will be freed from your bondage to law and experience the freedom and the power that come through God's grace alone. I'm not here to change you. Only the sick can be made well. You clearly are extremely healthy. Preach Jesus brother...! May God bless your soul! .... I really could care less about your legalistic ramblings..... I was caught up in that quagmire at one time too. I will make some passing comments about how you have misrepresented me in your text below. Thad

When I (jhw) quoted his statement, "This (acceptance of any and all doctrine) was the heart and soul of the restoration leaders," Thad responded:
"I wish you would answer my questions in the body of my letter like I am doing with you. I never said anything close to a fifth cousin of the above statement! The heart and soul of the restoration movement, as you should well know from all your study, was one of "reasoning together". The spirit of the movement was laying aside one's denominational rhetoric for the sake of pursing the truth. Can we lay aside what has become our denomination and continue on the path of truth?"

When I (jhw) responded to his question, "Can you not learn from someone who does not attend your fellowship?" The answer is yes. On my shelves are some 20,000 religious books by scholars of all sorts and kinds. I learn much from them, but I do try to sift out the errors they hold and promote. Thad replied
"Amen! Me too! Now let's ask the hard question: Can we be wrong in some things? Can we look at our own error? Or, are we the only group that is 100% correct? Are we the keepers of truth? If you say you can learn from them, does that mean you are changing? Does that mean you can then teach others in our movement something new? Does that mean that you, too, are a change agent? I sure hope so! That is what Campbell, Stone....and like I said, most importantly, Jesus Christ is a change agent. For the only constant is in fact CHANGE!"

When I (jhw) wrote, "Jesus himself prayed that the Father would sanctify us "in the truth," then added, "Thy word is Truth." (John 17:17). So oneness in Christ does involved being united in his truth." Thad replied,
Don't confuse our forming a doctrine with what Jesus said is truth....Jesus said, "I am the way, the life and the truth!" He is truth! The reason you are my brother and we are one, is not because we can agree on instrumental music, and the frequency of the Lord's supper, but because we are both in Jesus! He is in you and He is in me! That's what makes us one! There is our unity! Period."

I (jhw) wrote, "You challenged me to show the error, from the New Testament, of anything you have written. While this reply has done that, you will likely have trouble accepting it since you evidently do not accept the New Testament as authoritative and binding upon all believers alike." Thad responded,
"No it has not. And no you are wrong in that as well. You just see the book as a law book and not as a book to reveal God. We just see it different."
When I (jhw) said, "Your position is just believe in Jesus and then one is free to believe do most any thing he wishes in his discipleship, worship and service."  Thad's answer was
"Again, a misrepresentation of what I said. It was close though. Believe in Jesus, submission to the leading of the Holy Spirit....and do whatever HE wishes....Gal 5:21ff just to name one, Romans 8               another, etc."

I (jhw) said, "You mention the man that John saw casting out demons and would have forbidden as proof that anyone from any kind of church, or preaching any kind of doctrine should be left unchallenged (Mk. 9: 38-41). Notice that since he was not working against Christ, he was obviously on his side. Had he been teaching or doing things "against" Christ and his mission he would have been culpable. I accept this story as the correct way to deal with brethren or people I don't happen to know. But if they are against Christ, then I find here authority to speak against them." Thad rejoined,
"Don't miss the point I made in the letter. The Christian who happens to attend another fellowship than ours is not against Jesus! They love Him as much or more than you and I do. I know and love many Baptist, Presbyterian, Assembly of God, Nazarenes, etc. who are deeply in love with Jesus! They serve Him and worship Him as best as they know how....like you and me!"

I (jhw) wrote, "You say, ‘I am more than happy to debate you in any area of the Bible you wish to discuss.' This is remarkable coming from a change agent. One of the central and constantly repeated criticisms against those not willing to embrace your agenda is that we are too willing to debate those with whom we disagree. Perhaps you can help me understand this." Thad's reply was,
"I'll try. It has more to do with how you are dealing with this discussion with me. It feels so one sided. You refuse to answer the questions I pose to you and yet I have answered each and everyone of your questions. It's like you have your mind already made up....and refuse to be open to the possibility you are wrong in any area. I freely admit "I know that I'm wrong in many areas!" I am open to hear from God to convict me of my sin. I want to change as He molds and makes me. I want God to use me as an instrument of change in this world. To bring change in Christians who need to grow too."

Conclusion: For those brethren who have a hard time believing that the change movement is as serious as we allege it to be, this correspondence should be an eye-opener. Bro. Thad is one of several hundred preachers who have embraced and are actively promoting a system of religion that is related to New Testament Christianity only in name.  Eventually brethren with views such as Thad's will appear in your congregation. Now is the time to make sure they will not be able to lead astray those in your midst.