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 ConsiderMagazine ----- Hard Copy Published Periodically ----- Editor/Publisher: Garreth L. Clair 2977 Carlsbad Drive Hilliard, Ohio 43026 Phone: (614) 850-7252 Email: glclair@sbcglobal.net FAX - 6148507252 =================================== Volume 50 Number 1 January 2011 ====================================== Subject: Christianity before Alexander Campbell Christianity before Alexander Campbell In 1818 a church in New York sent a letter to “the churches of Christ, scattered over the earth,” asking them for a statement of their views and practices. These letters were later printed in The Christian Baptist, a paper edited by Alexander Campbell (1788-1866). Since denominational preachers often claim that Campbell was the founder of the “church of Christ,” I thought it would be interesting to examine some of these letters. Before printing the circular from New York, Campbell explained the importance of the correspondence between these churches: “The faults and blemishes of those who have attempted a better order of things, are not without benefit to us who inquire after the ancient order of things. Many of these societies have progressed well, all things considered: and their attempts and efforts, however they may be disapprobated, are of more real importance to be known that the doings of Luther and Calvin, and other reformers from ancient popery.” The Church in New York In the letter sent out by the church in New York, it was stated they would bind only those things“ which can be clearly adduced from the New Testament.” Following the pattern of the early Christians they met together every Lord’s day. The services started with a public prayer, after which the congregation sang a hymn, led by one of the elders. Then they would have a scripture reading, observe the Lord’s Supper and give of their means (cf. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; Acts 20:7). One of the elders or brethren would then give “exhortation from the word of God.” After a period of praise, a prayer would be offered and the congregation dismissed. In accordance with the law of Christ they required “that all whom we receive into fellowship should believe in their heart, and confess with their mouth, that Jesus is the Christ; that he died for our sins, according to the scriptures; and that upon such confession, and such alone, they should be baptized” (cf. Acts 8:35-39). The letter was signed on March 1, 1818 by the congregation’s two elders and three deacons. Glasgow, Scotland “The Church of Christ meeting in Morrison’s Court, Glasgow” was established somewhere between 1772 and 1782. They had 180 members in 1818. This group also worshipped each Lord’s day. As to the order of services, they followed the pattern of Acts 2 where “they continued in the apostle’s doctrine, and fellowship, and in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). Realizing the importance of doctrinal purity, they explained, “It is necessary to guard both against too much and too little forbearance; and especially in respect to the external order of the society.” Edinburgh, Scotland “The Church of Christ assembling in Leith Walk, Edinburgh” was planted around 1798. In 1818 they numbered 250, including three elders and four deacons. At one time they only observed the Lord’s Supper once a month. After careful examination of the New Testament, they returned to the “apostolic tradition” of a weekly observance (cf. Acts 20:7). During the services on Sunday morning “the names of those who had applied for fellowship are also read, and the result of the conversation which the elders and two or more of the brethren have had with them, is stated. If the church be satisfied, they are baptized in the course of a week, and received next Lord’s Day.” This delay was longer than was practiced by the New Testament church (cf. Acts 16:33). They also met each Wednesday and Friday evening for prayer and public teaching. Modern churches could learn a lesson from this congregation. “From comparing the various passages on this subject, we learn that in partaking of the Lord’s supper, we are not to satisfy our hunger, and that the place for doing so is our own houses, where we may exercise hospitality to our brethren, but that the church ought not to come together to eat and drink.” Paul said, “But if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home” (1 Corinthians 11:34). Tubermore, Scotland “The Church of Christ at Tubermore” first met in May, 1807. Their 250 members met together every Lord’s day to worship. Concerning fellowship they said, “We do not plead for forbearance as a useful scheme left to our own discretion, or justify it, as some have done, fromthat pleasing variety found among the works of God. Such language we hold in utter abhorrence. Variety in the works of creation is a beauty; but God is the author of that variety. Difference of sentiment upon every thing revealed by God is an evil, because it is the sinful ignorance of men. Can God command all his people to know his will, and shall it be a perfection to be variously ignorant of this?” Manchester, England This small congregation was established in 1810 with only three members. Elders and deacons were appointed in 1817. The next year they numbered 33. Aside from three meetings each Lord’s day, they also met twice during the week for prayer, scripture reading, and teaching. They attended to the observance of the Lord’s Supper every Sunday afternoon. Dublin, Ireland The Stephen Street congregation in Dublin was established in 1810 and consisted of 100 members in 1818. Their order of services was almost identical with the church in New York. They had not yet appointed elders because they could not agree upon the necessary qualifications. While explaining why they were more tolerant of differing opinions on Bible themes, they said, “that all blindness, as to apostolic precepts, is chargeable on the folly and slowness of our hearts. The same folly and slowness of heart prevented the apostles from receiving many truths at the mouth of Jesus; but as their folly and slowness of heart was not indicative of a rejection of Christ, so neither in these days do we apprehend that in the folly and slowness of professors to receive many truths in the apostolic records, is in all cases indicative of a rejection of their authority; and as the Lord bore with the apostles, we see not but his example was recorded for our imitation.” -- Morris Bowers This study is important for church members today because of the modernist and liberal sentiment that is in vogue today among most religious people in America (i.e. today’s date: 1-3-2011). Since this is a problem we must teach a new generation the facts about the origin and doctrine of the New Testament Church (i.e. the one found upon the pages of the Bible) … RESTORATION PATTERNISM Garreth L. Clair -- 2977 Carlsbad -- Hilliard, OH 43026 The title of this article is taken from a book by Leroy Garrett, titled "The Stone Campbell Movement". This book, I have purchased and read. The book is called a history of the reformation movement. From the documented cases within the book of statements attributed to both Stone and the Campbells it would seem that the author hoped to tone down the concept of restoration patternism as he considers it divisive and exclusive. I desire to address the concept of Leroy Garrett and others who consider the concept of restoration and patternism to be divisive and unacceptable to the promoters of unity. Unity is surely desirable among all saints because of the prayer of our Lord (John 17:20-21 - see also HILLIARD BULLETIN, Vol. 5, Number 11, 12), and for peace and happy disposition that it could bring to all religious people. Unity is not impossibility; it may be attained on the basis of what God has said about its attainment. Unity cannot be attained on the basis of feelings, what the reformers have said, or formulas worked out in unity meetings at Nashville, Tulsa or Joplin, etc. Men may have no effect upon the attainment of unity any further than they may deviate from the revealed truth; indeed, they may form some kind of union but to attain unity they must not proceed any less, any further, or suggest anything else than that which the Lord has authorized to accomplish that aim. While unity seekers may find an acceptable formula to everyone concerned in that most desirable aspiration, the only formula acceptable to God is to unify upon that which he has already revealed via the Written Word (Jude 3). Those that seek unity must recognize that those of us who are considered patternists (i.e., the Bible being that pattern) are also interested in unity on that basis, the Divine pattern. RESTORATION PATTERNISM To accuse those of us that make up the church of Christ of being by nature exclusivists is, I believe an accurate description. Indeed, we are convinced that the Written Word of God reveals a pattern for the salvation of the lost. That pattern contains a list of five items. The five items is God's pattern for the salvation of the alien are: (1) hearing -- Romans 10:17 (2) believing -- Mark 16:15-16 (3) repenting -- Acts 2:38 (4) Confession of Jesus Christ as God's Son -- Romans 10:9-10 (5) baptism "for remission of sin" -- Acts 2:38, etc. We are convinced that only those that comply with these conditions from God's Written Word will have their sins remitted. If this concept is divisive who has made it divisive? We did not. It is our sincere desire to see everyone follow this pattern to the saving of his or her soul from sin. Is that divisive? This concept of salvation from sin is only divisive to that one who refuses to comply with the conditions that God has set forth in His book of authority. No doubt there are a number of abstract and unsound concepts that may deprive one of reason and contribute to an outright refusal to come to God's pattern and be saved, yet if one will consider and accept the conditions of pardon, then unity on this point exists between him and me. I am willing to accept anyone in fellowship who can show from the Divine pattern another way to be saved from sin. I have searched the Written Word for nearly 45 years for another way; there is only the one pattern that has been shown. The pattern for salvation from sin is so clear to one who will search the cases of conversion in the book of Acts, rightly divide them (cf., 2 Timothy 2:15), and apply the conditions to self and be saved. Then fellowship may exist between that one and all others who have done likewise. Because many refuse to follow the biblical pattern in order to be saved from sin, should we loosen the concept contained in God's Word to include them in the group that God considers saved? Absolutely not. Because I insist upon compliance with the commands of God's Written Word for all, does that make we divisive? If that is to be deducted from my action, I plead that it is totally unreasonable from a scriptural point of view. I plead that it is unreasonable based upon past evidence from the occurrences revealed to us regarding God's attitude toward those that failed to comply with His instruction. Please notice the following: IN THE OLD TESTAMENT: Ø Adam and Eve (Genesis 2:9, 17; 3:1-24). Adam and Eve knew that God has required obedience. They disobeyed, brought death upon the whole family of mankind, and were cast out of paradise (i.e., Eden). Ø Cain offered an unacceptable sacrifice and then kills his brother Abel (Genesis 4:3-16). Cain knew that God required a blood sacrifice and ignored it, bringing himself then to kill his brother and cause God to curse him. Ø Sodom, Gomorrah and the cities of the plain (Genesis 19:23-30). God again dealt with sin. God did not approve homosexuality and the sinners were destroyed. Ø Aaron's golden calf (Exodus 32:1-32:35). The people knew that they were to worship Jehovah alone. They refused to recognize Jehovah as God, thereby many were destroyed. Ø Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-5). Ø The two sons of Aaron knew that God had given instructions for every facet of the worship service, they rejected God's instruction and were struck dead instantly.\ From these Old Testament examples and many others, we are made aware of God's attitude toward following His pattern. It is apparent that long before Leroy Garret and his friends were born God required that man follow the Divine pattern. This insistence of God that men follow His pattern predated the American restoration movement by several thousand years. IN THE NEW TESTAMENT: Ø Christ tempted by the Devil (Matthew 4:1-11). Jesus referred the Devil to the Divine pattern in each of the temptations thusly saying, "It is written." Ø Peter and John's position (Acts 4:18-20). Peter and John were threatened by the authorities and told not to teach any further about Christ. They presented to the rulers the fact that they had no choice but to reject their order and continue to serve God according to the pattern. Ø Ananias and Sapphira his wife (Acts 5:1-11). Apparently, these two considered lying. an acceptable substitute for truth, thereby bringing condemnation upon themselves. Ø Stephen (Acts 6:9-7:60). Stephen knew and taught God's pattern to his death. Ø Cornelius (Acts 10:1-48). Cornelius was one of the pious unimmersed; yet, he was not saved from sin. He had not complied with the pattern. After he had complied with the pattern, he was saved and accepted into the fellowship of God. Ø God's rejection of all who sought to follow the Law of Moses for salvation after the law of Christ had replaced it (Romans). God has no regard for those that follow a law (even though He at one time approved it) that has been abrogated or one that conflicts with the Divine pattern now binding. Ø Man cannot reject the Divine pattern on any issue and expect to be accepted by God (Hebrews 2:1-4). Ø How can we expect to escape condemnation, having testimony of so many who did comply with the Divine pattern and were thereby made acceptable to God (Hebrews 11:1-40; 12:1-2). God required that all mankind comply with His conditions as far back as the early New Testament era as seen from the documented evidence thus far shown. Can the concept of compliance today be accurately described as divisive and those of us who insist upon that compliance be justly condemned as pattern followers, etc.? In the scheme of revelation may be found the Divine pattern for salvation of the alien. Those of us who desire to please God have no other choice but to teach, insist, and defend that proposition. If our religious neighbors castigate us for this and call us all manner of adverse names, that still does not change the truth of God's instruction to them. To suggest that by absolutely abiding within the pattern there can be no unity with denominations and that position itself is divisive we admit, yet is that really such a great obstacle to unity? Surely our religious neighbors that teach differently have no greater desire for unity than we do, but our insistence on following the Divine pattern is none the less divisive and God intended it to be so to all who will not conform thereto. We are concerned, we desire unity, and we will fellowship everyone that abides within the confines of the Divine pattern. A good beginning place might be the surrender of the denominational form of faith only and a compliance with the Divine pattern on salvation from sin. When in the previous paragraph we suggested that compliance with the Divine pattern on the plan of salvation might be a starting point, we did not imply that the accepted ideas found in denomination's circles regarding faith, repentance, confession, and baptism are acceptable to us or to God. I simply imply that the Divine pattern gives the formula for salvation from sin with the right understanding of each item, as baptism (according to the Divine pattern) is for the "remission of sin" (Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21), a burial in and a coming out of the water (Romans 6:1-4; Acts 2:36-39), places one in a covenant relationship with Christ (Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27), and that there is only "one baptism" (Ephesians 4:5). Any person who is not thusly baptized is not in fellowship with God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit and consequently may have no fellowship with me. Since, in reality my fellowship is with the Godhead conditioned upon my faithful obedience to the divine pattern, any fellowship I may have with others is incidental to that fellowship I have with the Godhead. As we have defined baptism, so must we insist upon the proper attitudes, motives, mode for baptism, etc., with regard to all other facets contained in God's pattern for the salvation of the alien. CONCLUSION: To the charge that evangelists for churches of Christ (at least this one) teaches patternism, that the compliance to the Divine pattern causes division (i.e., causes some to reject us), I readily admit. To the charge that Stone and the Campbells with others of the restoration period began the concept, that there can be no unity where patternism (an appeal to the Divine pattern) exist, that those of us who insist upon following the pattern are divisive, this I deny. The BIBLE is the Divine Pattern CONSIDER MAGAZINE Volume 1, 2005 Editorial: Garreth L. Clair ... Ending our First Year of Publication ... ConsiderMagazine.com had its beginning the middle of January 2005 with the able help of my good friends, Bill and Erin Kirke. The magazine is an ongoing process by the editor, the work is more complex than I had thought. Indeed, it is good to have high expectations of oneself but sometimes we have a tendency to tackle projects that are much more involved than we thought in the beginning. The work that we are doing with considermagazine.com is such an undertaking. As time has passed I have been working to make the online magazine an aid for those seeking help with Bible [i.e. the book] related concepts and other related Bible questions, the areas that we need to cover also expand. I do not fully know at this point where we will be [i.e. in relation to this effort's progress] at this time next year with volume 2 of the magazine. Many of you have assisted me with ideas and good articles, news, and suggestions relating to important subjects and issues. The greatest effort in the coming year will be to have as much success and improvement as during 2005. The News and sermon pages are two of the most popular pages seekers hit on in searching the magazine, I will continue to add news items of interest for those involved in a search for change and information about religious issues. If you as one of our readers have news items that would be of interest to a greater audience please send them to me via email at glclair@sbcglobal.net or glclair@aol.com As the New Year [i.e. 2006] comes upon us, let us appreciate the opportunities that will be ours to use to the glory of God, May we encourage one another as we also encourage the lost ones to join with us as true Christians with a desire to always extend the influence of Jesus Christ. CONSIDER THIS FACT: Matthew 6:33-34, "But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof." ASV OTHER FACTS ABOUT THE EDITOR THIS YEAR EDITOR CELEBRATES 7OTH BIRTHDAY [October 14, 2005] Garreth Clair has finally reached an age when he can no longer deny that he is getting old, Seventy is getting old! While I realize that age is slowing me down, I have no intention of throwing in the towel. I want to continue working for God as long as I am able to consciously do an acceptable and dignified service for Him. One thing that I am continually thankful to God for is that He has allowed me to live longer than I had expected. I do not know when I will finally finish my life here on the earth, so I will continue to study, write, preach, visit, pray, teach, call, and do whatever I can to interest other people in the good things that God can do for them if they will let Him. The apostle Paul's message at the end of his life is a message that all teachers and preachers hope for, when he said --- 2 Tim 4:6-8, "6 For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure is come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: 8 henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved his appearing." ASV --- "Me too!" FORTY-SIX YEAR (Anniversary) Today (March 7, 2007), marks the 48th year of the editor’s marriage to Barbara. These years have all been good years with lots of good times and happy days, yet there have been occasions of unhappiness (death of loved ones – serious sicknesses – lack of dedication to God of some – and other problems), yet if we had it to do over again, we would! There are reasons for our happiness in spite of the problems of living that are common to everyone, our undiminished faith in God to carry us through because we are faithful and our untiring desire to go to heaven someday has aided us in staying the course, as the apostle Paul says, 2 Timothy 4:6-8. CHURCH WEBSITE – ARCHIVES-2005 4840 Cemetery Road - Hilliard, Ohio 43026 Garreth L. Clair THOUGHT FOR JANUARY 2005: The winter has set in here in Ohio with a lot of ice and snow, the weather is very cold with 7 to 40 degree temperatures. The winter is a time when many older folks spend more time indoors, probably reading the Bible, praying, and taking care of physical problems. The rest of us are busy coming and going to worship, Bible study, and generally trying to do the right thing. Well, well; life goes on, perhaps we will all thaw out in March. THOUGHT FOR FEBRUARY, 2005: God is always good to mankind. God will never do anything that will cause man to sin, man sins whenever he turns away from God's instruction and rebels against God's laws. THOUGHT FOR MARCH, 2005: There will always be a need for people to improve their lives; will you improve your life this year - 2005? Perhaps you will seek God's way during this year, please feel free to come together with us - 4840 Cemetery Road in Hilliard, Ohio as we worship God regularly. You may find that we do serve God according to the Bible. THOUGHT FOR APRIL, 2005: Are you preparing for a Spring, Summer, and Fall of warm weather, vacation, going to the park, etc. - If you are not planning for a continued and growing relationship with God too you are unwise. THOUGHT FOR MAY, 2005: It is always right to obey the Lord's instructions. Many people do not understand this principle of true religion but Solomon says this is man's all" - Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, "13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all. 14 For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil" (NKJV). THOUGHT FOR JUNE 2005: Just finished a good gospel meeting with Gary Fiscus, Gary is a good preacher with good sound words to convey, we were happy to have him with us. The church here was edified and all of us were encouraged to live for God. THOUGHT FOR JULY 2005: If you do not follow the Bible's teaching in all things, then you are not right with God, period. You say you can't follow the Bible! Indeed, would the God of heaven and earth give us a Book of instructions that we could not perform - then condemn us because of our inability to perform - SEE WHERE YOU PUT YOURSELF IF YOU REJECT GOD'S WRITTEN WORD or its PRECEPTS! THOUGHT FOR AUGUST, 2005: Matthew 6:33 "seek the Kingdom of God” [i.e. the things of God] first in our list of priorities while we live in this world. THOUGHT FOR SEPTEMBER 2005: Katrina the great storm of 2005 will surely be one of the most destructive and expensive tragedies that has ever hit America. Members of churches of Christ [Including Hilliard] are involved in an effort to assist the brethren on the Gulf Coast with whatever we can; we pray that our efforts will be helpful. Today [Sept. 6, 2005] a number of brethren from churches of Christ have set their sights south, gathering assistance from other churches along the way so that help of our distressed brothers in Christ may be delivered. Pray with us that our efforts are carried out successfully with no injuries to the messengers and workers. THOUGHT FOR OCTOBER 2005: This month I will turn 70 Years of Age [October 14]. It seems like only a short time ago that I was a small boy playing in the back yard with my brothers. Time sure does pass fast - Ecclesiastes 12:1, 'Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult days come, And the years draw near when you say, "I have no pleasure in them": NKJV THOUGHT FOR NOVEMBER 2005: Be careful of busybodies who meddle in things that they know nothing about - many good relationships have been destroyed by believing the false gossip of a tale bearers. THOUGHT FOR DECEMBER 2005: Matthhew 6:33-34, 33 But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. ASV
Consider Magazine is an independent work by Garreth L. Clair Garreth has over 50 years experience as a preacher, and is currently the preacher for the church that meets at 4840 Cemetery Road, in Hilliard OH. http://www.cemeteryroadchurchofchrist.org/ Copyright 2005, All Rights Reserved. (Please contact us for permission to reprint.) Please help us show up on search engines, by putting a link to http://www.considermagazine.com on your website!
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