Sullivan church of Christ – Sullivan, MO
Date: November 20, 2005
LEROY BROWNLOW ON DEBATING
Leroy Brownlow is a household name among churches of Christ. Many of us
were brought up on his book, “Why I Am A Member Of The Church of Christ.” He
is the author of many other books that have benefited people for many years.
Not long ago, I conducted an interview with brother Brownlow and among the
questions I asked him was this one: “It seems that our brotherhood has seen a
decline in debating over the past thirty years or so. Do you agree that this is
true, and if so, to what would you attribute the decrease in the number of public
discussions?” His reply:
Yes, there has been a decrease in the number of debates. The reasons: (1) We
are not being challenged by the sectarians as we once were. In the past we
baptized so many of their people, it made them want to fight. Now, we are not
making inroads among them. Now, they are barely noticing us, except for an
occasional compliment for being so much like them. (2) In the past we were
largely a rural or small town church. In that setting with no interest in human
recognition and glory, the members were more inclined to put themselves on the
front line in the preaching and defense of a distinctive gospel. Later as we got
larger, moved from the back alley to the main street, members went into
business and wanted customers, began seeking public jobs, and joined clubs and
associations. As our convictions became tired, we became tired of being
different. We became hungry for recognition. As an example, we went wild over
Pat Boone. Our people were saying, “You know, Pat Boone is a member of the
church of Christ.” Saying it to everybody. We didn’t feel honored to be in the
church bought and headed by Jesus Christ. We felt elevated to be in a church
with Pat Boone, a national recording artist. Hence, in many congregations they
publicly sold his book in the Sunday morning worship, even though it contained
pictures of pinup girls scantly dressed. That didn’t matter. We were so hungry
for notice, we thought it might reflect a little glory on us. Well, we really got
burned on that one — you know the result.
It appears that our debates and the gospel in general have been affected by
either direct or indirect instruction from sectarians. Many of our preachers and
professors have sat at the feet of errorists in sectarian seminaries for two or
three years and then went back to our colleges and pulpits. Consequently, our
students in college and our people in the pews began indirectly receiving
instruction from Baptists, Presbyterians, Nazarenes and others. No, not all who
have gone to denominational theology schools have weakened. But, generally
speaking, it appears to have had an influence on us. I can’t conceive that the
Catholic Church would send their men who are studying for the priesthood to a
Baptist Seminary.
— Dennis Gulledge, from “Seek The Old paths,” October 1994
WHERE WILL YOU BE SITTING IN ETERNITY? SMOKING
OR NON-SMOKING?
Ryan W. Kepke
With much caution and prayer is the following presented over the use of tobacco
and the Christian. My hope and earnest desire is good will toward those who
use tobacco. I understand there must be longsuffering and considerable
patience shown toward those within and without who are “enslaved” to such
habits.
Before obeying the gospel I used tobacco products. After I obeyed the gospel
(Rom. 6:17; 2 Thess. 1:8), it was not uncommon to see a member of the church,
just after worship, light up and puff before all to see. Moreover, I continued my
use of tobacco products. With my continued use of tobacco products, I was not
comfortable with lighting up in front of most folks, and thus, I became all too
aware of my hypocrisy. I began to think, “Does the use of tobacco products truly
allow my light to so shine before men” (Matt. 5:16)? The answer is obvious. A
few passages usually offered to defend the use of tobacco:
“And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not
perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot
defile him; Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth
out in the draught, purging all meats? And he said, That which cometh out of
the man, that defileth the man” (Mark 7:18-20)
Consider this with that of alcoholic drinking and the same concept to defend the
use. Taking the aforementioned scriptures as though tobacco use is not unwise,
it can be said with alcoholic beverages. After all, it is not what enters a man
(physically) but that which is in the heart and comes forth (fruit by words or
actions) is what defiles! Who can believe it! Obviously, those who want to
indulge in such sins of the flesh (Col. 2:11).
There is little difference knowingly to blow ones head off with a gun and thereby
ending your life (murder), and doing the same job by degrees ingesting any
substance into the body, lungs, or stomach. “Thou shalt not kill” is as valid in
the New Testament as it was in the Old since the Lord placed it there too.
Some references relative to the subject:
—> Matt. 5:13-16 — Tobacco use does not let our light shine.
—> Rom. 12:1-2 — Tobacco use does not present one’s body as a living, holy
sacrifice unto God, rather unto the world. Moreover, tobacco use does not
transform our minds but keeps one conformed (enslaved) to the worldly way.
—> Rom. 14:14-23 — Tobacco use hurts the health of others.
—> I Cor. 6:12 — Tobacco use is addictive.
—> I Cor. 8:12-13 — Tobacco use shows little concern for others.
—> I Cor. 11:1; Phil. 4:9; I Tim. 4:12 — Tobacco use does not imitate godliness,
holy, pure living.
—> Col. 4:5 — Tobacco use does not redeem the time.
—> Titus 2:8b — Tobacco use does not guard against those of the contrary part to
have “no evil thing to say of you.”
—> James 3:11-17 — Tobacco use is sensual, and seeks to be sweet, yet is
better.
Someone said, “You’ve come a long way baby, but in the wrong direction.”
Indeed, the church has come a long way, however relative these matters — the
wrong direction! The world recognizes the grave dangers with the use of tobacco
even toward the unborn, yet, members of the Lord’s church attempt to defend the
use. How sad and how tragic!