Sullivan church of Christ – Sullivan, MO
Date: January 7, 2007
REDEFINING MISSIONARY WORK
Ben Justice
Liberalism and immorality go hand-in-hand. Whenever there are liberties taken
with regard to doctrinal issues, it will not be long until liberties are taken with
regard to moral issues. It has long been my experience that wherever I have
witnessed liberalism in a congregation that immoral practices accompanied it.
Usually, members of these liberal churches haven’t been taught on the
sinfulness of social drinking, immodest dress, dancing, etc.
David Lipscomb University has long been a hot-bed for liberalism and
digression. Just recently, an article appeared in “The Tennessean.” The title of
the article was “Benefit at Lipscomb serves to redefine missionary work.” This
benefit, as the article explains, seeks to raise money for missionary work in
Zambia, Africa. The main goal is to raise enough money to build a school for
AIDS orphans in that country. The school is estimated to cost $53,000. $43,000
has already been raised. This benefit that seeks to raise additional funds was
held in the Willard Collins Alumni Auditorium. At least $5.00 was suggested as
a donation, although more was encouraged. The benefit was in the form of a
show. Now, here is where the liberalism of Lipscomb and immoral practices
come together. The Lipscomb university students, as the article points out, will
“dance and sing their version of Michael Jackson’s most famous performance.”
Their performance will be their version of “Thriller.”
Lipscomb Director of Student Missions is Jeff Fincher. In reflecting on the way
missionary work used to be done, he points out that he’s “ ‘thrilled’ to
participate in mission work’s evolution to a point where aborigines on occasion
can be replaced by song-and-dance routines.” He says, “The exciting thing is to
see the students redefine ‘what is a missionary?’ in these postmodern times.”
“Redefining” is an understatement. Fincher goes on to say, “Rather than being
known as a family of believers who think dancing is wrong, we’d rather be known
as believers who will do anything we can to serve and to show others Christ
through our lives.” Then, he makes this incredible statement: “We probably
wouldn’t have a student dance, with dates, on campus. Not because it’s
theologically wrong, but for the same reason that we wouldn’t have open bar
night at a basketball game.” Interestingly, Fincher never does say why he wouldn’
t have a student dance or an open bar at a basketball game. He just says “not
because it’s theologically wrong.” So, he doesn’t give the reason why it’s wrong,
just why it’s not wrong. He is clear that it is not “theologically wrong” to have
student dances, with dates. I maintain that it is “theologically wrong,” not only
not to have student dances, but also not to have an open bar at a basketball
game. Fincher says concerning the dancing, “It’s a fun way to have a mission.”
It is apparent that Mr. Fincher doesn’t believe dancing is wrong. Mr. Fincher
needs to go back and do some theological study in the Word of God. Paul
condemns “lasciviousness” and “revellings” in Gal. 5:19-21. These two vices
describe dancing. How is it that Mr. Fincher can believe that boys and girls can
move their bodies around in rhythm and not have their minds stirred by such
seductive movements? Mr. Fincher ought to be thoroughly ashamed of his
actions. I guess the President of Lipscomb has no problem with such sin, but
then again, liberalism and immorality go hand-in-hand.
The way they have sought to redefine missionary work is not just a change in
methods. It is a repudiation of Bible teaching and an abandonment of the
pattern of missionary work as set forth in the Word of God. I guess Jesus and
the Apostles went about it all wrong when they went across the country side
proclaiming the pure and simple gospel message of Jesus Christ. Only if they
had started a dance team could they have attracted more followers.
What is equally sad is that the article never once mentioned preaching the
gospel of Christ to the lost. Also, it is apparent that Lipscomb is trying to take
over the work of the church in becoming a missionary society. They are not
missionaries at all. The work is not at all a biblical missionary work. It is truly
sad that some within churches of Christ have stooped to such a low point. It
just makes you sick to your stomach.
NEW CONGRESS SETS AGENDA FOR THE
FIRST 10 HOURS
Ben Justice
Now that the new congress has taken control of the house, they have already
begun working on their legislative agenda they hope to pass in the first 100
hours. Guess what the agenda is? One of the very first bills to go out the chute
is anti-life legislation in the form of a stem-cell bill. The bill will be a push for
“expanding federal funding of embryonic stem-cell research.” Newly elected
House Speaker and San-Francisco ultra liberal Nancy Pelosi said after the
election she was going to make unrestricted funding of embryo research a
number-one priority.
This past Thursday, there was an open house sponsored by the new speaker,
Nancy Pelosi. But, the open house was limited only to those Pelosi chose.
Those who were pro-life who attempted to attend the open house were turned
away. Instead of “open house” it was more like a “closed house.” Pelosi
occupies a very powerful position now. Where does she stand? I am convinced
that most people don’t really know just how liberal she is in her views. Note the
following voting record:
— Voted YES on allowing human embryonic stem cell research (May 2005).
— Voted NO on restricting interstate transport of minors to get abortions (April
2005).
— Voted NO on making it a crime to harm a fetus during another crime (Feb.
2004).
— Voted NO on banning partial-birth abortion except to save mother’s life (Oct.
2003).
— Voted NO on Constitutional Amendment banning same-sex marriage (Sept.
2004).
— Voted NO on protecting the Pledge of Allegiance (Sept. 2004).
— Voted NO on banning gay adoptions in DC (July 1999).
The above votes are just the tip of he liberal iceberg. In the National Journal’s
2005 ideological ratings, Pelosi was ranked more liberal than 91 percent of her
House colleagues on economic issues, and 96 percent on social matters. Pelosi
received a 100% rating from NARAL (National Association for the Repeal of
Abortion Laws), which is a leading pro-choice organization. With folks like Pelosi
as a major leader, it doesn’t look good for moral issues. Hopefully, the ungodly
agendas that have already been set can be defeated.
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“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the
wicked beareth rule, the people mourn” (Pro. 29:2).