We Are Hopeless without Gods word

We Are Hopeless without God’s wordWe Are Hopeless without God’s word

The challenge to our generation.The challenge to our generation.


The challenge to our generation.The challenge to our generation. Each generation is like a relay race, it only Each generation is like a relay race, it only

takes one to drop the baton and end the takes one to drop the baton and end the race.race.


The challenge to our generation.The challenge to our generation. Each generation is like a relay race, it only Each generation is like a relay race, it only

takes one to drop the baton and end the takes one to drop the baton and end the race.race.

If our generation drops the baton, it will be If our generation drops the baton, it will be to our own destruction, but God’s work will to our own destruction, but God’s work will continue!continue! (Esther 4:14) (Esther 4:14)


We must be true to God and thus our We must be true to God and thus our generation.generation. (Psa 73:15) (Psa 73:15)


How do we view the Bible?How do we view the Bible?


How do we view the Bible?How do we view the Bible? Almost all religious division has this Almost all religious division has this

question at its heart!question at its heart!


How do we view the Bible?How do we view the Bible? Almost all religious division has this Almost all religious division has this

question at its heart!question at its heart! We must understand the revelation of God We must understand the revelation of God

is essential to the completion of God’s plan is essential to the completion of God’s plan of redemption.of redemption. (John 16:12-15) (John 16:12-15)


How do we view the Bible?How do we view the Bible? Almost all religious division has this question at its Almost all religious division has this question at its

heart!heart! We must understand the revelation of God is We must understand the revelation of God is

essential to the completion of God’s plan of essential to the completion of God’s plan of redemption.redemption. (John 16:12-15) (John 16:12-15)

Sadly many discard the scriptures as authoritative Sadly many discard the scriptures as authoritative for every religious practice. What does the Bible for every religious practice. What does the Bible teach?teach?


As a product of a perfect God.As a product of a perfect God.


As a product of a perfect God.As a product of a perfect God. God’s power and wisdom is infinite.God’s power and wisdom is infinite.

(Psalms 139)(Psalms 139)



(Psalms 139)(Psalms 139) Anything that God provides man is Anything that God provides man is

sufficient for the task it is intended!sufficient for the task it is intended!



(Psalms 139)(Psalms 139) Anything that God provides man is Anything that God provides man is

sufficient for the task it is intended!sufficient for the task it is intended! A sufficient creationA sufficient creation. (Gen 1:31). (Gen 1:31)


As a product of a perfect God.As a product of a perfect God. God’s power and wisdom is infinite.God’s power and wisdom is infinite. (Psalms (Psalms

139)139) Anything that God provides man is sufficient Anything that God provides man is sufficient

for the task it is intended!for the task it is intended! A sufficient creationA sufficient creation. (Gen 1:31). (Gen 1:31) A sufficient law.A sufficient law. (Rom 7:12; Heb 8:6-8; Gal (Rom 7:12; Heb 8:6-8; Gal

3:19, 24-25)3:19, 24-25)


A sufficient Savior. (Heb 7:25) A sufficient Savior. (Heb 7:25)


As a complete revelation of the will of As a complete revelation of the will of God.God.



John 14:26 - “all things”.John 14:26 - “all things”.



John 14:26 - “all things”.John 14:26 - “all things”. John 16:13 - “all truth”.John 16:13 - “all truth”.



John 14:26 - “all things”.John 14:26 - “all things”. John 16:13 - “all truth”.John 16:13 - “all truth”. John 17:6-8 - “all things”.John 17:6-8 - “all things”.



John 14:26 - “all things”.John 14:26 - “all things”. John 16:13 - “all truth”.John 16:13 - “all truth”. John 17:6-8 - “all things”.John 17:6-8 - “all things”. Jude 3 - “once for all delivered”.Jude 3 - “once for all delivered”.


As a complete revelation of the will of God.As a complete revelation of the will of God. John 14:26 - “all things”.John 14:26 - “all things”. John 16:13 - “all truth”.John 16:13 - “all truth”. John 17:6-8 - “all things”.John 17:6-8 - “all things”. Jude 3 - “once for all delivered”.Jude 3 - “once for all delivered”. 2 Peter 1:2-4 - “all things that pertain to life 2 Peter 1:2-4 - “all things that pertain to life

and godliness”.and godliness”.


James 1:25 - “the perfect law of liberty”.James 1:25 - “the perfect law of liberty”.


James 1:25 - “the perfect law of liberty”.James 1:25 - “the perfect law of liberty”. 2 Tim 3:16-17 - “thoroughly equipped for 2 Tim 3:16-17 - “thoroughly equipped for

every good work”.every good work”.


As a revelation that must be respected.As a revelation that must be respected.


As a revelation that must be respected.As a revelation that must be respected. John 12:48John 12:48


As a revelation that must be respected.As a revelation that must be respected. John 12:48John 12:48 2 Cor 4:1-22 Cor 4:1-2


As a revelation that must be respected.As a revelation that must be respected. John 12:48John 12:48 2 Cor 4:1-22 Cor 4:1-2 Gal 1:6-9Gal 1:6-9


As a revelation that must be respected.As a revelation that must be respected. John 12:48John 12:48 2 Cor 4:1-22 Cor 4:1-2 Gal 1:6-9Gal 1:6-9 2 John 9-112 John 9-11


Rev 22:18-19Rev 22:18-19


NOTE: There are several possible positions NOTE: There are several possible positions that men may hold while agreeing with the that men may hold while agreeing with the above points of agreement.above points of agreement.


NOTE: There are several possible positions NOTE: There are several possible positions that men may hold while agreeing with the that men may hold while agreeing with the above points of agreement.above points of agreement.

While the Bible is inspired, it is not all we While the Bible is inspired, it is not all we need to know God’s will.need to know God’s will.


The Bible is our guide only as it specifically The Bible is our guide only as it specifically commands or prohibits things. Where the commands or prohibits things. Where the Bible is silent we are free to act, with the Bible is silent we are free to act, with the only limit being our conscience.only limit being our conscience.


The Bible is our guide only as it specifically The Bible is our guide only as it specifically commands or prohibits things. Where the commands or prohibits things. Where the Bible is silent we are free to act, with the Bible is silent we are free to act, with the only limit being our conscience.only limit being our conscience.

The Bible is a complete and sufficient The Bible is a complete and sufficient guide. We must have Bible authority, i.e. guide. We must have Bible authority, i.e. Book, Chapter and Verse, for all that we do.Book, Chapter and Verse, for all that we do.


The Bible is our guide only as it specifically The Bible is our guide only as it specifically commands or prohibits things. Where the Bible is commands or prohibits things. Where the Bible is silent we are free to act, with the only limit being silent we are free to act, with the only limit being our conscience.our conscience.

The Bible is a complete and sufficient guide. We The Bible is a complete and sufficient guide. We must have Bible authority, i.e. Book, Chapter and must have Bible authority, i.e. Book, Chapter and Verse, for all that we do.Verse, for all that we do.

As a revelation whose silence must not be assumed As a revelation whose silence must not be assumed upon.upon.


Lev 10:1-2Lev 10:1-2


Lev 10:1-2Lev 10:1-2 Heb 7:12-14Heb 7:12-14


Lev 10:1-2Lev 10:1-2 Heb 7:12-14Heb 7:12-14 2 John 9-112 John 9-11


Lev 10:1-2Lev 10:1-2 Heb 7:12-14Heb 7:12-14 2 John 9-112 John 9-11 1 Peter 4:111 Peter 4:11


Lev 10:1-2Lev 10:1-2 Heb 7:12-14Heb 7:12-14 2 John 9-112 John 9-11 1 Peter 4:111 Peter 4:11 Col 3:17 Col 3:17


Class Discussion: Class Discussion:


Of the religious people you know, how Of the religious people you know, how would these answer the question: “Is the would these answer the question: “Is the Bible the complete word of God?”Bible the complete word of God?”


Among those who answered “Yes”, how Among those who answered “Yes”, how many do you think understand the many do you think understand the implications of such a belief?implications of such a belief?


Among those who answered “Yes”, how Among those who answered “Yes”, how many do you think understand the many do you think understand the implications of such a belief?implications of such a belief?

What are the implications of accepting the What are the implications of accepting the Bible as the complete, inspired word of Bible as the complete, inspired word of God?God?


Some Fundamental ConclusionsSome Fundamental Conclusions: We must : We must know if a teaching or practice is authorized know if a teaching or practice is authorized by God’s word! We have established that by God’s word! We have established that every Christian must be concerned with the every Christian must be concerned with the question of authorityquestion of authority (Col. 3:17). (Col. 3:17).


Some Fundamental ConclusionsSome Fundamental Conclusions: We must : We must know if a teaching or practice is authorized know if a teaching or practice is authorized by God’s word! We have established that by God’s word! We have established that every Christian must be concerned with the every Christian must be concerned with the question of authorityquestion of authority (Col. 3:17). (Col. 3:17).

Every Christian must be willing to give Every Christian must be willing to give “Book, Chapter, and Verse” for any “Book, Chapter, and Verse” for any practice or teaching they engage in.practice or teaching they engage in.


We must never be offended if another asks We must never be offended if another asks us to give scripture for what we dous to give scripture for what we do (1 Peter 3:15)!(1 Peter 3:15)!

How to Establish AuthorityHow to Establish Authority

What are the principles involved in What are the principles involved in understanding how the scriptures teach understanding how the scriptures teach us anything? In other words how does the us anything? In other words how does the language of the scriptures teach uslanguage of the scriptures teach us


What are the principles involved in What are the principles involved in understanding how the scriptures teach understanding how the scriptures teach us anything? In other words how does the us anything? In other words how does the language of the scriptures teach uslanguage of the scriptures teach us

We actually will be studying common We actually will be studying common principles of communication in principles of communication in any any languagelanguage, but will in this study be specific , but will in this study be specific to the scripturesto the scriptures


If these principles are rejected, then our If these principles are rejected, then our basic understanding of language and logic basic understanding of language and logic would fail toowould fail too



Authority may be established by Authority may be established by direct direct commandcommand




Acts 2:38Acts 2:38 - Here is the command to be - Here is the command to be baptizedbaptized


If these principles are rejected, then our basic If these principles are rejected, then our basic understanding of language and logic would fail understanding of language and logic would fail tootoo


Acts 2:38Acts 2:38 - Here is the command to be baptized - Here is the command to be baptized 1 Cor 11:24-251 Cor 11:24-25 - The Lord’s supper is - The Lord’s supper is

commanded.commanded.


Authority may be established by Authority may be established by approved approved exampleexample..



Acts 15:7-9Acts 15:7-9 - God by example showed that - God by example showed that the Gentiles can become Christiansthe Gentiles can become Christians



Acts 15:7-9Acts 15:7-9 - God by example showed that - God by example showed that the Gentiles can become Christiansthe Gentiles can become Christians

Acts 20:7Acts 20:7 - The day of the Lord’s supper is - The day of the Lord’s supper is shown this way.shown this way.



Acts 15:7-9Acts 15:7-9 - God by example showed that the - God by example showed that the Gentiles can become ChristiansGentiles can become Christians

Acts 20:7Acts 20:7 - The day of the Lord’s supper is - The day of the Lord’s supper is shown this way.shown this way.

Authority may be established by Authority may be established by inescapable inescapable conclusionconclusion


Mark 12:24-27Mark 12:24-27 - Jesus expected others to - Jesus expected others to use this reasoning.use this reasoning.


Class Discussion:Class Discussion:


Class Discussion:Class Discussion: What additional questions should we ask What additional questions should we ask

before concluding a particular command is before concluding a particular command is for everyone and for all time?for everyone and for all time?


Class Discussion:Class Discussion: What additional questions should we ask What additional questions should we ask

before concluding a particular command is before concluding a particular command is for everyone and for all time?for everyone and for all time?

What is the difference between an approved What is the difference between an approved example and other kinds of examples?example and other kinds of examples?


What is the difference between an What is the difference between an inescapable conclusion and a possible inescapable conclusion and a possible conclusion?conclusion?


What is the difference between an What is the difference between an inescapable conclusion and a possible inescapable conclusion and a possible conclusion?conclusion?

How would you answer the man who How would you answer the man who claimed that: “‘command, example, and claimed that: “‘command, example, and inference’ is a ‘Church of Christ’ tradition. inference’ is a ‘Church of Christ’ tradition. I only believe in commands!”I only believe in commands!”


General and Specific Authority.General and Specific Authority.


General authorityGeneral authority involves all things involves all things essentialessential to fulfilling a thing authorized. In to fulfilling a thing authorized. In other words when the Bible tells us to do other words when the Bible tells us to do something, then the things something, then the things requiredrequired to do to do that thing are includedthat thing are included


General authorityGeneral authority involves all things involves all things essentialessential to fulfilling a thing authorized. In to fulfilling a thing authorized. In other words when the Bible tells us to do other words when the Bible tells us to do something, then the things something, then the things requiredrequired to do to do that thing are includedthat thing are included

In order for a thing to be included under In order for a thing to be included under general authority, you must have a verse general authority, you must have a verse from which the authority is based.from which the authority is based.


Things that may be allowed under the Things that may be allowed under the principle of general authority may not go principle of general authority may not go against other teachings of the scripture. For against other teachings of the scripture. For example, the command to “go preach” does example, the command to “go preach” does not allow me to steal someone’s car not allow me to steal someone’s car (Eph 4:28)!(Eph 4:28)!


Things that may be allowed under the Things that may be allowed under the principle of general authority may not go principle of general authority may not go against other teachings of the scripture. For against other teachings of the scripture. For example, the command to “go preach” does example, the command to “go preach” does not allow me to steal someone’s car not allow me to steal someone’s car (Eph 4:28)!(Eph 4:28)!

The law of expediency limits general The law of expediency limits general authority as well. authority as well. (1 Cor 6:12; 10:23).(1 Cor 6:12; 10:23).


Specific authoritySpecific authority exists when a thing is exists when a thing is specified among several possible choices. specified among several possible choices. In this case only the thing stated is In this case only the thing stated is authorized among the possible choices.authorized among the possible choices.


Class Discussion: Class Discussion:


Class Discussion: Class Discussion: Take the following verses and first discuss Take the following verses and first discuss

what falls under specific authority in the what falls under specific authority in the passage. Then discuss the possible things passage. Then discuss the possible things authorized under general authority.authorized under general authority.


Mark 16:15-16Mark 16:15-16


Mark 16:15-16Mark 16:15-16 Matt 26:26-28Matt 26:26-28


Mark 16:15-16Mark 16:15-16 Matt 26:26-28Matt 26:26-28 1 Cor 16:1-21 Cor 16:1-2


Mark 16:15-16Mark 16:15-16 Matt 26:26-28Matt 26:26-28 1 Cor 16:1-21 Cor 16:1-2 1 Peter 5:1-31 Peter 5:1-3


Mark 16:15-16Mark 16:15-16 Matt 26:26-28Matt 26:26-28 1 Cor 16:1-21 Cor 16:1-2 1 Peter 5:1-31 Peter 5:1-3 Eph 5:19Eph 5:19


What if someone argued that a church going What if someone argued that a church going into a secular business for profit was a into a secular business for profit was a matter of expediency. How would you matter of expediency. How would you answer him?answer him?


Can we conclude from only one verse, e.g. Can we conclude from only one verse, e.g. Eph 5:19, that instrumental music in Eph 5:19, that instrumental music in worship is wrong? THINK and explain your worship is wrong? THINK and explain your answer.answer.


Can we conclude from only one verse, e.g. Can we conclude from only one verse, e.g. Eph 5:19, that instrumental music in Eph 5:19, that instrumental music in worship is wrong? THINK and explain your worship is wrong? THINK and explain your answer.answer.

In class let us make a list of things we use In class let us make a list of things we use in our work. Then let us give book, chapter in our work. Then let us give book, chapter and verse for them!and verse for them!


Give some common arguments that people Give some common arguments that people make to justify practices that completely make to justify practices that completely ignore principles of Bible authority.ignore principles of Bible authority.

New Teachings by Liberal BrethrenNew Teachings by Liberal Brethren

The primary book I will examine is called: The primary book I will examine is called: ““The Church in TransitionThe Church in Transition” by ” by James S. James S. WoodruffWoodruff. .


Do these men accurately teach the truth? If Do these men accurately teach the truth? If so let us repent and stand with them.so let us repent and stand with them.



If these teachings are in error, then let us If these teachings are in error, then let us expose them.expose them.



If these teachings are in error, then let us If these teachings are in error, then let us expose them.expose them.

In time these teachings In time these teachings will confront uswill confront us! ! One of these books has been widely been One of these books has been widely been used by churches in the area.used by churches in the area.


Do these men accurately teach the truth? If so let us repent Do these men accurately teach the truth? If so let us repent and stand with them.and stand with them.

If these teachings are in error, then let us expose them.If these teachings are in error, then let us expose them. In time these teachings In time these teachings will confront uswill confront us! One of these ! One of these

books has been widely been used by churches in the area.books has been widely been used by churches in the area. Consider the numerous errors advocated in these books.Consider the numerous errors advocated in these books. B. B. The only thing necessary for salvation are the steps The only thing necessary for salvation are the steps

to becoming a to becoming a Christian.Christian.


The only thing necessary for salvation The only thing necessary for salvation are the steps to becoming a are the steps to becoming a Christian.Christian.


“ “ The response provided by this Christ-The response provided by this Christ-centered message in the non-Jewish centered message in the non-Jewish believers was baptism in the name of Jesus believers was baptism in the name of Jesus Christ. Christ. The transaction was complete; The transaction was complete; nothing further was required for their nothing further was required for their salvation.salvation.””


““There have been believers in every There have been believers in every generation, especially among restorationists, generation, especially among restorationists, who so revered their own traditions that who so revered their own traditions that they felt justified in excluding all other they felt justified in excluding all other believers who did not totally share their believers who did not totally share their beliefs.beliefs. This is purely and simply sectarianism, This is purely and simply sectarianism, and all who practice such exclusive theology and all who practice such exclusive theology are guilty of fragmenting the body of Christ.”are guilty of fragmenting the body of Christ.”


All who want to transmit the good news of All who want to transmit the good news of God's salvation to a lost world are forced to God's salvation to a lost world are forced to answer one unsettling question in regard to answer one unsettling question in regard to what is required to "stand approved before what is required to "stand approved before God."God."


And that question is: Once we have preached God's And that question is: Once we have preached God's message (the good news of peace through Jesus message (the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, his identity as Savior and Judge, his ministry, Christ, his identity as Savior and Judge, his ministry, death and resurrection), and called on all who believe death and resurrection), and called on all who believe in him to be baptized in his name and receive his in him to be baptized in his name and receive his Spirit as a gift, will we let that be enough? Or will we Spirit as a gift, will we let that be enough? Or will we insist on tacking on additional requirements which insist on tacking on additional requirements which others must meet in order to stand right before God?others must meet in order to stand right before God? - THE CHURCH IN TRANSITION, PP.- THE CHURCH IN TRANSITION, PP. 108-110 108-110




Make a list of Bible issues that a Christian Make a list of Bible issues that a Christian must take a stand on to be right with must take a stand on to be right with God. Give scripture!God. Give scripture! (Gal 5:19-21; 1 Cor (Gal 5:19-21; 1 Cor 11:17-34; 1 Cor 14:33-37.....)11:17-34; 1 Cor 14:33-37.....)


Based on the above position taken by Based on the above position taken by brother Woodruff , which denominational brother Woodruff , which denominational churches would stand approved before churches would stand approved before God? What denominational doctrines God? What denominational doctrines would be allowed to pass unopposed?would be allowed to pass unopposed?


All matters outside of Conversion are All matters outside of Conversion are placed under Romans 14.placed under Romans 14.


Paul closes chapter 14 with the sobering Paul closes chapter 14 with the sobering reminder that any action which does not reminder that any action which does not issue from personal conviction or faith is issue from personal conviction or faith is sin. He insists that no one should act on sin. He insists that no one should act on someone else's conviction at the expense of someone else's conviction at the expense of his own; to do so is to violate one's own his own; to do so is to violate one's own conscience and thus sin. conscience and thus sin.


He hereby guarantees the place of diversity He hereby guarantees the place of diversity in the kingdom by protecting the right of in the kingdom by protecting the right of the less liberated brother (or congregation) the less liberated brother (or congregation) to hold differing opinions or convictions to hold differing opinions or convictions from the more liberated.from the more liberated.


But the very fact that Paul distinguishes But the very fact that Paul distinguishes between the two in the church in Rome between the two in the church in Rome acknowledges the presence of both in the acknowledges the presence of both in the kingdom. No one has to be like everyone kingdom. No one has to be like everyone else (or anyone else) in order to be else (or anyone else) in order to be acceptable to Christ and to be a rightful part acceptable to Christ and to be a rightful part of the church. of the church.


Weak and strong Christian, conservative Weak and strong Christian, conservative and liberal brother are all guaranteed a safe and liberal brother are all guaranteed a safe place in the kingdom of God. Let us not place in the kingdom of God. Let us not impose our own check-list of orthodoxy impose our own check-list of orthodoxy that would restrict that freedom or deny that that would restrict that freedom or deny that guarantee.guarantee.


He drew a circle to keep me out;He drew a circle to keep me out;heretic, rebel, a thing to flout.heretic, rebel, a thing to flout.

But love and I had the wit to win:But love and I had the wit to win:We drew a circle and took him in. We drew a circle and took him in.

- - THE CHURCH IN TRANSITION, P. THE CHURCH IN TRANSITION, P. 128128


What kind of subjects are the focus of this What kind of subjects are the focus of this chapter according to Romans 14:14-20?chapter according to Romans 14:14-20?


What is the mistake of the brother who adds What is the mistake of the brother who adds subjects covered by Gal 5:19-21 to the subjects covered by Gal 5:19-21 to the principles of Romans 14?principles of Romans 14?


The silence of the scriptures do not limit The silence of the scriptures do not limit our actions in any way.our actions in any way.


"A DREAM OF JUDGMENT“"A DREAM OF JUDGMENT“For For silence surely doth forbid!silence surely doth forbid!

In silence Thy commands are hid."In silence Thy commands are hid." my servant my servant wrote,“wrote,“

said Christ to me, "'For freedom Christ has set said Christ to me, "'For freedom Christ has set us free.us free.

Be not ensnared in bondage yokeBe not ensnared in bondage yokeWhich we as well our fathers broke.Which we as well our fathers broke.

But But you have stood right in the wayyou have stood right in the way


Of righteous men; Of righteous men; you've stood to say,you've stood to say,'Touch not, taste not, and handle not.'Touch not, taste not, and handle not.

And by your laws have brought to nought Good And by your laws have brought to nought Good works;works;

and men that would be saved Are and men that would be saved Are lost still,lost still,for they did not have The gospel preached to for they did not have The gospel preached to

them,them,because because You made men tarry for your cause.You made men tarry for your cause.


"Oh! Hellish cause, that makes men think"Oh! Hellish cause, that makes men thinkThe dipper's more concern than drink;The dipper's more concern than drink;That leaves men dying in their thirstThat leaves men dying in their thirstWhile what is While what is least least is put as is put as first.first.

What matters if by plastic cup,What matters if by plastic cup,Or dipper, bucket, glass, teacup?Or dipper, bucket, glass, teacup?

When men are thirsty men demandWhen men are thirsty men demandTo drink by any means at hand.To drink by any means at hand.


WHY put you words into My mouthWHY put you words into My mouthIn places where I did not bid?In places where I did not bid?

For For silence neither gives consent,silence neither gives consent,Nor yet does silence e'er forbid.Nor yet does silence e'er forbid.

THE CHURCH IN TRANSITION, P. THE CHURCH IN TRANSITION, P. 187187




Class Discussion:Class Discussion: Does following the instructions of Col 3:17 Does following the instructions of Col 3:17

leave men “dying in thirst”?leave men “dying in thirst”?



leave men “dying in thirst”?leave men “dying in thirst”? Since evangelism is a “good work” then Since evangelism is a “good work” then

should we not be concerned about “how” should we not be concerned about “how” we go about it?we go about it?



leave men “dying in thirst”?leave men “dying in thirst”? Since evangelism is a “good work” then Since evangelism is a “good work” then

should we not be concerned about “how” we should we not be concerned about “how” we go about it?go about it?

May we “do evil that good may come”? May we “do evil that good may come”? (Rom (Rom 3:8)3:8)


The subjective desire for escape from The subjective desire for escape from conflict is appealed to as evidence that conflict is appealed to as evidence that division based upon a careful following of division based upon a careful following of God’s word.God’s word.


The subjective desire for escape from The subjective desire for escape from conflict is appealed to as evidence that conflict is appealed to as evidence that division based upon a careful following of division based upon a careful following of God’s word.God’s word.

Notice the questions asked and their Notice the questions asked and their emphasis. (Italics added LWR)emphasis. (Italics added LWR)


QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSIONQUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION


1. Do you agree or disagree that we (in 1. Do you agree or disagree that we (in Churches of Christ) are Churches of Christ) are "a people of the "a people of the Book"?Book"?


2. How has this "people of the Book" trait 2. How has this "people of the Book" trait manifested itself in manifested itself in your experienceyour experience with with the church?the church?



3. Does the 3. Does the division and fragmentationdivision and fragmentation in in the Church of Christ the Church of Christ disturb youdisturb you??




4. If not, why does it not?4. If not, why does it not?


2. How has this "people of the Book" trait 2. How has this "people of the Book" trait manifested itself in manifested itself in your experienceyour experience with the with the church?church?


4. If not, why does it not?4. If not, why does it not? 5. If it does 5. If it does disturb youdisturb you, explain why it does., explain why it does.


6. Do you feel a 6. Do you feel a longinglonging for a biblical base for a biblical base upon which you upon which you can accept others who can accept others who differ from youdiffer from you??


6. Do you feel a 6. Do you feel a longinglonging for a biblical base for a biblical base upon which you upon which you can accept others who can accept others who differ from youdiffer from you??

7. Do you, 7. Do you, regardless of the presence of a regardless of the presence of a biblical basebiblical base, , presently possess a presently possess a personal, subjective desire to accept personal, subjective desire to accept others who differ from youothers who differ from you? Can you ? Can you explain why?explain why?


8. Do you agree or disagree that the 8. Do you agree or disagree that the younger generation (35 and younger) "younger generation (35 and younger) "are are not interested in maintaining the not interested in maintaining the denominational differences which have denominational differences which have divided us in the pastdivided us in the past?“?“


8. Do you agree or disagree that the 8. Do you agree or disagree that the younger generation (35 and younger) "younger generation (35 and younger) "are are not interested in maintaining the not interested in maintaining the denominational differences which have denominational differences which have divided us in the pastdivided us in the past?“?“

9. Do you agree or disagree that the 9. Do you agree or disagree that the younger generation shares with the older younger generation shares with the older generation a solid respect for the Bible?generation a solid respect for the Bible?


10. Have you read any of the magazines or 10. Have you read any of the magazines or books mentioned in this chapter?books mentioned in this chapter?



11. Have you attended any of the 11. Have you attended any of the unity unity meetingsmeetings??



11. Have you attended any of the 11. Have you attended any of the unity unity meetingsmeetings??

12. Have you ever been involved in 12. Have you ever been involved in dialogue with others who are not members dialogue with others who are not members of the Church of Christ?of the Church of Christ?


13. Do you agree or disagree that the 13. Do you agree or disagree that the underlying cause of our divisiveness is underlying cause of our divisiveness is attitudinalattitudinal? Why do you say this?? Why do you say this?


14. Do you agree or disagree that, in years 14. Do you agree or disagree that, in years pastpast, we have been more interested in , we have been more interested in debate than in dialoguedebate than in dialogue? Is this good or ? Is this good or bad? - bad? - THE CHURCH IN TRANSITION, THE CHURCH IN TRANSITION, P. 24P. 24




Class Discussion:Class Discussion: Should we base our study and application Should we base our study and application

on what on what wewe desire or what desire or what GodGod desires? desires? (Gal 1:10)(Gal 1:10)


Do our subjective desires make a sound Do our subjective desires make a sound foundation from which to make decisions?foundation from which to make decisions? (Prov 14:12; Jer 10:23; Acts 26:9)(Prov 14:12; Jer 10:23; Acts 26:9)


Preaching concerning the “One True Preaching concerning the “One True Church” is false teaching.Church” is false teaching.


We were really naive. Years later, after we We were really naive. Years later, after we returned to the States, a sister in Christ said, returned to the States, a sister in Christ said, "Oh, brother Woodroof, what faith you had "Oh, brother Woodroof, what faith you had to go all that distance to live and preach the to go all that distance to live and preach the gospel." I repliedgospel." I replied, “No Ma'am; it was , “No Ma'am; it was sheer ignorance. If I ever go back it will sheer ignorance. If I ever go back it will be by faith!”be by faith!”


Of course, we had convictions and good Of course, we had convictions and good intentions. I remember the first piece of intentions. I remember the first piece of printed material we prepared and placed in printed material we prepared and placed in mail boxes in that part of the citymail boxes in that part of the city. It was . It was entitled "The True Church." It had entitled "The True Church." It had enough Bible references (no scriptures, enough Bible references (no scriptures, mind you —just references) to drown the mind you —just references) to drown the most eager Bible student.most eager Bible student.


I would venture to say not one recipient I would venture to say not one recipient read that piece. Eventually we learned to read that piece. Eventually we learned to letter-box nothing that could not be read letter-box nothing that could not be read between the mail box and the wastebasket.between the mail box and the wastebasket.


"The True Church" pamphlet was just the first "The True Church" pamphlet was just the first of several such efforts indicating that, when it of several such efforts indicating that, when it came right down to it, we did not know the came right down to it, we did not know the message we should be preaching. We knew a message we should be preaching. We knew a lot of true things, but we didn't know the lot of true things, but we didn't know the message. We knew a lot of interesting things, message. We knew a lot of interesting things, but not the ultimate message that melts the but not the ultimate message that melts the heart and brings sinful man back to God. heart and brings sinful man back to God.


The realization that we had gone 10,000 The realization that we had gone 10,000 miles to preach the good news but did not miles to preach the good news but did not know the message was the most rude know the message was the most rude awakening I ever had. - awakening I ever had. - THE CHURCH THE CHURCH IN TRANSITION, PP. 24-25IN TRANSITION, PP. 24-25




Class Discussion:Class Discussion: What is the “one true church”?What is the “one true church”?

(Eph 4:4-6; 1:22-23)(Eph 4:4-6; 1:22-23)


Does the good news of Christ include the Does the good news of Christ include the message of his Lordship? message of his Lordship? (Luke 6:46)(Luke 6:46)



What lessons may we draw from our study?What lessons may we draw from our study?



What lessons may we draw from our study?What lessons may we draw from our study? We must return to being a people of the We must return to being a people of the

bookbook (2 Tim 3:15; Matt 28:19). (2 Tim 3:15; Matt 28:19).



What lessons may we draw from our study?What lessons may we draw from our study? We must return to being a people of the bookWe must return to being a people of the book

(2 Tim 3:15; Matt 28:19).(2 Tim 3:15; Matt 28:19). We need to learn to solve our problems on the We need to learn to solve our problems on the

basis of Bible authoritybasis of Bible authority (Matt 4:4, 19:4; 1 John 4:6). (Matt 4:4, 19:4; 1 John 4:6).


We must strive for consistency in our We must strive for consistency in our application of the scriptures.application of the scriptures.


We must strive for consistency in our We must strive for consistency in our application of the scriptures.application of the scriptures.

Let us not grow weary in the stand for the Let us not grow weary in the stand for the truth. God’s way will prevail.truth. God’s way will prevail. (Rom 3:4; Gal 6:9; Heb 10:36-39)(Rom 3:4; Gal 6:9; Heb 10:36-39)

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We Are Hopeless without Gods word