HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH EZINE

In the early 1970's, Bill Hybels started a movement primarily for high school students worship services, with contemporary music, drama, and Bible teaching directed to teens which became quite popular and he then began offering an adult version which started the "Willow Creek Community Church Movement". Then in 1980, Rick Warren along with Hybels, founded the Saddleback Community movement in California. Warrens book "The Purpose Driven Church" and the two churches themselves have spread and penetrated numerous denominations as well as the churches of Christ. The Saddleback congregation professes now to have 14,000 in attendance each week end. They have proven one point very strongly...If you want growth in numbers, forget the Lord's will and offer as much entertainment as you can possibly muster.

I know that I constantly ask you readers to read links that I list here, but the one below is perhaps the most informative and needed by all honest servants of God. Read this information, 10 articles by great gospel preachers, all on 1 long page. Take your time but please read it every bit. This covers the growth and influence of this denominational movement and the divisiveness it has created. It is urgent that all of us draw back our bows against this Satanic stronghold.

Since the Restoration of the Lord's church, we have seen huge splits in the brotherhood, over instruments of music in the worship, Bible study classes, support of instutions from the Lord's treasury, and several other things. Let us make every effort to stop this new apostacy before it again tears asunder the Lord's body. It has already reached large proportions.

(This is from an ad in The Christian Chronicle, Sept., 2002, p.34 Come to the Table:Revisioning the Lord's Supper by John Mark Hicks)

"Our church family spent a month studying and implementing Dr. Hicks book. It has had the very positive effect of helping many see the supper as a joyous community event focusing on the Risen Christ instead of a sad and solitary reflection on his death."--Rubel Shelley

(What is sad is that Mr. Hicks and Mr. Shelley see a need to revision the Lord's Supper. We are to remember the sacrifice of Christ. We can be very thankful and happy that he was willing to die for our sins. But not remembering the immensity of the pain and agony of that sacrifice takes away from the sacrifice. Not everything about the Christian walk is fun and games. We do not have to always have happy feelings to be a joyous community. Joy can be gotten from the realization of his 'willingness' to endure a horrific death and then his resurrection. The joy does not come from the horrific death. We did not deserve his sacrifice. He willingly did it because he loves us. Tears of thanksgiving are just as important as the joy of the result of the sacrifice. The feely - touchy, sugar coated, make me always feel good revisionism demeans the Lord's Supper.--Mark McWhorter)

(Submitted via email from Mark McWhorter of Chula Vista Books--See His ad in ths issue)

Most religious people observe the divided state of Christendom and assume that we cannot agree on the Bible's teaching. Perhaps many would agree that the Bible itself is true, but they feel that we are unable to really understand its message in the same way. Some are so confused that they would deny the reality of absolute truth in the spiritual realm. However, in spite of men's opinions along these lines, the acid test must be the Scriptures themselves.

The God-inspired message of the Bible is emphatically stating that there is truth! The word "truth" occurs about 225 times in the Word. Jesus is said to have brought truth (John 17:17), and to be truth (John 14:6). He claimed that God's word was truth (John 17:17), and this was due to its author ( 1 Thess. 2:13; 2 Pet. 1:21; 2 Tim. 3:16-17). Further, if there is no absolute truth, there can be no error. Few could observe our sin-sick society and take this position. Next, we see that God expects us to understand the truth. The word "understand" is found in Scripture approximately 300 times. This word means "to comprehend the meaning of something." If any two people understand a given fact, they will agree on it. The idea that we can understand the Bible differently is a fallacy because of the very definition of the word itself. This being so, if two people differ on the same subject, at least one must be wrong, and possibly both. Anyone who still wants to maintain that the truth of God cannot be understood should consider this. If truth cannot be comprehended, then God did not want us to comprehend (but see 1Tim. 2:4), or else He didn't have the power to make it understandable (I can't believe either one of these conclusions!). Who will be so bold as to charge God with either of these? As Paul said by inspiration, "be ye not foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is" (Eph. 5:17 - see also Eph. 3:3-4).

If the truth can be understood, then why does so much religious confusion still exist? There are many answers to this question, but we will mention only two major ones. First, people are ignorant of the Scriptures for a variety of reasons. Most do not study for themselves, but depend on some preacher (who may not study either). Those who do study often do not study logically. They ignore contexts and backgrounds. Proof of this is really seen in the application of 1 John 1:9 to non-Christians by many TV and radio evangelists.

Others do not consider all the scriptures on a given subject. This is the problem Jesus dealt with in Matt. 4:6-7 when he said "again it is written." People often are ignorant of the difference in the two covenants, so they make all sorts of false applications. Yet another reason for ignorance is seen in a failure to recognize the authority of Divine silence. God really expects us "not to go beyond the things that are written" (1Cor. 4:6; see also 2 John 9; Rev. 22:18-19). prejudice rears it ugly head, then those so enslaved can never understand the truth. Rom. 1:28 and 2 Thes. 2:10-12 deal with this tragic problem.

The second major reason for failing to understand the Bible is just plain prejudice. People see what they want to see, and believe what they are comfortable with. When prejudice rears it ugly head, then those so enslaved can never understand the truth. Rom. 1:28 and 2 Thes. 2:10-12 deal with this tragic problem. In conclusion, we affirm that the Bible not only can be understood, but must be understood and obeyed. If we do not understand the truth, we cannot be free from sin (John 8:32). We are made free from sin by obeying the form of truth which includes baptism (Rom. 6:17; Rom. 6:3-4). Obedience to the truth purifies our souls (1 Pet. 1:22), and Christ saves only those who obey Him (Heb. 5:9).

Until a person is ready to admit that truth exists and can be understood, he is not ready to accept Christ. Therefore, let the Scriptures speak to him on this subject that he might "not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."

Chula Vista Books is owned and operated by Mark and Teah McWhorter. We carry a wide selection of Bible related materials--ladies' books, childrens' materials, commentaries, apologetics, lectureship books, missions books, class books, debates, sermon books, church history, topical studies, Bible covers, Bibles, tracts, BCCs and more.

We also send out used book lists from time to time. Unfortunately we do not have a catalog at present but invite your inquiries. If you would like to be on our mailing list, send us your email address.

Mark McWhorter, 420 Chula Vist Mtn Rd, Pell City AL 35125, Phone 205-338-1843

Does your congregation have a web site? Can you add, update and delete information from your existing web site easily? If you answered no to either question visit The Lord's Way. This new service allows you to create a web site for your congregation and update it yourself whenever you want by simply completing online forms. The service is designed for any congregation that wants a web site that contains current, updated and fresh information but does not want to invest the time and money in learning about the inner-workings of the Internet. Your new site will be packed with information about your congregation. Visit us and take a tour!

Without meaning to belabor the subject, but it amazes me that the new "Community Church Movement" started and promulgated by denominationalism, so attracted some of our learned brethren that they jumped in bed with them, no questions asked. (They seem to feel if this movement will attract multitudes of people and cause me to be widely known as a master discipler, bring me fame and more money, let me have it now!)

I hope that they will all use the term "Community Church" and leave the Lord's name out of it. It will be very fitting. Their argument is that it will attract and gain more people in our present day society. I agree that it will probably do that, but what is it gaining them for? Certainly not for Christ or eternal life. And the really bad thing about it is that Hebrews 6: 4-6 applies here, as does 2 Timothy 4: 3-4.

This should not really be surprising, however. We have been guilty of this since the Restoration movement. Actually, God's people have been guilty of it since the creation. We've never been satisfied with the simple word of God, but have always wanted to add "some new thing" to that word. Since the restoration, we have been as the Israelites who wanted a King like those around them. Every new thing that has been introduced by the various denominations, not withstanding that they were unauthorized in His word, have been grabbed by some of our brethren just as though God had forgotten to put that in!!

I am not aware of just what denomination Bill Hybels is a member of. I am informed however, that his cohort, Rick Warren, "Doctor Pastor" of the Saddleback Church in California, is of the Southern Baptist Association. Regardless of this, visit and read the articles linked below..2 articles by E. L. Bynum of the Tabernacle Baptist Church (Independent Baptist) in Lubbock, Texas. In the Web of Compromise and another The Bill Hybels Way

Even though it may seem futile, we need to continue to pray for those who are astray, that they might see their error and return to the fold. The days are swiftly passing.

The future of the church rests on our ability to train effective leaders. There will always be a need for leaders to rise to the occasion as servants, Bible class teachers, ministers, deacons, and elders. Believing that such training should begin at an early age, Leadership Training for Christ provides an opportunity for youngsters, beginning in the third grade, to recognize and develop leadership skills.

Training is Biblical, practical, and in-depth. Leadership Training for Christ provides local congregations an opportunity to work with children and teens on a year-round basis. The second annual SELTC convention is being planned for March 29-31 in Mobile, AL. For more information please see our website Click Here or call 205-988-5808.

A series of Gospel meetings with David Hamilton from Franklin, Kentucky speaking from October 6th through the 9th. The lessons will center on "The I AM Sayings of Christ in the Gospel of John." For further details visit our website Click Here.

The Bear Valley Bible Institute, Scottsboro Extension (BVBISE) is half-way through it's second year of operation under the oversight of the elders of the Broad Street Church of Christ in Scottsboro, Alabama. The school is an extension of the BEAR VALLEY BIBLE INSTITUTE of DENVER. 40 courses (and eight out-of-class mini-courses) completed over a four-year period lead to the Bachelor of Biblical Studies Degree. The Associates Degree may be earned in half that time.

One course is taught each month (except July and December) in two all-day Saturday sessions along with outside assignments. The school is TUITION FREE. The only costs to the student are for required texts & materials, and a $5 fee each Saturday to help cover the teacher's expenses. The teachers are academically well-qualified and experienced gospel preachers who know and love the Bible as the verbally inspired and authoritative word of God, and who volunteer their time and work as a labor of love.

BVBISE is committed to training sound and able Bible teachers (men and women), and faithful gospel preachers for service in the kingdom of Christ. The format is designed to make this training possible for men and women who must continue their jobs and other pursuits while they study. Credit is given for previous college or preacher-school study. A preacher-school graduate may be able to earn the Bachelor of Biblical Studies Degree in as little as four months of study. For more information please contact the Broad Street Church of Christ, 613 South Broad Street, Scottsboro, AL 35768. Phone: 256-574-2489. EMAIL

The Herdsman and the Lost Bull

A herdsman tending his flock in a forest lost a Bull-calf from the fold. After a long and fruitless search, he made a vow that, if he could only discover the thief who had stolen the Calf, he would offer a lamb in sacrifice to Hermes, Pan, and the Guardian Deities of the forest. Not long afterwards, as he ascended a small hillock, he saw at its foot a Lion feeding on the Calf. Terrified at the sight, he lifted his eyes and his hands to heaven, and said: "Just now I vowed to offer a lamb to the Guardian Deities of the forest if I could only find out who had robbed me; but now that I have discovered the thief, I would willingly add a full-grown Bull to the Calf I have lost, if I may only secure my own escape from him in safety."...Aesop