the seven ones of ephesians 4

THE SEVEN ONES OF THE SEVEN ONES OF EPHESIANS 4EPHESIANS 4

Our Elusive Goal of Uniting all Our Elusive Goal of Uniting all ChristiansChristians

November 20, 2010November 20, 2010Mt. Pinatubo Church of ChristMt. Pinatubo Church of ChristCabangan, ZambalesCabangan, Zambales

By Ed MaquilingBy Ed Maquilinghttp://mountainviewcoc.wordpress.comhttp://edmaq.wordpress.comhttp://edmaq.wordpress.com

A Walk Down History’s LaneA Walk Down History’s Lane

• Whence came the Churches of Christ of Whence came the Churches of Christ of today?today?

• First church – AD 33 – Jerusalem – First church – AD 33 – Jerusalem – Founded by Jesus – Had Apostles and Founded by Jesus – Had Apostles and Prophets, Elders and Deacons, Prophets, Elders and Deacons, Evangelists and Teachers, Had local Evangelists and Teachers, Had local assembliesassemblies

• Paul prophesied that some churches of Paul prophesied that some churches of Christ would fall away (1 Tim. 4:1-3). Christ would fall away (1 Tim. 4:1-3).

1 Timothy 4:1-3 (ASV)1 Timothy 4:1-3 (ASV)

• 1 But the Spirit saith expressly, that in 1 But the Spirit saith expressly, that in later times some shall fall away from the later times some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons, doctrines of demons,

• 2 through the hypocrisy of men that speak 2 through the hypocrisy of men that speak lies, branded in their own conscience as lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron; with a hot iron;

• 3 forbidding to marry, 3 forbidding to marry, and commandingand commanding to to abstain from meats, which God created to abstain from meats, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by them be received with thanksgiving by them that believe and know the truth. that believe and know the truth.

““Some Shall Fall Away From the Faith”Some Shall Fall Away From the Faith”

• (1) “Some,” τινες, “a part of the whole.” Which (1) “Some,” τινες, “a part of the whole.” Which simply shows that the apostasy of the church was simply shows that the apostasy of the church was not total or complete.not total or complete.

• (2) “Shall fall away,” (2) “Shall fall away,” αποστησονται, future αποστησονται, future indicative middle deponent, “to go away, to indicative middle deponent, “to go away, to withdraw, to fall away, to become apostate” withdraw, to fall away, to become apostate” (Rogers & Rogers, 493).(Rogers & Rogers, 493).

• (3) “From the faith,” (3) “From the faith,” της πιστεως, the word της πιστεως, the word indicates that which they leave and is used in the indicates that which they leave and is used in the objective sense, meaning “the Christian doctrine, objective sense, meaning “the Christian doctrine, the sound teaching” (Rogers & Rogers, 493). the sound teaching” (Rogers & Rogers, 493).

Catholicism the most prominent Catholicism the most prominent Apostate ChurchApostate Church

• Catholicism was the Catholicism was the result of such a falling result of such a falling away, coming to away, coming to prominence by the prominence by the election of their first election of their first pope (Boniface III) in pope (Boniface III) in AD 607.AD 607.

• With the rise of With the rise of Catholicism, the true Catholicism, the true church became the church became the minority religious minority religious groups.groups.

Papal Succession?Papal Succession?

• Roman Catholic Church claims to prove their Roman Catholic Church claims to prove their apostolic origin through the so-called “papal apostolic origin through the so-called “papal succession.”succession.”

• ANSWER: “The doctrine [of apostolic ANSWER: “The doctrine [of apostolic succession], however, was not formalized until succession], however, was not formalized until the conflict with Gnosticism during the 2nd, 3rd, the conflict with Gnosticism during the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th centuries, when the Gnostics claimed a and 4th centuries, when the Gnostics claimed a secret tradition traceable to the apostles. Church secret tradition traceable to the apostles. Church authorities then began to look to the succession authorities then began to look to the succession of bishop to bishop as the guarantee of orthodox of bishop to bishop as the guarantee of orthodox teaching” (Microsoft Encarta Premium Suite teaching” (Microsoft Encarta Premium Suite 2005; art. Apostolic Succession). 2005; art. Apostolic Succession).

Baptist Succession?Baptist Succession?

• The Baptist Church claims to prove their The Baptist Church claims to prove their divine origin through the so-called divine origin through the so-called “Baptist succession.”“Baptist succession.”

• ANSWER: “Baptist writers differ ANSWER: “Baptist writers differ concerning the question whether it is concerning the question whether it is possible to trace an uninterrupted possible to trace an uninterrupted succession of Baptist churches from the succession of Baptist churches from the apostles’ times down to the present” apostles’ times down to the present” (McClintock & Strong Cyclopedia, vol. 1, p. (McClintock & Strong Cyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 653). 653).

• Churches of Christ should not make the same Churches of Christ should not make the same mistakes as the Catholics and the Baptists.mistakes as the Catholics and the Baptists.

• Let’s quash the squash theory of succession:Let’s quash the squash theory of succession:

• Original squash in the US Original squash in the US ►► its vines being its vines being carried over the ship carried over the ship ►► flowered in the flowered in the Philippines Philippines ► ► bore fruit in Zambales! ??? bore fruit in Zambales! ???

• That Religious Squash is basically what the That Religious Squash is basically what the Catholics and the Baptists want us to believe!Catholics and the Baptists want us to believe!

The Parable of the Sower: The Parable of the Sower: Luke 8:4-11Luke 8:4-11

• And when a great crowd came together and people from And when a great crowd came together and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable: 5 "A town after town came to him, he said in a parable: 5 "A sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, sower went out to sow his seed; and as he sowed, some fell along the path, and was trodden under foot, some fell along the path, and was trodden under foot, and the birds of the air devoured it. 6 And some fell on and the birds of the air devoured it. 6 And some fell on the rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it the rock; and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns; and had no moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns grew with it and choked it. 8 And some fell the thorns grew with it and choked it. 8 And some fell into good soil and grew, and yielded a hundredfold." As into good soil and grew, and yielded a hundredfold." As he said this, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let he said this, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."him hear."

• 9 And when his disciples asked him what this parable meant, 10 he said, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God; but for others they are in parables, so that seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand. 11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

The meaning and goal of the The meaning and goal of the parableparable

• The seed of the kingdom is the Word The seed of the kingdom is the Word of God, and that seed is still with us.of God, and that seed is still with us.

• The parable illustrates the principle The parable illustrates the principle that whenever and wherever the seed that whenever and wherever the seed is sown, from the time it was first is sown, from the time it was first preached up to our modern times, it preached up to our modern times, it has produced and will always has produced and will always produce Christians. produce Christians.

The Religious Antecedents of our The Religious Antecedents of our Restoration MovementRestoration Movement

• Peter Waldo (1140-1218)/ WaldensiansPeter Waldo (1140-1218)/ Waldensians• John Wycliffe (1328-1384)/ LollardsJohn Wycliffe (1328-1384)/ Lollards• Jan Hus (1369-1415)Jan Hus (1369-1415)• Petr Chelčický (1390-1460)Petr Chelčický (1390-1460)• Anabaptists (16Anabaptists (16thth century) century)• Glassites and Sandemanians (17Glassites and Sandemanians (17thth century) century)• The Haldaneans (18The Haldaneans (18thth century) century)• Barton W. Stone (1772-1844)Barton W. Stone (1772-1844)• Alexander Campbell (1788-1866)Alexander Campbell (1788-1866)

Christians Impacting ►Others to Christians Impacting ►Others to Become Workers for GodBecome Workers for God

• Waldensians ► John Wycliffe & LollardsWaldensians ► John Wycliffe & Lollards• Lollards ► Jan HusLollards ► Jan Hus• Jan Hus ► Petr ChelčickýJan Hus ► Petr Chelčický• Hus + Chelčický + Luther + Zwingli + Hus + Chelčický + Luther + Zwingli +

Erasmus ► Anabaptists Erasmus ► Anabaptists • Anabaptists ► John GlasAnabaptists ► John Glas• Waldo + Wycliffe + Hus + Luther + Zwingli Waldo + Wycliffe + Hus + Luther + Zwingli

+ Anabaptists ► Haldaneans+ Anabaptists ► Haldaneans• Haldaneans ► Alexander CampbellHaldaneans ► Alexander Campbell• Great Awakening ► Barton W. Stone Great Awakening ► Barton W. Stone

Waldensian Reformation: The Church Waldensian Reformation: The Church of Christ of the 12of Christ of the 12thth Century Century

• Peter Valdez/ Peter Waldo Peter Valdez/ Peter Waldo (1140-1218)(1140-1218)

• Wealthy merchant of Wealthy merchant of Lyons, France; sold his Lyons, France; sold his property in 1177 and gave property in 1177 and gave to the poorto the poor

• Organized “The Poor Men Organized “The Poor Men of Lyons,” which group of Lyons,” which group later came to be known as later came to be known as the Waldensians.the Waldensians.

• They called themselves the They called themselves the “church of Christ.”“church of Christ.”

In 1184, they were formally declared In 1184, they were formally declared heretics by “pope” Lucius III.heretics by “pope” Lucius III.

• They kept on They kept on preaching in spite preaching in spite of the prohibition of the prohibition against them.against them.

• They were burned They were burned at stake in at stake in Toulouse, in SW Toulouse, in SW France, 13France, 13thth century.century.

• Burning of the Waldensians

The Massacre of the Waldensians:The Massacre of the Waldensians:Merindol, Provence, FranceMerindol, Provence, France

• The Waldensians The Waldensians were massacred in were massacred in the village of the village of Merindol, in Merindol, in Provence, in SE Provence, in SE France, in 1545.France, in 1545.

The Massacre of the Waldensians:The Massacre of the Waldensians:in La Torre, in Spainin La Torre, in Spain

• In 1655, the In 1655, the Waldensians were Waldensians were tortured, impaled, and tortured, impaled, and massacred in the massacred in the town of La Torre, town of La Torre, Spain.Spain.

• From "History of the Evangelical Churches of the Valleys of Piedmont,“ by Samuel Morelands, published in London in 1658.

The English Reformation: The English Reformation: 1414thth Century Century

• John Wycliffe John Wycliffe (1328-1384)(1328-1384)

• ““Morning Star of the Morning Star of the Reformation”Reformation”

• Wycliffe argued that Wycliffe argued that the Bible is the the Bible is the standard of authoritystandard of authority

• An opponent of papal An opponent of papal authorityauthority

The Lollards: The Church of Christ of The Lollards: The Church of Christ of the 14the 14thth Century Century

• John Wycliffe translated the Latin Vulgate into John Wycliffe translated the Latin Vulgate into vernacular English (1380’s), which made it more vernacular English (1380’s), which made it more understandable to the ordinary Englishmen.understandable to the ordinary Englishmen.

• He formed a group of believers patterned after He formed a group of believers patterned after the Christians in the New Testament. the Christians in the New Testament.

• This group was labeled by their enemies as This group was labeled by their enemies as “Lollards,” which means “mumblers.”“Lollards,” which means “mumblers.”

• The Lollards church also called themselves the The Lollards church also called themselves the “church of Christ.”“church of Christ.”

The Hussite Reformation: The Hussite Reformation: 1414thth Century Century

• Jan Hus (1369-1415)Jan Hus (1369-1415)• He heard the teachings He heard the teachings

of John Wycliffe through of John Wycliffe through Anne of Bohemia (wife of Anne of Bohemia (wife of Richard II, King of Richard II, King of England) and her group.England) and her group.

• Hus proposed a reform Hus proposed a reform of the Bohemian church.of the Bohemian church.

• The Roman Catholic The Roman Catholic Church condemned Hus Church condemned Hus in 1411 and burned him in 1411 and burned him at stake on July 6, 1415.at stake on July 6, 1415.

Preparing the Execution of Jan Hus, Preparing the Execution of Jan Hus, July 6, 1415July 6, 1415

Hussite Reformation: The Church of Hussite Reformation: The Church of Christ in the 14Christ in the 14thth Century Century

• Petr ChelčickýPetr Chelčický• Born in Chelčice, Born in Chelčice,

Bohemia, about 1390. Bohemia, about 1390. • Foremost thinker in the Foremost thinker in the

Czech Reformation Czech Reformation Movement.Movement.

• (1) Separation of church (1) Separation of church and stateand state

• (2) Non-violence and (2) Non-violence and pacifismpacifism

• (3) Equality of all (3) Equality of all ChristiansChristians

• (4) Priesthood of all (4) Priesthood of all believersbelievers

Anabaptist Movement: The Church of Anabaptist Movement: The Church of Christ of the 15Christ of the 15thth Century Century

• Conrad Grebel Conrad Grebel • (c. 1498–1526) (c. 1498–1526) • Balthasar Hubmaier Balthasar Hubmaier • (c.1480 -1528).(c.1480 -1528).• George BlaurockGeorge Blaurock• (c. 1491-1529)(c. 1491-1529)• Felix ManzFelix Manz• (c. 1498-1527)(c. 1498-1527)• Wilhelm ReublinWilhelm Reublin• (1480-1559)(1480-1559)

• Image: Balthasar Hubmaier

Original Anabaptist TeachingsOriginal Anabaptist Teachings

• They considered themselves the true churchThey considered themselves the true church• The Bible is the sole rule of faith and practiceThe Bible is the sole rule of faith and practice• Freedom of religion and liberty of conscienceFreedom of religion and liberty of conscience• Separation of church and stateSeparation of church and state• Pacifism and non-resistancePacifism and non-resistance• Non-conformity to the worldNon-conformity to the world• Voluntary church membership and believer’s Voluntary church membership and believer’s

baptismbaptism• Priesthood of all believersPriesthood of all believers• Lord’s Supper every SundayLord’s Supper every Sunday• Scriptural church organizationScriptural church organization

Glassites & Sandemanians: The Glassites & Sandemanians: The Churches of Christ of the 17Churches of Christ of the 17thth Century Century

• John Glas (1695-1773)John Glas (1695-1773)• In 1725 he repudiated In 1725 he repudiated

the obligation of the obligation of national covenants for national covenants for Christians. Christians.

• He was terminated from He was terminated from his job as minister of a his job as minister of a Scottish church.Scottish church.

• He formed a separate He formed a separate society which he called society which he called “ecclesia,” “the church “ecclesia,” “the church of Christ.”of Christ.”

Glassites and Sandemanians: The Glassites and Sandemanians: The Churches of Christ of the 17Churches of Christ of the 17thth Century Century

• Robert Sandeman (1718-Robert Sandeman (1718-1771) 1771)

• A nonconformist A nonconformist theologian. theologian.

• He helped to promote the He helped to promote the Glassite church of Christ.Glassite church of Christ.

• He was more forceful than He was more forceful than Glass and also more Glass and also more controversial. controversial.

• Was largely responsible Was largely responsible for spreading the church's for spreading the church's doctrines both within doctrines both within Scotland and elsewhere. Scotland and elsewhere.

Glassite TeachingsGlassite Teachings

• No New Testament authority for a state church. No New Testament authority for a state church. • Separation of the church and the state.Separation of the church and the state.• No authority for magistrates ruling over the No authority for magistrates ruling over the

church but only elders or bishops.church but only elders or bishops.• No scriptural grounds for National Covenants.No scriptural grounds for National Covenants.• Reformation cannot be carried out by the Reformation cannot be carried out by the

weapons of the State but by the Word of Christ weapons of the State but by the Word of Christ only.only.

• Baptism as an expression of faith and for the Baptism as an expression of faith and for the remission of one’s corruptness and sins.remission of one’s corruptness and sins.

• Regular partaking of the emblems of the Lord’s Regular partaking of the emblems of the Lord’s Supper on a Lord’s day.Supper on a Lord’s day.

Sandemanian PracticesSandemanian Practices

• No theater entertainment on Sundays.• Mutual edification.• Love feasts on Sundays.• Belief that they alone were the true church.• Sandemanian congregations remained small partly

because these churches were factious and exclusive.• Their factiousness and exclusivism also held them

back in England and Scotland.• Sandeman died in Danbury, Connecticut. His

churches never grew in the US because of his English loyalty in the years leading up to the American War of Independence.

Haldanean Reformation: The Church Haldanean Reformation: The Church of Christ of the 18of Christ of the 18thth Century Century

• Robert Haldane (1764-Robert Haldane (1764-1842)1842)

• In 1797 he sold his castle, In 1797 he sold his castle, left the Church of left the Church of Scotland and traveled Scotland and traveled around Scotland preaching.around Scotland preaching.

• In December 1797 he In December 1797 he joined his brother and joined his brother and some others in the some others in the founding of the "Society for founding of the "Society for the Propagation of the the Propagation of the Gospel at Home“ to build Gospel at Home“ to build churches, support churches, support missionaries, and to build missionaries, and to build schools to train preachers.schools to train preachers.

• James Alexander Haldane (1768-1851)James Alexander Haldane (1768-1851)• 1796 - became acquainted with Charles 1796 - became acquainted with Charles

Simeon of Cambridge, in whose company he Simeon of Cambridge, in whose company he toured Scotland, distributing tracts, awakening toured Scotland, distributing tracts, awakening others to an interest in religion. others to an interest in religion.

• 1797 - established a non-sectarian organization 1797 - established a non-sectarian organization for tract distribution and lay preaching called the for tract distribution and lay preaching called the "Society for the Propagation of the Gospel at "Society for the Propagation of the Gospel at Home". Home".

• During the next few years he made repeated During the next few years he made repeated missionary journeys, preaching wherever he missionary journeys, preaching wherever he could obtain hearers, and generally in the open could obtain hearers, and generally in the open air. air.

The Impact of the Work of the The Impact of the Work of the HaldaneansHaldaneans

• Initiated a plan to evangelize Africa by Initiated a plan to evangelize Africa by bringing the black children over to their bringing the black children over to their schools to be trained as Christian schools to be trained as Christian missionaries.missionaries.

• Lectures in the European continent had Lectures in the European continent had influenced many students of theology and influenced many students of theology and changed the religious landscape of changed the religious landscape of Europe.Europe.

• By their writings they impacted others.By their writings they impacted others.• By their schools and churches, they By their schools and churches, they

influenced others.influenced others.

The Stone Movement: Churches of The Stone Movement: Churches of Christ in KentuckyChrist in Kentucky

• Barton W. StoneBarton W. Stone (1772-1844)

• An important preacher during the Second

Great Awakening of the early 19th century.

• Was expelled from the Presbyterian church after the Cane Ridge revival for his stated beliefs in faith as the sole prerequisite for salvation.

The Campbell Movement: The Campbell Movement: Churches of Christ in VirginiaChurches of Christ in Virginia

• Alexander CampbellAlexander Campbell (1788-1866)

• The Campbell wing of the Restoration Movement began with Thomas Campbell, who wrote the Declaration and Address of the Christian Association of Washington in 1809.

Baptists affiliated with Mahoning Baptists affiliated with Mahoning Association Merged with the CampbellsAssociation Merged with the Campbells

DISCIPLES OF CHRISTDISCIPLES OF CHRIST(Campbell)(Campbell)

Some Some BaptistBaptist

ChurchesChurches

• Stone’s followers were first called “New Stone’s followers were first called “New Lights,’” “Stoneites” or “Church of Lights,’” “Stoneites” or “Church of Christ.” Christ.”

• Stone’s “Church of Christ” later became Stone’s “Church of Christ” later became allied with Alexander Campbell’s allied with Alexander Campbell’s “Disciples of Christ,” and formed “Disciples of Christ,” and formed the Restoration Movement in America. the Restoration Movement in America.

• In spite of their many doctrinal In spite of their many doctrinal differences, Stone and Campbell tried to differences, Stone and Campbell tried to bring their denominations together that bring their denominations together that relied solely on the Scriptures. relied solely on the Scriptures.

The Stone and Campbell The Stone and Campbell Movements Became One in 1830.Movements Became One in 1830.

CHURCH OF CHRISTCHURCH OF CHRIST(Stone)(Stone)


Churches of ChristChurches of ChristDisciples of ChristDisciples of ChristChristian ChurchChristian Church

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Others in the Stone churches that did not join Others in the Stone churches that did not join the Restoration Movement remained in the the Restoration Movement remained in the

DenominationsDenominations


Christian Christian ConnectionConnection

United ChurchUnited Churchof Christ (US)of Christ (US)

This then was our origin.This then was our origin.



Churches of ChristChurches of ChristDisciples of ChristDisciples of ChristChristian ChurchChristian Church

18301830

In 1906, We Were Listed Separately In 1906, We Were Listed Separately from Other Restoration Churchesfrom Other Restoration Churches

Disciples of ChristDisciples of ChristChristian ChurchChristian Church

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CHARACTERISTICS:CHARACTERISTICS:(1) Instruments of music(1) Instruments of music(2) Mission society(2) Mission society(3) Premillenialists(3) Premillenialists(4) One cuppers(4) One cuppers(5) Non-institutionalists(5) Non-institutionalists

CHURCHES OF CHRISTCHURCHES OF CHRIST 19061906

CHARACTERISTICS:CHARACTERISTICS:A Cappella SingingA Cappella SingingNon-Mission SocietyNon-Mission SocietyPremillenialistsPremillenialistsNon-Sunday SchoolNon-Sunday SchoolOne-Cuppers, etc.One-Cuppers, etc.

In 1920, the Christian Church and the Disciples In 1920, the Christian Church and the Disciples of Christ Divorced Over Open Membership of Christ Divorced Over Open Membership

Disciples of ChristDisciples of ChristChristian ChurchChristian Church

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CHRISTIAN CHURCH/CHRISTIAN CHURCH/Churches of ChristChurches of Christ

(Instrumental/ (Instrumental/ Non-Mission Society/Non-Mission Society/

Immersionist)Immersionist)19201920

DISCIPLES OF CHRIST/DISCIPLES OF CHRIST/Christian ChurchChristian Church

(Instrumental/ Mission(Instrumental/ MissionSociety/ Open Society/ Open MembershipMembership

19201920

Christian Church and Disciples of Christian Church and Disciples of Christ Still Go Separate WaysChrist Still Go Separate Ways

Stone-CampbellStone-CampbellMovementMovement

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19201920

We Became Three Polarized Groups: We Became Three Polarized Groups: Liberal, Centrist and ConservativeLiberal, Centrist and Conservative




CHURCH OF CHRISTCHURCH OF CHRIST(A Cappella/ Non-(A Cappella/ Non-Mission Society/Mission Society/

Immersionist) 1906Immersionist) 1906



19201920

Divisions in Our Ranks:Divisions in Our Ranks: Chart Showing Where We Came Chart Showing Where We Came

FromFrom

Stone-CampbellStone-CampbellRestorationRestorationMovementMovement

18301830




CHURCH OF CHRISTCHURCH OF CHRIST(A Cappella/ Non-(A Cappella/ Non-Mission Society/Mission Society/

Immersionist) 1906Immersionist) 1906



19201920

The Disciples of Christ in this Country The Disciples of Christ in this Country Merged with the UNIDA/ UCCPMerged with the UNIDA/ UCCP

Disciples of Christ/Disciples of Christ/Christian ChurchChristian Church

(Instrumental/ Mission(Instrumental/ MissionSociety) 1920Society) 1920

Unida/Unida/UCCPUCCP1950s1950s

Some Centrists in the Philippines Too Some Centrists in the Philippines Too Joined the UNIDA/ UCCPJoined the UNIDA/ UCCP

Christian Church/Christian Church/Church of ChristChurch of Christ

(Instrumental/ Non-(Instrumental/ Non-Mission Society) 1920Mission Society) 1920


Some Centrists did not Merge With Some Centrists did not Merge With UNIDA But Remained CentristUNIDA But Remained Centrist


Church of ChristChurch of Christ(Instrumentalist/ Non-(Instrumentalist/ Non-

Mission Society)Mission Society)

Division in their Ranks: Showing Division in their Ranks: Showing Where They Came FromWhere They Came From

Disciples of Christ/Disciples of Christ/Christian ChurchChristian Church

(Instrumental/ Mission(Instrumental/ MissionSociety) 1920Society) 1920

Christian Church/Christian Church/Church of ChristChurch of Christ

(Instrumental/ Non-(Instrumental/ Non-Mission Society) 1920Mission Society) 1920

Merger in Merger in thethe

1950s1950s

Church of ChristChurch of Christ(Instrumentalist/ Non-(Instrumentalist/ Non-

Mission Society)Mission Society)UNIDA/UNIDA/UCCPUCCP

Divisions in the Ranks of the Divisions in the Ranks of the Churches of ChristChurches of Christ

Churches of ChristChurches of Christ(A Cappella)(A Cappella)

Premillenialist Premillenialist Church of ChristChurch of Christ

(1937)(1937)




(1937)(1937)

Non-institutionalistNon-institutionalistChurch of ChristChurch of Christ

(1950’s)(1950’s)




(1937)(1937)


(1950’s)(1950’s)

One-Cuppers,One-Cuppers,Non-Sunday SchoolNon-Sunday School

(1960’s)(1960’s)


MainstreamMainstreamChurches of ChristChurches of Christ



One-Cuppers,One-Cuppers,Non-Sunday SchoolNon-Sunday SchoolNon-Divorce/Non-Divorce/

Non-RemarriageNon-Remarriage


MainstreamMainstreamChurches of ChristChurches of Christ



One-Cuppers,One-Cuppers,Non-Sunday SchoolNon-Sunday SchoolNon-Divorce/Non-Divorce/

Non-RemarriageNon-Remarriage

ICC/ Boston ICC/ Boston MovementMovement

OUR RESTORATION PLEAOUR RESTORATION PLEA

• ““We are a movement that seeks to restore We are a movement that seeks to restore the old teachings that were once for all the old teachings that were once for all delivered to the saints.”delivered to the saints.”

• ““We are a restoration movement but we don’t We are a restoration movement but we don’t claim to be restoring the churchclaim to be restoring the church.”

• ““We claim to be Christians only but we don’t We claim to be Christians only but we don’t claim to be the only Christians.”claim to be the only Christians.”

• ““We are a group trying to promote the unity We are a group trying to promote the unity of all believers in Christ.”of all believers in Christ.”

Ephesians 4:1-6Ephesians 4:1-6

• 1 I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to 1 I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called, walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called, 2 with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, 2 with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 giving diligence to forbearing one another in love; 3 giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

• 4 4 There isThere is one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all. who is over all, and through all, and in all.

Explanation of 4:1aExplanation of 4:1a

• Paul says, “I beseech you” (4:1a)Paul says, “I beseech you” (4:1a)• Greek: παρακαλώ, “to beseech, to exhort, to

encourage.” The word signifies the will of the writer that is at the same time warm, personal and urgent (Rogers, 440).

• “I make this request from my heart” (BBE).• “I entreat you” (Weymouth NT)

Explanation of 4:1bExplanation of 4:1b

• ““to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called” (4:1b)were called” (4:1b)

• I urge you to walk worthy of your vocation as Christians.

• I urge you live as becomes those who have been called in this manner into the kingdom of God. The word walk is often used to denote life, conduct, etc. (Barnes' Notes on the NT).

Explanation of 4:2aExplanation of 4:2a

• Walk worthily… “with all lowliness and Walk worthily… “with all lowliness and meekness… (4:2a).meekness… (4:2a).

• With humility (Acts 20:19).With humility (Acts 20:19).• ““In lowliness of mind, let each one esteem the In lowliness of mind, let each one esteem the

other better than himself” (Phil. 2:3).other better than himself” (Phil. 2:3).• “ “In a voluntary humility" (Col, 2:18).In a voluntary humility" (Col, 2:18).• The idea is, that humility of mind becomes The idea is, that humility of mind becomes

those who are "called," and that we walk those who are "called," and that we walk worthy of that calling when we evince it. worthy of that calling when we evince it. (Barnes' Notes on the NT).(Barnes' Notes on the NT).

Explanation of 4:2bExplanation of 4:2b

• ““With longsuffering, forbearing one another With longsuffering, forbearing one another in love” (4:2b).in love” (4:2b).

• Bearing patiently with the foibles, faults, and Bearing patiently with the foibles, faults, and infirmities of others (1 Cor. 13:4). infirmities of others (1 Cor. 13:4).

• The virtue here required is that which is to be The virtue here required is that which is to be manifested in our manner of receiving the manifested in our manner of receiving the provocations which we meet with from our provocations which we meet with from our brethren (Barnes' Notes on the NT).brethren (Barnes' Notes on the NT).

Explanation of 4:3Explanation of 4:3

• ““Giving diligence to keep the unity of Giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (4:3).the Spirit in the bond of peace” (4:3).

• ““Endeavoring, i.e. earnestly, Endeavoring, i.e. earnestly, zealously giving diligence to keep or zealously giving diligence to keep or maintain the unity of the Spirit.maintain the unity of the Spirit.

• The unity of the Spirit is the unity The unity of the Spirit is the unity between men of different tempers, between men of different tempers, which flows from the presence of the which flows from the presence of the Spirit in their lives.Spirit in their lives.

• This means they are to be united in This means they are to be united in the bond of peace, the bond by the bond of peace, the bond by which peace is maintained, namely, which peace is maintained, namely, love (Col 3:14, 15)love (Col 3:14, 15)

• It may also mean that peace itself is It may also mean that peace itself is the bond uniting the members of the the bond uniting the members of the Church (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Church (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary).Bible Commentary).

First, there is one body (4:4a)First, there is one body (4:4a)

• There is one church, for such is what the There is one church, for such is what the word “body” means here, denoting the word “body” means here, denoting the body of Christ (Rom. 12:5; Eph. 1:23). body of Christ (Rom. 12:5; Eph. 1:23).

• Since there is really but one church on Since there is really but one church on earth, there ought to be unity.earth, there ought to be unity.

• One church universally, but many One church universally, but many churches locally.churches locally.

• A church that is known by many biblical A church that is known by many biblical designations (cf. 1 Cor. 1:2; Rom. 16:16; designations (cf. 1 Cor. 1:2; Rom. 16:16; Acts 20:28, etc.)Acts 20:28, etc.)

What the universal church does, and What the universal church does, and does not dodoes not do

• The universal church does not The universal church does not assemble collectively on Sunday, nor assemble collectively on Sunday, nor does it partake the Lord’s Supper does it partake the Lord’s Supper collectively on Sunday.collectively on Sunday.

• Every act of preaching, teaching, Every act of preaching, teaching, becoming benevolent, and edifying is becoming benevolent, and edifying is done by individuals or by members done by individuals or by members of a local church.of a local church.

• Christ, being the Head of the universal Christ, being the Head of the universal Body which is the Church, does not have Body which is the Church, does not have hands to extend benevolence but yours, hands to extend benevolence but yours, does not have legs to use in walking but does not have legs to use in walking but yours, does not have ears that listen to the yours, does not have ears that listen to the cries of the needy but yours, does not cries of the needy but yours, does not have the heart to understand the faults of have the heart to understand the faults of the brothers but yours. the brothers but yours.

Do these people belong to the one Do these people belong to the one body as you do?body as you do?

• The Instrumentalists?

• The One-Cuppers?

• The Non-Sunday Schoolers?

• The Non-Institutionalists?

• The Premillenialists?

• The Disciples of Christ?

The Work of Leslie Wolfe & COCI The Work of Leslie Wolfe & COCI Missionaries to Tagalog RegionsMissionaries to Tagalog Regions

Leslie Wolfe &Leslie Wolfe &COCI missionariesCOCI missionaries

19201920

MBS StudentMBS StudentMuMuñoz, NEñoz, NE

Two Disciples, Both Educated at Two Disciples, Both Educated at Wolfe’s Manila Bible SeminaryWolfe’s Manila Bible Seminary


19201920

MBS StudentMBS StudentMuñoz, NEMuñoz, NE

Pedro AsadaPedro AsadaMBS StudentMBS Student

MindoroMindoro

Cassel, Our Missionary to Mindoro, Cassel, Our Missionary to Mindoro, Taught Asada, Wolfe’s DiscipleTaught Asada, Wolfe’s Disciple


19201920



Henry G. CasselHenry G. CasselCOCA missionaryCOCA missionary

19281928

Wolfe’s Disciple in Muñoz Taught the Wolfe’s Disciple in Muñoz Taught the VillanuevasVillanuevas


19201920


Antonio VillanuevaAntonio VillanuevaDisciples ChurchDisciples ChurchMuMuñoz, NE, 1930ñoz, NE, 1930

Antonio Villanueva Brought the Antonio Villanueva Brought the Restoration Movement to CotabatoRestoration Movement to Cotabato


19201920



Antonio VillanuevaAntonio Villanueva& Church of Christ& Church of Christ

Cotabato, 1937Cotabato, 1937

Cassel and Asada Taught the Cotabato Cassel and Asada Taught the Cotabato Disciples the Way of God More PerfectlyDisciples the Way of God More Perfectly



19281928



Laureano Belo Brought the Restoration Laureano Belo Brought the Restoration Movement Throughout MindanaoMovement Throughout Mindanao



19281928



Laureano Belo &Laureano Belo &Churches of Churches of

Christ in MindanaoChrist in Mindanao

The Restoration Movement in Mindanao The Restoration Movement in Mindanao Reproduced About 250 Churches!Reproduced About 250 Churches!

Leslie WolfeLeslie WolfeCOCI missionaryCOCI missionary

19201920

COCI discipleCOCI discipleMBS StudentMBS Student




19281928



Churches of ChristChurches of ChristMindanaoMindanao

The Restoration Movement in CaviteThe Restoration Movement in Cavite

Leslie WolfeLeslie Wolfe& Church of & Church of Christ (1920)Christ (1920)

Malagasang UnidaMalagasang UnidaChurchChurch

Cpl. Luis JavierCpl. Luis Javier

Javier Established the DasmariñasJavier Established the DasmariñasDisciples ChurchDisciples Church

Leslie WolfeLeslie Wolfe& Churches of & Churches of Christ (1920)Christ (1920)



DasmariDasmariñasñasDisciplesDisciples

Brashears and A. G. Hobbs’ Tracts Brashears and A. G. Hobbs’ Tracts Influenced the Dasmariñas Disciples Influenced the Dasmariñas Disciples

AG Hobbs’ TractsAG Hobbs’ TractsBrashears’ TractsBrashears’ Tracts


American & Filipino Missionaries Influenced American & Filipino Missionaries Influenced the Dasmariñas Disciples Churchthe Dasmariñas Disciples Church


Buchanan, Wilkey, Buchanan, Wilkey, Smith, Garlitos, etcSmith, Garlitos, etc


Dasmariñas Disciples Church Became theDasmariñas Disciples Church Became the Dasmariñas Church of Christ Dasmariñas Church of Christ


Buchanan, Wilkey, Buchanan, Wilkey, Smith, GarlitosSmith, Garlitos


Dasmariñas Dasmariñas Church off ChristChurch off Christ

Chart Showing the Origin of theChart Showing the Origin of the Dasmariñas Church of Christ Dasmariñas Church of Christ

Leslie WolfeLeslie Wolfe& Churches of & Churches of Christ (1920)Christ (1920)




Buchanan, Wilkey, Buchanan, Wilkey, Smith, GarlitosSmith, Garlitos


Dasmariñas Dasmariñas Church off ChristChurch off Christ

The Restoration Movement in The Restoration Movement in ZambalesZambales


19201920

COCICOCIOlongapo CityOlongapo City

Juan and Flor Juan and Flor PobletePoblete



19201920



Influence of USInfluence of USChurches of ChristChurches of Christ

Church of ChristChurch of ChristUpper KalaklanUpper Kalaklan



19201920




Influence of Influence of American & FilipinoAmerican & Filipino

MissionariesMissionaries




19201920




Influence of Influence of American & FilipinoAmerican & Filipino

MissionariesMissionaries


Subic, Barreto, Cabalan,Subic, Barreto, Cabalan,Calapandayan, Calapandayan,

San Narciso, San FelipeSan Narciso, San FelipeSan Antonio, Iba, etc.San Antonio, Iba, etc.

Second, there is… One Spirit (4:4b)Second, there is… One Spirit (4:4b)

• There is one and the self-same Spirit that dwells There is one and the self-same Spirit that dwells in the church. in the church.

• The same Spirit has awakened all; enlightened The same Spirit has awakened all; enlightened all; convicted all; converted all. all; convicted all; converted all.

• Wherever they may be, and whoever they may Wherever they may be, and whoever they may be, yet there has been substantially the same be, yet there has been substantially the same work of the Spirit on the heart of every Christian. work of the Spirit on the heart of every Christian.

• There are circumstantial differences arising There are circumstantial differences arising from diversities of temperament, disposition, from diversities of temperament, disposition, and education.and education.

• There may be a difference in the depth and There may be a difference in the depth and power of his operations on the soul…power of his operations on the soul…

• There may be a difference in the degree of There may be a difference in the degree of conviction for sin and in the evidence of conviction for sin and in the evidence of conversion…conversion…

• Still there are the same operations on the Still there are the same operations on the heart essentially, produced by the same heart essentially, produced by the same Spirit. (1 Cor. 12:6-11, Barnes Notes on the Spirit. (1 Cor. 12:6-11, Barnes Notes on the NT).NT).

Third, there is… One Hope of Your Third, there is… One Hope of Your Calling (4:4c)Calling (4:4c)

• This means there is one hope resulting from your being This means there is one hope resulting from your being called into his kingdom. Hope here refers to the hope of called into his kingdom. Hope here refers to the hope of heavenly salvation (Eph. 2:12). heavenly salvation (Eph. 2:12).

• Christians have the same hope, and they should therefore Christians have the same hope, and they should therefore be one. They are looking forward to the same heaven; be one. They are looking forward to the same heaven; they hope for the same happiness beyond the grave. they hope for the same happiness beyond the grave.

• It is not as on earth among the people of the world, where It is not as on earth among the people of the world, where there is a variety of hopes---where one hopes for there is a variety of hopes---where one hopes for pleasure, and another for honor, and another for gain; but pleasure, and another for honor, and another for gain; but in heaven there is the prospect of the same inexhaustible in heaven there is the prospect of the same inexhaustible joy. This is the kind of hope that is fitted to promote joy. This is the kind of hope that is fitted to promote union.union.

Fourth, there is… One Lord (4:5a)Fourth, there is… One Lord (4:5a)

• The argument here is, that there ought to be unity The argument here is, that there ought to be unity among Christians, because they have one Lord and among Christians, because they have one Lord and Savior. Savior.

• They have not different Saviors adapted to different They have not different Saviors adapted to different classes; not one for the Jew, and another for the Greek; classes; not one for the Jew, and another for the Greek; not one for the rich, and another for the poor; not one not one for the rich, and another for the poor; not one for the bond, and another for the free. There is but one. for the bond, and another for the free. There is but one. He belongs in common to all as their Savior; and he has He belongs in common to all as their Savior; and he has a right to rule over one as much as over another. a right to rule over one as much as over another.

• There is no better way of promoting unity among There is no better way of promoting unity among Christians than by reminding them that they have the Christians than by reminding them that they have the same Savior. same Savior.

• And when jealousies and heart-burnings And when jealousies and heart-burnings arise…arise…

• Or when they are disposed to contend Or when they are disposed to contend about trifles…about trifles…

• Or when they magnify unimportant Or when they magnify unimportant matters until they are in danger of rending matters until they are in danger of rending the church asunder… the church asunder…

• Let them feel that they have one Lord and Let them feel that they have one Lord and Savior, and they will lay aside their Savior, and they will lay aside their contentions, and be one again. contentions, and be one again.

• Let two men, who have never seen each other Let two men, who have never seen each other before, meet in a distant land, and feel that they before, meet in a distant land, and feel that they have the same Redeemer, and their hearts will have the same Redeemer, and their hearts will mingle into one. They are not aliens, but friends. mingle into one. They are not aliens, but friends.

• A cord of sympathy is struck more tender than A cord of sympathy is struck more tender than that which binds them to country or home; and that which binds them to country or home; and though of different nations, complexions, or though of different nations, complexions, or habits, they will feel that they are one. habits, they will feel that they are one.

• Why then should contentions ever arise Why then should contentions ever arise between those who have the same Redeemer?between those who have the same Redeemer?

Fifth, there is… One FaithFifth, there is… One Faith (4:5b)(4:5b)

• This means they have the same belief. This means they have the same belief. • That is, either (1) the belief of the same That is, either (1) the belief of the same

doctrines, or (2) faith of the same nature doctrines, or (2) faith of the same nature in the heart. The word may be taken in in the heart. The word may be taken in either sense, or either sense, or bothboth here. here.

• If so used in the sense of number 1, it If so used in the sense of number 1, it means that Christians should be united means that Christians should be united because they hold the same great because they hold the same great doctrines.doctrines.

• If used in the sense of number 2, they If used in the sense of number 2, they have the same confidence in the have the same confidence in the Redeemer in their hearts.Redeemer in their hearts.

• If they have the same trust in Christ, as a If they have the same trust in Christ, as a living, practical principle, then they living, practical principle, then they should, therefore, be one. should, therefore, be one.

• They may differ in other attachments; in They may differ in other attachments; in temperament; in pursuit; in professions in temperament; in pursuit; in professions in life; but because they have one common life; but because they have one common faith, and they should be ONE. faith, and they should be ONE.

Stone and Campbell became one in Stone and Campbell became one in spite of their differences in beliefs.spite of their differences in beliefs.

• (1) Barton W. (1) Barton W. Stone believed in Stone believed in the absolute the absolute oneness of God, oneness of God, though he was though he was puzzled about puzzled about Christ’s true Christ’s true nature, and the nature, and the Spirit’s true Spirit’s true essence.essence.

• (1) Alexander (1) Alexander Campbell believed Campbell believed in the oneness of in the oneness of the three Persons the three Persons in One God though in One God though he refrained from he refrained from using the term using the term “Trinity”; he “Trinity”; he advised the use of advised the use of the term the term “Godhead.”“Godhead.”

• (2) Stone (2) Stone preferred to use preferred to use the designation the designation “Church of “Church of Christ.”Christ.”

• (2) Campbell (2) Campbell preferred the preferred the designation designation “Disciples of “Disciples of Christ.”Christ.”

• (3) Stone did not (3) Stone did not believe baptism believe baptism to be essential to to be essential to salvation.salvation.

• (3) Campbell (3) Campbell taught that it is taught that it is essential to essential to becoming a becoming a subject of the subject of the kingdom.kingdom.

• (4) Stone did not (4) Stone did not believe that the believe that the Lord’s Supper Lord’s Supper should be observed should be observed every week.every week.

• (4) Campbell (4) Campbell taught the weekly taught the weekly observance of the observance of the Communion.Communion.

• (5) To Barton Stone, (5) To Barton Stone, Christian piety is Christian piety is more important than more important than rightness of rightness of doctrine.doctrine.

• (5) To Campbell, (5) To Campbell, piety must be piety must be coupled with coupled with doctrinal doctrinal correctnesscorrectness

Sixth, there is… One Baptism (4:5c)Sixth, there is… One Baptism (4:5c)

• "Baptism" here refers to Christ’s ordinance "Baptism" here refers to Christ’s ordinance whereby we are incorporated into the "one whereby we are incorporated into the "one body" with Him (Cf. Gal. 3:27). body" with Him (Cf. Gal. 3:27).

• In 1812, after the birth of his daughter Jane, In 1812, after the birth of his daughter Jane, Alexander Campbell, studied the subject of Alexander Campbell, studied the subject of baptism and came to the conclusion that the baptism and came to the conclusion that the correct “mode” is immersion and that it is correct “mode” is immersion and that it is essential to becoming a Christian. He did not essential to becoming a Christian. He did not have his infant daughter baptized, but asked a have his infant daughter baptized, but asked a Baptist, Matthias Luce, to baptize him along with Baptist, Matthias Luce, to baptize him along with his father and three others in a river nearby.his father and three others in a river nearby.

• His instruction to him was clear: they would not be His instruction to him was clear: they would not be baptized according to “Baptist” baptism, but “for baptized according to “Baptist” baptism, but “for the remission of sins.” the remission of sins.”

• Soon most of the Brush Run disciples were Soon most of the Brush Run disciples were immersed. This not only separated the Campbells immersed. This not only separated the Campbells from their Presbyterian roots; it also provided a from their Presbyterian roots; it also provided a contentious issue that separated them from the contentious issue that separated them from the Baptists later.Baptists later.

• At the beginning of their union in 1830, there were At the beginning of their union in 1830, there were many in Stone’s congregations who were not many in Stone’s congregations who were not immersed. immersed.

• It is presumed however that in later years, because of the influence of the Campbells, baptism by immersion became the standard practice in the Restoration churches.

• David Lipscomb admitted the Baptists into the fellowship without immersing them again.

• It was Austin McGary (1846-1928) who insisted that not only that baptism must be immersion but that it must be for the remission of sins. He refused to call as “brothers” people who were dunked for other purpose than that required by Acts 2:38.

• For many years the interpretation of brother McGary, For many years the interpretation of brother McGary, not brother Lipscomb’s, became the rule for the not brother Lipscomb’s, became the rule for the congregations of the Churches of Christ. congregations of the Churches of Christ.

• Scott’s five-finger exercise has morphed into our Scott’s five-finger exercise has morphed into our present plan of salvation, with the following present plan of salvation, with the following elements: elements:

• HearingHearing• BelievingBelieving• RepentingRepenting• ConfessingConfessing• Being baptized.Being baptized.

• Alexander Campbell believes that baptism is Alexander Campbell believes that baptism is the point where the grace of God meets man, the point where the grace of God meets man, forgives his sin and inducts him into His forgives his sin and inducts him into His kingdom (Gary Holloway & Douglas Foster, kingdom (Gary Holloway & Douglas Foster, Renewing God’s People: A History of the Renewing God’s People: A History of the Churches of Christ, Churches of Christ, p. 49). p. 49).

• That is still the belief among the majority of That is still the belief among the majority of the Churches of Christ.the Churches of Christ.

• There are however some preachers in the Churches There are however some preachers in the Churches of Christ who believe that good intentions can make of Christ who believe that good intentions can make one go to heaven; as in, “Anyone who has faith, and one go to heaven; as in, “Anyone who has faith, and has intentions to be baptized but dies without has intentions to be baptized but dies without reaching the baptistery, may also find himself with reaching the baptistery, may also find himself with the redeemed”! There is no scripture that teaches the redeemed”! There is no scripture that teaches that.that.

• This is how I would answer that: “A man was This is how I would answer that: “A man was supposed to be married on a certain day, and his supposed to be married on a certain day, and his bride was waiting for him at church. On the way to bride was waiting for him at church. On the way to church, he met an accident and died. Now, was he church, he met an accident and died. Now, was he married to his bride or not?”married to his bride or not?”

Seventh, there is One God and Seventh, there is One God and Father of all (4:6)Father of all (4:6)

• The one God in heaven is the Father of all, whether The one God in heaven is the Father of all, whether everyone recognizes Him as such or not.everyone recognizes Him as such or not.

• In our previous slides we mentioned about Stone’s In our previous slides we mentioned about Stone’s predicament concerning the Trinity. Campbell, predicament concerning the Trinity. Campbell, however, did not consider that a hindrance to their however, did not consider that a hindrance to their union.union.

• There is a lot of wisdom in this: Firstly, the wisdom of There is a lot of wisdom in this: Firstly, the wisdom of waiting for the right time when the brother could be waiting for the right time when the brother could be taught the pure teachings of God, not by rushing him taught the pure teachings of God, not by rushing him but by employing persuasion and good attitudes.but by employing persuasion and good attitudes.

• The wisdom of waiting for God to touch The wisdom of waiting for God to touch him, providing the opportunity for him to him, providing the opportunity for him to change after a thorough study of the change after a thorough study of the Scriptures and a thorough discussion of Scriptures and a thorough discussion of the issues in the spirit of love.the issues in the spirit of love.

• The wisdom of granting him the The wisdom of granting him the opportunity to suffer the consequences of opportunity to suffer the consequences of his actions and beliefs.his actions and beliefs.

Playing the Blame GamePlaying the Blame Game

• Someone says our hermeneutics is partly to blame for the disunity among believers.

• It is because among those who agree that the Bible should be the rule of faith and practice, we also don’t all agree that it absolutely should be the rule of faith of faith and practice!

• To many, it is still “the Bible plus my notion on how it should be understood.” This the reason for our disagreements with the instrumentalist churches, with the premillenialist churches, with the non-institutionalist churches, and others.

I propose the following:I propose the following:

• (1) That commands should take precedence over everything that ought to be taught to Christians and non-Christians as well.

• (2) That examples should just be treated as examples; that they should not be applied as a command, nor given the force of a command.

• (3) That inferences should just be inferences and we can never impose it on anyone.

• (4) That our hermeneutics should be employed as a handmaid of Bible teaching and discourse but never as the master it.

• (5) That if we cannot agree on a thing, let us work out a way to go over the impasse and employ what Ephesians 4:1-6 suggests:

• A. Try the idea of beseeching, not shouting over the top of our voices (4:1a).

• B. Try persuading everyone who calls himself a Christian to walk equivalent to how we were called (4:1b). And let me myself walk according to my vocation. I cannot impose something on anyone that I myself don’t have, that I myself have failed to do.

• C. Try humility and meekness (4:2a). Many of those who are fond of arguing are people who refuse to be humble and meek at times.

• D. Try to be longsuffering to the faults of everyone, including your own (4:2b).

• E. Try to be forbearing to one another, in the spirit of love (4:2c).

• F. Be diligent in trying to keep the bond of unity among us, and never seek to untie that bond by disturbing the peace in the brotherhood.

• With the help of God, with the mediating power of the Christ, and with the sanctifying love of the Spirit residing in the church, we can strive to be one always.

FINISFINIS

• See you next time.

the seven ones of ephesians 4

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