Charles Pledge

It is not unusual to hear charges made by those who hold to and teach false doctrines that the church is split by ungodly attitudes, ignorance, prejudice, etc. It has been a common thing to hear those who use the King James and the American Standard Versions have tried to split the church; we –the church– are responsible for all the religious division in the world. All have error to cover by subterfuge; or repeated by those too ignorant to think for themselves or investigate the facts. The point is, however, that so many believe these things for no reason other than they have heard them repeated so many times. Just tell a big lie often enough and someone is bound to believe it. Didn't Hitler prove this fact?

The fact of the matter is that those who teach and practice error are responsible for all the division that exists-whether in or out of the church. Religious division in general is caused by those who teach and practice error. Division in the church is caused by the same. Unity is accomplished only by agreement; and scriptural unity is enjoyed when brethren are able to agree on scriptural matters and allow love to be the umpire in matters of liberty.

The unrest and suspicion among brethren today us not caused by the teaching of the truth; rather by the uncertain sounds and questionable practices observed in many quarters. If an area is to en enjoy unity, it is going to have to be filled with those who love, believe and practice the truth. When one speaks up about a false doctrine or an unscriptural practice, he is too often labeled a troublemaker. I shudder to think of what some of our "loving" brethren would call Paul, were he to appear preaching in the midst of this generation. And Peter, no doubt, would never fit in with many because he was too hard on mercenaries. And John!!! Just think how some would react to the preaching of John if he should tell them they are liars if they claimed to love God, but keep not His commandments. No, these apostles would never make it with many of our sophisticated, denominational loving brethren who think more highly of the praises of the world than of the praise of God-and demonstrate that by turning their backs on the gospel of Christ and upon those who preach it without apology.

And these folks keep repeating the big lie; they are the peacemakers, according to them, and everyone who exposes and opposes them are troublemakers and schismatic and heretics. And sadly, many gullible brethren believe them.

Men’s Breakfast
There is a sign-up list in the foyer for men who plan to attend the Men’s Breakfast planned for this coming Saturday morning, June 11th, here at Orange Street. All of our men are invited to attend and be a part of the fellowship and food.

PM Youth Devo
The monthly youth fellowship and devotional is scheduled for tonight (Sunday) after the PM worship service. See Matt Faneuf for further details.

East Ghana Campaign
Bob Bauer, Brian Kenyon, Jim Hall, Daniel Stearsman, and Chad Tagtow are scheduled to return from their missionary trip in Ghana, West Africa, tomorrow, (Monday, June 6th). We anxiously await their reports on the good work accomplished. Keep them in your prayers that they may have a safe trip home.

High up in the Swiss Alps there stands a little marker dedicated to the memory of a mountain climber who fell to his death while attempting to ascend the heights. It reads: “He died climbing”. This is one of the greatest tributes that can be given to any man, "That he is always going on and up". Now is the time to build this thought again in our American way of life - “We can do all things through Christ which strengthens us”. (Phil. 4:13)