ROMANS IN TODAY S WORLD In Light of Postmodernism

ROMANS IN TODAY’S WORLD In Light of Postmodernism by Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

What the Church Faces Today ¨ “My heritage among Churches of Christ I view neither as a straightjacket that rigidly confines me nor as a light outer garment of no consequence that I can strip off at will. Rather, I view it as a worn but sturdy garment of faith that (with careful alterations) can yet serve me well. ” Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

What the Church Faces Today “It is one of the great conceits of our time to imagine that we can sweep away the past and simply begin all over again at the beginning. We cannot. For in a thousand one ways (many of them unknown to us) our past and its traditions have made us what we are…” Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

What the Church Faces Today ¨ “…and given us our identity. This book therefore rests upon the conviction that we will find freedom to change, grow, and respond to new challenges only as we care about the past and listen to its voices. ” – C. Leonard Allen, The Cruciform Church, Preface, p. x. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

What the Church Faces Today ¨ “Can we accept the fact that we, like every other human being, have a past and partake of its limitations? Or must we harbor the heady illusion of historylessness, the illusion that we have burst the bonds of finitude to soar above this mortal sphere? ” – Allen, Cruciform, p. 9. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

What the Church Faces Today ¨ “Second, Churches of Christ began as a sect in the early nineteenth century and evolved into a denomination during the course of the twentieth century. The fact could hardly be striking, …were it not for the fact. . rejected these labels…as pertinent to their own identity. ” Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

What the Church Faces Today ¨ “Indeed, their resolute rejection of these labels has been central to what Churches of Christ have been about for almost two hundred years. Since their denial of these categories flies in the face of social reality, their story is one of deep irony and absorbing interest” – Hughes, Ancient Faith, p. 2. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Spectacles of John Locke ¨ “Our movement, in part as a result of its historical epistemology, thrived. We perceived reality through the spectacles of John Locke, as mediated through the Scottish Enlightenment” – Olbricht, p. 53. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Historical Perspective ¨ “For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water” – Jeremiah 2: 13. The “weeping prophet” speaks to Israel. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Historical Perspective ¨ “Surely as a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with me, O house of Israel, saith Jehovah” – Jer. 3: 20. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Historical Perspective ¨ “…they committed adultery, and assembled themselves in troops at harlots’ houses; they were fed as horses roaming at large; every one neighed after his neighbor’s wife” – Jer. 5: 7 -8. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Historical Perspective ¨ “A wonderful and horrible thing has come to pass in the land: the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will you do in the end thereof? ” – Jer. 5: 30 -31. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Romans as a Book ¨ Romans was written in Corinth by Paul in 58 A. D. with Gaius as his host – 16: 23. ¨ He used an amanuensis, Tertius, and the letter probably was delivered by Phoebe – 16: 22; 16: 1 -2. ¨ It is heavy on doctrine (1 -11), followed by the practical (12 -16). Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Romans as a Book ¨ Paul desired to visit Rome – 1: 10 -13. ¨ Perhaps this book the place of a personal visit until he could come. ¨ No record in the New Testament tells of the beginning of the church in Rome; perhaps it was from events on Pentecost – Acts 2: 10. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Romans as a Book ¨ Justification is the major theme of Romans. ¨ A simple outline could be: • Justification – 1 -5 • Sanctification – 6 -11 • Application – 13 -16 Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Romans as a Book ¨ Great doctrines are taught and explained in Romans: – Justification – Law, law-keeping – Obedience – Faith – Fellowship – Sanctification Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Romans as a Book ¨ It has been called “the cathedral of Christian faith, ” “Paul’s masterpiece, ” “most profound work ever written, ” and the “door to all the treasures in the Scriptures. ” ¨ It answers the query, “How can man be just before God? ” – Job 9: 2. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Romans 1 Righteousness– 1: 16 -17 Wrath and Judgment – 18 -32 Absolutes in morals – 18 -32 Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Romans 1 -- Righteousness ¨ “For therein is revealed the righteousness of God from faith unto faith, even as it is written, ‘the just shall live by faith’” – 1: 17 Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Romans 1 -- Righteousness ¨ Righteousness of God can have 2 meanings: – 1. God’s holy nature within Himself. – 2. God’s justification done for man. The word righteousness (dikaiosu/nh – DIKAIOSUNE) is found 47 times in various forms in Romans. All but a few refer to what God did for man. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Romans 1 -- Righteousness ¨ The righteousness of God in 1: 17 refers to an act that God has performed on man and for the benefit of man. ¨ In a word, God has justified man. ¨ Justify, justification can be used as synonyms throughout Romans. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Romans 1 -- Righteousness ¨ The ground of God’s justification of man is faith. ¨ The meritorious cause is the blood of Jesus Christ. ¨ Justification is apart from “lawkeeping. ” – Such was the hope of many Jews. – No such is found in Christ. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

“Faith unto Faith” or “Righteousness by Faith? ” ¨ God’s righteous action, justifying sinful man, is by faith. ¨ This righteous action, justifying sinful man, is able to be done on the principle of faith. ¨ This righteous action cannot come from law-keeping, even perfect lawkeeping. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

“Faith unto Faith” or “Righteousness by faith? ” ¨ Faith does not obviate law. ¨ “Law of faith” is the way Paul began the book of Romans, as well as ending the book – Rom. 1: 5; 16: 20. ¨ Abraham was said to have “steps of faith” – 3: 27. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Walk in the Steps of Faith ¨ ”walk in the steps” is an interesting concept. ¨ “Walk” is stoixou=sin, stoikousin, 3 rd person plural, present indicative of stoixe/w, stoikeo, which means “to advance in a line; met. To frame one’s conduct by a certain rule” – Moulton, Lexicon, p. 377. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Walk in the Steps of Faith ¨ Thus, “walk” means a continuous framing of one’s conduct by the rule of the gospel. ¨ Faith has steps of obedience and is consistent with the “law of faith” – Rom. 3: 27. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

How is Righteousness Obtained? ¨ It is announced by faith – Rom. 1: 17. ¨ It was so in O. T. days – Rom. 1: 17. ¨ It is a free gift – Rom. 3: 24; Eph. 2: 8 -9 ¨ Its merit is the blood of Christ. ¨ It is given to the obedient – Heb. 5: 9. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Abraham is the Example – Romans 4: 1 -25. ¨ He was justified by faith – 4: 2 -3. ¨ It was while he was still in uncircumcision – 4: 10 ¨ It was not done through the Law of Moses – 4: 13. ¨ His faith enabled him to perform – 4: 19 -21. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Righteousness: When? ¨ At the first point of faith? ¨ Abraham had prior faith, and was justified prior to offering Isaac. ¨ This implies Abraham was “walking” correctly at that time. ¨ His steps of obedience showed him qualified for justification. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Righteousness: When? ¨ In our case today, our “walk in faith” means we repent and are baptized. ¨ It does not mean the first point at which we believe Jesus to be God’s Son and the Savior of the world. ¨ God’s willingness to justify us on this basis will encourage sinners. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Romans 1: 18 -32 – God’s Perfect Wrath ¨ Due to rebellion God gave them up – vv. 24, 26, 28. – 1. Sin deceives. – 2. Sin degrades the natural design by God. – 3. Sin depraves the mind. – 4. Sin deserves death. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Romans 1: –Absolute Morals ¨ 24 deviations from God are listed – 1: 18 -32. ¨ These morals have been God’s wishes from the time of creation. ¨ Men knew about God, but chose not to glorify Him as God. ¨ God therefore gave them up. ¨ In effect, man became his own god. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Moral Truths Have Not Changed. ¨ Every conceivable sin has been since Eden. ¨ No new sins are found today. ¨ Nor, or any sins absent today. ¨ Moral truths are principles consistent with the very nature of God. ¨ Violations of these principles are wrong because they are not like God. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Moral Truths Have Not Changed ¨ Murder is still murder. ¨ Stealing is still theft. ¨ Adultery is still immoral mixing. ¨ Fornication is still filthy. ¨ Homosexuality is still aberrant and shameful. ¨ Postmodernism wants tolerance of such immorality. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Tolerance of Immorality ¨ “Jesus Might Fit in at Cheers” – A fantasy article where Jesus appears in the last episode of the TV program cheers, strolls through the door, and has a seat on the barstool next to Norm – Mike Cope, Abilene Reporter News, Sunday, May 16, 1993. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Tolerance of Immorality ¨ “In 1979, an organization known as ‘A Cappella Chorus’ was formed in Houston, Texas which claimed to be a ‘fellowship’ of ‘gay and lesbian members of the Houston area Churches of Christ’” – Miller, Strait, p. 254. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Tolerance of Immorality ¨ “The breakdown in the moral fiber of our nations and the rejection of ‘traditional American family values’ is taking its toll of members of the church… Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Tolerance of Immorality ¨ When one relaxes his or her doctrinal convictions, the temptation is equally strong to weaken one’s views and behavior with regard to what we typically call moral issues…a tendency to soften and be ‘open-minded’ on matters of morality” – Dave Miller, Stait, p. 234. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Romans 6 ¨ “Or are ye ignorant that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him through baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life” – vv. 3 -4 Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Connected to the Cross? ¨ Only those things that are connected to the “core, ” the cross, are matters of fellowship. ¨ Baptism is “connected, ” as well as the Lord’s Supper. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Connected to the Cross? ¨ “The only thing that prevents the diversity of Scripture from collapsing into a jumbled mess is the Bible’s center of gravity, its core…” Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Connected to the Cross? ¨ “The core is summarized in the simple confession of the early church, the conviction expressed countless times at baptism: …our obedience to rules is not at the core” – Crux, pp. 170, 176 Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Connected to the Cross? ¨ “Habitual neglect of the doctrine of grace produces distorted versions of the story…exposed itself…when preachers cannot bring themselves to talk about …confession and belief (Romans 10: 9) without adding, ‘but of course baptism is necessary, etc. ’” – Crux, p. 177. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Connected to the Cross? ¨ “There are some doctrines and practices, of course, which are nonnegotiable…baptism by immersion for the forgiveness of sins…We believe our weekly participation in the Lord’s Supper serves as an ongoing covenant to be people of the cross” –Crux, pp. 248 -250 Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Connected? – Then Why? ¨ “At times we have been extremely sectarian by effectively denying that anyone outside our churches could be a true Christian because we were the only ones who taught and practiced the biblical doctrine of baptism” – Crux, p. 124. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Connected? Then Why? “ “Our identity is defined…by …our attitude toward others. Though it’s painful to admit, our exclusive attitude may be the character trait most widely known among outsiders” – Crux, pp. 133 -134. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Baptism Near the Cross? ¨ Upon what reasoning is baptism near the cross? ¨ Who decides what principles are valid? ¨ Does the fact it is a command of Jesus enter into the decision? ¨ If so, what about other commands? ¨ If not, how can one love Jesus – John 14: 15? Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Connected to the Cross? ¨ Where does this leave adultery? ¨ Where does this leave fornication? ¨ Where does this leave murder? ¨ Where does this leave theft? ¨ What about lying? ¨ What about gossip? ¨ What about greed? Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Connected to the Cross? ¨ Where does this leave the church? ¨ Where does this leave prayer? ¨ Where does this leave women preachers? ¨ Where does this leave giving? ¨ What about instrumental music? Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Connected to the Cross? ¨ Is repentance not a matter of concern? ¨ Does one have to confess faith in Christ? ¨ Is sprinkling in lieu of immersion connected or not connected? ¨ Is infant baptism near or far? Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Connected to the Cross? ¨ What happens to a heretic? ¨ Is division of a congregation connected or not? ¨ Is teaching about premillenialism near the cross? Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Romans 6 “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under law, but under grace” (6: 14). Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Grace Without Law? ¨ “Grace and law are mutually exclusive” – Charles Hodge, Strait, p. 212. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Many Uses of “Law” in Romans ¨ 1. Law of Moses - 2: 12 ¨ 2. Law of faith - 3: 27 ¨ 3. Any and all law (concept of “law in the abstract”) - 6: 14; 13: 10 Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Many Uses of “Law” in Romans ¨ 4. Law of God in the inward man - 7: 22 ¨ 5. Law of sin - 7: 23 ¨ 6. Law of the Spirit of Life - 8: 2 ¨ 7. Law of God – 8: 7 Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Depend Upon Law-keeping? ¨ Abraham did not - Gen. 12; 20. ¨ Paul did not - Rom. 5: 1 -2; 6: 1, 14; 1 Cor. 5: 10. ¨ Why make the same mistake the Jews did - 10: 3? Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

What About These “Laws”? “law of faith” – Rom. 3: 27 ”under law to Christ” – 1 Cor. 9: 21 “fulfill the law of Christ” – Gal. 6: 2 “perfect law of liberty” – James 1: 25 “royal law” – James 3: 8 Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Romans 6: 14 Has an Ellipsis. ¨ Paul’s context is about justification. ¨ He has shown when, how, and where the change takes place (baptism). ¨ He is affirming “ye are not under law for the purpose of justification, but under grace” (italics mine – RHL). ¨ Paul does not deny law, rather, he puts it in its proper place. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Romans 6: 14 Has an Ellipsis ¨ A person is justified by grace, not by perfect law-keeping. ¨ A common error, particularly among the Jews, was that they could do enough, obey enough, keep the law well enough to be justified. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Romans 6: 14 Has an Ellipsis. ¨ Paul stays true to the context by using an ellipsis. ¨ Jesus used a similar ellipsis – John 6: 27. (“only”) ¨ Today, there are voices of error, distorting the doctrine of grace. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Grace Questioned? ¨ “I spent too many years of my Christian life not knowing what grace was. The only thing I knew for sure was that ‘we’ didn’t believe in it” – Jim Hackney, Strait, p. 212. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Grace Questioned? ¨ “In spite of years of negative, legalistic, ‘guilt-trip’ preaching, I discovered GRACE! I had absolutely nothing to do with my own salvation” – Jim Hackney, Handley Herald, Strait, p. 212. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Grace Questioned? ¨ “Nobody has any right to preach anything other than the Gospel of pure grace. We are saved by grace plus nothing. You are saved by faith period. There is nothing you can do to be saved. There are no rules; there are no regulations in serving Jesus Christ” – Glen Owen, Strait, p. 212. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Grace Questioned? ¨ “It is a scandalous and outrageous lie to teach that salvation arises from human activity. We do not contribute one whit to our salvation” – Rubel Shelley, Strait, p. 212. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Grace Questioned? ¨ “For me, for years, Christianity was a moral code. It is now becoming a love affair. For years, there were rules and regulations, now, it’s a relationship” – Max Lucado, Strait, p. 212. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Grace Questioned? ¨ “I believe deeply that the New Testament teaches that salvation is a free gift of God period. You are saved by grace alone…. There is no human part of salvation” – Randy Mayeux, Strait, p. 212. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Distorted and Anemic Gospel? ¨ “In view of the displacement of the cross…what was left was a distorted anemic gospel. The gospel of grace became the gospel of duty, law, and perfect obedience. Covenant, we might say, became a contract” – Allen, Cruciform, p. 122. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

God’s Grace Always Conditional ¨ Noah found grace – Gen. 6: 8 – Faith was the principle that caused him to build the ark – Heb. 11: 6. – Yet, he had to build an ark. Obedience was coupled with faith. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

God’s Grace Always Conditional ¨ Jericho was God’s gift. ¨ “See, I have given into thy hand Jericho” – Josh. 6: 2. ¨ Yet the Israelites were to compass the city for 7 days, blow the trumpets, and shout – 6: 3 -21. ¨ Faith was coupled with obedience for the “gift. ” Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Ephesians were saved by grace. – They heard the gospel – 1: 13 – They believed the gospel – 1: 13 – They repented – Acts 20: 21 – They confessed – Acts 19: 18 – They were baptized – Acts 19: 1 -5 – Yet they were the ones Paul said were saved by grace! Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Paul was saved by grace. ¨ “I am what I am by the grace of God” – 1 Cor. 15: 10. ¨ Have we thought of tracing his conversion to Christ? ¨ Was he saved in some special way? ¨ Was he saved by the special appearance of Jesus to him? Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Paul was saved by grace. ¨ He heard Ananias preach the gospel. ¨ His 3 -day episode in Damascus showed his penitence. ¨ His teaching about confession implies that he confessed – Rom. 10: 9 -10. ¨ He shared a burial in baptism with the Roman Christians – Rom. 6: 3 -4. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Pattern Orthodoxy? ¨ “The first thing to say is that our early leaders, like many Protestant theologians of their day, naturalized the Bible as a scientific book of ‘facts. ’ To do this they drew upon…’Baconian Philosophy, ’ the seventeenth-century pioneer of the scientific method. ” Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Pattern Orthodoxy ¨ “One can hardly exaggerate the significance of Baconian inductive method, for it gave rise, a generation after Campbell, to stringent ‘pattern’ orthodoxy that has formed the very identity of Churches of Christ down to recent years. ” – Allen, Cruciform, pp. 28, 29. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Violate the Character of the Bible? ¨ “(2) By elevating scientific models of thinking, our traditional approach violated the historical and literary character of the Bible…(3)…has restricted our spiritual resources for dealing with the advanced secularization of our time” – Allen, p. 32. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

The Deception of Core Doctrine ¨ The Crux affirms that baptism and the Lord’s Supper are near to the cross, connected to the cross, therefore they are core doctrines that cannot be left off. ¨ What about other teachings of our Lord? Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

The Deception of Core Doctrine ¨ Who is to decide what is core and connected? ¨ Upon what basis are such distinctions to be made? ¨ Is this inductive reasoning? ¨ If so, why can these authors use such reasoning but deny it to others? Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Receive One Another – Romans 15: 7 ¨ Does this refer to all believers in Jesus as God’s Son? ¨ Does this refer then to Roman Catholics? ¨ Does it refer to most denominations? ¨ Does this refer to the Disciples Christian churches? ¨ Just to whom does this refer? Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Receive One Another? ¨ In context it completes the argument of chapter 14. ¨ Chapter 14 explains matters of liberty and opinion that must not divide the congregation. ¨ Eating meats, any kind, not just what is offered to idols. ¨ Eating only vegetables. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Receive One Another? ¨ Christians have their individual choices. ¨ Such choices must not hurt one another. ¨ Such choices must not divide the church. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Receive One Another? ¨ This does not have to do with worship. ¨ These things are between individual persons. ¨ These matters are not about corporate body actions. ¨ These are actions left to personal choice and conscience (faith). Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Receive One Another? ¨ The Lord has no specific instructions about these choices except such should not destroy any brother. ¨ If one applies this to fellowship with denominations, then it is taken out of context and misapplied. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Receive One Another? ¨These matters are not Kingdom matters according to Paul – Rom. 14: 16 -17. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Straw-man? ¨ What our postmodern brethren are doing is building a straw-man. ¨ The straw-man is their own invention. ¨ They build up a false case of supposed facts, distorted and misapplied. ¨ They re-write history. ¨ Then, they proceed to tear the strawman all to pieces. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Straw-man? ¨ How easy! ¨ How simple! ¨ How Untrue! ¨ But, O how beguiling? Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Postmodern Straw-man ¨ The modern Church of Christ began in the Stone-Campbell Movement. ¨ For forty years we knew everything right and practiced everything right (20’s-60’s). ¨ It is Pharisaic exclusivism to reject fellowship with denominations. ¨ We are mean-spirited and judgmental. ¨ Many leaving due to these attitudes. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Postmodern Straw-man ¨ Patternism is unsophisticated legalism. ¨ The New Testament is not our pattern. ¨ We cannot get out of our history and culture in understanding the Bible. ¨ Reliance on facts of the Bible blinds. ¨ The “core” is more important than epistles. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Postmodern Straw-man ¨ Our history and culture will not let us restore the church of the N. T. ¨ Which church would you want to restore? • (Corinth, Ephesus, Colossae? ) ¨ Changing human conditions demand response changes. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Postmodern Straw-man ¨ Reliance on commands, examples, and inferences is unsophisticated and unreliable. ¨ Members would be better off leaving Bible interpretation to scholars (a subtle underlining!). ¨ Our scholars are highly educated, more so than our forefathers or preachers, so listen to them. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

What Is the Bottom Line? ¨ If, however, Campbell got out of his culture and went back to the N. T. ; why can’t we? ¨ Hundreds of groups in other countries in our lifetimes have done so, though never hearing of Stone or Campbell! ¨ Postmodernism affirms we are just one denomination that began in the Stone. Campbell Movement. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

What Is the Bottom Line? ¨ The power of the gospel is denied – Rom. 1: 16 -17. ¨ The principle of seed is denied – Luke 8: 11; 1 Pet. 1: 22 -25. ¨ The true meaning of the vine and branches is perverted – John 15: 1 -6. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

What Is the Bottom Line? Is the body of Christ singular? – Eph. 1: 22 -23; 4: 4; 1 Cor. 12: 12, 20. Is the temple of God plural? – 1 Cor. 3: 16 -17; Eph. 2: 21 -22. Are there many “holy nations, ” “elect races, ” several “peoples for God’s own possession”? – 1 Pet. 2: 9. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

What is The Bottom Line? ¨ Many of our scholars in the church today can no longer affirm this? ¨ Most of them dodge, waffle, and use words with different meanings than we do. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

What Is the Bottom Line? ¨ Thessalonica imitated the churches in Judea (1 Thess. 2: 14). ¨ This was written in 53 A. D. , 20 years after the church began in Jerusalem. ¨ If Thessalonica could imitate, or restore, why cannot it still be done in all generations? Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

What Is the Bottom Line? ¨ Should we restore Corinth, Ephesus, or Laodicea with all their faults? ¨ How ridiculous is this question! ¨ We can restore the ideal of the church. ¨ We can restore what Jesus built, of what he is the head, the bridegroom, and the savior, that precious one body. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Restoration is Valid ¨ Josiah restored the Passover by going back to the Book of the Law – 2 Kings 22 -23. ¨ Ezra and Nehemiah restored the Feast of the Tabernacles by reading and obeying the Law – Nehemiah 8. ¨ Whenever the gospel is read and followed, restoration can occur. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

Restoration Is Valid. ¨ Cox Mountain, Jamaica ¨ 1962 ¨ Personal visit ¨ Group found with no previous contact with any members of the church or any materials. ¨ They just read and obeyed the Bible. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

I AM PUZZLED!!! ¨ In whose hands is the Bible to be left? ¨ Are we to leave the Bible with the scholars, the intelligentsia, the sophisticated? ¨ What has happened to the idea of the common person picking up a KJV of the Bible, reading it, and going to heaven? ¨ What about non-USA churches? Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

I AM PUZZLED ! ¨ Did the Lord leave us with an instruction book that can only be read properly by scholars? ¨ Or, did He leave us with the “Truth, ” which we can know, and by which we can be made free? – John 8: 31 -32. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

I Am Puzzled! ¨ Can an ordinary person still pick up a KJV, read it, understand it, follow it, and go to heaven? ¨ Or, does he need the interpretation and aid of our Postmodern scholars? Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

I Am Puzzled! ¨ What about all those congregations that have been found in other countries? ¨ They know not the Stone-Campbell Movement. ¨ Can they be accurate? ¨ Can they go to heaven? Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

I Am Puzzled! ¨ Our postmodern scholars do not answer my puzzlement. ¨ The Lord does! ¨ “If ye abide in my word, then are ye truly my disciples; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” – John 8: 31 -32. ¨ AMEN! Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

References ¨ C. Leonard Allen, The Cruciform Church, (Abilene Christian University Press, Abilene, Texas, 1990) ¨ Jeff W. Childers, Douglas A. Foster, Jack R. Reese, The Crux of the Matter, (A. C. U. Press, Abilene, Texas, 2001). Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

¨ Richard T. Hughes, Reviving the Ancient Faith, (William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1996). ¨ William E. Jones, Forces At Work, (Resource Publications, Searcy, Arkansas, 1991). Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

¨ Dave Miller, Piloting the Strait, (privately published, Bedford, Texas, 1996, pre-publication manuscript). ¨ Harold K. Moulton, The Analytical Greek Lexicon Revised, a revision of Bagster’s Analytical Greek Lexicon, 1852 (Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

¨ Thomas H. Olbricht, Hearing God’s Voice, (ACU Press, Abilene, Texas, 1996). ¨ William Woodson, Change Agents and Churches of Christ, (School of Bible Emphasis, Athens, Alabama, 1994 printed by Sain Publications, Pulaski, Tennessee). Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002

¨ Mike Cope, “A Purpose Statement, ” Wineskins, Volume One, Number One, p. 6, and “Traumatic Winds of Renewal, “ Volume Four, pp. 5 -6. ¨ Randall Harris, “An Open Bible, ” Wineskins, Volume One, Number Nine, p. 8. Roy H. Lanier, Jr. - Southern Ridge Church of Christ - December, 2002