Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 18
October 27, 1966
NUMBER 25, PAGE 9b-10a

Gullible Travelers

Tom O. Bunting

All that I mean by this title are people who fall for anything. As men travel through life they seem to fall for nearly anything the Devil dreams up. Art Linkletter has made famous the expression, "people are funny". The antics of brethren today never cease to amaze. Often brethren show their gullibility. Things that are now practiced as part of the work of the church that would be hilarious if they were not so serious.

Reading the bulletins from various churches of Christ I find them often excited over activities that are both insignificant and unscriptural. One announces a track meet practice at the church building and makes a special plea for they want to have a good turnout at the track meet. Does God really care if we have a good turnout at a track meet? I'm certain that He is interested in a good turnout for worship and Bible study -- but a track meet? Reading from another bulletin I find that their chorus (this is their term not mine) is practicing for their upcoming program. Then again we have all been hearing of the accomplishments of 'church of Christ baseball teams'. Do you suppose there is much rejoicing by the angels in heaven over a first place finish in the city league?

The defense of these things on the judgment day will sound very pathetic even in comparison with the account of the people in Matt. 7:22. They said, "Lord, Lord have we not prophesied in thy name, in thy name cast out devils, and in thy name done many wonderful works?" The Lord said, "I never knew you.... ". Then 'modern Christians' step up saying, "Lord, Lord, have we not taken many blue ribbons at the track meets in thy name, and in thy name won first place in the state acapella chorus concert, and in thy name our baseball team took the city championship five times in succession?" What do you suppose the Lord would say to these? Then another comes forth, "Lord, Lord, have we not built the largest protestant church building in Tennessee in thy name, and in thy name our colleges are nationally known, and in thy name our orphan homes, old-folk homes, and homes for unwed mothers are second to none?" Which is the greater -- city championships, homes for unwed mothers, or cast out devils? Yet, to those who cast out devils he said, "I never knew you...."

While 'modern Christians' contend for city championships, successful track teams, and a chorus that will please men; the true church is "contending for the faith" (Jude 3). Brethren, who are so excited over their track teams and baseball teams are ready to meet anyone on the field to contend for nothing; yet, they will not meet one on the polemic platform to defend their modern practices.

Preachers and churches need to forget their track teams and baseball teams and set themselves for the defense of the gospel.

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