Burton Coffman, in his
Commentary on Romans, makes the following comment concerning the church's
meeting in the house of
In view of this
historical fact, and the inspired evidence of it before our eyes, one may only
marvel at the divisions among brethren over the question of whether or not food
may be served in a church house! From the facts, as evidenced in, the example of
Priscilla and Aquila, it can safely be inferred that anything a Christian might
do in his house could under the proper circumstances, be done in a religious
meeting house, the home in fact having been the original meeting house of the
apostolic church (513).
We suspect that our readers are surprised at such a statement. Do we
really believe that anything that can be done in one's home can be done
appropriately in the meeting house owned by the
church?
But wait! This is not the real issue involved in the "division" mentioned
above. According to these brethren not only can churches serve meals in their
meeting houses but they can build the facilities into their meeting houses that
are needed for serving meals - and this from the money contributed for the
Lord's work. Could we not carry brother Coffman's reasoning one step further,
and say that anything a Christian might build into his house can, under the
proper circumstances, be built into religious meeting houses? Bedrooms? Swimming
pools? Recreation rooms? We know a family who has built a beauty shop into their
house. A beauty shop in the church building? And the lady gives perms and sets
hair as a business in her home. Could she do this "under proper circumstances"
in the church building? In fact, it is at least possible that
Besides, we have known of churches that met in YMCA's, union halls,
prisons, and courthouses. Does it follow that anything a Christian might do in
one of these facilities "could, under proper circumstances," be done in a
religious meeting house?
The truth is a church meeting house is authorized as an aid to worship
and Bible teaching, which are God-ordained church activities. Whatever is
needful to facilitate these God-ordained activities should therefore be built
into meeting houses. In keeping with this, if God ordains social activities,
recreation, and secular education as local church activities, churches should
build facilities, and provide food, balls, bats, racquets, school teachers,
books, etc., that will serve as aids to these activities. But if they are not
God-ordained church activities, churches have no authority to build into their
buildings facilities for such. And to do that for which there is no authority is
sin (2 Jn. 9; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; 1 Jn. 3:4). This is the real issue in this
controversy.
---Bill Hall
HONESTY
There is much dishonesty in the world. Dishonesty is found in the
religious world as well as in politics, the business world, educational
institutions and social circles. We are faced with many temptations to be
dishonest in various ways. However, as Christians we are not governed by the
same principles that regulate others. The principles by which we are governed
are those taught in the New Testament of Jesus Christ. Let us now consider some
Scriptures that deal with the subject of honesty and "providing things
honest".
1. "But that on
the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the
Word, keep it and bring forth fruit with
patience." (Lk. 8:15). Do you have an honest and good heart?
2. "Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest
report, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this
business." (Acts 6:3). Seven men of honest report were to be looked
out and appointed over the business of serving tables.
3. "...Provide things honest in the sight of all
men." (Rom. 12:17). We have this responsibility!
4. "Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord,
but also in the sight of men." (2 Cor.
8:21). Many fail in doing this.
5. "Now I
pray to God that you do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that
you should do that which is honest, though we be as
reprobates."
(2 Cor. 13:7). It was Paul's desire that all
saints do that which is honest. All saints should!
6. "Having
your conversation honest among the Gentiles, that whereas they speak against you
as evil doers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God
in the day of visitation." (1 Pet. 2:12).
Our demeanor among others should be honest so as to influence them to glorify
God.
7. "Let us
walk honestly as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering
and wantonness, not in strife and envying." (Rom.
13:13). Our walking should always be honestly as in the day.
8. "That
ye may walk honestly toward them that are without..." (1
Thess. 4:12). It is our duty to walk honestly toward outsiders!
9. "...In all
things willing to live honestly." (Heb.
13:18). Living dishonestly should not occur in the lives of Christians!
10. Read Phil. 4:8
-- We learn from this passage that we should think on honest things!
We should be honest in our business dealings. We should be fair and pay
our debts! The Psalmist declared that "The wicked
borroweth and payeth not again..." (37:21).
In our daily activities we should act and speak with honesty. Never
hypocritically or with deceit!
--- E.R. Hall, Jr.
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