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THE REASONS WHY A FAITHFUL THOSE WHO SHIPWRECK THE FAITH
(2 Tim.4:1-4)
The Christian life begins with faith, trust and confidence in what God says, promises, and warns us about (Heb. 11:6). But sadly there are many who fall along the way and although they never leave the faith they make shipwreck of it. Some of these are preachers who:
Have the wrong attitude toward the truth. They will not put up with sound doctrine. They do not love the truth enough (2 Thess. 2:10). They start down this road with no desire to listen to the truth, nor to obey what it says. They are preachers who have a corrupt attitude toward the doctrine of Christ.
They think that the greatest thrill in this life is to be a speaker at "Jubilee" in Nashville or one of the "big guns" at the Tulsa Workshop, etc. One such speaker is Marvin Phillips. A few years ago Marvin authored a book entitled "Don't Shoot We're Both On The Same Side." This book was published by College Press in Joplin, Missouri. The general thesis of the book defends those in liberalism being in fellowship with the Independent Christian Church. This book is of great value to faithful brethren in that one has Marvin in his own words advocating open fellowship with denominationalism.
In a monthly paper edited by Kentucky Christian College vol.34, No. 2 entitled "The Voice of Kentucky Christian College"(A Christian Church College) Marvin Phillips' picture is on the front page along with these words "Delivering the Commencement address will be Marvin Phillips, senior minister of the Garnett church of Christ, Tulsa, Oklahoma." Marvin is also a member of the adjunct faculty of Kentucky Christian College's Master of Ministry program. As I may recall he has conducted workshops for the Christian Church telling how to grow.
Why is it that some of our congregations will heap to themselves these false teachers? Do not these passages mean anything: "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." (Matt. 7:15). Jesus warns us of the cunning way of false teachers in this passage. The words of the Psalmist describe the approach and attitude of many of today's false teachers: "His mouth was smooth as butter, but his heart was war; His words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords." (Psa. 55:21). The mouths of false teachers must be stopped: "Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching thing which they ought not for filthy lucre's sake." (Tit. 1:11). If God says their mouths must be stopped, why do congregations invite them to speak?
A man came to me awhile back and said, "I heard Marvin Phillips speak and I didn't hear him says anything wrong." I asked him if he was aware of any of the things listed above about Marvin Phillips he said he was not. If he had been aware he would not have bid him God-speed in his preaching until such time Marvin repented of such actions. What I have noticed in 30 or more years of preaching in dealing with false teachers is this: "They may come across as sweet and loving, but their doctrine is soul-damning!"
Therefore, the members of the Garden City Congregation will not be supporting Marvin Phillips or any other false teacher when they come to our area - be it a collage workshop or a congregation holding a gospel meeting.
There is a battle raging ! It is a battle for the future of the church of Christ! Will the church go the way of denominations or will it remain true to the Jerusalem Gospel? Judge ye!!!