On Sunday morning, January 1, 1956, a young gospel preacher named Orlan Hogue preached a “New Year’s” sermon for the local congregation in Huntingdon, Tennessee, where he was the local preacher. The sermon was entitled “Take Heed,” and it contained five main points.

1. He reminded them that 1955 was history. He discussed the great progress that had been made by the church in Huntingdon during 1955, including a large number of conversions, and then admonished them to be thankful to God and to give God the glory for past successes.
    
2. He described “how” the successes of the past year had been achieved, including such things as peace and harmony among the members, a great spirit of cooperation, and hard work.
    
3. He said, “1956 is now before us,” and he issued a challenge to the members to put the past behind them, not rest on their laurels, and focus on even greater efforts in 1956.
    
4. He reminded them that success would only be achieved if every member contributed to the work. Success would not come through the efforts of the preacher alone, or if only a few were actively involved in the work. It would only be when “every part does its share” (Eph. 4:16, NKJV) that even greater things could be accomplished.
    
5. He closed with an exhortation to get busy and make 1956 the best year ever in the history of the church. He cheered them on with the encouraging words that “our prospects look bright for the work in Huntingdon in 1956!”

I have in my possession the original type-written sermon outline that Brother Hogue used to preach that New Year’s lesson. It came into my possession a number of years ago after Brother Hogue’s brother-in-law, Earl Fly, passed away in Jackson, Tennessee. Brother Fly had written two things on the bottom of the type-written page. He wrote, “By O.H. Hogue” and then underneath that, he wrote the chilling words, “Orlan died May 10, 1956.” Brother Hogue died as a result of injuries suffered in a fall at the Huntingdon Post Office. He left behind a wife and two small children, and his death was mourned by a local church whose members loved him dearly for his work’s sake among them.

Three lessons come to mind as we think about the story of Orlan Hogue’s New Year’s sermon.

First, Brother Hogue was right to encourage the brethren in Huntingdon to remember the past year, and to meditate on the good things that had been happening among them during that time. The apostle Paul frequently used this technique of commending brethren for past victories and present successes as a means of encouraging them to greater efforts in the future. Paul’s first letter to the church at Thessalonica is a good example of this kind of motivation.

Second, I am impressed with Brother Hogue’s optimism and enthusiasm. It is obvious that he was excited about the prospects facing him and the Huntingdon church in 1956. He was planning on twelve full months being busy doing the work of the Lord. Orlan was, by all reports, extremely skilled in the pulpit, as a writer, as a Bible class teacher, and as a personal worker.

Third, his tragic death reminds us of the sobering lesson from the pen of the inspired author James: “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a town, and spend a year there and trade and make a profit’ - yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and also do this or that.’” (James 4:13-14, ESV)

Undoubtedly many of you have made some significant future plans. When you made your plans, did it even cross your mind that you might not live to see them carried through? If your life were to end before this year does, would you be prepared to stand before God in judgment? Do you know for certain that you have a guarantee of even five more months of life?

I believe that Orlan Hogue was prepared on that tragic day in May, 1956 when an accident cut short his talented life. The most important lesson to remember from the tragic story of Brother Hogue’s life and tragic death is that we all do everything possible to be prepared every minute of every hour of every day for the unexpected. Remember, “You are just a mist!”

Gary Kerr

We have been reminded in this article by brother Kerr, the uncertainty of time. The fact is, no matter how long we live on this earth, we are to consider ourselves strangers and pilgrims (Heb. 11:13-16). We long for a better place, and our reaching the goal of heaven will take more than a longing. We must seek first the kingdom of God (Matt. 6;33). After all, those who seek, will find (Matt. 7:7). May we be doers pf the word and not hearers only (Jas. 1:22). We certainly look forward to hearing our brother Gary proclaim the word of God this week.

Chuck

In line with the first article, let’s consider a few more things to help us learn. I had mentioned about churches sending directly to the preachers they support. Paul mentioned the churches that helped him directly (II Cor. 11:8). But is this really the best way? What if you have a small country church with 15 members who are all elderly and they want to help spread the gospel. Could they not send the funds from the church to a larger church who could use that money to support preachers that they choose? No. Reason being, it is unauthorized.

Years ago when I was preaching in Canada, a government official called me inquiring about my income as a preacher. I told him that a variety of churches send money to me to preach the gospel. He then proceeded to tell me that he wants those churches to send the money to the local church I labor with, and then have the local church there support me. In that man’s eyes, this would be easier and much more simple, tax-wise. I then proceeded to tell him I couldn’t do that. After a long conversation, and a short sermon, he finally accepted what I told him.

The apostle Paul made it clear in Romans 9:20-21, that we are the clay and God is the potter and we must do what He says. It is not our place to question what we are told to do. Oh, we might ask why a certain thing is to be done such as, “Why do people need to be baptized?” That’s a good question. The answer is given, for the remission of their sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16). Yet, if someone starts to question that by saying, “Why in the world would God expect someone to be baptized in water for the remission of their sins?”, we have a serious problem.

It’s fine to ask, “What can a local church do with its funds?” It isn’t fine, once one learns the answer to the question, to turn around and question that! Remember, without respecting Biblical authority, the flood gate opens and people will do almost anything under the umbrella that it is “good work.” Even though it is not our place to question God, it is our place to question those who do question God!

Chuck 

In order to help people see the error of their ways, we need to learn from the master teacher – Christ.  It can be quite challenging to any Christian to help people see the truth, if they themselves are being accused of teaching error. This happened to our Lord on many occasions. We shall examine one incident and glean some valuable truths.

There was an incident where Jesus healed a woman on the Sabbath, who had an infirmity for eighteen years (Lk. 13:10-17). As what would often happen, Christ was accused of breaking God’s law in healing on the Sabbath. So what did Jesus do to help them see that not only was He in the right, but managed to prove them to be wrong? In short, He used consistency as a teaching method.

After our Lord was accused of healing on the Sabbath, here is what He said, “Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it? So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound – think of it – for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?” (vr. 15-16). What a great way to try and open the eyes of people, by getting them to see what they were doing is the same.

This is exactly what we need to do to help erring brethren who have decided to loosen the standard, to be less strict. The key is to get on common ground as to what we all agree is wrong. Since a hierarchy system doesn’t exist in the Lord’s church – Christ being the head (Col. 1:18), then anything that is similar to a hierarchy would be wrong. Let’s think this through so we can use this to help others.

If a religious group had a headquarters, let’s say in Rome, then that means local groups connected with them send their funds to the head church. We now see who decides what is to be done with those funds. There is no church autonomy (self-governing), as you see in the scriptures (I Pet. 5:1-3). Decisions to evangelize, edify, and help needy brethren are to be done by the local congregation. You don’t send funds to any group of people, who will then in turn send the funds they gathered to other groups “they” decide need it.

However, there are churches of Christ that will take their funds and send it to another church or to some governing body, in order to let them decide what to do with the funds. This is no different than what many denominations do. We must see that there is no middleman for a church to do its work. Churches send sent directly to preachers (Phil. 4:16). Churches send directly to a church in need (Acts 11:29-30).

Here is the point we all need to see. Just as Jesus used consistency to help people see their hypocrisy, we can do the same. To hear Christians condemn a hierarchy system within the religious realm, yet engage in something similar is inconsistent. Why would it be right for churches to send money to one church for them to decide who they will send out and support to preach? Why would churches send money to a relief organization who will in turn decide who to send money to in order to help the needy?

Whether it be called a missionary society or a sponsoring church, these are church terms that brethren have used to help people see that these are unauthorized arrangements. Are they similar to a hierarchy system? Yes, they are and hopefully we can help erring brethren see this. Nothing can be more obvious (if mind is not closed) than when someone is being inconsistent.

Unfortunately, when these things are brought up, the discussion turns away from scripture and the focus is on the results. In other words, the ends justify the means. Therefore, you hear things like, “Look at the good we are doing.” And, “How can helping others be wrong?” With this we point out I Timothy 5:16, where Paul stated that doing a good work would be wrong. How something is done is just as important as doing it.  Let’s think long and hard on these things.

Chuck

Have you ever heard someone try to say something positive, only to hear a “but…” Being a negative person does not promote joy or optimism. This type of person spends more time thinking about the bad rather than the good. Whenever this topic is raised, I always go back and read about the nation of Israel described in the Old Testament. They were being freed from Egyptian bondage and yet quickly returned to constant complaining (Ex. 15:24; 16:2, etc.).

Just as Israel had a reputation of negativity, so do many people today. All they see is doom and gloom. This attitude can become a sickness that destroys children of God. They become unproductive, they lose their joy in serving the Lord and they forget about the blessings found only in the Lord (Phil. 4:4; II Pet. 1:5-9).

It can admittedly be hard to count your blessings when all you see is bad. Our lights are meant to shine though, not be smothered. We might have to force ourselves, but we can always think of ways our situation could be worse. If we focus on the negative, contentment is nowhere to be found (Phil. 4:11). Things are bad when we lose sight of the many things we ought to be thankful for.

Imagine bringing a child a gift and hearing complaints that “I didn’t get this” and “I didn’t get that.”  Most would be quick to label this child as being spoiled and ungrateful. There is no difference spiritually when any God’s children lose sight of the good and become constantly negative. They may still smile when everything is going their way, but watch out for a quick change in attitude when the world stops revolving around them!

If there is one characteristic Jesus tried to get across to all His followers, it was selflessness (Matt. 18:4; 23:12, etc.). Christians focus on what they can do for others – friends, family, fellow Christians, the lost, Jesus Himself, etc. Do you see any similarities between yourself and the nation of Israel described in the Old Testament? We serve the same God as they did – let us not be guilty of taking Him for granted as so many of the Hebrews were.

Chuck 

Last week, I discussed the fact that I am not a pastor. A reader then sent me a great question. The individual read the qualifications for a pastor/elder found in I Timothy 3 and in Titus 1. After examining those passages, they concluded that I meet the qualifications and therefore ought to be a pastor. I am always thrilled to receive feedback like this that shows people reading and reasoning from the scriptures. Still, this also showed that more discussion on the topic is needed.

Being godly is not enough

It might surprise many religious people today, but the apostle Paul was not a pastor. The denomination I once was part of even referred to Paul’s writings as “Pastoral Epistles.” Just because he and Barnabas had appointed elders in churches did not mean they themselves were pastors (Acts 14:23). In fact, the Bible never refers to Paul as a pastor/elder - he does not qualify! Yes, an apostle of Jesus Christ was not qualified to be an elder! We are told that within the list of qualifications, one must be married and old enough to have believing children (I Tim. 3:2-5; Titus 1:6). Also note that one of the duties of an elder was to shepherd the flock they oversaw. How could Paul do this when he was traveling and gone for years at a time (I Pet. 5:1-2)?

Always a plurality of pastors/elders

As you read through the New Testament, you will note that whenever elders/pastors were appointed it was ALWAYS two or more. Paul sent for the elders at Ephesus (Acts 20:17). Acts 14:23 states that elders were appointed in every church. When Peter spoke about being  an elder (he was qualified), he spoke about elders being among the brethren (I Pet. 5:1). James mentioned to call for the elders of the church when a member was sick (James 5:14). These examples are not calling for elders from different churches – they are showing a pattern of multiple elders in every church. We even read in Hebrews that the members of the local congregation were to obey and be submissive to the elders who watch out for their souls (Heb. 13:17).

Not “once an elder/pastor, always an elder/pastor”

Just as men can become qualified, they can become unqualified. However, this is not really my point. Consider this – if a local church appoints two men as elders and one moves away, then that eldership is dissolved because there are no longer multiple elders. The church no longer has any elders until there are multiple, qualified men who accept the responsibility again. Also note that the man who moved away is not automatically an elder in his new town’s church. Local churches choose men they know are qualified and appoint them as elders (Titus 1:5). This principle is taken from Acts 6:3-5. The qualifications of being able to teach, having a good reputation within the church and in the community, practicing hospitality, etc. must be proven first. Only after this can he be considered for the role.

No set combination

As we already pointed out, being an apostle like Paul did not automatically qualify him to be a pastor/elder. Still, an apostle could be an elder like Peter was (I Pet. 5:1). The same is true with preachers. Not all preachers are qualified to be an elder/pastor. Some are not married, while others may not have children. He might also lack one of the other qualifications. Some preachers are qualified though and serve both roles (multiple elders are still required though).

The denominational concept of a pastor is nothing like what you read of in the Bible. Too many today use it as a title rather than a function within the church. I preach, but I am not “Preacher Chuck”. If one is an elder, they are not “Elder So-and-so”. May our understanding harmonize with scripture in this important matter.

Chuck