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The apostle John clearly warned about complicity with false teachers: “For he that biddeth him God speed is a partaker of his evil deeds” (2 John 9). This includes offering support, in word or deed, to men, congregations, or schools that have compromised the Truth. In a previous article, I pointed out that even sound brethren sometimes do this by publishing articles by liberal brethren in church bulletins they edit.
This is also done when activities of liberals are publicized in church bulletins. Occasionally, even careful editors do this due to ignorance of the source, sponsors, or implications of an event. Sometimes a liberal brother will even sneak something into a bulletin when the preacher is out of town. However, when such things are consistently seen in the same bulletin it is evident that the editor considers them harmless. It seems almost as if some feel obligated to print every announcement they receive, regardless of its source or content.
When a sound church announces (by bulletin or otherwise) activities of congregations that are known for their liberalism (or programs that feature liberal brethren), it is promoting liberalism! It is giving its approval to said activities and brethren. It is encouraging sheep to visit the dens of wolves. Do not these brethren see that at the very best this practice is sending terribly confusing signals to the members of the congregation and to all others (including the liberals) on their mailing lists? Sometimes the same bulletin will oppose one error while promoting another. Preacher “A” in a given congregation may take a strong stand on page 1 against the Discipling Movement, while preacher “B” (on page 4) is urging folks (young and old) to participate in a giant “youth rally” sponsored by and featuring liberal brethren.
The liberal brethren expect their cohorts to help them publicize their activities. They must do a lot of laughing behind our backs when they see bulletins of sound churches helping them advance their cause by publicizing (and thereby endorsing) their activities!
We are to “have no fellowship with the unfaithful works of darkness” (whether moral or doctrinal) and encouraging people to attend the activities of apostates is inescapably a form of fellowship. Rather than encouraging people to attend the programs of apostates (and thus engage in fellowship with them) we are commanded to “even reprove them” (Eph. 5:11).
[Note: I wrote this article for, and it was published in The Edifier, weekly bulletin of Pearl Street Church of Christ, Denton, TX, October12, 1989, of which I was editor.]
Attribution: From thescripturecache.com; Dub McClish, owner and administrator.
