Discourse – Unmasking Sophistry

Weddings and Funerals — Review No. 2

By Ralph D. Williams Brother Weldon Warnock and I agree the church is not in the business of providing for weddings and funerals. I’m sure we’d agree that such is an individual and family responsibility (1 Cor. 7:2; 1 Tim. 5:8). Yet, when the meetinghouse is used for these affairs, who has provided the place?

Weddings and Funerals in the Meetinghouse—No. 2

By Weldon E. Warnock Brother Ralph Williams said in a review of my February article on “Weddings and Funerals in the Meetinghouse” that “The real issue is: WHERE IS THE AUTHORITY? If such practices are allowable a simple N.T. precept, example or necessary inference is all that’s necessary.” But the issue is not one of

Response to William Stewart’s Second Article

Brent Sharp | Shannon Hills, Arkansas, USA In his second article Brother Stewart spends his first three paragraphs discussing the holy kiss and foot washing, emphasizes that both those were customs of a certain time and place, and apparently draws the conclusion this proves Paul’s instructions in I Corinthians 11:2-16 are likewise only local customs

Response to Brent Sharp’s Second Article

William Stewart | Kingston, Ontario, Canada Our brother is adamant that prior to the 20th century, nowhere in all of “Christendom” (in fact, he said “in the entire universe”) was there any interpretation on Paul’s instruction in 1 Corinthians 11 except that women should have long hair and be covered in worship and men should

Weddings and Funerals — A Review

by Ralph D. Williams Brother Weldon Warnock raised some good questions in his article, “Weddings and funerals in the meetinghouse,” in the Feb. 1973 issue. It seems more brethren are becoming concerned over these practices lately. Searching the Scriptures is to be commended for allowing the question to be searched openly. It appears that three

Weddings and Funerals in the Meetinghouse

by Weldon E. Warnock A feeling has arisen in the minds of somegood brethren that the meetinghouse may not be used for weddings or funerals. They are saying that the church building was erected with the Lord’s money, and, therefore, it may only be used for authorized church functions. This position, as I see it,

Response to A Custom, Not A Command

By Brent Sharp | Arkansas, USA To begin with, let’s fix the opening line: The apostle Paul’s message in 1 Corinthians 11 concerning head coverings has been variably interpreted by our brethren since the turn of the 20th century. Prior to the turn of the 20th century brethren were united on Paul’s admonitions for women

Response to Hats, Hair and Harridans

By William J. Stewart | Ontario, Canada When brethren come together, we see a variety of greetings. Many offer a good strong handshake; some might exchange a delightful and cheery “Hello;” others may even share a warm hug. But where is the “holy kiss”? The apostle Paul wrote to the Romans, “Greet one another with

Hats, Hair and Harridans

Brent Sharp | Arkansas, USA Suppose you showed up for worship services one morning and discovered that your preacher was going to deliver his sermon while wearing a ball cap with the logo for his favorite football team, or automobile company, or some such on his head. Would you care? Suppose another of your members,

A Custom, Not A Command

By William J. Stewart | Ontario, Canada The apostle Paul’s message in 1 Corinthians 11 concerning head coverings has been variably interpreted by our brethren. Folks differ on what the covering is, on when the covering is to be worn, and on whether it is binding today or not. Herein I affirm the wearing of