Read this First!
Malcolm L. Hill

The founding fathers of our Christian colleges and universities had a tremendous love for God, the Bible, the church, and the Christian way to live and do all things. They had an awesome respect for the Bible and its authority. Never would they have dreamed of giving up the Truth to be accepted and receive some income for the institution they started or in some cases had a part in starting.

The great men that started our Christian schools were men who were first and foremost interested in teaching young people the Word of God so that the church would be strong and have strong and knowledgeable leaders. Lipscomb, Sewell, Freed, Hardeman, Turner, Harding, and all the other men who started Christian schools of higher learning in the Lord’s church were trying to help the church build on the Bible and grow throughout the entire world. These men knew about denominationalism and what it was all about. All of them came from a denominational background more or less. They would never have given a thought to fellowshipping the denominations or to aping the denominational preachers of their day or any day. Most of the men that started these Christian schools would turn over in their graves if they knew the situation as it now exists.

Who in their right mind would think that N. B. Hardeman would invite or permit a man like Don McLaughlin to Freed-Hardeman to speak to the young people? McLaughlin is one of the most liberal men in the brotherhood and preaches for one of the most liberal churches of Christ in the brotherhood—the North Atlanta church of Christ. Who among the churches of Christ that knew the life of David Lipscomb and his firmness for the Truth would think that Lipscomb would invite or permit a man like F. LaGard Smith to come and be a part of what is now David Lipscomb University? Smith does not believe in the eternality of hell and he believes that one can be saved without being baptized. We are told that a sizable part of the Lipscomb faculty attends Rubel Shelly’s Woodmont Hills church and yet they are going to be a part of the Billy Graham Crusade in the spring of 2000 according to Lovelines, the church bulletin of Shelley's Woodmont Hills church (Volume 25/Number 39, September 29, 1999).

The Christian schools of higher learning have left the faithful people of God. I am prepared and ready to meet in public discussion any or all of the Presidents of these schools and prove this point. Faithful and trusting brethren send their children to our schools of higher learning thinking they will be made stronger in the faith and come out with greater faith in God and the teachings of the Bible only to find that in a great many cases their sons and daughters come out of these institutions mixed up and greatly given to denominational thought and practice. What a tragedy that these so-called Christian universities and colleges take our boys and girls and teach them denominational theories along with some Truth and then turn them back on the brotherhood to sow discord and disrupt the unity of God’s people. When schools leave the Truth they are no more worthy of our support. In fact, it is demanded of God that we not support them (II John 9-11; Eph. 5:11; Rom. 16:17-18). Someone might say that these Scriptures were written to the church and not to educational institutions. If this is the case, then no Scripture would apply to Christian universities and schools. Then it would be all right to have a Baptist, a Methodist, a Presbyterian, etc., teach in our schools!

This issue of Living Oracles is written for the sole purpose of trying to wake the brotherhood up to what is going on and how serious and widespread it is. We cannot include everything that we would like, but we are willing to meet anyone at any place and defend what is said in this issue of the Living Oracles. We can prove by documentation that what is written herein is true and accurate and we are ready to do so when called upon. We ask our entire brotherhood to return to the Bible and follow it as we once did. Let us be united in Christ and based on the Bible.

Editorial: Pepperdine University
Malcolm L. Hill

Pepperdine University is located in greater Los Angles, California. Its history goes back for more than fifty years. Some have said that Pepperdine University was never intended to be a Christian University operated by churches of Christ. It is a known fact that some of their Board members are not members of the church of Christ.

It can truthfully be said that when it comes to fundraising they claim to be associated with the church of Christ. Pepperdine has a beautiful campus and I feel sure they have some good people but in many cases they are far from the Bible on Bible doctrine. Apostasy does not seem to trouble them at all. They will fellowship just about anything that comes down the religious pike. I wish I had time and space to mention all the false teachers and their false doctrine that Pepperdine has used and fellowshipped. I will mention only a few they have used. They have used Edward Fudge and he does not believe in the eternality of hell. They have used Ferrell Jenkins and he believes that it is a sin to take money out of the church treasury and support orphan homes. They have used Rubel Shelly and he is doctrinally off on a number of issues. They have used Prentice Meador and he fellowships false brethren. They have used Joe Beam who is a false teacher and one that will fellowship the false teachers. They have used Mike Cope, a false teacher and one that fellowships false teachers. They fellowship LeRoy Garrett and Brother Garrett is more like the Disciples of Christ or Methodist than any member of the church I know. Garrett has very little bounds to fellowship. They have used Jeff Walling and Jeff is just about as far out in left field as one can get. If you want to know Who’s Who in liberalism, just get one of Pepperdine’s annual lectureship books and see who is on the program.

Ohio Valley College
Malcolm L. Hill

Ohio Valley College is in Parkersburg, West Virginia. It had its beginning in 1958. It is given to fellowshipping false teachers and false doctrine. If they deny this, we are prepared to meet them in a public discussion and give proof that this is factual and undeniable. On October 16-17, 1999, they had F. LaGard Smith as a featured speaker for a forum. Smith believes hell is not eternal and that people may go to heaven without water baptism. Ohio Valley College had Gary Holloway from David Lipscomb University to lecture September 30 and October 1, 1999. Holloway’s position tells what he is doctrinally speaking. He is the Dean of the College of Bible and Ministry at Lipscomb University. If he is a solid preacher, how could he serve at David Lipscomb without opposing President Steve Flatt and his false practices? Does anyone think the apostle Paul would dwell in peace at this apostate university? Paul said to rebuke them that sin before all that others may fear (I Tim. 5:20). I am ready as President of Tennessee Bible College to meet President E. Keith Stotts of Ohio Valley College and prove he is not running Ohio Valley College in keeping with the Bible. In fact, I am ready to meet the Presidents of all our apostate Christian colleges and universities in a public discussion and show where they are not following the Bible.

I cannot go into the details of the colleges and universities I am dealing with because of time and space. I am ready to give an answer for what I state about them along with verifiable proof. Ohio Valley College has used a number of false brethren: Jimmy Allen of Harding University, Bruce McClarity of Searcy, Arkansas, Paul Watson, a Pepperdine University speaker, Jerry Jones, Bob Brown of the North Atlanta church of Christ, and Larry West of West Monroe, Louisiana, just to mention a few.

Christian College Guidelines
G. K. Wallace

The following article was written by brother Wallace almost thirty years ago. The truths he expressed have not changed. The article also appeared in the May 20, 1971 volume of the Gospel Advocate.

Most Christian colleges are struggling under guidelines imposed, not by the Board of Directors, nor the President of the school, but by Accrediting Associations that exist in the circles of higher education. The guidelines that are being set up for such departments as Science, Art, English, Psychology and Sociology are not disturbing. These things are secular in nature and of course the pressure in that field is not so great. However, in the Biblical field, there are some things that are alarming.

The qualifications of Bible teachers in our Bible departments are being set up by a group of men who know little about the Bible and care less. Their standards are determined largely by philosophy which is equated with divinity and/or theology. All of the higher Divinity Schools (if there is an exception I am not aware of it) are dominated by theologians who either openly deny the inspiration of the Bible or secretly seek to destroy the faith. It has not been long ago that the Divinity Department of a southern university according to our papers, announced a religious service in order to show the world how to worship without God.

Most of our administrators and members of the Board of Directors are aware of this problem but they are so afraid of the rulings and regulations of the Accrediting Association that they are paralyzed. It does not take a prophet, nor the son of a prophet, nor dresser of sycamore trees to see where this leads. These so called guidelines rule out of our Bible departments the leading minds of the great Restoration movement in the world. David Lipscomb would not be permitted to teach in his own school today. T. B. Larimore would not be acceptable in a Bible department. F. B. Syrgley and M. C. Kurfees would be ruled out by the so called Christian college guidelines. Most of the great men who helped to organize and build Abilene Christian College, whose loyalty and devotion to the truth is unquestioned, could not qualify to head the Bible department in my Alma Mater. It was my great privilege to sit at the feet of Batsell Baxter, who for many years served as President of Abilene Christian College, and was one of the greatest Bible teachers who ever lived, and who now could not qualify to head the Bible department of Abilene Christian College. Jesse P. Sewell, who so ably directed Abilene Christian College for years, could not qualify to head the Bible department of Abilene Christian College.

Freed-Hardeman College has had a long illustrious history, and my association with it extends either in a direct or indirect way over a period of twenty-eight years. If A. G. Freed were living today, he would not be permitted to head the Bible department of Freed-Hardeman College. If N. B. Hardeman were living and was willing to do so, he could not head the Bible department of Freed-Hardeman College. The fact that N. B. Hardeman, whose great Bible knowledge is so generally known, could not head the Bible department of Freed-Hardeman College is not because the Board of Directors, the Administration, would not look favorably upon it, but a group of sectarians from an Accrediting Association would rule him out.

Brethren, we are not only drifting, we have drifted. It appears to be time that Christian colleges stop and take stock of the direction in which we are going. It may be time for all Christian schools to pull their Bible departments out of the college proper and out from under the Accrediting Association and let the Board of Directors and good elders of the church recommend men of stature and character to lead in the teachings of the Bible. . . .

There are a great number of "Schools of the Prophets," that are springing up over the brotherhood and are being conducted by great and strong churches simply because they are permitted to teach the Bible without being inhibited by a group of denominationalists who are unacquainted with the truth of God and who do everything they can to undermine the cause of Christ.

Faulkner University
Glenn B. Ramsey

Faulkner University, located in Montgomery, Alabama, is a well-established educational institution, dating its beginning to the early 1940’s. There is no doubt that this school has done much good in many ways throughout its years of existence. This writer has never visited the campus, talked with any in the administration, or corresponded with any individual at Faulkner. What is said in this article, therefore, cannot be a personal response to anyone. The concern herein expressed is related to the direction that is being taken by the school in regard to the support of false teachers within the church of our Lord.

The sources of all statements concerning individuals who have appeared on religious programs at Faulkner are from announcement brochures, advertisements and other mail that has been received from the school.

As far back as 1994 Buddy Bell and Joe Beam spoke on Faulkner’s "Focus." Efforts to secure a response from the school relative to its use of these liberal false teachers, by brethren in that area, were ineffective.

Cecil May sent an e-mail message to Faulkner students announcing a special seminar, sponsored by the School of Biblical Studies, entitled "Worship, Baptism and Fellowship." It was held October 23 and 24, 1998. The speaker was LaGard Smith. Brother May had available to him evidence that showed the false positions Brother Smith holds, because he (May) cited some of the books that Smith had written (Baptism: The Believer’s Wedding Ceremony, Who Is My Brother?). Instead of rebuking false teachers the Administration of Faulkner invited (and as far as is known continues this practice) the false teacher and gave him an audience!

The March 1999 lectures at Faulkner included speakers Dick Sztanyo, Jim McGuiggan, G. P. Holt (who holds a false view on the subject of marriage, divorce and remarriage) and others who are of the same liberal slant. At least they are liberal because they appeared on the program with these men and did not publicly rebuke them (see Ephesians 5:11). Anyone who supports the efforts of an institution that promotes error through the forums, lectureships, etc., it offers to the public is himself a partaker of this error (see II John 9-11).

An institution of higher learning is very important in its influence on the lives of students, both during their stay at the school, and throughout their lives. No knowledgeable person will deny this fact. Even more so, colleges claiming to be "Christian colleges" have an even greater impact on the church of our Lord. Students who attend these colleges become the leaders in churches throughout the world. Their influence will then be felt for generations. If these students learn false philosophies and doctrines at the feet of their college instructors, they will disseminate these as long as they live (unless, hopefully, they learn better). No perceptive person can deny these observations.

A college is not the church. The church is not a college. There are, however, principles that govern both churches and "Christian" colleges. A church must always follow faithfully the laws of the New Testament that relate to its work. Indeed, every Christian must follow God’s New Testament laws in regard to all he does in his life’s work. A farm is not the church. Yet the Christian farmer follows the principles of God’s New Testament laws in regard to his farming operation. The same is true for a Christian in any occupation or profession.

The church of Christ cannot regulate a college. God did not charge the church with such an obligation. A college cannot regulate the church of Christ. God did not give it this authority. Having said this, then, is there a connection between the church and "Christian" colleges?

Any "Christian" college or institution of learning must be led by Christians (members of Christ’s church). These Christians are obligated to follow God’s principles of truth in everything that is done. Any decision that is made by a Christian college administrator, faculty member, or Board of Trustees member must be in accord with God’s New Testament laws (if those people and that institution are to be in God’s favor). While the Lord did not command anyone to teach "The Life of Christ" course in a college, He does expect that when such a course is taught that it be taught in accord with His New Testament laws.

But what of the application of the laws of the New Testament in the behavior of the "Christian" college and the administration, faculty and staff of that institution? Can a Christian violate a law of God as a college administrator and excuse himself by saying that this is a college and not the church? Who will argue such?

However, we regret to observe that many colleges, including Faulkner University that calls itself "a Christian University" on its publications, have violated the laws of the New Testament when it comes fellowshipping false teachers during lectureships, seminars, etc. We call upon this institution (and any other "Christian" institution) to return to its original purposes and help support Truth instead of undermining it by the support of the practitioners of error.

Oklahoma Christian University
Kerry Duke

A telling mark of the stance of a school is the kind of publications it produces. The peculiar earmark of Oklahoma Christian University is its monthly publication, The Christian Chronicle. The stated purpose of this journal is "to tell good news about churches of Christ around the world and, when necessary, to present bad news in as constructive a manner as possible. It is our purpose to support the evangelization of the entire world." This newspaper is widely circulated and basically purports to carry news about churches of Christ. As with nonreligious newspapers, the Christian Chronicle appears to merely report these news items from a "neutral" position. But like other newspapers, there is a decidedly favorable tone in the Chronicle toward the liberal movement in the church.

Virtually every major liberal effort in the brotherhood is announced in the Chronicle, from the Nashville Jubilee to the Pepperdine University Lectures. Reports concerning the works of apostate brethren and the works of faithful brethren sometimes appear on the same page, making no distinction between the two. Advertisements which encourage the promotion of false teachers regularly appear. For instance, the August 1999 Chronicle carried an advertisement from the Herald of Truth. This piece said, "Don’t miss special guest speaker Mike Trout." Trout is not a member of the church; he is co-host with James Dobson on Focus on the Family’s radio program. Articles in the Chronicle may occasionally include a solid article written by a faithful brother. But most are generic and insipid, offering no correction of the apostate teachers and programs appearing in its pages. One would have to be quite naive to think that the Chronicle is "neutral" or even "balanced" on these issues.

But someone might object that the Chronicle simply reports news in the brotherhood without giving approval or disapproval. But its purpose statement betrays this objection. That statement makes a distinction between "good news" and "bad news" in the brotherhood. How can such a distinction be made without making a judgment or without showing approval or disapproval? A few years ago the Chronicle reported that a number of well-known (and many of them liberal) brethren had publicly taken a stand against the Boston church of Christ movement. The Chronicle has not carried news items about events in this movement for years. Why not? If the Chronicle is simply a neutral observer and reporter of such activities, then why doesn’t it report the works of this apostate movement? If the Chronicle refuses to cover the happenings of this erring wing of the church, then why does it not refuse to cover other apostate events in the brotherhood? So much for being neutral! And where do Christians get the mentality of just reporting good and bad events, true and false teachers, without proclaiming the difference according to the Scriptures? Would we be justified if we started a newspaper that reported immoral as well as virtuous deeds of church members without stating our respective disapproval and approval of them according to the Scriptures? This mentality came from the world—specifically, the field of journalism. But if the Bible is our standard, we will see our duty as one of teaching, not mere reporting.

As to the faculty of Oklahoma Christian, there are definite signs of compromise. Don Hebbard is Director of the Institute of Marriage and Family at OCU, and he worked with Rubel Shelly in the 1993 and the 1996 Nashville Jubilees. Both Hebbard and James Cail, Professor of Psychology at OCU, worked with the liberal North Atlanta church of Christ in a Family Conference in 1994 alongside of fellow participants Randy Becton (Herald of Truth) and Gayle Napier (known for his preposterous claim at the 1991 Lipscomb Lectures that "the more conservative churches are, the more incest you have in families"!). Furthermore, Dudley Chancey, Associate Professor of Ministry at OCU, was one of the original designers of the notoriously liberal Winterfest program which sows disrespect for the Bible into the hearts of hundreds of young people every year in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Lynn McMillon, another faculty member, participated in the 1999 Pepperdine Lectures with such radicals as Rubel Shelly, Jeff Walling, Mike Cope, Edward Fudge, and Joe Beam.

Other marks of compromise could be noted, but these should be sufficient. Like many other federally-funded schools among us, Oklahoma Christian University has been influenced by the spirit of the age.

Freed-Hardeman University
Kerry Duke

Let’s start at the head. The buck stops at the office of the president of a university. Milton Sewell, President of Freed-Hardeman University, related a trip he made to Harvard. He said, "I observed on the older buildings inscriptions from the Bible. . .However, I saw little or no evidence of God’s Word being sanctified through the lives of the professors or students with whom I came in contact" (Gospel Advocate, October, 1999, p. 36). Brother Sewell was quick to see that Harvard long ago left its original purpose for existing. Is he determined to keep Freed-Hardeman from following the path of digression? Let us see. In July 1995 brother Sewell spoke on the Grand Canyon Family Encampment in Arizona with fellow participants Joe Beam (who claims special messages from God), Royce Money, President of the wayward Abilene Christian University, and Jerry Rushford of Pepperdine University. In September 1999 he participated in the International Bible College Evangelism Workshop with a number of liberal preachers. One speaker was Jack Evans, who has for years taught falsely on divorce and remarriage. Evans publicly taught and defended his false doctrine on this subject at Dunbar, South Carolina in July 1999. Another participant, LaGard Smith, teaches that unbaptized people might be saved (Baptism: The Believer’s Wedding Ceremony, pp. 201,206) and ridiculed the doctrine of eternal punishment in hell at the 1988 Pepperdine University Lectures. And yet this event was called an "Evangelism Workshop"! These preachers would put adulterers in the church, place unbaptized people in heaven, and take the lost out of eternal punishment! And they call this an evangelism workshop? But brother Sewell fits in well with this crowd. How can he work with such digressives and claim to be concerned about the purity of the gospel? Who can imagine N. B. Hardeman or H. A. Dixon working with such people? How can brother Sewell complain about the course Harvard has taken when he participates in such events with these men? How can a school be loyal to the truth when its head has chosen the broad road of pleasing men?

A school lectureship says much about the stance of a school, and Freed-Hardeman is no exception. The Annual Lectureship at Freed-Hardeman has had many liberal preachers in recent years. James Maxwell (1998) affirmed in public debate that adulterous couples do not have to cease their unscriptural marriages when they are baptized (Jackson-Maxwell Debate). Jack P. Lewis speaks regularly on this lectureship. Lewis has for years denied in print that elders have authority in the local congregation. F. LaGard Smith spoke on this program several times in 1996. Numerous brethren complained to Smith and school officials about Smith’s false position on the essentiality of baptism. But Ralph Gilmore, a teacher at Freed-Hardeman, claimed in the open forum that Smith just meant that unaccountable unbaptized people would be saved (as if anybody in the church ever denied that). Hardeman Nichols also defended Smith on this basis. In so doing they threw any semblance of common sense to the wind. But Smith "cleared up" the matter on the last night of the lectureship: he again affirmed that we really don’t know what God will do with souls who stand condemned to hell by His written Word. And Gilmore commended his lesson after he was done! Other school-sponsored events show the same lack of concern. For instance, Don McLaughlin preaches for the North Atlanta church of Christ, a distinctively liberal church. Don fits in well with Rubel Shelly and preachers of like persuasion and works with them in lectureships and seminars frequently. Yet McLaughlin spoke at Freed-Hardeman’s RUSH program in 1997, a program designed for young people. And do we wonder what is happening to our young people? What were the Freed-Hardeman groups For Heaven’s Sake and the Ambassadors doing in a youth rally in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, with the apostate Acappella group? Why will Freed-Hardeman bring in a cussing Hollywood actor (James Earl Jones) on December 3, 1999, instead of a faithful gospel preacher to raise funds for the school? What was Earl Edwards of Freed-Hardeman doing when he worked with Steve Flatt in a seminar in Bowling Green, Kentucky in March of 1999? How can brother Sewell "lament" the departure of Harvard, which never was a Christian school, from its original course when it is clear from these and other examples that Freed-Hardeman is not true to its original intent? How many examples would it take to convince him? How many examples will it take to convince the brotherhood?

International Bible College
Holger Neubauer

International Bible College has certainly moved a long way from her initial offering and beginning. International Bible College was formerly Southeastern College of Bible and was established in 1968 by brother Malcolm L. Hill. Two years later a successful coup was led by a host of rebels and a new name was chosen for the college. Since that time IBC has become a haven for the fence-straddlers and the outright liberals in our brotherhood.

One of the first indicators of outright digressive doctrine at IBC was in the classroom of brother George E. Goldman. Goldman taught the infamous "Q" theory that Matthew, Mark and Luke simply copied from another source. In 1981, instructor Jim Massey spoke at their annual workshop and declared, "‘Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord’— that’s faith, that’s not law keeping, ‘shall be saved.’" Massey went on to say that "So the message of the book of Acts is that the Gospel is the word of grace. It is not a word of law." His errant teaching was never corrected.

I personally met with the entire faculty and board of IBC in 1994 while I was working with the Forest Park church outside of Atlanta, Georgia. Brother Dennis Jones defended the use of Doug Foster who had written for Wineskins and had misquoted David Lipscomb. Foster was pushing for fellowship with the denominations. Brother Jones also defended using F. LaGard Smith at IBC. When I pointed out that Smith denied the eternality of hell, brother Basil Overton said, "We heard he repented of that position." I asked brother Overton if he inquired of Smith himself about this repentance. Overton simply said, "No." Later that next year I asked LaGard Smith at the Freed-Hardeman Lectureship if he had repented. Smith said, "No." I informed him that brother Overton heard that he had. Brother Smith again affirmed that he had not.

Their lectureship has hosted and continues to host false teachers year after year. In the 1995 lectureship David Lane was utilized even though he teaches that those outside of Christ are not amenable to God’s marriage laws. Brother Lane is advertised as "Pastor" on a outside the church building where he preaches, but he is not an elder. G. P. Holt spoke on the 1995 lectureship and he is on record as believing that those outside of Christ are not subject to God’s marriage laws. Willie Franklin spoke on the 1995 Jubilee and was listed as a speaker on the 1996 IBC lectureship. Gary Bradley, Jr., also a Jubilee speaker, was on the 1996 IBC workshop. In 1997 President Dennis Jones was with Joe Beam (who believes that angels direct him and that he can know if a person is lying with the help of the Holy Spirit) at the Red River Family Encampment in New Mexico. Brethren who participate on programs with known false teachers in the church violate such passages as Ephesians 5:11, II John 9-11 and Romans 16:17-18.

In 1997 IBC invited David Lane and Willie Franklin again. Charles Hodge, who was a staff writer for the infamous Image magazine (the forerunner of Wineskins magazine), was also invited to speak.

The 1998 program included Jubilee participants Freddy McClure and Jimmy Sites. F. LaGard Smith, in addition to denying the eternality of hell, believes that God can save unconverted Jews. Smith spoke at IBC again in 1998 and again in 1999. Jack Evans was invited to the 1999 program and brother Evans believes that because non-Christians are in darkness that if they are living in adultery at the time of baptism they may remain in that same adulterous marriage. Evans was also a Jubilee participant.

It would be hard to find an institution that has paved the way for compromise more than IBC has.

Lubbock Christian University
David Hill

Though not heard from as much as Abilene Christian University, Lubbock Christian University seems to be following the same track as her sister university in Texas. Please observe that all of the major Christian universities among us are connected in many programs. If this is not so, let the university show and prove the above statement wrong. Around the country, even around the world, one can observe the connections. As the reader I challenge you to look at the things being done by the individual university with which you are familiar. Pay attention to their guest speakers and to where the faculty shows up (programs, participation with other universities, etc.) and examine the printed material, especially from the Bible faculty. You will find the above to be true. All of our universities are overlapping and interconnected in many ways. Thus, you will find none of the major universities or their faculty members willing to speak openly against the practices of the others.

Brother Goebel Music records a speech which was given at LCU in their 21st Annual Youth Minister’s Seminar, October 16-19, 1989 when F. LaGard Smith and Randy Mayeux were the keynote speakers. Randy Mayeux said the following in his keynote address:

There are doctrinal differences. . .But whoever wrote this tract, "Can We All Understand the Bible Alike?" and the answer is, of course, we can. Forgive me, that’s just an ignorant view. It’s just ignorant. . .You want to talk about the issues in the 90’s. There are Bible majors at Abilene Christian and Lubbock Christian who are female. . .The bottom line is that in the 1990’s diversity is the only game in town folks. . .Can a woman lead a prayer in a mixed group?. . .And the answer, of course, is yes she can, I mean because it’s happening (Behold the Pattern, pp. 329, 330).

Question: Did F. LaGard Smith correct brother Mayeux? No. Did LCU correct brother Mayeux and publish a statement of regret for sponsoring a program with false teachers and false doctrine? No. Did this sad situation prevent other universities like Harding, Lipscomb, Pepperdine or any of the others from happily participating with LCU? No. Furthermore, who called for repentance and a correction in the matter? If fact, LCU faculty members have fellowshipped Rubel Shelly, Joe Beam, Lynn Anderson, Marvin Phillips, Rick Atchley and many more on programs like the Pepperdine Lectureship in Malibu, California.

Perhaps it is the view of LCU that the church of Christ is a denomination among denominations. Randy Mayeux sure has that view as seen in his speech there in 1989. If you go to the LCU website and click on parent information then church information, you will find a list of churches (full of denominations) in Lubbock. One of the current speakers on the LCU Issues in Ministry Conference October 18 and 19, 1999 is Mike Myers, minister in Littleton, Colorado who is appearing with Dr. John Mark Hicks of Harding Graduate School of Religion and David Fraze. Brother Myers has appeared on several programs with digressive preachers and appeared in January 1999 on the National Conference on Youth Ministries in Colorado Springs, Colorado with denominational youth minister Doug Fields of the Saddleback church in Mission Viejo, California. Fields is a well-known denominational youth ministry speaker. Also appearing on the same program with Fields was another denominationalist, Dr. Steve Farrar, who heads Men’s Leadership Ministries. Maybe the LCU Bible Department is not well read on the current trends in youth ministry, and they have not been aware of the nine-year program NCYM. Or, could it be that they know but just don’t care? You judge.

Finally, what has the Bible faculty, or anyone else at LCU for that matter, said about the current digression in the church? Remember what Paul observed by inspiration, "For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?" (I Cor. 14:8). This is all important information worthy of serious consideration, because our children are being trained at LCU and preachers, counselors & missionaries are being sent out from there around this country even around the world. Perhaps LCU is content to follow her older, bigger Texas sister ACU into full-blown denominationalism—apostasy. "Is it nothing to you, all you that pass by?" (Lam. 1:12).

Harding University and Southwestern Christian College
Ronald D. Gilbert

Anyone who has been a Christian for any length of time knows that many changes have occurred among our so-called "Christian colleges" over the years. As a Christian and a parent I believe there are two sides of the Christian college issued that need to be considered. The first is supporting Christian colleges with our money. The second is deciding where to send our children to college. Christians are stewards and we need to be careful about what we support. I could not send money to support a denominational school. Neither could I send money to support our "Christian colleges" the are involved in promoting and encouraging liberalism.

I have never been on the campus of Harding University. However, much can be learned about a school by who teaches there and by who speaks on their lectureships and special programs. James D. Bales taught false doctrine on marriage, divorce and remarriage. He was a teacher for many years at Harding University. James Woodruff and Jerry Jones taught there for many years. I try to keep in my files several major lectureships schedules to see who is speaking on many of our liberal lectureships. From my files I learn the following:

1. Some who spoke on the 1996 Harding Lectureship: Jimmy Allen (teaches Bales’ doctrine on marriage, divorce and remarriage; teaches that one need not know that baptism is for the remission of sins), Randy Becton (Herald of Truth ministries), Jack Lewis (teaches that elders have no authority in matters of option), and Jerry Rushford (Pepperdine University).
2. Some who spoke on the 1997 Harding Lectureship: Jimmy Allen, Randy Becton, Everett Ferguson (Abilene Christian University), Charles Hodge, Jimmy Jividen, Jack Lewis, Mac Lynn (David Lipscomb University), Cecil May, Jr. (Magnolia Bible College), and Rick Oster.
3. Some who spoke on the 1999 Harding Lectureship: Randy Becton, Jack Exum, Steve Flatt (President of David Lipscomb University), Randy Harris (who has written for Wineskins), Charles Hodge, Jack Lewis, Mike Moss (Jubilee speaker, denies the essentiality of baptism), and Harold Redd (Jubilee speaker).
4. Speakers at Harding’s Uplift (June 1999): Jeff Walling, and Don McLaughlin (North Atlanta church of Christ).
5. Two current members of the Bible Faculty at Harding are: (1) Jimmy Allen who appeared on the 1994 International Soul Winning Workshop in Tulsa, Oklahoma with Jim Woodroof, Rick Atchley, Joe Beam, Rubel Shelly, Jack Evans, Lynn Anderson, Larry West and Marvin Phillips and, (2) Monte Cox who appeared on the International Soul Winning Workshop in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1997 and 1999.

Next, consider an excerpt from the web page of Harding School of Biblical Studies http://www.harding.edu

The Call of God. . .it may come like a whisper or like a resounding trumpet. It may come during quiet reflection or in the midst of crisis. It may come when challenged by the Great Commission of Jesus or when asked a question by a close but lost friend. But when it comes it is always clear, biblical and personal—and it captures your heart.

The above quote is not from a Pentecostal church group—or is it?

Concerning Southwestern Christian College in Terrell, Texas please note the following. On July 10 and 11, 1999 in Dunbar, South Carolina, a seminar on marriage was conducted. Jack Evans, President of Southwestern Christian College presented his views on marriage, divorce and remarriage. The seminar was taped. Several faithful Gospel preachers were present who were opposed to the views of Brother Evans. Among those present was Holger Neubauer, Assistant to the President at Tennessee Bible College. At this meeting Jack Evans stated that non-Christians, because they were in darkness, could remain in an adulterous marriage upon being baptized. Earlier in this article it was shown that Jack Evans has appeared on programs with many liberals and false teachers. James Maxwell, Vice-President of Southwestern Christian College had a debate with Bill Jackson. In that debate Brother Maxwell took a false position.

In addition to these things are the following facts:

1. G. P. Holt spoke on the lectureship at Southwestern in November of 1997. Brother Holt likewise teaches false doctrine on marriage, divorce and remarriage and he has been a speaker at Jubilee and was honored at Pepperdine.
2. The 1994 International Soul Winning Workshop in Tulsa, Oklahoma included the following speakers: Jim Woodroof, Rick Atchley, Joe Beam, Rubel Shelly, Lynn Anderson, Larry West, Marvin Phillips, Jimmy Allen and Jack Evans.
3. Jack Evans appeared on the 1997 International Soul Winning Workshop in Tulsa, Oklahoma with men like Joe Beam, Jeff Walling, Mike Cope and Marvin Phillips.
4. The 1998 Spiritual Growth Conference included the following: Richard Rogers, Don McLaughlin, Marvin Phillips and James Maxwell.
5. Included in the program of the 1998 Spiritual Growth Workshop in Orlando, Florida were Don McLaughlin, Randy Becton, Willard Tate and Jack Evans. Willard Tate is scheduled to be in Crossville, Tennessee at the Linary church of Christ in November, 1999.
6. 6. On the 1999 Ministry Forum of Harding Graduate School in Memphis, Tennessee Jimmy Allen and Jack Evans both spoke.

Consider the track record of both Harding University and Southwestern Christian College over the past few years (and it seems to get worse each year). Could I support either school with my money, send my children there or recommend that others send their children there? No! Does this mean that I hate all those associated with these schools? No! I would like to see both schools change for the better. I would love to see the Presidents and Board of Directors turn these schools around and make them what they should and could be. Unfortunately, these schools have changed—for the worse instead of the better. They are moving further and further away from the Truth. If they deny this charge, then maybe the Presidents of either or both schools would be willing to meet with the President of Tennessee Bible College in a religious discussion. Brethren, it is a serious thing to support and encourage false doctrine and liberalism.

Steve Flatt is Turning David Lipscomb University Around?
Holger Neubauer

Though we could wish that the above question could be answered in the affirmative, the arresting truth is that Lipscomb University remains badly on the slide. Steve Flatt, the present President at Lipscomb, though claiming to be turning things around and even has those who seem to be "somewhat" among us echoing the same sentiments, is himself in need of being turned around. Flatt needs to be himself turned around on his statement concerning the law of Moses when he said, "As a matter of fact the law of Moses hasn’t been done away." Paul says it has been done away in Christ (II Cor. 3:14). Flatt also teaches that spiritual gifts are still available to Christians, which Scripture affirms have now ceased (I Cor. 13:8-10). Flatt’s most notorious disservice to the church is his continuance in bidding God speed to false teachers. Flatt has participated with the greatest errorists in the church. The Nashville Jubilee is Flatt’s brainchild. Flatt has also participated with the crowd at Pepperdine and written for Wineskins. Brother Flatt needs to be turned around with such passages as Ephesians 5:11, Romans 16:17-18 and II John 9-11.

David Lipscomb University hosted a program last year with Rick Bundshuh who claims to be a teaching pastor at Kauai Christian Fellowship in Hawaii. Excuse me, but since when did the Lord’s church consider abject fellowship with denominational speakers a move to turn an institution around to the Truth? Now Jeff Walling is scheduled to return to Lipscomb. Walling has already been on record to accept into fellowship those who have not been baptized for the remission of sins. His ridiculous performance at last year’s Jubilee ought to infuriate any faithful Christian. Earlier last year Gwen Shamblin was chosen by Lipscomb as Christian Business Leader for 1998. Brother Flatt called her a "remarkable lady." Sister Shamblin has recently been the subject of the television news show 20/20 where she worshipped with Baptists and Pentecostals and openly clapped and stomped to the accompaniment of instrumental music. Sister Shamblin’s "Weigh Down Workshop" is nothing but a carnal merchandising scheme in which she has used her religious gimmickry to make millions. Lipscomb has also utilized the neo-Pentecostal Joe Beam. His multi-denominational teachings along with his belief that God gives him direct revelation are evidence of his heresy (Joe tells people that God tells him who is lying in counseling disputes). It is reported that over forty of Lipscomb’s teachers attend Woodmont Hills where brother Rubel Shelly preaches. In a personal telephone call to professor Brandon Fredenburg, who also is associate minister at Central church of Christ in Nashville, Tennessee, brother Fredenburg turned down a debate with me when I challenged his teaching on baptism. Brother Fredenburg believes baptism is important but not essential for salvation.

These are but a few examples of the utter apostasy of David Lipscomb University. Can any honest soul really believe that Steve Flatt is turning Lipscomb around? Steve Flatt may be turning Lipscomb around and around and around. Let no one be deceived. David Lipscomb University is no longer a place where young people should attend or where funds should be sent. Until Flatt and Lipscomb show "fruits of repentance" no one ought to send a student or a dime in their direction.

A Review of Rochester College, Churches of Christ, and Nondenominational Christianity
Rusty Stark

In December of 1998, Ken Johnson, President of Rochester College, submitted a paper with the above title to the trustees of that institution, designed to answer questions about where they stand on doctrinal matters. This paper is full of false doctrine. Let’s notice some of the more glaring errors in President Johnson’s paper.

#1 — Can People be Saved in Denominations?

Finally, at the outset, we recognize that the early years of the American Restoration Movement were dominated by a call to unify all Christians, explicitly recognizing not that denominational membership precludes salvation but that the creedal requirements of denominationalism hinder the cause of Christ, making a nondenominational situation preferable (President Johnson’s paper, p. 3, emphasis his).

What text can be used to show that denominationalism does not preclude salvation? What Bible verses can be pointed out which give men in man-made churches hope of the salvation which Christ promises to His body and bride (Eph. 5:23)? If the Scriptures hold out no hope to those in denominations, no one, President Johnson included, has the right to offer such hope. Being part of a denomination does preclude salvation.

Denominationalism is the practice of religious division and therefore it violates the expressed Word of God (I Cor. 1:10). Following the doctrines of men renders our worship vain (Matt. 15:8-9). To accept the authority of the creeds of men is to deny the sole authority of Jesus. They who do such, if they ever were saved, have fallen from grace (Gal. 5:4). No denomination has divine authority to exist, so each one exists in sin (Col. 3:17). Denominations teach another gospel than that of the New Testament and are accursed (Gal. 1:8-9). Is it simply "preferable" to not be accursed? No! It is the most vital thing in all eternity to stand accepted by God rather than accursed.

#2 — How Broad Is Our Fellowship?

Rochester College should function in theology and religious practice within a middle-of-the-road range of tolerance which rejects control by the restrictive conscience (right pole) and rejects theological liberalism (left pole). The range of tolerance would open our platform to any in Churches of Christ who are not attempting to divide our fellowship; it would close our platform to theological liberals. The range of tolerance would allow interaction by the college with non-divisive, non-liberal, Christ-exalting believers in other fellowship groups from whom we may learn or otherwise benefit or influence (President Johnson’s paper, p. 15).

Do we need more tolerance? What does Ephesians 5:11 mean? Can we be in fellowship with error, with false doctrine, with perverted gospels? How broad is our fellowship? It must be no broader than the narrow way (Matt. 7:13-14). It cannot be extended to those outside of Christ, or to those who were once baptized into Christ, or to those who were once baptized into Christ but now teach false doctrine, live immoral lives, engage in false worship practices, etc. (I John 1:7).

Professor Tom Long was invited by Rochester College to speak at their Second Annual Sermon Seminar. Professor Long is not a member of the Lord’s church. Perhaps he is an example of what is meant by the "non-divisive, non-liberal, Christ-exalting believers in other fellowship groups" mentioned in the above quote. I prefer to accept Paul’s quote, rather than that of President Johnson: Galatians 1:8, "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." How did brethren ever come to the conclusion that a man can stand accursed by God for his preaching and yet be given a platform from which to preach in the name of tolerance?

#3 — Must One Understand That Baptism Is For The Forgiveness Of Sins?

On page sixteen of Ken Johnson’s paper he asserts that both he and the Bible faculty believe that "to state the words ‘for the forgiveness of sins’ is to inappropriately diminish the Bible basis for baptism and to disregard the fullness of the baptismal experience." Too bad Peter didn’t know that in Acts 2:38! President Johnson goes on to make it clear that in his view a person need not understand baptism as being the point of salvation or cleansing. In so doing he denies that it is the Truth that sets us free (John 8:32) and opens the possibility that we can be set free by error. He denies the truth of Romans 6:17-18 which teaches that we must obey "from the heart" the "form of doctrine"—implying both sincerity and understanding at the time of obedience.

Conclusion

We take no pleasure in writing articles of this kind. But we also are unwilling to stand before God and explain why we failed to give warning about these kinds of serious matters.

We call upon all brethren to be more discerning. Some will support error because they love it more than Truth, but some will support error just because they do not take the time to discern the Truth. Faithful brethren will not do so (II John 9-11).

Abilene Christian University
David Hill

Jesus said "By there fruits ye shall know them" (Matt. 7:20) and He informed His followers to "judge righteous judgement" (John 7:24). Some have used the late Gospel preacher Marshall Keeble’s words, "I’m not the judge. . .just a fruit inspector." But, a fruit inspector must make judgments. Jesus certainly did not condemn righteous judgment but endorsed and commanded it. No one is to make a snap judgment of another based on appearance. However, all must make right and proper judgments throughout life. If not, then how could anyone determine when another should be taught the Gospel? And when one takes the position "you shouldn’t judge" has that one not made a judgment in making the statement itself? Why this line of thought related to a review of Abilene Christian University? Because when you the reader take this information to an elder, preacher or member of the church, get ready to hear one of them say "I don’t believe we should be judging our brethren like that." The Epicureans of Paul’s day had a similar view and as a result they condemned nothing and involved themselves in everything including hedonism. Jesus charged His followers to judge righteously, and that is what I ask you to do as you evaluate the information contained in this article about Abilene Christian University (ACU).

First, it should be observed and you will see that this writing is in no way the first to deal with the false doctrine and practices of ACU. The University has been well chronicled over the past decade. Second, it should be observed that in years gone by, ACU has done wonderful work in the training of Gospel preachers, church leaders, Bible teachers and Christian servants. However, each generation must be evaluated on its on merits (Ezek. 18:20). It cannot be denied that great, godly men have served in the leadership of ACU. Men like Jesse P. Sewell, R.L. Whiteside and Batsell Baxter are notable along with many others who served the Lord and ACU well. I contend that the above men would soundly renounce the activities of the university today and in a much more eloquent way than I.

The University’s stated mission is "to educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world," and I have met ACU students and alumni throughout the world. So, I know firsthand that their students are being sent out, but sent out to lead in what way? When a student attending ACU is encouraged to attend the Weigh Down Workshop with Gwen Shamblin (ACU News Press Release Sept. 20, 1999), the student should not surprise anyone when he later teaches the direct operation of the Holy Spirit, or is found to practice open fellowship with denominations. Gwen Shamblin teaches and practices both. Shamblin lived in Cookeville before her recent move to Franklin, Tennessee. While in Cookeville she moved between neo-Pentecostal groups and the Collegeside Church of Christ (well-known in Cookeville for their liberal digressive practices) and this fact is known and could be validated by many. Also, the ACU press release cites her (Shamblin’s) appearance on ABC’s 20/20 and NBC Nightly News, both sources for video which show clearly the false practices of Shamblin. The ABC affiliate in Nashville carried the 20/20 Wedsnesday program (Nov. 18, 1998) and their own story at 10 p.m. that evening. Now, a question for the leadership of ACU and for you: Would the leaders cited above, who built ACU, promote and allow Shamblin [a woman who leads singing (religious songs) "praising God" accompanied by instruments of music as part of the Weigh Down program (Re: ABC 20/20 Wednesday & WKRN Channel 2, 10:00 p.m. News 11/18/99)] on the campus and promote her as a teacher and role model for the students? I submit to you this clear evidence that ACU has left its moorings and has changed.

If you go to the ACU website (http//www.acu.edu), a history of the university is easily accessible there. In 1903 A. B. Barret and Charles Roberson began the thought process of developing a school in the Abilene, Texas area. In 1906 their dream was realized with the opening of the Childers Classical Institute named after Col. J. W. Childers who helped provide the land for the campus. Was it the dream of the founders to see a university which promoted an eclectic approach to "christiandom," or was it their desire to train young men and women in the pure practices of the New Testament, teaching them to be Christians and Christians only? If you believe the later as I do, then evaluate a report in The Optimist (ACU’s student newspaper) of June 4, 1992 where Michael O’Conner, a United Methodist Church preacher is announced to be editor-in-chief of the campus newspaper. This was reported about in the Firm Foundation, August 1992, p. 10. Or, evaluate the Bible Department information on the ACU website and see who they are proud of as "Prominent Alumni." You will find Dr. Lynn Anderson who takes great pride in his observation of a few years ago calling the church of Christ a "big sick denomination," Max Lucado, author and 1997 Nashville Jubilee speaker who denied the essentiality of baptism in a television interview (Wednesday July 2, 1997 WTVF Channel 5) in Nashville (the one single event that opened many eyes to the digressive movement in middle Tennessee) and Dr. Michael Weed. These are all well-known denominationalists in the church of Christ and men whom the ACU Bible Department touts as their products. Every one of them along with the ACU faculty are used often in many venues around the country by Rubel Shelly and in fellowship with him. In fact, the infamous Wineskins (Volume One, Number Seven, November 1992) "Christmas at Matthew’s House" article was written by professor Andre Resner of ACU, and brother Shelly was the editor of that journal.

Lovelines, the weekly newsletter of the Family of God at Woodmont Hills, Volume 25/Number 34, August 25, 1999, promotes on the front page a seminar on the Gospel of Mark to be taught by Dr. Carroll Osburn, "currently the Carmichael-Walling Distinguished Professor of Greek at Abilene Christian University." Who is promoting Osburn and ACU? Rubel Shelly of course! Do you suppose Dr. Osburn called Rubel and the Woodmont Hills ministers, elders and members to repent and leave their digressive, denominational ways to simply follow the Bible to be Christians only? The Abilene faculty has appeared on digressive programs and fellowshipped false teachers all over this county—fact. What will they teach your child, preacher, missionary?

Compare the information cited with the following quote from former ACC president Jesse P. Sewell (deceased) about James W. McGarvey’s fellowship of instrumental music:

Professor McGarvey may speak out against the use of instrumental music in worship, as he does, and say things against it that those who refuse to use it would hardly say; but what do the people who want the instrumental music care about this thing so long as he gives his influence almost entirely (except in his home congregation) to those who use it? Brother McGarvey believes that instrumental music is wrong, and so teaches; still, he gives his name and influence to a paper that advocates its use and associates with churches that use it (except at home and possibly a few other occasions). So, while he believes and teaches that the thing is wrong, there is not a church in the land that uses it that will not today point to brother McGarvey as "one of the strong men on our side." His influence goes with his fellowship, not with his faith and teaching. — J. P. Sewell, "Wouldn’t Stand for Organ," Gospel Advocate, Vol. XLIV, No. 49, December 4, 1902, p. 771.

What would brother Sewell say about ACU today?

Yes they are producing leaders for the world, but their leadership could very well be a leadership into error and denominationalism. If their alumni follow their faculty mentors, then that is exactly where they will lead.