UNTO THE UTTERMOST PART OF THE EARTH Part 1 - by Elder Bob Dickerson - The Gospel Appeal - February 1997 "And ye shall be witnesses unto me, both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" Acts 1: 8. These were the last words spoken by our Lord here upon this earth, as he completed His purpose here and ascended into Heaven before the eyes of the Apostles (vs. 9). The context (vs. 1-13) clearly declares that this instruction was given to the Apostles; and it was an instruction which they fulfilled. "And they (the Apostles - see the preceding verses) went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following" (Mk. 16:20). But in these last words there is a principle that reaches forth unto the gospel church of the Lord Jesus Christ today; that the gospel is to be preached wherever the Spirit of God may lead and direct. Even the Apostles, having received the instruction to "go ye into all the world" and to "preach the gospel to every creature" (Mk. 16:15) were not allowed to choose, on their own, where they would go or how they would organize their work. Jesus, who had commanded them to go, also commanded them to "tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem until ye be endued with power from on high" (Luke 24:49). Even the Apostle Paul was not allowed to choose where he would labor. Paul and Timothy had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia preaching the gospel, but they "were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia" (Acts 16:6). It seemed to Paul and Timothy that the next likely place to go with the gospel would have been to Bithynia, but we are told that "the Spirit suffered them not" (Acts 16:7). So the instruction to go to the "uttermost part of the earth" obviously does not carry with it the right of the minister to determine his own field of labor, but he is to go only when and as directed by the Spirit of God. There is also a pattern given by our Lord to be followed before we reach "the uttermost part of the earth". That pattern as stated in our text is to begin at home - "in Jerusalem" (for this is where the Apostles were and where the early church was gathered in the "upper room" - Acts 1:12,13). Then it moves out "to all Judea" - this is the province (similar to our states) in which Jerusalem was located; then "in Samaria" (this was the next province or the next state to Judea), and then "unto the uttermost part of the earth". Men have never cared for the patterns of God's word but rather have hurried to place themselves where they can accumulate the most converts and the most glory for themselves. But God told Moses with great emphasis - "See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount" (Heb. 8:5). That pattern is one of faith, love, humility, truth and a sincere desire to closely follow the teachings of God's word and to ascribe all the glory unto God. That is the way in which the Apostle Paul and others (as recorded in the Book of Acts) went forth - trusting in God to supply their needs, not counting converts, but glorying in the truths of God. Rather than to sin as David did in counting the number of Israel (I Chron. 21:1, 7), the Apostle Paul even said "I thank God that I baptized none of you..." (I Cor. 1:16) for "Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel" (I Cor. 1:17). "What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge..." (I Cor. 9:18). Nowhere does the Apostle list all of his converts, or tell us of his greatness. Rather he describes himself as the "chief of sinners" (I Tim. 1:15), and declares again and again that though he or others may have planted or watered, that it is "God that giveth the increase" (I Cor. 3:7). Where this pattern has been followed over the years, it has been pleasing in the sight of God and has brought forth growth within the church. Where this pattern has been ignored, the result has ever been a lessening of spirituality and a growing dependence upon the efforts and wisdom of man. Our Baptist forefathers in the faith never had any objection to the preaching of the gospel, wherever God might direct His ministers to go, but rather delighted in it. In 1832 when the division occurred over the mission movement, their objection was not against the gospel being preached in other lands, but to the purpose of that preaching (to make sheep) and to man-made mission systems. For over 150 years the Primitive Baptists have stood steadfast on these principles. In March l994 a foreign mission program was introduced among our people under the auspices of Eureka Primitive Baptist church near Tifton, Ga., and their pastor, Elder Jeff Harris. Elder Harris and another elder made a trip to the Philippines, flying over and back and staying roughly one week, during which time they baptized 44 people (as members of Eureka Church) and ordained 7 ministers. (The 7 ministers were baptized and ordained the same day.) In July 1994 Elder Jeff Harris returned for another week accompanied by a different minister and they baptized 4l people and ordained 9 ministers. Since then at least two additional trips of short duration have been made by 4 or more ministers, much money has been raised, books have been written and sold (along with video tapes), and for the first time in 150 years the Old Baptists have a modern mission movement in existence among them. Many of our people have opposed the manner in which this work was carried forth; and many others among our people gave strong support to it. Those of us who opposed the manner in which it was carried forth were promptly judged to be "opposed to the preaching of the gospel" or "opposed to evangelism". I deny such a charge. Over the past year I have had the privilege of visiting with and hearing from Old Baptist brethren from all sections of the country, and I do not know of a one who is opposed to the preaching of the gospel anywhere, even "to the uttermost part of the earth". I do not know of a one who would not willingly support such a work were it done in accordance with the pattern laid forth in the Scriptures. After all, the church of my membership would not be here today (nor would the church of your membership), unless some servant of God in time past had been led to enter into new territory and preach to the sheep of God that were there. Many of our ministers today (as God in His providence has led us) have labored in the establishment of the cause either in places where it had not existed previously or in places where it once flourished and the church had closed. Whatever your understanding of evangelism, I hardly think you could justly charge us with being opposed to the spread of the gospel. But where the pattern of the Scriptures has been ignored, and the ways of man and the praise of man have replaced the ways of God and the glory of God, we would be poor watchmen on the wall not to oppose that which conflicts with God's word. I have recently received several letters concerning this movement: one from a good sister who is genuinely concerned that any criticism has been made of this work. Another letter from Eureka Church came with a note attached asking me to make copies and to distribute them to the other ministers in my area; thus I presume that this is a public letter and contains a public request for information on unscriptural doctrines and practices connected with this mission movement. (The cover letter accompanying this is addressed to "all elders, deacons and members of the old line Primitive Baptist faith and order"). I feel that for far too long many of us have remained silent on this issue; and that the time has come to stand for the truth of God's word and to condemn that which is contrary to the pattern He has set. "For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest" (Isa. 61:1). Brethren, the time has come for those who love the "old paths" of God's Holy word to take a stand for those principles and against those methods, customs and institutions which are contrary to His Holy word. I have asked Elder Robert Webb of Carthage, Illinois, to give us the benefit of his observations on this movement. Elder Webb was the initial contact made by the Philippine brethren who requested information and assistance concerning the doctrine of the Primitive Baptists, in that this request was sent to the Primitive Baptist Library at Carthage, Ill., which Elder Webb founded and conducts. Elder Webb responded to their request for literature and has kept in touch with these brethren in the Philippines. He knows more of what has occurred over there than any one else. The article he has written appears elsewhere in this issue. I might add that Elder Jeff Harris in two of the books he published, has this to say about Brother Webb: "We are particularly indebted to Elder Robert Webb, curator of the Primitive Baptist Library in Carthage, Illinois, who has sent needed books and pamphlets by us and through the mail in order to assist us in our discipleship of these dear brethren. He has been very generous with his time, materials and money". (Under the Filipino Sun, page 24.) Also in Under the Shadow of the Almighty, page 9, Elder Gus Harter refers to Elder Webb's support of "this evangelistic work with both literature and his personal finances". Perhaps these statements will help our readers understand the extent of Elder Webb's knowledge of this situation, and you can see in his article in his own words what grave errors have been committed in the name of "evangelism". I can understand the good sister who is upset that any criticism should be offered towards this movement; she is impressed with the idea that the gospel is being carried to other climates and other peoples. I can share her feelings in that, but whatever is to be done NEEDS to be done according to the pattern shown us in the word of God. Next month we shall consider this present work and the manner in which it deviates from that pattern. In the meantime, may I suggest that our readers order the October 1996 issue and the January- February 1997 issue of The Cords of Truth published by Elder Bob Allgood, 757 Ivory Rd., Rio Rancho, NM 87124. Send him a few dollars to cover mailing and printing costs, although there is no charge for the paper. Both issues are totally devoted to the subject of the modern mission movement recently introduced among us, and since Elder Allgood came from the Landmark faction of the Missionary Baptist, he is quite familiar with mission systems. You will find his comments accurate and enlightening. ............. (To be continued).................. Bob Dickerson 2/97 |