William Boyd

"Mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them." (Romans 16:17).

Tim Woodroof is to hold a gospel meeting in our area. The members at Mabelvale should avoid this. The church where Tim preaches has long been known in the Nashville area as a church that embraces innovation. They prefer to be called "A Family of Faith" rather than "a church of Christ."
In his book, A Church that Flies: A New Call to Restoration in the Churches of Christ, Tim says that there is an "ideological tug-of-war that is presently pulling at our fellowship." (Pg. 8) He makes it clear whose side he is on. He makes a distinction between "form" and "function;" "form" being what the New Testament church did; "function" being why they did it. He is right to remind us that what we do (form) should be done with purpose (function), but he is wrong to say, "all forms are susceptible to a natural entropy" (Pg. 129). Paul said, "Hold fast to the form of sound words which thou hast heard of me" (2 Timothy1:13); "Ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you" (Romans 6:17); and "I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you" (1 Corinthians 11:2). (Continued inside)

According to Tim "forms" include "congregational and a cappella music" (pg. 12), "the organization of the church" (pg. 38), "congregational autonomy" (pg. 76), "women's role" (pg. 120), "careful exegesis" (pg. 137), "assumptions about pattern and blueprint and dispensationalism and change" (pg. 141), and what we generally call "Bible ways" (pg. 47). He says "forms" are "tiny… minor things… painful points… mole-hills… spiritual microscopia… gnats… spiritual micrometers… theological specks… peripheral… minuscule… religious minutia… trivial… superficial… unimportant… just don't matter" (Chapter 8). Tell it to Uzzah (1 Chronicles 13:10). Tim says, "there might be another way to 'do church' than focusing on and imitating New Testament forms" (pg. 18); "I call into question our reliance on 'pattern theology'" (pg. 29); "Holding on to dead forms is one of the greatest acts of unfaithfulness the church can commit" (pg. 91), and "there never was a pattern" (pg. 143).
Tim says, "I have never been comfortable with the sectarian rhetoric of the 'one true church' " (pg. 141). Does he not realize that if all were members of the one true church there would be no sectarianism? If Tim is uncomfortable with the "one true church" then he is uncomfortable with Christ (Matthew 16:18; John 17:20-23), and Paul (1 Corinthians 12:12; Ephesians 4:4), and Peter (Acts 4:11-12; 1 Peter 2:9-10).
Tim is also uncomfortable with the Holy Spirit. He says, "Now it is true that the Gospels consistently represent the Pharisees in the bleakest light. Perhaps their portrayal of these religious figures is overly negative colored by the polemics of another time" (pg. 45); "they painted this group with a broad exceedingly negative brush" (pg. 109). Does he think that the Holy Spirit was "overly… exceedingly negative?" But then he says, "the Holy Spirit has his hand on the brush we hold" (pg. 32); "God's people are called to witness" (pg. 82), "testimony" (pg. 185), that during baptism it is difficult "to remember the miracle that is occuring (sic) there in the water" (pg. 136); and "The sin of Nadab and Abihu may have nothing to do with 'innovations' or some departure from specifically commanded procedure. Rather, the text (Leviticus 10) suggest that the sin involved here was treating God and their important duties casually, carelessly... irreverent and disrespectful... drunk... The 'strange fire' mentioned in this incident may well refer to insolence rather than innovation" (pg. 208); but the Bible says they "offered strange fire before the Lord, which he commanded them not" (Leviticus 10:1). It is hard, Tim, to kick against the pricks.

EDITOR’S NOTE: We have secured the above mentioned book so that Tim Woodroof’s radically false teaching might be documented in this article. Each of our elders is reviewing this book. They have seen fit to issue this warning by Bill Boyd prior to Woodroof’s engagement to speak in Little Rock.
Tim Woodroof advocates a change agent agenda of the most rabid variety. He is another of the Rubel Shelly, Max Lucado and Lynn Anderson mold. To say that his views of the church are deeply disturbing is to put it mildly. To say that his views are wrong according to the Scriptures is to put it kindly.
What is our obligation as Christians? “Now I urge you. Brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you have learned, and avoid them” (Rom. 16:17, NKJB). – Dennis Gulledge.

VOLUME 40 NUMBER 43 OCTOBER 27, 2003

OUR SICK

Vivian Brooks has been moved into CCU of Baptist Hospital.
Frances Crow, mother of Betty Tollett, is in room 533 of Saline Memorial Hospital.
Glenda Arledge is having a difficult time, in the healing of her collarbone, after a fall.
Johnny Boyd suffered 1st and 2nd degree burns on his face and arms on Friday. He is home and doing well.
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SYMPATHY

We extend our sympathy to Ray Bryan and his family on the death of his aunt, Justine Davidson, on Saturday. Funeral arrangements are pending at this time.
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THANK YOU

I am elated at the outpouring of love and concern for my physical and spiritual well being. I am most grateful for the prayers for my recovery. The cards with signatures are very helpful. Do not forget to pray for Wayne Brewer and safe return on Tuesday. Johnny Boyd.
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BIBLE BOWL PRACTICE

EVENTS OF INTEREST
November 4……...All Comers Class
November 7..Bible Bowl Pizza Party
November 11…….All Comers Class
There will be a Bible Bowl Practice and Pizza Party on Friday, November 7th, at 6:00 PM in the multipurpose room.
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November Food Team: Susan Brewer, Cleta Morgan, Eloise Jarrell, Marie Spoerl, Retha Priest, Hazel Marrow.

SERMONS FOR NOVEMBER 2

Morning
What Kind Of Hearer Are You? (Romans 10:11-17)
Evening
What’s It Like In My Father’s House? (John 14:1-4)
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PLACING MEMBERSHIP

Placing membership on October 26:
Glyn Holmes, 9115 Loetscher, Little Rock, AR 72209, 565-6996
Karen Jackson, 210 Vancouver, Little Rock, AR 72204, 225-4923
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PUMPKIN PARTY

There will be a pumpkin party on Friday, October 31st at 7:00 PM. Please bring snacks, finger foods, desserts, drinks etc. If you would like to assist with the expenses for prizes, film and other party needs, please see Tamera Long or Eva Joe Williams.
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FIRST SUNDAY SINGING

The First Sunday Singing will be at 4:00 PM on Sunday, November 2nd.
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OUR RECORD OCTOBER 26, 2003

A.M. WORSHIP 212
SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 174
P.M. WORSHIP 147
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY 159

CONTRIBUTION 6350
BUDGET 6351
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MEN TO SERVE
November 2, 2003

Robert Overbey Darrell Orick
Scott Perry Harold Pigue
Doug Parker Dale Morris
Gary Poole Blake Poole

Evening Mike Moore
Nathan Moore
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WEDNESDAY SONG DIRECTOR

November 5 Brad Horton
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USHERS FOR NOVEMBER

Morning Roger Horton & Phil DePriest
Evening Ken Bittle & Jim Henson
Wednesday Jim Mauldin & Waymon Minor
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GREETERS FOR NOVEMBER

Ann Elmore & Emily Gulledge
Lynette Murphy
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ELDER CHAIRMAN

November Dale Morris
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