The slogan of many restoration movement churches has been to "speak where the Bible speaks and remain silent where the Bible is silent". Though well intentioned this slogan has been responsible for many new schisms. It has been suggested, and I agree, that the truth would be better served if we emphasized instead, speaking AS the Bible speaks. The best example that I know of to illustrate the point is that the New Testament writings are overwhelmingly weighted in favor of love and brotherly acceptance. This is the golden thread that is woven from Matthew through Revelation. The "new commandment" of Jesus is specifically enjoined or alluded to in every book. Now, even though it is obvious that this is a main point of the scriptures, to the casual observer, it would appear that one could open his Bible to almost any page and find specific instructions on many kinds of brethren who should be rejected and branded as false teachers. Divisive men, over the last several years, depending on which schism they were in, would have us reject brethren who (do/do not) use only one cup in the Lord's Supper; brethren who (do/do not) use only cups with handles; brethren who (do/do not) use fermented grape juice; brethren who (do/do not) have Bible classes; brethren who (do/do not) meet in upper chambers; brethren who (do/do not) believe that one must be baptized by workers sent out "two by two"; brethren who (do/do not) place their contribution "at the feet of the apostles" (on the Lord's table); brethren who (do/do not) kneel to pray; brethren who (do/do not) support orphanages or other institutional aids; and brethren who (do/do not) use instruments in praise to God. Have I made my point? Do I need to list others? All of these excuses have been used to fragment the precious body of Jesus.

There are only three scriptural reasons given for rejecting a brother, and it is a very significant fact that the third one is divisiveness. Titus 3:l0, in clear language, tells us to reject a divisive person after two admonitions. But instead of rejecting them, we heap unto ourselves pulpit ministers devoted to proclaiming our party gospel. We insist that they tow our party line and proselytize as many members as possible out of the other schisms into our schism. What a farce. Shame on us.

Please consider these things. I believe them to be true to the Word.

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