Notes on “Scriptural
Principles of Gathering” by Alfred P. Gibbs
By
Seth Stark
3/20/2001
p.
5, paragraph 4:
“Separation
from the existing unscriptural sects and denominations of Christendom”
Author justifies a new sect by
condemning the fracturing of the church.
p.
8 paragraph 1
“Why
they are where they are”
That is how I define geography,
“Why things are where they are.” Interesting.
p.
9 paragraph 2
“For
a distinct purpose such as worship, prayer or the ministry of the Word”
All these are aspects of worship
(Acts 2:42)
p.
10 paragraph 2
“There
may be unscriptural things taught or practiced in that assembly that would
prevent the young believer from growing in grace and in the knowledge of his
Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ”
May God be pleased to lead all those, saved among this sect, to a
church where they may grow.
p.
10-11 paragraph 3
Luther did not leave the RC. He
was excommunicated, as were all of the reformers who were converted while in
the Church of Rome.
p.
12 paragraph 1
“Inclusive”
Whole books could be written on
the errors of inclusivism, and probably will be shortly. Until that time I will
suffice with Jesus’ example of exclusion in Mark 10:17-22 (Rich Young Ruler)
and again in Matthew 23:1ff (Woe to the scribes and Pharisees). This says
nothing of says nothing of the parable of the sheep and the goats or the
warnings of Paul to many of false teachers.
p.
12 paragraph 2
“They
are unscriptural in there formation”
Didn’t
the author just praise Luther?
No
one denomination claims exclusive right to being THE CHURCH excepting the
church of Rome, one of their many errors.
paragraph
3
By
this argument Mormons ought to be included in the church. They claim the name
Christian. Also note Acts 11:26. The title “Christian” is man made.
paragraph
4
The
whole idea behind denominations (and other church government) is to guard
against those who are not sound in doctrine and life.
p.
13 paragraph 2
Lutherans,
Presbyterians, Baptists and even Plymouth Brethren call themselves first and
foremost “Christians”. Only secondarily do they associate with a certain group
to show their distinctive beliefs. Also, again see Acts 11:26 Christ did not
give the name “Christian”. Then again the author has yet to call himself by that
name.
p.
14 paragraph 2
If
we are to be one, why has the author endorsed the separation of Christians from
their churches? (p. 5, paragraph 4)
paragraph
3
If
you really studied the Word of God you would soon find yourself in a
Presbyterian church! Note that every heresy and apostasy (Mormons, JWs,
Anabaptists, etc.) begin by finding fault in every other church and by this
justify their separation.
p.
15 paragraph 2
“A
sect cannot stand the test of all Scripture”
Can
this pamphlet and the sect it defends?
p.
16 paragraph 2
“There
were bishops…there were presbyters…”
Keep
this in mind for later on in his book when he denies the scriptural basis for
ministers.
GENERAL
NOTE: The
author doesn’t realize that there is a difference between the church visible
and the church invisible. (Romans 9:6- “They are not all Israel who are of
Israel.”)
GENERAL
NOTE: I am
quickly losing my patience with this ignorant Alfred P. Gibbs. I wasn’t going
to make nay more notes, but he attacked Ministers of the Word – a grave
mistake.
p.
21 paragraph 1
“No
mention of ministers”
Eph
4:11; 2 Cor 6:4; 2 Cor 11:23; 1 Peter 4:11; 1 Cor 3:5; 2 Cor 3:6; 1 Timothy
4:6; 1 Thess 3:1-2; Colossians 4:7; Col 1:23-25; Col 1:7; Eph 6:21; Eph 3:6-7;
Romans 15:14-16; Acts 26:15-16.
p.
22 paragraph 2
As
if man has some sort of power over the Holy Spirit.
Or
both answers are correct.
paragraph
3
“Every
child of God…”
Finally
the truth comes out: If you have a pastor at your church you are not saved!
p.
24 paragraph 1
See
1 Cor 14:40
paragraph
2
“Any
company that tolerates…”
An
army without a captain will flee from battle. So it is here. “Brethren” do not
have captains so they run from the fight not to it.
p.
24 paragraph 3
Paul
is here referring to coming out of the world after being saved. This is not a
reference to leaving a church.
p.
26 paragraph 1
How
do you know if the person sitting next to you is saved? Only God knows the
heart (1 Samuel 16:7). There have always been unsaved among the saved (1 John
4:1-3; Galatians 2:1-4; 2 Corinthians 11:25-26).
p.
28 paragraph 4
“Immersed
in water…”
Not
enough paper in my room to write all that could be said about this error.
(Hebrews 9:10, 19-22; Acts 2:41; Acts 16:33; Mark 7:4).
p.
29 paragraph 1
Mark 16:15-16; Genesis 17:7-9; Colossians 2:11-12; Acts 2:38-39; 1 Corinthians 7:14; Matthew 28:19; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:15; Acts 2:41; Acts 16:33; Acts 16:15; Acts 16:33. More could be added but I’m running out of time (it’s 11:45pm).
paragraph
3
A
distinction between those who preach the gospel and those who don’t. Once again
he contradicts himself.
p.
31 paragraph 1
Not
so. The sign is never to be exulted above the thing signified.
p.
33
“Christ
is the Host…”
And
the minister Christ’s servant, dispensing the bread and wine to the guests.
p.
34 paragraph 1
See
notes for p. 21 paragraph 1.
GENERAL
NOTE: The
author also has no concept of the meaning of the priesthood of the believer.
p.
36 paragraph 2
See
Acts 6 (the choosing of the seven deacons).
p.
37 paragraph 1
On
paying pastors: Matthew 10:10; Romans 16:21; 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Timothy 5:17-18.
Author
notes 1 Corinthians 9:14 as proof that pastors should not be paid. The verse
says quite the opposite.
p.
38 paragraph 3
See
1 Corinthians 9:14 for “part-time” pastors.
GENERAL
NOTE: It
would be humorous to watch a “missionary” form the “brethren” work. He would
just sit in a room and wait for the Holy Spirit to work, not daring to usurp
the authority of Christ by actually teaching or *GASP* leading someone to the
Lord.
p.
40 paragraph 2
If
brethren supposedly know the Scriptures so well, why has the author been wrong
on so many points?
p.
46 paragraph 1
2
Timothy 2:2 is quoted and is another verse showing the rightful place of
teachers in the church.
Other Verses to Remember
1
Timothy 5:17
distinguishes teaching elders from ruling elders
Titus
1:7 – “For a bishop must be
blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given
to wine, not violent, not greedy for money”