by Kyle Massengale

PINSON, Ala. (BNc) — On a Friday evening, an audience gathered at the Pinson High School Fine Arts Center to hear reason and evidences regarding the fundamental point of contention among the  ‘religious’ world today: “The Bible is the exclusive standard of authority for Christian faith and practice.”

Robert Sungenis, well known author and president of Catholic Apologetics International, an organization dedicated to teaching and defending Roman Catholicism, was set to defend his belief in additional authoritative sources.

David Hester, evangelist with the Springville Road church, affirmed the Bible as the exclusive will of God to man.

There was a great deal of expectation that both men would present thought-provoking rationale for their respective positions. However, at the close of the opening statements, it was apparent that the Catholic defender was neither prepared to respond to the well-executed arguments of brother Hester, nor was he able to present any point in support of his signed statement affirming that “The Roman Catholic magesterium, the Bible and Apostolic Tradition constitute the authorities for Christian faith and practice.”

Even though Mr. Sungenis agreed to affirm the Catholic magisterium as an authoritative source, he purposefully avoided the use of the word “magesterium” throughout the entire debate — which did not go unnoticed by Hester.

In fact, the moderators discussed with brother Hester a looming sense that Sungenis was wavering in his conviction.

A recent quote of Sungenis which was used by Hester during his rebuttal stated, “I have resolved that the modern Catholic Church will be required to stand on its own, for I simply cannot defend it any longer. There are simply too many doctrinal aberrations and moral laxities in today’s Catholic Church that are indefensible.”

With fervor, David wasted no time in his affirmative speech referencing a stack of manuals, including the Catholic Catechism, and challenged his opponent to present any reason how Catholicism could make any distinct claim of exclusive authority above all the others. Sungenis struggled as he relied upon his claim of a Catholic apostolic succession in response to the challenge.

Brother Hester put forth a clear and forceful argument refuting any apostolic authority laid upon any man beyond those referenced by Luke.

“Nothing further or in addition to the message from these men was authorized by Christ or the Spirit,” David stated. “Nothing is said about a Magisterium, the college of bishops or the Pope in John 14:26 and 16:13. By what authority can Sungenis include anyone else? To claim any further revelation of divine truth today would require a succession of apostolic authority yet we know there is not provision for such a person to meet the qualifications of apostolic succession as given in Acts 1:21-22.”

David correctly reasoned that any claim for further revealed truth beyond scripture would be void of God’s divine sanction and seal.

Building on that foundational principle, Hester then pointed out that all truth was delivered to and by those present during the first century as directed by the words of Christ in John 16:13. Using Jude 3, David showed that truth has been (past tense) handed down. He went on to state that Peter also makes it clear concerning the things which God has chosen to reveal to man has already been bestowed upon mankind (2 Peter 1:3). These “things,” which include all truth, were recorded as scripture — placing such acknowledged first century writings in fulfillment of the Old Testament.

Brother Hester offered this, along with the fact of apostolic finality, as proof that no further revelation through a magisterium or by further apostolic tradition can be substantiated or defended as a product from God.

David closed with the undeniable truth that one cannot add to or remove from the teachings of the apostles.

“The apostle John pronounced that if one was to add or accept any new teachings not of Christ then he is not God’s, 1 John 9-11,” he stated. “Paul also is very clear on the matter and tells the church at Corinth not to go beyond what is written, 1 Corinthians 4:6.”

Brother Hester raised a question for which Sungenis had no plausible answer. “What happens when a contradiction occurs between the scripture and the adopted dogma of the magisterium or Catholic tradition?”

He posed the example of Catholic practice and teaching regarding baptism in light of scripture. Sungenis could not deny the obvious contradiction between the two and resorted to an incredible defense of sprinkling infants defying any serious consideration. In relating the events of Acts 10, Mr. Sungenis attempted to argue that the text does not indicate what form of baptism was used by Philip. Sungenis affirmed that the word baptizo includes sprinkling and pouring and that he (Sungenis) had done a detailed word study and was convinced of his conclusion.

Upon returning to the podium, brother Hester expressed astonishment at the “novel definition” of baptizo that Sungenis proposed. Where were the lexicons to prove Sungenis’s claim? David went on to explain that the word originated from the sound a stone would make when hitting the surface of the water and sinking down into the water.

Sungenis made no attempt to explain the inconstancy between administering baptism to an infant and Christ’s prerequisite of belief.

On the second night, Sungenis not only reaffirmed his claim concerning baptizo, he went a step further. He said, “While the scriptures do not state this, you must imagine Philip taking a cup and using it to pour water on the eunuch’s head.”

In his response, David replied, “You can just as well imagine that they had a shower stall.” When one sets aside the Scriptures, he can “imagine” anything.

Sungenis offered no specific point of fact or reference that is of much substance to mention, although he gave his best attempt to say that the Catholic Church was spoken by Paul as the pillar and ground of truth (1 Timothy 3:15) and required the adherence to both oral and written doctrine that the church would develop over time as acceptable apostolic traditions.

Brother Hester refuted this erroneous idea using the very passage Sungenis relied upon for his argument. David correctly identified the traditions which Paul referred to in 2 Thessalonians 2:15 as the apostolic teachings that were both spoken, as well as written down, being delivered to the first century Christians during the apostolic age. Paul did not leave room for any future apostolic traditions as claimed by Sungenis.

I commend brother Hester in representing the truth in love.  His accurate portrayal of the true church, the apostolic work of the Holy Spirit through the called and qualified men of the first century, and the deliverance of all truth once for all time, make this debate a rich supply of affirmation and confidence that God’s exclusive standard of authority for Christian faith and practice has but one source, the Bible.

Kyle is the evangelist with the Madison Ala. church and participated as a moderator for brother Hester. The debate can be viewed online.

MOULTON, Ala. (BNc) – Well-known and much loved Gospel minister Hoyt Nelson of Moulton, Ala., died Sept. 25th. He was 81. His wife Gueldine preceded him in death several years earlier. Funeral services were held Sept. 28th in the Hartselle (Ala.) Church of Christ auditorium.

While serving the College Avenue congregation in Enterprise, Ala., in the 1960s and 70s, Hoyt was a driving force in the beginning of Wiregrass Christian Youth Camp at Chancellor, Ala. He remained active in that work the rest of his life. Memorials may be made to this work and sent to Camp Wiregrass, P. O. Box 311072, Enterprise, AL 36331. He also did missionary work throughout the Ukraine, Romania, and the Caribbean.

A graduate of Auburn University, brother Nelson served as editor of a newspaper in Alexander City, Ala., prior to becoming a preacher.

Hoyt’s outgoing personality and big smile endeared him to brethren and townspeople alike everywhere they lived during a 55-year-ministry. He was highly respected for being both sound in doctrine and active in good works.

He is survived by a son, Ken Nelson and wife Bertha of Moulton; a daughter, Monya Deen Claborn and husband Mitch of Athens; four grandchildren, Heath Claborn and wife Mary, Heather Claborn, Ross Nelson and wife Ashley and Rachel Nelson; and three great-grandchildren, McKinley Stack, Mary Catherine Stack and Cade Glasgow.

A full story and detailed list of Military Friendly Schools will be highlighted in the annual Guide to Military Friendly Schools, which will be distributed to hundreds of thousands of active and former military personnel in early October. The newly redesigned website features the list, interactive tools and search functionality to assist military veterans with their school decisions.

G.I. Jobs is published by Victory Media, a veteran-owned business which also publishes The Guide to Military Friendly Schools, Military Spouse and Vetrepreneur magazines and annually rates the nation’s “Military Friendly Employers,” “Military Spouse Friendly Employers” and “Best Corporations for Veteran-Owned Businesses.

Heritage Christian University is a private, four-year university affiliated with churches of Christ, offering the A.A., B.A., M.A., and M.Min. in Biblical Studies. The university exists to educate and encourage effective communicators of the gospel.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (BNc) –

For four years, Scott was the preaching minister at Granny White church, Nashville, Tenn. His last Sunday at Granny White was July 17.

During the evening service, Dr. Gleaves was presented a Faulkner Eagle statue by Dr. Ernest Clevenger. The eagle had been presented to Clevenger when he was the academic dean in 1977.  In the presentation Clevenger asked Gleaves to “take the eagle back home.”

Scott begins his work with Faulkner Aug. 1.

Faulkner University consists of four colleges, the original Alabama Christian College as the liberal arts school, the Harris College of Business and Executive Education, the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law, and the V. P. Black College of Biblical Studies, where Scott will be the assistant dean.

The university is a fully accredited Southern Association school, and the Law school is a fully accredited ABA school. Enrollment in all the schools and programs exceeds 4,000.

The MDiv is widely considered the first professional degree for ministers.

HCU Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Bill Bagents noted of the approval,

“In an ever more educated society, expectations for ministers constantly rise. It’s not a matter of education for the sake of education. Rather, it’s about increasing the breadth and depth of our skills and knowledge so that we can serve more effectively in an ever more complex world.”

The 75-hour degree will allow HCU to serve many congregations of varying size by preparing church workers in theology, ministry, and pastoral counseling.

The MDiv at HCU will also include a spiritual formation track, aimed at assisting students to learn and practice the essentials of spiritual growth.

For nearly 40 years, HCU has been preparing men and women to become effective communicators of the gospel, the university website says.

Communicating together via a group called The Church Connection, they have been able to help with specific needs for tornado victims. They have also promoted their desire to help through the Pleasant Grove tornado Facebook group and the Concord tornado group.

The Sylvan Springs church has been helping with food, appliances, and bedding, made possible by the generosity of people and sister congregations across the nation. Money has been sent from congregations and families in Michigan, California, Tennessee, Texas, Oklahoma, and more.

The West Concord congregation has been helping with clothing, baby items, and bedding. The Sandusky church has been assisting with cleanup work in Pratt City.

Congregations from Tennessee have come to Alabama to help with the relief efforts, and local congregations have been working together at the Sylvan Springs building. The Churches of Christ disaster relief, along with some local congregations, responded quickly to help with grocery needs. Currently, the Sylvan Springs church has been serving the communities on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

The Facebook groups have updates of the work that has been done for other areas hit by tornadoes in the Alabama area, such as Hackelburg and Tuscaloosa.

“I’ve never done anything I am ashamed of.”  Those words were once spoken by my sweet mother who is celebrating her 100th birthday today. 

Eulala Williams was born tenth in a family of eighteen children to Felix and Evie Lee Bryant of Clay County,  Alabama. She grew up and married Grady T. Williams from Elba, Alabama, and lived with him 55 years until his death. Together they had three children – Hoyt, Herschel, and me.  Mother became a Christian when she was 11 years old.

As my brother once commented, “Mama never had a pity-party.”  Eulala Williams’ positive outlook on life, and a strong desire to go to heaven, continues to set an excellent example for my two brothers and me, as well as others who know her.

Andalusia, Ala. (BNc) –

John D. was the fourth child of Leland C. and Callie Alabama “Bama” (Fuqua) Stokes. He lived most of his life in the same community where he and the Cedar Grove church were born during the same year, 1916. Stokes’ grandfather, Burrell Jackson Stokes, was a leader in establishing the congregation of which John D. would become a life member. His parents were active in the church and its ministry.

John D. became a member of the church at an early age and lived a life of dedicated service. At the age of 18, he became treasurer for the church and served in that role as long as he lived. In 1959 Stokes was ordained as an elder, a role he filled for more than 50 years. Upon his 80th birthday in 1996, Stokes was honored with a plaque from the congregation for his long years of service.

John D. was married to Mildred (Thomas) Stokes for almost 65 years. They were great partners in working for the church. Many preachers have visited and stayed in their home, which was known for their hospitality. Mildred Stokes passed away in 2002, and John D. lived alone until his death.

They were the parents of two daughters, Crystell (Jimmy) Prestwood, Andalusia, and Gail (Fred) Segrest, Huntsville, Ala. They also have four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

Funeral services were conducted at the Cedar Grove church building on Thursday, May 12. Services were conducted by Fred Segrest, son-in-law, and Larry Turman, grandson-in-law. His body was interred beside his wife’s grave and family members in the church cemetery.

Submitted by Curtis Thomasson, nephew.

Ricky Glass noted on Facebook that the Hackelburg Ala., church building is gone; the preacher and wife lost all they had, the town itself, demolished. Amy Hester wrote that Betty Lane, the preacher’s wife, is in the hospital at Hamilton.

The Bethel church in Athens, Ala., got hit as well, the church building is gone (photo, left), many members have lost their homes, according to one report.

The Central church building in Tuscaloosa, Ala., was also destroyed. Mark Jamieson received messages from his brother Lee Jamieson, the preacher at Central, who reported that the front of the building is all that remains of the main structure. The campus student center, where six students survived the storm, lost its roof. All members have been accounted for. Four are in local hospitals, none with life-threatening injuries. Four families lost their houses, and many more have varying degrees of damage. One older sister was found in her collapsed house under the dining room table (which was the only thing left standing in the house) without a scratch.

Disaster Assistance CoC will be working at the Central site to provide aid.

Mark and Mia Wylie lost their home in Pleasant Grove, Ala., wrote David Wayne Hester. Mark is elder at Sylvan Springs church. David later added that Rob Gurganus, preacher in Cordova, Ala., and his wife Emily, suffered extensive damage to their house. Rob is the son of L. T. Gurganus.

Some congregations are organizing to provide funds to the needy. Cottondale minister Clark Sims said the congregation is collecting donations to provide disaster relief in the aftermath of the tornado that has left Tuscaloosa devastated. Donations can be sent to Cottondale Church of Christ, 2025 Prude Mill Road, Cottondale, AL 35453. For more information contact Clark 205-310-3286, ClarkSims45@gmail.com or Charles Steiner 205-310-2480, CharlesRobertSteiner@gmail.com.

Mark Bass reports that the Alkire Road congregation is gathering food and money for disaster relief. Checks can be send to the Alkire Road church of Christ, (earmarked “relief effort”), 2779 Alkire Rd, Grove City, OH, 43123. For those in the immediate area, the church also collecting non-perishable food items.

The Killen, Ala., church will have a trailer parked in the parking lot until 9:00 Saturday morning, working in conjunction with Highland Park church to collect bottled water, diapers, and non-perishable food items that do not need a can-opener. These are scheduled to be delivered to Phil Campbell.

Churches of Christ Disaster Relief will be distributing from the Hamilton, Ala., Church’s parking lot, though a definite time is not known yet, according to a family member of preacher Ted Burleson.

On the campus of Freed-Hardeman University, student Aundrea Keimig has organized a Facebook event to gather donations on campus for her home congregation of Bethel in Athens.

More information will be added as news is sent to BNc staff.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (BNc) –

He had been in the University of Alabama hospital in Birmingham.

The church’s Facebook page noted:

Brother Jerry Jenkins has gone to see the reward he worked so hard for. While we grieve, we do not grieve as those who have no hope! (1st Thes. 4:13) He will be missed beyond what words can put to paper. The family and the Church at Roebuck Parkway covet your prayers.

There will be a period of prayer, scripture, and fellowship at the Roebuck Parkway building Oct. 26 at 7:00 p.m., as a time for the church to share in the memory of brother Jenkins’s life and in the sadness of his passing.

Visitation will be Wed., 5:00-9:00 p.m., and Thurs., from 1:00-2:00 p.m., with the funeral Thurs., at 2:00 p.m., both at the Roebuck Parkway building.

Jenkins had the gift of evangelism. His son Jeff, preacher with the Lewisville, Tex., church, wrote on his weblog:

My Dad’s night nurse this time was Lisa.  She came into the room during the night and said, “This is a good man!”  Mona said, “Why do you say that?” The nurse went on to say that she had watched Dad on TV for years.  She went on to tell about how several years ago he had helped her through a very difficult time in her life.  … numerous people have come to the hospital and told us that Dad taught them the Gospel.  Dad has been a machine when it comes to soul-winning. I fully realize he is not the only man in the church who is or has been a soul winner, but he has done more in the realm of teaching others about Jesus than anyone I have ever known. THIS IS A GOOD MAN!

Jenkins’s son Dale, preacher with the Spring Meadows church in Spring Hill, Tenn., wrote on his weblog:

I want them to know this tender giant who casts a shadow as big as his state.  Dad has done a weekly TV program for 44 years.  In 44 years he has NEVER repeated a show. IIn Lieu of Flowers, The family has asked that donations be made to Jefferson Christian Academy, Freed Hardeman University, Maywood Christian Camp or Rainbow Omegan fact, he has through October completed and “in the can”.  He moved to Birmingham in 1966 because he thought he could reach more people for Christ here.  He was offered the jobs at both Woodlawn and Homewood. He took the Woodlawn job because they agreed to do TV and he said “I can preach to more people in 30 minutes on TV than I can in a whole year in the pulpit.” That’s pretty much been his motive for everything he does.  He couldn’t, not, teach.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to Jefferson Christian Academy, Freed Hardeman University, Maywood Christian Camp or Rainbow Omega.

As we receive biographical and funeral information, the page will be updated.