In November 2002, on the front page of this paper, I wrote an article "Where Are We Headed-One Man's Viewpoint." My article generated many comments. One brother, who is a friend mine in the Northwest, had some problems with my article. We exchanged e-mails, and I called him and we discussed some of his questions. To help my good brother, and any others who may have misunderstood the article's purpose, I'm submitting some additional clarification.

Again, I want to emphasize that this is MY OWN PERSONAL VIEWPOINT, arrived at because of my own personal experiences. First, I do not believe, and I have never taught that Matthew 18:15-19 must be followed every time a person teaches false doctrine. When one speaks or writes in a public forum, his work is subject to examination. Must I speak to that person prior to exposing his teaching as false? No. Yet, I still believe that whenever it is possible, I would speak to the person because I may have misunderstood? The speaker or writer may have failed to think through his reasoning and to consider the consequences of his teaching? My point is-I'm also concerned about the false teacher's soul. I'm willing to go the extra mile to give him a chance to correct his own teaching. Please refer to the previous article and read the example of a brother who wrote on the subject of gambling. Must everyone follow my course? No.

In my article I commented about a preacher who began a meeting by writing on the board the names of some false teachers. Did this preacher sin? No. Can a man present a series of sermons on the issues all over the country without being guilty of sin? Yes. What was my point? The elders brought this preacher in and explained to him that this was not the purpose of this lesson series. I am saying that I believe preachers would do well to try to address their sermons toward what the local church is trying to accomplish during the particular meeting. Should I assume that every congregation is having the same problems? I'm talking about a matter of personal judgment.

My article was intended to take away any arguments by those who are exposed as teaching false doctrine. To keep false teaching from spreading, it and the false teachers must be exposed, rebuked, and not tolerated to any degree (Ephesians 5:11; 2 John 9-11). All I'm saying, brethren, is that we must do everything in our power to save the souls of those who are lost in sin-even false teachers. I believe too many doors are bolted and locked before further discussions ever take place. Why? Perhaps we need to examine how we handle doctrinal differences among us. Yes, truth can never be compromised, and the false teacher must be held accountable for his actions. But does it hurt to take a few moments to be sure we have done all we can to save the false teacher? No--Make the time!