Brian A. Yeager
107 S. Duffy Road
Butler, PA 16001

David P. Brown
P.O. Box 2357
Spring, TX 77383-2357
 

11/23/2001

Dear Brother Brown:

On the twelfth day of October of 2001 I sent you a letter that contained a correction to your article in “Contending for the Faith” concerning me, and it also contained a debate proposal.  It has been over a month and I have heard nothing from you on these things.  I have received two issues of “Contending for the Faith” in which no retraction of your incorrect statements concerning me were made.  Brother Brown, if there is a reason for your rather long delay please do contact me and let me know.  Otherwise, am I to take your silence as an answer?  The Bible teaches that we as Christians are to be ready to give an answer (I Peter 3:15).  I am ready to do so, are you?  I will quote from my previous letter to you once again:
 

“Lastly brother Brown, I believe because of the great ignorance of the issues that surrounds us today, it would be beneficial to have a public discussion on some of these issues.  Would you agree?  I am going to have a proposition for you, but before I get to that I want to tell you why I am going to ask you to debate me on the issues.  Cleary in the bible there are times in which many did not understand properly.  The Lord used parables as he tells us for this very reason (Matthew 13:10-17).  When brethren meet on the polemic platform of debate their goal should be to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).  If the goal is to devour one another, as you attempted in your article, then Satan has already won.  My goal would be to teach and learn.  If I am wrong I want to know that.  I want to make my calling and election sure (II Peter 1:10).  I pray that this will be your goal as well.  It did seem to me that you article was not intended to help me in any way, but rather to make me look as though I am a fool to your readers.  Is this brotherly love?  What would the world think if they read this?  I too, use to use the same tactics.  I pray that when we meet in debate that the Bible will be our only source (Revelation 22:18-19 and Deuteronomy 4:2), and that our hearts will be right.  Our goal should be to dwell together in unity not division (Psalms 133:1 and I Corinthians 1:10).  Having said that, there is also the need to “earnestly contend for the faith” – Jude verse 3.

I propose:

The New Testament authorizes the local church to provide relief to needy saints alone.
 

Affirm – Brian A. Yeager  Signed 10/12/2001 & 11/23/2001
 

Deny – David P. Brown      ______________________________
 

The New Testament teaches that the local church has authority to provide benevolence to both the saint and the sinner.
 

Affirm – David P. Brown    ______________________________
 

Deny – Brian A. Yeager    Signed 10/12/2001 & 11/23/2001
 

There is no authority in the New Testament for the local church to donate to human organizations such as Boles home.
 

Affirm – Brian A. Yeager  Signed 10/12/2001 & 11/23/2001
 

Deny – David P. Brown      ______________________________

There is authority in the New Testament for the local church to donate to human organizations such as Boles home.
 

Affirm – David P. Brown    _____________________________
 

Deny – Brian A. Yeager    Signed 10/12/2001 & 11/23/2001
 

Brother Brown, I am only 26 years old and I have very little debate experience with no schooling on debate.  Surely, if you have the truth it would be a simple thing for you to show that in front of an audience.  I propose meeting you in Spring, TX in front of a large audience.  Are you willing to defend your position?  I am!”

Brian A. Yeager
 

cc Elders at the Spring church of Christ
 

Matthew 5:14-16 “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”