In this issue will be found an article by brother

J. D. Hall, Jr. in reply to an article I wrote in the February, 1966 issue under the heading "The Lord'sChurch." There is very little new in his reply, hence,my statement here will be brief. I suggest you readagain my article in the February issue.

His "answer" to me could be reduced one third and still say all that he says. I do appreciate the spirit inwhich he writes and I am sure he believes what he has written. I cannot, however, accept his opinion of himself as a scholar of the original language ofthe New Testament that he is able to judge thescholars and translators of the world. He is trying todo with "church" what Jehovah's Witnesses have done with "hell" in their translations. I do not think this new theory can be accepted as the word of Godon brother Hall's "scholarship."

I do not know whether to be complimented or insulted by being compared to a roaring lion. Jesus wasreferred to as the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" (Rev. 5:5), and I suppose the Pharisees, Sadducees andscribes thought of him as a "roaring" lion when heexposed their false teaching. Then I Peter 5:8 speaksof "the devil, as a roaring lion . . ."

It is true that brother Hall mailed me the copy of "True Christianity" for publication. Our generalpolicy is not to publish articles that appear in otherreligious papers. Such duplication would make oneof the papers unnecessary. When I saw the articlespublished in the Preceptor I laid them aside to have space for other articles because his articles had already been published.

Brother Hall thinks I consider him an offender because of his article. No, I am not in the least offended because I did not really take the articles seriously. I did not think then, and I do not think now, that this position will be accepted by sound thinkingbrethren. It is too conflicting and contrary to what isrevealed in the word of God. The church is an institution— it was built by Christ (Matt. 16:18). It is anorganization because the parts are ordered of theLord and placed in working order (I Cor. 12). I referthe reader to my article on "The Lord's Church" in the February issue of Searching The Scriptures inanswer to all he has said. I am perfectly satisfied with what I said in that article.

In his comment on Matthew 20, brother Hall says,"No, brother Phillips, the Lord had not changed thesubject. He was still talking about His kingdom ascompared with the kingdoms of this world and howthe individuals in both conduct themselves. In fact these men were not yet apostles, and it is quite likelythey had never been told they would ever be such."

Brother Hall, the Lord had said nothing about hiskingdom in this passage. It was the mother of theZebedee brothers who asked the Lord to let one of her sons sit on his right and the other on his left "in thykingdom." The Lord did not mention either his kingdom or any other kingdom in this passage. He onlyimplied the kingdoms of the Gentiles by speaking oftheir princes and "they that are great." The mother of the Zebedee brothers requested a high position forher sons "in thy kingdom," and Jesus answer thatsuch was not his to give, and that the positions ofauthority as in the case of the Gentiles would not beso among the twelve. In verse 17 the "twelve disciples" were taken apart by the Lord and in theverses that follow through 27 have to do only withthe "twelve" and the mother of the Zebedee boys. Theten were moved with indignation against the twobrethren when they heard the request because it concerned them. These verses plainly show that no onebut the "twelve" were under consideration in these verses.

Brother Hall says these men were not apostles anddid not know they would ever be. In this same account of the gospel, chapter 10, we read: "Now thenames of the twelve apostles are these ..." (Matt.10:2). James the son of Zebedee, and John hisbrother are mentioned in this verse. Oh, yes, theywere called "apostles" before chapter 20.

Concerning baptism brother Hall thinks I wouldanswer "immersion" to the question, "what is thecorrect mode of baptism?" He is wrong. I would answer that baptism has no "mode" — the word expresses but one action: a burial.

Brother Hall thinks I make the universal church an organization for function by the use of the word"Body." I know that sometimes the words "church"and "body" are used to refer to the universal "calledout" of God, but they are also used to denote localcongregations. In I Corinthians 12 where I discussedthe members of the body, showing that there wereparts that were formed together to make the "called out" of the Lord. In verse 27 Paul wrote: "Now YE are the body of Christ, and members in particular."He did not say "we" are the body of Christ. He excluded himself in this sentence, yet he was a Christian. He was addressing himself to the "church ofGod which is at Corinth ..." (I Cor. 1:2). He said"YE" are the body of Christ. These "called out" composed the "body of Christ" in Corinth. This is a local organization of God's people.

Brother Hall is no more a scholar in the Greek than I am. I am not disposed to take his word for themeaning of a Greek term any more than I am my own.I believe the scholarship of the world will still standafter both of us have gone the way of man. I know the word of God will abide forever. It teaches that the "called out" (that is the meaning of the word"ekklesia") of the Lord compose an institution (thatwhich is established by authority) and an organization in the local use of the word. This is sufficient to cover everything brother Hall said. I commend hissincerity, but oppose his false theory.

Tapes of the

HALE-SPEARS DEBATE

IN OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA

MARCH 28, 29,31, APRIL 1

Propositions Discussed

FIRST TWO NIGHTS

Proposition:

"The Scriptures teach that there is an exclusive andbinding pattern of cooperation among churches forevangelism which is violated by the Herald of Truthtype cooperation."

LAST TWO NIGHTSProposition:

"It is in harmony with the Scriptures for churches ofChrist to build, maintain and regularly contributemoney to such benevolent organizations at TiptonHome, Boles Home and other orphan homes and homesfor the aged that are among us."

Lewis G. Hale affirms — Dudley R. Spears denies Each Night's Discussion On One TapeOne tape (night) ................. $ 3.00Entire debate.......................... $12.00

Recorded on new Mylar 1 1/2 Mil tape. Any defectivetape will be replaced free of charge.

order from:

PHILLIPS PUBLICATIONS

P. O. Box 17244Tampa, Florida 33612

_____________________________________________________________________________ Page 3

Many years ago, as a small boy in the sparsely

populated red hills of western Oklahoma, the circus

would suddenly descend on our small town with a

sonic boom. And, everything else just as quickly be

came of secondary importance. Or, so it seemed to a

small boy of eight or ten years.Of all the circus animals the huge black-maned lion was by far the most fascinating. He was theKing of Beasts. The one thing which disturbed mehowever, was that he was usually fast asleep within the confines of his home of iron bars. How I longedto punch him into action with a sharp stick! This Inever did, but in my mind's eye I could see him explode with a roar which would be a spectacle indeed.Our love for circuses and exploding lions has longsince cooled, but these things came to our mind againas we read brother Phillips' article The Lord'sChurch in the February 26 issue of Searching theScriptures. Suddenly he was awake with a roar, andwe are glad.

We mailed brother Phillips a copy of our firstarticle on True Christianity many months ago andasked him if he would print it in his paper in theinterest of trying to start our people thinking andtrying to find the solution to the division which hasbefallen us. But evidently he was asleep in his self-made cage of tradition and could not be disturbed.

Traditions are powerful things. And, it seems theyare necessary too. A tradition is that satisfying understanding we get when in our minds we make whatwe think is a reasonable application of scripturaltruths to our lives. This gives us a footing on whichto stand as we continue our study firm in the conviction that all is well up to this point. But sometimes,in spite of our thoroughness in working out a problem, it happens that there were factors of truth wedid not have when we solved (?) this problem long ago — so long ago perhaps that our whole structureof self confidence, understanding, and stability hasgradually come to rest on that ancient decision.

Then suddenly something happens. After all theseyears someone, who had not been noticed before,makes a quiet observation and our whole structurefalls apart. Our first reaction is to try frantically tosave the pieces and to criticize the offender, but thepieces turn to dust in our hands and then we begin to realize that the offender was perfectly innocent inthe matter.

Yes, brother Phillips, I am one of the offenders,and I am sorry. But, it is true that Church of Christpeople have built their traditions, not upon the truth found in the original inspired writings, but upon thesectarian slanted translations of false Christianity.Yes, we could have learned better from the context,but we didn't. And those of us who did question werequickly made to feel like a fool for making such asilly observation. Our attitude has been, just as youhave expressed yours in this article, that the scholarsare right whether they are or not.

But why would the translators deceive us? It wasunintentional on their part. They sincerely believedin the righteousness of their kind of religion, therefore they translated everything in the light of theirown theology. What else could they do? It was allthey had. We were as much at fault as they, becausein our ignorance we accepted their work withoutquestion. We knew they were honest men and worthyof our respect for their learning, but we didn't realizefully the significance of the Lord's words as appliedto this case when He said "He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad." They were swayed by their falsetheology, and this kept them from understanding thesimple message they were trying to translate. Theywere spiritually blind, and "if the blind lead the blind,they both shall fall into the ditch."

But be of good cheer. All is not lost. Look at it thisway: We have found a "pearl of great price." What ismore precious than Truth? The whole world can gettogether on Truth. Are you willing to sacrifice a fewfaulty traditions in an honest search for Truth with the hope of again bringing the faithful back together"perfectly joined together in the same mind and inthe same judgment?" Or, are you like the sectariansof Alexander Campbell's time who were so satisfiedwith the traditions of their fathers that they couldnot be aroused from their stupor. Charles Holt, J. D.Hall, and others have dared to sacrifice traditions forTruth. Yes, we will be slandered and persecuted, butnot by honest sincere, thinking Christian people.And what difference does it make anyway? Nonewhatever. "For I reckon that the sufferings of thispresent time are not worthy to be compared with theglory which shall be revealed in us."

Brother Phillips, you are an educator and an elderamong God's people. Is it really necessary that wespell these things out to you as we would to a child?Isn't it enough that we simply call your attentionto them? J. D. Hall is only a Sentinel of Truth, abearer of tidings — bad, because it upsets our brethren still more, but good because it is Truth. My liberal brethren are not the only ones struggling in the toilsof sectarianism. My ultra-conservative brethren areonly a step behind, because they too hold to institutionalism which is the deceit of Satan. It is time to awake and investigate with an open mind. Our faulty translations are leading our people astray as testifiedby the strife and division with which we are beingoverwhelmed.

Brother Phillips' Arguments

Brother Phillips says many good things in hisarticle which we can endorse wholeheartedly. Exceptfor his critical references to those over the years whohave been disturbed by the mistranslations, and afew misquotes of our own statements such as 'ekklesia' meaning 'community of people,' down to his comments on Matt. 20:17-28, he is quite good as usual.But on this passage he is not his usual careful self.Verse 21 reads "And he said unto her, What wiltthou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my twosons may sit, the one on thy right hand and the otheron thy left, in thy kingdom." Brother Phillips says"in thy kingdom" meant "over the other apostles"and excludes everyone else who is in the kingdom.Strange how a man of the education and mental capacity of our brother can be so blinded by his traditions that he cannot even read this simple passagewith an open mind! No, brother Phillips, the Lord had not changed the subject. He was still talking aboutHis Kingdom as compared with the kingdoms of thisworld and how the individuals in both conduct themselves. In fact these men were not yet apostles, and itis quite likely they had never been told they wouldever be such. Verse 17 calls them disciples.

Under the section Proper Use of Words againmany good things are said with which we agree including this statement: " — we must depend ontranslations — the carrying across from one language to another the exact meaning in the originalwords used." Exact meaning? Then what meaneththe very next sentence which says, "Unfortunately,some of these words were not translated but invented from the Greek for various reasons." We are happyto know that our brother does recognize that thetranslators DID make errors in translating somewords. And also, dear reader, you just must lookinto some of these reasons. Some will shock you. For instance the word "baptize" was invented from theGreek because "immerse" (the actual meaning of"baptizo" in the first century when the Holy Spiritused it) did not accurately convey the ritualisticmeaning which the Catholics had attached to thisword as their false Christianity developed. When weuse this word today we always use it in the Catholicritualistic sense. The fact that it includes sprinklingand pouring is not the only things wrong with it. Itis loaded with unauthorized ritualism.

Yes, the percentage of faulty wording in the English versions is small, and we agree that "one shouldhave little difficulty determining the meaning eitherby context, some other passage with a clear meaning, or by consulting some standard authority on the true sense of the word." But, whether one "should" orshould not, the fact is we DO have trouble along thisline. Let us not minimize it. Our people ARE affectedby these small seemingly insignificant deviationsfrom Truth.

For instance, the word "wages" as used in II Cor.

11:8 is one of those small things. Vine says opsonion" was used here "of material support which Paulreceived — ", thus showing by the context that itmeant "support" rather than "wages." What difference does it make? Strange how a little seed can grow into such a large tree, isn't it? 'Wages" in this passage seems to authorize the hiring of preachers andis the foundation on which stands our whole systemof preacher professionalism. A little study of contextwill convince any honest and open minded personthat preachers work for the Lord. They DO NOTwork for churches, elders, shepherds, or anyone else.If they did their meager "wages" would be theirONLY REWARD for such. Yes, they may serve agroup of Christians, and for this be worthy of support, but they are not hired servants. They give oftheir time and talent of which we are in need, andwe supply their needs in like manner.

Brother Phillips proves beyond question by context that 'baptizo" when used by the Holy Spirit meant "immerse," "dip," "bury." If this be true (andit is), why, may I ask, did the translators not renderit so? The answer of course is, there was not a wordin the English language which carried the full meaning apostate Christianity had attached to "baptizo" before the English translations were attempted. Andthis is where we are being duped. They were NOTTRYING TO GIVE US THE ORIGINAL MEANING. William Tyndale was the one exception, and he diedby strangulation and burning at the stake for hisefforts. It is notable that all words for which Tyndale died were later restored to the text by later translations with one exception: "congregation" instead of"church." They gave us the meaning according totheir erroneous concepts of the day. They had noother thought than to make their translations fittheir unrighteous institutions of false doctrine. Theywere NOT attempting to restore New TestamentChristianity to which our Restoration Movement isdedicated.

"Baptism" was one of the many ecclesiastical or purely religious words which were created duringthe dark ages by apostate Christianity. Brother Phillips thinks that just because we understand that"baptism" is a burial rather than sprinkling or pouring, then everything is alright, and "baptism" is atrue translation of "baptizo." This is another example of how very easily we are influenced by falseChristianity. There is still a difference in their meanings. For example, if you will ask brother Phillipswhat is the correct mode of baptism he will tell you it is immersion in water. But, if you ask him whatis the correct mode of immersion, what will he answer? This shows that even he uses "baptism" in asense other than immerse, dip, or bury.

But the greatest shock comes when he refers againto this word in his discussion of "ekklesia." He says"The word 'baptism' means 'dip' or 'immerse' andmay be applied to anything (dipped or immersed,JDH). But Christ and the apostles gave a spiritualmeaning to 'baptizo' in the revealing of God's mindto man." And then he uses "walk" as proof. To whatlengths our brethren will go trying to prove the infallability of the sectarian translators! Now he isblaming God for it. This argument holds about asmuch water as a sieve. Incidentally, "water" as usedin the above sentence, still means only "water." Itsmeaning hasn't been changed one particle by thisuse of it. Neither does the word "walk" have a new meaning just because Paul said "walk in the spirit."It is common knowledge, and undebatable, that themeaning of words in any language are establishedby common usage only, and not by one person — not ever God. The Holy Spirit wrote in the language ofthe common people, neither creating new words noradding to the meaning of the old.

Now it is true that the meaning of many Greekwords used by the Holy Spirit in the inspired writings changed under the system of apostate Christianity as this institution of Satan developed. Theecclesiastical words were used by Satan as a smokescreen to hide the true meaning of the original writings, and to give false Christianity an air of pompand mystery. But it is NOT true that the Lordchanged the meaning of any word just by using it inreference to spiritual things.

Another thing at which we are amazed is brotherPhillips' discussion of the word "ekklesia." One ofthe most common errors among those who know little about Greek is that they often confuse the etymology of a word with its meaning. What would come toyour mind if someone should say "It is a self moving?" At first, absolutely nothing. Then on second thought you might say to yourself "does he mean an animal, a ship, an airplane, a car, a tractor?" Manythings are self moving, but this just happens to bethe etymology of our word "automobile." A relationship between the two? Yes, but nothing more. Themeanings are entirely different, because they cannot be used interchangeably.

So it is with "ekklesia." This word originated inthe Greek language many, many years before Christand was used by the common Greek people in reference to a gathering of people wherever they may befound, and for whatever reason they might havecome together. Proof of this statement is found manyplaces, but we refer you specifically to Acts 19:32,39, 41 where it is translated "assembly." In otherplaces of course it does refer to the people of God who are called out of "darkness" into "light", and rightlyso because they have been added to the number ofthe saved which are His Body, the Spiritual Assembly. In these instances the translators used theecclesiastical word "church" instead of "assembly" in order to conform to the false doctrine of apostateChristianity.

The second most amazing thing about brotherPhillips' discussion of "ekklesia" is he uses passagesreferring to the universal (spiritual) meaning ofChristians, the "one body" to prove functional entity, or organization, in the local assemblies. He has adequately proved that the universal gathering is anentity or functional organization with a purpose inthe world, but he has not yet offered any proof thata local "ekklesia" was intended to be a functional entity or organization such as we have today. Butin offering this proof he has proved too much forhis own theory. He says of this functional organization "of course, he (Paul) is talking about the useof spiritual gifts, but still the parts are framed into the whole for function." And again, "Even thoughthe Greek word 'ekklesia' does not carry the inherentidea of organization or institution, the word of Godteaches that this 'called out' body of Christ was instititued and organized, thus an institution and organization." If he had known he was proving the universal body to be a functional, institutional organizationwith a purpose as such, he would not have made these two statements, because he immediately contradictsthese very statements under the heading The Churchan Organization, "The Word of God teaches that theuniversal church has no functional organization — ." If brother Phillips would learn to distinguish between the passages which refer to THE universalgroup and A local group he would be much fartherdown the road toward a clear understanding of thismarvelous institution, the Kingdom of God.

This is not all by any means, but it is enough toshow that much study must be given to this vitalsubject before we can be sure we have the Truth.Just as brother Phillips felt he should use my writings in his discussion of these points, I have also feltthat his article represented a fairly accurate representaton of most of our preachers' thinking alongthese lines, therefore the present response. We sincerely respect him as a, Christian and a brother whois doing a good work in the vineyard of the Lord. Andwe hope and trust that he will accept this feeblewriting as constructive criticism, for this is our onlymotive in writing.

For your information you may obtain a copy of ouroriginal article on True Christianity free of chargeby sending a self addressed stamped envelop to Sentinel of Truth, Box 14, Jasper, Texas.

"Thank you for an excellent paper." — Ramon M. Hendricks, Arnold, Md.

"This is our second year of taking Searching TheScriptures and we are enjoying it very much. I personally appreciated the recent articles on the Heraldof Truth. . . May the Lord bless your efforts." — Jardine McKerlie, Pensacola, Fla.

"I have thought of writing you many times butjust seemed not to get around to it. Your paper, tomy mind, is the best in the brotherhood. I like thevariation of subjects in each issue. It has been abig help to me in the past. I do not want to be withoutit." _ Roy S. Fudge, Clovis, Calif.

"I had not planned to renew my subscription, sinceI hardly find the time to do any reading other thanfor my sermons — but since reading your article"The Lord's Church" and the article by brotherO'Neal, I will find the time to read your paper. Idon't know of anything (other than God's word) thatI can read that will aid me any more than the articlesof this caliber in your paper. The stand — and the publishing of such — that you have taken againstthese latest efforts to divert people from 'God's established order,' is the most encouragement I have received recently. . . I pray that God will give you andall that stand firm on His Word, many more years to defend His cause and encourage all people to 'Searchthe Scriptures.' " — Otis Jordan, Titusville, Fla.

"Of all the publications which come to my desk Ienjoy none more than Searching The Scriptures;without exception each article has much food forthought and certainly they are true to the Book. . .Through the printed page the good work that is beingdone by brother Phillips, brother Miller and otherswill live on and on and only eternity will reveal allthe good that has been done." — J. G. Savage, Lewisville, Texas.

"I have just received the February issue of Searching the Scriptures and enjoyed very much the articleby brother Phillips on The Lord's Church." — Carl McCullough, Belfast, Northern Ireland.

"The makeup, appearance, and content of the paper is excellent and I wish for you many more years in'preaching the word' through the printed page." — Robert A. Bolton, Ontario, Calif.

"I enjoy Searching the Scriptures thoroughly.Thank you for an excellent paper." — Rudolph Jenkins, Bowling Green, Ky.

"All of us over here enjoy Searching The Scriptures very much; we are aware of the work andexpense involved in getting out a paper of this kind,and pray for your continued success." — Graham Mole, Belle Glade, Fla.

"Searching The Scriptures is certainly enjoyed by us as the lessons that are presented are good becausethe scriptural proof is given for what you teach.When we have finished reading them we pass them

on to other people." — Forest E. Hurst, Seymour,Ind.

"I continue to enjoy the good paper and desire this volume for my library that I may make reference tothe good works contained therein for many years.May the Lord be with you and our efforts in a longand useful life." — Tom Wheeler, DeLand, Fla.

"Brother Phillips, I have been keeping up withyour work for some time and I want to say that Ithink you are doing much for the cause of Christ inthis land. Your comments are known all over the country. I only hope that someday I will be able todo as much for the Lord as you and others havedone in the past." — Norman W. Fisk, Merced, Calif.

"The paper continues to bring in many fine reports." — Ward Hogland, Greenvlile, Texas.

"Keep up the good work with Searching The Scriptures. The conservative cause is certainly flourishing everywhere and Searching The Scriptures is contributing much to this flourishing growth." — Wm.

E. Wallace, Indianapolis, Ind.

"I am really enjoying Searching The Scriptures;it gets better every issue. I enjoy your editorials,they are the best." — D. W. H. Shelton, Tampa, Fla.

"Keep sending out the 'Arrows of Truth' as WardHogland so appropriately puts it." — A. S. Kirk,Dekalb, Ill.

TAPES OF THE MILLERWALLACE DEBATE

Clear and complete tapes will be available of the Miller-Wallace Debate, Tampa, Florida, August, 1965, recorded at 3 3/4 speed. These tapes can be played on any tape recorder. One tape for each night. Proposition first two nights:

"It is in harmony with the Scriptures for

churches of Christ to build and maintain benevo

lent organizations for the care of the needy, such

as Boles Home, Tipton Home, Tennessee Orphan

Home, Childhaven, and other Orphan Homes and

Homes for the Aged that are among us." G. K.

Wallace affirms — James P. Miller denies

Proposition last two nights:

"Such an arrangement and cooperative efforton the part of churches of Christ for the preaching of the gospel as the 'Herald of Truth' is without scriptural authority."

James P. Miller affirms — G. K. Wallace denies

All Four Nights — $12.00 Any One Night — 3.00 order from

PHILLIPS PUBLICATIONS

P. O. Box 17244 Tampa, Florida 33612

FOUR SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR $7.50

Renew your subscription free with three other subscriptions. Send them today with $7.50.

In the March issue of SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES under the heading "Using The ChurchBuilding" there appeared an article in review of thiscolumn in the January issue. In the interest of fairness and truth our readers are entitled to a few brief observations further on the matter.

The author of the review article is a personalfriend of mine and one for whom I hold the highestesteem. The spirit of his review is commendable. Ido believe, however, that a more careful reading ofmy former article would have prevented some misrepresentations and possibly a more direct dealingwith the issue.

My former article very clearly affirmed that "thechurch can use the building only for that whichcomes within the scope of its mission." I also statedthat "The issue involve ... is not so much What maythe church building be used for, but rather, Whatmay the church use the building for?" I also pointedout that at times others (individuals, families, andinstitutions) may use the church building for purposes other than that which is the mission of thechurch only, if and when such use does not involve the church and provided such use (because of closeproximity to church activity) does not confuse theminds of any as to the true mission of the church. Infact, I had quite a bit to say on these two points andwarned against any use that would result in a perverted concept of the church and its mission.

The review article ignored this position and assumed that the church is involved in those instances under consideration and pressed for Scripture for thesame. Of course, no Scripture was given for such because such a position was never affirmed in the firstplace. Furthermore, the review article misrepresents(inadvertently, no doubt) when it says, "the articlestates marriage ceremonies come within the scope ofits (the church's — MEP) divine mission." A carefulreading of my former article will show that I wroteabout the ideas conveyed by such functions ratherthan the function itself. On this basis I made a distinction between a family using the building for theceremony and the wedding reception (the social aspect of the wedding) which in this day, because ofthe popular practice of some, would cause a false concept of the church and its mission. Concerning theceremony I said, "Now, concerning a wedding in thechurch building, I believe that any family might use it for the ceremony without reflecting on the church.The nature of the ceremony, its solemnity, and theteaching done is in keeping with the church and itsmission. I cannot conceive of any misconception resulting therefrom." Please note the context of thesentence about the nature of the ceremony. Thus,my point was not that the wedding ceremony was a

part of the mission of the church, but rather that afamily might so use the building without leaving afalse impression about the church's mission. Whilethe ceremony would not, the reception would. Thesetwo uses illustrate the care and discrimination that should be exercised in permitting the building to beused by others under the limited or emergency circumstances discussed in my former article.

The attempted parallel between the use of thebuilding and the contribution breaks down. It is difficult for me to conceive of the contribution being usedwithout involving the church — at least it is not likely. However, the use of the building without involving the church is not only conceivable but likelyand possible under conditions described in my formerarticle. The idea of lending or renting the buildingto secular institutions is something else assumed inthe review article. I said "on a cost basis" — so that the church is not involved. To "lend" the use of the building would involve the church — expense-wise. To "rent" the building on any basis other than"cost" would put the church in a business other than its own.

It seems to me that the real issue between the writer of the review article and me is whether or not the church is involved and, therefore, departsfrom its divine mission in the matters under discussion. However, this is a different issue so far as theargumentation of our articles is concerned.

WHO IS THE FORTUNATE CHILD?

Thousands of children are born every year, butthere is no way of knowing how many are trulywelcome and loved from the very first. There mayalso be some question as to which of these little onesare the most fortunate. Some may think that thoseborn to riches or into families of fame are the ones to be congratulated, but their plight may be pathetic.These rich and famous parents may be too busy to domore for the children than provide a maid, a car,money and an open door to destruction.

The most fortunate children have parents whotake them to services regularly while they are stillbabes in arms. These infants do not realize what is happening to them or why they are there, but theyfinally learn to want to go, how to behave in the assembly, and many wonderful principles, facts andlaws from the word of God. Nothing more importantfor one's happiness and eternal well being can everbe gained than these simple things a child can andwill learn if he is among the most fortunate group.

These favored children are born to parents whohave strong wills of their own who do not plan toallow the children to wreck the family life completely or destroy the house and furniture. Patheticchildren may be found on every hand who have parents without love and determination enough to guideand nurture the untrained child. Each child, ofcourse, has energy, but he needs help in learninghow to use it. If there are no parents handy withcourage and character enough to take over the taskof guidance, the child becomes very much like a shipwith powerful propellers turning rapidly but withno one at the helm. Sooner or later destruction will come to such ships unless some one with skill getsto the wheel in time.

The psychologists who wrote and talked of lettingthe children have their way are dying off fast nowbecause they are getting older. Children born aftertheir day will be fortunate because a new group of"advisors" and "counsellors" are arising that advisemore as men of God have spoken when moved by theSpirit of God. Many of these old psychologists livedto see a generation of delinquents reach the age whenthey upset the communities, and even the nation, andnot just the house and family. There are, it seems,some unrestrained and wild youths that live nearevery American family so it is not difficult to seethe end result of this suggested freedom. Does anyparent honestly want his little boy to become such aproblem? If this harvest is not desired, other seedshould be sown in the spring. Restrain your child ifyou do not want to produce another wild and unrestrained delinquent.

There are comparatively few — the favored few

— who have parents who stay with the children and teach them with loving care. Careless mothers searchuntil they find inexpensive "sitters" to take the children off their hands so they can earn money for fancier clothes, taxes, and a television. If you think ofsending a card of congratulation to a most fortunateand highly favored person, send it to a child that canplay and learn all day near the feet of a Christianmother. This mother as a sideline cooks, irons, sweepsand does other such things that cheap labor coulddo, but she knows that she is giving smiles of approval, frowns of disapproval, discipline, love, instruction, and attention to one who is to become aninfluential citizen in a very few years. Who can calculate the difference in eternal effects of a home that offers constant care and guidance of a Christianmother, and one that has in her stead first one andthen another maid who is not allowed to disciplineand who does not care to teach?

There are few to become the great geniuses inscience or music. How many are there in this highly favored group of children who have proper discipline,careful instruction in the law of God, and the constant care of Christian parents? How sad it is to seechildren in homes wrecked by divorce, and how sadit is to see children in homes where parents are bitterly divided in matters of religion. The most fortunate child is one who can sit between father and mother at mid-week services and all other services of the church, and can often hear them speak to oneanother of good things about the Lord's work. Children can be born in homes where father and mother wrangle over religion, but they cannot get the training they so badly need in such situations. What underthe sun is there to say to arouse young Christians tothe way of wisdom in planning homes? Think howunfair to the unborn it is for a Christian to plan a home with a companion that will use his influence todefeat and annul the training Christ would haveevery child receive.

The most fortunate children learn to work and to restrain themselves in the use of money. Greatwealth is no asset in this most important task ofmaking Christians out of little boys and girls. TheLord who loves man ordained the struggle and thesweat of the face as better than idleness. To grantthe young man plenty of money, a car, and libertyis to destroy him certainly. Do you suppose ten trueChristians could be found among ten thousand youngmen who were granted liberty, money, and cars?

Colleges are crowded today, but some who fill theirhalls do not have precious faith, riches in heaven, agood name, or a love of the truth. These are not themost favored youths. The most highly favored groupof children have parents who know that pre-school training is important, too. If the infant and youngchild are properly trained and taught the rules ofpurposeful living, the college education or other toolsof life can take care of themselves. Young people whoare first trained to live can pay for their own collegeeducations, if necessary. Spend one hour in a roomwith a well disciplined five year old child who hasbeen taken to services of the church regularly all itslife and has been taught by a careful Christianmother. Then spend one hour in a room with a childwho has not been disciplined but has only beenguarded by a sitter and never taught to behave in aworship assembly. Will the difference be any moreobvious when they are thirty and one is at prayermeeting and the other is in jail? It pays to startearly in the important task of training the child.

MODERNISM IN DISGUISE

Solomon once said, "A word fitly spoken is likeapples of gold -in pitchers of silver" (Prov. 25:11).One might also say that many words are spoken todeceive the elect. Jimmy Lovell, the editor ofACTION, a publication in California, said in hisJune, 1965 issue "You know and I know that itwould almost be impossible to build a church inAmerica without a building in which to meet. Churchbuildings are not covered by scripture but no Christian, to my knowledge, opposes the use of the Lord's money to erect them." This is a typical modernisticstatement made by liberal brethren all over the country. The above statement may sound "innocent" tothe casual reader but hidden beneath the surface is enough venom to poison the entire brotherhood. This was a sneaky way to take a swipe at brethren whooppose innovations and at the same time open theflood gate of digression.

Now let us notice the statement. He said "church buildings are not covered by scripture." This is anunmitigated falsehood perpetrated on the church todeceive the uninformed. Brother Lovell is either totally ignorant of the Bible or malicious in his attitude. This old trick was worn out by the digressiveof the First Christian Church when they tried tojustify instrumental music in worship. They shoutedfrom the housetop that such things as church buildings, rugs, rest rooms, drinking fountains, communion trays and speaker systems were not covered by scripture.

What Brother Lovell and others need to learn is that a thing does not have to be spelled out in order to be authorized or covered by scripture. For example, unleavened bread is never spelled out in connection with the Lord's Supper but it is authorized bynecessary inference, when Jesus instituted the Lord'sSupper during the passover, a time when all Jewspurged their homes of all leaven! Would BrotherLovell affirm that unleavened bread is not covered byscripture simply because it is not spelled out in theBible? Would he be willing to use cake or steak onthe Lord's table? Certainly not. Why would anyonesay that unleavened bread is not covered by scripture?

The same is true of church buildings. When theLord commanded his people to assemble (Heb. 10:25)this necessitates a place to assemble. How in the name of common sense could brethren assemble without a place to assemble? Since the Lord has not specified the place, brethren may worship wherever theychoose. This shows any honest soul that church buildings are covered by scripture. No one, to my knowl

___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 9

edge, has ever argued that church buildings are theonly place to assemble, any more than they haveargued that the unleavened bread has to be made in a home or bakery.

The same is true of song books. The Lord commanded us to sing. If we choose we could memorizethe songs but most of us prefer the use of a songbook. How could any person sing without a song?The song books are covered under the command tosing. The church building is covered by scriptureunder the command to assemble. Driving an automobile is covered by scripture under the command togo. Literature is covered by the scriptures under thecommand to teach. A baptistery is covered by scripture under the command to baptize.

Brethren, how could any honest soul say thatchurch buildings, baptisteries, song books, etc., arenot covered by the word of God? It seems thatBrother Lovell and his colleagues are saying thatthe Church of Christ today is practicing many thingsfor which it has no scripture. Therefore, he seeks totie the hands of any of us who would object to theirpresent innovations. But to his surprise we shallcontinue to cry out against all things not authorizedin the word God.

What Brother Lovell needs to find is the scripturewhere one church ever sent one dime to another church to preach the gospel. I won't argue aboutwhether they carried the money on ox cart or jetplane! He also needs to find the scripture whichauthorizes a church to make monthly donations tobenevolent organizations such as Boles Home. Suchhe will not find. I can find scripture authorizing thechurch to assemble, sing, observe the Lord's supper,etc., but he will never find scripture for his digressiveprojects.

Gentle reader, please check up on the church whereyou are worshipping and do not permit it to go intodigression by saying that church buildings, songbooks, baptisteries, etc., are not covered by the scriptures. Such statements are modernistic, completelyfalse and will send your soul to hell.

DEPRAVITY-No. 2

The first temptation, so far as the Bible revealsthat came to Adam, he sinned. Was it a bad naturethat caused Adam to sin? God made Adam good andvery good (Gen. 1:31). What made Adam sin? Weare told a bad nature. From whence came his nature? Acts 17:29 " — ye are the offspring of God — ." Hebrews 12:9, "We have had fathers of our fleshwhich corrected us, and we gave them reverence;shall we not much rather be in subjection unto theFather of Spirits, and live." Eccl. 12:7, "The dustshall return to the earth as it was, and the Spirit unto God who gave it."

Baptists declare that when one is regenerated, theSpirit is born again, but the body remains depraved till the resurrection, and sins so long as man lives on earth. That it is the body that sins after one is converted. If that contention is true, how is it possible for one to obeyGod's command: "Present your bodies a living sacrifice,Holy, acceptable to God" (Rom. 12:1). If the body isdepraved, totally depraved — corrupt, how is it possibleto present the body holy unto God? "If we walk in the light — the blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin" (IJohn 1:7). If one is totally depraved, a sinner by nature,will that depravity remain in a man after he isregenerated — if he will walk in the light? The bloodcleanseth from all sin if one walks in the light. How thenwill he remain depraved — if that is a sin?

If, as Baptists contend, that after conversion the spirit does not sin but that the body sins, consider the following:

1. Before conversion which sins? Is the alien sinner's spirit responsible for sins, and the Christian's not? Thespirit is the responsible part of man. "Let not sin reignin your mortal body" (Rom. 6:12). If the spirit lets sinreign in the body it becomes guilty. The desire for some things grow out of the flesh, but the purpose to gratifythose desires in an unlawful way is formed in theheart. For that reason Jesus said, "Every one thatlooketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery already with her in his heart" (Matt. 5:28).Though there is no overt act of the body, the heart isdefiled by the thought.

The sin of the heart comes first. Hear Jesus again, "For out of the heart cometh evil thoughts, murders,adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, railings: these are the things which defile the man" (Matt. 15:19-20). The purpose, plans, intentions are formed inthe heart. Adam sinned, yet he was a child of God (Luke 3:38). The body is the instrument through which thespirit acts for good or bad. Rom. 6:19, "Ye presentedyour members as servants of uncleanness and to iniquity, even now present your members as servants of righteousness unto sanctification." The spirit is responsible for how it uses these instrument. Rom.8:13, "If ye live after the flesh ye shall die."

THE PEOPLE'S NEW TESTAMENT WITH EXPLANATORY NOTES

B. W. Johnson

This new one-volume edition is the product of many years of dedicated study, research and insight. It contains the entire New Testament in both the King James and Revised Versions, inparallel columns for ready referenceand comparison. A verse-by-verse study on the same page with the text. A very popular commentary.

Single volume of entire N.T $5.00

". . . THEY REHEARSED ALL THAT GOD HAD DONE WITH THEM . . ."— Acts 14:27

TWENTY-EIGHT-DAY GOSPEL TENTMEETING IN ALTUS, OKLAHOMA

Jesse M. Kelley

P.O. Box 955, Altus, Oklahoma 73521

June 6th will mark the beginning of an extendedgospel meeting of 28 days in Altus, Oklahoma. Thenew Southeast church of Christ which meets at 1101 South Navajo will conduct the meeting under a tentlocated on the church property. Four different gospelpreachers will participate in the effort embracingfour Sundays and 28 days — June 6th through July3rd. These speakers will participate in the followingorder:

June 6-12, Dudley Ross Spears

June 13-19, Yater Tant

June 20-26, Wright Randolph

June 27-July 3, Roy Cogdill

The meeting will be an appeal to, and an effort toreach those out of Christ, and will emphasize "firstprinciples" and related subjects. The men who havebeen chosen as the speakers in this effort are highlyqualified and competent, as just the listing of theirnames will indicate to all who know them. Some twenty-five to thirty thousand pieces of literatureand advertising will be distributed in this city during the course of the meeting.

We appeal to all our brethren everywhere who willbe taking their vacation during this period to planto come by Altus and spend a few days with us inthis effort. Just a few miles to the North is QuartzMountain State park which is a wonderful place tospend a vacation. If you carry your own campingequipment as some do on their vacation we have morethan ample room on the approximately one and one-half acres of the church property with rest room andbath facilities available. If you stay in motels or onlakes and in parks as you may prefer, the facilitieshere are as adequate and appealing as any you canfind in this part of the country. Your presence withus during a part or all of this meeting would be atremendous help and encouragement; and what better way could you spend any part of a vacation thanin helping in a difficult place to more firmly establishthe Cause of our Lord in reaching those who are lostin sin?

The few of us here are looking forward with agreat deal of anticipation to this extended effort;we want to share that joy with you, and we thinkyou would enjoy being with us during any part ofthat time. Some in other places have already told usthey plan to come and spend the entire 28 days withus. We have arranged for the preachers, facilities,and place; you pick your time and the preacher youwould like to hear and point your auto in the direction of Altus, Oklahoma.

If you would like further information write us at

P.O. Box 955, Altus, Oklahoma 73521, and we willgladly furnish it.

John W. Pitman, Greenland, Ark. — Do you havechildren or those dear to you who attend the Arkansas State University in Fayetteville, Arkansas? Iam told that there are 300 attending college this year who are members of the church and that only halfof these attend church services. Do you know any ofthese students? If so, please send me their names andaddresses. The church is meeting at present in myhome, but if we can get help we can meet in a building in town in Fayetteville. The church is carrying a 15minute radio program each Sunday morning. Thecost is $8.60 per week. The program is growing andwe are receiving phone calls. One elder called to warnme about disturbing "his flock."

The church needs a meeting place so we can contact more people. Many will not come to my house,but others would worship in a cave if they had to.We have promises that others will come when we geta meeting place. We have in all seven members as of now, but we could have twenty or more if we had ameeting place. Will you help us plant the churchagain in this area of northwest Arkansas where liberalism is running free and growing? Brethren, weare not asking for support for a preacher, although what he has is not enough. Will you help us with aplace to meet? My mailing address is: P.O. Box 195,Greenland, Ark. 72737.

Thomas A. Thornhill, Tampa, Florida — The Mac-Dill Avenue congregation has just completed whatmany of the brethren consider to be the best meetingin several years. Brother Colin Williamson, who formerly preached here for several years, returned topresent some excellent lessons from the word of God.He did an excellent job of presenting the truth, usingthe flannel-board lessons to great advantage. He ispresently preaching at Jonesboro, Tennessee, andfrom all reports is doing an outstanding job there.Much good was accomplished and as it is hard tomeasure the success of a meeting, from many aspectswe can truthfully say that visibly much was accomplished. Eight precious souls were baptized intoChrist and three were restored to their first love, twoof these asking to be identified as members with us.Above all, God was glorified, Christ and his wordwere honored, and souls were saved and the churchstrengthened. Good crowds were characteristic eachnight and the meeting began on Sunday night, April17, with 139 in attendance. The last night of themeeting was the following Sunday night and 179were present. In all the average attendance for themeeting was 127 and many of these were non-members from this community, providing us with severalprospects for future work. To me this proves thatwhen a congregation prepares for a meeting, prayscontinually for its success and then works during the meeting, it will be a success to all concerned. Our nextmeeting at MacDill is scheduled with brother RogerHendricks of Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee for October,1966. We hope to see you then.

Curtis E. Flatt, Florence, Ala. — Brother Bob Crawley of Lexington, Kentucky will preach in agospel meeting at the College View church here inFlorence from June 12 through June 19. We inviteall who can to attend this meeting.

Jim Puterbaugh, Mtn. View, Alaska — Presently,there are sound, faithful Christians meeting togetherat Fairbanks. This congregation has been in existence for four years. They have accomplished a greatdeal of good since their beginning. During this time,brethren Luther G. Roberts, Harry E. Payne, WilliamFain and Lowell Williams have preached in gospelmeetings with this congregation. They now haveproperty and a comfortable building paid for. Theywould like to contact a gospel preacher to work withthem. They are able to supply partial support.

As a result of brethren faithfully "contendingearnestly for the faith," a new congregation is meeting in Anchorage. These brethren have been workingtogether for one year. We now have thirty-two members. Lowell Williams worked with us last fall in a meeting. The work is progressing quite well. Forrest Moyer will be preaching in a meeting for the congregation at Fairbanks, May 25 through June 1. He will,then, be with us in a meeting, June 2-9.

We invite you to worship with these churchesshould you come to Alaska. If you know of any military personnel that are being transferred to Alaska,please pass this information on to them or send ustheir names and where they will be stationed. Youcan contact either of these congregations throughthe following:

Fairbanks, Alaska

Church of Christ

12 3/4 Mile Richardson Highway

Phones: 488-6854 or 373-4464

Anchorage, Alaska

Church of Christ

3833 Parsons St. (Located in Mtn. View)

Phones: 272-8006 or 227-0008

Robert H. Farish, Austin, Texas — For those who visit in Austin over the week end, our schedule ofservices on Sunday is: Bible study, 9:30 a.m., preaching service, 10:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. The meetinghouse is at 507 Wonsley Dr., Austin, Texas.

Thomas A. Thornhill, Tampa, Fla. — On Sunday,March 6, I resigned from the work at MacDill Avenue, effective August 10, 1966. It was with deepregret that this decision was made. The past year anda half have been among my most enjoyable labors inpreaching and I believe the brethren to be amongthe finest anywhere. The reason for leaving is neitherdissension nor necessity, but simply because of mydecision to go to Bergen, Norway and relieve brotherBob Tuten. An article explaining this should befound elsewhere in this publication. If interested,please write to MacDill Avenue church of Christ,5008 S. MacDill Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33611.

During the past 18 months at MacDill Avenue wehave had 15 baptisms, 6 restorations, 14 to placemembership. During this same period we lost 28members by moving to other locations, and 5 who justleft us, withdrawing membership.

WANTED: A small engine repair man. Some saleswork. Steady employment. Christian preferred. Contact Russell Farm Supply, Box 157, Palmetto, Florida. Phone: 722-3281.

Robert A. Bolton, Ontario, Calif. — The church of Christ, meeting at 126 West "E" Street, in Ontario,California, recently concluded a very successful gospel meeting with brother Tommy McClure of El Cajon, California doing an excellent job of preaching.Many visitors from the community, as well as brethren from all over Southern California, were in attendance at every service in what proved to be thebest attended meeting ever conducted here. Five wererestored and four identified, bringing the total number responding to the invitation during the pastthree months to twenty-seven. To those planningvacations in Southern California this year, we extendan invitation to worship with us in Ontario, just offInterstate 10, some 35 miles east of Los Angeles.

John H. Gibbert, Myrtle Beach, S. C. — We have baptized a total of 10 since this congregation wasstarted just a little over a year ago. We are planningour third gospel meeting now. It is with Barney Car-gill of Warner Robins, Georgia and is planned forMay 9th through 15th.

We are about to lose a couple who are new in thefaith. They are being discharged next month andare returning to Iowa. Would you please give us thenames of any sound brethren in Iowa? This is anexceptional couple. He is the base legal officer andwill be practicing law in Des Moines, Iowa when he gets out.

W. E. (Bud) Irvine, Odessa, Texas — I returned home to the Crescent Park church in Odessa, TexasApril 1 after meetings in Portland, Oregon, with the

N.W. church where David Bonner preaches; RentonWashington where Harley Conger preaches; and Pol-son, Montana where Albert Bass preaches. This workresulted in four baptisms and four to come out from"liberal" groups and identify with loyal brethren.

Then April 3, the first Lord's day after my return,we had a most wonderful day with seven baptisms,two from a "liberal" group to identify with us, andtwo restorations. We also baptized a man during theweek. Since the first of the year there have been 27responses here, nine of them baptisms.

After six and a half years as local preacher here, I shall be released of my obligations as such, andbrother Hoyt Houchen will begin with us June 26as local preacher. I shall continue living here andwill continue to be under the financial support of thischurch. I will spend most of my time in meetingwork, for the most part with small churches.

My meeting schedule until the first of the yearwill be as follows : The dates I give will be beginningdates. Some will be eight days, others ten days induration: July 10, Pyat, Ark. July 20, Naylor, Mo.Aug. 1, Cache Lake, Ark. The Sundays of August14 and 21 are unconfirmed, though I have made contact. Beginning Aug. 28 I shall work with the small,new, loyal church in Monahans, Texas, about 35miles west of Odessa, for about three weeks, andwill hold a meeting for them during this time.

I have signed propositions with Wayne Jackson of

Stockton, California on the issues now confrontingus, and the debate will be probably the third orfourth week in September in Fresno and Clovis,California. I signed the propositions and mailed themto California, and I received a phone call that thepropositions were acceptable, though I have not received them back as yet. We will report the exacttime of the debate and propositions a bit later. Wetrust all of central California will plan to attend thisdiscussion which will cover four days, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and cover the institutional question and brotherhood-eldership type ofchurch work, such as Herald of Truth, etc.

October 2 and 9 I shall preach here at CrescentPark while brother Houchen is in meetings. ThenI begin with the Northside church in Tucson, Ariz.,Oct. 10; Clovis, Calif., Oct. 23; Bakersfield, Calif.,Oct. 31; Parkdale in Madera, Calif., Nov. 13; Merced, Calif., Dec. 4. Though not confirmed, I believe I willbe with the brethren of Cayucos, Calif., where LouieStout preaches, Dec. 12-18.

In 1967 up until June I will have meetings in PalmSprings, Calif., West Long Beach, Calif., Oceanside,Calif., Carmichael, Calif., Novato, Calif. I also willbe in the Eugene and Portland, Oregon area, andSeattle area, and possibly in Montana. Exact dateshave not been made as yet, and I still have some timeavailable in 1967.

Please pray for us in this new work we shall undertake in June, Lord willing. Also I know nothing ofWayne Jackson I am to meet in debate. If anyonecan send me information which would be useful in my preparation for the discussion, I would appreciateit very much. If I can be of service to any congregation, write me in care of Crescent Park church ofChrist; 1415 Royalty, Odessa, Texas.

NOTICE: Vernon R. Butler, Catania, Sicily — The church of the Lord is now meeting aboard the NavalAir Facility, Sigonella, Sicily in the school building at 10:15 each Sunday morning. All are welcome. Ifthere is anyone in this area, or coming to this areathat you would like for me to contact, please let meknow at the address below. Lt. Vernon R. Butler,US NAF Box 28, c/o FPO, New York, N. Y. 09523.

A VISIT TO AUSTRALIA

Sewell Hall

At the request and with the support of a numberof interested brethren, I am en-route to Australia for three months of evangelistic work.

On a similar tour of the subcontinent in 1960,Brother Harris Dark baptized 10, restored 29 fromdigression, and assisted in the beginning of threecongregations. It is hoped that similar results mayattend our present effort.

At this writing it is not certain what the extentof our opportunities will be. Brother Roland McDowell, who is supported partially by Franklin Road in Nashville and by Perry Heights in Donelson,Tennessee, has assured us of sufficient work in thearea where he preaches to fill the weeks we are tobe in that country.

The Franklin Road Church has purchased theround-trip ticket; Perry Heights is furnishing expenses of travel and lodging in the country; Hueytown, Alabama is supplying our salary and the NorthBirmingham church quarters for my family while I am away.

The Midfield church in Birmingham is supplying additional fare to make possible a stay of a few dayswith brethren Nichols and Hinton in Japan and withbrother Ronnie Sadorra in the Philippines.

We shall be happy to share with brethren in theStates our observation of work being done by others,information concerning opportunities for furtherwork in countries that we visit, and what we praywill be reports of fruit with which the Lord maybless our efforts.

Forest E. Hurst, Seymour, Ind. — The Fourth and Poplar Street church in Seymour, Indiana has had nine baptisms and one to place membership duringthe first three months of 1966. Three of this number were elderly people from the denominational world.There will be a gospel meeting with the church hereMay 2 through 8. The speaker will be brother Guy Roberson of Franklin, Tennessee.

BRUNER-HAMILTON DEBATE

Mr. William T. Bruner and brother Clinton Hamilton will enter a discussion May 23 through 28, 1966at the meeting house of the Expressway church ofChrist in Louisville, Kentucky, where James P. Needham is the preacher. The propositions to be discussedare:

May 23, 24 Mr. Bruner affirms: "The Scripturesteach that since the fall of man, every child (Jesusalone excepted) has been born in original sin andtotal depravity. This sinful nature is innate (native or inborn) and yet it is not hereditary; each individual is conceived in his own personal sin and guilt,and is, therefore, absolutely responsible for it."Brother Hamilton denies.

May 25, 26 brother Hamilton affirms: "The Scriptures teach that baptism in the name of Christ to apenitent believer is for (in order to) the remissionof his past, or alien, sins, and is, therefore, essentialto his salvation from alien sins." Mr. Bruner denies.

May 27, 28 Mr. Bruner affirms: "The Scripturesteach that every one who has been truly born again will persevere unto everlasting salvation, for he cannot so sin as to be finally lost." Brother Hamiltondenies.

There will be no moderators, but brother James

P. Needham will act as chairman and time keeperfor the discussion. The discussion is scheduled to begin at 7:30 each evening.

MILLER-WOODS DEBATE

Propositions have been signed by James P. Millerand Guy N. Woods for a debate in Montgomery, Alabama in August 29, 30, 31, and September 1, 1966.The propositions are the same as those discussed inTampa last year by James P. Miller and G. K. Wallace. More about this as to the building and otherdetails later.

THE HALE-SPEARS DEBATE IN OKLAHOMA CITY

Roy E. Cogdill8826 Hanna Ave.,Canoga Park, Calif. 91304

It was the pleasure of this writer to attend thedebate in Oklahoma City between brethren DudleyRoss Spears and Lewis Hale during the week ofMarch 28 to April 1. Monday and Tuesday nightswere given to the discussion of Herald of Truth andThursday and Friday nights the discussion was on the benevolent organizations such as Tipton Homeand Boles Home.

All four nights of the discussion took place in thebuilding at Tenth and Frances Streets where brotherSpears is the preacher. While brother Hale was willing to defend his position on these issues and wasbacked by the church where he preaches, the Southwest Church of that city, and its elders, neither henor they were willing that any part of the debateshould be held in their building.

The building at Tenth and Frances will accommodate perhaps nine hundred people and it was wellfilled each night and a night or two during the debatethere was near a capacity crowd. This was an indication of unusual interest among the members of theTenth and Frances members and also among those in Oklahoma City and surrounding communities whostand with brother Hale. Quite a number of preachers from all over the country came to give brotherSpears their backing and encouragement.

We will not undertake to give a detailed review of the discussion but suggest that those interested inhearing it may obtain the tapes of the entire discus-son from brother H. E. Phillips for the nominal costof $12.00. Brother Phillips came from Tampa, Florida, where he lives, and recorded the debate and will be glad to furnish reproductions of it to all who wishto have it. His address is: H. E. Philips, P. O. Box17244, Tampa, Florida, 33612.

We do believe, however, that it would be interesting to our readers to point out a few things in general about the debate and a few of the highlights init. The proposition on the Herald of Truth or thesponsoring church was a little unusual in its wording: "The scriptures teach there is an exclusive andbinding pattern of cooperation among churches forEvangelism which is violated by the Herald of Truthtype of cooperation." Brother Spears affirmed thisproposition. He built his case largely on the definition of the word, "Pattern." He defined it as the"sum total of all that the scriptures teach to be God's will concerning any matter." From this he arguedthat when all the Bible teaches about anything isgathered together, this is the divine pattern of God'swill and it is exclusive for the reason that God condemns anyone who goes beyond the "doctrine ofChrist" or preaches any "other gospel."

He drew a parallel between the pattern in the scriptures for the worship, work, and organization of thechurch and the scriptural pattern for church cooperation. He pointed out that these patterns not only include that which is the will of the Lord butexclude that which God does not will. He further contended that the pattern for church cooperation consisting of all the scriptures teach on this subject, either includes the sponsoring church type of cooperation or it does not include it. If it includes it,brother Hale was obligated to produce the passagethat includes it in the denial of the proposition. Ifthis could not be done, then the silence of God's wordwould exclude it and the scriptures condemn thosewho would add it.

In his charts he illustrated that just as singingexcludes instrumental music, immersion excludessprinkling, water excludes any other element in baptism, the unleavened loaf and the fruit of the vineexcludes every other element in the Lord's Supper, so the scriptural pattern of church cooperation excludes the federation of churches, the pooling ofresources by churches and centralizing the controlunder one eldership of the work of many churches.

He argued that in the scriptures we not only have positive pattern of church cooperation in evangelismbut that in this divine pattern there is conspicuouslymissing any commandment, approved example, ornecessary inference for the sponsoring type of churchcooperation. From such a pattern there is missingeither generic or specific authority for one churchsending money to another church to be used inpreaching. When the New Testament churches cooperated in supporting the preaching of the gospel,they sent directly to the preacher and never to thechurch. He challenged brother Hale to produce thepassage that teaches directly or indirectly that it isGod's will and divine sanction is given to one churchsending to another church a contribution to be usedto preach the gospel.

It was outstanding that in the two speeches which he made the first night brother Hale did not introduce a single passage of scripture nor even mentionany except those which brother Spears had introduced or which appeared on an illustration which hehad taken from the weekly church paper, "The Gospel Visitor," which Tenth and Frances publishes andbrother Spears edits. The second night on this proposition brother Hale, when he was pressed again bybrother Spears for some scripture, finally introducedMatt. 28:18-20. He argued that there is authorityfor the Herald of Truth in the command, "Go, teach."Brother Spears contended in his last speech in replyto this that if the generic command in the GreatCommission included Herald of Truth, it would alsoinclude the Missionary Society. He further contended that if the passage excluded the Missionary Society,

it would also exclude the Herald of Truth and for

the same reason. The most conspicuous thing in the

discussion on this proposition was the emphasis given

by brother Spears to the fact that brother Hale had

tried to establish his position without giving any

scripture at all but only by relying upon what he

regarded as inconsistencies by him and Tenth and

Frances in what they had done and said in the past.

He was trying to establish the truth of "what the

scriptures teach" without any reference to the scrip

tures but by sophistry and human reason.

One of the most amusing things during the last

night on the Herald of Truth was when, in dealing

with one of the charts which Spears had introduced,

brother Hale charged that error had been made in

the amount of money which brother Spears had said

the Herald of Truth received. He pointed out they

had not received all of this money but had only asked

for it. In response brother Spears introduced the financial statement of The Herald of Truth for 1960 for the whole year's operation and showed that ithad a discrepancy in it for $22,000 approximately. Hepointed out that this discrepancy was not a simpleerror in mathematics or addition but that it was made to balance with $22,000 unaccounted for and thatthough this was exposed in the Newbern debate several years ago there had been no explanation or correction made until this day to account for it. BrotherFrank Cawyer, head mogul of the Herald of Truthsince the death of brother Reese, jumped out of hisseat like he had been stuck with an old fashioned hat pin when this was brought out. Brother Hale evenunder brother Cawyer's prompting offered no explanation concerning this. Brother Spears suggestedthat the point in the mistake was that a group ofelders that set themselves forth among the brethrenthroughout the world as a capable group of businessmen experienced and competent to oversee a workfor the whole brotherhood would put out a yearlyfinancial statement with such a discrepancy in itand that such was definitely a reflection upon atleast their competency.

The last two nights of the discussion brother Haleaffirmed "It is in harmony with the scriptures forchurches to build, maintain and regularly contributemoney to such benevolent organizations as TiptonHome, Boles Home and other orphan homes andhomes for the aged that are among us." Very evidently feeling the pressure of the first two nights from brother Spears concerning his failure to makea single argument based on a Bible passage, brotherHale decided to introduce some Bible passages ofsome sort. So he introduced a number of passages inthe New Testament on the theme of benevolence in his first speech. Brother Spears pointed out in hisfirst speech that all of the passages introduced bybrother Hale either applied to the obligation of individual benevolence or the obligation of a localchurch to take care of its own needy or assist another church that had more destitute members than it could care for. He emphasized that none of this isquestioned or was involved in any way in the proposition. He further emphasized that when brother Halegot down to the real issue in his proposition, the very thing that he was under obligation to prove, he quitthe Bible and had not offered a single passage concerning the churches building and maintaining benevolent organizations. He emphasized that brotherHale had not and could not produce a passage of scripture authorizing churches to "build and maintain benevolent organizations" but in this as in thefirst issue discussed he had to rely upon the otherfellow's inconsistencies or what he regarded as suchand upon sophistry and human wisdom for his proof.

Perhaps the most telling thing in the debate was

the failure of brother Hale to rely upon Bible proof.

This, of course, is always the case in the discussion

of these issues. If brethren who so practice had any

Bible for what they do, everyone knows they would

produce it and rely upon it and when they do not

use Bible proof it is prima facie evidence that theydo not have any.

Brother Hale sought to confuse the issue by twoprincipal contentions. He argued that if the churchescould buy the services of a human institution, theycould contribute to it. He tried to put the Tenth and Frances elders in a position of endorsing buyingservices from such institutions as Tipton by a statement they had made a number of years ago. Fromthis he drew the conclusion that they could make acontribution to such institutions. Brother Spearsshowed that even though the statement admitted thefirst and whether or not it was right or wrong, or wasthe present attitude in such a matter, the conclusionwas not warranted and was based purely uponbrother Hale's ipsa dixit. He pointed out that theTenth and Frances Church sometimes bought services from the Catholic Hospital nearby but could notrightly contribute to it and pressed brother Hale tosay that it could be done. Brother Hale respondedthat if all the patients in such a hospital were theresponsibility of Tenth and Frances they could contribute and purchasing their total services would beequivalent to contributing. He came very close inthis position, and all of them do, to admitting orcontending for limited benevolence. If they do notbelieve in limited benevolence, why would they stipulate that the churches can run a hospital only whenit cared for indigent saints or contributed to itsmaintenance only when it was caring exclusively for those who were its charge?

Brother Hale tried in the second place, to contendthat the benevolent organization is of no consequence. He argued that Tipton Home is under elders,as elders, even though they are incorporated andempowered to run the home legally as a board ofdirectors. He admitted that by their charter and inthe sight of the law they were a board of directorsover the home but contended that from the viewpointof the church they were just elders. He tried to showthis by Chief Justice Marshall's definition of a Corporation as an "imaginary thing." Brother Spearscountered on this point with a full legal definitionof a corporation setting forth that it has a real existence, a legal entity, though it exists only in contemplation of law, and that it can do much of what aperson can do legally, such as, hold title to property,buy and sell, sue and be sued, etc. He recited the caseof a woman who sued Tipton Home to recover herchildren which she had placed there and pointed out that she did not sue the church or the elders, eitheras elders or as individuals, but the incorporated bodyor the organization that has charge of and runs thehome.

When brother Hale contended that we appointtrustees of the church and incorporate the churchand argued that such was not a separate organization, brother Spears showed that church trustees ora church corporation is another organization for acorporation has been held by the supreme court tobe a part of nothing and is separate from even itsdirectors and those who compose it legally. He alsopointed out that there are two different types ofcorporations. When a church is incorporated to holdtitle to property, the corporate body and its trusteescannot interfere with or control the spiritual functions of the church. In many of the states it wouldbe illegal for them to do so and in all of them itwould be unscriptural. He cited an example of achurch corporation, empowered by its charter to appoint and remove elders and control the activities ofthe church like the incorporation controls TiptonHome and asked if brother Hale would endorse it. He did not answer.

In his work on the benevolent societies, brotherSpears introduced a chart setting forth a comparisonbetween the "schools" such as O. C. C. and others operated by brethren and the "homes" such as Tiptonand Boles. He introduced statements by N. B. Hardeman and Batsell Barrett Baxter that the orphanhomes and schools stand or fall together. He alsointroduced a statement from Reuel Lemmons to the effect that the schools were trying to use the"homes" as the doorstep to get themselves established in the budgets of the churches. He challengedbrother Hale to tell the audience whether or not he believed the schools could be supported out of church treasuries. He did not find out.

It is singular that the Gospel Advocate crowd contends that the "homes" must be separate institutionsfrom the church and contend that it is wrong andsinful for "homes" to be under elders but that theymust be under a general board while the Firm Foundation crowd believe that a "home" under the elders of the church, as such, is the way to build and runthem. The Advocate contends that the schools should be supported by the churches while Reuel Lemmonsand those who go along with him contend to the contrary. Yet they will compromise and go along fraternizing each other and try to destroy all who contendthat neither is true. Brother Hale tries to straddle the fence and go along with both. He is in the precarious position of a man trying to ride two horseseach of which is traveling in different directions.

The debate will do much good. It cannot be productive of anything else. More need to be held butyou cannot find many of the liberal, modern brethren who believe in debating any more. We commendbrother Hale for doing his best to defend his cause.

Dudley Ross Spears is doing a fine work at Tenthand Frances. He is young in years but has splendidability. He is a fluent speaker, a thorough student,and impresses his audience with his humility and hisgenuine sincerity. He did a very fine job of upholdingthe truth in this debate and is thoroughly capable ofupholding the truth against any opposition. It isvery encouraging to see the good Tenth and Frances Church which has suffered much discouragement,misrepresentation and abuse in recent years makingreal progress now and growing substantially. Theelders and members gave brother Spears their unstinted support in the discussion and seem determined to militantly contend for the faith once delivered. We thank God for such gospel preachers andsuch churches.

CROWE-SMITH DEBATE

J. T. Smith

On May 20 and 21 there will be a public discussionbetween Glen Crowe and J. T. Smith. This discussion will be held at the meeting house of the church ofChrist, 920 North Rockwell Avenue, Oklahoma City,Oklahoma. The propositions will be:

"There is an exclusive and binding pattern in theNew Testament for the work and worship of thechurch which is violated by taking money from thefirst day of the week contribution to build and maintain kitchens and fellowship halls for the purpose ofproviding facilities for the church to have social meals." Smith will affirm and Crowe will deny. The

discussion will begin at 7:30 p.m. each evening, with

two thirty minute speeches by each speaker each

evening.

BALLARD-O'NEAL DEBATE

Thomas G. O'Neal

There will be a religious discussion conducted between Thomas G. O'Neal and P. D. Ballard in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on the nights of June 13, 14, 16, 17, 1966. The time each evening will be 7:30 p.m.This discussion will be conducted under a tent which will be located in Grantland Rice Park. The park islocated on highway 231 north, just across the street from the Chromalox Plant. The propositions will be:

1. "The Scriptures teach that baptism in water isfor (in order to obtain) remission of sins." O'Nealaffirms and Ballard denies.
2. "The Scriptures teach that a child of God (onewashed in the blood of Christ) cannot so sin as to be finally lost in hell." Ballard affirms and O'Neal denies.

H. E. Phillips, P.O. Box 17244, Tampa, Florida, hasexclusive rights to the tape recording of this debate.Tapes of the entire debate will be $12.00.

"MUST WE FOREVER CRY IN VAIN"

Thomas A. Thornhill, Tampa, Florida

The following is a quotation from the Sept., 1965

issue of "Newsweek." "Norway can boast of blessings almost unknownto the rest of the world. Its cities are unmarred by slums and vice. Its economy is free of strikesand unemployment. Illiteracy does not exist. Infact, the country is a sort of Nordic paradisewhere 4 million citizens enjoy the tranquilitythat only one of the most stable, egalitarianand paternalistic societies in existence can provide." Is it not a shame that in a country of 4 million as

described in the above quotation, there are so fewChristians and so few workers trying to restorethe N.T. Church? MUST WE FOREVER CRY IN VAIN?

The above article was taken from the "BergenBriefs," the monthly report sent by Bro. Bob Tutenfrom Bergen, Norway. Bro. Tuten originally wentto Norway in the fall of 1963 intending to stay onlythree years. At the end of this time no replacementhad been found, so, Tuten and his family then decided to remain in Norway for another year to allow a replacement to be found. He writes this in a reportdated Feb. 8, 1966:

"Upon finding ourselves alone in the work onlyten months after arriving and upon seeing thetremendous need over here we decided to remain four years and then return home for good. This is all well and good except for one major problem — there is no one to replace us in the work.Is it necessary that someone replace us? Wethink it is. The brethren who preceded us in thework here invested over $5,000 in the meeting"lokale" and adjoining apartment. The total rentof over $85 per month plus utilities is much too expensive for the little band of disciples to assume by themselves. What's more important, there is nomale Christian dependable enough to assume the needed teaching and preaching. Therefore what's tobecome of these few Christians should we leave Norway?" After reading these two articles by Bro. Tuten and hearing the cry of lost souls, my wife and I decided to "launch out into the deep" leavingfamilies, many friends and Christians, comforts and conveniences of an American society to journeyacross the ocean and strive to assist in the effort of "restoring New Testament Christianity" in Bergen,Norway and surrounding country. The group is smalland the obstacles are large but with the help of theLord we will sow the "seed" of the gospel in the nearfuture in this land. It is the job of the Christian, behe preacher or ordinary member to plant the seedand let God give the increase. Brethren we desire to go and we plan to depart these shores Aug. 10, enterNorway and spend three years of service in theLord's army in a foreign land. Bro. Tuten and family are staying another year to allow time for someone to arrive, learn the language and prepare to take over the work. We would willingly bear this burdenalone if possible, but being financially unable we arecalling upon our brethren to lend a hand and have"fellowship" with us in this work. Will you help usto go and preach the gospel? We are placing ourselves in the hands of God to provide the means andwe have faith that it will be forthcoming. Will youprove our faith?

We have set our departure date and will not lookback. Since there are five of us in the family it willtake at least $550 minimum a month to live for living expenses are much higher than in the states. Wewill also need a working fund in order to print anddistribute articles and tracts. It will take $3,000 atleast for a travel fund and expenses to go and havemoney for a return trip in time of emergency orwhen our stay is ended. Will you not have fellowshipin this the greatest of works, that of saving souls."Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields, that theyare white already unto harvest."

Time is short, brethren, it is less than 3 months till Aug. 10. "I heard the voice of the Lord saying,Whom shall I send, and who will go with us? Then I said, Here am I, send me."

I resigned from the work at MacDill Ave. in Tampa, Florida, effective in Aug. It was with reluctancethat we are leaving this fine congregation for theyare among the best in the world. It is not becausewe have to leave, but rather, a compelling desire tohelp in the work in Norway. For further informationwrite to me at the following address. Thomas A.Thornhill, 5008 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa, Florida33611. For reference as to character and ability youmay write Bro. H. E. Phillips and James P. Miller,Box 17244, Tampa, Florida 33612, or Bro. HarryPickup or Homer Hailey, Florida College, TempleTerrace, Fla. 33617.

Please, brethren, answer the call that we may go.