As I look upon the field — the brotherhood — and see what has happened to the crop in the last ten years, and what is happening now, my heart is made sad. I see brethren whom I have loved and respected, turned aside from the "True Way." Many have acted in such a way a cause me to lose all respect for them;although, I still love their souls.

One whom I looked upon as a man with the abilityto present the gospel so plain and forcefully, whose conviction I thought could never be shaken, has turned aside to serve Satan. He has, I understand, turned to the "bottle." I thought that he was a great teacher; he preached the word. I find it difficult toaccept the fact that he no longer preaches the word of the Lord.

Another who had gained my confidence, has set aside some of the things he stood for in order toteach in one of "our institutions." His aim must be material gain, rather than spiritual. I can have norespect fora man's convictions, who will so act. I have little hope that such a man will change for "good." I am inclined to believe that any change willbe in a downward direction.

A Bible teacher whom I respected very highlyturned aside to promote institutionalism. He wouldconsider, and reason, on most subjects, but not this;his mind was made up, anything contrary to his views were pushed aside with hardly any consideration at all.

Many individuals, whom I loved, have turned aside; some have given up and profess nothing religiously, while others have turned aside to adopt something other than the pure teaching of Christ. Some of these are older in the faith than I, whilothers have obeyed the gospel since I have.

Reflecting on these scenes disturbs me; tears almost begin to flow. I am tempted to give way to such thoughts as, "is there really any use of trying? Are there no 'good people'? Perhaps all are serving thLord for some selfish motive! Is it po ible that Ihave some selfish motive behind my religious actions ?"

As I allow these unpleasant thoughts to pa through my mind, I am caused to reflect on some passages of scripture: "For I know this, that aftemy departing shall grievous wolves enter in amonyou not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now brethren . . ." (Acts 20:29-32). Notice that these words were addressed to the "elders of the church" which were at Ephesus (Acts 20:17). Remember also that later Timothy was left to "abide still at Ephesus ... to charge some that they teach no other doctrine,neither give heed ..." (I Tim. 1:3-4). My mind settles upon a passage in the book of Revelation concerning this congregation: "Remember therefore,from whence thou art fallen ..." (Rev. 2:5). I conclude that Paul must have been speaking "by inspiration of God" when he spoke at Miletus; God did nodetermine that this happen, as some have concluded, rather being able to see the future He told of some things that would happen

As I continue to reflect, I think of another warning: "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in thlatter times some shall depart from the faith, givingheed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; forbidding to marry, ancommanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of thewhich believe and know the truth." Although I find no comfort in the fact that men turn away, and I am sure that God doesn't either, neverthele , I am made to realize that God has revealed these things to us for our good.

God has told us of these things; as we see them come to pa , this should produce in us a desire to be careful and "examine" self and see if we be in the "faith." Should we not, after reflecting on these things, be convinced that all God has spoken concerning the future shall come to pass also? Do we not see a need to be ... "steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord," knowingthat our "labour is not in vain in the Lord ?" (I Cor. 15:58). Can we afford to do any less? I think not.

As I reflect, I am disturbed! I should be damned

if I were not. Who could survey this field, using the

measuring rod of God's eternal truth, and not have

his emotions stirred? Who could read what is being

written in some of the papers; see the names breth

ren are calling each other; hear the charges being made against men who are asking brethren to ask for a "thus saith the Lord" for what they do

Again, I say, "I am disturbed." Yet, I believe thatI am stronger. I am more aware of my need to search the scr iptur es "daily." T he voice from the past,"hold fast that which is good" sounds plainer and is meaningful since my experience. I am conscious ofthe fact that I cannot rely on any man; I must always look to God for my marching orders. Perhaps,In the past I have respected man too highly. All are subject to the appeals of evil, thus capable of falling.The greatest, when he departs from God's word, must return to that word before he can be saved. "Let God be true, but every man a liar; . . . That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged" (Rom. 3:4)

Reflecting on these matters, I am able to see andappreciate the wisdom and goodness of God more fully. He, looking down the stream of time and seeing these things coming, warned us. Do we not see here manifested both His goodness and wisdom?

AWARENESS can mean strength. Some one said,"an informed society is a free society," indicatingtheir evaluation of knowledge. Jesus valued knowledge highly — "You shall know the truth, and thtruth shall make you free" (John 8:32). One maknow and still not do, but he certainly cannot do if he doesn't know. Many appeals are made to our basic drives, seat of desires, to awaken an interest within us which will move us away from God. To be forewarned is to be forearmed. I see how these have gone astray, and realize that the same can happeto me. Therefore, I can and trust that I will bewatching for the appeals so I can resist.

DETERMINATION has an important function inour activities. By having seen what has happeneto many of God's children, I am determined to be onGUARD, to take HEED lest I fall also.

Paradoxically, in my weakness I find strength; byrealizing my weakne , I can rely upon God and beable to stand, thus be strong. Perhaps this is whatPaul meant when he said, "when I am weak, thenam I strong" (II Cor. 12:8). Yes indeed, I am disturbed by what I see, as I am when I see the damage done by a terrible disease. The damage in the spiritual realm is "everlasting," thus worse than that suffered in the flesh. Knowledge of a disease isnecessary before a remedy can be found and treatment made. The remedy for this spiritual disease isGod's teachings!!

MORE LETTERS TO EDITORS

I understand those who write letters such as the following expect them to be published and replymade to them. No request was made to withholdnames, hence we publish the letters exactly as they were received with the names of the authors. I make no attempt to edit these letters in any way lest I be accused of distorting what they have wr itten. I honestly believe fairness demands this.

July 12, 1967Brother Phillips:

I have just read your Editorial and article in theJuly i ue of Searching The Scriptures. I must admit that I am bewildered at the division in the Church today. I would like to ask some questions if you donot mind answering them and commenting on your answer.

Can a congregation of the Church express love?Before you answer this question for me, let me set something very clear. After reading your article (Iam uncertain about the Editorial however), I believethat your definition of love is a scriptural definition. However, I feel Paul's definition in his first letter(to) the Church in Corinth (I Corinthians 13) would establish my definition.

Is it wrong for a Congregation of the Church notto express its love?I respect your knowledge of the Bible and I will be

looking forward to your reply.Very sincerely, Bill Edwards 219 Hermitage Dr. Florence, Alabama

I appreciate this letter and shall try to answer the questions as best I can. It is encouraging to me toknow that br ethr en ar e concer ned about the division in the chur ch today.

This brother asked first, "Can a congregation ofthe chur ch expr ess love?" Since he stated that hebelieved my definition of love in the July, 1967 issue of this paper was scriptural, I shall not dwell on thedefinition of love.

Yes, I believe a congregation can express love! In fact, a congr egation must love or have the candlestick r emoved. Jesus said unto the chur ch of Ephesus, "Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee,because thou hast left thy first love" (Rev. 2:4). Unto the "saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons" (this is the congregational unit), the apostle wrote: "And this I pray, that your love may abound yet mor e and mor e in knowledge and in all judgment" (Phil. 1:1,9). The context shows this love to refer to the fruits of righteousness and the preaching of the gospel. In this way love is expr essed.

". . . unto the church of the Thessalonians" (I Thess. 1:1), Paul wrote: "And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and toesteem them very highly in love for their work's sake" (I Thess. 5:12,13). The church is to express love to the elders for their work's sake.

To "the saints which are at Ephesus" (Eph. 1:1),the apostle wrote: "But speaking the truth in love,may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which ever y joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love" (Eph. 4:15,16). L ove is expr essed in the body (chur ch — 1:22,23) by building up itself. This is to be done in love,and how would love be expr essed in this passage except by doing what is r equir ed ?

When the need ar ose among the poor saints in Jerusalem Paul instructed the church at Corinth, as he had "given order to the churches of Galatia" (ICor. 16:1), to give of their prosperity for this purpose. In II Corinthians 8:8 the apostle speaks of this "fellowship of the ministering to the saints" (verse 4) as an action "to pr ove the sincer ity of your love." Now since this was a fellowship of the ministering to the saints, and in the beginning of this chapter (IICor. 8) as well as in the first letter to the Corinthians, the "churches" of Galatia and "churches of Macedonia" were those involved in the fellowship, and this "ministering to the saints" was a means of provingthe sincer ity of love, it must follow that a congr egation (such as Corinth) can express love by ministering to the saints.

In I Corinthians 5 instructions were given to put

away and deliver to Satan one who was guilty of

fornication. This was to be done when "ye are gath

ered together" (verse 4), thus an action of the

church. In the second letter the apostle instructs

these same people to forgive this man because he

had repented. In II Corinthians 2:8 we read: "Where

fore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love

towar d him." T he chur ch which had put him away was now instructed to forgive him and confirm their love toward him. This was not an action of benevolence so far as the text or context shows. Love requires discipline and forgiveness when one repents. T his is a way a congr egation may expr ess its love.

But let me emphatically state that the wor d of God does not teach that either a congregation of Christians or an individual Chr istian can expr ess love and do something that is not authorized in the word of God. No congregation can express love for God, His word, or the people of God and do something that isnot taught in the wor d of God.

The second question is: "Is it wrong for a congregation of the church not to express its love?" It most certainly is! It is sinful for the people of God to refuse to do anything that God has authorized them to do. But remember the answer to the first question. Expressing love does not mean to do anything for which ther e is no authority in the NewTestament.

I appreciate this letter and trust this answers the questions the br other asked.

Sept. 4, 1967 Gentlemen: Cancel the subscription to "Searching The Scriptures" made for me by a relative.

T he stupidity and ignorance you display in your publication is beyound (sic) belief. It's astounding how you distort the Love and the teachings of Christ, to the extent of the masquerade found only in subversive literature.

What is glory and salvation with the waste of money succered (sic) by you to propagate opinion,the weakest of links to unity in the Church.

Can you feed paper to the hungry ? Have you tried to feed thoes (sic) who are really needy with themoney you make on this publication? Don't say youmake not a cent of profit as I'm in the publishing industry and know the relative cost of an offset oper ation such as your s.

Take the money you make and try to steer the Hippy's to a real direction or feed and teach theslum ridden so a real purpose for their life can bef ound. All these people want love and concider ation (sic) but it can't be had nor can Christ be known when you squander good hard earned cash asyou do.

My sympathy for you in your problem and thehope that you will find the symmetry found in thescriptures and possible salvation.

/s/ Ramond Moats

Hilltop Tr ailer Par k

Browns Mills, N. J.

For the most part this letter speaks for itself. Any unbiased person can see in it a lack of love, lack of knowledge of truth, no true concept of thechurch, and bitterness toward those of us who try to teach the word of God by the printed page.

Sir, your subscr iption has been stopped as of now. We do not want to continue to tr y to study withanyone who has refused to study for the truth of God's wor d.

I wonder why this man did not give some example of the "stupidity and ignorance" we display in thispublication ? He says it is beyond belief, but what is it? How could I change from "stupidity and ignorance" if I do not know what it is and what is truth ? Why does not this man who claims to know thetruth tell me what it is? I do not want to be stupid and ignor ant, and I will change when he shows methe truth in God's wor d.

He says he is astonished at my distorting the "love and teachings of Christ" to the extent that Searching The Scriptures is in the class with "subversive literature." This is quite a serious charge and I request him to give proof of the subversive nature of the paper or apologize. But I do not expect either proof of the charge or an apology. Men of this disposition do neither.

I confess, however, that I lack a knowledge of the love and teaching of Chr ist if this letter is an example of it. T hose who hear d Stephen pr each wer e "not able to r esist the wisdom and the spir it by which hespake" (Acts 6:10), so when he had finished "theywer e cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth" (Acts 7:54) ; "T hen they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ear s, and run uponhim with one accord, and cast him out of the city, and stoned him . . ." (Acts 7:57,58). This letter displays the same attitude that these Jews showed when they made their attack upon Stephen.

He speaks of the waste of money "succered" (I guess he means secur ed) by me to "pr opagate opinion." To charge one with propagating opinion is easy, but to prove it is another thing. I would like to have some Bible proof of this. This letter is completely devoid of any scripture or scriptural principle. It is entirely opinion, nothing more!

He wants to know about feeding paper to the hungr y and if I am using the money I make to f eed the needy. He informs me that he is in the publishingindustry and knows I am making a profit. He mayknow something about "an offset operation" but heobviously knows nothing about the cost of publishing a journal like Searching The Scriptures. This paper has operated at a loss every year of its existence, and ever y one who has ever had anything to do with publishing a religious paper knows this to be true. But if I made a million a year from this paper, whatwould that prove about its scripturalness? Would that make the paper wr ong?

About how much I use to feed those who are really needy, that is none of your business; that is mybusiness and God's business. Jesus taught us not to"sound a trumpet" when we gave alms to others, that we may have the glory of men (Matt. 6:1-4). This, of course, does not mean that others may not knowwhat you do in this regard. Certainly those who are helped will know, and perhaps some who join you inthe help to other s will know. T he point is that I am not to advertise my almsgiving in order that I mayhave the glory of men. This is one of the great blunders these big benevolent minded churches make;they like for all men to give them glory for the alms they do and they advertise it all over the land. I willnot tell you what I do in the realm of benevolence. If you want to check into my life and find out for your self, you have my appr oval.

While I am on this subject let me say this one thing: within the church in Forest Hills in Tampa, where I now labor in preaching the word, there are at least a half-dozen members who are doing more individually in benevolence than many of the "big" churches who advertise what they do in their bulletins. Sister May DeVane, one of the members at For est Hills, told me sometime ago that she knew of seven orphan childr en who wer e being completelycared for by some at Forest Hills. This includes family love and spiritual instruction as well as food andclothing. T her e may be mor e now, I do not know.We do not "sound a trumpet" when we help theneedy.

I believe the real idea of this gentleman comes to

-light when he instructs me to take "the money youmake and try to steer the Hippy's to a real direction or feed and teach the slum ridden so a real purpose for their life can be found." He is more interested in the social and economic problems of this life than he is in the souls and eternal destiny of men. In John 6Jesus had a large crowd following him and he said to them: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye seek me,not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye dideat of the loaves, and were filled" (John 6:26). Hethen begins to tell of the br ead which came down

-from heaven, and says he is that bread. He emphasizes the wor ds which he spoke unto them that theymight believe and says these wor ds will give lif e. This is the bread men should seek rather than the loaves which they had eaten by a miracle of the Lord. When the multitude learned that Jesus did not come to give men literal bread for their bodies, butspiritual bread for their souls, "From that timemany of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him" (John 6:66). That is exactly the way itis today. When many who claim to be disciples of Christ learn that the work of Christ is concerned with the salvation of the souls of men and not the social and economic conditions of the world, they goback and walk no mor e with him.

I am r eady to pr each the gospel to the "Hippy's" and to the "slum ridden" people, but I am not r eady to build a "Hippy's Center" to be supported by thechurch. I have an idea that some eager "Sponsoring Church" will grab this idea and build one soon. They have built about every other kind of social and economic organization to be supported by the church.

But I wonder why this man stopped with "Hippy's" and "slum ridden" people. Why not take some"good hard earned cash" (I like that because whatcash I have is certainly hard earned) and help theCommunists, the riot leaders, the crime syndicates,the LSD clubs, the nudist colonies, etc.? They mayneed "a real direction" and "a real purpose for their life" as much as the "Hippy's." Should I send some of the "good hard earned cash" to these groups?

He concludes his letter by giving me his sympathy for my problem and hopes that I will find the "symmetry" found in the scriptures and possible salvation. My greatest problem is trying to teach peoplelike this man. He could help my problem by studying the word of God and learning the truth.

I have no ill will toward this gentleman or anyother who may wr ite me. I love the souls of men but strongly disappr ove of attitudes such as is displayed in this letter. I would to God that such could he reached with the gospel of Christ and their souls be saved. I honestly believe this man and thousands like him have been deceived by false teachers whoare more interested in the glory of men than in theglory of God. I am convinced that many of them are sincer e and believe they ar e right. However, whenmen and women close their eyes and stop their ears to the search for truth, there is not much anyone can do for them. If I am wrong, I am ready to get right when convinced by the word of God. Are you ?

"We enjoy the paper very much and find it very informative." — Mrs. Billy J. Langley, Shreveport, La.

"I really enjoy Searching The Scriptures. It is agr eat magazine and should be in many homes, especially homes of Christians. You are doing a great wor k not only thr ough the paper, but also from thepulpit." — J. R. White and family, Bowling Green, Ky.

"You are doing a great job with the paper. I hear many good things." — Ward Hogland, Greenville, Texas.

"I think you and brother Miller are doing a wonderful job editing this paper. Keep up the goodwork." — Mrs. J. B. McInturff, Rector, Ark.

"Searching The Scriptures continues to propagate the truth and expose error in a very fine way. Keepup the fine work." — Leslie E. Sloan, Memphis, Tenn.

"I have been reading Searching The Scriptures now for one year and I find it very helpful to me as I read my Bible." — Felix Duke, Dickson, Tenn.

"I like Searching The Scriptures very much; ithas been so much help to me." — Mrs. H. W. Montgomer y, Conway, Ar k.

"I enjoy the paper very much. It has been a lot of help to me." — May Adkins, Br ooksville, Fla.

"I would like to renew my subscription to yourfine paper also. I enjoy the many fine articles andgain much from them." — Norman W. Fisk, Selma, Calif.

"I enjoy the paper very much." — J. L. Sloan, Perr y, Fla.

"You are doing a top-notch — grade A — homogenized work in Searching The Scriptures!" — Har old V. Trimble, San Antonio, Texas.

"I think it is one of the finest papers in the brother hood, second to none. Keep up the good wor k." —

J. T . Smith, Dayton, Ohio.

"Searching The Scriptures enjoys a good circulation in the Atlanta ar ea and it has taken its placeamong the best in r eligious jour nalism." — Jerry D. Eubanks, Chamblee, Ga.

QUESTION — Did Christ, in teaching parables use fiction or facts ? Are parables ever facts ? Please harmonize Matt. 13:38 "the good seed are the children of the kingdom," and Luke 8:11 "The seed is the word of God." — S. P.

ANSWER — The word "parable is from the Greek "parabole" which means to place beside. The idea is to lay one thing beside another with a view to comparing the two. Our Lord's parables involved true to life or natural situations which paralleled that whichwas true in the spiritual realm. Whether it was realat the time, or simply that which might be, is of little consequence. It was a situation well understood by the hearers, and, therefore, served to illustrate clearly truth relative to the kingdom. His parables were factual in that they never transgressed the natural order of things. In this respect a parable differs from a fable.

In Matt. 13:38 the children of the kingdom are like the good seed sown in the field — they bring forth good fruit and are worthy to be gathered intoHis barn. The children of the wicked one are like the tares — they are to be burned. What is true of seed, sowing, and harvesting is true of the good and badin the world whose end shall be as the wheat and tares. Here along side of a natural situation truth is placed, and, thereby becomes more clear.

In Luke 8:11 we are told that "the seed is the word of God." This is our Lord's explanation of the meaning of the seed in the parable under consideration. The presence of the seed accounts for the fruit in every instance — without it there is no fruit. This shows the essentiality of the seed. Furthermore, the same r eception was not given the seed by the various soils, and, consequently, we find different results. I n r elation to the kingdom, we see the essentialityof the seed which is the word of God. Without it there can be no fruit. Furthermore, the fruit produced depends also upon the reception given theseed. Not all people r eceive the wor d of God alike,and the reason for it is more clear because of the parable.

Just because "seed" is used in both parables doesnot mean that the same application must be madein both instances. What is true of seed in the natural world parallels a number of things that pertain tothe kingdom. What the seed is or what it represents depends upon the par allel dr awn and the point of truth made by the teacher. In our study of our Lord's parables caution should be exercised. One shouldalways be careful not to overlook the particular point which our L or d made in the par able. On the other hand we should be careful not to try to find a parallel in the spiritual realm for every detail in the naturalsituation. Some of the details of the natural situation just might not have a parallel in the kingdom. Weshould accept only the lesson and parallel drawn byour Lord.

MINE ADVERSARY HATH WRITTEN A BOOK!

In ancient days, Job wr ote: ". . . Behold, my desir e is ... that mine adversary had written a book" (Job 31:35). Although this writer does not claim to completely know and understand the sum total of Job's viewpoint concerning the writings of an adversary, nevertheless, we are convinced that with every additional book that comes from the presses of Roman Catholicism, her creedal confusion, doctrinal deception and dogmatic delusions, make the task of her writers and theologians, more and more difficult.

As an example of what we mean, we have in our library, a printed copy of a religious debate that was conducted in the year 1838, in Dublin, Ir eland, between Thomas Maguire, a Roman Catholic Priest, and T. D. Gregg, a minister of the Free Church of England and Ireland. This debate was conducted for nine days, with each disputant attempting to uphold the particular and peculiar tenets of his respective communion. We would like to comment upon twodifferent quotations, taken from this publication.

THIRTY-TWO YEARS BEFORE "PAPALINFALLIBILITY"

The dogma of "Papal Infallibility" is of comparatively recent definition; the year 1870 A.D. Therefor e, let us copy the contents of an ar gument beingmade by the Roman Pr iest in 1838, when his opponent was reading from a book by a Catholic theologian, Peter Dens: (The Priest is speaking:)

"... Is my faith bound up in the works of Peter Dens ? I differ from Peter in many things, but what of that ? He says that the Pope is above a general council, but I say the contrary; for Imaintain that a gener al council is above thePope. He says that the Pope, ex cathedra docens,(teaching from the chair. LMM), is infallible; but I say that he is not. This doctrine Peter Dens holds with the Italian divines, while the theologians of France and other countries, who,being upon this side of Italy, are called ultra montanists, and with whom I agr ee, do not holdthat opinion, and the church has left the question free — it is, as an open question, the subject of free discussion. The church has not decided that question, nor will she: . . ." (Page 316.)

In 1870, the Vatican Council CLOSED THEMINDS OF ALL DEVOUT CATHOLICS regardingthis question, even, though Thomas Maguire prophesied that the Catholic Church would never pronounce that the Roman pontiff is "infallible" and that his"infallibility" does not issue from the vote of a general council. It would be interesting to know if Priest Maguire was still living, thirty-two years later, and whether he glibly accepted and endorsed the Romandecree of papal infallibility. Many of the bishops inattendance at the Vatican Council left Rome before the Council gave its final vote on the subject, in order to avoid being parties to such a Pharisaical farce.

IF ROME SAYS A THING IS "BLACK" ...THEN IT'S BLACK!

Whatever Rome decrees, that is what all thepriests of Rome are forced to echo and re-echo, theworld over. As proof of this statement, we copy from Thomas Maguire's "dedication" of the printed debate, "To The Catholic Hierarchy of Ireland."

The debate was "over ... it was now history . . . and when the book came from the presses of the Catholic publisher, Priest Macquire had the following placed in the front of the book: (we copy only a part:)

"If, in my portion of the Discussion, any prop

osition should be unfortunately found injurious

to the Apostolic See (The Pope. LMM), or in its

remotest consequences non-conformable to the

immutable principles of Catholic unity, that

proposition I am ready to retract; if necessary,

to anathematize.

"On this, as on all other occasions, I am fullyprepared humbly and implicitly to submit my-self, for conscience sake, to the constituted au-thorities of the Church of Jesus Christ" (mean-ing theRoman Hierarchy. LMM.). Notice how the Priest is r eady "to take it all back" and even anathematize what he has defended as "truth" in his debate ... IF it is injurious to the Pope. This man was anything but "free" r eligiously and spiritually.

Our blessed Saviour taught: ".. . Ye shall know

the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John

8.32). "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word

is truth" (John 17:17). "All scripture is given by in

spiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for

reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteous

ness : that the man of God may be perfect, thr oughly

furnished unto all good works" (II Timothy 3:

16-17).

THE CALL OF AN ALIEN SINNER TO PREACH

In my estimation one of the best arguments the Baptist people have to vindicate their doctrine of salvation before baptism, is found in Acts nine. This argument has been used on me only once in a publicdiscussion. I have never understood why more Baptist preachers do not use it. The argument, like allfalse arguments, can be adequately answered withthe scriptures but it could leave the untaught confused. If I were a Baptist preacher, trying to defend Baptist doctrine, I would use this argument in allmy debates. I feel that some Baptists don't knowhow to use it or it would be more widely used.

The argument is based on Acts 9:15, where the Lord speaks to Ananias about Saul. He says, "Go thy way; for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear myname before the Gentiles, and Kings, and the children of Israel." The argument builds up in this order: (1) These words were spoken about Saul before he was baptized. (2) The Lord said he was a chosenvessel to preach. (3) God does not call alien sinners to preach his gospel. (4) Since Paul was called topreach on the Damascus road, he was saved before baptism. (5) Therefore, baptism is not essentialto salvation.

The argument begins to bog down on point three. There is a difference in a man being called to repentance and actually repenting. There is a difference in a man being called to pr each and actually pr eaching! If one is not careful he will admit point threeand therefore be in difficulty on the last points. Paul was called to preach before he was baptized but hedidn't preach until after he was baptized into Christ. The alien sinner is called by the gospel but he isn'tsaved until he obeys it.

To back up this affirmation an opponent will usually use Acts 26:16, which says, "But arise, andstand up on thy feet: for I have appeared unto theefor this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hath seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee." It is argued that the Lord said to him, here on theDamascus r oad, that he had been chosen as a minister and a witness. They over-look the fact that he did not say, "I have already made you a minister and want you to start preaching now." He said, "T o make thee a minister." Thus, the Lord was givingPaul some preparatory work which was necessary to fit him to proclaim the gospel.

An opponent said to me, "Who ever heard of Godcalling an alien sinner to preach his gospel?" This sounds good to an audience. T he aver age audience can't conceive of an alien sinner out pr eaching thegospel; neither can I. Thus, the argument has a good "sound" to the aver age per son. One must keep inmind, at all times, that Paul did not pr each with thedivine approbation of God, until after he had beenbaptized into Christ.

Sectarian preachers usually affirm that Paul was saved on the Damascus road. They cannot agree exactly when he was saved, but most of them say hewas saved when the Lord spoke to him. This case of conversion is recorded three times in Acts. Once in Acts nine, then in both Acts twenty-two and twenty-six. T o show beyond any r easonable doubt that Paulwas not saved on the Damascus r oad, I call your attention to what the L or d said to Saul on the r oad. In Acts 9:6, he said, "Arise, and go into the city,and it shall be told thee what thou must do." Notice, he would be told what to DO in the city and not onthe Damascus r oad. In Acts 22:10, the L or d said, "Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall betold thee of all things which ar e appointed f or thee to do." Notice again, he was to go into Damascus, in order to receive his instructions about how to be saved. Ananias, an unknown preacher, came to himand said, "And now why tarriest thou, arise, and bebaptized and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the L or d" (Acts 22:16). It should be emphasizedhere that "calling" on the name of the Lord meansdoing what the Lord says. When Saul was baptized he was calling on the name of the Lord because hewas doing what the L or d had commanded.

Gentle reader, if you are out of Christ, you should call on the name of the Lord today, by obeying thegospel. That gospel is God's power to save (Rom. 1:16). This is the great remedial system given for the salvation of the world.

WORD STUDIES IN NEW TESTAMENT BENEVOLENCE: No. 7

LEITOURGEO

Paul uses the noun leitour geo in describing theservice to the saints in Jerusalem, Rom. 15:27. The term consumes nearly two columns in Hatch andRedpath's Concordance to the Septuagint, and occurs in classical Greek to denote those who serve in public offices at their own expense. The term occurs in avariety of senses in the papyri. The koine Greek lexicons cite the classical use and add the New Testament sense of Christians who aid others with their resources and relieve their poverty. The term occurs only three times in the Greek Testament: Acts 13:2; Rom. 15:27; Heb. 10:11.

CHARIS

Regarding the Judean relief Paul uses the term charis several times: I Cor. 16:3; II Cor. 8:4, 6, 7, 19. The papyri use the word to mean "grace," "favor," but I find nothing in the papyri to particularly denotean aim, or benefaction.

The koine Greek lexicons reveal the basic classical Greek idea of "attractiveness," "beauty," and addthe secondar y sense found in the New T estament: "benefaction," "aim." In this latter sense the word is used by Paul to refer to the Judean relief.

It might be of interest to note that the term charis consumes three and one-half columns in Moulton and Geden's concordance to the Greek Testament. This is a listing of one hundred forty-three passages. The word occurs in one hundred sixty-six passages in the Septuagint.

EPISKEPTOMAI

In the three articles preceding this one, a study has been made of the principal Greek words that are used to describe the great Judean relief that was delivered at the close of Paul's third missionary tour.

Some other Greek terms, which do not directly relate to the Judean r elief, have also been investigated. In this category of words, a study of the verb episkeptomai belongs. This study will conclude the word studies in benevolence.

The term episkeptomai is obviously a strengthened skeptomai which occurs in classical Greek with themeaning "to look about carefully." This uncompounded form does not occur in the Greek Testament.

Episkeptomai basically means "to look upon or examine," but the term has secondary sense of "looking upon with the idea of helping or benefiting." The word occurs in eleven passages in the Greek Testament, and in James 1:27 it is used of the car e of widows and orphans, which care is described byJames as "pure and undefiled religion."

Man would have us believe that the Bible is a "good" book full of poetry, philosophy, and inter esting stories about men. Many religious leaders tell us that the Bible is a "dead letter " and not capable of meeting our soul's every need in this modern age. But what does the Bible say?

First of all, the Bible claims to be a totally complete or sufficient book. "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness : T hat the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works" (II Tim. 3:16,17).Now, if you wer e a perf ect individual, would youwant to be changed? Of cour se not, because anychange in perfection results in impurity or degradation. Since the scriptures render the man of Godmature and complete, or perfect, unto every goodwork, what else does he need? The question is rhetorical', that is, it answers itself; therefore, manmust not tamper with God's wor d, the Bible, or else he will be accursed (Gal. 1:6-10), destroyed (Acts 3: 22,23), and blotted out of the book of life (Rev. 22:18,19).

Consider the plight of early new testament peoples. How did they prosper spiritually with whatman says is "A dead and speechless book?" (Accor ding to the Catholic Question Box 67). The first century Christian did not have a written gospel, butthey had "... this treasure in earthen vessels" (II Cor. 4:7). Let's notice what happened when God'swor d, the faith that has been once for all deliver ed (Jude 3 ASV), stood alone.

Jesus said that God's word is truth (John 17:17) and since truth makes us free (John 8:32) we must"earnestly contend" for it (Jude 3). Truth never fears investigation, but error is a coward that willhide (maybe even get angr y and manif est a badattitude!) when examined (John 3:20,21). T he Bereans wer e mor e noble than the folks in T hessalonica because they readily received the word and searched the scriptures (as Jesus had commanded — John 5: 39) to see if they were being told the truth. What was the r esult? T he answer in Acts 17:12, "T her e-f or e many of them believed;" is the same than canbe given any time God's wor d is studied and man'screeds are laid aside.

For example, in Acts 19:19,20, many of the Ephesians brought their phony magical arts and booksand burned them because they saw the works of God. T hey knew, as we should, that the gospel is God'spower unto salvation (Rom. 1:16). Again, notice that when these people spurned the books and ideas of man that "... mightily grew the word of God and prevailed." God's word will grow and prevail today,too, because it is alive and powerful and sharper than any sword, even one with two cutting edges (Heb. 4: 12). The trouble is that false teachers have watered down and diluted the strongest of all cleansing agents by "... teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Matt. 15:8,9). Friends, we must try or test man's religious ideas (Rev. 2:2) because many false teachers are out in the world (I John 4:1) deceiving untold numbers of people and condemningtheir souls to hell (II Cor. 11:13-15).

Also, when the gospel alone is pr eached and r eadily and gladly received, people are baptized for remission of their sins (Acts 2:38,41). This was commanded because Christ told the apostles to teach and baptize all nations (Matt. 28:19). Since Jesus hadsaid, "He that believeth and is baptized shall besaved;" Peter said that repentance and baptism remits sins (Acts 2:38) and that baptism saves us (I Pet. 3:21) through our faith in the operation or work of God (Col. 2:12). Many people do not believe thesef acts about baptism, even though they ar e in theBible. However, if men "... speak not according tothis word, it is because there is no light in them"(Isa. 8:20).

Paul warned the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:17)about overseers of the flock who would speak "... perverse things, to draw away disciples after them" (Acts 20:29). But what can we do to protect our souls against men who with ". . . good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple" (Rom. 16:18) ? T he solution to this pr oblem is as near as your Bible. Paul, after admonishing those mentionedabove to beware, says that they must cling "... to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able tobuild you up..." (Acts 20:32). Thus, if we havebeen baptized into Christ (as Gal. 3:27 says we are), then we must beware of false teachers and be serious minded, vigilant (I Pet. 5:8), and steadfast in thef aith (Rev. 2:10).

God wills that all men believe and obey the truth (I Tim. 2:4 and II Pet. 3:9). Those who do not accept it and do his will (Matt. 7:21) will be lost forever (II Thess. 1:7-9). Remember, the Bible is inspired of God and complete (II Tim. 3:16,17). Anything thatadds to or subtracts from his word is condemned (Prov. 30:6 and Rev. 22:18,19). Can you show scripture for all that you believe ? "Study to shew thyself approved unto God..." (II Tim. 2:15). "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness, but unto us which are saved it is the power ofGod" (I Cor. 1:18).

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

Wir e congr egation in Lakeland. His ser vice to thekingdom of Christ was well known to the Lord's people all over the state. There is a scarcely a preacher of the gospel that he ever met who in some way was not the beneficiary of his kindness as the result ofhaving known him. He was a blessing to all whocr ossed his path.

Almost from the beginning of this journal hundreds of men and women have received Searching The Scriptures as the result of his generosity. Hehas paid the subscr iption each year f or many whodid not know about it.

Brother Surles was close to Florida College andfrom its beginning did the legal work for the school. In February, 1965 he received the highest award the college can give when at the annual lectur eship hewas presented with the Friend To Youth Award.

The Lake Wire church in Lakeland, Florida College and Searching The Scriptures have lost one of the most valuable men of this generation. As great as our loss may be, it is even greater to his belovedwife, Pauline, and to their daughter, Melissa. The editors of Searching The Scriptures with its thousands of readers join these loved ones in expressing our profound love for one of God's great, Albert Roy Surles, Jr.

Editor's Note — Since this was written brother Surles' plane was found by a hunter near Brooksville, Florida. This was the area that was first searched, but the plane was completely demolishedand this is evidently why the first search was notSuccessful. His billfold, brief case and personal possessions were found at the scene.

M. Fred Stacey, Cincinnati, Ohio — The first of August I moved from the wor k in West Point, Miss. to wor k with the chur ch meeting at Blue Ash inCincinnati. T he Blue Ash congr egation has justended a gospel meeting with James P. Miller ofTampa, Florida. Brother Miller preached twelve sermons during the meeting and one was baptized.

L ynn Headr ick, T uscaloosa, Ala. — Attention elders, parents, and editors of church bulletins! AnyUniversity of Alabama bound students may locatea congregation in Tuscaloosa trying to follow theNew T estament patter n by contacting me at phone752-0193. The church building (Oakdale church of Christ) is located on U.S. 11 South, opposite the B.

F. Goodrich Rubber Plant. Transportation will beprovided. Other phone numbers are: 758-4935 and758-1066. Thank you for helping us make these contacts.

Norman W. Fisk, Selma, Calif. — As of August 20th I have been with the church in Selma, California, after spending two very good years in Merced, California. I have moved to Selma to work with the church here. The work in Merced has grown very

fast. Since it started about thr ee year s ago witfour present the first Lord's day, the attendance inow in the 30's and 40's. These brethren have their own building and are still growing.

GARRETT-SMITH DEBATE

J. T. Smith, Dayton, Ohio — I am to engage Mr. Eddie Garrett, preacher for the Middletown Primitive Baptist Church in public debate on the followingdates: October 30, 31, and November 2, 3. The Middletown Primitive Baptist Church is located at 115

N. Second Street, in Trenton, Ohio, two miles west of Middletown, Ohio on Route 73. The following subjects will be discussed: "Does God Employ thPreaching of the Gospel as a Necessary Means in the Regeneration of Sinners?" "In Origin, Which is the Church of the New Testament, the church of Christ or the Primitive Baptist Church ?"

We hope you will make plans to come to this discussion. Tapes will be available from Phillips Publications.

PREACHER WANTED

The Charlotte church of Christ is in need of a full time preacher to begin work immediately, or as soon as po ible. Will require some outside support, but we are confident that this can be found. We have a new building which seats about 100; a five roomhouse with two bedrooms for the preacher. There are 24 members with an average attendance of about

35. Charlotte is the largest metropolis in the twoCarolinas, and we believe it to be one of the most challenging works anywhere. If you are interested,or know of someone who might be interested, please contact Rudy Cribb, 3120 Graymont Dr., Charlotte,North Carolina 28210, or call 376-1923.

Harold Stang, Jr., Lutz, Fla. — The end of this year will close three years of warm association with the Lutz church of Christ. The first of the year we will move to the Marietta church of Christ in Jacksonville, Florida. If someone is interested in a goodfull time work, which is sound, please contact thefollowing brethren: R. H. Cribbs, Route 1, Box 18,Lutz, Fla., or Joe Strickland, Route 1, Box 982, Lutz,Fla. 33549. Call 949-1598

DIRECTORY PLANNED

Ed Adcock, Box 31041, Birmingham, Ala. 35222.In my work I travel throughout the southeast and worship in many places. In some places I have haddifficulty finding a faithful church. I have decided to compile a list of sound churches in the southeast for the benefit of others who travel. If you will send me information as to the location of faithful churches in your area, I shall be happy to includthem in the list. When it is completed an announcement will be made in this paper.

Filiberto Jimenez, Lukeville, Ariz. — The church of Christ at Sonoyta, Sonora, Mexico has been carrying on the regular services and Bible studies at the church building. At the same time we have beenvisiting many people, talking to them of the sound doctrine. Some of the families we visited have honored us with their presence at our Bible studies and worship. We hope that before long the friends that we have taught will accept the doctrine of Christ unconditionally and come to be a part of the family ofGod.

On Sunday, August 13, brother David Arellano,one of the evangelists at San Luis, together with agroup of young people, all faithful members of thechurch there visited. As a result of brother Arellano's preaching, one man and his wife who hadbeen out of duty were restored.

On Monday, August 21, three friends together with three members of the church, all men, started to Puerto Penasco. Brother Jose Jesus Jimenez was driving and a tire blew out, resulting in the car turning over. Two were seriously hurt. Lorenzo, hioldest son and a member of the church received facial injuries and a minor concu ion. One of our friends,Matilde Dominguez (father of Melquiades Dominguez, faithful gospel preacher at Tijuana B.C. Mexico) received a concu ion and lost the thumb andfirst two fingers of his right hand. Brother Jose Jesus who was driving the 53 Ford was thrown out of the car. His two younger sons, Oscar and Jose Jimenez, were also thrown out and shaken up, but nothingseriously happened to them. I twisted both my elbowand right shoulder. My most serious injury was myartificial leg which I have worn for 24 years (since I was 19) which was destroyed. We are especially grateful to brother Charles F. House and other brethren of the San Luis R.C. Sonora Mexico church for their immediate emergency help with the problems, together with all other brethren everywhere,for their prayers unto God in our behalf. There are still needs to be met. Melquiades Dominguez, thTijuana preacher, and son of Matilde, was here to do what he could to help his father and his brother-in-law (Jose Jesus Jimenez) and others who were hurt. We are so very thankful for our brethren who truly love the Lord.

Robin Willis, Tampa, Fla. — The Del Rio church has just completed an eight-day meeting, Oct. 1 withJames P. Miller doing the preaching. It was a fine meeting with more than double the regular attendance of the church each evening. The brethren inTampa area really know how to rally around ayoung congregation in support of the truth. The church sincerely appreciates the excellent way iwhich the Seminole congregation helped by providing brother Miller to hold this meeting. Brother Everett Mann, the regular evangelist, is doing aexcellent work with the Del Rio church.

Bill Haynes, Bartow, Fla. — Stanley J. Lovett will be with the West Main church in Bartow in a series of gospel meeting, November 27-December 3. Services are at 7:30 each evening. Brethren over this area are encouraged to come and hear brother Lovett.

THE O'NEAL-BALLARD DEBATE

Dudley Ross Spears

On the nights of July 17 and 18, br other T homas

G. O'Neal of Murfreesboro, Tennessee denied theaffirmations of P. D. Ballard on the question of salvation at the point of faith prior to water baptism. On July 20 and 21, brother O'Neal, affirmed thatblood-bought children of God can so sin as to befinally and eternally lost in Hell. The debate was the most unique debate it has ever been my privilege tohear or attend. Let me urge you to get a copy of the tapes which ar e available thr ough this paper .

Perhaps the most unique thing about the debate was that it was conducted completely in the Missionary Baptist Church building in Lindsay, Oklahoma.The Baptists did all of the advertising that was done in Lindsay, although it was advertised in surrounding cities by this writer and the 10th and Francis church in Oklahoma City. Another unique thing about the debate was that the attendance was lar gely made up by the Baptist people. On all but one night,brother O'Neal, brother Bill Fairchild of Oklahoma City and this writer were the only Christians in thebuilding, the rest being Baptists. I do not know thatthis is unique generally, but in my experience it is,but the liberal church of Christ in Lindsay took itupon themselves to publish a notice in the local paper disavowing any connection with the debate and withbr other O'Neal. Below is a r epr oduction of their notice.

brother Burke, about the matter and after a lot of "hum-hawing" about the matter, was told that hewas not in fellowship with the churches in Murfreesbor o. T he pr eacher inadvertently told T homas that a phone call was made to Murfreesbor o and that the information had been given the L indsay chur ch that O'Neal was out of fellowship with the churches backthere. Brother O'Neal tried in vain to learn the identity of the person in Murfreesboro who had beencalled and also to no avail tried to learn why he wasnot in fellowship. It was very evident that becauseThomas opposes liberalism in the church, the Lindsay church felt obligated to publicly disavow the debate and O'Neal.

T he following was published by the Baptists inthe L indsay paper showing that they wer e inter ested in notifying the public of the debate and wer e sponsoring (their word) the discussion. Below is a reproduction of their advertisement.

The debate itself was a crushing victory for the truth. Brother O'Neal is an accomplished man indebate, never becoming upset, excited or out of control. He was the master of the entire situation from start to finish. I will not try to give a review of the debate, for it is available on tape from Searching theScriptures. T he thing that is so excellent aboutbrother O'Neal's debating ability is his complete knowledge of the proposition and all of its implications. His manner of defending the truth is also avery excellent one. He presented one argument onthe subject of apostasy and while Ballard whinedand cried for more, he suffered world without endfrom the whipping he took on the one argument. Br other O'Neal used only Mar k 16:16 in his denial of Ballard's proposition and went over, under in andout of the verse and used it in every conceivable andscriptural way to disprove Ballard's error. I havenever heard a Baptist take a whipping like Ballard took. It was evident that he felt the sting of truth by the way he turned to showmanship, ridicule, sarcasm and name-calling. But "none of these things moved" Thomas and each time, he took the arguments and statements apart, piece by piece, and hammer ed home his own ar guments.

It was a genuine pleasure to be with brother O'Neal and he is to be publicly commended for his cour age and ability that is coupled and temper ed with his love for the truth. We need more like him. Buy the tapes— you will enjoy them and profit from them.

901 N.W. 10th St. Oklahoma

City, Oklahoma

WORKERS ARE NEEDED IN NORWAY

Tom C. Bunting

Norway is, as you have previously heard, a beautiful countr y. T he city of Ber gen with which I havebecome particularly acquainted is a beautiful city.It lies nestled in between the mountains and the sea. Bergen is an unusually clean city being washed often by the frequent rain. Although this summer has been a record summer for the amount of rain fall (25 days of rain in July alone), it has not dampenedour opinion of its beauty.

However, we wer e not attracted her e because of the beauty of the countryside; but rather the people's need for the gospel. Norway is a country of 4million people that to our knowledge are in need of salvation. These people are scattered over the entire country and there are but two full -time gospelpr eacher s laboring in the land. Sur ely no one questions the fact that more workers are needed. It is always true that the more workers the more work that can be done.

The short history of the existence of the church here in Norway has shown that the most successful work (at least visible results) was done when there were three or four families in the country at thesame time. I am confident that this would be true again.

Perhaps, for sometime you have been considering to spend at least a few years in serving in a foreign land. T his is something that one usually consider s for a considerable time before making the final decision. If you have been thinking about it; now is the time to come! T her e ar e two families her e now with whom you can wor k. We shall be happy to help you as much as we possibly can in adjusting to the newsurroundings. With more workers it would make itpossible to take the gospel to more communities in the country, while at the same time encouraging each other in the work. I can speak from experience that it is good to have someone to help, especiallythe first few months.

Many young men have spent three or more years on foreign soil serving the government of the United States. Why not spend at least three years on foreign soil as a soldier of Jesus Christ, working to free menfrom the bondage of sin? There is no compulsory draft but we are looking for volunteers.

Tom O. Bunting

Natlandsveien 84

Bergen, Norway

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 in-sight. 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

WOMAN

Her Blessings and Responsibilities

by

IRENE SOWELL FOY This new booklet of over 60 pages by sister Foy is an excellent book for Bible classes. A thirteen lesson study for women. The design of this book is to encourage womento a greater activity in their God-ordained areaand to be a greater influence for good.

75 c per copy — $8.00 per dozen order from

PHILLIPS PUBLICATIONS P. O. Box 17244 Tampa, Florida 33612

THERE IS A DIFFERENCE

In the beginning of the controversy on benevolence, one of the arguments advanced by our liberal brethren was "Whatever the individual does, thchurch does." It is sometimes still heard today. It is made to counteract the position held by conservative brethren that in benevolence the church is obligated only to saints, while the individual Christian is obligated "to all men" — saints and non-saints (Jas. 1:27, Gal. 6:10)

The argument as generally stated is: "The church is made up of individuals. What the individual thendoes,-the church does. If he helps a non-saint, thenby his action the church has helped that non-saint."

This argument carried to its ultimate conclusion would mean that if I as an individual member goto war, buy a farm or busine , operate the farm orbusiness for profit, buy a piano, play the piano, gedrunk, commit adultery, dance, or dress indecently,then the church as such (the whole congregation) is engaged in these things! Can the church as a congregation go to war? Buy a farm or business and operate it for profit? Buy and play a piano? If "yes,"then scripture, please. If "no," then when an individual does something it IS NOT the church as such doing it! If one individual member becomes guilty of drunkenne , adultery, dancing, indecent dress —and he is not condoned by the congregation in such sins — hasthe whole congregation sinned ?

The Bible makes a clear distinction between individuals operating in their individual capacities, anthe church doing something as a congregation!

In I Timothy 5, speaking on this very subject obenevolence, Paul says concerning Christians, "If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them r elieve them and let not the chur ch be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed" (verse 16, also read verse 4). Here Paul contrasts the benevolence done by an individual Christian and that done by the church. If, when an individual Christian helps a needy person, that is the church as such doing it, then Paul's statement is senseless; for he is thus saying, "If the church have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged." Certainly Paul, inspired of God, wouldnot have written such a senseless admonition. Paul meant what he said; that when an individual Christian helps a needy person that IS NOT the church as such doing it

In Matthew 18, Christ teaches us what to do when we have ought against our brother. He says that we should first go to him privately. If he will not hear us then take two or three witnesses. Now, when youas a Christian individual go to your erring brother,or take two or three witnesses with you, is that the church as such doing it? If it isn't, then the wholeargument that "What an individual does the church does" collapses! If it is the church doing it, thewhat did Christ mean when he said, if he will nohear you THEN take it before the church? HereChrist clearly teaches that twice individuals as such that tends to the matter. If this isn't the idea expressed by Christ, then his whole statement is meaningless!

Yes, according to God's word, there is a difference between individuals doing something in their individual capacities, and the church doing something as a congregation.

BATTS-SUTTON DEBATE

Albertsville, Alabama September 14-17, 1965

FIRST TWO NIGHTS "The Bible teaches that water baptism is a condition of pardon for analien sinner "

AFFIRMATIVE: Carrol Sutton, Christian NEGATIVE Albert Baits, Church of God

LAST TWO NIGHTS "The Bible teaches that Holy Spirit baptism is for be-lievers todayas it was in the days of the apostles '

AFFIRMATIVE Albert Batts, Church of God NEGATIVE Carrol Sutton, Christian

FOUR REELS — $12.00

HIGHERS-REESOR DEBATE

Memphis, Tennessee December 14-17, 1965

1ST NIGHT 'The scriptures leach that water baptism to a penitent believer is essential to salvation from past or alien sins "

AFFIRMATIVE Alan E. Highers, Christian NEGATIVE James B. Reesor, Church of God

2ND NIGHT ' The scriptures teach that the signs and miracles done by the apostles endother disciples, as recorded in the New Testament, was to cease at the close of the apostolic age or by the time the complete will of God was revealed and confirmed in the New Testament '

AFFIRMATIVE. Alan E. Highers, Christian NEGATIVE James B. Reesor, Church of God

3RD NIGHT ' The baptism of the Holy Spirit is for believers throughout the entire church according to the direct teaching of the Holy Scriptures '

AFFIRMATIVE James B. Reesor, Church of God NEGATIVE Alan E. Highers, Christian 4TH NIGHT "The signs and miracles performed by the apostles and other

disciples in the apostolic age would continue throughout the gospel ageor the Christian dispensation "

AFFIRMATIVE James B. Reesor, Church of God NEGATIVE Alan E. Highers, Christian

FOUR REELS — $12.00

LECTURES ON EVOLUTION ROY FOUTZ

at Clinton Blvd church of Christ Jackson, Mi i ippi April 24-28, 1967

April 24— ' The Bible vs Evolution " April 25 — "The Deception of E volution " April 26— "T he Claims of Evolution " April 27— "Unbridged Chasms " April 28 — "The Consequences of Evolution "

COMPLETE ON THREE TAPES — $9.00

MILLER-WALLACE DEBATE

Tampa, Florida August 1620, 1965

FIRST TWO NIGHTS 'It is in harmony with the scriptures for churches ofChrist to build and maintain benevolent organizations for the care of the needy such as BoleHome Tipton Home Tennessee Orphan Home Childhaven and other orphan homesand homes for the aged that are among us '

LAST TWO NIGHTS Such an arrangement and cooperative effort on the part of churches of Christ for the preaching of the gospel as the 'Herald of Truth is without scriptural authority '

AFFIRMATIVE James P. Miller NEGATIVE G. K. Wallace

FOUR REELS — $12.00