It is obvious to all who are aware of the problems in the Lord's church that a great deal of these problems have stemmed from the fact that a majority of preachers have changed their approach and method of preaching. Whereas preachers used to produce book, chapter, and verse for their teaching and practices, many now appeal to prose, poetry and opinion.

I think it worthy of note that in the book of Acts, which relates the accounts of the labors of some of the first gospel preachers in the church, that theygave a proof text for everything that they expected men and women to believe and accept. They were dealing many times with the Jews, who believed the Old Testament scriptures and, thus, they referred tothese scriptures as proof to substantiate their preaching of the gospel of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

For generations the Jews had impatiently awaited the coming of the Messiah, and now the great day had arrived. Yet their hopes had not been realized, because the One Sent from God was unfortunately not the one of their dreams. The manner of His coming was not as many had expected and, alas, multitudes of His own people derided Him, rejected Him, and finally even engineered His death. Confronted by the bolddeclaration of the apostles and others that "Jesus is the Messiah," their natural reaction was, "Give us the proof!"

Their own preconceived ideas regarding the Messiah could not easily be placed aside as they listened to the fervent preaching of the early evangelists. How could the Old Testament teaching on the Christ — the Messiah — be reconciled with the life and works of the carpenter from Nazareth? That was a problem which the early preachers had to face. They were making great claims for Jesus, and there was only one way to substantiate them — by showing from passages and texts in the Old Testament that the very details of Jesus' life had been foretold within its pages.

A simple glance at Peter's sermon on the day ofPentecost will reveal how they met the challenge.Peter wishes to show that Christ's resurrection was in the divine plan of things. This he does by appealing to Psa. 16:10 — "Because thou wilt not leave my soul unto Hades, neither wilt thou give thy Holy One to see corruption" (Acts 2:27). Also the exaltation of Jesus was foretold in the Old Testament, as is clear from Psa. 110:1 — "The Lord said unto my Lord, sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet." This verse is quoted by Peter in Acts 11:34-35.

Thus, proof texts were used freely by preachers and writers. Some parts of the Old Testament were particularly valuable in substantiating truth. We find Paul addressing the Jews at Antioch, quoting Psa.

16:10 to substantiate the fact of the resurrection (see Acts 13:35). Peter writing in I Pet. 2:6 quotes Isa. 28:16, "Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone," to uphold the fact that Christ is the chief cornerstone of the church.

When the evangelists wrote their account of the gospel, proof texts were freely incorporated into the narrative of their works. Mark, for example, right at the beginning of his account of the gospel (Mk. 1:2), quotes Mal. 3:1 to show how God had spoken beforehand of the preparatory work of John theBaptist. Matthew in particular made great use of the Old Testament in penning his account, quoting from it some forty times. Many of these texts are mentioned by the evangelists to support the facts they give and to reveal the divine purpose behindChrist's life. For example, the thirty pieces of silver are shown in Matt. 27:9 to have been foretold by Jeremiah. There can be no doubt at all that these proof texts carried a good deal of conviction to theJewish readers.

Now, all of that has been said to say this. Early gospel preachers and writers appealed to scripture to support their claims. Those who profess to preach the gospel today would do well to imitate them inthis regard. We cannot expect men and women inthe world to believe what we teach religiously unless we offer book, chapter, and verse. Neither should those in the church who are satisfied to continue onward beyond the doctrine of Jesus Christ be at allsurprised when there are those who demand, "Giveus the proof!" to support their innovations, for "it hath been so from the beginning" — and rightly so.

"Your work is very good, may God continue tobless you with the paper." — Garmond W. Holmes, Worth, Ill.

"I appreciate your sincere efforts which are shown in your paper and know that words can not express the good that is being done through your efforts." —Robert D. Davidson, Sr., New Carlisle, Ohio.

"Searching The Scriptures continues to be one of the best. Keep the good work going." — Sam W. Garrison, Nashville, Tenn.

"We have enjoyed Searching The Scriptures for some time and hope to see more good articles about the false teachings that have worked their way into the church ..." — Allen D. Harper, Russellville, Ark.

"We appreciate the good work you are doing. I enjoy reading Searching The Scriptures." — H. A. Mobley, Loveland, Ohio.

"Keep up the good work." — Dorris C. Mann, Birmingham, Ala.

"I still believe your paper is of exceptional value to the brotherhood. It is particularly valuable to me (and others) in areas like this which are so shot through with liberalism. Without articles and newssuch as you publish, I would find it difficult indeed to remain abreast of the situation in the church at large. Further, I like very much the material youpublish. It provides much good information for study and meditation. I believe, however, that the feature I appreciate most is the absolute frankness with which Searching The Scriptures speaks. No one needever be in doubt how a wr iter stands on the subject of his writing. Keep up the good work." — Major Wallace H. Little, APO, San Francisco, Calif.

"Keep up the good work in Searching The Scriptures. You are doing a fine job." — J.T. Smith, Dayton, Ohio.

"All the articles are very timely. I enjoy them very much." — Alberta Cameron, St. Petersburg, Fla.

"I want you to know that I appreciate more than words can express the work that you are doing for His cause. May God give you strength." — Jimmy Tuten, Jr., St. Louis, Mo.

"Keep up the good work you and brother Millerare doing." — Wallace Whitehorn, Athens, Ala.

"You and brother Miller are doing a wonderful job with Searching The Scriptures. I enjoy every issue ; keep up the good work." — J. F. Dancer, Jr., Louisville, Ky.

"Have received my first copy of Searching The Scriptures. It is an excellent, well edited publication. I shall recommend it to my friends." — Claude Truex, Brawley, Calif.

"I enjoy the paper very much and thoroughly endorse the way you present the truth." — Dale Barnes, Beaver Dam, Ky.

"You have done an excellent job in editing and

writing for Searching The Scriptures, and I hope

that your health will permit you to continue in this

effort in the future." — Earl Fly, Jackson, Tenn.

"I think you and brother Miller are doing a won

derful job editing this paper." — Mrs. J. B. McIn

turff, Rector, Ark.

MR. INSIDE AND MR. OUTSIDE

James P. Miller

In March of 1958 H. E. Phillips and I published the first copy of Florida News Letter. A project of this kind had been contemplated for several months. The churches were making progress in Florida and wefelt that some kind of publication that would telltheir story would do good. Little did we dream that with this little four page paper we were starting aventure that would result in a major monthly that would be read all over the world.

As I look back on this beginning and on the start of Searching the Scriptures in January of 1960 I marvel at the ease with which we worked. I do not remember a word said about any division of responsibility or duty, Elwood turned to the desk and I turned to the field. In other words, the new paper had the simplest organization of any paper in history. It had an inside man and an outside man andthis was it. I have remarked that Searching TheScriptures had about the same organization as youwould have if two men got in a car and one said, "I will drive," and the other, "I will watch the route."

This has been a happy combination through theyears. The paper has grown and the task has become heavier for brother Phillips almost every month butmy work stays the same. It takes both kinds of work to make a paper grow. The editor who sits at the desk has to have unusual ability in so many ways. He has to be a scholar, diplomat and linguist willing to give long hours to the production of a creditable product. On the other hand every journal needs some one who is in demand among brethren and who gives a good part of the year to travel and meetings to represent the paper before the brotherhood. I have felt thatthis is one of the reasons why some of the journals among us have had such a difficult time. They did nothave a preacher of sufficient stature who went in and out among the brethren.

As brother Phillips turned to the office and I to the brotherhood our little beginning with Florida News Letter grew and prospered. Within a matter of months we had a circulation well in advance of ten thousand copies. Encouraged by this success, in October of '58 we changed the name to give the paper greater range and called it The Southeastern News Letter. The first i ue carried an article on brother

W. A. Cameron, and as strange as it may be, the last i ue in December of 1959 closed its pages with the story of his death.

As the readers of this journal well know in a period of 13 months in the summer of 1965 and 1966 I had major debates with both Wallace and Woods. Both of these discussions went even better than I had hoped and they were rewarding experiences that the history of the church will fully evaluate in theyears to come. I am glad that our Heavenly Father saw fit to permit them to come to pass and for his help and strength to enable me to be one of the disputants. As fine as all of this is debates of this magnitude that affect the future of the church are great emotional trials for me. There are some who seem to enjoy debating. I have never been one of them.With the Lord's leading I have been involved inthirty or more through the years but I have neverliked the strain and pressure of any of them. I have and will continue to defend what I understand to be the truth, but I am saying this to make this observation. After the debate with Woods and the writingof the lengthy review that followed in the November i ue I just "sorta" cut the switch. Some have asked and others wondered why I have not had more articles in Searching The Scriptures and I have the idea that it worries brother Phillips a little.

It is wonderful to state that in the ten years wehave been working together we have never had amisunderstanding of any kind or an unkind wordever spoken. As far as I know we come as near agreeing on every verse of scripture as it is possible for two men to do. We believe, speak and practice the same things. So until I can get the old typewriter oiled again the many wonderful writers will continue to fill the pages of Searching The Scriptures and I will work for the paper everywhere I go. Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside are still hard at the task with the help of many wonderful brethren over the world. In conclusion I will make to the readers the same promise I have made to brother Phillips and to my wifeevery day, "I am going to do better."

MY VISIT TO CHICAGO NATURALHISTORY MUSEUMNO. 4

In last month's article I discussed the Java manPeking, Neanderthal, and Cro-Magnon creations in the Chicago Natural History Museum. I pointed outthat they were built and arranged to prove the apeorigin of man or that they both have commonancestors.

Notice what the Museum's literature says about how some of these "men" actually looked. "The Neanderthal men were five feet and three inches tall,heavy, barrel-chested and not as erect as man." "No other museum in the world presents such a completeand vivid picture of the lives, cultures and physicacharacteristics of the prehistoric ancestors of thehuman race — we have learned what they lookelike from their bones ..." "The Cro-Magnon peoplewere tall, erect, with well-shaped heads and attractive features" (White, page 27, 31, 33)

In view of the Museum's deceiving exhibits (such as Fo il Man) and in view of their misleading anfalse statements made in their booklets, it is amusing to read of their shock at the hoax of the Piltdown "man" (as they explain why he is not in the arrayof fo il men), "whose repulsive Simian features were familiar to a whole generation of school children and their scandalized mothers throughout theworld" (White, page 25)

If "Piltdown" was ugly and his features repulsive,no one is to blame but the Evolutionists, for he is exactly what they built and was molded as they desired. But I believe "Piltdown" is every bit as handsome as "Java" (just get some reference book andlook at both of them). In their original progre ive sequence (while Piltdown "existed"), "Java" wasfirst — most ape-like — and Piltdown next — less ape-like. Another point to ponder is this: outside of the deliberate "aging" process done by Dawson and as far as the original basic fo il "finds" are concerned, "Java" has no more right to be in the displaythan does "Piltdown."

What do some of the best known anthropologists honestly say about all this? George Simpson says,"Accurate restorations of extinct forms from one or a few fo il bones are simply not po ible. Such supposed ability is folklore." He is "appalled that some anthropologists have been quite willing to reconstruct a face from a partial cranium, a whole skull from a piece of lower jaw and so on."

Boyd says that "any idea that human prehistory

can be reconstructed from an examination of fo il

remains is a will-o'-the-wisp"; and Dr. E. A. Hooten

says, "These alleged restorations of ancient types of man have very little, if any, scientific value and are likely only to mislead the public. We have no knowledge of their hair forms, hair distribution, pigmentation and the details of such features as I have mentioned. So put not your trust in 'reconstruction.' " The same great and honest anthropologist says, "You can model on a Neanderthal skull either the features of a chimpanzee or those of a philosopher." Surely in view of these statements, whichcould be multiplied greatly, one must admit that deceptions are found in this Museum.

AUTHORITY IN RELIGION

The source of AUTHORITY in religion has been a "bone of contention" for many centuries. Of Christ, the elders and Jewish priests asked: "By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?" (Matt. 21:23). In His last instruction to the apostles, Christ stated: "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth" (Matt. 28: 18). Further, Christ taught... "The word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him (mankind LWM.) in the last day" (John 12:48). John also was inspired to write: "Many other signs therefore Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have beenwritten that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name" (John 20:30-31). Paul also wrote by inspiration saying: "All Scripture is inspired by Godand profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man ofGod may be adequate, equipped for every good work" (II Tim. 3:16-17).

From the above cited passages, we learn several salient points: (1) The question of AUTHORITY inreligion divided people in the time of Christ... simply because some were not willing to accept the authority of Christ. (2) Christ was given, and now possesses ALL AUTHORITY in religion . . . this left NO religious authority for the Jewish priests THEN, and it leaves NO religious authority for mere men,today. (3) Christ's authority is manifest throughHis word, His teaching and that which He promised the Holy Spir it would teach to the apostles. It is on the basis of the words that Christ taught that allmen are to be judged. Christ's word, His teaching, is found in the New Testament. (4) Although the NewTestament does not contain a description of everything done by Christ, nevertheless, the N.T. does contain ADEQUATE information to produce SAVING FAITH (i.e., obedient faith) ... and after all, isn't that our goal? . . . That we may have life (eternal life) through His name? (5) The Scripture was given man in order that he will be adequately furnished to every GOOD WORK. Thus, Christ's authority is made known through the inspired Scriptures.

CATHOLICISM NOT CONTENT WITH CHRIST'S AUTHORITY!!

Even a hasty investigation of Roman Catholic teaching will soon show that the Church of Rome is not content with the New Testament as manifesting Christ's authority in religious matters. B. L. Conway in The Question Box, wrote: "The Bible itself is but a dead letter calling for a divine interpreter;..." (Page 76). Yet, another Catholic author states: "We have no other records of the exact words of Christ save those contained in the New Testament" (Radio Replies, Vol. Ill, Rumble and Carty, page 128). Thus, jointly, these Catholic writers assert that Christ's words are a dead letter, and we have no other source of His exact words.

These Catholic writers would have us believe that the New Testament requires an "infallible interpreter" for it ever to be anything other than a "dead letter." Of course, they assert that the Roman Catholic Church is that "infallible interpreter."

ASK ANY PRIEST HOW MANY PASSAGESCATHOLICISM HAS INTERPRETED?

First: I have never found any TWO Catholic priests who agree as to the exact number, and just WHICH SCRIPTURE PASSAGES have been accorded an "infallible interpretation" by the RomanChurch. I would be happy to compile a list of such replies if any readers of this journal would care toquestion the priests in their community... preferably, get the priests to write down a list of the exact chapters and verses that have been "interpreted" by the Roman Church in her infallible teaching capacity.

Second: As a starter, I am indebted to brother Arvid K. McGuire, now of Huntsville, Alabama, whosecured a written statement from a Catholic priest while brother McGuire was at Kirkwood, Mo. In his written reply, the priest listed the following as having been "infallibly interpreted" by the Roman Church: Council of Trent, 1545-1563, defined John 3:5, John 20:22f, Luke 22:19, and James 5:14ff. Council of the Vatican, 1870, defined Matt. 16:16and John 21:15. The priest who compiled the abovelist was John T. Fitzsimmons, Kirkwood, Mo.

Third: Please note that only six passages of theHoly Bible have been supposedly "interpreted infallibly" by the Roman Church during her several-century existence. Hence, it is obvious that she places little significance in the study of the Bible, OR, that there are really not very many passages that require deciphering.

CATHOLICS ARE NOT ALONE IN REJECTING SCRIPTURAL AUTHORITY!!

Roman Catholicism accepts the following sources of religious authority:

(1) Biblical passages that she has "interpreted."

(2) Oral tradition, supposedly handed down by the "Church Fathers."

(3) Decrees of Ecumenical Councils binding othe entire church. (4) Decrees of the Popes when speaking ex cathedra to be bound upon the entire church on matters of faith. (5) Papal Encyclicals (only those that fit the qualifications given under number 4 above) (6) Canon L aws, over 2,400 of them, many owhich apply to different groups among the CatholiChurch membership.

NON-CATHOLIC RELIGIOUS GROUPS FOLLOWCATHOLIC PRACTICE IN REJECTINGSCRIPTURAL AUTHORITY!!

(1) Accept only those Bible passages that agree with their pet projects. (2) Misapply other Bible passages in order that the force of their teaching is by-passed. (3) Oral tradition . . . "our parents did these things, therefore, we can." Or, "the brethren have been doing it, therefore it's all right." (4) Reducing the Bible to simply a book of broad general principles, rather than accepting it as instructions from God. (5) Yielding to the pressures from existing evangelistic and benevolent institutions "among us," whose money supply would vanish if Christians andcongregations continued to abide by Scriptural authority for their practices.

"A ROUND-UP AT TALCO"

The church at Talco, Texas isn't too large but theyput on a big show back in April. I say a show because that is exactly what it was. I received an announcement of the festivities and was both amused and shocked. On one side was a picture of the church building and its services. On the other side they toldof this "Round-up for Christ" which was to be conducted the latter part of April. It is indeed interesting to notice how far some churches have gone intodigression. It reminds me of the race to the moon —one nation is afraid another will get there first. Some of my liberal brethren are evidently in a race to see who can bring a new innovation into the church of the Lord first.

The following things were listed as a part of theshow put on by the church of Christ at Talco. (1)Barbecue — all invited. (2) Speaker — Bob Davidson, former captain of Abilene Christian Collegefootball team. (3) Feats of magic by Hoti. Such effects as sawing a woman in two and eating razor blades. (4) Campout — bring only your bedding. This will be supervised. (5) Breakfast. (6) Short Bible cla . (7) Crafts — make items to take home. (8)Lunch. (9) Games — activities for all age groups.

As I look over the above items sponsored by thchurch at Talco I notice that the only thing listed as SHORT is the Bible cla ! I told some of the brethren this was the reason a church could be led into such foolishness — they have had too many SHORT Bible classes. This is the social gospel gone to seed. Many people wonder what the social gospel is; if they will take a long hard look at the above theywill know. Notice everything listed (with the exception of one or two) has to do with the BODY and not the SOUL. It appeals to the PHYSICAL but not to the SPIRITUAL. When the church begins to appeal more to the bodies of people than to their souls,it has given up the truth and has put itself in competition with the entertainment world. First, it is unscriptural and second, we do not have the facilities to compete with Disneyland or Six Flags Over Texas. God never intended for the church to go into this busine .

Gentle reader, imagine if you can, the church securing the services of a magician to swallow razor blades or saw on the body of a woman. How far will brethren have to go before some of these brethren will wake up? Did our Lord die for a church to put on such a show? What has crafts and barbecue to do with the salvation of the soul? Money from thetreasury of the church may be used scripturally for only three things. First, preaching the gospel; second, edification of the saints, and last, benevolenceamong poor saints (Phil. 4:15-17; II Cor. 11:8; I Cor. 16:1-2). If the Bible authorizes using the monefrom the treasury for anything else I have failed to find it. When brethren begin to use the money of theLord for such things as crafts, barbecue and feats of magic they have completely abandoned the faith

I want it understood that I have nothing personal against my erring brethren at Talco. I pray that theywill give up these false doctrines and return to theLord. Sectarianism is indeed making its inroads into the church of the Lord. Many other examples could be given but I trust this will cause brethren to pray-fully return to the ancient order.

Bro. Lovell's scheme violates every principle laidown by the inspired apostle with regard to a scriptural pattern as to: (1) the organization — the giving or collection was restricted within the church;Lovell adds another organization; he adds ACTION to "THE CHURCHES;" (2) the DAY, (first day of the week) these collections are to be taken. If this is done on "the first day of the week" in "the church,"then what business do ACTION A istants have in taking up collections in the assembly? And if thecollect funds through the week they violate the DAYChristians are to "lay by him in store." These funds are not collected in the church, but Lovell has ACTION "forwarding" "their gifts" to the "elders of the church sponsoring this project." Brethren,these Orphan Homes, etc. soliciting for "fifth Sunday contributions" is no greater violation of thepattern concerning the treasury of the church than Lovell's plan. And yet bro. Lovell said no one could"punch an unscriptural hole through it."

Since "there is no local church that alone can fulfill all the commandments of the universal church,"then the present-day needs as visualized by bro. Lovell have outgrown the treasury of the local church. Therefore, of necessity, this also involves the need of a universal church treasury, under the oversightof universal bishops nece itated by "Universal Action by a Universal Church." Of course, the sponsoring type operation of work is already demonstratingthis, but by no means does it make it right.

In the realm of benevolence, we read in Acts 11 that the Antioch brethren sent relief to the brethren in Judea. In I Cor. 16 we read that the churches of Galatia and Corinth sent aid to Jerusalem. But we do not read that the Galatian churches sent their funds to the Corinthian church, which in turn would forward them "to the elders sponsoring this project." Just name the passage that authorizes this, bro. Lovell. As these funds did not come from one common source, or a universal treasury, so also the receivingof these funds (I Cor. 16) was restricted to the localchurch in Jerusalem, to which each church sent its funds. THAT WAS THE STOPPING POINT! The Jerusalem church was not a banking institution or a treasury house to RECEIVE funds from various churches to hold in store until in their wisdom, btheir choice and authority or "direction" and under the oversight of the elders they saw fit to DISTRIBUTE THE FUNDS THEY RECEIVED TO OTHER CHURCHES. The giving and receiving were on thelocal level, with a direct connection between the giver and the receiver.

But at best this in no wise establishes a pattern for receiving and distributing funds in the realm of evangelism. For example, simply because a dress and a pair of pants are items of clothing to be worn, apattern for a dress is not a pattern for a pair ofpants. Who would want to wear a pair of pants madefrom a pattern for a dress? We simply do not read of any church sending funds to another church for the purpose of sponsoring world evangelism. We do have example (a pattern) where PAUL "robbed other churches, taking wages of them ..." (II Cor. 11:8).(He was not a "church" as some would indicate by their present-day "reasoning.") The day wecan establish a pattern in the realm of evangelism for one church to send to another sponsoring church is the day we can address the Otter Creek church as"brother Paul."

Thus, since "the church still looks to Tennessee for much of our guidance and direction" and bro. Lovell has "never seen any reason ... to stop doing it," then it is an easy matter for him to speak of"Action by a Universal Church for a Universal Cause." Once he gets brethren to "digest" this unscriptural nonsense he will find no difficulty in setting up universal elders under the guise of "sponsoring elders" and consequently a universal church treasury. If he can activate the universal church, then he can likewise establish a "universal treasury" to finance a "universal cause." No, all this has not happened — yet. But remember, in the days of Paul, when some brethren wouldn't dream of setting up a"universal bishop" over the "universal church" Paul said: "FOR THE TIME WILL COME when they will not endure sound doctrine . . . AND THEY SHALL TURN AWAY THEIR EARS FROM THE TRUTH AND SHALL BE TURNED UNTO FABLES" (IITim. 4:4). If this happened to the church of Christ THEN, it can happen now.

IN CONCLUSION

At the beginning we made mention that a littleover fifteen years ago the sponsoring type program of work known as the Herald of Truth appeared to be such a harmless and innocent thing. As we see its influence and pressure increasing and spreading, wemay well see that such schemes are becoming nightmares for Bible-loving, God fearing Christians. Thepropaganda and pressure closed the eyes of those who looked in wonder at these things. T hus they were shut to the reality of danger that lurked behind the veneer of innocence because its outward label was painted, "A Good Work." Since this was a "good work" many did not realize the danger it posed to the safety and purity of the church of our Lord. Ambitious churches and elders were steadily assuming the roles of sponsoring churches, sponsoring elders and they seemed only sincerely interested in aworthy "responsibility and obligation."

But the road of institutionalism and super-organization, sponsoring chur ches upon which manychurches of Christ are travelling today is leading right back to Rome. And yet, many of the brethren who could not see the dangers lurking in the dark corners of super-organizations are swiftly swept inthe current toward total departure into Romanism. And because of this, the greater the innovations, the less is heard the voice of opposition of those who thought the day would never come that the church would be in the danger of apostacy. Each appeal such as "Action by a Universal Church for a Universal Cause," the trend of "the church (looking) to Tennessee for much of our guidance and direction . . ." hastens the speed of travel toward such a system asCatholicism. How sad to see so many brethren whoclaim to oppose errors of sectarianism without thechurch stand completely apathetic to sectarianism within the church! Each campaign for Christ, every dollar sent to the sponsoring elders of the Herald of Truth, every dollar collected by "ACTION Assistants" and forwarded to the Otter Creek elders sponsoring their "universal cause" brings us that muchcloser to the reality of a universal bishop, a universal treasury and the destruction of the God-given right to self-government, or local autonomy of every congregation of God's people on this earth.

Yet many of these brethren will write volumes of articles warning us of the impending threat ofCatholicism as it makes inroads into our sacred religious heritage — our freedom to worship God as He wills. They warn how Rome is exerting her best talents and efforts to crush this privilege — to destroy our rights to worship as Christians. And yet,they uphold in the church of Christ the very thing they oppose from without. The pressure by such ambitious men as bro. Lovell is destroying the right of each church to be self-governing; to look after andcare for its own work. Such schemes seek to crush, control the equality, responsibility and FREEDOM given by God among individual congregations.

We need not only to be conscious of the threat ofCatholicism in this nation, but we need to be equally, if not more conscious of the seed of Catholicism IN THE CHURCH. As such a road upon which many of our liberal brethren are travelling brings them closer to Rome, it will eventually and inevitably lead many church members to hell. One cannot walk the road to Rome without finding himself, at the same time, on the "way, that leadeth to destruction" (Matt. 7:13).

If you think many are not headed in that direction, if the threat of CATHOLICISM is not found in the church, then what does it indicate when brethren campaign for and promote ACTION BY A UNIVERSAL CHURCH FOR A UNIVERSAL CAUSE?" What does it indicate when men like bro. Lovell are encouraging churches to look to "Tennessee for much of our guidance and direction ?" If this is not CATHOLIC, then pray tell, what is ? And remember, Lovell is not the only one to embrace and endorse such dangerous and evil schemes. Right behind him is Alan Bryan and also John Allen Chalk who is now the featured speaker on the Herald of Truth sponsored bythe Highland church of Christ, Abilene, Texas. Andbehind them is an army of elders and preachers who promote, endorse, encourage one sponsoring arrangement after another.

One who speaks out against such digressive trends is viewed as an "alarmist," an "agitator," etc. Butare not the accusers equally "alarmed" and "agitated" as they speak out against these very same things found in the Catholic church? Why, then,should one not be alarmed and agitate to his fullest ability the sound of warning against Catholic practices within the church?

P.O. Box 143 Hixson, Tennessee 37343

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, r esear ch and insight. It contains the entire NewTestament in both the King James and Revised Versions, in parallel columns for ready reference and comparison. A verse -by -verse study on the same page with the text. A ver y popular commentar y.

Single volume of entire N.T................................. $5.00

LOVE OR LUST

Love suffers long and is kind, the apostle said.(I Corinthians 13:1-8.) There is not much love evident in our world, if unselfish kindness is an essential characteristic. Popular songs are love songs, or are they ? Many writers of short stories and fiction books build their themes around struggles of lovers, or is it love? Aged women are needed who are capable anwilling to teach younger women to love their husbands and to love their children. (Titus 2:3-5.) This teaching is neglected, evidently, for many seem notto know anything about love as descr ibed in theBible.

The woman who is subtle and given to flatterymay tempt the young man who is void of understanding. He may call this love when it is provoked lust and temptation. She may lead him along in thepath toward hell and FORCE him to his spiritual destruction, while he follows as an ox that is beingled to the slaughter house. (Please read chapter seven of Proverbs. Note the word "Please."

Lust and love are as opposite as the poles. Love is an unselfish interest in others that reaches out to do them good. Lust is a selfish desire for satisfaction ofthe carnal nature. Love begets love. We may love onebecause he first loved us. It is God's love and His goodness that lead us to Him. (I John 4:10; Romans 2:4). When love reaches out it blesses. When lust !conceives, it brings forth sin and death. (James 1:15.) Man may be lured and enticed by the unholy ! charms of the "strange woman," or the man mayentice some unfortunate soul, but the same man or woman was created to be in the image of God. The Gospel should be preached to these creatures of Godthat it might have its ennobling influence before theybecome slaves of corruption. Please read the last ' half of the second chapter of second Peter.

The pleasures of sin are deceitful and are but for a season. This is certainly true of the sins of sex that are so common in every generation. The pagaRoman empire was impure, but so is modern America. The last half of the first chapter of Romans and other inspired accounts of the pagan world seem modern in application

The Bible has several listings of sins, any one of which will prevent one's entering into the heavenlyreward. Listed first in such catalogs is fornication or some related sin. This is true in almost every suchpassage. (See Galatians 5:19-21; I Corinthians 6:9,10; Colo ians 3:5; and any parallel passages you can find.) Sins that destroy homes and self-respect are not little misdemeanors.

The Bible uses the words "unclean" and "filthy." It speaks of corruption as the harvest or as the master one ser ves. (Ephesians 19:29; 5:4; Galatians 6:7, 8; II Peter 2:19.) Think of the significance of the words "unclean" and "filthy." Even present public usage includes the word "dirty" in regard to some minds and conversations. The inspired advice is to "Flee fornication." (I Corinthians 6:18.) The context of this verse singles this sin out as being more grievous rather than less destructive than other common sins.

The degrading influence of the Kinsey report, university professors who publicly recommend premarital sex relations, Hollywood's powerful means of spreading its degradation, filthy literature, thbreaking down of respect for the Bible, much that is falsely called music, and the mad rush for money onthe part of parents give some answer to the question of why so much lack of fidelity in marriage. The complete failure of one marriage out of three, thalarming spread of venereal diseases even in this day of the miracle drugs, the frustration and mental sickness of this sedative pill generation, and thabundant harvest of illegitimate children and delinquent youths answer in some measure the question as to what the results of this promiscuity are. The public needs to be aroused to the destruction this sin can bring to the souls of the guilty. The ultimate fall of our nation is related to this sin which destroys the home. Can our nation long stand if this sex craze continues to spread?

Let those who claim to be Christians be Christians. Our world needs to see examples of purity, modesty,and fidelity. Homes where love abides are like oases in the desert of a lust driven mob. Followers of the Lord are to have no fellowship with the UNFRUITFUL works of darkness, but rather reprove them(Ephesians 5:1-11.) There would be fewer people suffering physical and mental maladies now, anfewer people in hell later if more were done by parents, preachers, teachers and people everywhere that know right to teach the beauty of holiness and theuncleanlinessof sin.

People hunger for the love of the type the parents should show the child, or that Christians should have for the brethren, or even for their neighbors. Heaven's love for man remains the wonderful marvel of the ages. The removal of lust and selfishness that love might take their place could do much to prepare the many for heaven, and, as a by-product, remove much of the disease, remorse, sorrow and corruptionof a strife torn world.

TAPES OF EVERY SPEECH OF THE

1965 FLORIDA COLLEGE LECTURE PROGRAM

Clear and complete tapes are available of the entire Florida College Lecture Program — January 2528, 1965. New 1 1/2 mil polyester "Mylar" base strong tape that will not stretch will be used, recorded at 3 1/2 speed and may be played on any tape recorder. One 7" reel will contain any two speeches desired. There wer e 20 lectures and 10 tapes will contain the entire lecture program.

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SPEAKERS AND THEIR SUBJECTS

Harris Dark — Relativism and Absolutism."Jim Ward — "Moral Revolution In America."Ronald Mosby — "Conscience Struggle Of The Organization Man."Art Ogden — "Works Of The Flesh."Homer Hailey — "Moral Implications In The Fall Of Nations."Foy Vinson — "Love Not The World."Stanley Lovett — Immoral Dispositions."Harry Pickup, Jr. — "Basic Causes of Divorce."Bill Fling — "Moral Responsibility of Communication Media."Howard See — "Let it be Corban."Jim Rury — "Morality And Spiritual Mindedness."

C. D. Hamilton — "Moral Implications of Capital Punishment."Gene Frost — "Moral Implications of Gambling."Ray Ferris — "Bribery And Perversion of Justice."James R. Cope — "Moral Implications of America's Public Health

Enemy #4." Steve Hudgins— "Fruit Of The Spirit." David Tant — "Morality and Judgment to Come." Melvin Curry — "Moral Implications of Organized Benevolence." A. C. Grider — "Why Florida College." Robert Jackson — Technique of the Big Lie."

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byIRENE SOWELL FOY

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

WALTER N. HENDERSON

Thomas G. Butler, Lakeland, Florida

"Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel." These words are descriptive of Walter N. Henderson, whose body was laid to rest in the Neunanaville Cemetery near Alachua, Fla., May 7. Brother Henderson was born inMadison, Fla., Feb. 1, 1907, and reared in a very large family. His early life was spent in an agricultural environment where he learned to work hard and toil long hours. This experience served him well as a laborer in the kingdom of God. He never was in a hurry, but was always busy about his Father's business.

Walter received his education in the common schools of his day and through long hours of diligent private study. He knew the Bible well and was ateacher unexcelled. He was a gospel preacher whonever deviated from the truth for any reason or foranybody. His life was pure and without blemish. His influence for soundness of the -faith was and is felt over a large area as he had served a number ofchurches as local evangelist.

I thought Walter Henderson's wisdom to be great and sought his advice and opinions a number oftimes. We have been together a great number oftimes when churches were in difficulty. Always hewas practical, charitable and wise in every decisionthat he made. My respect for him was as high as heaven, my confidence in him was unlimited and my love for him knew no bounds. Truly, Walter Henderson was a man of God.

Horace Hartsell, Boca Raton, Fla. — We are starting a sound work in Boca Raton, Florida. The temporary meeting place is 115 N.W. Palmetto Park Road. This is near the 7-11 store, two blocks west of

U.S. 1. Anyone in this area is invited to meet with us. Any students planning to attend Florida Atlantic University in the future should know that there will be a sound congregation with whom to worship. My phone number is 395-9385. W. L. Wharton of San Antonio, Texas will be the speaker in a gospel meeting with the church at 3514 W. North Avenue, Stone Park, Ill., May 17-21 andwith the church in Albion, Michigan, May 29-June 4.

Glenn L. Shaver, Oak Lawn, Ill. — I am in mythird year with the church meeting in the Burbank Manor section of Oak Lawn, a suburb of Chicago, and plan to move back to my native state of Arkansas this summer. The church here would appreciate hearing from any sound and faithful gospel preachers that interested in the Lord's work in this area. Write to: church of Christ, 8230 S. Laramie Avenue, Oak Lawn, Ill. 60459, or call Area Code 312-422-4713. I am moving back to my home county (Randolph), Pocahontas, the county seat. The church started meeting there last November as the problem of Institutionalism, etc. They have purchased lots near the city limits on Highway 90 N.E., and plan tobuild this summer. They have asked me to comehome and work with them. It will be necessary at the' present for us to raise all of our support and moving expenses. Hence, any church or individual that canhelp us will be greatly appreciated and fully acknowledged. Brethren, pray for us. I am now out of thehospital and able to hold some meetings this year. We will need 600.00 per month which will serve topay our rent, utilities and salary. We will also needabout $300.00 to pay our moving expenses from Chicago to Pocahontas.

PAUL WILLIAMS TO GO TO SOUTH AFRICA

For over fifteen years my wife and I have beenextremely interested in the work in South Africa. Ten years ago we tried to go, but a combination offactors prevented our getting there. Recently Bro. Gene Tope visited us and took away all our excuses for not going now; so, God being our Helper, we have decided to go in December of this year.

We intend going to Johannesburg, where there is only one very small white congregation controlled bythe liberals. The city of Johannesburg has 500,000 white people and 500,000 black people in it. Bro. Tope tells us that there are vast areas of this great city ,where the gospel has never been preached. We willlive and work among the white people. We will also have opportunity to preach to the blacks both in thecity and in the native areas away from the city.Since the people of South Afr ica speak E nglish, there will be no language barrier. And since the climate is mild and the education and health facilities are excellent, we will be able to remain longer than the two years that evangelists going to thetropical areas of Africa stay. We intend staying inSouth Afr ica four years.

My wife and I will both be 37 years old when we leave. We have five boys. The oldest two are Christians and should be a great help in our work. All of us are in good health. I was advised by some when we desired to go ten years ago that I needed more preaching experience and the experience of working with elders. Well, that experience has now been acquired. And I feel that I am now in the most productive years of my life. I sincerely believe that we willbe able to do much good in preaching the gospel inSouth Afr ica.

We are seeking monthly support, travel fund and a work fund. Since I am writing this just five days after we made our decision to go, we have none of the money at this writing. I confidently expect brethren to fill these needs, for I have become increasinglyimpressed with the willingness of faithful churches to support evangelists preaching everywhere in theworld.

Paul K. Williams 412 Lawndale Dr. Plainfield, Ind. 46168Phone 839-0174

Earl Hartsell, Leesville, La. — After two years of labor with the Leesville church we plan to moveto Alexandria, Louisiana this summer to start a new congregation there. We made the decision to move to Alexanderia because we feel that the need is much greater there. Alexanderia is in the center of thestate and there is no sound congregation within 60to 100 miles in any direction from there. We know that this task will not be easy but we believe it is the Lord's will that here be a faithful church there. If anyone reading your paper should know of any

one who lives there or is moving there who would I

join in this work, please let me know. You may kno

of some service man stationed at England Air Base

nearby. You may write me at this address: Earl

Hartsell, P.O. Box 335, Leesville, La.

Kenneth R. Camp, Gen. Del., Black Rock, Ark. —Brethren who cherish the "Old Paths" continue to strive for the cause in Pocahontas, Ark. Since Oct. 1966, we have been meeting in an abandoned store building on Highway 90, near the high school, withattendance ranging from 35 to 50.

We have purchased a well located acre on the western edge of town and hope to erect a building in the near future. We also hope for a full time evangelist by mid summer if support can be raised.

We would appreciate the efforts of the reader incontacting friends and relatives in the area of Pocahontas and urging them to meet with us. T hose traveling are urged to plan a stop with us.

Any inquiry regarding the work in Pocahontas is welcomed and we should like to receive bulletins from any and all who can send them.

Jimmy Tuten, Jr., St. Louis, Mo. — I will be with the Greenwood church, Greenwood, Arkansas, April 28 through May 5. Harry Pickup, Jr. will be with the Spring & Blaine church May 14-21. Two weeks agotwo were baptized and one identified at Spring Blaine.

W. C. Hinton, Jr., Clermont, Fla. — On August 3rd we will be getting a last look at San Francisco, theGolden Gate Bridge as we pass under it and out to sea where we pass close to Alcatraz and then thewater only surrounds us for the 14 day voyage onthe S. S. President Cleveland. To date we are assured of only $380 per month and thus are very interested in knowing of brethren who would like to join with us in the task that lies ahead in Japan. We ask that you prayerfully consider what you can do to help us be maintained in Japan for the next three years in order that we might teach them more. It might bwell to note that when we return we will be the onlyfully conservative preacher working among 100 million people or one-half the people in America. Maddress until August will be: W. C. Hinton, Jr., 715 Sunny Dell Drive, Clermont, Fla. 32711.

Thomas G. O'Neal had a religious debate with F.

L. Ray in Murfressboro, Tennessee, April 17, 18, 20,21, at the Westvue church building. The first twonights Ray affirmed that the Baptist church wasscriptural in origin, doctrine and practice, and was established during the days of Jesus Christ on earth. The last two nights O'Neal affirmed that the church of Christ was established on Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ and is scriptural in origin,doctrine and practice. The tapes of this discussion are available from Phillips Publications, P.O. Box 17244, Tampa, Fla. 33612. The four nights' discu ion will be $12.00, recorded on four tapes.

Ralph R. Givens, Susanville, Calif. — One has recently been baptized. I will be in a meeting with thechurch in Novato, California May 14-21.

John W. Pitman, P.O. Box 103, Fayetteville, Ark. 73701 — Any church in the state of Arkansas who is in need of a preacher I would consider the work. I am now preaching with the small church at Georgetown, Arkansas, but we do not have support. The work is good and we enjoy it. We would like to staybut we need support. Eleven were baptized in January and two were restored. The contribution pays for a 15 minute radio program each Sunday morning.I can be contacted at the above address.

James L. Denison, Box 481, High Springs, Fla. —I closed a weeks meeting with the church in Marietta, Florida on April 30th, resulting in one baptismand three confessions of wrong. This was my second meeting for 1967. Brother Billy Duncan of Trenton,Florida will hold our meeting at Santa Fe Hills on May 15-21.

Guy McDaniel, Muscle Shoals, Ala. — Brother

A. C. Grider of Longview, Texas will preach in agospel meeting at Southern Blvd. church of Christ in Sheffield, Alabama, June 5-11. Services will be at

7:30 each night. Brother Baxter Rose of Muscle Shoals, Alabama will direct the congregation singing.All in this area are invited to attend.

Larry A. Bunch, Palmetto, Fla.— Need a preacher ? Any congregation needing someone to conduct agospel meeting, please contact Larry A. Bunch, 16135th St., Palmetto, Fla. 33561. I can come anytime except June 5-9 and the latter part of July and thefirst of August, unless some congregation in Oklahoma wants a meeting about that time. Edwin Hayeswill be in a meeting at Palmetto October 1-7, 1967.

Frank Ingram — Bro. Sam Binkley held us a meeting here in Blue Ash, Ohio, the last of April. He brought forth splendid gospel lessons and two precious souls were added and the church strengthened. Fifty-three souls have been added in my work in the past four years. Beginning May 21 I will be preaching for the church in Brownsburg, Ind. My new address will be, P.O. Box 184, Indianapolis, Ind. 46112.

PREACHER WANTED

The Loveland Heights church of Christ is in need of a full time preacher to begin work in the fall of1967. This congregation meets in a new building andis able to fully support a preacher. Present membership is over one hundred. If interested, please contact W. McVey, 1566 W. Loveland Ave., Loveland,Ohio 45140.

B. G. Hope, 213 E. 12th St., Bowling Green, Ky. —The members of 12th St. and the citizens of the community had an unusual opportunity from March 26April 2 at which time Bro. Clinton Hamilton lectured and preached the Gospel of Christ at 12th St. church of Christ. He lectured from Monday through Friday on the following subjects: The Living God and GodIs Dead Controversy, The Bible, the Christian andScience, Creation or Evolution, The New Morality,License, Responsibility and Intellectual Freedom. Onthe Sunday preceding the lectures and on Saturdaynight and Sunday following the lectures he preached five powerful sermons. Among the sermons was one on the Home, the Bible and You. Bro. Hamilton was invited to speak before two colloquia at Western University arranged by the philosophy Dept. We were impressed by the interest of the young people, some not even members of the church. I know of no one who can deal with these subjects more effectivelythan Bro. Hamilton. It is my personal feeling thathese lectures should be presented all over the country. Our young people are interested in them. Theyhave honest questions that need honest and Scriptural answers. Eternity alone will determine the goodthat was done while he was here. We are grateful to him.

Gilbert W. Holt, Clarksville, Tenn. — The South Clarksville congregation had its beginning the first Sunday in November, 1965 with eleven people. Sincethat time the congregation has made much progress. In June of 1966 I moved here from Cambridge City,Ind. to work with these brethren. We are now meeting in our new building. We have a radio program Monday-Friday from 1:00 to 1:15 P.M. Our average attendance for the month of March was 78. This is the only congregation in Montgomery County, Tenn.,that has taken a firm stand against Institutionalism. If the readers of Searching The Scriptures know ofmen who are stationed at Fort Campbell, Ky., whowant to worship with a congregation that is insistingupon Bible authority for all we do, please send ustheir names and addresses and we will be glad tcall on them.

Church of Christ, Clermont, Florida — Due to the fact that the present preacher, W. C. Hinton, Jr., is leaving in July to continue work in Japan, we are interested in securing a faithful preacher to labor with us. There is good opportunity for growth and the 35 members, meeting in their own building, haveno internal problems and work together well. Apreacher's house is provided. We are located 20 miles due west of Orlando, Fla., the "action center of Florida." If interested in working with the brethren atClermont, please contact Turner Hogan, 1115 Chestnut Street, Clermont, Fla. 32711, phone 394-4474.

PREACHER WANTED

A gospel preacher is needed at a small church on the outskirts of Cincinnati, Ohio, on or before June 1st. Financially able to support fulltime effort. Please contact Charles Proctor at 6538 Donjoy Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45242 or call 891-1250.

PREACHER WANTED

The 9th Avenue church of Christ in St. Petersburg, Florida desires to contact a preacher of the gospel who may be interested in movingto labor with this church. Fred Liggin, Jr. is now with the 9th Avenue church but plans to go back to Africa January 1, 1968. This congregation plans to help him in this work. We canprovide adequate support for the right manPlease contact Lano Mosley, phone: 894-0360 St. Petersburg, or Bob Keannerer, phone: 347980 St. Petersburg, Florida. The church building is located at 1315 9th Avenue north, StPetersburg, Florida.

JACKSON-CRAFT DEBATE

Marshall E. Patton

On the nights of Februar y 13, 14, 16, 17 it was my privilege to moderate for brother Maurice W. Jackson, Jr. of the Stevens Avenue church in Huntsville, Alabama, in his debate with Mr. Richard C. Craft of the First United Pentecostal Church, also of Huntsville. T he debate was conducted in the buildings of both churches — two nights each.

This discu ion was well attended by the brethren of each of the men. Of course, our brethren outnumbered the others, but Mr. Craft's people were well represented each night — several coming from distant places. We had brethren present from a large area including a number of preachers as well as others from Birmingham and other North Carolina cities, Georgia and Tennessee. Excellent decorum prevailed throughout the debate.

The i ues involved the Godhead, Holy Spiritbaptism and miracles. Mr. Craft ran the usual course on the Godhead and did a fair job of representingthe position of his brethren. As a speaker he was bold, somewhat fluent, but left much to be desired from the viewpoint of his knowledge and use of grammar. On the Holy Spirit Mr. Craft had very little to present either affirmatively or negatively.He continually reverted back to the Godhead proposition and used most of his time the last two nights on the Holy Spir it proposition tr ying to patch uphis failure on the Godhead i ue.

Brother Jackson prepared himself thoroughly for this debate. He presented some of the best material I have heard on the subject matter, especially thGodhead. He could not get Craft to stick with theHoly Spirit proposition. However, in spite of this handicap, he did an excellent job of setting forth the truth on this proposition. Brother Jackson had his material well arranged and presented it withforce, clarity, and effect. While this was his first debate of consequence, his conduct was as that of a veteran. The brethren who heard the debate were well pleased with and deeply grateful for the excellent job he did.

Brother Leonard Tyler and brother Colin Williamson a isted in a very fine way as time keeper and operator of the overhead projector and charts respectively. A good system was employed throughoutin the use of the charts and projector so that neither side lost one minute of time during the whole debate.

Brother Jackson proved himself to be an abledefender of the truth. He is worthy of confidence and will do an excellent job when and where ever called upon.

WORD STUDIES IN NEW TESTAMENTBENEVOLENCE: No. 4

All students of the New Testament church are

well acquainted with a ministry of benevolence ex

tended toward the poor saints in Jerusalem during

the close of Paul's third mission tour. Collections

were taken from numerous churches and delivered

by Paul and others, in Jerusalem when, in that city,

Paul's mission labors as such ended. No study of New

Testament benevolence could afford to overlook the

various terms that are used in connection with this

great Judean relief. In addition to these terms there

are several other words that occur in especially out

standing passages. They also should be considered in

this study

At this point, then, the Judean relief will be studied

first; then the other wordsthat have been mentioned.

KOINONIA

It is stated in Acts 2:42 that the Jerusalem church continued in koinonia. In most English translationsthis word is rendered "fellowship." According tMoulton the term is used in profane writings to denote the closest of all human relationships; e. g.the marriage contract. (Vocabulary of the Greek New Testament, p. 351.) But what isthe significance of the term in Acts 2:42? Obviously, it is not there

signifying the marriage contract. If I count correctly

the word koinonia occurs nineteen times in the Greek

T estament: Acts 2:42; Rom. 15:26; I Cor. 1:9

10:16; II Cor. 6:14; 8:4; 9:13; 13:14; Gal. 2:9; Phil.

1:5; 2:1; 3:10, Philemon 6; Heb. 13:16; I Jno. 1:3

7,6.

The word koinonia appears to convey at least three different meanings: first, the share which one has in anything (II Cor. 13:14); second, intercourse,,intimacy, fellowship (Acts 2:42, but I am not at all certain that this passage so uses the term); third,a benefaction jointly contributed (Rom. 15:26).

Koinonia and kindred words are basically opposed in meaning to idios, "one's own." The root of koinonia and kindred terms is koinos, "common." The Jews used this term in contrast with hagios, "holy." That which was hagios was set apart for God's use,while that which was koinos was common, or foman's use (provided it was not "unclean").

It seems to me that koinonia clearly denotes aphysical contribution or alms in Rom. 15:26; II Cor. 8:4; 9:13; Phil. 1:5; and Heb. 13:16. Liddell andScott define the term "charitable contribution," "alms," and cite Rom. 15:26 as a case in point. (Lexicon, p. 970.) What this contribution consisted of, Ido not know. The passages cited from Romans and Corinthians as denoting alms, all refer to the collection taken for the poor saints in Jerusalem. The reference in Phil. 1:5 is probably to Paul's supportby the Philippian church, Phil. 4:15, 16. The reference is general in Heb. 13:16.

THE SIX

ADAM CLARKE'S COMMENTARY

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GLORIFYING AND GLAMORIZING SIN

Donald R. Givens, Novate, Calif.

'Let us get rid of this silly idea called 'sin'." "We

must be free to act as we please." "If you like it —

then it's right." "All rules and restraints of morality

are out-dated." "We need a new code of morals to fit

our advanced sophisticated age."

These are some of the ideas we are hearing today.This generation has decided that we need a "new morality." In the newspapers, in the movies, on theradio and television today we hear the cry for a "newand sophisticated code of morality." And we are see-ing the results of this loose and "unrestrained think-ing" also. Crimes of all types are rapidly increasing; divorces; and illegitimate births are multiplying; and never before has this nation seen sin glorified andglamorized as it is now. I am a young man but I haveseen our country decline morally even in the last few years. Why, for example, things are shown on television now that even a few years ago would have never been filmed, much less accepted by the public.But now we wink at the sins exhibited and call the sinners "swingers." If you are not revelling with the"swingers" you are a "square." Today we see suchrepulsive and revolting, lascivious and lewd programs I as "Shindig" and "Hullabaloo" and many other programs which feature teenagers (and even supposedly "mature"? adults) going through all sorts of torrid,sensual, and suggestive movements and bodily contortions. It is nothing but sin glorified and glamorized. No wonder some teenagers act the way they do if they have such programs as this to feast their minds and eyes upon. (We can be thankful that there are many fine teenagers who are Christians and who act likesuch and refuse to be led by the revellings of the sinful.)

It is not a problem of immorality that only teen

agers have succumbed to. Oh no, many, many adults

are also crying for a "new morality" and freedom

to sin as they please.

But friend, let it be truthfully said that this "new morality" is NEITHER "NEW" NOR "MORAL." It is nothing but the OLD IMMORALITY! T his old immorality is on the increase. We can look into the Old Testament and see the sinful condition of Israel as she turned away from the true and living God and became a harlot. Wickedness was glorified and glamorized back then just as it is today. Notice some passages from Isaiah:

"Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evil-doers, children that deal corruptly! they have forsaken Jehovah, they have despised the Holy One of Israel, they are estranged andgone backward" (1:4)."Woe unto them that call evil good, and goodevil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!" (5:20,21)

Does this sound like a descr iption of our own age?

Listen also to some passages from Jeremiah:

"How can I pardon thee? thy children haveforsaken me, and sworn by them that are no gods. When I had fed them to the full, theycommitted adultery, and assembled themselves in troops at the harlots' houses; they were as fed horses roaming at large; every one neighed after his neighbor's wife" (5:7,8). Looks like Judah had some of the same morality

problems that the United States has! Listen again: "For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them everyone is given to covetousness, (how true this is in the 20th centur y! drg) and from the prophet even unto the priest everyone dealeth falsely ... Were they ashamed when they had committed abominations? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush" (6:13,15).

Again, how very aptly this describes our generation. We have become so used to sin that no longer are we

ashamed and no longer do we blush. Grandmother would have certainly blushed; mother might haveblushed a little: but daughter is one of the "sophisticated swingers" and she does not blush at all! But listen again to the very next verse:

"Thus saith Jehovah, Stand ye in the ways and

see, and ask for the old paths; where is the good

ways: and walk therein, and ye shall find rest

for your souls: but they said, We will not walk

therein" (6:16).Yes, the way of Jehovah, the "old paths" is the good way! If we will walk within the old paths we shall find rest for our souls. But, just as Judah did, thepeople of today cry: "We will NOT walk therein!"Today sin is glamorized by making it attractive and enticing. Certainly there are "pleasures in sin," butremember it is only "for a season," and that the"wages of sin is death."

Women dressed (and undressed!) in immodest apparel is one enticement that is used very frequently to sell the public everything from automobiles to hair-oil.

All that many individuals want out of life is a"thrill" and a "fast buck," and they will sink to any depth to get it.

But no matter how much we glorify or glamorize sin— it is still actually ugly, repulsive and soul-damning. You will go to hell if you succumb to the"thrills of sin." The devil loves to have people cry for "uninhibited and unrestrained morality" and"free love." Satan must be gloating, clapping his hands, and shouting for glee as he observes his converts trying to tear down God's laws of moralitypresented in the Bible.

Do not be fooled! Righteousness is the way of courage, conviction, and eternal reward. Immorality is the way of eternal doom.

May we never, never forget that "Righteousness exalted a nation; But sin is a reproach to any people" (Proverbs 14:34).

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By David Edwin Harrell, Jr. A thorough and scholarly work on the history of Disciples of Christ from 1800 to 1865. This valuable volume, completely documented, has just been r e-leased. A second volume is being written to take thehistory to 1900. This rich material should be read by every Christian. Order your copy today.

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of the

DODGE-WILSON DEBATE

"An unusual debate" Payette, I daho Januar y 30, 31; February 1, 2, 1967 Proposition first two nights: "The Kingdom, which is God's govern

ment, was established in the year 1914 A.D.'Affirms: Charles C. Dodge, Jehovah's WitnessDenies: John W. Wilson, Christian

Proposition last two nights: "T he scriptures teach that man has a soul or spirit which is immortal." Affirms: John W. Wilson, Christian

Denies: Charles C. Dodge, Jehovah's Witness This is a good debate recorded on new Mylar (polyester) 1 1/2 mil. tape on 7" reels. Recor ded at 3 3/4 i.p.s. Any defective tape or recording will be replaced free of charge.

FOUR NIGHTS — FOUR REELS — $12.00

PHILLIPS PUBLICATIONS

P. O. Box 17244 TAMPA, FLORIDA 33612

BALLARD — O'NEAL DEBATE

Murfreesboro, TennesseeJune 13, 14, 16, 17, 1966

P. D. Bollard (Baptist) — Thomas G. O'Neal (Christian)

Recorded on new strong 1 1/2 mil Mylar (polyester) tape, each night clearly recorded on one tape at 3 3/4 speed and can be played on any r ecor der using a 7" reel.

June 13, 14 — Proposition: "The Scriptures teachthat baptism in water is for (in order to obtain) remission of sins."

T. G. O'Neal affirms — P. D. Bollard denies

June 16, 17 — Proposition: The Scriptures teach that a child of God (one washed in the blood of Christ) cannot so sin as to be finally lost in hell."

P. T. Bollard affirms — T. G. O'Neal denies.

The Entire Debate on Four Tapes — $12.00

Order from:

PHILLIPS UBLICATIONS

P. O. Box 17244 T ampa, Florida 33612