WHAT DO YOU READ?
H. E. Phillips
Do you read Searching The Scriptures? Whether you receive this paper by your own subscription or asthe favor of a friend, do you even so much as thumb through it to see if there is some subject matter youmight desire to know more about or some questionthat might be answered? Do you just lay it aside andnever even so much as look at the front or back page?
What do you really like to read? The answer to this
question will tell something of your spiritual and
moral interests and will give you a good measurement
of your character, attitudes and goals in life.
The word of God—"the words of eternal life" (John 6:68), the words of the Lord written by theapostles (Acts 1:2; I Cor. 14:37; Eph. 3:2-5; Gal. 6: 11; Rev. 1:1-3,19)—is that by which every responsible person who has ever lived will be judged (John 12:48; Rev. 20:12). This fact alone is enough to compel each individual to inquire into the contents ofGod's revelation to man. But whether or not man's curiosity for a knowledge of God's will or his natural appetite for a better life is stimulated to study thescriptures, God commands him to do so for his own good. We are to read the revelation of God that we may understand (Eph. 3:3,4). One who reads the word of God may not understand and another mayexplain (guide) him (Acts 8:27-35). To Timothy theapostle wrote: "Till I come, give attendance to read-Ing, to exhortation, to doctrine" (I Tim. 4:13).
More than just reading, we must study the word of
God. Webster's New Twentieth Century Dictionary
gives the following as one definition of the word
study: "to apply mind to; to read and examine for
the purpose of learning and understanding." The
Holy Spirit said: "Study to shew thyself approved
unto God, a workman that needeth not to be asham
ed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:
15). "Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly
to them; that thy profiting may appear to all (I Tim.4
15).
We must search for the truth. We read, study and
search or examine the word in order to have life.
"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have
eternal life: and they are they which testify of me" (John 5:39). "These were more noble than those in
Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all
readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily,
whether those things were so" (Acts 17:11).
Modernism, immorality and atheism may take away
your privileged of reading the Bible within another
decade. You will then realize how much spiritual
teaching means to you and yours. There are not many
voices crying out against the god of this world (2 Cor.
4:4) and the spiritual wickedness in high places (Eph.
6:12). We must diligently study the scriptures and
support its teaching to as many as possible.
More reading is being done today than ever before.Billions of books, papers, magazines, booklets and tracts of all kinds flow from the presses in the UnitedStates each year. The power of the press is fully recognized and used by politicians, teachers, businessmen, all levels of government, as well as religiousfanatics, subversive groups, atheists and filth peddlers.Why should not the children of God try to teach thetruth of the gospel through the printed page? Wemust be about the work.
Reading material may be divided into three classifi
cations 1) educational, 2) entertainment, and 3) lust
ful corruption. The educational reading material is
either required or desired to better one's opportuni
ties in life. The second is sold for pleasure and has a
large market. The third is most lucrative and appeals
to the base nature of man. This class of printed
matter is probably the most read by the broadest
spectrum of the human race.
Of all the printed matter on the market the most
difficult to get people to read is that which teaches
the word of God. That is one reason commercial ad
vertising is not profitable enough to support the cost
of a true religious paper. Any sex filled or gossip
centered magazine is not able to carry the advertising
business enterprises seek because they know the mass
es will seek out and read this kind of material.
What kind of reading material do you seek and read? Whatever it is, that is what you will be incharacter, attitude and conduct, and it will ultimatelydetermine your destiny in time and eternity. Let meurge you to read such religious papers and tracts asyou can obtain. I urge you to read Searching The Scriptures every month. I am certain you will profitspiritually as you study what these men write each month with your Bible open.
In the last issue of Searching The Scriptures
(October, 1971) I made reference to some of the
problems magazines are facing today with the increas
ing cost of publication. I also told of the need for in
crease in subscriptions, and also the financial aid in
reducing an accumulated personal indebtedness of
approximately $13,000. over the past twelve years in
order to keep Searching The Scriptures going. The re
sponse to this need will determine whether or not I
can keep publishing this magazine as it is and accom
plish the goal that will always result from teaching
the word of God. Understand that I do not intend to
give up. I am optimistic that God's providence will
provide the way if it be His will, and we can continue
to publish the doctrine of Christ everywhere.
FOR THOSE WHO CANNOTAFFORD TO SUBSCRIBE
Occasionally I receive a letter or note asking that a
reader be dropped from the files because the reader
cannot afford to renew because of limited funds or
restricted income such as social security. Let this be
known by every reader: if you cannot afford the sub
scription price of this paper, please let me know and I
will gladly pay for your subscription as long as you
will read it. Please let no one drop this paper because
of the lack of funds for his subscription. Obviously, I
can not pay for those who can afford to pay for their
own subscriptions. Anyone reading this column who
wants to read this paper and cannot pay for it, please
send me your name and address with the note that
you cannot pay the price and you will receive the
paper regularly.
FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT WANT TO READ SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES
It is possible that some of you who have receivedSearching The Scriptures through the generosity of a friend, relative or interested person do not want itand will not read it. If this be true of you, let meknow and we will never send you another issue unlessyou request it. We do not want to try to force you to "search the scriptures" with us.
FOR THE SPIRITUALLY MINDED WHO WANTSEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES
Excluding those who cannot financially afford to
subscribe for the paper, and those who are neither
spiritual nor interested in studying Bible subjects, we
urge all others who receive this issue of Searching The
Scriptures to send your subscriptions today. We want
to reach at least 10,000 subscribers by January 1st
1972 and we must have your help to attain this goal.
Surely you are interested enough in your own soul
and the souls of your loved ones to make available
some good reading material designed to encourage
people to "search the scriptures" daily and prepare
themselves for heaven.
Subscription is NOW $4.00 per year. RENEW NOW AND SAVE Subscription will be $5.00 per year beginning January, 1972
USE OUR AUTOMATIC
RENEWAL PLAN
SUBSCRIPTION PRICE INCREASE TO
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JANUARY, 1972
This action was inevitable. We had but one other alternative: to decrease the quality and size of the paper and try to hold the present price, but we believe you would not want that and we certainly do not want it.
This increase is necessary as the result of continualincreases in postal rates, publication and labor costs.Moreover, it was necessary to employ more officehelp. Almost every publication, monthly or weekly,has had to increase subscription rates.
You can renew your subscription now at the present price of $4.00. You can also enroll under the
AUTOMATIC RENEWAL PLAN and continue to
receive it at $4.00 year after year. BE A FRIEND
AND SUBSCRIBE FOR A FRIEND
H. E. PHILLIPS, EDITOR
Searching The Scriptures is
approaching the close of its
twelfth consecutive year of
providing the medium through
which the word of God may
be studied with thousands each
month.
H. E. Phillips was born October31, 1916 near Bowl-ing Green, Kentucky. He is the oldest of five sons born to Mr. and Mrs. H.H. Phillips, all ofwhom are active in the Lord's work. Under the influence of his paternal grandparents andhis father and mother he learned the truth at an early age.He was baptized into Christ in1929 by A.B. Barrett at the Twelfth Street church buildingin Bowling Green, Kentucky. James P. Miller, who servedas co-editor of Searching The Scriptures for many years, nowpreaches for this good church.Phillips began teaching andpreaching the gospel in January, 1941 near Nashville, Tenn.He married Miss Pauline Younger of Nashville, Tennessee in May, 1935. To thisunion four daughters were born.One daughter died at the ageof one month. The three daughters now living are married to devout Christians, oneof them now regularly preaches with the Sulphur Springschurch in Tampa. He has sevengranddaughters and also three grandsons. He has baptized histhree oldest granddaughters into Christ, as he also did his
three daughters.
H. E. Phillips is editor, publisher and owner of Searching
The Scriptures and also Phillips
Publications.
AUTOMATIC RENEWAL PLAN
for
This convenient plan was initiated by Searching TheScriptures one year ago in an effort to eliminate yourfailure to receive an issue or two as the result of forgetting" to renew when due. We simply bill you whentime comes to renew your subscription. You may cancel at any time you desire, but as long as you keep this A.R.P. in force you will always be billed at thesubscription rate which was in effect at the time yousigned the card and returned it to us.
If you have not already authorized us to put you on
the Automatic Renewal Plan, please do so without de
lay and continue to receive this magazine without in
terruption at the present price of $4.00 per year.Club subscriptions are now three for $10.00. Why
not send Searching The Scriptures to three friends orrelatives for one year when you renew? Our objective is to reach as many people as possible. We must con
tinue to make every effort to stimulate Bible study.
YOU CAN AFFORD TO SEND
SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES
TO MANY OTHERS
The usual response to an appeal such as I am making on behalf of Searching The Scriptures is: "I can not afford to send the paper to others at this time."I understand that in a very few cases this is true, but98% of those who make this statement can afford to do two or three times as much as they are asked to dowith very little sacrifice. The real reason is just plainapathy and indifference toward the spread of the gospel, and a craving interest in those carnal things ofthis world. I was surprised to learn how much theaverage American family spends each year on selfish interests and often foolish pleasures that profit little.I made a quick and limited survey to see if this largeamount was really spent by the average person.
The 2nd day of November, 1971 I went with one ofmy sons-in-law to a well known national super marketto get prices on some items I know many brethrenuse in part or in whole. I was assured by the cashier(who thought I wanted to purchase these items untilshe was told otherwise) that the items could not bepurchased for less money than the prices at that store.Cigarettes were 45 cents per package. The "moderate" smoker of one package a day spends $3.15 perweek and $163.80 per year for cigarettes. T.V. "munchers" have dozens of items to choose from, and withdrinks one would easily spend 50 cents per evening while watching television. This would amount to
$3.50 per week and $182.00 per year.
I looked at the magazine section to see what people
read and what price they pay for it. A magazine, not
very large, called "Man's Action" sold for 50 cents
per copy. "Playboy's Holiday Album" was $2.50 per
issue. The regular monthly edition costs $1.00,1 was
told by the manager. But he said they were sold out
and would have a new supply the next day. Holly
wood gossip magazines sell for 50 cents to 70 cents
per copy. The garbage and filth that filled the racks
ranged from paperback cartoon, crime detective,
playboy calendar ($1.00 each) to horoscope books,
fortune telling and "sex" crossword puzzles, averag
ing about 60 cents per copy.
In other areas of personal pleasure in which most
families spend their money, we found an average that
may astonish most of us. From the crowded restau
rants and eating establishments I would judge that
most families eat out at least once each week. The
average of several moderate restaurants checked the
cost for one dinner was $3.75 with tips per person. A
couple will spend $7.50 per week and $390.00 peryear for this pleasure.
One of the American ways of life in the businessworld is the "coffee break" at least twice each working day. One cup of coffee or some other drink is at least 15 cents each, and a piece of candy, cookies orpie would add at least 10 cents to the drink. Thisamount twice a day would amount to 50 cents each working day, and at the rate of five work days per
week for one year this would amount to $130.00.
An average theatre ticket costs about $2.00 per per
son (higher for the X rated movies), and if he goes to
a theatre once a week with his date or wife he spends
$208.00 per year on movies alone. Tickets for a ball
game will range from $3.00 to $15.00. During the football season a fan would perhaps attend six gamesand pay about $36.00 for this entertainment. A golfer will generally try to play at least once a week. A round of golf will cost at least $6.00. This amounts to$312.00 per year. A fisherman will spend as muchduring the year on fishing gear and other expenses.Add vacations, pleasure drives, weekend trips, records, sports, and the many trinkets we buy from dayto day which would amount to at least $300.00 per
year.
The daily newspaper (Tampa Tribune is the ex
ample here) costs $44.20 per year, and nearly every
family takes one or more newspapers every day at
approximately this price. The average family sub
scribes to three magazines, sports, news, professional
or entertainment, at a total of $19.20 per year.
The average family will spend a total of $1,161.20
on these things mentioned for their own pleasure and
entertainment each year. For less than 10% of this
one family could send Searching The Scriptures to
25 families for one year. Is this not worth some con
sideration amid this pleasure and affluent age? Is it
not reasonable to think that at least we should spend
10% of our pleasure expenditures on spiritual matters
in helping carry the gospel to every creature?
Let us not claim that we are not financially able to help in a work such as this one. We are able; we may not be willing.
WE MUST HAVE YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONS
I appeal to you now to send just one subscription
for some person who can profit by studying such a
paper as Searching The Scriptures. Do this in addition
to renewing your own subscription. This would be
about 1/3 of 1% of the average amount spent by one
family per year. This is not much money by com
parison to that spent on foolishness or harmful things
every day. It will do far more good than you realize.
If you can do no more, send just one new subscrip
tion for a friend or neighbor today.
I BELIEVE IN SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES
J.T. Smith
As you may or may not have noticed, SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES is in its twelfth year. Ofcourse, only eternity will be able to determine how much good has been done for the cause of Christ. Ibelieve SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES has done as much good as any paper in the brotherhood to stem the tide of digression, not only on institutionalism, but on many other subjects also. For in myopinion, and of course I am sure you will say I amprejudice, this publication is as well balanced a paper,when it comes to different types of articles, as youwill find. In my estimation, the printed page is apowerful weapon against sin. Evidently I am in goodcompany when it comes to this kind of thinking. Godused the printed page as a means by which mankindcould be saved. You may not remember word forword what I say, but if you keep the printed page,you can read to me word for word what I wrote.
I hope brother Phillips will print this article toto,
for I know some of his problems. And yet, at the
same time, I know that H. E. Phillips is not the kind
of person that goes around begging folks for some
thing all the time: and if you have known or know of
him, you know this is so.
It is my opinion that one of the reasons that brother Phillips is having the problems he is physically, isbecause of the financial pressures he has had restingupon him from the beginning of this paper. I happen to know (and don't you leave this part out brotherPhillips) that he has borrowed to the limit on hisInsurance policies, personal signatures, etc. to try tokeep this paper and the work he has been doing forthe cause, going; otherwise, it would have folded long ago. This has amounted to the tune of approximately $10,000 in the last twelve years.
Because brother Phillips is the sole owner of this
publication, he has had to bear the load.
You can help to bear the expenses of publishing
this paper, if you think it is a worth-while cause, by
mailing in club subscriptions at the price listed in this
paper. Or, use the advertisement section for churches
so that those who are traveling may know where your
meeting place is located and be able to come and
worship with you when they are in your area.
We now have the largest subscription of any re
ligious journal among conservative brethren, with
over 6,000 subscriptions. However, if you are inter
ested in this good paper reaching others, send in some
names at the club price and lets see if we can have
10,000 subscribers by January 1st. For, after all,
it will help everyone (the publisher and the ones who
benefit by receiving the material) if you will do this.
GET YOUR CLUB SUBSCRIPTIONS AND YOUR
CHURCH ADDS IN TODAY!!!
1320 Gardiner Lane Louisville, Ky. 40213
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QUESTION: In my study this week I came acrosssomething that has disturbed me a great deal. Matthew is the book of fulfilled prophecy. In Matthew again and again we find the words, "That itmight be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord bythe prophet saying..." And yet a good many of theprophecies referred to by Matthew are not propheciesat all, but merely statements taken seemingly out ofcontext from the Old Testament. For instance,Matthew 2:15 is a referral to Hosea 11:1. Can we handle prophecy as lightly as Matthew seemingly isdoing? And Matthew 2:23, I cannot find the Old Testament passage he seems to be referring to at all.If you could throw any light on this at all I would begrateful.— J.K.
ANSWER: No doubt the problem submitted by ourquerist has troubled many. The answer to the problem is found primarily in the fact that some prophecies have a double meaning. Because of God's infinite power and foreknowledge, He often used languagethrough His prophets to predict one event in historyand at the same time and with the same language sofilled it with such depth of meaning as to extend itscomplete fulfillment to still some later event in history.
Another possible answer to the problem is found inthe fact that the word "fulfilled" is used in different senses. It does not always denote the coming to passof some definite prediction. Sometimes it denotes similarity in matters that correspond in some way,e.g., "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill thelaw of Christ" (Gal. 6:2). When we "bear one another's burdens", our lives correspond, in that matter, tothe demands of the law of Christ, hence, in thatsense, fulfills the same. Some scholars think that theword "fulfilled" is sometimes used in reference to Old Testament prophecies in this sense. Even thoughthese prophecies have had a literal fulfillment in somehistorical event, nevertheless, the similarity of somesituation may correspond so well with the elements
of the prophecy it may be said to fulfill the same—
not on the basis of its being a part of the original pre
diction, but on the basis of the similarities involved. While it may be difficult to determine the exact
sense in which the word "fulfilled" is used in every
instance, it follows that in either instance a legitimate
use is made of the word. Hence, we cannot accuse
Matthew, our Lord, nor anyone else of using proph
ecy lightly when the word is so used.
Consider Matt. 2:17,18. Matthew quotes from Jer.
31:15 which prophecy had its fulfillment in the cap
tivity of Judah. It was at Rama that the descendantsof Rachel experienced deep sorrow—her childrenwere not, because they were carried captive. Here the fate of Jeremiah was decided, and other events ofdeep sorrow came to pass (Jer. 40). The events ofMatt. 2:16, involving the slaying of the male childrenof Bethlehem and the area round about, also concerned Rachel's descendants and correspond well tothe original prophecy. Whether the latter fulfilled asecondary prediction in the original prophecy or simply fulfilled it in its similarities, I am not sure. Ineither instance we have a legitimate use of the word"fulfilled."
Again, Matt. 13:14,15 is a quote from Isa. 6:9,10.The latter reference involved God's commission to Isaiah and its consequences, which were fulfilled inIsaiah's day. However, the consequences of ourLord's teaching were similar to the consequences ofIsaiah's preaching. The reaction of some of the peoplewas the same, hence, in that sense they fulfilled thewords of Isa. 6:9,10. It is thought by some, however,that their reaction to our Lord's teaching was a fulfillment of a secondary meaning in the original—aprophecy of the rejection of the Messiah. Perhaps the determining factor involves the meaning of Jno. 12:41 and Isa. 6:1. In either instance we have a legitimate use of the word "fulfilled."
There are also what some call "fact-prophecies."These involve facts or events in history in which God's hand is evident in a special way which serve as a type of some future event. I'm persuaded thatMatt. 2:15 and Hos. 11:1 are examples of such. It was no accident that Israel came to dwell in Egypt.God foreknew and overruled the circumstances whereby His son, Israel (Deut. 32:18; Hos. 11:1), was providentially cared for in Egypt (Gen. 45:5), and infullness of time called him out of it. Matt. 2:15 reveals that the hand of God was in the affairs mentioned. Design and purpose are clearly implied on the partof the Almighty. Hence, it was no accident that the angel directed Joseph to flee into Egypt. This is theantitype of the "fact-prophecy" of Hos. 11:1 (the type). While such, "fact-prophecies" are recognizedonly in the light of their antitype, they, nevertheless,reveal the beauty of God's design, the clarity of Hisforeknowledge, and His infinite power in planningand executing the great scheme of redemption.
Concerning Matt. 2:23, several proposed explanations have been offered as an answer to the problem submitted by our querist. However, I regard only two of them as being worthy of study here.
We have no assurance that we have a written record of all prophecies (that which was spoken or writtenby inspiration). Paul said we ought "to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, "It is moreblessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). Yet,these words can be found no where in the gospel records. Nevertheless, I believe Jesus made the statement. The Holy Spirit through Paul and Luke said Hedid. Like this statement of our Lord, so Matt. 2:23may be a prophecy of which we have no written record.
The other position affirms that Matthew had no reference to a direct quotation of any particular prophet, but rather to the general character of prophecies in relation to Him. Notice that the word "prophets"is in the plural. It is true that prophets (plural) foretold that His would be a humble life, despised, and rejected (Isa. 49:7; 53:3; Psm. 22:6). It is also true thatGalileans, especially those of Nazareth, were looked upon with contempt (Jno. 1:46; 7:52). To be ofNazareth was to suffer reproach. The prophets predicted that the Christ would suffer such. His living inNazareth fulfilled the general sentiment and characterof these prophecies.
No, Matthew did not "handle prophecy lightly."The above observations show that he made a fair, sincere, and legitimate use of such.
In November this nation pauses to observe one ofits long standing holidays called "Thanksgiving."It is a national day that is devoted to giving God thanks for all that He has done for mankind and serves as a memorial of that first Thanksgivingobserved by the Pilgrims who first settled on thiscontinent to form our nation. Giving of thanks toGod is a thing that should be done 365 days a yearrather than on just one special day, but that seemsto be one of our greatest shortcomings in this nation.
The duty to be grateful is impressed on us throughout the Bible. One of the things that condemned Gentile nations listed by Paul was, "they were neither thankful" (Rom. 1:21). He shows thatpeople who knew God were not thankful. This indicates that anyone with a knowledge of God shouldbe thankful by the very nature of that knowledge.To know that God has been mindful of man in so many ways should almost automatically evoke a responsive gratitude from man. Almighty God hasdone some wonderful things for man for which manshould be grateful. Let us look at a few of them.
1. God has blessed the whole world in many physical ways. Jesus said of the Father, "He makethhis sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust" (Matt. 5:45).Even to those who make no pretense of serving God, He extends His goodness and love. Paul once preached to a heathen people in the region aroundLycaonia and the ancient cities of Lystra and Derbe.Listen to part of what he said. "We are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye shouldturn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all thingsthat are therein: Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless heleft not himself without witness, in that he did good,and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons,filling our hearts with food and gladness" (Acts 14:15-17).
It is the plain truth that were it not for AlmightyGod and His love, care and concern for this world, we would not exist. At the ancient city of Athens,Paul preached to the grandest thinkers of the dayand in his description of God, he says, "God that made the world and all things that are therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwellethnot in temples made with hands; neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, andall things" (Acts 17:24-25).
Even the ancient poets and men of scholarly circles knew God and His goodness. Again, Paul says,"For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, for weare also his offspring" (Acts 17:28). God is the lifeprinciple of this world. His power and love are blended together so as to make our existence possible on this world and we; his offspring, should bedeeply grateful. David said, "Thy righteousness islike the great mountains; thy judgments are a greatdeep: O Lord, thou preservest man and beast" (Psa.36:6). Then also in the next few verses, David adds,"For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy lightshall we see light" (verse 9).
2. God has blessed mankind with spiritual blessings. Paul praised the Father because "he hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in Christ"(Eph. 1:3). How can we understand the fact that God has offered spiritual deliverance to all men?Man, a rebellious ungrateful offspring, that deservesto be destroyed, is offered salvation. God sent Hisson to make this deliverance possible and men killedthe son in utter rejection. Perhaps, if we understandany part of this great love, we can understand how that this salvation is by His immeasurable grace (Eph. 2:8). This grace came in the form of JesusChrist. "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men" (Titus 2:11). Johnsays, "The law was given by Moses but grace andtruth came by Jesus Christ" (John 1:17). And the Hebrew writer says, "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that heby the grace of God should taste death for everyman" (Heb. 2:9).
But what is involved in thanking God for all Hiswonderful blessings ? Is it merely observing one daya year by getting together with family and neighbors, eating turkey, watching a football game andhaving fun? Thanksgiving should be much morethan this. Our actions will speak far louder than ourwords. What we do is far more of an indication to God than what we say. Someone has said, "Thanksliving is of more value than thanks-saying." Thanksgiving is thanks-living.
David, the sweet singer of Israel, once wrote,"What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me ? I will take the cup of salvation, andcall upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vowsunto the Lord now in the presence of all his people" (Psa. 116:12-14). If people are really thankful, thefirst thing to be done to manifest it is to take thecup of salvation so graciously offered by God. Thisis a figure of speech filled with great beauty. A man is dying of thirst. He has no interest in water tillnow. Suddenly, when he realizes that his life is in grave danger, he sees a man holding forth a cup of cold, clear water. How eagerly would he accept it?
God holds forth the cup of salvation to dying humanity because of his love and grace. Yet men who breathe borrowed air, and eat food God providesfor them, and enjoy strength only loaned to them bytheir maker ignore much that God holds forth. Thegreatest gift of all is often ignored and rejected bythose who will take off from work on "Thanksgiving Day" to gorge themselves on turkey and cranberries,but never give a second fleeting thought to the Godwho made it all possible for them.
This cup of salvation must be accepted on God's terms which are very simple. The terms of salvationare faith and obedience. The Hebrew writer said,"Without faith it is impossible to please God" (Heb.11:6). Obedience is the proof of faith. To obey meansto comply with orders and God's orders are in the gospel. Failure to obey the gospel means eternalruin (II Thess. 1:7-9). Specifically the orders we must obey are, faith (John 8:24), repentance (Acts17:30) and baptism (Acts 2:38). If the cup of salvation is ever received by the sinner in need ofGod's grace, it must be through these steps.
God has never appointed salvation to be obtainedby the, "receive Christ into your heart and giveyour life to him," theory. Nor can salvation be enjoyed by "an experience of grace," "a miracle of regeneration." or some kind of "decision for Christ." Salvation does not come in the "better felt than told experiences" which millions rely on. We do not takeGod's cup in our own way. Some have deceived themselves (or have been deceived by false teachers) intothinking that they have been drinking deep fromthe cup of His salvation. If we take God's cup ofsalvation it must be done in God's way — not ourown. People who really are thankful to God, will,in the words of David, say, "What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits to me — I will take the cup of salvation," and they will obey God in allthings.
Many cups will be offered to us in life as we passalong this journey toward death. We may for the moment be dazzled by their apparent beauty andallurement. For example, there is the cup of pleasure, from which myriads of people today drink.America is called a "pleasure-mad-society." Moremoney is spent on pleasure in this nation than isspent for medicine and education. We spend moreon pleasure than we do for national defense. I willnot embarrass the name of religion to compare theamount spent on it to that which is spent on pleasure.How tragic it is that more people will attend a football game on Thanksgiving day than will worshipGod the following Lord's Day. How tragic that morewill drink from the cup of pleasure than will drinkfrom the cup of salvation.
There is the cup of worldly aims and ambitionsthat is offered to us in life. Many drink from it daily.People get so busy making a living, a name and a business that they never find time to take the cup of salvation. They are like the foolish man, of which Jesus spoke, in the 12th chapter of Luke. He had such success in farming that he thought it necessaryto revise his entire operation. He was going to teardown his barns and build larger ones, but he forgot one thing — God was ready to take him from this life and he was not ready to leave. What will we leavebehind when God, in His own good time, gets readyto take us? Many, like this fool, will be drinkingfrom the cup of this worldly ambition and lose theirsoul.
There is a test we should make and then take a cup that is offered to us. An old legend has it thatonce a king was poisoned by a cup that one of hisaides put in his hand. From then on, all who followedin his lineage would name the name of the Lord overthe cup and if it contained poison, it would tremblein their grasp. Now that is only a legend, but wecould determine our best opportunity in life by naming the name of the Lord over all the opportunitieswe meet. Ambitions and amusements have their place, but that which best fits the name of the Lordis the salvation of the soul. Will you call on His nametoday and be saved ? Will you make the Lord's causeand purposes your chief aim in this life?
There is no other way to demonstrate true thanksgiving than to serve God faithfully and constantly.May God help all who read these words to truly bethankful and devoted to the God who made us all.
— 35 W. Par Avenue Orlando, Fla. 32804
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CHECKED YOUR EYES, EARS, AND HEART?
Don MartinPineland, Texas
We hear much today about the importance of hav
ing an annual check-up to determine our physical
condition. Authorities tell us that if we would have a
regular check-up (at least an annual examination) we
would, in many instances, avoid such fatal diseases as
cancer, kidney disease and other fatal physical abnor
malities. Doctors tell us also that we should have
annual eye, ear and heart examinations to assure their
continual use and to correct any existing disorder
that would, if left unattended, impair their function.Moreover, beloved, I submit the same is true regarding our spiritual well-being. We must have spiritual "check-ups" to maintain our spirituality! II Cor. 13:5). In Matt. 13:15, Christ describes many of his
contemporaries thus, "For this people's heart, waxes
gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their
eyes they have closed." (Emphasis mine) Hence,
these people to whom Christ spoke were having spirit
ual eye, ear and heart trouble.
Brethren in Christ, we need to make sure that our
eyes see what they should and do not see what they
ought not, and that our hearts are not spiritually lazy
and insensitive; but eagerly responding to the will of
God. By doing this we can insure a happy spiritual
life and avoid many spiritual diseases which will, if
left alone, destroy us.
"HARD QUESTIONS — NO. 3"
This is the third in a series of questions asked onthe polemic platform. Some of these questions I haveasked and others have been presented to me. As I stated in the first of this series, it has always beeneasier to ask questions than to answer them. However, if we expect to ask we must also be preparedto answer. I have pointed out that the difficultiesmany times in answering a question is the variousshades of meaning in words.
Our question for consideration this month is anold one. It has been asked by many of the veteran debaters such as Joe S. Warlick, C. R. Nichol, W. Curtis Porter and others. The phraseology has varied somewhat but the question has basicallybeen the same. It has to do with the apostasy question. I used it on Dr. Albert Garner and worded it as follows: "Mr. Garner, if a saved man gets drunkand in this condition, murders his entire family, andhas to be killed before he repents would he go toheaven or hell?" Mr. Garner answered in writing with the following reply: "If he were a saved man, he would go to heaven."
Now one must admire Mr. Garner for his frankness in answering this question. Rather than evading the question he answered plainly and took hismedicine like a man. This has been difficult for manyBaptist debaters. Some have completely ignored thequestion; others have tried to soften the consequenceof their doctrine by saying that God would not leta saved person die in such a state. This was used onthe late W. Curtis Porter and he promptly repliedwith an answer which has frightened Baptist preachers to this day. He replied, "If God would not let a saved Baptist die in a drunk condition then all one would have to do to live forever is get saved, jointhe Baptist church, get drunk and stay drunk andGod would never let him die!" This, of course, forever stopped that kind of an answer. Most Baptist preachers today either answer it frankly or just ignore it.
Let us now go back to the question and the answergiven. This question does not contain "trick" words or evasive terms. It is very simple. The question itself places Baptists in a vulnerable position because any way they answer they are in trouble. A fewyears back a few Baptists tried to argue that savedpersons would not get drunk. It was promptly called to his attention that the question was not "would" but was it POSSIBLE for a saved man to get drunk.Most of them will succumb at this point and admit that a saved man COULD get drunk. It would becatastrophic for one to say a saved man could not get drunk!
Now let us examine Mr. Garner's answer and the consequence. Paul tells us in Gal. 5:21 that drunkenness is a work of the flesh and that people who dosuch shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Mr. Garner, to the contrary says that a man will be savedif he gets drunk and dies in this condition. So, itwouldn't take a Solomon to see that Mr. Garner has arrayed himself against the peerless apostle Paul.According to Mr. Garner, a man, after he is savedcan lie, steal, commit adultery and even murder,never repent and go to heaven when he dies. This ispretty difficult for the average Baptist to take. Theold died-in-the-wool Baptist preachers can take thiswithout a flinch but the less informed Baptist getsrather nervous when he has to swallow such a diabolical pill. To the average Baptist, the theory thata person can do all of this and then go to heavenmakes him stop and consider what kind of a doctrinehe has really espoused. I have no doubt that thisvery question has led to the conversion of manyBaptists. Possibly the easy way out would be to say such a person would go to hell, which is what the Bible teaches. However, one must remember if a Baptist should answer in this way he would surrender his theological doctrine of once saved alwayssaved. Most of the time when the subject of sincomes up they will say it is the BODY and not theSPIRIT that sins. However, in the case of drunkenness it would sound pretty ridiculous to talk about a SPIRIT running around in a drunk condition, sothey usually take the consequences of this doctrine.
Some of the old-time debaters felt that the finest refutation of this doctrine was found in Heb. 12:6
12. Others have felt that this argument was too severe and did harm to the cause of Christ. The argument goes something like this: Paul says "Butif ye are without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons." Baptistpeople claim that God only chastises the BODY and not the SOUL. They affirm that the SOUL is never punished and that it is the SOUL which is in theBaptist Church. It was then pointed out that according to THEIR own arguments and the statement ofPaul in our text the Baptist church had to be madeof bastards. Notice he said in verse 8, "If you bewithout chastisement — then are ye bastards." Even though this is a legitimate argument many feel thatit is too severe and should not be used. I will leave this to the judgment of the readers. I understandthat several years ago John O'dowd was given asevere physical beating by three young men forusing this argument near a Baptist meeting housesouth of Grand Saline, Texas. This argument has atendency to make Baptist people very angry.
One of the great problems of our day is the lack ofrecognition and respect for the proper standards of authority. Nowhere is this more evident than in the realm of religion. All problems and divisions could be solved ifmen would only recognize and respect God's standard of authority for today.
All authority in heaven and earth has been com-mittedto Christ (Matt. 28:18). By his resurrection, from thedead, he proved himself to be the son of God (Rom.1:4). As the son of God, he is God's spokesman to theworld in this age (Matt. 17:5; Acts 3:22,23). But how can we know what Christ would have us do and when we are doing his will?
While on the earth, he selected and trained his apostles. As he was about to ascend unto the Father, hepromised to send them the Holy Spirit who would guidethem into all truth and remind them of what he had taught(John 14:26; 16:13). The apostles did not preach andwrite what they thought, but what the Spirit guided themto reveal. "Which things also we speak, not in the wordswhich man's wisdom teach-eth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth..." (I Cor. 2: 13). The very words of theScriptures are inspired-breathed out—of God and are "able to make thee wise unto salvation" and to furnish one unto all good works (2 Tim. 3:15-17). The gospelis the power of God to save (Rom. 1:16). The thingswritten in the Bible are there that men may believe inChrist and have eternal life through his name (John 20:30,31).God speaks to us through his son (Heb. 1:2) and the songave the truth and authority to the apostles and sentthem to teach all nations (John 17:8, 18). Guided by theSpirit of God, they preached and finally wrote the will of Christ in the book called the New Testament. Therefore, one submits to the authority of Christ when he obeys the teaching of Christ as revealed in hiswill, the New Testament. Christ now exercises his authority through his written word, and in no other way!There is no other true authority in religion. Since we can't obey men and please God (Matt. 15:9; Gal. 1:10), we must honor and submit to the authority of JesusChrist. **********
I'm sure you heard about the trouble at Attica prison.After the prisoners were retaken, with a num-ber losingtheir lives, the press reported that many Americans feltthat they had received "a raw deal." The prisoners received a raw deal!
Isn't it strange that those men who rioted in Atticanever asked their victims which they raped, robbed or killed if they were receiving a "raw deal" at then-hands? Did they recognize the rights of those people
when they forced them to give up their lives, property, or bodies against their will? Those men were sentto Attica, not because they picked roses from a garden that had a posted sign in it, but because of theirheinous crimes against society. I wonder how manyof those Americans who felt they received a "raw deal" would have said the same if it had been their husband, brother or father that was thrown from thesecond floor and killed. This is the "raw deal" the prisoners gave to one of their guards. Of the State orCivil Government, Paul said, "For he is the ministerof God to thee for good. But if thou do that which isevil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain:for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil." (Rom. 13:4) Whenit comes to rights and compassion, it seems to methat the victim should get at least as much concern asthe criminal. But that's not the way it works in the
minds of many.
**********
Speaking of riots, they are not all in prisons; theyhad one in Pittsburgh as they tried to celebrate aWorld Series victory. Some people need very little excuse to riot or violate the law. Peter speaks of those who "count it pleasure to riot" (2 Peter 2:13). Wehave many people in our society who are ready totake advantage of any such event in order to sin and manifest the lawlessness that is in them. One social psychologist attributed it to "a de-individualation" that takes place in a large mob when people begin tofeel that they are not identifiable. Regardless of theoccasion, such people are criminals and should bedealt with accordingly!
**********
The following report appeared in the Firm Founda
tion, October 19, 1971:
"Bandina Christian Youth Camp has completed our
best season of camping in the history of its' existence.
1,014 campers and 218 adult staff members in ten
one-week sessions. 142 baptized and 169 restored for
a total of 311 responses. —Archie Waldrum"
Now if we may be so bold as to concern ourselveswith authority, we ask, where is the divine authorityfor a Youth Camp---a human institution supported bychurches-preaching the gospel and converting people?If that arrangement is scriptural, why is it wrong for a missionary society to do the same thing? In fact, itseems to me that a missionary society would be moredefensible, for it doesn't devote the majority of itstime, money and effort to recreation and other socialactivities.
This Youth Camp evangelism is a widespread
practice. Children will sit in church buildings and hear
the gospel for years, but when they get to Camp they
want to be baptized! Why? Is it the gospel or the
camp that converts them? And there is something
wrong when such a large percentage of people (who
are so young that they still attend camp) have depart
ed from the Lord to the point of needing to be restored!
**********
Well, the theories of those who know nothing aboutthe origin of the universe except that God didn'tcreate it continue to rise and fall. In an article from Pasadena, California, dated Oct. 20, 1971, a professor
of astronomy at Cambridge is quoted as saying that
he was "now convinced the astronomical evidence
does not support the two most popular theories of
how the universe began." He identified the theories as
"the steady-state and the big-bang theories." We still
contend that the most reasonable and simple answer
ever given is found in Genesis 1:1. **********
I was recently asked, "Did the restoration movement really begin in America?" and "Were there movements like it in the British Isles before men like Alexander Campbell and Barton W. Stone evertaught as they did in this country?" The answers tothese questions are quite interesting as they tell thestory of what true "restoration" of New Testament Christianity is.
The answer to the first question is both "yes"and "no." It is "yes" in the sense that no direct lineof churches nor definitive and consistent doctrinal agreement can be traced to pre-immigration periodsor countries. But the answer is "no" in the sense that there seems to have been men in every countryand in every age who desired a return to the Scriptures as the sole guide in religion. The very character of restoration is that one does not consider as basic the beginning of the restoration itself but rather the origins and development of that whichis being restored. In this sense, the "restoration movement" was not peculiarly an "American phenomenon." Certain factors (including the political,social, and economic climate here) gave themselvesespecially to this type of religious activity and belief, but the basic principles which guided the Disciples had captivated the dreams of some for centuries.
I am willing to give a more direct answer to the second question. It is certainly true that there weremovements in the British Isles which predated and were similar to the "restoration movement" in America. Two are especially important, the Sandemanian and the Haldane movements.
THE SANDEMANIANS
In 1728, John Glas, a Presbyterian preacher, leftthe Church of Scotland because of its centralized control over the local congregations. The church asa whole, he said, did not have a right to officialconnection with the state and it had no right to fix standards of doctrine through its synods for all members and congregations. He was not so muchat odds with Calvinist doctrine as with procedure.He could see no apostolic precedent for congregationsbeing directed by higher bodies. He said, ". . . theyought to be followers of the first churches, being guided and directed by the Scriptures alone" (Memoir of John Glas, xli).
Robert Sandeman was a son-in-law to John Glas. He was a powerful writer and a much more personable character than Glas. Sandeman involved himself in the study of conversion and wrote in 1756in opposition to a contemporary, James Hervey, thatfaith comes as the result of acceptance of the wordof God and not from a direct, miraculous act of theHoly Spirit upon the heart. Sandeman was a Calvinist and thus believed that only the elect could perform this rational act leading to salvation. Buthis idea that preaching must be done to lead a manto Christ was definitely characteristic of the evangelistic movements so essential to the "American restoration."
Both Glas and Sandeman believed in weekly observance of the Lord's Supper and in weekly collections in the churches. They affirmed that localcongregations should have a plurality of elders. Andthey refused to call Sunday the "Sabbath." Theywere interested in taking just the Bible and with itrestoring the practices of the first-century churches.On the subject of baptism they did not contradict the Presbyterian mode, but a group of their followers led by Archibald McLean came to the positionthat New Testament baptism was the immersion ofbelievers only.
It can be easily disproved that Campbell's teaching was just an offshoot of Sandeman's theology,but there are similarities and it is certain that Campbell knew what Sandeman had taught (Christian Baptist, Vol. Ill, p. 227).
THE HALDANES
Robert and James A. Haldane became disgusted with the Church of Scotland in the late 1790's. The established church was cold and formalistic to them. These two brothers, therefore, decided to use theirwealth to promote a more evangelistic religion. Tothis end they secured the services of Rowland Hill,a powerful evangelist, to hold meetings all around the country. They also established a number of institutes designed to teach young men to preach.
In 1799, these men withdrew from the Church ofScotland and began forming independent churches.This, they believed, was the New Testament orderfor congregational autonomy. They also introduced weekly observance of the Lord's Supper on theground that this was the practice of the early Christians.
In 1805, J. A. Haldane published a book entitled, A View of the Social Worship and Ordinances Observed by the First Christians, Drawn from the Scriptures Alone: Being an Attempt to Enforce Their Divine Obligation: and to Represent the Guiltyand Evil Consequences of Neglecting Them. This entire volume stressed the necessity of returning to the New Testament as the sole authority in religion.
It was not many years until the followers of the Haldanes became "immersionists" believing alsothat only believers should be baptized. They stressedNew Testament authority in "structure, ministry, ordinances, and worship" (Garrison & DeGroot, Disciples of Christ, p. 52). Some of the congregations accepted the practices of foot-washing and "holy kissing." Most all of the writers on the restoration movement in America attribute Campbell's break with the Seceder Presbyterians in Scotland atleast in part to the influence of the Haldanes, even though there were many points of difference.
CONCLUSIONS
The student can easily see similarities between the British movements and that of the Disciples inAmerica. There were, however, only about thirtySandemanian churches and few more of the Haldanes. The major difference between these and thecause led by Campbell and Stone was seemingly theemphasis the latter placed on the possibility of unitybased on the Scriptures. Campbell and Stone convinced hundreds of people that it is truly possible forall religionists to unite if they will lay down theircreed books, manuals, and preconceived notions.The disciples in America were simply "Christians"and everywhere went about stressing their nondenominational character.
"Restoration" is not an easy task. In restoring anold mansion, its new master must first determineexactly how the house looked before and then hemust set about to reproduce it. In religion, boththese aspects are sometimes found to be difficult. Itis necessarily the first procedure to find out whatthe Christians did in the first century. That is sometimes difficult because many will not blot out pastnotions concerning religion and take the word ofGod as it is written. Reproducing the first centuryreligion is the second task. That is also difficult because all are not honest and will not sincerely acceptthe Bible picture when it is clearly seen. The idealistic dream of the young Campbell was similar to that of Glas, Sandeman, the Haldanes, Stone, and even the Lord, but men were not and are not alwaysreceptive to it. Nevertheless, may God always keepthat dream before us.
THE NEWS LETTER REPORTS
"... They rehearsed all that God had done with them..." — Acts 14:27
DONALD TOWNSLEY just concluded two good
meetings, one with the Twelfth Street congregation in
Bowling Green, Ky. where James P. Miller is the local
preacher: and at Manslick Road in Louisville, Ky.
where Connie Adams and Bill Feist are doing local
work.
CECIL WILLIS recently held a good meeting withthe brethren at the Silver Street congregation in New Albany, Ind.
As you may remember in last months Searching The Scriptures, brother Connie Adams gave the highlights of a debate between J.T. Smith and Eusabio M.Lacuate in the Philippine Islands. Brother Smith is putting the debate in book form, and is hoping to have it completed and printed by February or March 1972. He says, "I have appealed to brethren for fundsto help in the printing of this book. "It is going tocost about $950.00 to print this book in paper-back,and almost $450.00 has been received toward that amount. Individuals who are interested may contactme or send funds to me at 1320 Gardiner Lane,Louisville, Kentucky 40213. The purpose in trying toraise funds to pay for the book is that we might usethe funds collected for the book at $1 per copy,when it is printed, as postage in mailing free copies tothe brethren in the Philippine Islands. The liberals are telling, of course, that brother Lacuata won the debate. We are hoping to be able to print 2,500copies, sell approximately 1,000 of them here in theStates, and use that money as postage to send theStates, and use that money as postage to send theother 1,500 copies to the Islands. If you can help,please send to me as soon as possible so that I may beable to go to the printer as soon as the manuscriptsare ready."
W.L. WHARTON JR.
just concluded a series ofmeetings with the Valley Station congregation nearLouisville, Ky. in which there were two baptized.
J. T. SMITH just closed a meeting with the brethren
in Austin, Ind. Attendance and interest were good.
There were no responses.
GOSPEL MEETING REPORT The church of Christ at Cove Bend, Floral City,
Florida; concluded a gospel meeting October 24,1971. Responses to heavens invitation were: four baptized and one restored. Charles Murray of Lake Wales, Fla. was the guest evangelist. Ray Smallridge is the regular preacher for this small congregation of
twenty-three members.
LET'S VISIT THE BIBLE LANDS
Arranged by Royce Chandler, preacherDanville church of Christ
VISIT JOPPA - JERUSALEM - JERICHO - GALILEE NAZARETH - BETHLEHEM -ROME 11 Days -$749.00May 11 - 25, 1972 Convenient Time-Payment Plan Writefor Brochures and Details to:
Royce Chandler803 Sunset Drive Danville, Ky. 40422
Majority vote is a technique designed to force the will of the majority upon the minority. In civil government it affords a means of deciding betweenthose who would be leaders and furnishes democratic government with a flavor of fairness. Although theminority may be unhappy at the outcome of the election, it can do little but find fault with the doings ofthe majority until time for another election. The willof the majority must hold sway.
In the church, the story is different. First, thechurch of Christ is not organized as a democracy. It isa monarchy! Jesus Christ is the head of his churchand the King of his kingdom (I Cor. 15:24,25). Any attempt to operate the church by democratic procedures is a departure from the will of God. Secondly, in the church majority vote becomes a divisivetechnique. In forcing the will of the majority uponthe minority the stage is set for a division in thechurch. The unhappy minority can do something besides find fault with the doings of the majority. Theycan depart the premises and decimate the numberwho meet in a given location. This is the reason for somany splits in Baptist churches over the land. Theycustomarily decide matters by majority and/or unanimous vote. Majority vote decisions made about smallmatters cause no trouble, for no personal evaluationsand judgements are involved; but when a sensitive subject is put before the body for vote, such as election of deacons, changing pastors, or hiring a new organist, the fur is likely to fly!
GOD'S ORGANIZATION
The King has delegated some authority to certain men who rule under Him in the church. These men are called "elders", "bishops", "presbyters", "overseers", "shepherds", and "pastors". (See Acts 20:28;Phil. 1:1; I Pet. 5:1; I Tim. 4:14; Eph. 4:11; I Pet. 5 :4). Their qualifications are found in I Timothy 3 and Titus 1. They are selected according to these qualifications and appointed to their official position in thechurch (Acts 14:23; Tit. 1:5). Their work as elders includes: (1) Watching for the souls of the members(Acts 20:29-32; Heb. 13:17). (2) Feeding the flock(Acts 20:28; I Pet. 5:2). (3) Laboring among and being over the members (I Th. 5:12). (4) Overseeing theflock among them (Acts 20:28; I Pet. 5:2-4). (5) Ruling over the members (Heb. 13:7,17). (6) Warning theunruly members (I Th. 5:14). (7) Admonishing them(I Th. 5:12). (8) Comforting them (I Th. 5:14).
(9) Supporting the weak (I Th. 5:14; Acts 20:35). (10) Relieving the needy (Acts 11:29,30). And, (11)Being examples to the flock (I Pet. 5:3).
It is the duty of members of the church to:
(1) Know them (I Th.5:12). (2) Esteem them for
their work's sake (I Th. 5:12). (3) Obey them, unless
their instruction is in violation of the Word of God
(Heb. 13:17; Acts 5:29). (4) Protect their reputation
(I Tim. 5:19). (5) Follow their faith (Heb. 13:7). (6)
Give them double honor (I Tim. 5:17). And, (7) Not
rebuke them, except publicly for sin(I Tim. 5:1,20).
In keeping with the above, it is God's will that elders be in charge of the church. Their superior experience and knowledge of God's word make it possiblefor them to make wise decisions, although they do make mistakes since they are human. They are boundby the law of God the same as others; hence, thedecision of elders is not necessarily God's will. It must agree with the Word. Majority vote places theyoung, the inexperienced, the uninformed, the novice in position to be equally as decisive as an elder. Thisputs the tail to wagging the dog! Add to this a littlepoliticking and you have a formula for the adoptionof any wild notion that the wisdom of men can produce, as well as for splitting the church wide open.
WHAT ABOUT THE BUSINESS MEETING?
When elders are lacking in a church, and this is thecase in the beginning of most new congregations, a business meeting must serve to make necessary decisions in conducting the work of the congregation inan orderly way (I Cor. 14:40) until elders are developed, selected, and appointed. Some of the churches planted by Paul were without elders from one tofour years. (See Acts 14:21-23). However, the chairman of such a meeting should avoid placing anyquestion before the meeting for majority vote. It makes no difference what Roberts' Rules of Order says! Such rules of parliamentary procedure mayserve a good purpose in providing a plan for orderliness in deliberations, but brethren should knowwhere to stop in using them. Agreement on mattersbefore the meeting should be reached through discussion conducted in love and with brethren working together for the same goals (Phil. 2:3; I Cor. 1: 10). All self-interest should be laid aside. Any matterwhich cannot be agreed upon mutually should be
tabled to preserve harmony in the body and someother solution found. Brethren should respect each other in the meeting as though the King were present in person, and all should endeavor to see that nobrother leaves the meeting feeling angry, frustrated,or defeated. Majority vote simply serves to array onesegment of the meeting against another, and opensthe door for entrance of a whole Pandora's box of problems. It is a departure from the Will of God. Ithas produced and perpetuated more church divisionsand personal enmities than perhaps any other practice in the church.
3004 Gena Dr. Decatur,Georgia 30032
I regret having to ruin a good sermon and to tear up
a good chart, but it is simply not true that baptism is
expressly mentioned in each case of conversion in
Acts.
There are many conversions implied in Acts 4:4,but it is only mentioned that the folk "believed". Thesame is true of Acts 5:14; and of Acts 11:21 where we are told that "a great number that believed turned unto the Lord."
Look at Paul's work. He had rather poor success, if
the number of his converts be judged by the number
of times baptism is expressly mentioned. Very likely
Sergius Paulus became a Christian. But Luke sums it
up by saying he "believed" (Acts 13:12).
Did Paul make no converts in Antioch of Pisidia
where we are told that "as many as were ordained to
eternal life believed"? (Acts 13:48). What about
Iconium? (Acts 14:1). Who were the "brethren"
there? (v. 2).
What of Thessalonica where "some of them were
persuaded"? (Acts 17:4). Were these not converts?
Who were the "brethren" mentioned in v. 6? To
whom did Paul write from Corinth only a short timelater?
What about Berea? (Acts 17:11). And Athens? (Acts 17:34).
As this is getting rather tiresome, I will quit atAthens. To be sure, baptism is implied in every caseof conversion. But there are many cases in which only belief is mentioned. I am afraid we have been abit careless in saying that though neither faith, repentance, nor confession is expressly mentioned in all the recorded cases of conversion, baptism is. Let us straightway cease saying that. It is not true.
Box 155 Romulus, Michigan 48174
