THE FOUNDATION OF AUTHORITY

The beginning place, the source, the sure foundation of all authority, is God. All legitimate authority ultimately comes to rest upon the fact of his existence and the nature of his very person. Apart from God, ther e is no legitimate author ity. T he whole i ue and crisis of our generation regarding authority, both as to its existence and our attitude toward it, is dependent upon our effectiveness in clearly and forcefully pressing this fundamental fact. Let us now define a few terms and hasten to the proof and significance of the above

Authority is defined as legal power, or the rightto make law or to command another. There are onlytwo kinds of authority in the world, namely, (1) inherent or intrinsic authority, and (2) delegatedauthority. Inherent means that which is natural, aninseparable quality of, an indwelling essence or characteristic; intrinsic means that which is within, anessential and internal part of a being or thing, andis often used as a synonym for inherent. Delegated means to be appointed by another to possess certain powers or rights. Now to the application of these terms.

God possesses inherent authority. It is intrinsically his. Where did he get it ? Nowhere! Who gaveit to him ? No One! How did it come to be ? It didn't! He has authority simply and solely because of who and what he is. The very fact that he is God, thathe is (1) the creator (Gen. 1:1), (2) owner (Psalm 50:10-12) and (3) sustainer (Acts 17:25-28) of thuniverse, eloquently and irrefutably declares that lordship over all that is or that has been or that shall be, is his. "In the beginning God created." The creator does not need to obtain his rights from thethings he has created. "Every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills... If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fullness ther eof." T he absolute owner has no need of permi ion, nor anyone from whom to obtain it; all is his. "In him we live, anmove, and have our being." The Self-Existent One's author ity is evidenced by both his position andpower. The whole universe is dependent upon andanswerable to him. In turn, he is neither dependent upon or answerable to anyone (except to himself and his own immutable integr ity). T he question that is sometimes impudently asked, "Who gavGod the right to tell man what to do?" is therefore one of galling ignorance that fails to comprehend the inherent qualities and intrinsic rights of the living God. There is no one who could give God authority. There is no one who can deny him his authority. No rock, or bird, or man, can give or denyGod rule over any portion or particle of his creation. In a word, authority is inherently his. Hesimply has because he is who he is.

All authority that resides in men has been delegated. Men do not possess any inherent authority.T hink a moment. What author ity do men possess in any relationship or at any level of society, thathas not been given to them by God ? It is submitted to you that parents do not have inherent authority over their children, that they do not have an intrinsic right simply because they are bigger, stronger or wiser. No, they rather have rule over their children because God gave them the authority. He delegated the authority (Eph. 6:4; Titus 2:5). Therefore parents do have the right to teltheir children what to do — God gave them theright. Civil government possesses no intr insic r ightto exist or to command its citizenry. It does not obtain the right through the royalty of blood or thevoice of a consenting multitude, for no created things (men) inhere any authority to give to onanother. But civil government has the right to exist and rule, for God has decreed it (Rom. 13:If). Itmay be unwise and even immoral, even as parents may sometimes be, but still it has rule over its citizenry by the authority delegated to it by God.The authority of elders in the church is accordingly a delegated one, and they have rule only to the extent God has conferr ed it (Heb. 13:7, 17; I Peter 5:2). Any child who disobeys his parents disobeys God, for in rejecting their delegated authority they reject the intrinsic authority of himwho delegated theirs in the first place. Thus it is that God, in every other relationship and upon every other level, is at the foundation of all authority.

Mentally remove God from the picture and watchthe crumbling collapse of all law and authority. Ifthere is no God, upon what basis do a group of men get together and decide they (or one of them) shall have a right to rule over everybody else? If there is no God, there is no absolute basis for law, and the rebellion of children or citizens is not to be censured as wrong, but is merely the exercise of their natural role of not being under authority to anyone. But,God be thanked, God is. And God has delegated certain rights and authority to men, and has authorized enforcement of certain statutes, and noman can deny it without denying the person of Godhimself. He is the source and sure foundation of all legitimate authority, -the cornerstone of an orderly society, the architect of righteousness and justice, and our hope of eternal life.

The second and third in the series of three articles dealing with the Ketcherside-Turner Exchange in Tampa on January 25, 1972 will be delayed a monthor two by doctor's orders. I had been taking-on more than was good for me and the firm orders of Dr.Wayne Mitchell amounted to the modern expression: "Cool it"! He ordered the delay in two meetings scheduled for April of this year in Ohio: one inAkron and the other in Toronto. I hope to re-schedule these for a later date.

T her e is no ser ious problem with my health athe present. These orders from the doctor are in my best interest and to prevent another attack which may be more serious than the last one. I have committed the care of my body to him, and if I am tprofit I must follow his instructions.

Dr. Mitchell has the full approval and a istance of the two fine elders at Forest Hills where I preach: Melvin F. Neel and Harold W. White. These two bishops have shown a very personal interest in mphysical condition. They have taken some of theload of work which I would normally do and havinsisted that I keep my schedule of meetings andother work within the bounds of my physical abilityuntil I have recovered enough to resume full work. My love and respect for these men compel me thear them obediently.

Living Voice Tapes of

THE KETCHERSIDE-TURNER EXCHANGE

in Tampa, Florida Januar y 25, 1972

The full exchange between Carl Ketcherside andRobert Turner and the panel discu ion including Ferrell Jenkins and Harry Pickup, Jr. with questions from thefloor which lasted nearly three hours are now available on open reel, cassette or 8-track tapes.

7" or 5" reels are $5.25 each for the full discussion on one reel.

Cassettes ar e $4.95 each and two tapes contain thefull discu ion. Total price for cassettes: $9.90.

8-track cartridges are $4.95 each and it takes three for the full discussion. Total price for 8-track cartridges: $14.85.

It is not our general practice to publish articles that appear in other journals or bulletins, but occasionally there are exceptions because of the nature of the article and the present need of people in general. The following article by Irvin Himmel appeared in Truth Magazine of March 16, 1972. I asked brother Himmel for permi ion to reprint the article in Searching The Scriptures, which he gladly gave.Brother Himmel has some knowledge of the problems of publishing a religious journal, having editedand published Apostolic Doctrine for over ten years.

— Editor.

The history of the church of Christ in America isclosely linked to publications in which brethren have expressed thought, preached their convictions,waged battles, explored questions, reported thenews, and left a fluent record of their actions and attitudes.

Hundreds of magazines and papers have come and gone. A few have had tremendous influence inshaping thought. In the early days of the Restoration Movement in this country, A. Campbell's papers, the Christian Baptist and the Millennial Harbinger, along with B. W. Stone's Christian Messenger, were unusually potent. In the next generation of journalism, Ben Franklin's American Christian Review, Isaac Errett's Christian Standard, and David Lipscomb's Gospel Advocate wielded great power. Moses Lard's Quarterly, though of short duration, made its mark.

Most religious publications have experienced financial problems. The few that are hoary with aghave sur vived har d times, and most of the oneswhich have died were killed by the same plague — lack of money.

Only God knows how many periodicals were commenced to propagate someone's peculiar views. When a faction arises, a paper will soon be started to voice the heresy. Other papers may be started to counter the influence of that one. As long as brethren take up with false doctrines and promote parties, this trend will continue.

Some brethren are "down" on all religious papers because many of them are not worth the price of the ink with which they are printed. Such a reaction is not justifiable. Shall we downgrade all elders because some are not worthy to be called elders ? Shall we refuse to hear anyone preach because some preachers are plain sorry ? Shall we refuse to be associated with a local church because many congregations are digressive? Not all religious journals are bad. Like people, they have their faults. The best of papers cannot offer perfection in every i ue. The men who write, edit, and publish the papers makethem what they are. The folks who have "soured" on gospel papers are doing themselves a disservice by not reading at least some of the excellent mater ial that is being offer ed.

Every year new periodicals make their appearance and others reach their demise. I think it will be of interest to the readers of this magazine to see a list of some of the papers circulated among members of churches of Christ during the past year, andto know how widely (or narrowly) they were distributed.

Circulation figures were formerly a deep, dark secret carefully guarded by the publishers. Postal laws governing second-class publications havechanged that. Brethren who take it for granted that Goodpasture's Gospel Advocate must have at least 100,000 subscribers are in for a surprise. It is a big

-and powerful paper, to be sure, but not really aspowerful as some suppose.A few years ago (1965) the Christian Chronicle was printing 37,883 copies each week. In 1971 itbecame a bi-weekly, printing 6,029 copies. Its circulation has dropped to one-sixth the 1965 level and it appears only half as often. We wonder if this represents a reaction to its more liberal stance?Searching the Scriptures enjoyed the largest circulation of the papers published by conservative brethren during 1971. The combined circulation ofSearching the Scriptures, Truth Magazine, GospelGuardian, and the Preceptor was 16,787. It is obvious that many of us are much too "conservative" when it comes to spending money on subscriptions

-for good papers! That figure should be at least 50,000.The circulation figures reported are the totalnumber of copies printed on the average for a twelve-month period as published in the different papers in accordance with postal laws and regulations. Most of the figures were compiled and submitted in Oct. of 1971.

QUESTION: We recently had a rather warm discu ion in a Bible class about whether or not one may swear under any conditions. Did Jesus condemn all oaths in Matt. 5:33-37? Please give special notice to the phrase, "Swear not at all;... " Also comment on James 5:12. — E. B.

ANSWER: When I first began writing this column (over eleven years ago), I wrote an article on the above subject matter answering a similar question. Since we have hundreds of new readers since then, and since the former article thoroughlyanswers the above, I am submitting it, except forslight modifications for the sake of greater clarityand brevity.

"Again, ye have heard that it hath been said bthem of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself,but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither bheaven; for it is God's throne: Nor by the earth;for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great king. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil" (Matt. 5:33-37). "But above all things, my brethren, swear not,neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; andyour nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation" (James 5:12)

In the Sermon on the Mount our Lord corrects many perversions advocated by the scribes and Pharisees and generally received by the Jews. The contrast was primarily between their perverted andtraditional views and the law in its purity. Thus, theSermon on the Mount may well be regarded as arecall to the righteousness of God and Foundationprinciples upon which His kingdom was to stand. Notice that Jesus continually referred to what theyhad heard "said by them of old" — not what Moses said. For example, they quoted Moses in matters of judicial law (Matt. 5:38; Lev. 24:20) to be used by the elders in the administration of justice andmade individual application so as to justify revenge.Jesus corrects this abuse and sets forth the truth so far as individual application is concerned, whichteaching harmonizes wonderfully with the law of Moses (Lev. 19:16-18)

The same train of thought prevails concerning His teaching on oaths. God's original law on swearing forbade perjury (forswearing) — i.e., swearingfalsely (Lev. 19:12). Every oath was to be performed unto the Lord (Matt. 5:33). That the scribes and Pharisees perverted this law is evident from Matt. 23:16-22. These verses show that they hacoined a number of oaths, used in common conversation, which did not involve directly the name of God. These they considered as "nothing." Hence,according to their view they could swear by these things — heaven, earth, temple, Jerusalem, head, etc. — without serious regard and without such oaths being unto God. This abuse Jesus condemnsseverely and shows that such things ultimately involve God. Hence, Jesus says "Swear not at all;neither by heaven; for it is God's throne; nor byearth; for it is his footstool; neither by Jerusalem;for it is the city of the great king."

Concerning this prohibition The Expositor's Greek Testament calls special attention to the Greek conjunction "mete" translated "neither" and emphasizethe fact that it is not "mede." The former is used "to connect these different evasive oaths as forminga homogeneous group.. . the latter add negation tonegation, while the former divide a single negatiointo parts." Hence, it follows that the prohibition "Swear not at all" refers only to the kind of oaths identified by the parts that follow. Such did notinclude judicial oaths — only the evasive oaths of the Jews which were used in common conversation. Thus, our Lord condemned their perversion andabuse of God's original law on swearing. Such use of oaths is forbidden altogether!

J. W. McGarvey says, "The universal prohibition,'swear not at all,' is distributed by the specification of these four forms of oaths, and is, therefore, most strictly interpreted as including only such oaths ... What we style the judicial oaths of the law of Moses,then, were not included in the prohibition."

An oath is a solemn affirmation with an appeal toGod for its truthfulness and imprecating his vengeance if it be untrue.

If Chr ist condemned judicial oaths and those made on solemn and important occasions, I find iimpo ible to reconcile such with the following facts: 1) Jesus answered under oath in Matt. 26:63. Whether or not he answered using the particular expression "I swear" has nothing to do with thfact that he answered under oath — and that without modification. 2) God swore by Himself (Gen. 22:16,17; Heb. 6:13-18; 7:21). 3) Paul often calledGod to witness the truthfulness of his statements,which is what is meant by an oath (II Cor. 1:23Rom. 1:9; Gal. 1:20; Phil. 1:8).

James 5:12 may be regarded as a parallel passageand the above observations apply with equal force. When James says, "lest ye fall into condemnation" he would have them know that swear ing by ththings mentioned ultimately involved God; that hewho engages in such, thinking "it is nothing," andwho swear falsely is guilty of perjury and brings himself under condemnation.

Swearing is a solemn, serious thing. All oaths are in reality unto God. He who at any time makes oath lightly or uses one in common conversation is in violation of the New Testament prohibition. The Chr istian's life and conduct should be such that a simple "yes" or "no" should suffice in order for him to be believed. If more than this is required "it cometh of evil" — it is because of untruthfulness on the part of a world full of falsehood. Then, it maybe necessary to make oath, but only on solemn andimportant occasions. All oaths are unto the Lord and imprecate His vengeance if what we affirm be false.

SHORT SWORD SWIPES

A church TEACHING dancing? That's right! The following announcement appeared in a local newspaper recently

"The Greek Orthodox Church at 15th and Center Streets will offer 'Greek dancing lessons' today inthe Church auditorium beginning at 3:30 p.m. for anyone interested in learning."

All churches which believe and teach the truth OPPOSE dancing. Perhaps there are others whichsay little if anything about it, but you don't findmany which actually TEACH people how to engagein "revelings, and such like" (Gal. 5:21).

According to a recent Gallup Poll, 51 per cent of the college students in America have used marijuana at least once. In 1967 the figure was 5 per cent!

Why are so many young people turning to dopeWell, for the most part, they have been reared bdopey parents. That's like the little boy's answer when another asked him why the little animals in the cage were called wild cats. He said, "I guess it's because their mothers and daddies were wild cats."

The average parent begins and ends each day with a pill of some kind, then all through the day he or she must rely upon nicotine, caffeine, alcohol another drugs in order to make it. At least they thinkthey must have them. A parent with a cigarette in one hand and a glass in the other is not in a goodposition to counsel a child on the dangers and evils of drugs!

In an affluent, enlightened, and progressive society, why is it that so many of our young peoplturn to drugs in an effort to escape reality? MaybeI've just described the cause; they have had everything they want and need except guidance and discipline. Parents have been so busy in their search for fame and fortune that they have failed to teach their childr en about God and his word, and whatlife is all about. When children are reared under an influence of parental negligence and hypocrisy, youcan't expect too much of them.

In a recent i ue of this paper. I called attention to an unscriptural expression which we often see andhear among brethren these days. I'm glad to notthat others are expressing concern about it. Forexample, in the FIRM FOUNDATION of February

22. 1972. M. Norvel Young said:

"One gets a distinctly denominational ring out ofthe expression. 'Congregations of the Church ofChrist.' The New Testament does not use such an expression. I fear the use of this grows out of a sectarian view of the Church. Some sincere peoplhave never grasped the Scriptural concept of the non-denominational nature of the Bride of Christ. They contend for the church as the 'true' sect ordenomination — the right denomination; the correct party."

"Scientists say earth's moon doesn't fit usual pattern." So reads the heading of a recent article out of San Diego. The sub-heading says, "They feel our planet may have lacked it at the start." There was a difference of about one day between the time of separation of the dry land from the seas and thecreating of the "lesser light," but that is certainlynot what they were speaking of. The article says:

"Two University of California at San Diego professors reported Tuesday they had worked out a'normal' pattern of evolution of planets and their satellites — and that the earth's moon doesn't fit the pattern."

Their problem is a typical one for all evolutionists and other unbelievers. Notice that they didn't saythat the moon doesn't fit into God's pattern as revealed in the Bible, but rather that it doesn't fit the pattern "they had worked out." To many people,baptism doesn't fit into the pattern of salvation, butit is because they, like the scientists, refuse to believe the Bible!

How was the moon formed? How did it get intoits present position? According to the article, thedon't know! And yet they scoff at the faith of aChristian.

A brief news item in the newspaper said, "Oral Roberts, the evangelist, said at Los Angeles that after seeing a production of the rock opera 'JesusChrist, Superstar,' he approved of about 70 per cent of it."

So what? I would be willing to eat 70 per cent of the ingredients of most rat poison. But the balance of it is rough

Oral has changed positions many times, and it now seems that he is about to join the hippies. You can say one thing, he has made more money thanthe average hippie.

According to the television commercials, a sure cure for America's divorce problem is to let all women take Geritol. In every case they show, theman whose wife takes the tonic says, "I think I'll keep her."

"THE ONLY ONES SAVED"

It comes from here, it comes from there and it comes from everywhere. The same old cry, "I just can't stand the Church of Christ because they thinkthey are the only ones who will go to heaven." We may not want to admit it but many minds have been closed to the truth because they have heard this old song. The statement itself makes all of us sound egoistical, belligerent, arrogant and self centered. The statement has made it impossible to even start a Bible discu ion with some people. My experience is that sooner or later most sectarians will get around to this question. They sneak up and in a subtle way say, "Is it true that you folks in the Church of Christ think you are the only ones who will make it?

What is the Bible answer to this question? Is this

what we really believe the Bible teaches? Is the word

ing correct? Or do we have a problem in the field of

semantics? I want to go on record saying that I do not

believe or teach the above affirmation. Now, if the

question were worded another way I could concur.

For example, if one were to say, "Do you teach that

one has to be in the church of the Bible in order to

have hope of going to heaven?" I would say amen!

That I do believe and teach, but all the sting and bite

has been removed from the question. However, to say

that I believe the only ones who will go to heaven

are in the Church of Christ — I do not believe. Let

us analyze the question.

First, the question implies that everyone in thChurch of Christ will go to heaven. Nothing could befurther from the truth. Jesus said, he would take outof the kingdom all that offend and do iniquity. The Bible is filled with examples of people who havfallen from grace such as Simon and Demas (Acts 8;2 Tim. 4:10). The average sectarian who has beentold this fabrication, actually believes we teach that one has to get into a little clan called the Church of

Christ and presto, he has it made to heaven. I know

that is what they believe because they have told me.

We need to correct this by saying we do not believe

such a thing.

My second reason for denying the above charge is in

name "Church of Christ." Just what does the aver

age person mean by the term "Church of Christ?"

Well, it is a little group on a certain street in a certain

town with the name "Church of Christ" stuck on

their building! First, it takes more than some paint

and the ability to spell, Church of Christ to make a

group scriptural. When I was a boy up in Oklahoma,

a certain man wanted to be an elder and another

brother told him publicly that the only qualification he had for elder was the "desire. " I feel the same way

about some congregations over the land--the only

scriptural qualification they have of being the Ne

Testament church is the name on their building!

Brethren, in the past, we have had people with the

name Church of Christ on their buildings who have

used instruments of music, taught Premillennialism

and tolerated all kinds of ungodline . What does the

sectarian mean when he asks the above question? I in

sist he means the group in his town or another town

who wear the name. I maintain that many who wear

the name will be lost.

Pardon a personal experience. I walked into a home a few weeks ago to discuss the Bible. After I had made a few opening remarks to the woman of thehouse, her husband, a large husky sort of a fellow walked through the door with a grin on his face. He said, in tones which could be heard next door,"preacher I want to ask you one question." I replied, "that is fine what is it?" He said, "I have heard all my life, as a matter of fact my mother told me this when I was a small boy, that you in the Church of Christ teach that you are the only ones who will go to heaven, now is it so?" I replied quickly, "Nnothing could be further from the truth." The smile left his face and he looked puzzled. He then said,"Well I am glad to hear you say that because all themembers of your church with whom I have talked saythey are the only ones who will make it." I replied"Friend, I've got news for you, many of us will never make it!" I went on to say, "I believe you and I are agreed on this saved business because I believe that the only people who will be saved are the ones who obey the Bible, isn't that what you believe?" He replied, "Yes sir, preacher I will go along with you othat." T his seemed to ease the tension and we godown to business in discu ing what the Bible actually teaches on certain subjects. Oh yes, I baptizedhis wife last week and he has promised to visit us soon.

Gentle reader, the time has come for us to remove this yoke from our backs. I have heard my brethren stutter and sputter when asked this embarrassing question. I cannot speak for the brotherhood; but Isay without reser vation that I do not believe oraccept the above charge. If the question were worded something like this, "Do you believe there is onlyone church in the Bible?" I would say, yes sir! But now the burden of proof is on the Bible and not onpersonalities. It doesn't have the egoistical ring thathe other question embodies. Most of the time when the question is asked the Bible is left out. Even if itwere worded in this manner, "Do you believe thBible teaches that the group today known as the Church of Christ are the only ones who will besaved?" I could still say NO! Because many wear the name but do not practice Bible doctrine.

Brethren, I admit that this question in times past gave me no little trouble in the flesh. But a new dayhas dawned. I now find that a negative answer actually opens up many opportunities to teach on other matters. Some fear that if they answer in the negative, people will think they endorse the doctrine ofsaved in all churches. This might be a umed by your querist but is just another opportunity to teach. I recall several years ago a Baptist preacher who lived in Oklahoma challenged me for a debate. The proposition he wanted me to sign was unique. He brought the proposition to my office and it read as follows: "The scriptures teach that the only people who wilmake it to heaven are in the Church of Christ." He handed me the proposition and insisted that I sign it.He then began to chide me and say "that is what youteach all over the country isn't it?" Now, why don't you sign?" I turned around in my chair and said, "Nothat is not what I teach, but I tell you what I wildo; I will sign that proposition if you will sign the oneI have here that you teach all over the country. Hsaid, "What is that?" I said, "The scriptures teach that a man who is saved can join the church of his choice, live by their doctrine and will go to heavewhen he dies." I handed it to him and said, "Sign!" His face turned as pale as bleached flour, and he replied, "No sir." I then chided him and said, "Isn't that what you teach all over the country?" He said"Yes, but I couldn't afford to sign that." I said, "It is strange indeed that you were so intent on gettingme to sign what you thought I believed and youwon't even sign what you admit you believe." You know, that was fifteen years ago, and I haven't seen

that Baptist preacher since.

ABOUT THE REPRINT OF

The Gospel Guardian began as a weekly on May 5,1949. The change from The Bible Banner, edited byFoy E. Wallace, Jr., to the first i ue of The GospelGuardian closed with the April, 1949 i ue of The Bible Banner carrying a format of the front pageof the new Gospel Guardian. The issues that were necessarily dealt with by able men from the beginning of the Gospel Guardian will provide valuablematerial for young preachers and sincere students of the Bible. I have the full set from the first issue and would not sell them.

While I do not share the view that present daywriters of religious journals are inferior in qualityto the writers of the early years of The GospelGuardian, I do believe the i ue of church supportedcolleges and other related issues that developelater were dealt with more directly and forcefullythan present day writers. Perhaps one reason is the lack of men today who will attempt to defend their unscriptural positions on such i ue. The material on these issues alone will be worth your money fothis pre-publication price of this first volume of The Gospel Guardian. I urge you to order your copy aonce. You will never regret it. You may order frombrother Craig at Dixie Printers, 410 Lightsey Rd.Austin, Tex. 78704, or order from Phillips Publications, P.O. Box 17244, Tampa, Fla. 33612. We would appreciate your order. Send your check or moneorder for the pre-publication price of $7.50 and your copy will be mailed to you immediately upon release from the printers.

H. E. Phillips

SINGING IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH

This is an area in which most of us have been guiltyof emphasizing the negative to the almost utter neglect of any positive exhortation. Our teaching on singing has been primarily against the unauthorized use of mechanical instruments of music. In this article we shall examine some positive instruction from God's word on this subject.

WHAT'S THE TRUTH ABOUT SINGING IN WORSHIP?

1. The New Testament reveals who is to sing in wor

ship. Ephesians 5:19 says, "Speaking to yourselves in

psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs..." This doesn't

mean that each person is to speak to himself, but that

we all are to speak to each other. The ASV brings

this out more clearly. Also Col. 3:16 commands us to

teach and admonish one another in singing.

So all are to sing. He who opposes instrumental music in worship because it is unauthorized, and yefails to do what is authorized and commanded is in an inconsistent and precariousposition.

Some seek to be excused on the ground that they

"can't sing." What does one mean by such a state

ment? Does he mean that he can't sing like Bing Cros

by or Frank Sinatra? Does he mean that he can't sing

like George Beverly Shea? Does he mean that he can't

sing like Earnest Tubb or Roy Acuff? Does he mean

that he can't sing like Grandpa Jones or Stringbean?

Ability to sing is a relative thing. God doesn't tell us

to sing like someone else. He does command us to

sing.

2. We are also told what to sing: "Psalms and

hymns and spiritual songs" (Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16)

In order then, for a song to be suitable for wor

ship, it must contain a scriptural and spiritual mes

sage. We should not be primarily interested in the

melody and parts. This is secondary. We should place

our greatest interest in the message

Some songs contain doctrinal errors and should not

be used in worship. Most of the songs in our books,

however, contain wonderful and powerful messages.

3. When should we sing? We should certainly engage in singing when we assemble, for here we haveopportunity to "speak to one another in psalms,hymns and spiritual songs" (Col. 3:16). WorshippingGod in song, however, should not be limited to theassembly. James wrote: "Is any merry? let him sing psalms" (Jas. 5:13). Paul and Silas sang at midnightin the inner prison (Acts 16:25).

SINGING IN SPIRIT

1. Determination to do our best: The offering o

the best is a basic principle of true worship. Under

the Old Testament economy, a Jew was not to sacri

fice an animal that was no good for anything else, and

keep the finest for himself. When it comes to singing,

our best may not be much sometimes, but it's all God

requires.

2. Recognition of Spiritual Blessings: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who

hath blessed us with all spiritual ble ings in heavenly

places in Christ."

Many do not sing with fervency because they have

no appreciation for the reasons, he probably has no

reasons.

3. Appreciation of Purpose: The purpose of singing

is two-fold. By it we worship God and edify each

other. As an avenue of worship, singing praises is unsur

passed by any other. Words can create feelings, bu

when music is added to words the force is multiplied.

Advertisers learned long ago the value of melody

rhythm and harmony in selling a product. God, in His

infinite wisdom put singing in the church.

Singing can be and should be an instructive exer

cise. Children learn the names of the apostles by

little song. Many know such passages as 2 Timothy 1:

12, Col. 3:17, and Isa. 1:18 through songs that con

tain these passages.

THINGS THAT WILL HELP

1. Acceptance By Church Members: By the very na

ture of true Christian worship, we must accept th

fact that we're not going to have music that will meet

professional standards. Obviously, no congregation

will sound like Fred Warring and the Pennsylvanians.

Neither is congregational singing going to sound like a

well balanced and polished denominational choir.

In denominational circles there are professional

ministers of music whose exclusive job is to develop

the musical programs. They go from group to group,

often even from denomination to denomination.

I feel that we should realize that like other elements

of scriptural worship, our singing will never have a

great appeal to those who demand worldly standards.

This is not to say that most of us cannot vastly im

prove.

2. Participation By Members: All need to be con

cerned about the quality of singing. We should sing,

not mumble and whisper. We should sing out — make

a joyful noise! Our singing would improve about100% if people would start making a noise.

We should take advantage of opportunities to learn

to sing better. When special services or classes are

arranged, take part.

3. Emphasis By Church Leaders: Elders in the

churches do not need to be song birds themselves to

recognize the importance of good congregational sing

ing and do some planning and execution of plans to

effect improvement. Talent should be encouraged and

used and further trained.

Money spent in special classes and training is not

money wasted, but wisely invested.

HAVE YOU RENEWED YOUR SUBSCRIPTION?DO IT TODAY!

MILLER-WOODS DEBATE

James P. Miller of Bowling Green, Kentucky anGuy N. Woods of Memphis, Tennessee met in a three nights discu ion at the Cleveland Avenue buildingin Montgomery, Alabama February 28, 29 and March 1, 1972. The first two nights Miller affirmed the unscripturalness of human organizations supported bythe church for child care and other benevolence to be done by the church. The last night Woods affirmed the scripturalness of the Herald of Truth Radio and T.V. Program.

Brother Carrol Puckett, preacher for the Gay Meadows church who endorsed brother Miller in the debate, is to write a report of the debate for a later i ue of this paper. Brother Miller had a prepared statement which was read in his first speech, setting forth the i ue and how it developed. Several hundred copies were prepared and handed to all who wanted one. We hope to run this in part or in full in James P. Miller's column soon.

KETCHERSIDE-TURNER EXCHANGE

Tapes of the nearly three hour panel type answers to questions from the floor following two 30 minute speeches by Ketcherside and Turner is available for any who may want them. The 7" and 5" LP open reel tapes are $5.25 each. One reel contains the entire program. Cassette tapes are $4.95 each and itwill take two tapes for the full program. 8-Track cartridge tapes are also available at $4.95 each and it will take three for the full program

Send your orders to: Phillips Publications, P. O. Box 17244, Tampa Fla. 33612.

Glenn L. Shaver, P. O. Box 2052, Gary, Ind. 46409. I'm leaving the Calumet Area after preaching here for 13 years of my 29 years of public preaching. I have resigned the work of preaching with the church at Portage, Indiana, effective the end of June this year. We desire to move farther south. Our daughter,Glenna, will be enrolled in Florida College this fall,and we desire to move "South" and work with a church by the end of June this year. My telephoneis (219) 884-2678.

Tom Wheeler, 371 West Main St., Greenwood, Ind. — I recently moved here from Poteau, Oklahoma. The work here looks very encouraging. The brethren have a mind to work. Two meetings are planned for this year. Del Wininger will be with us April 17-23 and Johnie Edwards will be with us Sept.25-Oct.l. Several here are active in personal work. If you know of someone moving to this area, write me and they will be contacted. Our meeting place is two blocks off U. S. 31 just South of Indianapolis. A building program is planned for this year.

SABBATH-DAY DEBATE

Lake Wales, Fla.— May 1-4, 1972

7:30 each evening Lake Wales church building — Wetmore Street

Propositions

1. RESOLVED: "The scriptures teach that the first day of the week commonly called Sunday,is the day to be obser ved through wor ship bChristians."
2. Affirms: Don R. Taaffe Denies: Isaac N. Cramer
1. RESOLVED: "The scriptures teach that the seventh day of the week, commonly called Saturday is the only weekly Sabbath that Christians should observe as a special day of worship today

Affirms: Isaac N. Cramer Denies: Don R. Taaffe

ON MOVING EXPENSES

From time to time, as gospel preachers move from one place to another in the work of the Lord, botthey and the churches involved are interested in the subject of moving expenses. Perhaps to these, aneven others, the following report will be of some value.

Probe, monthly publication" of "Consumer UnitedProgram", Wichita, Kansas, included a notable tipin its i ue for Feb., 1972. Responding to an earlier article, a reader offered: "Your article on movinmen failed to mention the use of 'Car Loaders' (listed in the Yellow Pages, sometimes under 'FreightHandling'). They are commercial shippers who loadwhole carloads full of merchandise and ship them by railway cro -country very inexpensively. The drawback is that you have to put all your belongings into cartons, but we recently made our seventh cross country move — from Indiana to California — and a whole household of furniture, books, china, etc.,cost well under $300."

Having recently moved from California to Missouri by moving van, as well as having experienced two previous moves by the "U-Haul" route, I can certainly say the above cost report compares better than favorably. Such being the case, it seemed worthy of being passed on to other s.

Calvin C. Essar

300 N. E. 83rd Terrace

Kansas City, Mo. 64118

HAVE YOU RENEWED YOUR SUBSCRIPTION? DO IT TODAY!

Bennie Lee Fudge is dead! It is hard for me to believe that he is gone. Only ten days before his death we had lunch together and discussed some of our business affairs for nearly two hours. For nearly aquarter of a century I have had business dealings with brother Fudge and his good wife in the publication and sale of books. Not once through these years has there been the slightest evidence of dishonesty or unfairne . I remember no unkind word or discord of any kind that passed between us during these years that our friendship and brotherlylove for each other grew to be one of the finest I have ever known. My personal respect for him as a man, a writer, a teacher and preacher, and a personal friend isthe highest.

On Thursday, the last day of the lectures at Florida College, Bennie Lee and I ate lunch together and made some arrangements about publishing some books and selling some already in print. He a ured me that full arrangements would be made upon his arrival home. I shook his hand and told him goodbyefor the last time.

I received a note from sister Fudge on Friday,February 4, probably written on Wednesday before,telling me that he had been quite ill with influenzawhich he had developed upon leaving Florida. She said he would write when he got better. His condition grew worse until he was hospitalized with double pneumonia. He was placed under oxygen anseemed to be improving when he suddenly passed away about 6:45 p.m. Saturday evening as the result of a cardiac arrest. His wife was at his bedside when the end came. Near midnight I received a call tellingme of hisdeath a few hours before.

Brother Fudge was a man of great energy, and most of it was directed in serving the Lord by the printed page, radio, and in public preaching. He was instrumental in establishing the Athens Bible School and was on the board of directors at the time of his death. He built a large publishing business and wrote many workbooks used all over the nation.

His funeral was conducted at 2 p.m. at the meeting house of the Eastside church in Athens on Monday, February 7. Sewell Hall, Irven Lee, A. J. Rollings, R. L. Andrews and Doyle Banta conducted theservices. There was congregational singing at his request, made sometime before his death.

I personally feel the loss and share the sorrow of his beloved family. I am sure I speak for the entire staff of Searching The Scriptures and many thousands of its readers when I extend heartfelt sympathy to his wife, Sibil, his five sons: Edward, Henry,Robert, Benjamin and Paul, and his daughter,Nancy. We also rejoice with them in the hope whave in Chr ist Jesus our Lord.

H. E. Phillips

A TREAT FOR THE MEMPHIS AREA Don Bassett

There is no idea more welcome than one "whose time has come," and none such better received than when articulated by just the right man

James R. Cope recently spent three days with the

East Memphis church of Christ presenting his series

of le ons on family living. He was, indubitably, the

right man with the right idea— in itstime.

Brethren from northern Mi i ippi, eastern Ark

ansas, and all points in Tennessee came to share with

us who live and worship in the Memphis area in this

fine series.

Young parents, of whom this writer is one, were es

pecially grateful for the very helpful and practical ex

position of God's word on family responsibilities. But

all who came, young and old, left each session with

greater determination to seek and pursue our Father's way in our homes.

Brother Cope is a gospel preacher of wide ex

perience, a father of three fine young people whose

lives have been a great source of encouragement in a

very personal sense to this writer, a successful college

administrator and teacher, and an able writer of gos

pel centered literature. Above all, his fruits have

borne testimony to a sincere desire to do what is

right and go to heaven someday. The right man— with

the right idea— well presented.

Connie W. Adams, 4724 E. Manslick Rd., Louisville, Kentucky, 40219 — In my report of the Smith-Lacuata debate held in M'land, Cotabato, Philippines,I made this statement: "The American 'mi ionaries' deserted him. They came to M'lang the week before the debate and then returned the day after we leftbut they did not come to give Lacuata support. They are unwilling themselves to engage in such debate."

I have learned only recently that a part of this state

ment is in error and therefore wish to make a correc

tion in the interest of truth. It is true that they were

in M'lang the week before the debate and preached in the public plaza. They were not there the week of the debate as I reported. But I have learned that they didnot return to M'lang the day after the debate. Theyhad a permit to conduct meetings in the plaza the day after we left. This was common knowledge in M'langand was discussed by various ones during the week of the debate. We left a uming they were coming back,

as planned, to use the permit they had obtained

I have now been told in a letter from Eusebio M.

Lacuata that "because of the rain" he advised them

to go on back to Manila and they left for Manila be

fore the debate began. I don't know how he knew it

was going to rain the day after we left (so that he

could prophesy the weather a week ahead of time),

but anyhow that is what he said. T he cause of the

liberal brethren is in bad enough shape without any

one having to misrepresent them. I hope this clari

fies this matter. * * * * * * * *

DONALD R. GIVENS TO CANADA

Dear brethren in Christ:

The Lord willing, my family and I are moving tVANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADAWe are going to preach the gospel, sow the seed of the kingdom, and try to win souls to Christ. Incompany with Connard Estes family (presently oBridge City, Texas) we will be starting a congregation of the Lord "from scratch."

Canada offers much opportunity to preach Christ. There are very few Christians in all of Canada. Weanxiously desire to teach and preach Christ to themany lost souls in British Columbia. Bro. Connard Estes and I will be working together in teaching and preaching, publicly and "from house to house." We will start a church with just our two families andthen diligently sow the gospel seed and water it, and leave the increase to God (I Cor. 3:6-9)

I ask for your financial help. We will need moving expenses to British Columbia and MONTHLY SUPPORT while in the Vancouver area. Can you brethren (individually or collectively) fellowship us "in thematter of giving and receiving" (Phil. 4:15)? Canyou help us, in any amount, with our travel expensesor monthly support? Living costs are slightly higher in B.C., Canada than they are in Texas. We will have to supply everything including: our own house or apartment, utilities, car expense (which there will be much of in starting a brand new congregation), rent on a worship hall, advertising, correspondence courses, tracts (we will need plenty of these items in starting a new work), teaching supplies, Biblclass materials, and everything else essential in anew field — these expenses will all come out of our pockets.

Why should I go? To answer that good question,let me give a few facts concerning myself: I am 30years of age, and have been preaching continuallyfor ten years. I started preaching in Canada in 1961,and have been thoroughly familiar with gospel work there since that time, having gone back several times to preach and visit. My wife is a Canadian; born and raised in Ontario, Canada; and her people still live in Canada. Therefore, I already have experience in Canada and am familiar with their good way of

life and customs, etc. I would like to retur n to

Canada and preach the saving gospel in this much

neglected field.

The apostle John wrote "thou wilt do well to set forward on their journey worthily of God: because that for the sake of the Name they went forth(3 Jno. 6-7). This will be our primary purpose in going to Canada: TO SAVE SOULS.

For personal references, you may contact thefollowing men who know me: Connie Adams, HoyHouchen, Homer Hailey, Marshall Patton, HarryPickup, Jr., Robert F. Turner, Lowell D. Williams,James W. Adams, and in Canada: G. A. Corbett,Jordon, Ontario.

OUR GREATEST NEED IS REGULAR MONTH

LY SUPPORT. Can you help . . . any amount? If yo

cannot promise monthly support, can you contribute

a "one-time lump sum" to our travel expenses? (Any

amount we might receive over necessary travel ex

penses would be applied to a working fund.

Our tentative departure date is JULY 1, 1972Please give our needs consideration, nowMay the grace of God be with you. Pray for us.

In Chr ist,

Donald R. Givens

4349 Vassar Port Arthur, Texas 77640

Wayne Earnest, 1916 Rockford Lane, Louisville,Ky. 40216 — I was recently in a gospel meeting withthe 13th and Main St. church in Blytheville, Ark. Feb. 7-15 and we baptized 14 and saw 3 restored.

Olin Kern of Blytheville, Ark. is to be with theShively Church here in Louisville in a gospel meeting April 24-30.

I'm to be in a meeting with the Hardinsburg, Ky.church Mar. 20-26 and at Roundhill, Ky. April 16-21.

A.W. Goff, 1007 Chestnut, Morrilton, Ark. 72110

A small group of brethren have put up a nice build

ing at 1218 West Childress St., Morrilton, Ark. built

and paid for without begging for outside help, and I have been employed to do the preaching

Morrilton is located on 1-40, between Little Rock and Fort Smith. For the benefit of travelers, w

would appreciate it if you would put this announce

ment in Searching the Scriptures.

WORSHIP IN PRAYER

Prayer is the avenue through which the children of God talk with the One who rules the universe. In the midst of great tribulation the prayers of saints come before God on the throne of the universe (Rev. 8:4). If one could talk to the head of his nation at any hour, he would consider it a great privilege. The Ruler of the universe can be approached by any of his subjects any hour of the day. What a great privilege that we so often take for granted.

CHURCH PRAYS

Acts 4 records how the apostles, Peter and John, were threatened and when they were let go to their own company, they prayed unto God. Their prayer was that God would give them boldness to speak the word of God (v. 29). If these apostles needed to prayfor such then, surely the church needs to pray for all those that preach the word to have that same boldness today to speak the word.

In time of persecution a disciple was killed by ruler (Acts 12:1-2). Herod sought the life of Peter but during the pa over the church was makingprayer on his behalf "without ceasing" (Acts 12:5)The result was the deliverance of Peter (vs. 7-17).The same God that heard fervent prayer then of his children will hear us today when we pray.

PRAYERS UNTO GOD

Prayer is our thanksgiving and requests directed to God (Matt. 6:6). Prayer is not directed to someone in the audience to impress them, to "tell them off" or to preach a sermon. We need to understand the purpose of prayer.

Prayer is not only directed to God, but it is addressed through Jesus Christ. Paul affirmed thatthere is "one God" unto whom we pray and thathere is "one mediator between God and men, thman Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom forall" (I Tim. 2:5-6). From this passage we learn several le ons: (1) there is one mediator, not manmediators. (2) The mediator is between God andman, not between Jesus Christ and man. (3) This mediator is a man, not a woman or a dead saint.

(4) Our mediator Christ Jesus was able to becomesuch after he gave his life a ransom for man; thus,those who have not died for men can not be man's mediator. Therefore, our prayer is to be directed unto God in the name of Christ or through Christ Jesus our mediator.

FOR WHOM SHOULD WE PRAY?

The New Testament teaches that we should prayfor many individuals in different circumstances. Let us note some of them. (1) Paul prayed for his lost kin (Rom. 10:1). (2) Timothy was instructed to pray"for kings, and for all that are in authority" (I Tim.2:1-3). (3) Jesus taught us to pray for our enemies (Matt. 5:44). (4) Paul encourages the Roman saints to pray for him (Rom. 15:30). We should likewise pray for gospel preachers today. (5) Paul prayedfor the brethren (Phil. 1:9-10) then and we shouldpray for our brethren now. (6) Paul admonished the Colo ians to pray for the work of the Lord ingeneral to the end that opportunity would be givento preach the gospel (Col. 4:2-4). (7) We are reminded by James to pray for the sick (James 5:1415). (8) Jesus taught that we should pray for ourselves (Matt. 6:11-13).

FERVENT PRAYER

The power of fervent prayer is seen in James 5:17

18. Elias prayed earnestly for it not to rain, and itdid not. He then prayed for rain, and God sent therain. Prayer from such a righteous person avails with God.

As we pray we need to be as fervent as Elias. I believe that Brother Homer Hailey has circulated among brethren enough to know what he is sayingwhen he says that generally one of the great faults of the church is that we do not pray ferventlyenough. When some brother leads in prayer, that prayer should be made the sentiments of my heart. Prayer should not be just a ritual with God's people

When things confront us as the people of God,we should fervently pray to God instead of leaning so much on the "arm of flesh."

Since Paul said to "pray without ceasing" (I Thes.

5:17) now that we have finished this article, let us

stop and pray fervently.

NIGERIA — A CLOSED OR OPENCOUNTRY — WHICH?

Fred A. Shewmaker

In a recent letter to brother Wayne Payne in Niger

ia I wrote, "It is my understanding that the Nigerian

government is now allowing short visits by gospel

preachers. Does it look like they will in the futur

allow preachersto enter for longer periods?

In reply to this inquiry brother Payne wrote, "It

does seem that the immigration may be loosing the

strings a little on visas, but just what the future holds

on resident permits I don't know. I do wish that

someone would try to come though and see what the

action will be. We will be coming home in June if all

goes as planned. I wish that someone could be here

before the year is out but nothing in sight."

It may be that the Niger ian government will not yet i ue a resident permit but unless one is request-ed it is certain that none will be issued. Who will "try...and see what the action will be?" ********