"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world,

and preach the gospel to every creature. He that be

lieveth and is baptized shall be saved; but he tha

believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:15,16)

These are words we have committed to memory

and use them frequently to show what one must do

to be saved. But why do we fail in our mi ion to do

what we preach should be done ? To this question we

had better find an answer, and we had better find the right one.

During the time it takes me to type this article over a thousand souls will pass from time to eternityfrom this continent. Of this thousand who will die while I write this paper, perhaps one soul will have at sometime in the past obeyed the gospel of Christ. Among those who have obeyed the gospel of the Sonof God, perhaps one out of forty will be faithful untodeath to receive the crown of righteousness. This is a discouraging estimate, but the facts are in evi

dence to support the statement.

Why is it that we can hold hope for about one out

of forty to fifty thousand souls who depart this life ?

Why can we not reach these thousands with the

gospel and bring them to obey it and live by the will

of Christ ? These and a dozen more questions may be

asked, but a sober and thoughtful view of the antics

and promotional involvements of the religious lead

ers of the day will answer these questions.

WHAT ASSURES SUCCESS?

What makes success? T he answer depends upon

who asks the question and to whom it is asked. By

man's standar d, success would be that which attracts attention and gets the approval of the masses,

and shows increase in material wealth. In a word,

man's success is man's greatest achievement and the

most popularity. A good proof of this is the use of

numbers present at a service and the amount, of con

tribution to indicate growth of a congregation.

But success by God's standard is that simple andcomplete obedience to the will of God that makes men "new creatures" in Christ. This godly success is described in such terms as: "then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same daythere were added unto them about three thousand souls" (Acts 2:41). "Howbeit many of them whicheard the word believed; and the number of men was about five thousand" (Acts 4:4). "And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women" (Acts 5:14). "And the word ofGod increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great companyof the priests were obedient to the faith" (Acts 6:7)."But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name oJesus Christ, they were baptized, both men andwomen" (Acts 8:12).

On and on it goes in the divine record: thousands

in one day, multitudes were obedient, and they were

multiplied greatly in Jerusalem. All this growth,

unmatched by the combination of the greatest ma

chinery of men, was without "the greatest preach

ers of today" being promoted, and without the gen

ius of all the "specialists" we now have in the field

of preaching, and without all the gimmicks and de

vices concocted by professed disciples to "promote

Christ." If it succeeded then, it will succeed now.

That which will insure genuine scriptural success is the plain, forceful preaching of Christ as the Son of God and man as a sinner. This preaching must include all that is revealed in the New Testament for one to become a Christian, and not add one singlething that is not revealed. T he gospel is the power of God to save the believer (Rom. 1:16). It is byobeying the truth that man's soul is purified (I Pet. 1:22).

WHY DO WE CONTINUE TO FAIL?

I do not want to imply that no success or spiritual growth exists. There is a healthy growth in many parts of the country, but by comparison with thefirst century preaching, and considering the advanced methods of communication we have today,we are failing in the mi ion to go into all the worldand preach the gospel to every creature.

There are a number of reasons why we continue to fail, but I can attribute the world wide failure to two obvious attitudes that seem to have permeated the entire church of the Lord. Until these are eliminated or corrected we will have very little success.

1. The False Idea of Unity

The newly developed concept of unity and theecumenical efforts, including the fellowship witmany denominations of the world, is one hindrance. This has developed within the Lord's church duringthe past 20 to 30 years. It stands to reason that aMethodist sees no point in leaving Methodism whensome "Churches of Christ" join with them in their rituals and "good works" by which they confess that Methodists are "children of God" also. Why shoulthey change?

This false concept of unity has weakened the conviction and conscience of the majority of those who have been baptized into Christ and they no longer really feel the need to change religious people inerror. Why should they ? If all these are "children of God" in various ways, why try to change them

The pseudo-promoters of denominational unithave little or no respect for the divine authority othe word of God. It would be impo ible to expecthem to draw a line between truth and error because the moment they do so they are in trouble with their concept of unity. This is one great reason we are not growing as in New Testament days. I am speakingof success as revealed by God, not the success asviewed by men.

2. The Attitude Toward Sin and the World.

T he attitude of most people toward sin and theworld has left little difference between the lives and influence of members of the church and the world. The evils of the world have so infiltrated the habits of professed disciples of Christ that preaching has no longer any influence upon those of the world.

Galatians 5:19-21 lists the works of the flesh and concludes with these words: "of the which I tell yobefore, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."

Romans 6 plainly shows that the person who is dead to sin, bur ied with Chr ist by baptism intodeath, and raised in the likeness of his resurrection to walk in newness of life, should no longer allow sin to reign in his mortal body. If we turn from serving righteousness to serve sin, we become the servant of sin, and the end is spiritual death. This is the whole point of Romans6.

Jesus said that his disciples would be hated by the world (John 15:18,19). In fact, he taught them thatif the world loved them they would be of the world,because "the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the word, but I have chosen you out ofthe world, therefore the world hateth you."

James said: "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, knowye not that the fr iendship of the wor ld is enmitwith God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God" (James 4:4).

tells what a Chr istian must be to be successful is the third chapter of Colo ians. "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are abovewhere Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Setyour affection on things above, not on things on the earth" (Col. 3:1,2). This is the very first state of

mind that will produce success as a Christian.

It is not enough to have the right attitude of mind,

righteous conduct must accompany the r ight goal

We are to put off anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy,

filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one

to another, seeing that ye have put off the old ma

with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which

is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that

created him" (Col. 3:8-10)

It is not enough just to put off the evil deeds, we

are to put on: kindne , humbleness of mind, meek

ness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and for

giving one another ... put on love, and let the peace

of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are

called in one body; and be ye thankful. . . Let the

word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom .. .

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in th

name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and

the Father by him" (Col. 3:12-17).

If we could get men and women to obey these requirements for the "new man" in Christ, we woulhave no problem with success in preaching the gospel to every creature.

AN INTERESTING QUOTE Larry Ray Hafley

The quotation which follows may be of some interest to those who have occasion to oppose denominational use of the Old T estament as authority.Who has not had a Baptist run to David's harp orto some other Old Testament passage for proof omechanical instruments of music in the worship ofthe church? The quote below reveals that their leading teachers knew better. You may desire to file it for future reference. (The quote is taken from an article reviewing and rebuking the errors of Dr.John R. Rice.

"Dr. Rice makes the old testament law still a rule of faith and practice, by his interpretation ofMatt. 5:17-18. It is as wrong for him to teach this as it is for Seven Day Adventist (sic). At least theadventist (sic) are consistent (sic) in that thekeep Saturday instead of Sunday. Matt. 5:17-18 clearly teaches that ALL the law was fulfilled at the same time, and Col. 2:14-17 tells us it was nailed to the cro . If you divide the law into ceremonial and moral, you still have 'one jot or tittle shall in no wise pass from the law (including both ceremonial and moral) till all be fulfilled.' If Christ fulfilled part of the law, He fulfilled it all on theCro ." (A. J. Wall, "Dr. John R. Rice — Wrong OnMany Things," THE BAPTIST ANCHOR, Vol. 27,No. 8, November, 1972.)

418 E. Lee St.

Piano, Ill. 60545

WILL HE FIND FAITH? IF WE ARE

TO SURVIVE AS THE PEOPLE OF GOD

In Luke 18:8 the Lord asks the question, "Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" Christ was disturbed over the conditions that he found in the days of the NewTestament. The same conditions are with us in 1973. That there has been a great "cooling off" in religionno one can deny. It is getting harder, by the day, to convert the lost to Christ. There are many reasons for this indifference. One of the foremost is the taking of the wife and mother out of the home andputting her to work. She is no longer there to have all things r eady for the family to attend ser vices and to show the right interest in spiritual affairs. Other factors enter also, such as materialism, thinfluence of "science falsely so called" in the class room, etc. The facts are with us, however, and if we are to survive as a people we will have to find the answers.

The first, perhaps, is a BETTER HOME ENVIRONMENT. We must do a better job of instilling in our children the same spiritual values that were placed in us. We take it for granted, many times,that the young ones in our homes will have the same faith we have, only to wake up too late and realize that it is not true. The church only receives whatthe home gives it and regardless of the effectiveness of the church program it can. as a rule, be no better than the home. The rules are simple, prayer each time the family sits down together, a time set aside each day to study the Bible, stories of God's great around mother's knee instead of T.V. The rules are simple but rare is the home that follows them.

Secondly, WE MUST BE SURE THAT THE CHURCH HAS A PROGRAM FOR ALL. From the oldest member to the two-year-old who is attendingclass for the first time, the congregation should have the best teachers in the class room, the best material to study and an arrangement favorable for such study. As Bobbie points out in her new book, Stairway to Teaching, less time is spent in the BiblSchool than we would believe po ible. Compared to the public schools less than two weeks is spent instudy. This is compared to one year in the schools of the nation. Just think, we are expected to do in 52 hours what the public school does in nine months.

WE MUST SET THE RIGHT EXAMPLE. In our lives, in teaching others, in showing the proper in

terest in all that is right, our children are not look

ing for perfection but for consistency. They have a right to expect the proper example. When mistakes are made they should be acknowledged instead ofcovered up. Conversation in the home should bespiritual in nature and uplift the church of the Lord. Children ought to hear the right things and ought tohear them in the right spirit. Comments, if they are critical, are misunderstood by children and they tendto magnify them. It is little wonder that our boys do not make elders and preachers when all they hear is derogatory remarks against those who have these positions.

Yes, the Lord asks, "Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, what will he find on the earth?" Unless we are able to teach our children to "remember their creator in the days of their youth," there will be no church tomorrow. It is up to all of us, mayGod help us as we know he will.

"KEEPING IT IN CONTEXT" NO. 1

It has been my purpose, the last several years to stimulate a study of the word of God by articles in this column. I have tr ied to wr ite on a number of controversial matters both without and within the church. I have also tried, to the best of mability, to diagnose the problem. That is, to see whythe difference between people exists and the solution.

Our study this month deals with the problem okeeping words and phrases in their context. An excellent illustration of this is found in I Cor. 2:9. Paul said, "E ye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neitherhave entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." It must be admitted that the above scripture comes in handy preaching some funerals. We all feel that heaven is so beautiful that it is beyond our finite description. However, on second look at the context we find Paul is not talking about heaven at all but the gospelof our Lord. This is why it is so necessary to keep words and phrases in their context! I have alwayinsisted that it is impo ible to understand somewords and phrases in the Bible if they are not held in their setting. The reason for this problem is the double and even triple meaning of some words. One of the greatest problems in a public debate is to keep an opponent from taking words oat of context and making a false application. I shall in succeeding articles discuss different facets of the major problem.

Our first study is on the expression "Breakingbread" as found in Acts 20:7, and other places inthe New Testament. I suspect almost every readerwho has taught a class on Acts has been asked this question: "How do you know the breaking of bread in Acts 20:7 is the Lord's Supper?" They usuallygo one to say "Does not this term sometimes meanan ordinary meal ?" The answer to their last question is "Yes." T his means that some sort of explanation is in order.

The word bread (Artos) sometimes has reference to the Lord's Supper as indicated in Matt. 26:26Acts 2:42 and I Cor. 11:23. The word bread sometimes means food in general (See Matt. 6:11). Metaphorically, it sometimes refers to Christ as the bread of life (John 6:33). In Acts 2:46 it evidentlyrefers to an ordinary meal. One can readily see that the Greek and English does not give one much relief from this perplexing problem. What is the answer? Gentle reader, the context itself! The expression "To break" (Klaze) is sometimes used in connectionwith the Lord's Supper but not always.

Now let us take up the scriptures where this expression "Breaking bread" is used and see if we can find out whether it means the Lord's Supper or an ordinary meal. Let us take the easy scriptures first and then go on to the more complicated ones. First,in Matt. 26:26 "And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it. and brake it, and gave it this disciples, and said, take, eat; this is my body.The breaking of bread in this text has to be theLord's Supper because Jesus says it is. Only ainfidel would argue this is not the Lord's SupperThe context makes it clear that Jesus was not instituting an ordinary meal but the Lord's Supper. Our next text is I Cor. 12:23, 24 "For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto youthat the Lord Jesus, the same night in which hwas betrayed, took bread; and when he had givethanks, he brake it, and said, take, eat; this is mbody, which is broken for you; this do in remembrance of me." It is very clear in this text that the"breaking of bread" has reference to the Lord's Supper. As a matter of fact Paul goes back to thatnight and quotes from the Lord himself.

Thus far in our study we have found that theexpression "breaking of bread" can refer to theLord's Supper. Now let us proceed to verses a little more complicated. In Acts two we have this expression used twice; once in verse 42 and again inverse 46. Let us study verse 42 first: "And theycontinued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine andfellowship, and in breaking of bread and prayers." Now our problem is this: does the expression mean an ordinary meal or the Lord's Supper? Here againthe context is our answer. Notice, the disciples continued in such things as prayer, fellowship, etcT hese things convey to our mind acts of worship.As a matter of fact, the word fellowship demands joint participation or something done in a collective capacity. It would be difficult for a man to have fellowship with himself only! Therefore, from the context it is generally agreed that the "breaking bread" here refers to the Lord's Supper. Now in verse 46 we read, "And they continued daily with one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart." When the text says they continuewith one accord, this emphasizes unity. It is said they did this in the temple. Although we have noreference of christians observing the Lord's Supper in the temple, we all must admit it could be donesince the PLACE of worship is not specified. The next part of the verse says they "Broke bread" from house to house. It must also be admitted that the Lord's Supper could be observed in a house, and ndoubt it often occurred. However, the last part of the context seems to reverse that concept. It says"Did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart." When Luke talks about their eating meat,or food it becomes rather clear that the breakingbread in this text refers to an ordinary meal. As matter of fact, Paul condemned the Corinthian brethren for mixing an ordinary meal with thLord's Supper (see I Cor. 11:33, 34)

Our last text is the one introduced at the beginning of this article, Acts 20:7. Remember, gentle reader, the expression breaking bread could havetwo or more meanings. The context says in verse six that Paul stayed in Troas seven days. The reader must ask himself the question why seven days? He will then read "And upon the first day of thweek, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them." Notice they camtogether to break bread on the first day of the week ?If this is an ordinary meal why does it specify Sunday? We also observe this observance of the Lord's Supper was purposely accomplished. They could have eaten an ordinar y meal any day of the week butthe text indicates that Paul had stayed in Tr oas seven days in order to be there on the first day ofthe week. We found out in our study of Acts two that breaking bread was used in two ways in onechapter. We have a similar situation here in Acts 20. Down in verse 11, we read "When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while even till break of day, so hedeparted." Some have tried to tie verse 7 and 11together. The text indicates the "breaking bread" in verse 11 took place after midnight, after Paul had preached his sermon and raised Eutychus from the dead. The context also teaches that breakingbread in this text was an ordinary meal because of the social aspect of the text. Notice "And eatenand talked a long while." T his indicates a visiting period connected with the eating. In verse seven we are told the purpose of their coming together was to "break bread." The preaching of Paul was incidental! If they waited until after midnight, Paul's sermon, and the healing of Eutychus to observe the Lord's Supper, it seems they got the cart before the horse! They made eating the Lord's. Supper incidental to not only Paul preaching but a number ofother matters. If the text had said, "When the disciples came together to hear Paul preach, they also broke bread." I might buy the idea that verse eleven means the Lord's Supper. But as things stand I must

"HOLD IT IN CONTEXT." Think it over. o

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THE CONTRIBUTION

In our series on worship, we have written con

cerning prayer, the Lord's Supper, teaching and

singing. With this article we turn our attention to

the Lord's Day contribution.

MISUNDERSTANDING

For some time brethren have had some difficulty

in understanding New Testament teaching on this

subject. T his is not due to the subject being com

plex, but rather to the fact that brethren have tried

to justify some false positions which involve them

in trouble.

GOD IS NOT IN NEED

Since God gives to mankind, he does not stand in

need of our contribution, Acts 17:25. The earth be

longs to the Lord, Psm. 24:1. The cattle on a thou

sand hills are his, Psm. 50:10.

Therefore, we do not furnish God with anything

when we contribute any more than we furnish his

needs when we sing or pray. The contribution is an

act performed which denotes the attitude of the

Christian, that is, we belong to the Lord. We have

been purchased by the blood of Christ, I Cor. 6:19

20. When we have given ourselves to the Lord as

the Macedonians did, II Cor. 8:5, then all we have

belongs to the Lord and will be used in his glory.

We are blessed when we give, Acts 20:35. Godblesses us and uses us to his glory as we do his will. The Lord's religion is one of sacrifice. He gave hisSon, (John 3:16; Heb. 7:27; 9:28) for us and wepresent ourselves as living sacrifices unto him (Rom. 12:1-2).

LOCAL CHURCH

When one obeys Christ, he seeks association and

fellowship with those of like precious faith. Paul

did this in Jerusalem (Acts 9:26). In a given lo

cality this is called the local congregation of Christ.

This congregation has responsibility and often it is

discharged by money being used. The congregation

is able to act as one through its resources in that

for which the congregation is responsible.

In reading the New Testament it is learned that

the early church had a treasury. (Acts 2:44-45;

4:32-37; 11:29-30; Rom. 15:25-32; I Cor. 16:1-4;

II Cor. 11:7-9; Phil. 4:15-20). This treasury was

authorized by apostolic teaching and came into be

ing as brethren made free will offerings. From their

own labor and resourcefulness they were blessed of

the Lord with ability to give (Eph. 4:28; Acts 2:45;

4:34,36-37).

SPENDING THE TREASURY

From the treasury which the New Testament church had we learn from the Scriptures that itwas spent for the purpose of providing Scripturalteaching in both evangelism and edification. (II Cor. 11:7-9; Phil. 4:15-20). From this treasury the Scriptures reveal brethren in need were relieved (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-37; 11:27-30; II Cor. 8 and 9, Rom. 15:25-30; I Cor. 16:1-4, etc.). Brethren provided aplace for the church to meet for worship and work

(Acts 20:7; I Cor. 14:23, 30; James 2:2). I take it

that if and when the church provided such a place

at expense to the congregation, that such was like

wise a scriptural expenditure of funds. Whatever

was or is necessary to the congregation functioning

as God would have it work and worship would be

authorized in the act itself.

FIRST DAY

I Cor. 16:1-4 is the only passage that reveals when the New Testament church gathered funds together. Other passages reveal the source of the individual's funds that were laid in store. For what all the treasury was spent is learned from both this and other passages. This passage is not the exclusive pattern for what funds from the treasury were spent. It is, however, the exclusive pattern as to when for "every one of you" to "lay by him in

store, as God hath prospered him." Brethren would

have little trouble understanding this if they would

come to the word of God to lear n his will instead

of seeking to justify some human promotion.

Acts 20:7 is an exclusive pattern as when to eat

the Lord's Supper. Just so, I Cor. 16:1-4 is an ex

clusive pattern for when br ethren are to "lay by

him in store." We oppose contributions gathered by

the church other than on the first day of the week

for the same reason we oppose eating the Lord's

Supper other than on the first day of the week.

FACTS ABOUT CONTRIBUTION

There are certain facts we need to note about the contribution. (1) Saints are under apostolic order to lay by in store, I Cor. 16:1. (2) Giving should be "as God hath prospered" one, I Cor. 16:2. (3) It is "upon the fir st day of the week" I Cor. 16:2. (4)Our giving is to be "purposeth in his heart" II Cor.

9:7. (5) Giving is not to be done grudgingly, II Cor. 9:7. (6) We must not give out of necessity uponGod's part, II Cor. 9:7. (7) We should give cheerfully, II Cor. 9:7. (8) Our giving should be liber al, II Cor. 8:2. (9) We are abound in the grace of giving, II Cor. 8:7. (10) By our giving we prove thesincerity of our love, II Cor. 8:8. (11) We are to give upon the basis of what we have, not what wewish we had, II Cor. 8:12. (12) Poor brethren can give liberally, II Cor. 8:2.

OUR ATTITUDE

Our entire attitude toward giving will be determined by whether we first give ourselves to the Lord (II Cor. 8:5). Twenty dollars spent for ourpleasure looks like a postage stamp, but the same

twenty dollars given to the Lord often looks as

large as a bedspread. Our attitude toward Christ

determinesour giving.

ARRABON, "EARNEST," "PLEDGE"

T he idea that is conveyed by the expr ession

"down payment" is very well known. Sometimes the

expression "earnest money" is used to denote a down payment, or a part payment in advance

This very idea of "down payment" is conveyed bythe Greek term arrabon, which occurs in three passages in the New Testament: II Cor. 1:22; 5:5and Eph. 1:14. In these passages we read about the "earnest" of the Spirit, or the "pledge" of the Spirit.

IN THE PAPYRI

In papyri dated from before, during, and after the time of Christ we have uses of the term arrabon,where those uses refer to money that was received as a down payment for some purchase.

In one papyrus, a woman had received 1000

drachmas as a arrabon for a cow she had sold. In

another papyrus, someone had paid a certain amount

of money as an arrabon for a piece of land he had

bought.

THE EARNEST OF THE SPIRIT

There may have been some discu ion regardingwhether the expression arrabon of the Spirit means the "earnest" which is the Spirit, or the "earnest" which the Spirit gives. It seems to me that theformer idea is more likely. In Eph. 1:13, 14 the Spirit is referred to as the arrabon.

PROMISES NOT FULLY REALIZED

It seems to be that in this life our spiritual ble ings are only the arrabon, the "down payment."In the world that is to come the obedient Christian will realize the fruition, the full reward of the dutiful life of the Christian. In the world to come, hewill be "paid in full."

Numerous passages indicate that the Christian does not fully r ealize in this life the things that God has promised to the faithful. For example,I Cor. 15:19 indicates that this earthly life, of andwithin itself, would be a "miserable" existence. InII Tim. 4:6-8 Paul indicates his expectation of eternal bliss. T his same promise is spoken of in Rev.

2:10. These examples could be greatly multiplied.

OXEN SUPPORT BAPTISMAL FONT

According to an article in the paper, the Mormon Church is building an $18-million temple in Maryland, near Washington, D. C. In describing the temple, the article said, "It also will have the usual 'sealing rooms' for marriage rites and a baptismal font supported by 12 oxen."

Oxen may support a baptismal font, but the Bible

certainly will not. While thinking about sprinkling

for baptism, I remembered a poem which I had on

file. I believe that you will find it interesting and

amusing.

The Indian and the Preacher

Once upon a time, a preacherOf good John Wesley's bandWent forth upon a missionOut in Indian land. He gave the chief a BibleAnd journeyed on his way, But came back through that sectionAt a somewhat later day.

The chief called on the preacher — What ever did give r ise? "Chief want to be a ChristianMe ready be baptized." The preacher brought his 'Jordan'A little china bowl, Then catechized the Indian With reference to his soul.

The chief gazed at the vesselWith an apprehensive look."T he pond, he much too little,You give'um chief wrong book." The preacher urged and arguedThat a small amount would do, But failed to turn the Indian From his "heap much water" view.

But the preacher finally consentedTo let his custom slip,He'd go down in the riverAnd give the chief a dip. "No,No," the chief responded"You try to change God's plan From dip to little sprinkle —Me guess you be wrong man."

"TO SEE HOW IT WOULD FEEL"

A few weeks ago, a young man in Arizona killed

both of his parents. When questioned about it, h

said, "I just wanted to see how it would feel to kill

someone."

If he just had to have the feeling, isn't it regret-

able that he could not have known how it feels to

commit suicide?

WHY APPEAL TO MEN?

We can all profit from the study, wisdom and experience of men by reading what they have written. But we can never establish divine authority by aappeal to men. If a proposition cannot be proved bythe Bible it cannot be proved by an appeal to men —living or dead — regardless of their greatness. If a proposition can be proved by the Bible an appealto uninspired men is wholly unnecessary. Usuallyabout as many scholars can be quoted on one side of an issue as the other. About all "scholar ship"does when serving as a commentary on i ues is to cancel itself out. No truth of God was ever established by uninspired men.

FREEZE THE BODY BUT NOT THE SOUL

" 'Cryonicists' put bodies in the deep freeze for future shocks." So reads the headline in a recent i ue of the newspaper. The reporter tells of visiting Cryo-Span, Inc., a place where bodies are frozen. Speaking of viewing the frosty face of a man, thewriter said:

"The body is that of one of 15 people who since 1967 have been scientifically frozen or placed in 'cryonic suspension' in the hope that someday, after a cure has been found for what killed them, they maybe brought back to life and even rejuvenated.

"Believers are convinced cryonics (from the Greek word kryos for cold) is the first serious attempt toconquer death and achieve physical immortality.Skeptics call body freezing a fraud to bilk the dead and their survivors."

I believe that these people overlook one importantfact — that man is not wholly mortal. This experiment is evidently based upon the belief that he is. We don't deny that they can preserve the body, andthey may find a cure for the disease, but what are they going to do for a spirit or soul? The Bible says,and everybody knows, that a body without a spirit is dead (James 2:26). Man can never achieve "physical immortality" for God does not will that it be so (Eccles. 12:7; Matt. 10:28; II Cor. 5:1). Man mahave control over the body — alive or dead — but he has no control over the spirit (Eccles. 8:8). OnlJesus has such power, for he has the keys of death and Hades (Rev. 1:18)

I am afraid that any "future shocks" will be for those who think that "physical immortality" can beachieved. Man can never "conquer death" (Heb.9:27).

ORIGIN OF THE MOON

Surely we all find the space program very fascinating, and many ble ings and benefits for mankind will accrue from it. I am not prejudiced against it. I am concerned about the frequent reports that, as far as many scientists are concerned, all of the time, effort and money is expended in an effort to learn more about the moon's origin. For example, I have before me an Associated Press article out of Houston concerning the mi ion of Apollo 17 and the work of Dr. Harrison H. Schmitt, the first professional scientist to visit the moon. T he article says

"Schmitt will be probing for evidence needed tofill mi ing chapters at the beginning and at the endof the moon's evolution. This, in effect, means hewill be searching for evidence of rocks formed bvolcanoes late in lunar history and for rocks whichhave survived from the earliest formation of the moon."

As they circled the moon on Christmas Eve of 1968, the men of Apollo 8 read to the nation andworld what God has revealed concerning the originof the earth and moon. Evidently, many scientists back on earth did not believe a word of it! If theydon't believe that, do they believe any of the Bible? And if so, why? Why would they believe part of it and reject part of it?

They are searching for information, and like thesectarian who goes to the Bible to "prove" what he already believes, they will find something. The chances are pretty good that many of them will noconclude that "God made two great lights; thegreater light to rule the day, and the lesser light torule the night" (Gen. 1:16). Instead, they will arguefor evolution — for both moon and man. They neednot speak of "missing chapters" in evolution; thwhole book is missing!

ACCORDING TO THE APOSTOLIC ORDER

Those who are Christians subscribe to the proposition that our work and worship; yea our obedience to God in toto should be according to the apostolic order. We do not claim, as do many in the Baptist church, that we can trace a line of succession for the Lord's church all the way back to the days of the apostles. We do not believe, in fact, that that is necessary. If we sow the seed of the kingdom (whichis the word of God — Luke 8:11) when it lands on good soil (the hearts of honest men and women — Luke 8:15) it will br ing forth fruit unto GodHence, when we follow the teachings of Christ and the apostles, we will become now what those became who followed the teachings then.

John Smyth, recognized founder of the Baptist church, advocated the above principle, even thoughhe did not adhere to his own teaching. In Vedder's History of the Baptist Church, he tells of Smythin these words: "Smyth is generally called the 'Se-Baptist,' which means that he baptized himself. There can be no doubt that such was the case since an acknowledgement of the fact still exists in his own handwriting. In this respect he resembled Roger Williams. He held that the real apostolic succession is a succession not of outward ordinances and visible organizations, but of true faith and practice. Hetherefore believed that the ancient, true apostolic succession had been lost, and that the only way torecover it was to begin anew on the apostolic model" (Vedder's Short History of the Baptists, page 203204)

In this quotation are some of the very principles for which those who are members of the Lord's church contend. But at the same time, there areadmissions that are devastating to Baptist doctrine. It has been the claim of the Baptist Church for years that they are "apostolic" because they can trace anunbroken chain of Baptist Churches, or churches holding their fundamental beliefs, all the way bacto the apostles of Christ. So notice in the quote from Smyth that his work consists in beginning "a church anew on the apostolic model." Had he practiced what he preached it would have been commendableindeed. However, he started "anew" by pouring water on himself and calling it baptism. In a further study of Smyth, we learn that within a few months he applied for membership in the Menonite Church, recognizing his error regarding baptism.

I firmly believe that the ONLY way to recoverthe New Testament church is "to begin anew on the apostolic model." Christians do not claim to haveexclusive rights on this ideal, but we are earnestly striving to accomplish this by conforming our practices and our teachings to the apostolic model found in the New T estament. We find no unscr iptur al idea in the design of Mr. Smyth. We can only call on you, our readers, to look with us at the doctrines and practice of those who are members of the church of Christ and the denomination of which you are amember and see which conforms to the "apostolic model." Compare the following

1. We show that Christ is owner and head of His church, Rom. 16:16; Matt. 16:18. What about thechurch of which you are a member?
2. We follow the Scriptures on organization, having bishops, deacons, and members in a local congregation according to the apostolic order set forthin Phil. 1:1. What about the church of which youare a member?
3. We seek to follow the New Testament teaching(Acts 2:42) on: (1) Salvation, Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; (2) Membership, Acts 2:47; I Cor. 12:13;Acts 9:26; (3) Worship, Acts 2:42; Eph. 5:19;Acts 20:7. What about the church of which you are a member?

We ask you to compare what we call ourselves (Christians, members of churches of Christ); theorganization we teach and use (local congregations under Bishops, with its special servants— Deacons) ;what we teach on salvation (faith, repentance, confe ion and baptism for the remi ion of sins) ; and what we do in our worship services (teach, pray,give, sing, and eat the Lord's Supper). Now compare that with what the Bible teaches. Also, compare the name, organization, doctrine on salvation,and the items of worship where you attend with the Bible's teaching. Which one is according to thApostolic Order?

We urge you to study and find out the truth onthese subjects. Then, obey that which you learn from the Word of God that you might be saved andadded by the Lord to his church.

In a September i ue of this magazine there appeared a news item telling of two women meetintogether and their desire to find a preacher to helpthem with the Lord's work. I would like an opportunity to tell you of the replies we received to this request. There were two tracts from brethren ofone cup belief, neither was accompanied by a letter. Then there was the envelope filled with tracts from some faithful Christian located in Arkansas — againno letter.

Then there were three letters, but I am not sure that any of these writers were answering our request in this magazine. One letter was from an elder in Virginia where a former Rochester member nowworships. He wrote at her request to see about financial help for us. He assumed we had secured apreacher. One letter was a result of a visiting Christian from Mi ouri who suggested we write his home congregation and explain our situation. I apparentlyfailed at this task. I am unsure about the background of the third letter, but the writer knew more about us than appeared in the news item.

Perhaps you are trying to figure out just what all this should mean to you. Who cares about all these explanations anyway. This is exactly my point! Whocares? Don't any of you brothers care? Aren't anyof you concerned about the Lord's work? Please write me letters (no tracts, please) and tell me ineasy words why you will not come to Rochester,Minn. Explain to me why you are happier in thewarm south in that large congregation that has no financial worries. Brothers, please read carefully thebook of Acts and tell me what examples those preachers set.

All you comfortable Christian brothers who are grinning at the heat being given preachers in this article, may I direct you to the article written bDonald Givens in the Dec. 7 i ue of Gospel Guardian entitled "A Kingdom of Priests." Are you guilty?If your congregation is over fifty in number, and especially if you have elders (I Tim. 3:2), why are you holding on to a preacher who could be of better use elsewhere? Don't tell me you can't get "upfront" and bring a le on. How many of your Bible teachers have had to walk into a cla room without training ? Ask her how her knees knocked, her hands shook, and her voice wavered. But she did it, andshe grew spiritually.

Another point, brothers, what would have beenyour reaction if all she felt she could offer wereprayers and financial help. I don't mean to turn up my nose at what we may need in the future, but wedon't need financial help now. We need a preacher to help establish a congregation. If a congregation anywhere is willing to let go of their preacher, itseems to me they will have financial support on handto send too. But what do we do with financial helwith no prospect of a preacher ? It appears we have carts everywhere but no horses.

Prayer is a comfort to any Christian. I am gladto know my name is going before the Lord so often. "Please send Sis. Johnson a preacher, but not me. I am comfortable here, hiding among the group." Would your Bible class have a teacher if the onlyresponse you could get was prayers? Prayer is more than empty words. It has to be backed with a willingness to act.

Do I sound bitter, brothers? I know I am disenchanted ; not with God, not with the truth, but withmy brothers. Write me, brothers, and admonish me,but please send no tracts, offer no empty prayers and send no financial help unless you first give us yourself.

— 735 3rd Ave. NW Plainview, Minn. 55964

The Gospel is the answer to man's problems no

matter what part of the world he may live in. This

message must be preached unto those willing t

listen. God in His infinite wisdom chose to use man

in delivering this message of salvation to those of

the world subject to it. When men of ability are

willing to go into areas where this message is no

being preached brethren need to heed the call. The

decision to support such men should not be deter

mined by national boundaries, for Christ's kingship

is not confined to one country. Is Christ an Ameri

can? Did Chr ist die for Amer icans only? I am

happy to hear Brother Dudley Ross Spears is going

to West Germany. I pray brethren will answer the

call to support him

Each man must decide where he can do the most as a servant proclaiming the "Good News". For thepast ten years I have desired to go into an area of this world where the Gospel has not been made as available as it has in other parts. I have followed the work in Australia and South Africa with greainterest. I was advised to wait in order to gain experience. During this ten year period I have had the opportunity to work with small groups, and now to

work with the elders at Thayer St. in Akron, Ohio.

I believe I have the experience needed to be a useful

servant.

T he city of Alberton, Tr ansvaal, Republic of

South Africa is a city of 30,000 where the Gospel

needs to be made available to all who will hear.

This city has grown from about 10,000 in 1958 t

30,000 in 1972. The government feels it will reach

60,000 by 1975. At the present two Christians live

in Alberton," and they drive to Springs, about 3

miles, to assemble with the brethren where Brother

Ray Votaw preaches. In December Brother Ron

Chaffin will be moving to Alberton. This will be the

beginning of an effort to reach all those who will

listen to the "Good News". The two Christians will

join him in establishing a church. My family and I

will join him in June of 1973.

Just recently my family and I had the pleasure of having Brother Steve and Sister Cora Kearney in our home. About six years ago Steve left Ireland to work in South Africa. During his first year he came in contact with Br other Wayne Sullivan whotaught him the gospel. When Cor a joined him inSouth Africa she too was taught the gospel. Hespoke to us of the work in South Africa as being in the pioneering stage. There are approximately 24 million people in South Africa, and 314 millionlive in the Johannesburg area. Currently there is a small group meeting with Brother Chaffin in Johannesburg. This is the church started by Brother Paul Williams, and the gr oup to which he is r etur ning in December. Brother Kearney lives in Krugersdorp and wor ks with about eight br ethr en. Br other Votaw lives in Springs some 50 miles fr om Br other Kearney. These brethren are not like some of us who live within a stones throw of each other. What is needed now in this area and other parts are brethren willing to sow the seed. I am sure God will give the increase if we can do our part, which is the sowing of the seed. Brother Chaffin and I will be working together in sowing the seed as muchas is humanly possible. Br ethr en ask, how long will it take to get results, and now long will you stay? I can not put a time table on when God will givethe increase, for that is not my part of the work. My part is the sowing. When I came to Ohio I came to do a wor k and have not given thought as to howlong I shall stay. Brethren, this is my attitudetoward the work in Alberton.

We will leave for South Africa June 11, 1973.This should give us sufficient time to raise our support. I am sure brethren feel they will have enoughtime to let me know, and will wait till May to do so. But I am sure this will not do much for my nerves. I n moving to South Africa we find we ar e movingto a countr y which is on par with the living standards of this country. I have tried to seek soundadvice as to what we will need to live in Johannesburg. Brethren have advised me to seek $1000 amonth support. This figure includes our house rent, payment of utilities, and my salary. It is going tocost us about 200 to 250 rand (South African dollar) per month to rent a house. When figuring thedifference between the American dollar and the South African rand you add 30% to the price it willcost in rands. I believe this figur e to be in line with what many preachers need to live in American cities.

Many of the furnishings we have will be sold,and replaced when we get to South Africa. Brother Ron Chaffin has been of gr eat help in deciding what to take. Since the cost of appliances is high in SouthAfrica we have planned to take what we have. I have contacted sever al mover s about the cost of shipping our furnishings. The figure I am working with is $3500. The airline tickets for the five of us will run $2700. Br ethr en her e and in South Africa have advised me to raise the amount needed to make

There are many churches I do not have knowledgeof who might want to help us. Any support one can give will be greatly appreciated. Individuals or churches can help us with our work fund. But I amsure the hardest thing to raise is the monthly support. We pray daily brethren will hear our plea. The brethren in South Africa have encouraged usto come, and we are going. Will you have a fellowship with us in the preaching of the Gospel in South Africa ?

Preacher Needed

The Woodlawn Church of Christ is in need of a gospel preacher. The church is located about half way between Columbus, Mississippi, and Vernon, Alabama, in Steens, Mississippi. The average attendance is about 50. A preacher's home is provided. The local congregation also is able to provide $150.00 a month towar d his support and ther e ar e other congr egations to be contacted which possibly will makeup the remaining support needed. If interested, write Mr. W. B. Logan Sr., Route 1, Box 180, Steens, Mississippi; or call Mr. W. B. Logan Sr. at A/C 601 3566871.

Elders of the Woodlawn Church of Christ

W. B. LoganMurl YoungElbert Logan

Nathan Hagood, Rt. 1, Box 27-a, Jennings, Fla. 32053 — The brethren at the North Valdosta church in Valdosta, Ga., have asked me to move ther e andwor k with them. As of March 1, 1973, I will beginwor k ther e. I have been at the Oak Gr ove chur ch here for about thirteen months. Anyone interested in the work here should contact either A. B. Newsome or Nick Law, both Rt. 1, Jennings, Fla. Arrangements for my support in Valdosta are not complete at present. Anyone desiring to help support the work there should write me for more information.

Charles F. House, Spanish Church of Christ — Ramon Cor der o, our other evangelist her e at this place, is still unable to make long, evangelistic trips to Sasabe and Cananea as planned, since he has no dependable transportation. His truck burned up April 16, and for six months we have tried to raise the balance due without too much success. Brethren, for every check sent to Spanish church of Christ, marked Ramon's Truck Fund, and sent direct to Ramon Cordero, P.O. Box 21, Douglas, Arizona

85607, he immediately acknowledges it with a receipt, plus he adds you to his mailing list to receive his regular monthly report in English, and the nicest part of all, that you can deduct this amount 100 per cent from your income tax. Please send any checks you may have for him direct to him, and not to me. Thank you.

HELP URGENTLY NEEDED

The following is a copy of a letter written by bro. Arnold A. Granke, a U.S. serviceman stationed atClark Air Base in the Philippines, to bro. Rod Mac-Arthur, of the Moscow, Idaho, church.

"Dear bro. MacArthur:

"Brother Castorio F. Gamit referred your letterto him of 25 August 1972 regarding the needs of Christians here in the Philippines as a result of therecent floods; and asked me to answer it.

"Since the floods, he and I have been attempting to collect information concerning the situation among brethren in the affected areas. This has been difficult to accomplish because the flood disrupted communications and transportation, therefore our information is not yet complete. We do know thefollowing:

"A church of about 20 souls at Macabebe is in need. There are about 75 brethren in the area of Subic, Zambales who have been rendered needy andapproximately 100 Christians scattered about inMarikina, Taytay, Montalban, Cainta and Tayigug in Rizal province who need help. No figures are available to us of the brethren in need in Pangasinan and Tarlac provinces, although both were heavily damaged by the flooding.

"All the flood victims are in need of clothing. It is best to send clothing rather than the money topurchase it with. Because crops were heavily damaged, food is also very expensive, and brethren need assistance in this area also; however, the funds to purchase food would be better sent than foodstuffs.

"If you are able to send relief, please mail to thefollowing persons for the areas indicated."For the Subic area — Carlos J. Valenzuela, Matain, Subic, Zambales, C-154, RP.

"For Rizal Province — Vincente S. Gulapa, 22Chico Street, Concepcion, Marikina, Rizal, D-714, RP.

"For Tarlac Province — Julian C. Felix, POB 4,Moncada, Tarlac, C-409, RP."For Pangasinan Province — Alfredo S. Javier, Carmen, Rosales, Pangasinan, B-713, RP.

"For Macabebe — Castorio F. Gamit, 349 Sto. Rosario St., Angeles City, C-201, RP; or send it to me at the above APO address (APO SF 96274).

"Thank you for your inquiry. If you wish, I will send additional information as it becomes available. If I may be of any further help, please advise me."

Brethren, the need is urgent. Brother Granke isthere and has seen it. I know him personally and he is a ver y zealous and trustworthy Christian.Please consider his appeal; our brethren there are eating snakes and rats — or nothing at all!

NEWS FROM THE CHRISTIANS IN GREECE Dinos A. Roussos

Glory be to our Heavenly Father who brought us

from the ignorance of men's teachings to His Holy

light; "ye shall know the truth and the truth shall

make you free" (John 8:32).

Sincere thanks come from the hearts of the Greek

people to all those who care enough to spread the

gospel in this country. This is our land: the home of

Corinthians, Thessalonians, Philippians and Athens,

the place where saint Paul stood to preach the "un

known god." From that time and through many

dark ages they still worship the "unknown God."

But praise the Lord, Christians cared enough for the Greeks to start a new work here. Nine years ago

the first missionaries arrived supported by the

churches of Christ with the motto to win Greece

for Christ. They came as foreigners to a foreign land

lonely and physically exhausted but through the

power of God they have conquered. The light has

been seen and the children of God rejoice.

Recently we were blessed with the salvation of a

new soul who will really mean much to the church

here in Athens. Brother Grabiel Samoitis (35) who

had been a priest in the Orthodox Church for seven

years came to know the truth and the truth made

him free. Now he is a true priest of God!

For a long time he had been studying the word of

God and after a series of Bible studies we had to

gether he was baptized. Praise God he is a part of

His body now. He said: "For many years I have been

studying the Bible and today I feel very happy be

cause I have found the true church of Christ; the

church about which I have been studying so many

years."

He has to do hard manual labor to earn his living now but he is happier believing the truth than enjoying the glory of men in the darkness. He knows the New Testament Greek by heart and he will be a

great help to the work of the Lord here.We need you to pray for us, as we do the same for

your work and efforts for Christ. May God bless you

for all you have done and are doing for Greece.

Brother Phillips, publish this in Searching The

Scriptures if you will.

51 Menandrou St.

Athens, 107, Greece

David Macy, San Antonio, Texas— I will appreciate it very much if you will place the following no

tice in your journal:

Powerful Sermon Outlines and Charts is the title

of a new publication by David Macy of San Antonio,

Texas. This is a first class publication 228 pages in

length. It is cloth-bound with a beautifully illu

strated dust coyer and contains 60 complete sermon

outlines and pictures of ten hand-painted sermon

charts. This is one of the most attractive and useful

books ever published by our brethren. It will be a

welcome addition to your library. The price is $3.95

per copy and this includes postage and handling.

Send all orders to: David Macy, 330 Artemis, San

Antonio, Texas 78218.

Paul K. Williams, P.O. Box 282, Plainfield, Ind. 46168 — Brethren everywhere are increasingly interested in personal work, and I am glad. But this interest needs direction. Last June I attended five nights of le ons on personal work conducted bCharles Goodall. I have been using the method htaught, and it WORKS! It consists of one lessonpresented at a kitchen table using your Bible andblank sheets of paper. For me it is the answer to a number of problems in personal work, especially the approach to someone I am meeting for the first time. I have been using the method with cold canvass knocking on doors with good success. Brother Good-all does a very good job of presenting the lessonsgiving motivation, practical tips, and instruction onhow to teach the le on. I recommend his le ons to any church interested in doing more in personal

work. Contact him at Florida College. Frank Jamerson, 5956 St. Leonards Dr., Colum

bus, Ga. 31904 — After five years with the church

in Cordele, I have moved to Columbus, to begin work

the first of the year with the Rose Hill congregation.

For those who may be interested, the church in Cor-

dele meets on highway 280, one mile West of 1-75.

At this writing I do not know who will be moving to work with the brethren there. The Rose Hill congregation meets at 2216 Hamilton Ave. When inColumbus, we welcome you to come by and visit us.

Don Martin, Route 1, Box 251, Pineland, Texas —

Since the last progress report in July of 1971, w

have enjoyed, I believe, good, sound growth. In the

past four years, the time that I have been working

with the church and therefore personally know about

what she is doing, the Pineland chur ch has had

one hundred percent increase in the contribution and

other improvements in practically every phase of

the work. The culmination of much work and plan

ning was recently realized in the building of a nic

house for the preacher located next door to th

church building. This house was badly needed an

will be an asset to the church here. I have men

tioned the progress of the church in Pineland not

trying to put a feather in my own cap but to com

mend the church for their good works and to let

others know of her existence. When thinking about

retirement or moving into the Sam Rayburn or

Toledo Bend area, worship with the Pineland church

of Chr ist