SEARCHING the SCRIPTURES

"Search the Scriptures; for in them yethink ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me"—-John 5:39.

"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica in that they received theword with all readiness of mind, andsearched the. scriptures daily, whetherthose things were so" — Acts 17:11.

"DEVOTED TO THE SEARCH FOR DIVINE TRUTH"

Potent Points

Mound and Starr Nacogdoches, Texas 75961

ISOLATIONISM

As I go about preaching the Word among the churches I see many encouraging signs, and this Ilike. Sometimes, however, I see things which I don'tlike and because of what I read in the New Testament, I don't think God likes it either. What I have observed in a number of places is that somemembers of the church develop sort of an "exclusive club" made up of those considered to be the"superior" members. It usually consists of thosewho consider themselves pretty knowledgeable inGod's Word. More than likely they have overcomemost, if not all of the habits which generally plagueus and they are faithful to attend all the Bible classes and assemblies of the church. These peoplehave quite a lot in common and so they fit togetherin a most harmonious way. I am proud to see Christians grow, and therefore, I commend all suchpeople. But, let me remind you that it is at thisjuncture in growth that some Christians allow themselves to become members of this "exclusive club of the superior," and drift into a state of isolation.

At this point these "well meaning" saints allow themselves to become so isolated that they becomeas clannish as the old man who said; "Its me and mywife, my son John and his wife, us four and nomore." Because of their supposed "superiorknowledge and attainments" they now become sortof an "inner circle" of disciples who feel that they have been initiated into a state of wisdom and holiness which is hardly accessible to the ordinary members of the body. The apostle Paul was havingto deal with a similar problem when he wrote the Colossian letter. There were some among the saintswho had fallen into this trap of "superior knowledge" and felt they were the "cultivated few"with qualities which could not be attained by theordinary masses among God's people. These peopleare identified by secular writers as Gnostics. Paulwarned the brethren against such thinking and assured them that it was his desire to present every man perfect in Jesus Christ. He wrote; "To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which isChrist in you, the hope of glory: whom we preach,warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect inChrist Jesus" (Col. 1:27-28).

Now, don't misunderstand me, I am not sayingthat I know of some gnostics among us. What I amsaying is that I see brethren who have a tendency toslide into this pattern. In their own maturity theybecome so isolated that they have no patience withthose who are not immediately on their "elevated standard." They become so comforted by the supposed perfection of their own "exclusive club"that they have no patience with the "imperfect."Christians who allow themselves to drift into this attitude seem to forget that they were once amongthe "imperfect." They forget that they were oncespiritually "across the railroad tracks."

As we develop in Christ, brethren, we are not supposed to "draw in," but rather we are to "reachout." There must be no compromise with sin, butthere is to be deep sympathy for the sinner. OurLord had his bosom companions among the strong,but He took His Word and His influence to the weak. It is true that Paul's closest friends were the strong, but he constantly took his efforts to theuntaught and weak who needed him most. Brethren,one reason churches are not growing spiritually andnumerically is simply, isolationism. Many of uswho have the greatest capacity to help have cutourselves off from those who need us most. Beloved,as we grow in knowledge and character, let us"reach out," and not "draw in."

There recently appeared on television an interesting little drama entitled, "Catholics." The storywas set in the not too distant future when "Vatican IV," (a parody of the recent so-called ecumenicalcouncils) decrees that a certain order of monks inIreland must cease performing the Catholic mass inLatin. The theme of the play was the degeneration ofreligious orthodoxy and morality as a result of theecumenical movement between various religious bodies. In this futuristic tale, the Roman Catholic hierarchy, in response to the "ecumenical spirit" andthe "noble goal" of social reform, compromises longstanding beliefs and practices. The inevitable result asportrayed in the play is the all too familiar "this worldly" social gospelism, symbolized by priests whoattempt to overthrow South American governmentsrather than Satan.

Though we have no stomach for "priests," "masses,"the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church, or otheroutlandish violations of the New Testament revelation, one can see a definite parallel betweenthese fictitious religious characters and some of thosetoday who profess to be New Testament Christians. Inthe name of "unity" and "brotherhood peace" compromises of the Lord's truth are being perpetratedacross the land. In the Scriptures, "unity" is a local,not "universal" matter and where does the concept of"brotherhood" appear? Yet there are those who propose to "unite all segments of the restoration movement" into one colossal "super-church" in whichScriptural beliefs and practices take a back seat to theappeasement of false teachers.

Anyone who is a part of a "segment" or a "movement" ought to absent himself from such andalign himself instead with a group of faithful believers. The Bible nowhere allows for such an outrageous stretching of Scriptural terminology. The only"segments, movements, or sects" mentioned there arecondemned. Inherent also in current "ecumenical" efforts is a militant social gospelism. Witness the busrider promotions to attain the "greatest 'Sunday school' attendance" or the building of fellowship halls,hospitals, and gymnasiums. Such things are ominoussigns of a wicked departure from Scriptural goals andideals.

We do not (yet) have "gospel preachers" attemptingthe overthrow of foreign governments or proclaimingthe cause of union with "sincere Buddhists," but giventime, the seeds that are currently being sown will surely cultivate them. Let us always remember that the church is simply a local assembly of called-out people, not the Republican Party, CIA, Red Cross, orNCAA. The mission of God's people is solely thesaving of souls, not bodies. Paul prophesied of the timewhen "some shall fall away from the faith, giving heedto seducing spirits and doctrines of demons," and thisprophecy is fulfilled every time man seeks to improve

WHAT GOD HATH JOINED TOGETHER

The American home is in deep trouble. The signsare too plentiful and clear to ignore. Divorces havereached staggering proportions with between two and three out of every five marriages ending in divorce. Divorce laws have been made easier. No longer does society attach a stigma to divorce. The very institution of marriage itself is under attack.Coed dormitories are the order on many college campuses and arrangements to "live together"without honor of marriage are increasingly popular.The "pill" is in common use among many unmarriedyoung women who would have no reason for its useunless they purpose to commit fornication.

The distinct role of men and women in the home has been blurred by the unisex movement in conjunction with the women's liberation agitation.High schools are teaching shop to girls and homemaking to boys and while it might be good for girlsto know how to fix a few things, and for boys to knowa little about cooking, it is not too difficult to catchthe drift of this phenomenon. You see, many of theeducators who plan curricula for students today do not believe that man should be expected to be thebreadwinner and woman the home-maker. The EqualOpportunity Act already passed by Congress is nowseeking ratification in 38 states to make it the law ofthe land. If so ratified (at last count 30 states had already approved it), young women will be as subject to military conscription in time of war asyoung men. A husband may sue his wife for nonsupport and children in divorce proceedings may asoften as not be granted the husband. Even separaterest-room facilities in public places may come underattack by zealots of women's liberation under this law. On the drawing boards now are plans for government supported daycare centers for the children of working mothers. Indeed, the foundations are crumbling.

What are Christians to do in the midst of such circumstances? We must do what the people of God have always done in time of trouble. We must "askfor the old paths" and "walk therein." We must return to the Bible as our guide and fashion our livesaccording to its precepts.

The Origin of the Home

When questioned about the home and God's design for it, Jesus referred his critics to the beginning. "Have ye not read, that he which madethem at the beginning made them male and female,and said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twainshall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no moretwain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder" (Mt. 19:46). When the allowance for divorce under the law was cited, Jesus said "from the beginning it was notso" (Verse 8). God ordained marriage as in the bestinterest of mankind. He saw that it was not good forthe man to be alone and that he needed an help meet.Woman was therefore created to fill a unique role inall the universe which no other creature was adapted to meet. Amid the floral beauty of Eden thefirst wedding ceremony took place as God "broughther unto the man." Adam made a vow of acceptance, recognized her as now a part of his ownlife, and stated the rule to govern the family unit forall time; that a man shall leave father and mother and cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh(Gen. 2:18-24). From the beginning the divine purpose called for one man and one woman living together until death. Whoever questions the validityof the family unit indicts the wisdom of God.

The Purpose of Marriage

Companionship was provided by the first marriage. Adam and Eve complemented each other.God said, "It is not good that the man should bealone; I will make him an help meet for him" (Gen.2:18). An "help meet" meant a companion suited tohis needs and implied that he would serve the samepurpose for her. Mutual understanding, sympathy, and common purpose and accomplishment were basic needs they both had. It is in connection withthese needs that the sex urge is to be satisfied inmarriage. Separated from such considerations it becomes nothing more than animal passion and greed. This divine arrangement made provision forthe propagation of the race for God said, "Be fruitfuland multiply" (Gen. 1:28). Into this lovely circle of companionship, unity of heart and life with the underlying purpose to "cleave" together, offspring were to come. Children should be brought into theworld only within the confines of marriage wheretheir arrival is hailed as part of a divine scheme raising motherhood to a place of fulfillment and bringing out the best in man to protect and providefor his own. Children born under different circumstances are indeed unfortunate. The family wasdesigned by God for the best interest of the man,woman and child and became the very foundation oforderly society and progress.

Permanency of the Home

God meant for them to "cleave" together, not split apart. Jesus said God "joined" them together and that man was not to "put asunder" that united by God. Divorce entered under the law, not becauseit was a part of God's original plan, but "because ofthe hardness" of human hearts and to provide

protection for the innocent victim of abuse. "But from the beginning it was not so"; that is, God didnot intend for this to happen nor did he mean for thisunit to be put asunder. In Mt. 5:32 and 19:9, Jesusgave the only acceptable cause for putting away a wife or husband and marrying another, and that wasfor fornication. "And I say unto you, Whosoevershall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: andwhoso marrieth her which is put away doth commitadultery" (Mt. 19:9). Divorce means sin has beencommitted. Divorce means failure. Divorce means the divine purpose for the home has been ignored. Divorce is a crack in the foundation of the nation. "Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let nonedeal treacherously against the wife of his youth. For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith that he hatethputting away" (Mal. 2:15b-16a).

Start Right

Homes often break up because they were startedwrong. Shotgun weddings have two strikes againstthem from the first and are calculated to build resentment leading to friction and ultimate separation or divorce. Fornication and its fruit is notthe right way to begin. Teenage marriages are seldom successful. How many people now livingwith a second companion have been heard to say, "Imade a bad mistake by marrying too young." Theyseem to think that justifies any eventuality. We must teach our young people to honor chastity andto behave toward the opposite sex when dating. It isfar better for young Christians to confine theirdating to those who are Christians. Some young girls, in love with love itself, use the poorest judgment in gravitating always toward boys with nomorals. Perhaps they think they are great reformers, but usually wind up with a life full of trouble.They did not start right. And boys need to use somesense. That pretty little thing may not have muchto commend her as a wife except that she is a prettylittle thing to look at. What are her values? What isher attitude toward God, Christ, the church andgodly conduct? Why should any boy or girl evenconsider dating a person who is unwilling to go withthem to worship the Lord? There are enough adjustments in marriage to make without having tostand apart on the things that matter most. Youngperson, if you marry an unbeliever, you will havetrouble about your time, your money, familypriorities, friends, and especially in the rearing ofyour children. Indeed, when you marry a child of theDevil, you will have trouble with your father-in-law!Start right. Marry a Christian.

Divine Guidelines

God placed the husband at the head of the familyunit. "For the husband is the head of the wife, evenas Christ is the head of the church" (Eph. 5:23). Thewife is to be subject to her own husband, as unto theLord (Eph. 5:22). The husband is to love his wife ashis own body and is to nourish and cherish her, dwelling with her according to knowledge (Eph. 5:28-29; 1 Peter 3:7). The wife is to "see that she reverence her husband" (Eph. 5:33). The husband is the breadwinner. It was to Adam that God said, "In the sweat of thy face thou shalt eatbread" (Gen. 3:19). A "man" is to "provide for hisown" (1 Tim. 5:8). Woman's natural role is as thehome-maker. Paul said, "I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide thehouse, give none occasion to the adversary to speakreproachfully" (1 Tim. 5:14). Older women are toteach the young women "to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed"(Titus 2:5). Being a good wife, attending thechildren, guiding the house, is a full-time business.When these divine guidelines are respected,husbands have a sense of accomplishment, wives afeeling of fulfillment and children have a sense ofwell-being.

The ignoring of these divine precepts concerning"what God hath joined together" accounts for the wreckage of human lives and the collapse of the family unit. What can we do? We can preach on the home. We can have classes for our young to informthem as to what God said. Editors can write articles and staff writers series of articles on the home. But unless there is a practical application in the familylife of each of us, then we shall fail. We must havefathers who assert leadership in their families, wivesand mothers who view their role as noble and not degrading, and children who are taught by word andexample to respect God and his word, their parents,and each other. We must have homes where the Bible is read each day and where prayer is "wont tobe made." We must have homes where the emphasisis on character and right doing and not just onmaking money and surrounding ourselves with luxuries. If our homes are to survive, we must have stronger influences for righteousness than the schools, jobs and entertainment worlds have for unrighteousness. Upon this depends the future welfare of the church of the Lord and even the survival of the nation.

Using the

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT

Ken Green

2920 New Hartford Road Owensboro, Kentucky 42301

A NOD OF APPROVAL

A tip of the editorial hat to the College JudicialBoard of Ithaca College, in Ithaca, N. Y. Accordingto an AP release, Nov. 20, 1974, the Board put thestops on a student program called SWAP—Switch With Another Person. One 18-year-old freshman girlwho roomed with a young man for a week afterdrawing his name, said : "Sex was not the object ofthe experiment."

Perhaps the young man couldn't be reached for comment on that, but the Board, composed of administrators, faculty, staff and students, apparently had a different impression.

A statement was released which stated in part:"Any experiments involving cohabitation are considered by the college to be in violation of housing regulations. Failure on the part of any students to comply with this order will result in prosecution under the College Judicial Board."

It's rather unusual to hear of such restrictions in our day and time. In more and more college dorms,the only students who possess rights are those who desire to live as animals. Other students may eitherput up with such or move out.

We appreciate the decision of the Judicial Boardof Ithaca College.

We might add, however, that the experiments ofSWAP violate much more than housing regulations.The doctrine of our King and Savior demands:

"For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:That every one of you should know how to possesshis vessel in sanctification and honor" (I Thess. 4:3,4).

Chariot Fever

"He takes conjectures, accepts them as fact, builds on to them way-out theories, and presents his'many small coincidences' according to his own preconceived notions. He deliberately chooses the unconnected, weaves a semblance of connection around it, and puts his theories out as foregoneconclusions. This approach is often used by writers,and it may make exciting reading, but one dare notaccept it as substantially credible."

That's Dr. Frederick H. Giles commenting on the claims of Erich von Daniken as set forth in Daniken's best seller, "Chariots of the Gods?". Giles is Associate Professor, Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, University of South Carolina. The quote is taken from the book, "Crash Go The Chariots" by eminent archaeologist, Dr. Clifford Wilson.

For those who may be unacquainted with the chariot fever sweeping the land, here's a brief resume of von Daniken's theory: He alleges that intelligent beings from other solar systems have visited the earth in centuries past. Upon theirarrival, they found primitive man making his stonetools and killing game by throwing spears. The menin the spaceship tried to teach the semi-savages about civilization and moral concepts. A few specially selected women were fertilized by the astronauts. The evolution of the species was controlled by these "heavenly" visitors.

All history is reinterpreted by von Daniken and other writers who have caught the fever. When I say all history, Bible history is included. According to"Chariots", Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by an atomic explosion, the ark of the covenant wasa radio transmitter by which Moses talked to "God"(actually the man in the flying saucer), and Ezekielsaw a spaceship in chapters one and ten of his book.

Isn't it amazing how many who find the Bible incredible will believe such absurd notions as these? Paul described them well when he said, "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not asGod, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imagination, and their foolish heart was darkened.Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools" (Romans 1:21, 22).

By the way, we heatedly recommend the afore mentioned book, "Crash Go the Chariots". It's a paperback, published by Lancer. If the bookstore inyour vicinity doesn't have it in stock, you may do alot of people a favor if you suggest they order somecopies.

Attention Readers

It will be my aim in this column to use the swordof the Spirit in piercing, slicing and revealing the true nature of live and current issues of our day.

If you should run across items in local papers orother reading material that you would like to seecommented upon in these pages, send them to me atthe address above. Though I'll probably not use all the clippings received, such will be of benefit in providing a wider range of source material.

Oh yes. Remember to put the date and name ofthe publication on all clippings.

Them Beverly Hills

I've read that the ten thousand talents that were owed by the unmerciful servant (Matt. 18:24) was equivalent to about $3 million today. I've considered while reading that parable how difficult it would seemingly be for the average person to get thatdeeply in debt. Even with credit cards, it would takesome time to accomplish that feat.

But one couple did just that! Some readers may recall the publicity that surrounded Ernest and Margaret Medders, now of Memphis, Tennessee, in1967 when creditors found out they were broke. Thiscouple, parents of ten children, blew $3 million ofother people's money!

Having been led to believe that he was heir to $6billion, Mr. Medders, who knocked down a cool $65 a week as a mechanic's helper, went on a six yearspending spree. Among loans he received was $1.94million from an Indiana order of nuns. (You may notbelieve it, but "The Poor Sisters of St. Francis Seraph Inc. put up the money!) Medders promisedthem $10 million when his ship came in.

According to Associated Press Writer, Bill Simmons, Mrs. Medders had a $60,000 ring and an$80,000 mink coat. When they testified in court thattheir social security checks were not even sufficientto pay their utility bills at "Colonial Acres", 200 creditors filed suit within weeks.

That story is a mixture of comedy and tragedy.But there's a lesson there for those who seek it. Most people are in the same lamentable position asthe Medders. They're waiting for ships that never come in. They build their todays upon baselesshopes for tomorrow and take assurance in thingsthat will soon burst like bubbles.

Solomon, who possessed great wealth, said: "Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for richescertainly make themselves wings; they fly away asan eagle toward heaven."

Better yet, hear the admonition of our Lord: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven . . . for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matt. 6:19-21).

MIRACLES - No. 1

This writer has never seen a miracle. I have seen so-called miracles or alleged miracles, but never agenuine miracle. The truth of the matter is that nobody today has seen a miracle. What people arecalling miracles are really not miracles at all, butrather natural occurrences that are misinterpreted.God is not working miracles today!

Miracles Defined and Delimited

The theologian, James Orr, defined miracle as "any deviation from or transcendence of the order ofnature, due to the interposition of a supernaturalcause" (The Faith of a Modern Christian, p. 65). R.

C. Trench states that the essence of a miracle is,"An extraordinary divine causality, and not that ordinary which we acknowledge everywhere and ineverything" (Notes on the Miracles of Our Lord, p.10). Trench made a good point when he wrote, "Themiracle is not a greater manifestation of God's power than those ordinary and ever-repeated processes; but it is a different manifestation" (Ibid.,

p. 10).

We can say, in light of the preceding definitions,that a miracle is a direct intervention of God which differs from the natural order that we see everywhere and in everything. A miracle would notnecessarily be, therefore, an inexplicable experience.Man still is not able to explain all the laws of nature.For example, doctors are not able to explain whycancer is arrested in some people, but not in others.There is a natural explanation, but it is not known,presently. When a miracle was worked, there was nonatural explanation.

Escaping unharmed from a serious car or planeaccident, while all other occupants were killed, is nota miracle. By coincidence, such a person happenedto be sitting in the right place at the right time. Tocall this a miracle is using the word inaccurately.God may have been protecting the person by hisprovidence, but providence is not miraculous. God'sprovidence works through natural order.

A phenomenon is not necessarily a miracle, although miracles were unusual. For example, onFeb. 28, 1963 a large, strange cloud, like a halo inshape, appeared in the stratosphere over Flagstaff,Ariz. It could be seen for hundreds of miles. Pictures of this mysterious cloud appeared in Life Magazine and also Science Magazine. There was no reasonableexplanation for it at the time. It was too high fornormal clouds or even jet vapors. Some declared itto be a miraculous omen. But several months later, Dr. James McDonald of the University of Arizonaconcluded that the cloud was caused by a rocketbeing detonated high over Vandenberg Air ForceBase in California, dumping water into the stratosphere, causing the cloud to form. The wind later carried it over Arizona. Here was a phenomenon, but not a miracle.

Friends, anytime an event can be explained bynatural process, such as curing functional paralysis,hysterical blindness or psychosomatic illnesses, onecannot say a miracle has taken place. God has notdirectly intervened. The laws of nature have not been transcended. The cure can be easily ascribed tothe power of suggestion.

Miracle Described

The Bible does not define miracle but it does givea description. The Bible speaks of miracles as "wonders," "signs" and "mighty works." Peter said on Pentecost that Jesus was approved of God by "miracles and wonders and signs" (Acts 2:22). Paul worked the signs of an apostle among the Corinthians "in signs, and wonders, and mightydeeds" (2 Cor. 12:12). The word spoken by the Lord was confirmed (established, made secure) with "signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, andgifts of the Holy Ghost" (Heb. 2:3-4).

The word, "miracle," indicates the source of power, "the inherent ability" (W. E. Vine). The Bible uses the word "wonder" in reference to a miracle, suggesting the effect it has upon the people. Trench says, "the astonishment which the work produces upon the beholders . . . is transferred to the work itself" (Ibid., p. 3). The significance ofthe word "sign" is to show the design of miracles.Miracles were designed to confirm the word and toestablish the divinity of Christ (Mk. 16:20; Jn. 20:30-31). All three words, miracle, wonder andsign, do not denote different kinds of supernaturalworks, but different aspects of the same miraculousdeeds. The healing of the palsied man in Mark 2:1-12was not only a miracle (power), but a sign (v. 10)and a wonder (v. 12).

Divers Miracles

Hebrews 2:4 speaks of divers miracles. There weremany different kinds of miracles worked by Jesusand his apostles. Let us notice there were:

(1) Miracles of healing. Jesus Healed all manner of diseases (Mt. 4:23). No case was too difficult. Hehealed leprosy (Mt. 8:1-4), cured a deformed hand(Lk. 6:6-11), made a palsied man whole (Mk. 2:1-12)and healed a severed ear (Lk. 22:50-51), to name afew. The apostles continued the work of healing intheir ministry (Acts 5:15-16; Acts 19:11-12). (2) Miracles of exorcism. There were many in the first century who were possessed of demons. At the

Capernaum synagogue, Jesus cast a demon out of a man (Mk. 1:21-28). At Gadara a legion of devils wascast out of a man and sent into a herd of swine (Mk.5:1-13). The daughter of the Syrophenician womanwas relieved of a demon (Mk. 7:24-30).

(3) Miracles of raising the dead. Both Jesus and his apostles raised the dead. Jesus raised Lazarus(Jn. 11:17-46), the widow's son of Nain (Lk. 7:1117), and the daughter of Jairus (Lk. 8:41-56). Peterraised Dorcas (Acts 9 36-43) and Paul restored lifeto Eutychus (Acts 20:9-10). (4) Miracles on material things. On two different occasions, Jesus fed thousands of people with just afew loaves and fishes. In chapter 14 of Matthew,Jesus fed 5000 men plus women and children withfive loaves and two fishes. In the 15th chapter, hefed 4000 men plus women and children with seven loaves and a few little fishes. Great miracles, indeed!At the wedding feast in Cana Jesus turned the waterto wine (Jn. 2:1-11). (5) Miracles involving nature. When Jesus chose, he could walk on water (Jn. 6:19). He also enabledPeter to walk on the sea of Galilee (Mt. 14:29). Jesuscould calm the sea and stop the winds (Mk. 4:35-41). (6) Miracles of punishment. Ananias and Sapphira were struck dead for lying to God (Acts 5:111). An angel of the Lord smote Herod because hegave not God the glory (Acts 12:23). Elymas wasblinded by Paul for a season for seeking to turnSergius Paulus from the faith (Acts 13:6-12).

If God is still performing miracles today, why arenot the miracles of the first century being worked?Why is not God raising the dead? Why do you neversee a man walk on water? Why are not multitudesbeing fed with a few loaves and few fishes? Why arenot withered hands and legs being instantly healed?The answer is obvious . . . God is no longer workingmiracles. It is not that God cannot work miracles, but rather it is a matter of God not choosing to workthem.

PRIORITIES

In the sermon on the mount, Jesus in Matthew chapter 6, verses 19-34, stresses the matter of priority. Verse 33 seems to summarize the matter, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Priority is defined, "superior in rank, position or privilege; a preferential rating;something meriting prior attention." That which is placed before, given preference, receives priority. Asstated in this verse the putting of first things first.

Before one can be successful in this he must have knowledge of what is truly important, what is to befirst. A basis for establishing first things must exist. Inherently, God and man value differently. Man assesses on the basis of what is more immediate and on material merit, at times even allowing temporary merit to overshadow his judgment. God, on the other hand, assesses on the basis of spiritual and eternal values. With God thisis the ultimate in establishing worth. Many of us areafflicted by a myopic way of seeing things. This deficiency of foresight and discernment can be corrected. By seeing through God's eyes we establish the right priorities. This spiritual insightand foresight results in our putting first things first and we thrill in doing so.

Man's emphasis is quite often like the Pharisee's described in Matthew 23:23. "Woe unto you, scribesand Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mintand anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, andfaith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leavethe other undone." I do not understand Jesus to rebuke the tithing of the Pharisee of the smallerthings of his productivity but rather the scrupulousattention given to these while ignoring the "weightier matters" which a good heart would produce. Careful attention to the outward requirements of the law while ignoring the inward isthe problem with these. To me, the basic failureseems to be in the area of priorities, keeping thingsin the right order, proper perspective. Because the same problem can be ours and not infrequently is,we need to study with profit this area.

The immediate context of Matthew 6:33 emphasizes that to please God we must make spiritualthings first. The fact that Jesus speaks for the primary benefit of his disciples, those later to become apostles, changes nothing in application ofthe principles. He here impresses that the blessingsof life are made to revolve about the proper relationto the kingdom of God. God's cause is to be the firstaim of the true disciple. This is what we are to makefirst, what we are to give priority and in consequence God will make us His primary concern.The full import of this verse embraces the requirement of kingdom citizenship. One has to be inthe kingdom of God, then build and develop internally the qualities of righteousness, a beautifulgodly life. Have you ever considered that if thingsnever seem to fall into place, possibly priorities aremisplaced?

The kingdom of God and righteousness are inseparable. Righteousness is the standard of the kingdom. Fundamentally, it involves a right courseof conduct before God. The only place such is foundis in the kingdom. To be in the kingdom is to be inChrist. Consider just here Ephesians 1:4, "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:". "In him" looks back to "Christ" in verse 3. So the only way to be "without blame" and "holy" is to be in Christ, in His kingdom, the church. The beatitudes, and the entire sermon on the mount finds application andreality in the kingdom, the church. They point to itin establishment and reality, preview it and give the nature of the citizenship. The first consideration,priority for every man, is to be a Christian, in thekingdom, a member of the church.

The realization that one is lost and needs to be saved brings a looking for that which will save. Appreciation of our most valuable possession becomes a prompting and motivating factor in one's looking to God. Jesus placed the priority here whenhe said, "For what is a man profited, if he shall gainthe whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul" (Matt. 16:26)?This is first, "seek ye first the kingdom of God."

Secondly, consider, "His righteousness" as that standard of human conduct revealed in the gospel.Paul said, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel ofChrist: for it is the power of God unto salvation toevery one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also tothe Greek," (Rom. 1:16). God's power exercised in and through the gospel affects an internal transformation and a definite external change in those who obey it. Romans 12:2 speaks of this very thing,"And be not conformed to this world: but be yetransformed by the renewing of your mind, that yemay prove what is that good, and acceptable, andperfect, will of God." The course of ones life reflectsthe standard of discipline by which it is governed,the ideal to which it aspires. Our priorities, sense ofvalues, is reflected in our attitude toward the thingsof God.

Jesus statement in Luke 2:49 is, "I must be about my Father's business." Herein is circumscribed the

priority of the faithful Christian, "Father's business." For Jesus it involved, "I must work theworks of him that sent me, while it is day: the nightcometh, when no man can work" (John 9:4). Does itinvolve any less for the faithful Christian? What hasGod required? Many things, some of which are quiteobvious. Diligent attendance of the services mustcertainly be included. When one lets down here, for any cause, isn't it usually a matter of what receivedpriority? What do I prefer to do? Finally, what is themost important to me? Our contribution must certainly be subjected to the issue of priority witheach of us. What is most important when it comes tomonetary obligations, the Lord or something else?Interest in souls and the work of the church? Where are our priorities? Do these and all other matters of "the Father's business" receive preference?

Colossians 1:18 says, "And he is the head of thebody, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he mighthave the preeminence." The word "preeminence" is used but twice in the New Testament. Here and in 3 John 9 where it is said of Diotrephes that he "lovedto have the preeminence among them." "First place" is the root idea in both of these usages. In thelatter passage Diotrephes demanded priority for himself, an attitude never justified among God's people. In the former passage the rank of Christwith respect to the kingdom is considered. As surelyas He has first place in the kingdom so He is to havethis priority in the heart and life of every citizen of that kingdom. What is applicable to Christ is equally applicable to the things of His will. There isno separating of Christ and His will. As we give Himpreeminence, so the things of His will.

Our attitude toward the church, toward the "Father's business," toward Christ, is inseparable.What it is to one it is to the other and to all. There can be no inferior position in mind, heart or in life foreither. Such being the case we must immediatelyreestablish priority. The answer to every problem weface is ultimately resolved here. What is first in yourlife and mine, the Father's business or our business? Our answer will determine our true relationship toGod. Consider it well!

CALVINISM — No. 1

As a young man of 26 or 27, John Calvin wrote hisInstitutes of the Christian Religion. His life from1509 to 1564 influences most of the religious worldtoday. While dead his thoughts are seen in the creedsof men today.

On July 1, 1643, at Westminister Abby in London,England, the Westminister Confession of Faith wasdrafted for Presbyterians. In 1742 the Second LondonConfession, which was the Baptist revision of theWestminister Confession, was adopted with minor change by the Philadelphia Baptist Association, thisbecoming the Philadelphia Confession of Faith. OnJune 24, 1830, the New Hampshire Baptist Convention met at Concord and one of the results of this meeting was the New Hampshire Confession of Faithby J. Newton Brown (See Hiscox's Guide For Baptist Churches, pages 155-157). The New HampshireConfession is that confession of faith found today inBaptist Manuals.

The major points of Calvinism are set forth in the above human creeds. These major points of Calvinism are (1) total depravity, (2) predestination, (3) limitedatonement, (4) direct operation of the Holy Spirit and

(5) eternal security of the believer.

In a series of five articles I want to examine these five points of Calvinism.

Predestination

While the Bible uses this term (Eph. 1:4-11; Rom.9:11-13 and 8:29-30) we must turn to a human creedto learn how Calvinism uses the term.

"God hath decreed . . . from all eternity . . . freelyand unchangeably, all things whatsoever come topass; . . . By the decree of God, for the manifestation of his glory some men and angels are predestined orforeordained to eternal life, . . . others being left toact in their sin to their just condemnation . . . theseangels and men, thus predestined and foreordained, are particularly and unchangeably designed, and theirnumber so certain and definite that it cannot be either increased or diminished; Those . . . predestinedto life, God . . . hath chosen . . . out of his mere free grace and love, without any other thing in the creature as a condition or cause moving him thereunto" (Ibid., page 161-162).

Read the above paragraph carefully to fully understand the doctrine and its implications. If thiswere true, God would be responsible for man's sin

and not man himself, even though Calvinism deniesthis point. If man is lost, God brought it about. If man is saved, God ordered it. Thus, God would be the author of both salvation and damnation.

The premise of predestination is false. Foreknowledge, or knowledge ahead of time, does notmean foreordination. God did not choose to foreknow that Abraham would fear God when called to offer Isaac as a sacrifice (Gen. 22:12). Jeremiah said Judahhad "built also the high places of Baal, to burn theirsons with fire for burnt offerings unto Baal, which Icommanded not, nor spake it, neither came it into mymind" (Jer. 19:5). Here was something that came topass that had not even come into the mind of God.

Then there are some things God did not fix forcertain. Those nations that God intended "to pluckup, and to pull down, and to destroy" could "turn from their evil" and God would "repent of the evilthat I thought to do unto them" (Jer. 18:7-10).Ezekiel showed that the wicked could turn from their wickedness (Ezek. 3:17-21). God told David that themen of Keilah would "deliver thee up" to Saul, yet"David . . . arose and departed out of Keilah" (ISam. 23:6-12). What God told David some would do,they did not.

Some of the decrees of God were changeable. Godtold Jonah to go to Nineveh and preach "Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown" (Jonah 3:4).God decreed that, yet "God saw their works, thatthey turned from their evil way; and God repented ofthe evil, that he said that he would do unto them; and he did it not" (Jonah 3:10). God told Hezekiah to"set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live" (2 Kgs. 20:1). However, he prayed unto Godand was told God would "add unto thy days fifteenyears" (2 Kgs. 20:6).

Problems

Some passages present problems to this theory. InEx. 20:13-16, God told Israel not to kill, commit adultery, steal or bear false witness. Why should Godprohibit such if he had predestinated that they would?

Jesus said, "Come unto me . . . take my yoke . . . learn of me . . ." (Mt. 11:28-30). If man was alreadypredestinated one way or the other for eternity, whatsense does the language of Christ make?

James said man could be "drawn away of his ownlust" (Jas. 1:13-15). The action of man is what determines whether he sins and not the predestination of God.

Proof Text Examined

(1) Eph. 1:4-11. Paul uses the term "predestinated" twice in this passage. Of the word Thayer says "foreknowledge . . . forethought, prearrangement" (page 538) and to this Vine adds"this does not preclude human will" (Vol. 2, page119). The predestination of which Paul writes is thatof a class of people and not of a certain individual. Those Paul said were predestinated were "in him" (verse 4); in the beloved" (verse 6); "in Christ" (verse10); "in him" (verse 10); "in whom" (verses 7 and 11); and all of these expressions refer to those who are "in Christ." God's "counsel of his own will" (verse 11) was to save all men in Christ. Those out ofChrist are not in the class God predestinated to save.

(2) Rom. 8:29-30. Those predestinated in this passage were "to be conformed to the image of hisSon" and were those "called." Men are "called" bythe gospel (2 Th. 2:14); and those "justified" (I Cor.6:9-11) had heard the gospel, believed it, and had been baptized (Acts 18:8). They could choose to believe or disbelieve, after choosing to hear or not tohear. They chose to be baptized. Paul says Christ died for "us all" (Rom. 8:32). (3) Rom. 9:11-13. Paul uses the term "election" inthis passage. Instead of the "election" being of thoseto salvation, it was of which one of the sons of Isaac,Jacob or Esau, would stand in the lineage to Christ.Verse 13 was written after Jacob and Esau (Mal. 1:23). This passage does not teach "election" for salvation but rather the choice God made through whom Christ was to be born.

Several years ago I heard Brother Franklin T. Puckett preach on the general theme of Calvinism.He called Romans 2:11 the "safety rope." He was showing how the system of Calvinism made God arespecter of persons and Romans 2:11 said "there isno respect of persons with God." Any system thatwould make God a respecter of persons is in conflictwith plain, simple statements of Scripture and cannotbe true. Holding to the "safety rope" of Romans 2:11one cannot believe God predestinated certain ones tosalvation and certain ones to damnation.

QUESTION: I would like some comments on Eph. 4:7-16 in the light of its context, beginningwith verse 1. Please answer the following questions:1) Are the gifts of vs. 7-8 the men in their respectiveoffices mentioned in v. 11? Or, could these gifts bespiritual in nature given to those mentioned in verse11, until the unity of the faith came in? 2) When willthe unity, perfection, and fulness of vs. 12-16 beenjoyed? At the 2nd coming of Christ, or can thesaints enjoy and realize this perfection now? — G.P.

ANSWER: Eph. 4:3, "Endeavouring to keep theunity of the Spirit in the bond of peace," introducesthe primary objective of the verses referred toabove. The "unity of the Spirit" to be kept by the saints is not union reached by mutual consent among men, but rather unity upon the basis laiddown by the Spirit. Verses 4-6 identify this platform.

Verses 7-11 identify the means to this end. Grace

(v. 7) has been given "unto every one of us" (K.J.V.) by Jesus Christ. This grace was given byvirtue of the power with which he was endowed whenhe "ascended up on high" (v. 8; cf. Matt. 28:18-20;Eph. 1:20-23). This is the meaning of "according tothe measure of the gift of Christ." The giving of the"grace" was in accord with the full measure of power("gift") received by Him. But what was this "grace"? Verse 8 answers: He "gave gifts unto men." The "gifts" of verse eight constitute the "grace" of verse seven. The "gifts," therefore, are for "every one of us." These "gifts" are then identified in verse eleven, namely, apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Without these "gifts" and their function, the "unityof the Spirit" could never be reached and maintainedby the saints. It should be observed that nothing issaid in any of these verses about spiritual gifts,although such were possessed by some of these men.However, what was necessary to qualify these men for their function is not here under discussion. The men themselves were given as gifts to the church forthe benefit of everyone therein.

Verses 12-16 state the purpose of these gifts,namely, "For the perfecting of the saints, for thework of the ministry, for the edifying of the body ofChrist" (v. 12). These objectives are not coordinates, but rather each is part of a whole, and,therefore, dependent upon another. The first "for" of verse 12 is from the Greek "pros" which denotes the ultimate end in view, which in this instanceincludes all three objectives of verse 12. The secondand third "for" are from the Greek "eis," which means "in order to." It is used to denote the immediate object and the direction of the action towardthe end in view. It follows, therefore, that the"edifying of the body" depends upon "the work ofthe ministry," and "the work of the ministry"depends upon "the perfecting of the saints," and"the perfecting of the saints" depends upon the "gifts" (Vs. 8, 11) or the "grace" (V. 7), and this"grace" was dependent upon the power ("gift") of Christ (V. 7). Behold the marvelous wisdom of God!Wisdom that made every provision necessary for theaccomplishment of the divine objectives—even the"unity of the Spirit" among all saints.

"The perfecting of the saints" means fully equipping the saints for service. The word "perfecting" is from the Greek "Katartismos," which means "a fitting or preparing fully" (W. E. Vine).The basic idea is that of putting something incondition for future use. It is used of the disciplesmending nets (Mk. 1:19), of restoring an erring brother (Gal. 6:1), and of correcting division and bringing about unity —"perfectly joinedtogether"—(1 Cor. 1:10). Saints must be perfectedin this sense, if the divine objectives are to be realized.

"The work of the ministry" refers to the missionof the church. It is inclusive of every work of serviceauthorized for the church, although one must goelsewhere in the Scripture to find out in particularwhat this work is. While the men of verse eleven accomplish primarily the first objective, that objective in turn makes possible the full work ofservice of the church.

"The edifying of the body of Christ" is the resultof the two former objectives being realized. Thus,the church grows numerically and spiritually.

Verse 13 modifies and amplifies verse 12. It isboth durational and objective. "Till we all come in the unity of the faith" refers to the primary objective already mentioned in verse three, namely,"the unity of the Spirit." In "the perfecting of thesaints" unity is to be achieved so that they are"perfectly joined together in the same mind and inthe same judgment" (1 Cor. 1:10). The rest of verse13 is appositional, showing that the oneness is attained through the knowledge of the Son of Godand by developing in character unto the "fulness of Christ." Verses 14 and 15 show further that oneness among all saints is the objective to be realized andthat it is accomplished by bringing the "children" inChrist to a state of maturity. The "gifts" (men of v.11) will be needed just as long as new converts aremade. While some saints enjoy this "unity, perfection, and fulness" now, having been perfected,others who are yet "children" are on their way toward maturity. The duration of the "gifts,"therefore, reaches to the end of time. Revelation still comes through the holy apostles and prophets (Eph.

3:5), and this together with the other men of verseeleven make possible the "perfecting of the saints."Verse 16 recapitulates the whole plan by which the divine objectives are realized under one of the mostbeautiful and challenging figures to be found in theNew Testament. Every member of the body has thesolemn obligation to supply his part, lest the beautyof the whole picture be marred, and in order that thedivine objectives might have fulfillment.

"THE MELODY BOYS AND MIDTOWN ' It would be wonderful if a writer could alwaysaccentuate the positive and eliminate the negative.By nature, I had rather encourage the good thanobject to the bad. However, I feel a person wouldwind up in hell if he allowed himself to becomeoblivious to all the innovations coming into the church. I receive through the courtesy of someone the CHRISTIAN JOURNAL, edited by one of mycolleagues, Noble Patterson. This is a monthly outof Ft. Worth, Texas. Several months ago an articleappeared with this caption: "Melody Boys Quartet and Horizons to Present Program at Midtown Church." This attracted my attention so I read the article. Well, sure enough another innovation hadlifted its ugly head within the confines of the church.The article made it clear that this was pure entertainment in the church. They did not say thechurch paid the boys, but I am sure someone had topick up the tab.The article said, "The Melody Boys Quartet ofFarmersburg, Ind. will present a program of gospeland sacred songs on March 24 at 7:30 P.M. at theMidtown Church of Christ. The group was organizedas a quartet in 1960 and have been actively working as a singing group since that time."As I read this I thought this would not have happened a few years back. But since the flood gateshave been opened it seems that the sky is the limit.Someone might argue that presenting such a program is justified because they sing religioussongs. However one must realize that many entertainers sing religious songs; men like Roy Acuff,Little Jimmy Dickens and Tennessee Ernie Ford allsing religious songs. To me, it would be just asscriptural to have one of these men put on a programas it would be the Melody Boys.I cannot see to save my life how anyone could call

this anything but pure entertainment! Some mightargue that such programs will draw a good crowd. I couldn't argue with that but so do the Dallas Cowboys!

Brethren, how far will some go? A few years backI would have been shocked to read of another encroachment within the church. However, as time haspassed, I have become acclimated to these things.We must come back to the basics of the Bible (I Cor.16:1& 2, II Cor. 11:8, Phil 4:15, 16) That is, thechurch may spend its money for two things,preaching the gospel and benevolence among the saints. When we leave this we are at sea without a compass. I cannot believe that the program of theMelody Boys was either evangelism or benevolence.

It is no secret that our denominational neighborshave used entertainment in their churches for years.We pointed out with vigor that this was not according to the scriptures. Now our own brethren have succumbed to the temptation. May the Lord hasten the day when the Church will be pure enoughthat writers can spend more time talking about the good than having to call attention to the bad. Cometo think of it Paul himself never lived in such an Utopian era.

What I am writing is the outcome of deep, long,anguished meditation about facts and circumstancesthat lead me to a negative valuation of the Lord'swork in Italy at present, and to a pessimism withouthorizon for the future work.

At once I want to clarify this my outlet is not theoutcome of sadness for a personal failure, since thework I'm doing is one of the few that proceeds welland it is fully satisfactory because I have never allowed anyone to interfere in my work, and this fact because the few inside problems we have had in ourcongregation, they have been a consequence of contacts that some members have had with the American missionaries and with their free initiatives. If I do write it is because I still believe there is a lot to do for recovering 15 years of inactivity, confusion and mistakes. After 24 years of active preaching, after having abandoned myprofession, friends, Roman Catholicism and having established two congregations in Velletri and Aprilia, both near Rome, (Aprilia where at present Iam preaching is the most numerous congregationwith its 92 faithful members) "To contend earnestlyfor the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3), I can't remain insensible and indifferent to the infidelity, liberalism, anarchy and standstill that entered the Lord's church.

Till 1955 in Italy we were 1200 Christians, joined in the faith, full of zeal, sound doctrine and brotherly fellowship. I remember the joys of a congregation were the joys of all; so also the sorrows, problems, difficulties. Today we are not

even 600 members, divided, without fellowship,without zeal, without heat, individualist sectarians. Why?!!! From 1959 tens and tens of American "Missionaries" have followed one another. What did they do? What fruits have we had? Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent for salaries foruprooted enterprises from reality of a pure and simple preaching of the Gospel. Results? Regress . . . Regress . . . Confusion. ... It is difficult to give a satisfactory explanation. With my experience I think to explain the sad phenomenon in this way:

1) Though they are good and prepared, American"missionaries" have the great handicap of the language. When they arrive to Italy they don't know how to say "good morning" or "good night".They need at least 3 years to have some mastery ofthe language to use it for the preaching, contacts,discussions, debates and other works.

2) The tendency to go where there are colonies ofAmericans and then delaying an introduction in thework. Many zones of Italy have never had the occasion to know steadily a missionary.

3) When they begin to know the mentality,culture, problems of our society and therefore areready not to make mistakes, they come back to the United States: the most for homesickness having themselves replaced by others who are new and whoneed to start again from the beginning.

4) The idea which the new American memberscome with is that one is to find organized churcheslike in America. Here in Italy after 25 years, only 2 or 3 churches have Elders and with a lot of problems, because perhaps the appointment of theElders in some churches would deprive them not only of the authority but also of the same reason tobe here.

The fashion of the fellowship with protestantchurches in which is used the musical instrument has been inaugurated. I wonder how one dares to print a magazine supported by American liberalismin which is affirmed Christ perhaps (with many perplexities) is God's Son. All this is the silly consequence of a situation every time is re-proposed by the new arrived men. In 1946 in Italy there wasthe Christian church with the organ that by us iscalled "Church of Christ". For 15 years there havebeen neither relations nor attempts of relations with them. When the Florence Bible School was created one has not hesitated to enroll the students among these churches with musical instrument, because our young people did not go to Florence for learningto be Christians. From this fact the contacts with the churches with the organ and from the contactsfor fellowship the step has been brief and rapid. Canwe be puppets that change doctrine according to themissionary on duty? I am grieved and upset! I don't know who sent and is sending these American evangelists, but if those who support them knowthis reality, they are accomplices of this ruin. I am sure none of these missionaries here would do in America the things that by us mark them: relation with the protestant churches, authoritarianism inthe local church and in other congregations, lack offoundation in the evangelism work. We remained few to be conscious of this situation, maybe two orthree Italian evangelists faithful to the sound doctrine, this is the moment to take us seriously andtry to program and work on a common platform, God's work in Italy. We know we have to begin again if we want to save the little remaining,otherwise within a short time the church in Italy will become another denomination to add to the others already existing.

While in Italian towns American "missionaries" swarm, with heavy expenses of money, for 15 years,I repeat 15 years, no Italian has been initiated in the preaching nor any other new work has been initiated, but many churches faded or they are fading because evangelists are lacking. Maybe because some years ago these men have had the happy (?) idea that the work of the local preacher isnot biblical, as if the concept of the "missionary"were. We Italians have not the possibility to support a native preacher, so we have assisted in a gradualremoval of those who were initiated in the preaching. I don't understand why it is necessary to support a very dear Bible school where, people say,the future Elders and educated Christians are prepared and not to support an evangelist who goesworking in one of the many churches remaining without a preacher and which is fading. Italy doesn't need elders now, it needs evangelists whocan be supported in their work only if Americanfaithful congregations give trust to the Italian onesfaithful to the sound doctrine. Since we are not in relation with the churches in the United States we have to remain inert and powerless before decisionsof people who decided to be the only ones responsiblefor the work in Italy. They don't present Christian young people able to evangelize; they decided Italian Christians must not be supported from thechurches in America, they program the work so the funds must remain in their hands. In this realitythey apologize saying that the churches in America are not any longer disposed to help a work entrusted to an Italian. If this is true I serenely tell thebrethren in America they are all responsible for thisvictory of Satan in my country. But I refuse tobelieve it.

Now I retain the right to spend some lines about the Bible school of Florence, the source, according tomy opinion, of the most part of the evils that afflictGod's work. It was born about 12 years ago from thedecision of American "missionaries" who held that the school should only serve to form more educatedChristians and not evangelists, forgetting God established the church and "made know through the church the manifold wisdom of God" (Eph. 3:10)and neither schools nor Bible chairs are necessary toproduce Christians, but the Church. From this school of Florence, useful only to its leaders, no Christian "educated" has begun a new work.

Another exalting enterprise is the Bible chair inMilan, in which (besides its director who is a member of the church) protestant pastors and liberalpreachers teach. And the people say there is no money to support an Italian preacher!

Now I want to mention the scandal of an American missionary who works(?) in Rome, the town where I live. Besides the expense of his generous salary he needs three American secretariesto have care of only 7 members! He is not alone andGod's money is squandered scandalously. I wish notto be in their place the Day of Judgement. So the Italian evangelists are now a little group that growsthinner and thinner and myself, after 24 years of preaching, can't work any longer full time because Ihad to find work for a living while I observe indignantly the waste of money for useless enterpriseslike:

1) The Bible School of Florence which costs hundreds of thousands of dollars every year. Andthe outcome? For the evangelizing work we had noresults.

2) A Translation of the New Testament, useless, wrong, producing the contrary effect. The most partof the churches in Italy refused it. We didn't need a translation; we have used for 25 years a goodtranslation. We need people who preach the Word, not people who print it spending hundreds of thousands of dollars.

3) The Bible chair in Milan. Results? Those influenced by it run toward apostasy and com promise.

4) Bible Centre in Rome, with a group of secretaries and assistants. Results and conversions? Nothing.

5) Camping. Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been spent, it serving for the members' holidays. But in Italy we need to save souls, not tospend money for holidays.

6) Useless rents. For example only in Rome thereare 5 congregations, 4 of them pay the rent whilethey could stay all together with only one preacherin one building. The members of the 5 congregationsare almost the same as 15 years ago when there wasonly one congregation. The same phenomenon happens in other parts of Italy. This is because every missionary wants his church, his funds, etc. etc. The missionaries divide between them the members and then report new works are begun. If Ifollowed their example, in Aprilia I could have 10 churches with ten members each and so I could advertise new works. This is a shame!

In accepting the gospel we learned what it meansto possess the truth, and what the church means.For this reason there is a jealousy to defend it from every contamination of Christ's bride and this jealousy induces us to rebel and wrestle againstthose who forget that "Christ is the same yesterdayand today, yea and for ever" (Heb. 13:8) and who are going beyond "the things which are written" (1 Cor. 4:6).

"The harvest indeed is plenteous, but the

labourers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the

harvest, that He will send forth labourers into His

harvest" (Mt. 9:37).

Pray with us, brethren, and the God of harvest will help us to give Him greater glory and service.

Paul, in speaking of himself to Timothy in 1Tim. 1:13, 14, wrote, "Who was before a blasphemer,and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. Andthe grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant withfaith and love which is in Christ Jesus." In verse fifteen he speaks of himself as being the "chief" of sinners. Yet all of these sins were done in ignorance.

Earlier Paul had said, "Men and brethren, I havelived in all good conscience before God until thisday." (Ac. 23:1). I believe that Paul was a man whowas always trying to do what he thought God wantedhim to do. He was honestly endeavoring to obeyGod. Yet, he sinned, doing it ignorantly.

If Paul were around today and committing thesame sins that he mentions in 1 Tim. 1:13, therewould be some brethren who would say, "Oh, poorPaul doesn't know what he is doing. God by Hiswonderful grace will forgive him and not send him toHell, because after all Paul is honestly seeking to doGod's will. He will be saved without obeying God's commandments and without seeking forgiveness."But I do not believe these things are based on whatGod has revealed to us in His word.

There is not a one of us that can be saved without God's grace. There is not a one of us that can besaved without the sacrifice that Jesus made for us. But also, there is not a one of us that can be savedwithout obedience to God's commands. Paul realized that he was saved by the grace of God and by thedeath of Jesus (1 Tim. 1:13-16). But how did Paul "obtain mercy?" How did Paul receive forgiveness ofhis sins? "Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thysins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16).". . . and (he) arose, and was baptized" (Acts 9:18).

Ignorance is no excuse. God through His grace,love, and mercy has given us the provisions whereby we might obtain forgiveness of sins. Accept and obeyHis will. Then, "as obedient children, not fashioningyourselves according to the former lusts in yourignorance: But as He which hath called you is holy,so be ye holy in all manner of conversation" (1 Pet. 1:14, 15). 320 Oak St. Lebanon, Ky. 40033

REAVIS PETTY, 216 W. 101st Ave., Tampa, Florida 33612Since moving to work with the North Street church in Tampa, 8have been baptized, 8 restored and 5 have placed membership. Wehad a good meeting in September with Bob Bolton. Our nextmeeting is in January with Harry Pickup, Jr. When travelingthrough Tampa on 1-75, you will see our building on the right,just past the Sligh Avenue exit. Stop and visit.

BOB DOBSON, 8625 Roberts, El Paso, Texas 79904-Aftersome time preaching in Roswell, New Mexico, I am now workingwith the church in El Paso, Texas. Visitors in this area are welcome to stop and worship with us.

A. C. GRIDER, R. R. 1, Connersville, Indiana 47331 — 1 havejust finished a very busy meeting schedule for the year. I preached in a meeting at Stevens Avenue in Huntsville, Alabama October 21-28. Several gospel preachers attended at varioustimes. Five were baptized. Quentin McCay is the much lovedpreacher there. I am to return in 1978. The work continues to bepleasant and profitable at Connersville. We have been here nearlysix months and we are getting pretty well situated. We have triedto purchase time for some radio preaching, but none is availablenow. Plans call for a church paper. Our building is located at the extreme end of the city at 3327 Waterloo Road. If you pass thisway, stop and visit with us.

Mexican Work Needs Help

CHARLES F. HOUSE, P.O. Box 1031, Douglas, Arizona85607—There are several worthy and able men preaching inMexico who are badly in need of support. Pedro Ramirez needs$115 a month and Isidro Quijada needs $160 (which will becomplete support for him). The writer is also short $200 a month in needed support. After 20 years of hard work in this field, we do not want to give up now. It seems that American brethren aremore anxious to support gospel work half way around the worldthan they are at our southern border. Please help, if you can.These men are worthy and in need. For more information on thesemen and for personal contact, write to me at the above address.

Another Church Takes It Stand With The New Testament Order

G. O. WINLAND, R. D. 2, Box 175-B, Wellsburg, W. Va. 26070-The church meeting at 101 N. 20th Street, (Warwood),Wheeling, W. Va. has renounced liberalism and taken a standwith faithful brethren and the New Testament order of things.They have engaged Lloyd Beard of Alliance, Ohio to work withthem beginning in December. Brother Beard is a graduate ofFlorida College and a very faithful preacher of God's word.

Even The Church Ads Are Teaching FRED SHEUMAKER recently carried a notice in his bulletin of aletter received from Nicolas N. Evongwa in Nigeria in which thisbrother tells of his learning the truth about liberalism and takinghis stand. He reported that he had been told that faithful brethrenare "few in numbers" and that they were labeled "antis, churchdividers, trouble makers." He said "Having restored me, BrotherRufus Akataobi, one of the strong and faithful preachers gave mea copy of SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES, Volume 15 ofApril, 1974. I read the beautiful sermons and I found that thereare 90 faithful churches of Christ. Although God does not save bymany or few, I am grateful for this." Of course, the congregationswhich purchase ads in this paper are a very small percentage ofthe multiplied hundreds of churches in this country standing forthe truth. But this brother was surprised to learn there were even

90. From this you can tell what he had been told. We have encountered the same misrepresentation in the Philippines. So, brethren, even your ads are teaching.

It Is Enough, Brethren

WALLACE H. LITTLE, P. O. Box 1306, Marshall, Texas 75670 —Recently, flooding brought on by two typhoons causedserious want among God's faithful in the Philippines. Although the disaster this year was much smaller in scope than a similarevent several years ago, those within the affected area were hurtas much as earlier. An appeal was made for financial help for thesebrethren. You responded generously. The scriptural injunction of2 Cor. 8:14, "but by an equality, that now at this time yourabundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want; that there may be equality:"is satisfied. More than $5000.00 has been sent to relieve the privation. There is probably more I don't know about. Exceptingfor isolated situations, the need is pretty well taken care of. One item still lacking is clothing, but with the import tax imposed bythe Philippine Government, it is next to impossible to send this. Ihave written, seeking a method by which it may be done legally,without the receiving brethren being charged this tax. I am nothopeful for a solution, however. If it does exist, I will advise youthrough these pages.

Incidentally, not one cent was controlled by any organization orindividual. All went directly to the need. This proves again, God'smethod of assisting needy Christians is far superior to theschemes of our institutionally-minded brethren. And not so incidentally, God's method has another advantage: it has his approval . . . something theirs lacks. See 2 John 9 and Mt. 7:21-23.You are to be commended for your open-handed and rapidresponse to the needs of our brethren in the Philippines. God will surely bless you for this.

Respect Copyrights LOWELL D. KIBLER, 906 Graceland Dr., Newport, Arkansas72112—1 have just recently learned (the hard way) that theTHEOPHILUS strips are copyrighted and that they must not bereproduced without permission from Brother Bob West whichincludes buying the package he offers for that purpose. I haveignorantly violated this in the past and have known of otherpreachers who have picked these strips from other bulletins to runin theirs. This is not fair to Brother West and even though done inignorance is a form of dishonesty and becomes flagrantly so ifdone intentionally. This also includes the OUR RELIGIOUS WORLD illustrations. Violations of this may be more widespreadthan we realize. Brethren, let us be honest. The work here is going very well. Seventeen have responded tothe gospel since our work at Northside in Newport began togetherin May, 1974. We have begun a biweekly paper called theNEWPORT BEACON that we would be glad to send to anyoneinterested. It seems to be doing much good.

WILLIAM C. SEXTON, 2219 South Glenn, Wichita, Kansas67213 —The Southwest congregation, of which I am a member,has a number of good men who are able and willing to present theword of the Lord from the pulpit. This congregation, therefore, isable and willing to support me in preaching the gospel in availableneedy places. I have prepared a series on "Making Your Callingand Election Sure" which I would like to present to as manypeople as possible. If you can obtain a place for a week's meeting and get a group of people to come together to consider the word ofGod, I'll gladly come to your community. I am interested in helping the cause especially in the midwest: Kansas, northernOklahoma, Nebraska, Iowa, extreme west and southwest Missouri, where the Lord's people are few. If interested contactme at the above address or phone (316) 943-3332.

EDITOR'S MEETING SCHEDULE — During 1974, it wasmy pleasure to preach the gospel in four meetings in Kentucky,three in Ohio, two in Tennessee, in Georgia, Indiana, Texasand Arizona. A number were baptized and some restored in these

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efforts. In 1975, I am to be at Westside, Marion, Indiana March10-16; the month of April will be spent preaching in severalmeetings in the Philippines along with Cecil Willis; May 12-18 atMooresville, Ind.; June 9-15 at Evansville, Ind.; June 23-29 atNorthside in Dyersburg, Tenn.; July 7-11 at Highview near Bloomfield, Ky.; in September I am to be at Expressway,Louisville, Ky., and at Fremont, Ohio; in October at CourtlandAvenue in Kokomo, Ind. and Stevens Avenue in Huntsville, Ala.;and in November at Milbridge, Maine. Readers in all of theseareas are most welcome.

Preachers Needed

MILLINGTON, TENNESSEE - The Central Millington churchwill be without a full-time preacher beginning in January,1975. We meet adjacent to the largest inland Naval Base in the world with basically unlimited young people who are receptive tothe truth. The preacher is not expected to do the work of the othermembers. There is a continuous backlog of prescreened soulswaiting to study the Bible in this work. Contact Central Millington Church of Christ, 5038 Easley St., Millington, Tenn.38053. Phone (901) 872-7269, or phone Dave Turner (901) 8724392.

BATESVILLE, ARKANSAS — Congregation of about 30 needspreacher now. We can supply $200 per month. The rest must beraised elsewhere. Write to Gap Road Church of Christ, P.O. Box2751, Batesville, Arkansas 72501 or call Ed Penn (501) 793-3173or Jim Stevens (501) 793-7838.

TILDEN, KENTUCKY — Small congregation of three families needs a full-time preacher. C. L. Purdom of Paragould,Ark. has been preaching for them but needs to return to his home in Paragould. The congregation has a three bedroom mobile home with attached 12 X 20 permanent room, located on an acre of ground. Tilden is 60 miles west of Owensboro, Ky. and30 miles south of Evansville, Ind. For more information about thiswork contact B. G. Hope, Route 3, Beaver Dam, Ky. 42320 orEdgar Willoughby, Route 2, Robards, Ky. 42452.