The Stone

Picture a huge "squared" building stone among others which are ready to be laid as a foundation fora large building. The excavation has been done andthe bed rock chipped level. The dimensions have been exactly determined. The stones have been pre-cut to fit. They are ready to go in.

Note the one particular stone. It has been especially selected as to its "grain" indicating uniformstrength, and its pleasing appearance. More than that, at the quarry where the stones were finished ithas been given particular attention. The angles and the edges are exact. The sides are flush. In a famouscastle built by a western railroad tycoon the stones were so true that no more than one-fourth inch thickness of mortar was permitted anywhere. Just so, and even more than the others, our subject stonehas been perfected.

Bible readers know that we are referring to the foundation stone used as a type of Jesus Christ inprophecies and in New Testament comparisons. Hewas prepared to be that one main part in God's great new building (system, church).

The Builders

Now come the builders. They look over the materials and plan the work. First they decide thatanother stone must be placed at the main corner.Surprisingly they are not aware of the excellencies ofthe special stone which was so painstakinglyselected and shaped for this position. More than this, they conclude that the one stone can not beused at all, not even in a minor place at the side.They completely reject it.

In the figure we are led to search for some reasonfor this action. We must conclude that their ineptness and ignorance are due to their own neglect,slovenness, and prejudice. The Master Builder whohad the stones prepared knows what He is about. Asis so often true of the unqualified these so-called builders highly overrate their own abilities and attainments. The self-styled religious experts of Christ's time completely "missed the boat".

The Master Fortunately the expert planner arrives on the scene. He takes over and reverses the ridiculous decisions of the bunglers. Psalms 118:22-23 puts it this way,"The stone which the builders rejectedIs become the head of the corner. This is Jehovah's doing;It is marvelous in our eyes."Jesus applied this scripture directly to the Pharisees. He made it so plain that they perceivedthat he spoke "against them" (Luke 20:19).

The Builder

God overcame all of the interference and completed the building as planned and prophesied.Isaiah 28:14-19 foretold that the "scoffers that rule this people in Jerusalem" would be overruled. Theircovenant with death (killing Jesus) came to nothing.Their "refuge of lies" was ineffective. Hidingthemselves "under falsehood" proved worthless. In the midst of this teaching Verses 16 and 17(a) read,"Thus saith the Lord Jehovah, Behold, I lay in Zionfor a foundation, a stone, a tried stone, a preciouscorner-stone of sure foundation: he that believeth shall not be in haste. And I will make justice the line, and righteousness the plummet." Here we see pictured in advance expert construction using the best materials and divine instruments.

The Fulfilment

Whether represented in the New Testament as themain part of the foundation or as all of it, JesusChrist, the Son of God, is the base upon which thechurch is built. "For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (1Cor. 3:11).

To the Jewish council (Acts 4:11-12) Peter boldlysaid of Jesus, "He is the stone which was set at nought of you the builders, which was made thehead of the corner. And in none other is there salvation: for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, wherein we mustbe saved".

It was this same apostle who years later was inspired to give the most complete explanation ofJesus as The Stone in 1 Peter 2. "A living stone", he wrote. This is expressively figurative. Stones are not alive; but this one is so represented. "Rejectedindeed of men", he continues, as a review of what they had long known about the reactions of theJews. He points out God's contrasting attitude. This stone was the corner stone, the chief one, elect, precious. Choice and specially selected, the marvelous stone was very honorable and valuable inGod's sight.

The Superstructure In the same passage Peter comments upon thechurch as built upon that foundation. In Verse 5 hestates that Christians, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house. In Verse 7 he explains, "For youtherefore that believe is the preciousness", even though unbelievers continue the rejection, the stumbling, and the disobedience. Moreover, Jesus never fails one trusting in Him. No one is caused tohurry or be disturbed because He has let him down.He does not make anyone ashamed; never does Hedisappoint.In Ephesians 2:19-22 (NIV) the apostle Paul states that the Christians to whom he is writing are"members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to becomea holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too arebeing built together to become a dwelling in whichGod lives by his Spirit." We note that the growth of the building is continuing. We all should be sobered by the consideration that the Spirit of God dwells in this temple (1 Cor. 3:16), in us! Verse 9 there states that we are "God's building". As living stones let us rejoice that the permanence of the structure is guaranteed by the eternal, living foundation stone.

Box 895 Craig, Colo. 81625

Page 3

GOD RULES IN THE KINGDOM OF MEN

Our country is now on the eve of its 200th birthday. On every hand we are reminded of this. Our people have been wonderfully blessed. We have enjoyed a form of government which, for the mostpart, has insured basic rights and dignities to its citizens. Even the most deprived have opportunityto better their lot if they really wish to do so. Thescruples of the founding fathers against tyranny andthe oppression of conscientious convictions led themto fashion a governing document which permitted every citizen to worship as his conscience determined or not to worship at all, if he were so inclined.In this atmosphere, the gospel has been able to runand have free course. We have been free to preachand defend it far and wide. This is a blessing we taketoo much for granted.

We have achieved a level of material prosperityfor the common man which has become the envy ofthe world. The people of God in this land have beenblessed with the means of spreading the gospel to every part of the world. It is tragic that these material goods have engendered within many a greed for more and more "things" without a just sense of stewardship. With our blessings it should never be necessary for gospel preachers to gobegging for brethren to help them go and evangelize some foreign field or some neglected part of this nation. Yet, this is often the case. While churches lavish their resources on cathedrals of pride, worryabout the landscaping and their "image" before theworld, doors of opportunity around the world are slowly closing, while eternity-bound souls are dailyperishing.We do not mean to dampen the spirit of patriotism throughout the land. We could well use some of the genuine variety. But we do think it timeto remind our readers of certain divine truths which have a direct bearing upon the continued existenceof this nation which has been so singularly blessed.

(1) No nation is indestructible. Empires have flourished, placed their boot upon the necks of weaker powers, exacted tribute, deported slaves,and built their monuments of pride to their own military genius. In Old Testament days there was asuccession of empires arising out of the fertile crescent and gradually shifting to the west. The early Babylonian Empire was vast. But it fell to the Assyrian power, one of the most cruel and cunning of the ancient kingdoms. The northern kingdom of Israel fell victim to its force. This domain was supplanted by the Neo-Babylonian Empire of Nebuchadnezzar. From the Persian Gulf to Egyptand into Asia Minor, the strength of this rule wasfelt, with the kingdom of Judah falling beneath itsgrinding wheels. The Medo-Persian Empire gathered its strength and conquered the city of Babylon with scarcely a struggle during the night ofBelshazzar's drunken feast. Neither the vastness of that empire, the size and fortifications of the city ofBabylon itself, nor the multitude of its armies couldforestall the conquest. Upon the ruins of Persia, thekingdom of Alexander the Great arose. The Greek Empire was to flourish for a time and then bow tothe rising power of Rome. On through history wecould go, speaking of the various powers of Europe,all of whom had their day of glory, simply to retireto the dusty pages of history books. We have seenthe forays of Napolean. But he had a date with Waterloo and so have all despots. Modern historyhas paraded before us the likes of Mussolini, Hitlerand others of like ilk. They are gone and the world isleft with a few stark reminders of their vengeanceupon the earth.

The average age of the major civilizations of earthhas been two hundred years. All of these had their armies, weapons, administrative geniuses, vast fortifications around their principle cities. But they all had their weaknesses—pride, indulgence, sensuality, dissipation, a lowering of moral values and aloss even of the will to resist. "There is no kingsaved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man isnot delivered by much strength. Behold, the eye ofthe Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them thathope in his mercy; to deliver their soul from death,and to keep alive in famine. Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield" (Psa. 33:1620).

(2) Righteousness/preserves a nation. When those who rule a nation and the bulk of its citizens decide to call evil good, and good evil, then thatnation cannot endure. "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, andsweet for bitter" (Isa. 5:20). Should it not concern us all to see divorce, abortion, lying, stealing, swearing and fornication called "good"? When presidents and their wives, senators, judges and even the leading voices in religious circles give theirendorsement to Situation Ethics, that is exactly thekind of thing they are approving. We therefore expose ourselves to the "woe" of the precedingpassage from Isaiah. Do you want to help preserveour nation? You cannot do it by waving flags in parades, wearing bicentennial costumes, and making speeches which pay lip service to the guiding principles of our founding fathers, or standing quietly at attention while the band plays"The Star Spangled Banner" at a football game.

You cannot save it by joining the army, navy or airforce, or by beating drums for your favorite politician. Here is the divine principle: 'Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people" (Prov. 14:34). Do youbelieve that? Then let the light of your godly influence shine. Let your righteous life be as salt to season and preserve what it touches. Read and ponder Matthew 5:13-16. When even Christians hidetheir light under the bushel of materialistic pursuitsand worldly ambitions and practices, then the hopefor our peaceful continuance grows dimmer. God would have spared Sodom for ten righteous souls.They were not to be found and so Sodom perishedfor want of salt and light. Neither can we survive without it.

(3) God rules in the kingdom of men. When Daniel the prophet was called into the banquet hall on that epochal night in Babylon, to read the handwriting on the wall to the troubled king and hisanxious guests, he said some things we would dowell to consider now. How did the fortunes of nations result in Babylon's power? "The most highGod gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom,and majesty, and glory, and honor" (Dan. 5:18).Behind the scenes was the providential working ofGod. Babylon was to be a chastisement for the sinsof Judah. Why did Nebuchadnezzar lose his sanityand his throne? "But when his heart was lifted up,and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposedfrom his kingly throne . . . till he knew that the mosthigh God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that heappointeth over it whomsoever he will" (Dan. 5:2021). Why was the kingdom then being ruled by Belshazzar about to fall? "And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, thoughthou knewest all this" (verse 22). Belshazzar had notacted according to his own knowledge, had set anexample of dissipation before his lords, and had trifled with sacred things and insulted the God of heaven. "God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it" (verse 26). What finished that kingdom?Was it just the superior forces of the rising Persianpower? No, "God hath numbered . . . and finished it."

All during our bi-centennial year we would do wellto remember the sobering words of God by the prophet Jeremiah: "At what instant I shall speakconcerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, topluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it; if thatnation, against whom I have pronounced, turn fromtheir evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought todo unto them. And at what instant I shall speakconcerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, tobuild and to plant it; if it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good,wherewith I said I would benefit them" (Jer. 18:10).

So then, "Let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream" (Amos 5:24). Therein is found our only hope for survival.

SUBSCRIPTION INCREASE IN JANUARY

As announced in the November issue, it is necessary to raise the subscription price for this paper beginning with the January issue. Then a single subscription will be $6 a year. Clubs of four ormore sent at one time will be $5 each while the bundle and group rate will be 15 for $5 a month. Weregret that this is necessary and have put it off aslong as is prudent. Other papers have raised theirprices, some of them twice, since we made a priceincrease five years ago. Increases in postal rates andprinting costs, together with the higher prices wehave to pay for all supplies necessary to the operation of the paper make this necessary. We willcontinue to honor our automatic renewal agreement.Why not get up a club cf subscribers where you liveand send it in before the increase goes into effect?

Page 5

DO YOU EVER THINK OF ME?

Many years ago there was a song that asked thequestion, "Do you ever think of Me?" In 1955 when1 debated Morris Butler Book on the Mechanical Music question, Book remarked on how well thechurches of Christ were united. At that time the "Christian" church was split into at least threegroups. The brethren came from all over Florida and south Georgia to hold up my hands and it was abeautiful thing to experience.

Little did we know that those same forces which divided the "Christian" church were in just a fewyears to divide the church of the Lord. Brethrenwere called upon to decide for the all-sufficiency ofthe church or against it. Some changed theirpreaching and some changed their practice. Nothingwas said about the support of human institutions inthe New Testament, from the treasury of the church, and in the belief that they were never in themind of God, I was forced by my conscience to standagainst such support. I thought the silence of thescripture was enough to rule them out and still thinkso. By the grace of God, a number of brethren feltthe same way about these matters and many churches were saved from what we considered a digression.

With the passing of the years we have largely lostall contact with these liberal brethren. When I read one of their publications I only recognize some of theolder brethren for there is an entire generation I donot know. Today, there is scarcely a city of any sizethat does not have a conservative congregation, butthis is not the point. The time for debate is over, atleast as far as the liberals are concerned, and wehave gone our separate ways. In the debates I hadwith G. K. Wallace and Guy Wood both of themonly wanted to go so far and no further. BrotherWood finally said in the second debate and in thelast speech, that he was opposed to giving theschools one dime from the church treasury, for hedid not believe it to be scriptural. The church forwhich I now preach, Merritt Island, Florida, has abox number for a mailing address and we get allkinds of mail. The liberal element is in trouble on every hand. For example, in the state of Florida and in the city of Gainesville, the 39th Avenue churchhas withdrawn fellowship from the Crossroads church of the city, supposedly, over speaking in tongues, etc. The church of Christ in Griffin, Georgia together with the "Christian" church in Morrow and the Christian Evangelistic Association(whatever that is) has started a group in Me-Donough, Georgia to be known as Christ's Church. Speaking in tongues has become an issue in manyplaces. One hundred years of debating the sects oversuch issues has gone for naught for the brethren whopractice such things have never fought for the truth.If just some of the things Ira Rice reports in hispaper are true the liberals are in a mess.

I have no intention of implying that we do nothave our problems. Some of the brethren went toofar and became hobby riders. An indifferent worldhas made it hard for us to make any progress. Theliberals have the "bus ministry" as an answer forthis indifference but deep down in their hearts theyknow that when they quit hauling the children theywill stop coming. We are made to wonder what happened to the "city wide meeting" and the big campaigns. After the division the brethren who didnot agree with us, were going to set the world onfire. I believe that a great majority of them weresincere and really thought it could be done. But alas,it was the same old "Christian church" story allover again. Instead of preaching more gospel theypreached less. Instead of starting more congregations they consolidated several churches tomake one big church.

History has a way of repeating itself, and thehistory of the restoration is no different. The churchis rent asunder in our day, even as it was in the daysof our fathers. Many good brethren who wanted thesupport of the Orphan Home and the Herald ofTruth, thought the drift would stop there. That wasall they wanted the church to support and teach.Little did they ever dream that once the word of the Lord was disregarded, all these other things wouldhappen. I know it is too late now for me or anyoneelse to say, "I told you so." They let down the gatesand the ultra-liberals are the result. In many placesthe church is the church of the New Testament in name only. They turned their backs on the principlesfor which we had always stood. We would not behuman however, if we did not remember the wordsof the old song, and by changing the singular me to the plural us, ask the question, DO YOU EVERTHINK OF US?

KINGDOM BORDERLAND

The fact that one may be near to, yet not in thekingdom of God is most challenging. To be in thefringe areas, in the borderland, is to be without, excluded from the blessings and privileges of citizenship.

A scribe came to Jesus and asked the question,"What is the first commandment of all?" Jesus' reply prompted profession on the part of the scribeof having kept the commandments. The conversation closes with this assessment of the man byJesus, "Thou art not far from the kingdom of God"(Mk. 12:28-34).

The setting for this conversation is Tuesdaybefore Jesus was crucified on Friday. Everything inthe record of Matthew 21:18 through 28:16 occurred on that day. During this period the discussion ofchapter 24 relative to the destruction of the templeand the second coming of Christ occurs.

The question of this scribe appears to be characteristic of the continuing effort to try Jesus.However, in this particular scribe there is an obvious quality absent in others. "Thou art not far"must mean the scribe was almost fit for discipleship.In relation to the kingdom, then in preparation, hewas in the "fringe area", the "borderland". But forhim something was lacking to make the transitioncomplete. What is true of this scribe is true of many today. What a tragedy. Fact is, some in the kingdom, are just barely, having stopped so nearthe border their true relationship is hard to establish.

Consideration of the kingdom of God requires a proper conception of its spiritual nature. The Pharisees on one occasion demanded when the kingdom of God should come and Jesus answered, "The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:Neither shall they say, Lo here! or lo there! forbehold, the kingdom of God is within you" (Luke17:20-21). "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness and peace, and joy in theHoly Ghost" (Romans 14:17). Understanding the nature of the kingdom eliminates numerous problems which arise respecting the mission of thechurch, the church and kingdom being one and the same. The kingdom being spiritual is not embellished by the material nor is its mission and purpose in the world physical.

Needful to the point of this study is the establishment of "borderland". There are at least three degrees of moral and spiritual distance from the kingdom. "Not far", in Jesus' assessment of the scribe, implies degrees: far, farther, farthest. Sin separates from God. "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sinshave hid his face from you that he will not hear"(Isa. 59:2). It would seem to follow that the moreone sins the farther ho removes himself from God. The spiritual state described as "reprobate concerning the faith" (2 Tim. 3:8) develops as onecontinues his move away from God.

This scribe was closer to God and the kingdomthan some others. Various passages point updegrees of distance from God. On another occasion,similar to our study in that Jesus is beingquestioned and tried, He replied by quoting an OldTestament prophecy recorded in Isaiah 29:13, "Thispeople draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, andhonoreth me with their lips: but their heart is farfrom me" (Mt. 15:8). This statement complements the conclusion that indeed there are different degrees expressed, here, "far from me".

That borderland residents are better than hinterland residents is a fact recognized by most. We prefer for a neighbor one who is a moral non-Christian to a drunkard, though neither one is in thekingdom of God. God also recognizes the differencebetween those near and far as is indicated by the"few" and "many" stripes (Luke 12:47-48).

There are others, to whom we are introduced inscripture, who are not far. "There came one running" to Jesus and inquired "What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" After reviewing certain requirements of the law to have the man claim compliance, Jesus said, "One thing thou lackest"(Mark 10:21). Although they were secret discipleswho withheld their influence, Joseph and Nicodemusmust be recognized as nearer to the kingdom thanmost of the Jews of Jesus' day. Agrippa would appear to have been brought to the borderland of thekingdom as a result of Paul's preaching. His reaction is expressed in "Almost thou persuadest meto be a Christian" (Acts 26:28). Borderland does infact exist in relation to the kingdom of God.

What does it mean to be in the borderland? This man greatly differed from others of Jesus' day. He was unlike the Pharisee with his formalism, his inconsistency and at times hypocrisy which provoked Jesus to frequently rebuke him. Matthew23 in devoted entirely to the condemnation of these.He was also quite different from the arrogantSadducees, who might classify as the liberal andskeptic of that day as he said "there is no resurrection" (Mt. 22:23).

Borderland for this man meant he had certain

admirable qualities not common in others. He had

some knowledge of the Word of God and had

disciplined his life by it. Indeed, with all, knowledge

is the first step in coming to the kingdom. "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sentme draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.It is written in the prophets and they shall be all taught of God" (John 6:44-45). Jesus challenges,

"Take my yoke upon you and learn of me" (Mt.

11:29).

Here is a man with a discerning mind, possessedof keen insight into the Word of God. He had theability to distinguish between real love and ceremony. That he is a cut above most of his breedseems evident in his understanding of the properattitude toward both God and man. "And to love him with all the heart, and with all the soul and withall the strength, and to love his neighbor as himself,is more than all whole burnt offering and sacrifices"(Mk. 12:33). Real love finds expression in submission to God. Outward ceremony does not alwaysreflect a proper attitude and condition of heart. Therebuke of Saul by Samuel should impress this."Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offeringsand sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord?Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and tohearken than the fat of rams" (1 Sam. 15:22).

This scribe had the courage to confess the truth."Well, Master, thou hast said the truth:" (Mk. 12:32). Many of Jesus' day did not have this courage. Some of the rulers recognized the truth butwould not confess Him. "Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but becauseof the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest theyshould be put out of the synagogue" (Jn. 12:42). One who will confess truth is to be admitted by all.Our own day and time cries out for such courage.

Borderland is a fact for many people today inrelation to the kingdom. How near some people areto the kingdom and yet, still so far. Generallyspeaking, these have good habits, a good attitudeand disposition toward the truth. Coming all theway is not so much a matter of giving up as it isgiving in. Often the borderland resident has a good knowledge of the scriptures, even better sometimesthan citizens of the kingdom. He will give assent tothe truth, even argue and defend it, resolving to oneday become a Christian. The only thing that separates such from the kingdom may be attachment to religion of parents, or opinion of afriend, or perhaps love of money and devotion to thethings of this life. Whatever, if one thing keeps onefrom giving his whole heart to God in submission toHis will he is just a borderland resident.

What a tragedy this is. In life it is a difficult matter to convince the borderland resident of his position. He is satisfied with his nearness. Often heis heard to say, "I'm better than some in the kingdom." Or perhaps he argues, "I have more good in me than bad." All men, however, need to realize:if not in the kingdom, then out; if not forgiven, thenstill guilty; if not saved, then still lost. There is no middle ground in our relationship to theLord. "He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad" (Mt.

12:30).

In some circumstances, a miss may be as good asa mile, but not so with heaven. To miss heaven by a fraction is to miss it altogether. To nearly make it isnot enough. Only the faithful citizen of the kingdom of God has the hope of heaven. Borderlandresidents have nothing. Where are you? In the kingdom or just outside? Fully committed or justbarely?

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

Shelby C. Smith

The church was established in the year 30 A.D. inthe city of Jerusalem, and from there, thousands of independent congregations sprang into existence over the then known world in less than fifty years.Instrumental music was left out of the work and worship of the early church.

It should be remembered that the Jews were used to instruments in their worship as well as the heathen; but now there is a new system, which though composed of people who were used to theharp and pipe, now sing without instrumental accompaniment. How do you account for such aradical change? The church of Christ moved on for more than 500 years without even a squeak frommechanical instruments of music in their worship.

Then came a series of departures from the teaching of Christ and the apostles which brought a change in the church. Its government was corrupted, and the clergy was formed about 606

A.D. The then reigning Pope Vitalian I, introducedinto the worship mechanical instruments of music.However, the Greek Church, known as the EasternChurch, composed of conservatives on this issue,did not have the instruments of music in their worship and until within the last fifty yearscongregations of that church sang without the instrument here in the United States.

If instrumental music is of no consequence and ispermissible by the God of Heaven, how do youaccount for all congregations not using it for morethan 500 years. Do you not believe that the worshipof the church, under the direct supervision of theapostles was acceptable to Christ?

Do you further believe that since the churchesunder the direct supervision of the Holy Spirit guiding the apostles, did not use instruments ofmusic in the worship, it is evident that no words bythe apostles could be interpreted to mean that singing could be accompanied by the use of musicalinstruments in church worship.

Since the apostles were guided by the Holy Spiritto write the New Testament, we must conclude that there is no authority for the use of instruments inthe worship. And since the apostles were guided into all truth by the Holy Spirit (John 16:13), and since we find no authority for its use in the New Testament, we must accept the conclusion: instrumental music in the worship is no part of thetruth.

John wrote, "Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God:he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath boththe Father and the Son" (2 Jno. 9). Therefore, whenpeople introduce instrumental music in the worshipof the church, they have not God. The Holy Spiritnever instructed them to use it, therefore the curseof heaven rests upon them (Gal. 1:9).

MUSIC AUTHORIZED BY CHRIST

"Wherefore be ye not foolish but understandingwhat the will of the Lord is. And be ye not drunkenwith wine, wherein is riot, but be filled with theSpirit: speaking one to another in psalms and hymnsand spiritual songs, singing and making melody inyour hearts to the Lord. Giving thanks always for allthings in the name of the Lord Jesus subjectingyourselves one to another in the fear of Christ" (Eph.5:17-21).

"Let the words of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another withsongs and hymns and spiritual songs singing withgrace in your hearts unto the Lord. And whatsoeverye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the LordJesus, giving thanks to God the Father throughhim" (Col. 3:16,17).

"Therefore will I give praise unto thee among theGentiles, and sing unto thy name" (Psa. 18:49; Rom.15:9). This has reference to singing in the churchamong the Gentiles. "I will declare thy name untomy brethren, in the midst of the congregation I willsing thy praise" (Heb. 2:12). "Is any cheerful? lethim sing praise" (James 5:13).

So we find we are to sing to one another and sing unto God. "Make melody with your heart to theLord, singing with grace in your hearts unto theLord," and sing only spiritual songs.

We should notice that the New Testament, byimplication rules out jazz singing, and all songs andhymns except those of a spiritual nature. Also allunscriptural songs are to be discarded just as all unscriptural sermons.

Many times brethren who use denominational song books, sing unscriptural, jazzy songs.Therefore it becomes necessary for us to protect thepew as well as the pulpit from false doctrine. Itwould do little good for the preacher to preachagainst the false doctrine of salvation by faith only, then the congregation sing: "We are saved by faithonly." Certainly, denominalists can write scripturalsongs, but many of their songs are unscriptural. Itis our business to cull out such songs, if we wantpurity in our worship.

Many songs teach the doctrine of Premillen

nialism, but some have discovered the danger of

their use and have discarded them. The

premillennial doctrine is so subtil, that it may bob up in the middle of a song, which is otherwise scriptural.

Some one said: "That group in the church ofChrist is opposed to the second coming of Christ,and have culled out of their books all songs thatmention the second coming." Members of the church of Christ everyone, believe in the personalsecond coming of Christ. There has not been onesong culled out of any book, because it taught the second coming of Christ. No friend, we only cull outthe songs that teach false doctrine.

Every song which teaches the truth whether it isconcerning the birth of Christ, His life on earth, Hisdeath, His burial, His resurrection, His ascension,His atonement for sins, His sonship, or His second coming, we gladly sing from the pew.

Be it remembered that Jesus did not establish His church to be a sort of entertaining club. It is theduty and privilege of Christians to lift our voicesheavenward in song, from the perfect God-madeinstrument, the HEART. Those who sing for money or show, or sincerely, aided by the organ are notpleasing to the Almighty God.

18112 Regina Ave. Torrance, California 90504

THE LETTER TO PERGAMOS (Rev. 2:1217)

You will observe that Pergamos is found in some translations, while Pergamum is used in others. Pergamos is the feminine form while Pergamum isthe neuter form. Both names were used in the ancient world, although Pergamum was the most common.

Satan's Seat Satan dwelled at Pergamos. Jesus said his seat wasthere. The word "seat" is a translation of the word "thronos." This word "thronos" is used in Matt.

19:28 to refer to the throne of a judge. In Luke 1:32it is used in reference to the throne of a king. Thus, itdepicts great power and authority. Satan, therefore,exercised tremendous power at Pergamos. Whatthere was about Pergamos to cause Jesus to classifyit as "Satan's seat" cannot definitely be determined. Several explanations have been given. Perhaps theanswer is found in one of these, or at least, in thecombination of some or all of them.

(1) Some have suggested that the altar of Zeuswas Satan's throne. It resembled a throne as one viewed it, perched near the top of the conical hill on

which was the acropolis. The altar was one of the seven wonders of the world. It was 90 feet squareand 40 feet high (one authority), with the most impressive and exquisite sculpture of ancient art.

(2) Another view is that the temple of Aesculapius was Satan's throne. Aesculapius was the god of healing. His emblem was a snake. Multitudes of sick people, rich and poor, came fromall over the world to receive the healing power ofAesculapios. Harmless snakes slithered back andforth in the courts of the temple. If a sufferer was touched by one of these snakes as he slept in the sanctuary at night, he believed that he was touchedby the healing presence of this god. (3) Some contend that all the pagan altars, shrines and temples of the city may have been inthe mind of Christ when he called it "Satan's seat." In addition to Zeus and Aesculapius, there were Athena (Minerva) and Dionysius (Bacchus). Athena was the god of wisdom in art and in war. Dionysiuswas the god of wine and drama. Zeus was the head ofall the gods. (4) The last view, which I think is more favorable, is that "Satan's seat" was the emperor-worship at Pergamos. This city was the provincial center of emperor-worship. Barclay tells us that theorganization of emperor-worship was like a presbytery or diocese. Pergamos was therefore theheadquarters for worship of the Roman emperor inthat area. Summers writes, "It was the chief city ofthe province, and here was located the 'concilia' which had in charge the matters of state religion and incense offering before the image of the emperor." '

The Roman Empire was a polyglot of many peoples—many languages, races and religions. To unify the Empire, the worship of the emperor wasinaugurated. Through the emperor a national spirit could be realized. He became the personalization of everything Rome stood for, and was eventually made a god. Whereas emperor-worship had beenvoluntary, it now was mandatory. Loyalty to Caesarwas demonstrated by coming to the temple yearlyand burning a pinch of incense and saying, "Lord Caesar." Christians could not do this. Their Lord was Christ. Hence, they were persecuted.

In the midst of this hostile environment, the Pergamenian Christians lived. Jesus said he knew where "thou dwellest." The word Jesus chose for dwell is "katoikeo." It means a permanent abode or resident. The Lord is saying in essence, "I know where you live and that you have to stay there.Although you are endangered and threatened, you must remain and face the trials. There is no place to flee." Christians cannot always choose an easy andconvenient locality to live for Christ. Some placesare difficult, with great sacrifice necessary. Thank God for those who live faithfully for the Lord in thehard places.

Commendations

Jesus praises the church for its fidelity undertrying conditions (v. 13). He mentions Antipas as

his faithful martyr. Wallace states that Antipas was"a symbolic designation and representative for martyrdom —It therefore stood for all who would become victims of martyrdom in the persecutions tofollow." 2 My persuasion is that Antipas was a realperson who lived at Pergamos. The name means "one who is against." He must have diligently fought against the false cults and erroneous doctrines of his day. He refused to stay quiet on unpopular issues, contrary to the practice of many ofthe professed Christians. He lost his life but gainedhis soul. Notice the two things Jesus says of the church:

(1) Thou holdest fast my name. The name apparently stands for the person of Jesus. They didnot relinquish their loyalty to Christ by confessing allegiance to another, that is, to Caesar. The testwas between Lord Caesar and Lord Christ. If theywould only confess Caesar as Lord, there would befreedom from persecution, but to confess Jesus asLord in deference to Caesar meant great tribulation.Christians at Pergamos did the latter and Jesuscommended their faithfulness. (2) Hast not denied my faith. When trials in tensified, there were those who would not disavow or disclaim the truth of the gospel. There had been anoutbreak of persecution, wherein Antipas was killedand yet in the midst of this, they stood up for thegospel of Christ. It is easy to preach the truth underfavorable conditions, but when the going get rough,it takes a dedicated Christian to persevere.

Condemnation

After Jesus praised them for their devotion to himand his faith, he turns to criticize those who hold the doctrine of Balaam and the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes (vs. 14-15). MacDonald says, "The meaning is not that this was a second and distinctclass of seducers, but 'so also hast thou them who seek to do the same evil work among you Balaam didof old, the Nicolaitans.' " 3 Lenski and Barclayconcur in this, while some others maintain they weretwo different groups. I am inclined to think both names refer to one group of heretics.

Balaam, by his counsel to Balak (v. 14; cf. Num. 31:16), led the way for the Israelites to stumble bytheir eating things sacrificed to idols and committing fornication. Balaam's interest was material gain at the price of spiritual compromise (cf. Num. 22:1-25:9). There were those in the church at Pergamos who were doing the same thing. Theywere likely encouraging Christians to go ahead andjoin the pagan trade-guilds, attend the heathen feasts to idols and commit fornication with the temple priestesses in honor to the gods, and no harmwill be done. After all, an idol is nothing and, too, you cannot know sin unless you are thoroughly acquainted with it.

The life-style in the ancient world was to honoridols—live immorally. Fornication was a matter of indifference in the Gentile world. Demosthenes wrote, "We have prostitutes for the sake of pleasure. We have concubines for the sake of daily cohabitation. We have wives for the purpose of having children legitimately and of having a faithfulguardian of our household affairs."4 Paul heads his catalog of sin with fornication (Gal. 5:19-21; 1 Cor. 6:9-10). To go along with the crowd meant debauchery. This was what was being advocated atPergamos. This was the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes. Jesus said, "I hate it" (v. 15). The church is to be pure (Eph. 5:26-27), separated fromthe world (2 Cor. 6:14-7:1).

Correction

There was a moral laxity in the church at Pergamos toward purity of doctrine. The doctrine ofthe Nicolaitanes was allowed to creep into the body of Christ when brethren become slack and dilatoryin their efforts to keep it out. We are warned againand again about false teachers, with their false doctrines, who will invade the church and defile it from within.

Jesus told those at Pergamos to "Repent; or else Iwill come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth" (v. 16). In otherwords, Jesus is saying that they change their tolerant attitude toward this permissive element andtake disciplinary measures against it, or else I will come and take punitive action myself.

What action Jesus would specifically take is not indicated. There is disagreement over what is meantby Jesus' fighting against them with the sword ofhis mouth. This sword is described as a sharp sword with two edges (v. 12). Such symbol shows the great power of Christ and depicts his righteous judgment.

Wallace offers some excellent comments on Jesus' warnings of his coming in judgment on some of thechurches. "In the counsels to the declining and backsliding churches there are such phrases as 'Iwill come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of its place'; and 'I will come to thee quickly and fight against them'; and, 'I will come as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee'—these are the warnings of the Lord's coming in the events of judgment."6 Hendriksen writes, "We do not believe that this refers to a merely verbal condemnation. The verbalcondemnation is contained in this epistle. It signifies destruction."6

There is a great lesson here today to those who are

soft toward sin, such as adulterous relationships,

drinking, immodest dress, dancing, etc. Too,

brethren who tolerate those who would lead the

church into digression by way of institutionalism

and centralization of power in one eldership, need to

take a little "peek" at this epistle to Pergamos.

Challenge

Those who overcome are offered two things: (1)the hidden manna and (2) a white stone in which iswritten a new name. The manna is an allusion to the Old Testament event where God miraculouslyfed Israel in the wilderness with manna (Ex. 16:436). As God sustained his people of old with food for the physical body, he sustains them now with spiritual nourishment.

As to the meaning of the white stone, various interpretations have been offered. We are told that among the ancients that a white stone signifiedmany things. Summers writes:

(1) The white stone was given to a man who hadbeen tried and justly acquitted. (2) The white stone was given to a man who wasfreed from slavery and made a citizen of the province. (3) The white stone was given to the winner of a race. (4) The white stone was given to a warrior returning from battle with victory over the

7

enemy.

Which one, if any, Jesus might have meant, we donot know. The Christians at Pergamos knew whathe meant and it served as an incentive to them to overcome. The new name is evidently Christ.

Footnotes

1. Ray Summers, op. cit., p. 114.
2. Foy E. Wallace, The Book of Revelation, (Nashville: Foy E. Wallace Jr. Publication, 1966), pp. 92-93.
1. James M. Macdonald, The Life and Writings of St. John, (New York: Scribner, Armstrong & Co., 1877), p.
186.
3. Quoted from W. A. Criswell, op. cit., p. 115.
4. Foy E. Wallace, op. cit., p. 40.
5. William Hendriksen, op. cit., p. 83.
6. Ray Summers, op. cit., p. 116.

In our first article on the moral issue, the conduct of Joseph regarding personal purity was considered.Let us now consider the behavior pattern of Samson,an entirely different kind of man.

A Nazarite and Deliverer In Judges 13 there are set forth some special circumstances concerning Samson. Israel was under the rule of the Philistines because they "did evil in the sight of the Lord" (V. 1). As seems to be the casein so many instances God did not seek to deliverIsrael in any ordinary way. Even the birth of Samson was highly unlikely since his mother was barren (V. 2). She was visited by an angel of theLord who informed her that she was to bear a son who would be "a Nazarite unto God from the womb; and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand ofthe Philistines." A Nazarite was a man especially consecrated in some particular thing unto God. Thecharacteristic of a Nazarite was the unshaven head.

Page 11

If men in that day wore long hair as many do today, what would have made the Nazarite stand out in the crowd? Also God had to tell Samson's folks not to cut his hair. The inference is plain that ordinarilythey would have done so. Even with long hairSamson did not look like a bum for his hair was neatly arranged in seven locks. This is a far cry fromthe filthy, tangled, stringy mess you see on theheads of some supposed boys of today.

Samson, then, was consecrated by the Lord "fromthe womb to the day of his death" for the purpose ofbeginning "to deliver Israel" from the Philistines

(V. 5). So Samson was born of an unnamed womanand her husband Manoah under most unique circumstances. As he grew the "Lord blessed him" (V. 24) and "the spirit of the Lord began to move him attimes" (V. 25).

In Judges 15, with Philistines throughout the land, Samson fell in love with one of their girls and desired his parents to "get her for me to wife." Thereis certainly nothing unnatural about his falling inlove, even with a Philistine woman but God had some strict laws about intermarriage with non-Israelites. His parents tried to reason with him totake a wife from "among the daughters of thy brethren" but Samson was very headlong. "Get her for me," he said.

Thus, a woman of Timnath, a Philistine, became the wife of Samson at a marriage feast given bySamson "for so used the young men to do" (14:10).Samson, though a physically strong man, revealed adecided lack of strength in matters pertaining topassion. Still, up to this point he seeks fulfillment inmarriage. This much can be said for him. However,very soon through trickery and fear, his father-inlaw gives her to Samson's friend to be his wife (14:20). Thus his marriage was annulled unlawfully. He later on tried to reclaim her but to no avail. Her father seeks to give him her younger sister instead.But Samson will not have it so. Adding to his firstrecorded show of unheard of strength in the rending of a roaring lion, he now seeks revenge on thePhilistines such as they have not seen before in the setting on fire of their fields by three hundred foxeswith firebrands attached to their tails. The Philistines in turn, after learning why Samson haddone this burned Samson's wife and her father with fire. Samson retaliated with even further slaughterof the Philistines (15:8). Yielding to his brethren inallowing then to turn him over to the Philistinesbound with cords, the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him and he broke loose and slew athousand men with the jawbone of an ass.

Disappointed and thwarted in his first love affairand marriage, Samson now seeks fulfillment byturning to harlots. Two such women are mentionedin chapter 16, namely a woman at Gaza who is notfurther identified and also a woman named Delilah in the valley of Sorek. Whether the beginning of sexlife is honorable or dishonorable, it seeks to continuesince it is an ever recurring biological urge. Since Samson's wife was dead why did he not now heed the previous advice of his parents and take a wifefrom among Israel? In the New Testament Paul byinspiration said, "But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn"(lCor. 7:9). There was an honorable means of his escaping fornication but Samson chose the outlet ofimmorality. So many follow this route to their ownshame and degradation, wasting their seed and their strength on harlots, rather than to enter into honorable marriage which is "honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterersGod will judge" (Heb. 13:4).

Although God used this man to aid Israel in Hisoverall scheme of things, let no one decide that God approved of his loose living. Samson came to an untimely death instigated by his life of dissipationalthough at the last his hair grew out and at Samson's request God strengthened him once moreand he, with a mighty tug pulled down the temple ofthe heathen god, Dagon, not only on the head of theblinded Samson but on all the Philistines present. InJudges 16:30 it is recorded that with this tragic endto a mighty man that "he slew at his death . . . morethan they which he slew in his life."

When we think of Samson we must call him the strong, weak man. He was strong in physical strength and courage but weak in morality. Brethren, do we have some of these around in spiritual Israel today?

In the Los Angeles area which consists of about12 million people, every kind of religious cult thatcan be imagined is here. One of the churches, calledthe Rainbow Revival Church, located at 890 Crenshaw in Los Angeles, sent out an instructionsheet a number of years ago giving instructions as tohow one may receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Listed below is the sum and substance of the instruction.

Words Of Praise To Receive The Holy Ghost

Jesus who baptized 120 believers with theHoly Ghost on the day of Pentecost 10 daysafter He ascended to heaven, is still baptizingChristians with the Holy Ghost today, Acts 2:1-4.

Usually Jesus baptizes believers with the Holy Ghost while they are praising the Lord, and their words change from words of praise tounknown tongues, which is proof that they havereceived the Holy Ghost.

We suggest these words of praise to use while

Page 12

seeking the Baptism. To try to say words of praise too perfectly hinders the Holy Ghost fromspeaking in His Heavenly languages thru you.SAY THE WORDS OUT LOUD!

As you praise God, do NOT try to stopstammering. In fact the more you get the wordsof praise mixed up, the easier it is for the HolyGhost to take control of your tongue and speakin unknown tongues thru you. Isa. 28:11: "Forwith stammering lips and another tongue will I speak to this people."

To Start Seeking

Say the words of Praise in a paragraph belowover and over very rapidly for 2 or 3 minutes,then go to the next paragraph, repeating thewords of Praise in each paragraph about thesame length of time.

After you have repeated the words in all of theparagraphs, you may start at the beginning, and use these words of praise over and over.

1.GLORY TO GOD, HALLELUJAH

GLORY TO GOD HALLELUJAH GLORY TO

2. PRAISE PRECIOUS JESUS, PRINCE

OF PEACE, PRAISE PRECIOUS JESUS

3.I LOVE YOU JESUS, I LOVE YOU

JESUS, I LOVE YOU JESUS,

4.JESUS SAVIOUR SAVE SINFUL SOULS, SANCTIFY SAINTS TO

SERVE THEE

5.PRAISE GOD THE FATHER, GOD

THE SON, AND GOD THE HOLY

GHOST,

1. I BESEECH BLESSED BAPTIZER
2. BESTOW BOUNTIFUL BAPTISMAL BLESSINGS
1. GLORY TO JESUS GLORY TO
2. JESUS GLORY TOJESUS GLORY TO
1. WHILE WHOLEHEARTEDLY WORSHIPPING, WILLING WAITING, JESUS BAPTIZE ME WITH THE HOLY GHOST. WHILE WHOLEHEARTEDLY WOR
2. SHIPPING
1. GLORY TO GOD, GRACIOUS

GENEROUS GIVER OF GOOD

GIFTS. GLORY TO

Now brethren, I wonder if Peter and the rest ofthe apostles had this list in Acts 2 while they werewaiting in the upper room for the Holy Spirit? Doyou reckon that they were practicing all that time?Of course, the above is IGNORANCE GONE TOSEED.

But a very remarkable thing happened soon afterI received this list. I was in Pampa, Texas in a meeting and watching a religious program from Amarillo. They had a Catholic nun on the programwho claimed to have been baptized with the HolySpirit. Her "testimony" was that she had not beenable to speak well because she DID stutter. But, when she received the baptism of the Holy Spirit,SHE QUIT STUTTERING. So, to stutter or not tostutter—that is the question. I hope that we all understand that those who were baptized with theHoly Spirit in the days of the apostles were given languages that could be understood as the Biblereveals in Acts 2:8-11; and they were not the kind ofgibberish that would be produced by one who practiced according to the "Rainbow Revival formula." (Editor's note: With the January issue J. T. Smithwill write regularly under a new column heading which will give him sufficient latitude to deal with avariety of subject matter and which well suits hisstyle of approach. We recently spent some timetogether and tried to arrive at a heading we thoughtappropriate. I was forced to reject his first choicewhich was "Editor"! His column will bear the title "Using Great Plainness of Speech." He has the talent to get to the heart of any question with forthright and simple terms easily understood byall. Watch for this column.)

Index for Volumes XV & XVI

ANSWERS FOR OUR HOPE — Marshall E. Patton David and the Shewbread ...............................................86 Gifts of Ephesians 4:7-16 ...............................................207 Love Thy Neighbor, Hate Thine Enemy ......................172 Matthew 25:31-46 .............................................................289 Review—"The Neglected Authority of

Scriptural Principle"..................................................... 38Sin: Unintentional ...........................................................136

ARROWS OF TRUTH FOR DENOMINATIONAL ERROR — Ward Hogland

Abilene Aftermath ...........................................................25"Goading Goodlettsville" .............................................226"Melody Boys and Midtown, The" .............................208Process of Elimination, The ...........................................353Strange Doctrines No. 1 ...................................................73Strange Doctrines No. 2 ..................................................126

EDITORIAL — Connie W. Adams

Britnell to Edit Gospel Guardian ..................................151Changing World, A ............................................................99Claims of Another False Prophet, The............................259Correction, A .................................................................219Elders In Every Church ..................................................343Family Under Fire, The..................................................320Franklin T. Puckett ........................................................239God Rules In the Kingdom of Men ..................................423Golden Rule, The ..........................................................119Gospel Preaching ...........................................................383Love Not the World .........................................................19Need for a Balance Wheel, The.......................................403New Year, A .......................................................................3Perpendicular Parallels ..................................................135Personal Evangelism (1) ..................................................51Personal Evangelism (2) ................................................. 67Personal Evangelism (3).................................................. 83Preaching to be Understood ...........................................119Schools and Papers .......................................................167Second Preaching Trip to the Philippines, A .................299Test of Fellowship .........................................................363"Thou Wast as One of Them" ........................................279Time of Our Sojourning, The .........................................183Tribute to a Friend, A ...................................................... 35What God Hath Joined Together .....................................199

EXPOSITION: TEXT AND CONTEXT — Weldon Warnock

Growing in the Graces .................................................... 57Letter to Ephesus, The ....................................................393

Page 13

Letter to Smyrna, The ...................................................407Letter to Pergamos, The ................................................ 428Love Abounding................................................................142Miracles No. 1 ................................................................202Miracles No. 2 ................................................................221

Miracles No. 3 ................................................................240

Miracles No. 4 ................................................................285Some Divine Expectations ...............................................5

I MARVEL — James P. Miller

Cleveland, Ohio .............................................................. 220Dangers of New Translations, The .............................. 166Do You Ever Think of Me? ............................................. 425Thoughts on Fellowship ..................................................134Tribute to Frank Puckett................................................258West-Cabrero Debate ....................................................190West Tennessee Agape ...................................................370

LEARNING FROM THE PARABLES — Ken Green

Parable of the Two Sons, The .......................................187Unjust Steward, The .....................................................117Unmerciful Servant, The ...............................................171

POTENT POINTS — W. R. Jones

Gifts and Sacrifices—Hebrews 8:3 ..................................248Isolationism......................................................................198Jumping at Conclusions ..................................................237

RESTORATION FOOTNOTES — Earl Kimbrough

"Alexander Campbell" Cigars .....................................374 Influence of a Godly Mother, The....................................280Looking for a "Philip" in the Alabama Wilderness __349 Traveling with Transgressors ........................................246

SET FOR THE DEFENSE OF THE GOSPEL — T. G. O'Neal

Calvinism—No. 1 .............................................................205Calvinism—No. 2..............................................................223Calvinism—No. 3 .............................................................245Calvinism—No. 4 .............................................................262Calvinism—No. 5 .............................................................283Faith and Doctrine ...........................................................71Grace and the Gospel ....................................................124Grace of God, The ......................................................... 82Gospel and Doctrine Preached and Obeyed .................... 40"Herald of Truth" Admissions ......................................389Imputed Righteousness .................................................186Ketcherside's New Dress.................................................. 22Modest Apparel ..............................................................303Saved by Grace, Faith and Works ..................................409

SOWING THE SEED OF THE KINGDOM — J. T. Smith

Calvinism Examined No. 3 ................................................8Calvinism Examined No. 4 .............................................. 24Calvinism Examined No. 5 .............................................. 41Calvinism Examined No. 6 .............................................. 56Calvinism Examined No. 7 .............................................. 74

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, USING THE — Eugene BritnellCan Unity Produce Division ............................................ 70Closing Statement, A........................................................152Is Kissinger the Anti-Christ? .......................................... 23Profitableness of Christianity, The ................................. 54Righteousness Exalteth a Nation .......................................1Short Sword Swipes .........................................................123

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, USING THE — Ken GreenNod of Approval, A...........................................................201More on Ezekiel's Space Ship ....................................... 382Short Sword Swipes ........................................................218Short Sword Swipes ....................................................... 242Short Sword Swipes ........................................................287Short Sword Swipes ....................................................... 305Those "Factions" ........................................................... 411

THINGS MOST CERTAINLY BELIEVED — Julian R. SnellAttitude of Cornelius, The ....................................... 243Kingdom Borderland ...................................................... 426Moses' Last Birthday ...................................................... 369Precious Things............................................................... 265Priorities ...................................................................... 204

Worship ........................................................................... 168

THINGS WRITTEN FOR OUR LEARNING —J. Wiley Adams

Introduction ..................................................................... 277Joseph ............................................................................ 362Samson .......................................................................... 430

THINK ON THESE THINGS — H. E. PhillipsChildren in the Home ................................................... 391Preachers and Problems ............................................... 184Some More Evidence of Radical Departures................. 302Successful Children in the Home ................................. 405

WORD STUDIES IN THE GREEK NEW TESTAMENT

— E. V. Srygley

"Salvation" Words: "Save" ............................................72"Salvation" Words: "Justify" .........................................85"Salvation" Words: "Reconcile" .................................. 125"Salvation" Words: "Redeem" ................................... 141"Salvation" Words: "Sanctify" .................................. 158Some Thoughts on Psallo................................................ 267

WORD STUDIES IN THE HEBREW OLD TESTAMENT

— Harold Tabor Covenant — Berith ......................................................... 170 Ebenezer ....................................................................... 189

WORSHIP IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH — T. G. O'Neal Can Fellowship Exist Without Agreement? .................. 155 Instrumental Music-Reply to Dwaine E. Dunning ........... 7

Adams, Arthur W.

They Have Forgotten Jehovah Their God.........................49

Adams, J. Wiley Til Death Do Us Part ................................................... 334

Adams, James W.

Trip to Italy, A................................................................306

Bassett, Jerry F. "So That You May Not Grow Weary and Lose Heart" . .26

Berdini, Rodolfo

From Italy with Sadness ................................................ 208

Blackford, Dick

Jesus, Joe, and Mrs. Bergmeier ......................................87

Bowman, Dee

Television Turns Me Off ................................................. 297

Britnell, Eugene

Man's Changing Need ....................................................... 98

Broaddus, WayneNew American Standard Bible—A Vindication,Part I............................................................................ 222 New American Standard Bible—A Vindication,Part II .......................................................................... 246 New American Standard Bible—A Vindication,Part III ........................................................................ 264

Burt, Glenn R. Unborn Child: "Life for Life"...........................................59

Chandler, Darwin

Patton-Chandler Debate—First Negative ..................... 347Patton-Chandler Debate—Second Negative ................... 366Patton-Chandler Debate—Third Negative ................... 387

Chandler, Royce

Moving of the Prophets, The ........................................ 281 Prove the Resurrection and You Have Proved It All .. .260

Dancer, J. F., Jr. Truth Stands Without Weak Argumentation ................120

Dean, Guthrie

Direct Support to Preachers ...........................................230

Elders and Group Action ............................................... 250

DeVore, Larry R.

"Bus Ministry" Craze, The................................................33

Dunning, Dwaine E.

Comment on "Worship in Spirit and in Truth"by T. G. O'Neal................................................................ 6Neglected Authority of Scriptural Principle, The ........36

Felkner, Bob

We're Getting Old ........................................................... 250

Flowers, Jesse

Combating Evolution in the Public Schools ....................89

Gibson, Dody

Instant Religion ..............................................................435

Givens, Donald R.

Proper Concept of God, A ................................................34Sin-Convicting Sermons .................................................257

Green, Ken

Abortion: Solution or Problem........................................331Ancient Heresies in Oneness Doctrine ............................68God's Unchanging Standard of Conduct ...................... 107

Grider, A. C.God is not a "She" .........................................................349 Useless Warnings ...........................................................181

Grushon, Mike

Consideration of the Doctrine of Imputation, A ..........153

Halbrook, Ron

Oinos: No Help for Social Drinking ...............................139Social Drinking: A Follow-Up Study ................................52Social Drinking: Follow-Up Study of Passages ...........121

Herndon, Robert E.

No More Scripture Needed ...........................................249

Hogland, Ward

Unchanging Work, The ...................................................105

Houchen, Larry R.

"Confess Your Sins One to Another" ...........................156

Icard, Thomas

Exorcism Ceased ..........................................................157

Jackson, Roger

Review of "The Church Treasury" .................................20

Johnson, Clarence R.

Rich Man and Lazarus, The ...........................................414

Jones, W. R.

Facing Problems in the Family ...................................318

Kimbrough, EarlNot Having Eyes, Yet Seeing ..........................................158Restoration of What?, The................................................ 85Tale of Two Preachers, A ..............................................310Wild, Fierce, and Fanatical ..........................................189

King, Daniel H.

Baptists and the Bus Ministry, The ................................270

Lanius, David O., Jr. Abortion is Killing .........................................................229

Lee, IrvenInnovations and Division ...............................................150 Reminded—The Hard Way ............................................225 Reverse is the Needed Gear ............................................. 17

Little, Wallace H.

Running with Weights .....................................................374

Seven Socks .....................................................................230Those Wonderful Preachers' Wives ...............................290

McDonald, Robert L.

Dividing Churches ........................................................351

Martin, Don

Some Things You Will Never Regret ...........................402Whitewashing Sin ...........................................................

Martin, Luther W.

Disciples and Discipline .................................................227"No Private Interpretation" ......................................... 90

Miller, James P.

Unchanging Worship, The ..............................................106Wife in the Home ..........................................................324

Milliner, Ronn

"In the Name of..." .......................................................IllPaul's Ignorance .............................................................210Younger Preachers .......................................................241Youth Rally .....................................................................352

Ogden, Gar

Vacationing and Retiring Christians...............................342

O'Neal, T. G.

God's Unchanging Plan of Salvation ...............................103Preparation for Marriage ............................................. 322

Patton, Marshall E.

Indestructible Kingdom, The ......................................... 100Patton-Chandler Debate—First Affirmative ............... 345Patton-Chandler Debate—Second Affirmative ............. 364Patton-Chandler Debate—Third Affirmative ...........……384Spiritual Growth in the Family ..................................... 328

Phillips, H. E.

Problems of Children with Their Parents ..................... 326Sin of Changing the Unchangeable, The ...................... 109

Porter, W. Curtis Letter Home, A ............................................................. 414

Sewell, Norman E.

"Good Soldier of Christ Jesus, A" ................................ 353

Sharp, KeithBaptism of Jesus: A Review, The ...................................9

Smith, J. T.Nature of Chastisement, The ......................................... 371Temporary Things in the New Testament Church ...... 101 To Stutter—or Not to Stutter ........................................ 431 Wheat and the Tares, The .............................................. 413

Smith, Shelby C.Divine Guide is Complete, The ..................................... 270 Evil of Compromise, The..................................................27Instrumental Music ....................................................... 427

Snell, Julian R. Husband in the Family, The............................................ 323

Stringer, JohnnI Corinthians 14:34-35 .................................................... 269 Misusing the Doctrine of Grace ................................... 173

Trokey, John M.

Sufficient in Christ ........................................................ 172

Warnock, Weldon E.Divorce: Its Causes and Effect ...................................... 329 Unchanged Organization, The ........................................ 104

Watts, O. E.Chief Corner Stone, The .................................................. 421Much Grape Juice? ...................................................... 138

Page 15

LARRY R. DEVORE, Box 86, Roseville, Ohio 43777 - Since my last report in the June issue of SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES, two have been baptized here at Roseville. Also, ClarenceJadwin was appointed a deacon September 7. I preached atCorning, Ohio on September 14 and a young lady was restoredthere. Ellis Webb held our meeting in October.DORRIS V. RADER, 729 Westside Dr., Tullahoma, Tennessee 37388 - I was in a September meeting with the church in Campbellsville, Kentucky where I preached four and a half years in theearly part of the 1960's. David J. Riggs is doing a good work there as the regular preacher. They had 5 baptisms just prior tothe meeting and we had 2 baptisms during the meeting.GALE CUMMINGS, 3101 N. 43rd Ave., Phoenix, Arizona 85031 -The Maryvale church has recently appointed two new elders and seven new deacons. The elders are Tom Baker, GaleCummings and Dale Lovelady.

R. A. GILBERTSEN, Rt. 1, Box 332-A, Bell, Florida 32619-A NEW CONGREGATION known as Eastside Church of Christ is now meeting in Hamilton, Alabama. It is a sound church in a community that has a large, institutional congregation. For further information, contact Edsel Cagle, Rt. 3, Box 326, Hamilton, Alabama 35570. ALMON WILLIAMS, Florida College, Temple Terrace, Florida33617 - I have the following bound volumes which I would consider selling: TRUTH MAGAZINE volumes 4, 5, 7-9, 12-16;GOSPEL GUARDIAN Volumes 1, 10-23; PRECEPTOR Volumes 5-18; SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES Volumes 5-12. I might also be willing to sell my unbound issues of the BIBLE BANNER. I am open to offers on any or all of these.DONALD R. GIVENS, P.O. Box 192, Haney, British Columbia,Canada - We moved to this section of western Canada last June and practically started from "scratch" with six members. There are now nine members and attendance has reached a high of 33. A former Catholic, turned Jehovah's Witness was recently baptized.Others are near obedience. My fellow worker, W. T. McCuistionwill be leaving Canada next summer to return to Texas. He hasdone a fine work and will be sorely missed. Many more preachersare needed in this area of western Canada. Many days I teach twoand sometimes three home Bible studies. We need more help! Werent facilities in which to meet, which are quite expensive, andhouse rent is "out of sight." Living costs are very high. But the public is receptive to the gospel and the church is so unknown.Will you not move to the Canadian harvest field and help us? Myphone number is (604) 467-3625. Come and visit us.

DEATH

L. L. APPLEGATE was called home on June 23. The writer honored a years-ago-made promise and spoke at the funeralservice in Chipley, Florida. I never knew the man when he and hiswife were not working for the Lord. At 71, he called me to comeand help establish a church in Vernon, Florida. At 75, they wroteoffering to take two homeless girls into their home. They hadalready taken in an elderly woman whom no one else cared for,and kept her and loved her until she died. In his 80's he went andworked with the church in Okeechobee, Florida. At the age of 80 when he and his wife visited our home, they walked throughthe neighborhood meeting people and passing out religious tracts.He never wanted to quit, but death had the final say. "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith theSpirit, that they may rest from their labors; for their works followwith them" (Rev. 14:13).

—Jefferson David Tant

DEBATE ARTHUR M. OGDEN, P.O. Box 502, Burnside, Kentucky 42519 - I am scheduled to debate J. W. Holcomb in the National Guard Armory in Somerset, Kentucky on Dec. 29, 30 and Jan. 1 and 2. The subject for discussion is "Women Teachers." The first two nights J. W. Holcomb will affirm that in the class arrangement, it is a violation of the scriptures for women to be appointed teachers

of any of those classes. The last two nights I will affirm that inthe class arrangement, it is scriptural for women to be teachers ofclasses of other women and children, with Holcomb denying.There are many congregations in this section of Kentucky andmany of them are bothered with this issue. We have been able topeaceably co-exist with good fellowship, but in the past couple ofyears the good will has, been destroyed by those who wish to bindtheir error on the consciences of others. We feel this discussion is needed and will do a lot of good. Interest in the discussion isalready running high and large crowds are expected.WILLIAM C. SEXTON, 2219 S. Glenn, Wichita, Kansas 67213 The Westside church is now meeting at 3500 S. Meridian, a goodlocation, easy to find. Exit off of 235 at Meridian South and weare the first building north on Meridian. We have recently seenone person baptized and four others restored and identified. Anycontact in this city or area you would like for us to make, call meat (316) 943-3332.

INSTANT RELIGION

It's a world of convenience,I'm sure you agree.Just visit your grocer, And you will see.Pre-packaged, pre-cooked,Pre-sliced and pre-fixed,Pre-measured, pre-tested,Pre-wrapped and pre-mixed There's T.V. dinners,And Shake-and-Bake, There's instant coffee,And juice concentrate.Saves time and work, To the housewife's bliss.Yes, the good ol' days, Were never like this.But too many people,Want religion this way, Pre-packaged and wrapped,In a neat bouquet.One hour on Sunday, So effortlessly, Like frozen dinners, Served instantly.With little preparation,Just to-and-fro,They treat the Lords day,Like Stop-and-Go. They rush right back, Like a homing pigeon, To many are looking, For instant religion.

Dody Gibson 10-11-75