THY HEART IS NOT RIGHT

The man called Simon, who bewitched the peopleof Samaria with his sorcery and gained a reputationof being some great one in the city of Samaria,heard Philip preach "the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ,"and himself also believed and was baptized (Acts8:9-12). Now, when Simon saw that "through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given" he tried to purchase this power to do as theapostles were doing (vs. 18,19). Peter told him that such power could not be purchased with money, and that "thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter:for thy heart is not right in the sight of God" (Acts 8:21). Because his heart was not right he was "in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity"(vs. 23). His only way to escape was to "Repenttherefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, ifperhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiventhee" (vs. 22).

Simon had heart trouble that was spiritually fatalto him unless he appealed to the God of heaven forforgiveness. Simon was not the first, and is by nomeans the last to have a "heart that is not right inthe sight of God."

After Simon had been made free from sin by hisobedience to the gospel as preached by Philip, hisheart was turned back by his greed for power andmoney to attempt to make a deal with the apostlesfor this power from God. This state of his heartmade him "wicked" and "in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity." He was evil and lawless, whose consequences would be spiritual death. His only escape was to repent and pray. So it is today!

The New Testament of Christ is addressed to the heart of man. It is with the heart that he believes the truth (Rom. 10:9,10). It is with the heart (will)that man repents (Acts 2:38; 8:21-24). It is from the heart that one obeys the truth (Rom. 6:17). The heart is the seat of man's entire life, good or evil.Trouble with the heart spells trouble for that person in time and eternity as he must deal with God inthe final analysis of all things.

Jesus emphasized the importance of the heart when he told the Pharisees, "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:these are the things which defile a man: but to eatwith unwashen hands defileth not a man" (Matt. 15:19-21). Jesus also taught that your heart will bewhere your treasure is. "For where your treasure is,there will your heart be also" (Matt. 6:21).

The parable of the sower who went forth to sowwhich Jesus taught to his disciples was really alesson teaching the conditions of the heart which would reject or accept the seed sown. As Jesus explained this parable to his disciples he said, "Theseed is the word of God" (Luke 8:11). That ends all dispute; in the parable the seed sown is the Word of God! Those by the wayside indicate the hard heartthat does not receive the seed (word of God), andthe devil takes it away (Luke 8:12). The soil with arock just beneath it represents that heart that is emotionally receptive but with no depth of conviction. When trials come the seed sown withers away (Luke 8:13). The soil with the thornsin it indicates the heart that is so filled with the cares, riches and pleasures of this life that there is noroom for the seed (word of God) to grow and bearfruit. There is simply no time or room for doing thewill of God.

But the soil into which the good seed is sown thatproduces fruit is representative of "that on the goodground are they, which in an honest and good heart,having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruitwith patience" (Luke 8:15).

Some hearts are so calloused and hardened through the deceitfulness of sin and the blind prejudice favoring their iniquity that their "ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, andhear with their ears, and should understand withtheir heart, and should be converted, and I shouldheal them" (Matt. 13:15).

I see not how any responsible person can readthese words from the book of God and not realize the importance of his heart before God.

From Proverbs, two or three statements are madethat show the great value of the heart being right inthe sight of God. "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life" (4:23). "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. . ." (23:7). "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directed hissteps" (16:9). Many others could be given.

Beloved, do you realize that man is responsible forthe condition of his heart? If this were not so, whyare all these instructions given for the concern andcare of the heart? I can do nothing with your heart;only YOU can make the changes that should bemade. I can plead and persuade, but I can go no further.

Often one living in sin will blast anyone who attempts to convince him to change his life withthese words: You don't know my heart! You have noright to charge me with sin!

Oh, yes, this is a mighty defense, they think. But Jesus said to beware of false prophets which come insheep's clothing but are, in fact, ravening wolveswho come to destroy. "A good tree cannot bringforth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forthgood fruit" (Matt. 7:18). Jesus said a good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit. A good person musthave a good heart, because Jesus said your heart iswhere your treasure is. In this context he is talking about laying up treasure in heaven vs. laying it upin this life here on earth. One with a good heart will do good.

But, a corrupt tree cannot bring forth goodfruit. If the heart is evil the person will not produce thegood fruit that Jesus speaks of.

This world is so filled with corruption and wickedness that I sometimes wonder how much longer the longsuffering of God will tolerate thisworld to stand. Hearts are so hardened in sin that most people have great difficulty in really discerninggood and evil. So many "church members" are hardened in sin that the whole structure of the church must be changed and that body of truth revealed by the Holy Spirit in the New Testamentmust be modified and reconstructed in order for these "religious people" to accept it.

My conclusion from all the New Testament sayson this subject is to keep my own heart and attitudegood and right before God, and continue to teach and rebuke all whose lives bear fruit of an evil heart. I can know your heart by your words anddeeds, and you can know mine. "By their fruits ye shallknow them" (Matt. 7:20).

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EDITORIAL STEW

The last issue for 1976 finds us with several things left over which need to be said but none ofwhich requires a great amount of space. Some editor's call such columns "potpourri." Being a plain and simple man, this writer prefers the less sophisticated term "stew." Everybody knows whatthat means without having to look it up. There is something wholesome about it. The ingredients of agood stew maintain their own identity while at the same time making a tasty mixture when puttogether. Perhaps the editor of this paper prefers this term for yet another reason: my good wife makes a delightful stew which hits the spot, pleasesthe palate and leaves the whole family with a sense of well-being.

Italian Preaching Trip

By the time our readers have this copy in hand,

H. E. Phillips and the writer should have returnedfrom a two weeks preaching trip to Italy. We have been in contact with some Italian brethren for over two years now and have looked forward to makingsome direct effort to encourage them in their work.A more extended notice of this trip and the impressions gained of the Lord's work in Italy, will begiven in a later issue. Be watching for it.

At Year's End

Another year is about gone. The inevitable marchof time continues and none can stay the progressthereof. This is a suitable time to say "thank you"to those who have stayed in our family of readers.While we receive a normal amount of complaints andcriticisms, we also receive many words of encouragement from a host of brethren in many places who appreciate the paper. Many write to tell us their kind feelings while others mention theirappreciation when they greet the editor or some of the writers during gospel meetings. Some have been with us since the paper began in 1960. Many havesubscribed for friends or relatives. While some papers have folded and others face this prospect before long, we have been able to maintain our mailing list and have made some gains besides. We thank each friend and supporter.

We owe a special debt of thanks to the brethrenwho have faithfully supplied what we consider a balanced diet of good teaching material. These men who write under assigned headings provide the bulkof the material which appears in this paper and do so without remuneration. It is a labor of love with them. Yet, without their efforts we would have no paper. Many readers have told us they look for thepicture and writings of certain ones who have become their favorites. They view these men as oldfriends whose contributions to the paper have cometo be regarded as a sign of stability and reliability.

Behind the scenes in our operation is the loyalhelp of the editor's wife, Barbara (better known as "Bobbie" to our many friends). She spends manyhours each week handling the details of day to daybusiness. Without this faithful help, we could not meet the demanding schedule of preaching andteaching which we face continually. Our sons havealso contributed much time and effort to this work.

We are closing out seventeen years of publication

— 13 1/2 years under the editorship of H. E. Phillipsand 3 1/2 years of our own efforts. Stay with us aswe begin Volume 18 next month. We will do theegood. ________________

The Hardin-Smith Articles

Be sure to read the article by Arnold Hardin inreply to the one written by J. T. Smith in the September issue and also brother Smith's brief response. We wish we did not ever have to take issue with the teaching of any brother. However, devotion to duty and truth require it at times. For sometime now we have been reading the writings ofbrother Hardin in his bulletin with an increasing sense of concern. The contents thereof have givenout an uncertain sound and his personal reactions towritings in this paper and others against the falseviews advocated by some on grace, faith, works andfellowship, plus imputed righteousness and what some are calling "perfectionism", do not ring true.It was our request that J. T. Smith review brother Hardin's bulletin article on "What Is Legalism?" One of brother Hardin's articles was reviewed a few months ago in the GOSPEL GUARDIAN. We would not attack the teaching of a brother withoutgiving him space to defend himself. We believe Arnold Hardin has done this in a good spirit andurge you to read what both men have said. Issues are under discussion—not personalities.

Price Increase For Church Ads

While the subscription price has been raised several times to keep pace with advancing printingand postal costs, Searching the Scriptures has never increased the cost of the ads purchased by churchesgiving their addresses and worship schedules. We believe this is a valuable service and apparently many congregations think so too. We note that other papers with far less circulation than ours havemuch higher rates than we do. The value of an ad isusually determined by how many people will see it.Nearly twice as many people will see an ad in thispaper as in the one next in total circulation. We have three to four times the circulation of the next four published by our brethren. We do not discourage advertising in other papers published by faithful brethren. On the contrary, we would encourage such. Neither do we report these facts

boastfully. We are just stating facts. But the time has come when we must keep pace in this area ofour operation to recover some of what is lost in increased expenses. Therefore, as of January 1, 1977 all church ads will cost $60 a year and will be billedaccordingly whenever they fall due. We believe thisis still a bargain and expect most of our advertisers to stay with us. How difficult is it for brethren traveling in your area, or those moving into it, tofind the congregation where you worship? Such adshelp to solve this problem.

Searching The Scriptures Publications

Searching the Scriptures is publishing the Smith-Lovelady Debate on marriage, divorce and remarriage (what is often called the Moyer position)and expects to have it ready for delivery in January,1977. This will be published in paperback and will retail for $2.95. Orders for it (either individually orby book stores) may be sent to Searching the Scriptures, P.O. Box 68, Brooks, KY 40109. Or youmay order copies from Religious Supply Center,

P.O. Box 13164, Louisville, KY 40213. This recent discussion was a good, strong representation of opposing views on this live issue. Why not orderseveral copies to give away to friends who may be interested in studying the question.

We also have bound volumes of Searching the Scriptures available as follows: Volume 9-10 (196869); Volume 11-12 (1970-71); Volume 13-14 (1972-73and Volume 15-16 (1974-75). These sell for $8.50 each and may be ordered from us at P.O. Box 68, Brooks, KY 40109. Sorry, all bound volumes priorto 1968 have been sold out long ago. Don't wait until these are gone before deciding to order. Theseare all bound in blue buchram and are indexed for easy reference.

Religious Supply Center We are pleased to carry the ads of Religious Supply Center in this publication. Aside from the church ads, we accept no other advertising. This book store is operated by faithful Christians in the Louisville area. They have an extensive stock ofuseful books, tracts, literature, maps, communion ware, visual aid equipment, register boards, tractracks and a wide assortment of other supplies usefulto churches and individuals. Their service is promptand courteous. They DO have a catalog of availablesupplies which may be ordered from them. We are most happy to have them as an advertising clientand to recommend their services and products to brethren everywhere.Some readers still do not understand the relationship between the paper and the bookstore.They are two distinct operations. We do not own or operate the book store and they do not own or operate the paper. We have no capital investment inthe book store and they have none in the paper. Theoffice of the paper is about twelve miles from thebook store. Sometimes readers will send in a subscription and order a book from us at the same time, writing one check to cover the cost ofboth. While we do what we can to accommodate them,

this creates problems for both of us and only delaysa book order. Sometimes people will pay the bookstore for a subscription to the paper in the samecheck with payment for supplies. All orders and checks to the book store should go to the bookstore and not to us. All orders and checks for the papershould come to us at P.O. Box 68, Brooks, KY 40109, and not to the bookstore. The addresses of each are published each month in the paper.

Our business relationship has been most pleasantfrom the start and we anticipate a continuation ofthe same. We urge all readers to order supplies fromthem. David Key, an elder of the Manslick Roadchurch in Louisville, is the efficient and congenial manager. He is ably assisted by his good wife, Phyllis, and by Marie Ricks and Virginia Walker, allfaithful and zealous Christians. They are some of thebusiest people you will ever meet but seem to findtime for friendly smiles and warm conversation whilefilling your orders. We are certain they would wantto pass along their words of thanks to all who havedone business with them in the past. Neither of us really mind being associated in the minds of eitherour readers or their customers, though it helps both of us to keep orders and checks separate.

We wish a happy and prosperous new year to allof you.

Page 5

The September issue of Searching the Scriptures contained an article by J. T. Smith entitled: ARNOLD HARDIN, THE BAPTISTS, AND LEGALISM. It is filled with distortions of the truth. I shall list the false charges lodged againstthis writer and then reproduce statements from ourbulletins showing the true nature of his charges.

In paragraph one he said: "He ridicules our insistence of the necessity of people being obedientto the commands of God." It is totally false!

In paragraphs five and six he charges me with notbelieving in law of any kind. It is totally false!

In paragraphs eight and fourteen he charges mewith believing that even Christians are to perform no works. It is totally false!

In paragraph ten he charges me with teaching that those who teach and practice obedience are denying the grace of God. It is totally false!

In paragraph eight he charges me with the Baptistdoctrine that man is to do nothing in becoming aChristian. It is totally false!

In paragraph fourteen he accuses me of believingin "once saved always saved" and that I teach thatour sins will be forgiven even though we will not repent. It is totally false!

In paragraph ten he accuses me of believing thatsince Paul said, "not of works" that such leads meto believe that the sinner gives no response to Godin obedience to the commands of Christ. It is totallyfalse!

Another recently wrote: "Though sometimes we might jump and land on the right conclusion to afellow's argument, how often do we miss and, consequently, get worked up over something the fellow doesn't believe? It is always best to let a man tell what is on his mind." How apropos to this situation! By twisting what Paul said, some accusedhim of teaching: "Let us do evil that good maycome." He said it was a slanderous charge and thatthe condemnation of those making it would be just(Rom. 3:1-8). How easy to slander another! Any one can garble any composition to its own purpose.The honest interpreter will never try to see what hecan make the other person say, but he will honestlytry to understand what the person has said.

Few of you who subscribe to this Journal haveever laid eyes upon one word written by me relativeto these matters. Yet Smith would have you believethat I believe all of the above errors and more. The issue is not — whether you agree or disagree withwhat I have written — but rather, have I espousedthe above errors in writing about Law — Grace;Faith — Works. I shall quote extensively from mywritings and then you be the judge as to whether Ideny that all men must obey the Lord!

Quoting from What Is Legalism, relative to Eph.

2:8 I remarked: "Faith as used by Paul will always lead the sinner, in whom faith is found; to obey theLord. That is the obedience of faith. Are not the obligations of grace as strong as the demands oflaw? Legalism would put us back under the law — works system; yet, God has placed all men underthe grace — faith system because of the cross ofChrist. Christ not only nailed the law of Moses tohis cross but any law system of justification." I then quoted from a speaker at the Abilene Lectures:"Now this is not to imply that there is no place forobedience. (He was discussing grace and law). To imply such as that is absurd. It is downright funny.It is completely unbiblical and I have not said that.The man who does not delight in obeying God's word does not have his heart in the right place.Obedience? Yes, that is a New Testament doctrine.Obedience simply in a ritualistic routine manner? No, that is not a New Testament doctrine. Obedience is the expression of faith and love; it isnot a basis for merit before God in our union with Christ. So what we need to do is not cast obedience aside — no one would advocate that — but put it inits proper place." Yes I believe in obedience just asstrongly as my brother; but, apparently for different reasons.

Quoting from another brother relative to his comments on Rom. 1:17: "The idea here conveyed isthat the true principle by which men can hope to becounted just is the faith principle. This is opposedto all other principles of justification. . .particularlyto the works principle (human merit) of the law ofMoses. Salvation is by 'atonement rather than by attainment'. We need time to fully appreciate its significance. One reason why it is difficult to graspis that the N.T. does teach that obedience is necessary. If something is necessary why does not human merit or human worthiness enter the picture?"

Quoting from What Is Meant I wrote: "The law of Moses was a legal system of law. Hence no salvation under it. Nothing but condemnation. Theydepended upon their own works of merit. Jesus lived a perfect life in order that law could be honored and kept. He then died to take all men out from undersuch a system and place them under grace. Toomany today are still depending upon the keeping ofa law system which they feel Jesus brought in placeof the Old Law. Not so! Or else we are doomed to failure as no man can keep a law system perfectly — yet such is the requirement. On the other hand — we are under law (remember Smith's charge?) As a rule of action and duty. But not under law as a system of justification. Faithful brethren have set forth this truth all my life and long before. Justification by law means perfect obedience! We must obey — love sees to that. The keeping of God's commands is but faith in our Savior expressed."

Quoting from Sons of God Through Faith: "Galatians is Paul's battleground against legalism. Those who charge Paul with being an enemy of obedience misrepresent him. But he was an arch enemy to the idea that men can be saved by a system of law or on The Principle of Law." I then quoted from a much respected brother concerning hisremarks about Romans three & four when he then said: 'The obvious contrast is between a system of works and a system of faith.' I then continued: "Paul always condemned a System of works as the correlative of a system of law. Therefore he opposed the idea of salvation by a dependence upon a law system for justification. Paul assuredly taught man's response to God's grace in Christ. It is being hintedtoday (hinted did I say?) that to teach what Pauldid is to deny, or at least, lead in the direction ofdenying the necessity of obedience. Well they did so accuse Paul! It is no surprise that such would now be done! We are not under law but under grace(Rom. 6:14). Justification is available upon either oftwo conditions or principles and only two. Law or faith! (Rom. 3:26; Rom. 10:4). A system of lawrequires works of merit and perfection. Hence brings death! Is that what Jesus did in dying? (I then discussed Gal. 3:8, 14, 18, 21-23). Don't accuse Paul of teaching the error of 'faith only'. But saving faith (trust in and reliance upon Christ as Savior) is always expressed in acts of obedience whenever requirements are made of that faith. Baptism is one such requirement and expresses the sinner's death to sin (repentance) and the new life into which one is tobe raised. Faith leads sinners to be baptized; yet Paul says that such acts of obedience is justification by faith. What else could it be? Saving faith always obeys".

Quoting from The Design of Baptism: "Why is the design of baptism rejected? It is in the false concept that baptism is a human work of merit, oneseeking to earn salvation instead of being saved byheaven's formula — by grace through faith. Paul denied that baptism is a work of human merit. Sinners cannot merit salvation (Tit. 3:4-5). Baptismis viewed in light of that system of faith by whichsinners become the children of God (Gal. 3:23-29).Baptism is pictured as that act of faith wherein thesinner is seen to be crawling on his knees seeking forgiveness (1 Pet. 3:31). Baptism is God's ordained act that embodies the sinner's trust in Christ as Savior and is the expression of that sinner's genuine penitence (Rom. 6:1-5). Baptism unrelated to thecross is nothing! This is the sin committed by thosethat rob it of its ordained purpose. Truly good works will follow 'the obedience of faith'. (Confusion existson this point of works & James two so I inserted astatement from another preacher on this point.) 'We in turn use James 2:20, 22, 24 and 26 to tell a non-Christian what to do to be saved! Surely we realizethe context here. James is saying that unless the Christian's faith is producing works (Eph. 2:10) orfruit (Jno. 15:5-6) that faith is dead (barren, useless)and James asks, 'Can that (kind of) faith save him?' No one needs to accommodate the word of God to prove any truth. God's word does not need our help.If it is the truth, God has taught it in his word. Let us just use those scriptures that God has given usto teach the truths that God has revealed to us' "

In another article I remarked: "Nothing new about it. Contending for The Faith by G. C. Brewer was published in 1941 while I was in College. I quote from his first article: 'The question may arise as to why the gospel is called the faith. It is because it is a system of salvation by faith. In this respect the gospel is different from anything thathad ever been offered to man up to that time orsince. The Jews had a system of law and this meantsalvation on human merit or worth. The gospelpresents a Savior who through his atoning sacrificetook away our sins and through his righteousnesscovers us with a robe of purity.' Later: 'There can be no wonder that the gospel is spoken of as thefaith, since faith is the ground of our salvation. Faith not works; grace not law; a gift, not an achievement. . .' Referring to Gal. 3:11-12: 'Here aretwo methods of living described. One lives by doing,the other by faith. Surely we will not preach thatman lives by doing today. Nothing we do has any merit in it. Our obedience deserves no reward. Our salvation is on the ground of our faith. Some reader may conclude that this would exclude obedience andmake any act of obedience non essential. Our friendsargue that since we are saved by faith and not bydoing, we do nothing. It is sad that they can notsee that the 'obedience of faith' is not works. Our obedience is not something added to faith but it isfaith itself: Faith manifested, faith actualized, faithmade perfect.' "

My brother feels I see a Legalist behind everytree. Hardly! But one would be foolish to say thereis no legalism among us. I quoted from one brotherthese exact and eye opening words: "If on the dayof judgement we cannot remember our lives on earth,how could God judge us? How could he bless uswith our eternal reward if we do not recall what we did to merit it? (Emp. mine) What good is a prize ifwe cannot remember having labored for it?"

I can multiply statements in complete refutationof these baseless charges. Space forbids more. He said one thing that brings joy — that is — these truths are gaining momentum over the country. Truly they need emphasizing in our day!

2920 Prairie Crk.

Dallas, Texas 75227

Page 7

BROTHER HARDIN CAN'T HAVE IT BOTH WAYS!

In this issue, we have an article by Arnold Hardinin answer to the article I had in the September issueregarding some positions he has set forth in hischurch bulletin, THE PERSUADER. I chargedbrother Hardin, in my first article, with believingBaptist doctrine with reference to one not reallyhaving to obey God to be saved as an alien sinner—and then not having to continue faithfulto God in order to go to heaven. Although in hisarticle he denies such charges and quotes from hisown writings as proof of his denials; he, as I charged him in my first article, like the Baptists,takes first one side of the issue and then the other. He says, "love will cause one to want to obey God."That is what every sectarian preacher I have evermet says with reference to obedience. But must weobey in order to be saved? That is the question.

The Baptist preacher says that if one loves theLord that he will want to obey Him. But whenasked if he must be baptized in order to be saved,he will say one who is trying to do right will wantto be baptized, that he ought to be baptized. Butwhen pressed further about the matter he will say,"surely the grace of God would not allow one to belost who was seeking to do the will of the Lord andwas on his way to be baptized and a tree falls on him and kills him."

Also, even though most Baptists will deny thatthey accept the consequences of the doctrine of"once in grace always in grace" (that a person cancommit every sin from murder to idolatry, neverrepent of these sins and still go to heaven), theystill argue that once one is a child of God that hewill want to do the will of God and seek forgivenessof his sins. But this is an evasion of the issue. For they still argue that once one is a child of God thatGod's grace will not allow him to be lost though hemay die without repenting of some sin.

I still charge that my statements concerningbrother Hardin are true. I have read many of thearticles that he has had on the subject of God'sgrace and the law of Christ, and he, at one time oranother, affirms both sides of the issue (thus thereason for his being able to go back to some of hischurch bulletins and pick out some statements hemade when he affirmed that side of the position).You can't have it both ways, brother Hardin! And whether he is deliberately doing it or not (I hope itis not deliberate), his conclusions do not agree withthe statements he has produced in this issue of Searching the Scriptures on the "other side" of the issue. Upon reading the following conclusions reached by brother Hardin, I ask you, our readers,to be the judge as to whether or not I have misrepresented him.

Below is a statement made by brother Hardin in a sermon preached in Lancaster, Texas in 1975. I amgiving the statement just as it was taken from the tape without any corrections in grammar, etc.

"Then there, in talking about some ofthese matters, I used the illustration that wehave heard through the years in debates. Aman has come to understand at least something about truth and he's on his way to be baptized and a tree falls on him. Now,brethren have been chided by Baptistpreachers and others, 'What would happen tohim?' I immediately note that the time my brethren have responded, 'He's bound straight to hell.' I'd like to know how youand I have been elevated to the point ofsuch judges. How we had, without a doubt,made such pontifical judgments upon humanbeings. I used that there in a meeting (inPhoenix, JTS) and I said, 'Look, if this manunderstands what God wants him to do and he's trying to do it and the tree falls on him,surely I worship a God tonight whose grace is extended to that man. I wouldn't lose an ounce of sleep with respect to his death, aminute."

Secondly, I call your attention again to a statement made by brother Hardin in his article"What Is Legalism?"

"So men teach that if we die with just onesin against us we will be eternally lost! Nothing is worse than such legalistic ideas.We ought to shun it like the plague!" NuffSaid!

THE NEED FOE HOME DISCIPLINE

Among the great lessons we can learn from Old Testament accounts is the attitude of God toward Israel in the matter of home discipline. An outstanding example of such is found in I Samuel,chapters 2 and 3, regarding Hophni and Phinehas,the wicked sons of Eli, high priest of Israel.

Eli was a great man in the service of God. Like somany men of prominence there seems to have been a weakness in the home. When a man is so busy inpublic affairs, it is easy to rob his family to help thepublic.

His two sons, both serving in the priesthood,reflect the weakness in Eli's family life. It is hard for the mother to do all of the rearing of children.The father's touch is also needed. By contrast, in the same context, note the proper development of Samuel, Eli's charge, who is said to have grown "in favor both with the Lord, and also with men" (I Samuel 2:26). Jesus in his youth is recorded as having so developed (Luke 2:52). Eli was in fact afather to Samuel. Combining the early influence ofhis parents, Hannah and Elkanah, with the continuing interest and influence of Eli, it is not strange that Samuel turned out so well. How many gospel preachers have exerted more influencefor good on others than they have on their own families?

The Sins of Hophni and Phinehas

A number of weaknesses are evidenced in the lives of Hophni and Phinehas, the sons of Eli. For onething they took the responsibility of their priestly office too lightly. It seems to have been purely ritualistic to them. The people came to offer sacrificein Shiloh for their sins. This was a serious thing. Itwas the requirement of God. But to these wicked sons it seemed like only another opportunity tostock up on good meat. According to God's arrangement, the priests were certainly entitled to partake of the sacrificial meat under stipulated circumstances. However, the meat was not to be jerked away from the sacrificer all at once until the purposes of God in the sacrifice had been served.They put the obtaining of the meat for their ownuse first. God put it second. Preachers today in thechurch have a right to their support in preaching thegospel but some leave the distinct impression thatsupport is first. Christ said the kingdom is first andthat things would come next (Matthew 6:33). Just as some today, Eli's boys had it all backwards.

They were greedy and in that greed they caused the people to sin as well as themselves. It was difficultfor the people to have the right attitude toward the sacrifice when they knew of the wickedness of thoseofficiating. It is bad enough to do wrong ourselvesbut when we cause others to do wrong it is worse.

Not only were Hophni and Phinehas intemperate in their desire for meat but they were also unrestrained in the matter of morals. They took advantage of their priestly office in seducing the women who came to the temple to commit fornication with them. How disgusting this was! Hypocrisy is a terrible thing. It has been the causeof many losing their souls. It not only was disgusting but it still is. Those who serve the Lordtoday in public capacity need to think about this.Let us not take advantage of the people while hiding behind the pulpit or in any other capacity.

Eli's Efforts To Correct Them

Eli's weakness as both a father and as high priestare apparent in this matter. Some fathers have such continued influence on their children throughout lifethat all through life a rebuke from them to correctsins will have the desired effect. My own father is such a man. If he should rebuke me now (I am afather and a grandfather) I have such a high regardfor him that I would have to consider what he mighthave to say. Knowing him, it is very likely that Iwould be wrong and in need of repentance.

However, Eli's sons were rebuked by their fatherfor their sins (I Samuel 2:23-25) and he was right.They had sinned greatly. They did not even deny their "evil dealings" with the people but obstinatelythey "hearkened not unto the voice of their father."They dishonored both their father and the Lord inrefusing to repent of their wickedness. Their consciences were hardened through the continuedpractice of sin.

God Punishes Eli

It is most noteworthy that Eli's ineffectivenesswith his sons in correcting their behaviour was regarded by the Lord as "iniquity". Later on the priesthood was taken from his seed and given toanother as punishment. Also both of his sons were slain in one day. God said, "For I have told himthat I will judge his house for ever for the iniquitywhich he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not."

Parental Discipline Today

In the New Testament in Ephesians 6:1-4 childrenare taught to obey their parents. Fathers are to "bring them up in the discipline and instruction ofthe Lord" (NASV). This training should begin immediately after the child is born. Parents need to practice what they preach and to preach what theLord wants practiced. Eli rebuked his sons but didnot restrain them. We wonder if this had been his pattern through the years, that is, no follow through. Parents, God expects us to follow through and exact obedience from our children. To rebuke a child and then let him continue to do as he pleases

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makes us guilty of iniquity as was Eli. The Lord expects parents to use proper means to effect obedience. Today we have a "Spock" generation nowgrown to adulthood. It is such a generation that afew years ago nearly tore our nation apart with their"grown up temper tantrums" and continued rantings to have their own way, right or wrong. These apparently had never learned the meaning of eitherrebuke or restraint as evidenced by their actions. We are just beginning to recover a little from this permissive period but just a little. We have a longways to go and much teaching to do.

Yes, we can learn a lot from the things written aforetime and in so doing avoid many pitfalls today.Let us pray that God will never have to punish usfor a failure to rebuke and to restrain our children as He did Eli.

ONWARD MARCH!

Music City continues to set precedents for other areas to follow in their onward march. When I say "Music City," I mean the liberal churches of Christ in Nashville. When I say "precedents" I mean for churches of Christ. All this is old hat for the denominations. When I say "onward march," I mean a march far beyond the line of that which is scripturally authorized.

On September 12, the Madison Church of Christdid it again. They outdid what they did last time,and they outdid what every other "church of Christ" has ever done so far as I've heard. According to their advertisements, September 12 was billed as "Sunday School Spectacular" and "Homecoming"for Madison. They set their attendance goal at 7,001, and according to news reports in the area, they were successful. 7,084 were in attendance onthat "Spectacular Sunday."

Now, how was that great crowd attracted? By thegospel? Apparently not, for such was not billed as an attraction in their brochures. No, the things advertised to draw the crowd were "SpecialEntertainment by Kitty Wells and Johnny Wright and Their Group (Sunday Afternoon, 2 P.M.), Dinner on the Ground, and Mementos 'of this historic day' given to each adult attending."

And then from the Rivergate Church of Christ,also in Madison, Tennessee, a suburb or Nashville, a letter was sent out by "Youth Minister" RandySimmons to the businessmen and companies in the area. Why were they writing to businessmen and

companies? Why, for donations of course! Hereis the unbelievable text of the letter:

"Dear Sirs,

"I am sure that you are aware of theterrible problem of juvenile delinquency and vandalism. Surely we all want to do our partin fighting delinquency and training our young children to be the leaders of tomorrow. We, at Rivergate, are helping fight this problem by bussing in little children to church five times a week. Of course, these little children are also gettingan opportunity to attend church and receive religious training. Almost all of these youngchildren are underprivileged and needsomeone to care for them. We do not want to see this opportunity to teach and train these young children be wasted. However, itis possible that in the near future this program could have to be stopped because of a lack of funds. This would be a tragedy!

"It is for this reason that we are contacting several local businessmen and prominent companies to ask for donations sothat we might continue this program. Anydonation that you would be able to sendwould be greatly appreciated. I realize thatmany companies and organizations reserve aplace in their budget for charitable causes and/or advertising. Certainly this is a charitable cause, bringing underprivileged children to church! Also, any company or organization that contributes will be recognized in our church bulletin which has alarge circulation. I am sure you realize thatthis could be great advertising for you. Ofcourse, all donations may be used as a taxwrite-off.

"It is our sincere hope that you may beable to help in some way. We hope to hearfrom you if possible. May God Bless You.

Sincerely,/s/ Randy SimmonsRandy Simmons,Youth Minister

P.S. Please make your check payable:Rivergate Church of Christ Special Youth Fundc/o Clifford Owens, Jr. or Randy Simmons"

I severed myself from the institutional movement

in the early '60's. But even with the warnings I

heard by faithful preachers, and the warnings I tried

to give, I never in my wildest dreams thought I

would behold these things in 1976.Now we have churches of Christ which are not

content to support their work by their own members

"laying by in store" upon the first day of the week

(1 Cor. 16:1, 2). Like the Catholics and the

Adventists, they solicit support from the world at

large.So far, so fast! "And whatsoever ye do in word or

deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,

giving thanks to God and the Father by him" (Col. 3:17). _____________________________

Mutilation of Body and Scripture!

Bob Buchanan reproduced in The Pekin (Ind.) Bulletin a UPI release from the Chicago Sun-Times,May 1, 1976. It reports that a 20-year-old man fromWindsor, Colo, said he was obeying the laws of God as set down in the Bible when he chopped off hisright hand and repeatedly stabbed himself in theright eye. "A meat saw, a knife, a hand ax and a Bible opened to the book of Matthew were discovered at the home."

"The Bible was open to a section that read: 'And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast itfrom thee: for it is profitable for thee that one ofthy members should perish, and not that thy wholebody should be cast into hell. And if thy right handoffend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee. . .' "(Matt. 5:29, 30).

As Bob commented, "The article shows the pathetic ignorance of some in properly understandingBible interpretation." Man is not made to sin by his fleshly members. It is that which proceeds forthfrom the heart which defiles (Matt. 15:18-20). The Lord employs figurative language in the above passage to show that anything which would be detrimental to our spiritual lives must be cut off and cast away.

This is the first time I've ever heard of anyone who couldn't understand that! Surely if anyone wouldqualify for the "fool hole" some of the old preachersused to talk about. . .

FIVE WONDERFUL THINGS

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto lif e" (John 5:24).

In this Scripture we have set forth several wonderful things. Let's briefly give some thought to each of them.

Wonderful Privilege — Hearing the Word

First of all, we have the wonderful privilege ofhearing the word of God. Think of the multitudes ofpeople who have never heard one gospel sermon oreven seen a Bible. How grateful we ought to be whohave access to the word of the Lord.

Consider what it is we have in the word of God.

(1) The word of God is effective. "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than anytwo-edged sword, piercing even to the dividingasunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Heb. 4:12). Notice the wordsquick, powerful, sharper, piercing and discerner. Indeed, God's word is forceful! (2) The word of God is incorruptible. "Being bornagain, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible,by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever" (I Pet. 1:23). When heaven and earth are no more, the word of God will remain (Matt. 24:35). (3) The word of God gives understanding."Through thy precepts I get understanding. . . .Thyword is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto mypath" (Psa. 119:104-105). (4) The word of God draws us to Christ. ". . .And they shall all be taught of God. Every mantherefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me" (Jn. 6:45). (5) The word of God comforts our hearts. In view of the fact that both the dead and the living willmeet the Lord in the air at his return, Paul said "comfort one another with these words" (I Thess. 4:18; of. Rom. 15:4).

No wonder David said the word of God is more desired than gold and sweeter than honey (Psa.9:10).

Wonderful Person — God

God sent Jesus to save mankind, even though man was undeserving of it. Paul wrote, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while wewere yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8).

The love of God was expressed through his mercy.He had pity for helpless, lost mankind and moved todo something to alleviate his suffering and misery.This was reflected in God's giving his Son to bringabout man's deliverance from sin. Paul said that God is rich in mercy (Eph. 2:5), and "according tohis mercy he saved us" (Tit. 3:5).

But before man's misery could be relieved, he had to have the cause removed, namely, sin. This is where God's grace intervenes. Grace, God's unmerited favor, pardons. (Cf. Trench, pp. 166-171)Grace saves (Eph. 2:5) and then man rejoices.

In the words of Paul, "Thanks be unto God forhis unspeakable gift" (2 Cor. 9:15). God is certainlya wonderful person.

Wonderful Possession — Everlasting Life

The text says, "He that heareth my word, and believeth (gospel obedience) on him that sent me,HATH EVERLASTING LIFE. . ." (emphasis mine,wew). This is present tense. The verse plainly sayswe have everlasting life now, although there areother Scriptures that teach we have everlasting lifein the world to come. Hence, there must be a sense in which we have eternal life now and a sense in which we do not have it until later.

My conviction is that when a person has access tothe spiritual life in Christ, he has everlasting life.

This life is not time stretched out but is a kind of life. John wrote, "In him was life" (Jn. 1:4). Jesus said, "I am the bread of life" (Jn. 6:35). Paul statedthat Christ is our life (Col. 3:4).

Jesus declared, "And this is life eternal, that theymight know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (Jn. 17:3). If we knowGod and Christ (in covenant relationship) we haveeternal life. We read, ". . .and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him" (I Jn. 3:15). The implication is that a faithful, loving brother does have eternal life abiding in him. Compare further, John 3:36; 6:47,54; I Jn. 5:13.

In another sense, eternal life is future. Jesus said,". . .and in the world to come eternal life" (Mk. 10:30). Paul wrote, "In hope of eternal life. . ." (Tit. 1:2). We do not hope for that which we already possess (Rom. 8:24). Cf. Rom. 6:22. Hence, there is some sense in which we do not have eternal life now. The sense is set forth in Rom. 2:7. The verse states, "To them who by patient continuance in well doingseek for glory and honour and immortality, eternallife." The glory and honor and immortality of heaven, we do not have. We get these as a final reward (Matt. 25:46).

Now our life is dependent on abiding in Christ.But then, in heaven, we will have life in our ownright. It could be compared to a baby and its mother. Before birth, the baby is dependent on theumbilical cord of the mother, but after birth, the baby has life in its own right. So it is, spiritually,with the Christian.

Wonderful Promise — No Condemnation

Jesus promises the believer that he shall not comeinto condemnation. This is a guarantee of a believer's security. Several other passages set forththis grand promise that our souls are safe in Christand the Devil toucheth us not.

What we must always remember, however, is thateternal security is conditional. Listen to Peter whenhe writes: "Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed inthe last time" (I Pet. 1:5). God keeps us through faith. What if one loses his faith? He is no longerkept by God. The writer of Hebrews declared that abeliever can become an unbeliever (Heb. 3:12), andwhen a believer ceases believing, he departs fromGod and opens his heart to the Devil. One can wreck his faith, cast off his faith and have his faithoverthrown (I Tim. 1:19; 5:12; 2 Tim. 2:18). Peter states we resist the Devil stedfast in the faith (IPet. 5:9).

Observe that in John 5:24, Jesus said the one who hears the word and believes on God shall not come into condemnation. What about the man who quitshearing and believing? He stands condemned!

Wonderful Passage — Death To Life

He that hears and believes has "passed from death unto life." Man is dead in sin. All have sinned (Rom. 3:23) and the soul that sinneth shall die (Ezek. 18:20). Paul wrote, "And you hath hequickened who were dead in trespasses and sins. . .

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened ustogether with Christ" (Eph. 2:1,5). When God regenerates a man dead in sin, he gives him life,everlasting life, that emanates from Christ (I Jn.1:1-2).

It is in the act of water baptism where this newlife is received (Rom. 6:4). Paul said "we are buriedwith him by baptism into death." We all realize thatwe bury dead people, not live people. In baptism, those dead IN sin are buried. Then they are raised to walk in newness of life. They are now deadTO sin. When an honest and sincere person hearsthe word of God and believes, he will be baptized asGod teaches. Here is faith in action and he thereby makes the wonderful passage from death to life.

In conclusion, let me point out that the Lordbacks up this great text with "verily, verily," meaning it is firm and sure. If we have done what Jesus says in this verse of Scripture, with all of itsimplications, we can rest assuredly as to where westand.

HELP AN EIGHTEEN YEAR OLD

In January, 1960, Searching the Scriptures was born to Brethren H. E. Phillips and James P. Miller. After a few years Brother Miller sold his financial interest in the paper to Brother Phillips.For thirteen and one half years Brother Phillips edited this paper until he had to give it up forhealth reasons. For the past three and one half years Brother Connie W. Adams has ably edited the paper. Next month, January, 1977 Searching the Scriptures will turn eighteen. This eighteen year oldcan use your help.

(1) Brother Adams assumed thirteen and half years of debt the paper had incurred when he tookthe editorship in June of 1973. He has had the burden of not only paying off the debt of the pastbut of printing the paper and keeping the debt fromgetting higher. Without the help of the Lord andgood brethren this could not have been done. (2) I hope no one will think I am boasting, butrather just stating a fact, when I say that I probably know as much of what is involved in producing the paper as anyone, except Brethren Phillips and Adams. I have said that in order to saythe following.

In the last few years several papers have been started by brethren. Those of us connected with Searching the Scriptures wish any paper well that

will teach the truth. However, a simple businessprinciple is that brethren are going to subscribe toonly a limited number of them. Brethren in generalcan not read, much less pay for, all the papersprinted by brethren. I subscribe to the ones fromwhich I receive the most profit. I suppose others doabout the same.

However, of those papers started some are in realtrouble, I think, and I wonder if they can survive. I hope they can but I am just stating some cold, hard facts of the paper business among brethren. I amglad to observe with the readers that Searching the Scriptures stays on schedule. This says somethingfor the business attitude that Brother Adams, withthe help of his family, have toward the paper.

(3) How can you help this eighteen year old?First, when you receive a notice from Brother Adams, send in your payment promptly. If it costseveral dollars a year to send one notice, think ofwhat it will cost to send two or more.

Second, send a list of names with your check forpeople you know would profit from reading thepaper. There are people who will read the paper ifyou will send it to them. Think of the good you cando each month for the price of what most peoplewill pay for a carton of cold drinks every week. Ifeach person who reads this would send in just oneother subscription besides his own, the circulationcould double this next year. For $5 per month youcan send the paper to 15 of your friends. For whatcould you spend $5 each month that would do moregood?

It would help this eighteen year old if brethrencould understand the nature of its operation. Brethren sometimes get the wrong idea about apaper. They think that it is a money making operation, in spite of the fact they are told that it isnot and in view of the fact that the early years ofthe paper put a man in debt several thousand dollars. If Brother Adams had to pay full price foreverything that had to be done with the paper, itwould almost be impossible to publish it, even forall the good it does. He and him family spend manyhours on the paper with a minimum of pay, if anyat all. Just because several thousand dollars are handled each year does not mean that it is profit. Brethren, the last thing on earth one needs, if hisdesire is to make money, is a paper like Searching the Scriptures in which the truth is presented.Papers teaching the truth will not make editors rich.

Let us get behind the effort to teach the pure word of God through this medium, let those of usbehind it stay behind it, for an indifferent attitudecould cause it to cease. Don't wait until this eighteen year old is sick or near death to help it.Help it in the strength of youth.

THE LANGUAGE OF THE NEWTESTAMENT

Though the original language of the New Testament was Greek, there are other language "currents" to be found in the original text. Thisphenomenon is well illustrated by the inscription onthe cross of Jesus: Luke 23:38 states that the inscription was written in "Greek, Latin, and Hebrew."

This article, and perhaps another, will giveattention to the linguistic influences that may beseen in the original text of the New Testament.

The Latin Influence

In the New Testament, the presence of words ofLatin origin is not unusual in light of the fact thatLatin was the language of the army of occupation ofPalestine at the time of the writing of the New Testament. Furthermore, Latin was, of course, theofficial language of the Empire. In fact, all scholarlydocuments continued to be written in Latin for several centuries subsequent to New Testament times.

Some New Testament words that come from the Latin are "centurion," "colony," "denarius," "legion," "praetorium," etc. It has been shown that the term "Christian" has the usual Latin termination; consequently, the term is commonlyreferred to as a "Latinism."

The Hebrew Influence

In the English translations of the New Testament,the term "Hebrew" is perhaps to be understood as "Aramaic," which was the vernacular of the Palestinian Jews, whereas "Hebrew" was the language of the synagogue. Some of the words of Jesus are simply transliterated from Aramaic intoGreek, as Talitha, cumi, "Damsel, arise," and Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"

The influence of Hebrew in the Greek New Testament basically involves the influence of Hebrewon the writers of the Septuagint, and, in turn, theinfluence of the Hebrew, through the Septuagint, onthe writers of the New Testament. For example, theprimary meaning of the Greek word nomos, "law,"is "precept," "ordinance," etc. The Hebrew word which the Septuagint translates as nomos means much more than simply a single ordinance or statute. Are we to understand, therefore, that theGreek word nomos in both the Septuagint and theNew Testament partakes of this Hebrew

background? A similar point is made in reference tothe Greek word metanoeo, "repent," and ekklesia, "assembly," "church." Both of these Greek words are used extensively in the Septuagint and, of course, in the New Testament.

THE SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

O. E. Watts

"But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun ofrighteousness arise with healing in his beams — ." (Malachi 4:2. "His" per KJV; "beams" per ASV, margin.)

Closing. Thus the last of God's prophets of old predicted that another sun would come up. The Jewsknew that it was figurative. This was just as thewhole book was being finished. Only a prediction about the forerunner was to follow as Jewish prophecies ended and the curtain for that act camedown.

Figure. It was fitting that our brightest lightshould be used to prefigure the greatest light andforce in God's spiritual creation. "The sun" which rose every day was used to represent "the Sun of righteousness" who was to "arise".

Blessing. All men have realized how important "Old Sol" is. Ignorant ones worshipped "him" not knowing of and contrary to the teaching inDeuteronomy 4:19 and Ezekiel 8:16-17. But those whom God enlightened praised Him who "preparedthe light and the sun" (Psalms 74:16). They thankedthe one who had "made great lights" and whose ever-enduring lovingkindness caused "the sun to rule by day" (Ps. 136:7-8).

Among the chief physical blessings for which wepraise our Maker every day is the joy of being inthe sunshine. We join the Preacher in saying (Eccl.11:7), "Truly the light is sweet and a pleasant thingit is for the eyes to behold the sun". We, too,realize what it does for us. The "glory of the sun"(1 Cor. 15:41) is indeed marvelous.

Expectation. It was logical that to men's minds the Lord should use the familiar "day lamp" to illustrate the greatness and the brightness of Another to come. "Sun of righteousness", He said.His people then watched for a brilliant light-giver toappear in the moral and spiritual sky.

Healing. Sunshine kills germs. It makes children healthy. It cleanses and heals and strengthens. In some of the ways in which men know that its raysbenefit, they cannot tell why. Long ago Malachiused these truths, too. All of the repairing and remedial work of the Savior was wrapped up in theprediction, "with healing in His beams"

To guide. Four centuries later the father of John the Baptist also was inspired. He, too, foretold thatJohn would be the forerunner (Luke 1:76-77). He then stated that it would be:

"Because of the tender mercy of our God With which the Sunrise from on high shall visit usTo shine upon those who sit in darkness and theshadow of death To guide our feet into the way of peace." Prominent inthis prediction are the two words expressing the purpose, "to guide". Nothing is so essential for walking properly as is light. It is hard for us to pickour way with our feet step by step in darkness. Jesus came to give us light for proper guidance and direction.

The Sun Came Up. The One foretold came into the world. The sun of righteousness arose. He is the"light of the world" (John 8:12), both lighting andenlightening men (1:9). In his warmth and light mencan bask or rejoice (John 5:35) even as young animals romp and frolic in the sunshine (Malachi4:2b). His example and teaching give clear directionsto guide our feet into the way of peace.Light Sprang. The coming of Jesus Christ into acertain region was explained by Matthew 4:16 to bethe fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah 9:2, "The people that sat in darkness Saw a great light

And to them that sat in the region and shadow ofdeath

To them did light spring up."His teaching dispelled the darkness of ignorance and the shadow of the fear of death. The healing in hissunbeams banishes sin, guilt, and suffering whereverthey shine or are applied.

"Sun." Please consider the following poem writtenby this writer some time ago:

Jehovah promised that the rising Sun

Would overcome the darkness of the night

Of human ignorance. And so that

One Arose to bring the blessedness of light.

For lack of light men wandered from the way

Of right into the paths of wickedness.

To give them guidance in a bright new day

God's Son became the Sun of righteousness.

To grant to us forgiveness for our sin

With all the love that pardons and redeems,

To cure the illness of the guilt within

That Sun arose with healing in His beams.

We thank God for the blessings of our every-day sun. How much more should we praise Him for the benefits that are ours through His great "Sun of righteousness."

Box 895

Craig, CO 81625

A. A. GRANKE, JR., 1 Cherokee Street, Sumter, South Carolina 29150 — The first year here in Sumter has been fruitful with sevenbaptisms and thirteen restorations. For this we are grateful to God. The week of September 20-24, Jere Frost was here for a debate with Flake Braswell (that's his real name), who styleshimself the Temporal Head of the True Light Church of Christ. His church is a small denomination indigenous to the Carolinas. The debate centered on the completeness and sufficiency of the Scriptures as our guide, and the truth and reliability of TrueLight prophets (Braswell included). Jere did a masterful job in defending the truth. Guy Roberson moderated for him. There are prospects for future debates. MAX DAWSON, Courtland Avenue, Kokomo, Indiana— We have had seventeen baptisms and four restorations to this date for theyear. The work is progressing well. Two men were ordained elders in March of this year (Mason Vint and Tom Gibson). We have also finished our building program. The congregation now standsstronger than anytime in its history. John Belcher was with us in a meeting in October. JIMMY TUTEN, 111 S. 19th Court, Dade City, Florida 33525 — I recently conducted a gospel meeting for the church in Lilbourn,Missouri. The meeting was August 30-September 4 and the at

tendance and interest was excellent throughout. One was baptized during the meeting. The brethren at Lilbourn are looking for a preacher. They prefer a middle-aged man but would consider a young man. Anyone interested in moving to the bootheel of Missouri where the prospects for growth are great and a finegroup of brethren are willing to work with a sound preacher should contact C. T. Palmer, 1334 Davis St., New Madrid, Missouri 63869 or phone him. At Dade City we have recently baptized two out of denominationalism and had two restorations.Our work is beginning to move well after the summer slump. When in the area, worship with us.

THE WORK IN NORWAY BILL PIERCE, 159 W. Collins Avenue, Hillsboro, Ohio — Duringthe two weeks of September 17 — October 1, I was with brethren in Norway. Because of the oil drilling in the North Sea, many Americans are now living and working in Norway. In Stavanger,there are about 3,000 Americans and this city has become the oil center of Scandinavia. Among these Americans, there are several members of the church—brethren who differ concerning the work of the church, but who are determined to work together while inNorway in an effort to reach the Norwegian people with the

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gospel. They rent a nice meeting place on Gamleveien 53 and meetthere along with Norwegian brethren. Two years ago, Tom Bunting and I spent three weeks in Norway and met some of these brethren then. They invited me to work with them in a meeting preaching both in Norwegian and English. The largest crowd was 45 with 32 different Norwegians coming to both English and Norwegian services. Richard Walker is working with this group.

I left for Bergen, where I spent a few days visiting with Norwegian Christians. Among those in Bergen, but who presently lives on an island out from Bergen, is Bjorn Havneraas. Bjorn is aschool teacher and is the only Christian on this island. The church here in Hillsboro has allowed and encouraged me to edit a monthly Norwegian paper, called Evangeliets Kail, and Bjorn is coeditor of this. We have a correspondence course in Norwegian,which was re-approved by the State and Church Dept. in Oslo while I was there, and Bjorn will be taking care of this, plus sending out tracts and answering questions, etc. He is a fineyoung man and is very much interested in getting the truth to the Norwegians. We have 39 Norwegians on our mailing list now receiving Evangeliets Kail. We hope this will grow and be an effective tool to spread the truth in Norway. The future for the Norwegian work looks better now than it has for many years. Pray for this work.

TO THE PHILIPPINES WALLACE H. LITTLE, P. O. Box 297, Peru, Indiana 46970

— As some know, I spent two years (1966-1968) in the Philippine Islands on military duty. At that time, I met and learned to loveand appreciate a number of faithful gospel preachers and others beloved in the Lord. I was also privileged to help some with their work in His service. In 1973 with brethren Frank Butler and JadyCopeland, I was back on a month-long preaching trip. Since then, the Filipino brethren have been pleading with me to return, and I have been urged to do so also by U.S. brethren.

God willing, I plan to be there in February, March and April,1977. On our 1973 trip, we spent most of our time in lectureship-type teaching in the larger cities. This was effective in encouraging large numbers of brethren, and quite a few aliens were converted too. But as Leslie Diestelkamp pointed out after his 1975 visit, it misses saints not living in these cities. The 1977 trip considers both groups. The first two months are scheduled in the countryside barrios; the last in the cities with large concentrations of believers. Paul J. Casebolt of Paden City, West Virginia plans to join me there for this last month. Possibly another brother will be with me for the first part.

This will be an expensive trip, particularly because of the high cost of the necessary travel while there. The brethren here in Peru, Indiana where I peach have graciously agreed to continuemy support while I am away so my family's needs will be provided. I would appreciate hearing from those interested in assisting me with the trip expenses. May I hear from you on this soon? ALLEN G. KRAMER, 710 West College, Roswell, New Mexico 88201 — The work at Roswell is off to a good start. The church here has a great potential. We are starting a personal workprogram this week to edify the members and instruct them on doing personal work. We get a list every month showing new comers to the city of Roswell. Two have recently come out of the liberal church to stand with us for the truth. The W. Carl Ketcherside "Unity" movement is really in a big way out here in the liberal churches. Please pray for us that we may grow in wisdom and courage and for a ready remembrance of His word.

PREACHERS NEEDED

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — A faithful gospel preacher is needed for the only conservative church in the Charleston area. A mature, experienced man is needed for a congregation of 55-60, about half of which are military and transient. At present all support can be furnished. Write to Ashley Heights Church of Christ, 2605 S. Oakridge Circle, Charleston Heights, SC 29405.TAYLORS, SOUTH CAROLINA — The church in Taylors (asuburb of Greenville) is seeking a mature, well-grounded man tolabor as a full-time evangelist with 35 members. Full support can be arranged. Contact Roger Pink (803) 244-7252, or Ken Kelly

(803) 235-6725, or write Taylor's Church of Christ, Box 506, Taylors, SC 29687.SELMA, ALABAMA — A sound gospel preacher is wanted towork full-time with approximately 40 Christians in Selma, Alabama. Partial support is available. Interested persons pleasecontact Claude T. Adams, 530 Merrimac Place, Selma, Alabama 36701. Phone (205) 872-7156.NEWPORT, ARKANSAS — The brethren at the Airbase congregation are in need of a full-time, sound gospel preacher. Weare self-supporting, including a three bedroom dwelling. Those interested should contact Benny Payne, 2901 Dewell Street, Newport, Arkansas 72112. Resident phone is (501) 523-3830 and business phone is (501) 523-3952.

WORDS OF LIFE

For many years James E. Cooper, 5794 Butler-Warren Rd., Mason, Ohio 45040 has published weekly an excellent small paper to teach the non-member. It is called Words of Life and may besent to a list of prospects for 5c each. That is for a list of at least 25 which will be mailed directly by brother Cooper. We heartily recommend it.