I DO NOT . . .

The church of the Lord is a special and separatebody of people who are not only "called out" of the darkness of the devil's kingdom, but also called "into the kingdom" of the Son of God (Col. 1:13). It is probable that many professed Christians today do notplace the emphasis upon the meaning of "into the kingdom of His dear Son" that should be there. There is too much negative emphasis sometimes andnot enough positive teaching on the obligations ofbeing in the kingdom of Christ. By negativeemphasis we mean the teaching against things that are wrong such as drunkenness, stealing, lying, etc. Itis right to teach against sin in all places, but there is more to the word of reconciliation than what we should not do. To many people all that the religion ofthe Lord means is not to do things that are evil andimmoral. "I am a Christian because I do not cheat in business, I do not lie to my fellowman, I do not . . .I donot ... I do not ..."

Cornelius was a man who did not do these evil things, and he even did many of the good moralduties of man, but he was not a Christian simplybecause he did these things. It is only a part of the work of a Christian to oppose wickedness. He mustnot do these evil deeds, but there are some things hemust do because he is in the kingdom of God. Just toemphasize the negative does not make one a Christian. In fact, in some instances one's sin might consist in "I do not."

Being called into the kingdom of God involvessome duties that are often minimized. There is just one hope of this calling (Eph. 4:4); it is the prize ofthe high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:14); itis an holy calling (I Tim. 1:9), and we must be partakers of this holy calling (Heb. 3:1); we mustgive diligence to make this calling sure (2 Peter 1:10).

Called into the kingdom of Christ involves severalpositive and aggressive actions on the part of those socalled. We are called into fellowship of Christ (I Cor. 1:9). Fellowship means partnership and working together with Christ. Paul said we are workers together with God; we are fellow-heirs with Christ.John said the basis of this fellowship is to walk in thelight (I John 1:3, 7). This walking requires positive action—more than not walking in the way of the wicked. We are to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called (Eph. 4:1). This calls for meekness, longsuffering, forgiving, loving, keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (I Peter3:9; I Thess. 2:12).

We are called to liberty, yet this liberty is not tobe used to destroy the work of God. Liberty from sinand its consequences and from the works of the law,which could not save, does not permit us to engage inactions that cause weak brethren to stumble and fall into sin. But we are called into the liberty to serveJesus Christ. While enjoying the liberty from sin and the works of the law of Moses, we are bond servantsof Jesus Christ and must do his will in all things.

In Colossians 3:15 we are called to let the peace ofGod rule the heart. This is not peace at any price; itis not peace with the evil forces because we are toldto "fight the good fight of faith" (I Tim. 6:12). In fact, this fight is with all forces of evil, including "spiritual wickedness in high places" (Eph. 6:12).There is no peace with spiritual error, in the church or out. This fight is not with the carnal sword, butwith the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God(Eph. 6:17). We are to be aggressive with the word ofGod and fight all battles for the faith once for all delivered. Keeping peace of the Spirit involves a fightwith all false teachers and forms of spiritual errorwherever they are found, but the peace of God—thatpeace that comes from God by obeying His word—must rule our hearts. This is an objective ofour being called into the kingdom of God.

In I Peter 2:9 we are told that we are called to "show forth the praises of him who called us." To show forth the praises calls for something more thanjust "I do not do . . . " It includes worship as well asa life of godly living. It is by our "good works" thatwe give praises to God. 2 Peter 1:3, 4 teaches that wegive glory and virtue in conducting our lives in accord with the living word of God. I Thessalonians 4:7shows that holiness is the objective of this callinginto the kingdom of God. This forbids the wickednessthat the world practices, but it also demands thoseactions that are in harmony with divine nature ofwhich we are to be partakers.

Paul and his company knew that the Spirit hadcalled them to Macedonia to preach the gospel to thelost (Acts 16:10). The calling into the kingdom ofGod requires us to be teachers of the word of God.The lost of this world can be saved by no othermeans than to preach to them the gospel of the Sonof God, which is the power of God to save whenbelieved (I Cor. 1:21; Rom. 1:16). We cannot leave this to others to do because as a citizen of the kingdom I must do the work for which I have beencalled, and this includes teaching the word to others.

Let us strive to be aggressive in doing those thingsthat are pleasing to our God as we oppose all evil.

LOOKING FOR LOOPHOLES

Human law is fallible. Many a known criminal hasbeen set at liberty through some legal technicality, some "loophole" in the law. Divine law is perfect. "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul:the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise thesimple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure,enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean,enduring forever: the judgments of the Lord are trueand righteous altogether. More to be desired are theythan gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter alsothan honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them isthy servant warned: and in keeping of them there isgreat reward" (Psa. 19:7-11). The gospel is called"the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus" in Romans 8:2. Paul said we are "under law to Christ" (1 Cor. 9:21). We are reminded that "if a man strivefor masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strivelawfully" (2 Tim. 2:5). Concerning the new covenantGod said "I will put my laws into their mind, andwrite them in their hearts" (Heb. 8:10). James saidthe blessed man is the one who "looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein" (Jas.1:25). John told us that "sin is the transgression of the law" (1 Jno. 3:4).

In spite of the whinings of certain among us whoare well advanced toward shipwreck of the faith andwho are sounding the way sectarians have alwayssounded when they lash out against what they call"legalism", God DOES have a law. It is as perfect asthe lawgiver. Disregard for that law is a reflection ofdisrespect for the author of it. When Jesus sent thedisciples out on the limited commission, he said "Hethat receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receivethme receiveth him that sent me" (Mt. 10:40). We arethe blessed recipients of divine revelation. That revelation is the "gospel of the grace of God" (Acts20:24). It is an objective standard by which all shallbe judged in the last day (John 12:48). It is calculated to make the man of God "perfect, completely furnished unto every good work" (2 Tim.3:16-17). It contains "all things that pertain unto lifeand godliness" (2 Pet. 1:3). It is God's only antidotefor sin (Rom. 1:16-17). The revelation of this systemof truth was not inspired by human merit but bydivine grace. But divine favor is conditionallyreceived. It is possible to frustrate the grace of God(Gal. 2:21) and for those who have come into divinefavor to fall from grace (Gal. 5:4).

God requires obedience to his law. Jesus said "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enterthe kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will ofmy Father which is in heaven" (Mt. 7:21). In answerto the question of the Jews on Pentecost, "Men andbrethren, what shall we do?" Peter said unto them "Repent and be baptized every one of you" (Acts 2:37-38). The Son of God learned obedience and "became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him" (Heb. 5:8-9). The divine promise is that at the second coming of Christ he will take "vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2Thes. 1:8). It is not for man to sit in judgment uponGod and determine what is just or loving. God is thepotter and we are the clay. "But we are sure that thejudgment of God is according to truth against themwhich commit such things" (Roman 2:2).

Pardon For the Alien Sinner

God's plan of redemption, made possible by theblood of Christ, calls for the alien sinner (one who isnot in the family of God) to believe the gospel, repentof his sins and be baptized for the remission of thosesins (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38). These were the conditions of the Great Commission to be preached inall the world until the end of time. But this does not suit the fancy of many religionists. They must somehow find a loophole in the law of the Lord. So,they set forth hypothetical cases designed to arousehuman sympathy and ending in a blatant denial ofwhat the will of God states in plain language. Theytell us about the man who believes in Christ, hasrepented of his sins and while on the way to be baptized has the misfortune of being killed by a limbfalling on him. Or, the young man in his foxhole intime of war who is wounded and calls on the Lord to save him then and there when there is no chance for him to be baptized. And what of Floyd Collins,trapped in a coal mine? What of the man who decides to be baptized while out in the desert wherethere is no water? Would not a little sand sprinkled onhim be all right since his intentions were good? Allof these cases are supposed to prove that "he that believeth and is NOT baptized, shall be saved." Butthat is not what the Lord said. Those who bring upsuch cases want gospel preachers to make them aloophole in the law of the Lord and preach pardonwhere none was divinely offered. But, is there not achance that God will show clemency? If so, he hasnot revealed it in his word and we are not at liberty tospeak for God. Faithful servants of the Lord donot preach loopholes. They tell the sinner what theBible says and call upon him to practice that. It is on this basis that God offers his grace.

Pardon For the Erring Child

God has a second law of pardon for erring childrenin his family. When Simon, who believed and hadbeen baptized, tried to buy the power of the HolySpirit with money, he was rebuked for his sin andtold to "Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, andpray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart maybe forgiven thee" (Acts 8:22). In 1 John 1:9 we aretold "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to

forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." As the children of God, we stand continually in need of the cleansing power of theblood of Christ. John said that is granted on thebasis of confession of sin. Now, that is what the wordof God says. Some today are having much to sayabout "sins of ignorance" or sins for which one doesnot repent. They have resorted to .the false position ofthe perfect, imputed righteousness of Christ. The Bible teaches that the one to whom God does not impute sin is the one forgiven. If God forgives his children on any other terms than repentance,confession and prayer, then we would appreciate it ifsomeone would introduce the passage of scripturewhich so states. The truth of the matter is that these fellows who advocate this are not concerned about the danger of "perfectionism" as much as they are about finding a loophole big enough to drag in the instrument of music, Premillennialism, institutionalism and you name it. It is presumptuous to search forloopholes in the law of the Lord and hold out thepromise of salvation on less than what God requires.Loopholes have a way of enlarging themselves. Theold saw which says "nobody is perfect" is supposed to be elastic enough to include every digressivepractice and speculative movement which those whochaff under divine law can invent.

Moral Loopholes

I am willing to affirm that it is sinful for a Christian socially to drink intoxicants. It used to bethat any member who advocated social drinking wasregarded as extremely dangerous and most certainly worldly in attitude. It was unheard of to find a preacher who advocated such. Not any more. Now wehear brethren say, "Now, I don't advocate social drinking, but if a man comes home from work andsits down with a cold bottle of wine or beer from his refrigerator, who can say he does wrong?" Well, thiswriter, for one. What is the purpose of this casebeing introduced, if not to find a loophole somewhereto justify the social use of intoxicants?

"Oh yes, I am against fornication, but now if acouple is REALLY in love and intends to marryanyhow, then what is wrong with their having sexualrelations?" There again, this rationalization seeks a loophole in the law of the Lord which plainly says"Flee fornication" which is a sin against the bodyand which is a work of the flesh which will keep oneout of heaven (1 Cor. 6:18-20; Gal. 5:19-21).

"Of course, I am against immodesty, but what iswrong with a decent mini-skirt, or respectable hot pants when the weather is warm?" "Decent" miniskirts and "respectable' hot pants are as nonexistent as fried snow balls. This is the Devil's ploy to make sin appear acceptable. It is a search fora loophole in the law.

"O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps" (Jer. 10:23). Proper respect for divine wisdommanifests itself in humble submission to the will of the Lord. His commandments are not grievous. It is high time to stop searching for loopholes and offeringpromises which the word of God does not make.

CORRECTIONS

The article, Crumbling Foundations, in theMay, 1976 issue was incorrectly ascribed to Eugene Britnell. Ken Green wrote the article. Our apologies to him for this error.

In the editorial "And See How They Do" in the June, 1976 issue, the bottom line dropped off in both columns on page 3. Column oneshould end with the sentence "At 4 A.M., this young man's brother came bringing someone else to "put on Christ in baptism." The second column should end with the sentence "Some are sound asleep as to the dangers of the "gracefellowship" controversy and some are not disposed to even admit there is a problem."

Also, eight page numbers are missing at thebottom of the page in the June, 1976 issue. Thiswill only be a problem to those who buy boundvolumes or save theirs to have bound. These were all printer's errors which we regret. Our apologies to the readers.

COGDELL'S "CAMPAIGN FOR CHRIST"REVIEWED — No. 1

I have before me several pages of material thatwere sent to me by the editor of Searching The Scriptures, Brother Connie W. Adams, with the request that I review it for publication in this paper.I gladly accept my assignment.

The material is by Brother Gaston D. Cogdell of Cincinnati, Ohio, and was written in defense of theClifton Church, for which he preaches, becoming a"sponsoring church" for the purpose of sponsoring a"Campaign for Christ" in 1976 in the Cincinnati area.We will not respond to everything Brother Cogdellhas said, but will try to focus attention on some keyissues. Since the time of the "sponsoring church" in modern times, a new generation has grown up among us and they need to know what is involved in the"sponsoring church" arrangement. It could not be defended by the word of God in yesteryears andBrother Cogdell cannot defend it by the word of God now. If he thinks he can, I am willing to sign fairand representative propositions with him for a discussion of the issues involved. I am sure there are any number of gospel preachers in the Cincinnati areathat also would be glad to do so.

Misrepresents

One of the tactics of error is to misrepresent itsopposition. I have never minded someone tellinganother what I believed and taught as long as herepresented me correctly. However, if someone can bemade to look ridiculous in what he teaches, then fewpeople will pay attention to him. This is one of the things Brother Cogdell does.

He charges in his material that those of us who oppose the "sponsoring church" kind of church cooperation are following the "doctrines and traditions of men", that we would "make a spastic—paralytic out of the Body of Christ", that we are guilty of "hypocrisy" in the claim that the "sponsoring church" is unscriptural, that we share in "the shameful, poisonous, devilish, soul-destroying rupture between us" and are opposed "to orphan's homes, Christian colleges, Bible classes," and "church literature". However, Brother Cogdell's charges do not make it so. Brother Cogdell, I callupon you to name one person who opposes an orphan having a home. Who is it that opposes schoolsoperated by brethren? Just who is opposing teaching the Bible in classes? It is strange that brethren who are charged with opposing "church literature" write,print and circulate so much of it if they are opposedto it. I am not opposed to these, and while I do notintend to speak for them, I do not think the editor of this paper or my fellow regular writers are so opposedto these things. It is easy to turn ears away from thetruth by misrepresenting what truth says. BrotherCogdell, calling us "critics" will not establish Bible authority for the "sponsoring church".

Clifton "Sponsoring Church"

Brother Cogdell tells us that "money is being sentfrom the various participating congregations to theelders at Clifton, and a committee of representativesfrom those same congregations has been formed tohelp plan and implement the plans for the Campaign". This "committee" is to "advise and assist" and each member of this "committee" is under the authority of the elders of the various congregations he represents". We are further told,"The elders of the sponsoring church have sole finalauthority in all matters, and the decisions of the Campaign Committee are all subject to the approvalof the overseeing eldership, but the Committee itself is not under the authority of the overseeingeldership".

The funds from the contributing churches "are placed in the name of the Clifton Church of Christalone" yet these funds we are told "are under the control of the elders of those respectivecongregations". Now, if you think you are confusedabout this matter, so am I. Clifton Church has "solefinal authority" over these funds, yet at the sametime it is claimed these funds are "under the control of the elders of those respective congregations". Thecontributing churches claim control of the funds; the"sponsoring church" claims control over the funds. Who really has control of the funds? Do they really even know? If they really know, why are two different groups represented as having control of thefunds?

Brother Cogdell thinks this "sponsoring church"arrangement is scriptural since the "funds are given voluntarily." If the funds were coerced or givenvoluntarily, in either case they are surrendered toanother church, and, thus, lost to the control of thegiving church. A thing is lost whether taken by force

or given. The Methodist Conference exercises its control over Methodist Churches by force. BaptistChurches claim their autonomy since they surrendertheir control voluntarily. Brother Cogdell thinks because churches agree to give away funds that theyhave not lost the control over them. He and the Baptists make the same argument and for the same reason. (More to Follow )

THAT CRYSTAL BALL AGAIN

Self-ordained prophets are becoming more brazen intheir predictions. A few years ago the criticism wasjustly leveled that they made their predictions insuch generalities that they could usually find something they could claim as fulfillment.

No more!

At least not among some. The well-known seer,Jeane Dixon, has "prophesied:"

1. That Jimmy Carter will be the next Presidentafter a photo-finish race against Ronald Reagan.
2. That both President Ford and Reagan will faceassassination attempts—and the President will be wounded.
3. Ford will be plagued by betrayal, domestic woesand a health crisis and will resign.
4. Nelson Rockefeller will become "Caretaker President" for several months, until a new Presidenthas been elected.

In elaboration of point three, Mrs. Dixon claims that Ford faces betrayal by a trusted staff memberwho'll embarrass the President by revealing his plansconcerning a foreign country.

"This betrayal of trust will cause several men inhigh places to leave their jobs in disgrace," she declared (National Enquirer, March 30, 1976).

So we cannot accuse Jeane Dixon of talking ingeneralities. This just shows that Mrs. Dixon realizesmillions of Americans are so gullible they'll follow her whether her predictions are fulfilled or not.

Along the same line, The Nashville Tennessean,April 3, 1976, recounts the "divine warning" by awoman prophet in Guatemala named Mrs. Dulce Maria Garcia.

Mrs. Garcia, who claims she foresaw the earthquake which devastated Guatemala in February, has predicted that Florida will be inundated by a tidal wave in April.

As a result, some 70 Cuban-Americans have fled Florida, leaving homes and jobs, to settle in Camden,Tennessee.

I sure do appreciate such zeal and devotion to religious professions. Wish we had more works coupled with faith among us!

But so confident am I that "that which is perfect" has come (1 Cor. 13:10) and prophecies have now failed or ceased (v. 8) that I'm predicting on thisthird day of April that Florida will not be devastatedby a tidal wave this month. If such has happenedwhen you read this, my new address will be Camden,Tennessee. I'll be interested in learning what else the lady knows.

Then there's the "prophetess" who claims to be in touch with the Martians. They are supposed to landJuly 4. I bet they'll come secretly!

The Name of the Game

From the "Pro-Life-Line," Citizens Action Committee, Santa Ana, California, comes this moving short story of a nurse who wept:

"Nurse, will you come in here and measure themass in that bowl there?"

"Yes, doctor."

The nurse walked to a bowl at a table in the surgery of a Los Angeles hospital. She looked down and gasped. Her stomach churned. She began to weep. There was a perfectly formed child; seven inches long. Hair on the head. Fingernails, eyes, nose, mouth. The body still warm.

The doctor came over. "Are you ill?" he asked the nurse. She wept; her body shook, "That's a child. How can you say that's not a child?" she asked."I didn't know you were so emotional," the doctor remarked.

"How can you say that's not a child?"

"I don't know," he snapped. "I never look."

That's the way the game is played. The name of the

game is ABORTION. Even the Atheists are Lukewarm!

Jesus said He had rather one be either cold or hot than lukewarm (Rev. 3:15, 16). If He will spue thelukewarm Christian out of His mouth, what will bethe end of the lukewarm atheist? We do not ask for information, but out of amazement.

A recent UPI release from Dallas, Texas reportsthat Madalyn Murray O'Hair has quit. She plans tojoin the ranks of apathetic atheists. The news articlequotes the unofficial leader of American atheists assaying:

"I quit. Anyone who desires to take over leadership of the American atheist community canhave it.

"For 13 years the Christian community in the U.S.has abused and brutalized me. On the other side of the coin, the American atheist community has neversupported me."

So there you have it folks. It almost seems thatMrs. O'Hair believes she has been treated wrong.That her fellow atheists had some kind of moral obligation to come to her aid. Such statements getdangerously close to suggesting that there is somekind of standard of fair play and right-wrong.

Well, in my opinion, Mrs. O'Hair has been the oddball all along! I never have seen anything inatheism to get excited about. It's still the lukewarm Christians I can't figure out.

I cannot leave this point without musing that neither the lukewarm atheist nor the lukewarm member of the church will remain lukewarm for long(Luke 16: 23, 24).

On the March

The Ensign Fair is a monthly paper printed by the Farley Church of Christ in Huntsville, Alabama. Though purportedly "sponsored" by that church, it is sent out by subscription, $2.00 a year, and contributions from both individuals and churches are solicited.

In the December, 1975 issue, the results of a "Church of Christ Survey" which was recently conducted by the Christian Worker (another monthly, edited by Loyd Connel of Tulsa, Okla.) were presented. The survey covered only the state of Oklahoma, but Editor R. L. Kilpatrick says, " . . . their findings are very close to the national averagefor churches of Christ."

Perhaps our readers will be interested in seeing how "on the march" our liberal brethren are in the areas of benevolence and evangelism. The author, Flavil R. Yeakley, Jr., cites a 1973-74 nation-widesurvey which found that "the average congregation ofthe church of Christ was spending less than 3 percentof its budget on any kind of benevolent work and justa little over 2 percent of its budget on mission work.If our giving has increased enough to keep pace withinflation, the average contribution per member perweek is probably closer to $5 today. If these nationwide figures hold for Oklahoma congregations,then we probably have a total state-wide contributionof about $20 million per year—but only $600,000 ofthat going into any kind of benevolent work and only$400,000 is going into mission work. That may soundlike a lot of money, but what it means is that theaverage member of the church of Christ in the state of Oklahoma is giving less than 15 cents per week tohelp the needy and less than 10 cents per week tosupport mission work."

What has happened? We were told by the liberalbrethren a few short years ago that the churches areobligated to relieve benevolent needs, not only of itsindigent members, but of the world!

There was no reasoning with them. It was futile tosuggest that if such be the responsibility of churchesof Christ, we could spend every penny contributed insuch an endeavor, and have nothing left to supportthe preaching of the word, and our contribution torelieve poverty and social ills would not be a drop inthe bucket!

If the survey is correct, (and after all, the liberalspublished it) the average member of the church ofChrist (institutional) in Oklahoma is contributingbetween $4 and $5 a week to the church, and a grandtotal of less than 25 c of that, is going to benevolent and "mission" work.

How many of us would be willing to contribute farmore than that each week if we could erase the terrible division we've suffered in the Lord's bodyand say, "We're working together in the unity of the Spirit." But as some of the old-timers used to say,orphan homes and the Herald of Truth is not the issue and never was. It's just the horse they rode out on. The issue is whether we shall abide within the boundaries of God's authorized will.

I'll repeat it again: "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God.He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hathboth the Father and the Son" (2 John 9).

HOW DOES GOD MAKE HIS MESSAGEKNOWN TODAY?

by J. T.

Smith

There are various and sundry ways proclaimedtoday, by those who are religious, as to how Godmakes known his message for us today. Many saythat God speaks directly to them, or as Joseph Smith claimed, that God led him to some special platesgiving further instruction or revelation for us in addition to the Bible.

Bible

1. God's ONLY Book. (2 Pet. 1:3; 2 Tim. 3:16-17)
1. God's Way Given To Man. (Heb. 1:1-2)
1. Fathers—Patriarchs
2. Prophets—Moses
3. Jesus—Apostolic Era
4. Through a study of God's Word. (2 Tim. 2:IS)
1. Promise Made To Abraham. (Gen. 12:3)
1. Law added till seed should come. (Gal. 3:19)
2. Law Taken Away. (Col. 2:14)
3. First Covenant Not Faultless. (Heb. 8:7)
1. Must Know What God Has ForUs. (Rom. 15:4)
1. Christ's Disc. — IF We Continue In His Word. (John 8:31-32)
2. Testament of Force AFTER men are Dead. (Heb. 9:16-17)
1. Therefore, We Must Know:
1. Who is Speaking
2. To Whom He is Speaking
3. What Subject He Has in Mind
4. When it Took Place
1. God Warns Us Not To Go Beyond His Word. "Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, Hath Not God." (2 John 9)

Point number one in the above chart shows us what book we are to use in matters of religion; andwhat is provided for us today. In 2 Pet. 1:3 we read,"According as his divine power hath given unto us allthings that pertain unto life and godliness, through

the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:" Thus everything that God wants mankind toknow and do is revealed in the one book—THE BIBLE. The Bible points out (1) where man camefrom, (2) what he must do while living here on earth,

(3) and where he will be in eternity.

Also, Paul wrote to Timothy and said, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and isprofitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, forinstruction in righteousness: That the man of Godmay be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all goodworks." Thus when we take into account these two passages of Scripture, we must realize that God hascompletely furnished us with a book that revealsevery good work that God wants his people to perform.

How May We Know?

In Heb. 1:1-2 we read, "God who at sundry timesand divers manners spake in times past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last daysspoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointedheir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds."Now man has a complete revelation from God thatwas given by Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.Jesus told the apostles, "Howbeit when he, the Spiritof truth is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak from himself; but whatsoever heshall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show youthings to come" (John 16:13). Notice that Jesus saidthe Spirit would guide THEM into ALL truth. Nowdid the Spirit do what He was supposed to do, or did he fail to do what Jesus said He would do? Or, didthe Spirit guide them into All truth, but they didn't, or wouldn't, preach ALL THE TRUTH. Yes, myfriends, we HAVE everything we need to take us toheaven. "But," you may say, "how do we know whatGod wants us to know"? Paul told Timothy, "Studyto shew thyself approved unto God, a workman thatneedeth not to be ashamed rightly dividing the wordof truth" (2 Tim. 2:15). Hence, today the word is notgiven directly to man; but God hath given His Book,the Bible, for us to study that we may know what hiswill is for us.

What Part of the Bible Is Applicable Today?

In Gen. 12:3, God made a promise to Abrahamthat through his seed, all nations of the earth wouldbe blessed. In Gal. 3:16 Paul tells us that the "seed" was Christ. However, this in no way places on mantoday, obedience to the specific things that God toldAbraham to do that he might be saved.

After God spoke directly to the people in Abraham's time Paul said the Law was added because of transgressions till the seed (Christ) shouldcome to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:56). The lawof Moses was not faultless (Heb. 8:7), and thusChrist came to fulfill the Law of Moses and nail it to the cross (Col. 2:14). "So," someone may say, "youdo not believe that the Old Testament is worth anything." Now, before you jump to any conclusions,let's let the Bible explain what value the Old Testament has for us.

First of all we know that the ten commandment law is not binding on us today. Paul said,"Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead tothe law by the body of Christ; that ye should bemarried to another, even to him who is raised fromthe dead, that we might bring forth fruit unto God"(Rom. 7:4). "But," someone asks, "how do you knowhe is talking about the ten commandment law"? Iknow, because in verse seven Paul identifies the lawabout which he is talking. It is the law that says,"thou shalt not covet" (Rom. 7:7). "So," you mayask, "what benefit then is the Old Testament today"?In Rom. 15:4 we read, "For whatsoever things werewritten aforetime were written for our learning, thatwe through patience and comfort of the scripturesmight have hope."

What Does God Require of Us?

We are now living under the "perfect law of liberty" (James 1:25). And James says, "But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueththerein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer ofthe work, this man shall be blessed in his deed."What, then, does this perfect law of liberty require ofus? Jesus made it very plain. "If ye continue in myword, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shallknow the truth, and the truth shall make you free"(John 8:31-32). Christ's will or testament went into effect when the testator (Christ) died (Heb. 9:16-7).Hence today, we are to be guided by the New Testament for it furnishes us unto "every goodwork."

HEARTS MUST BE RIGHT

Following the death of Stephen the persecution ofsaints in Jerusalem intensified. It is said that Saul made havoc of the church, entering into every houseand committing men and women to prison. The effectof this cruelty was a scattering of the disciplesthroughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, exceptthe apostles. Among these was Philip who went toSamaria where he preached Christ. Among thoseconverted was one Simon, a sorcerer. "Then Simon himself believed also; and when he was baptized, hecontinued with Philip, and wondered, beholding themiracles and signs which were done" (Acts 8:13). There can be no denying that he was in fact aChristian; however, subsequent circumstances turnedthe heart of Simon away from the Lord.

Upon hearing of the success of Philip in Samaria,the apostles which were at Jerusalem sent unto themPeter and John. The purpose of this was that the newconverts might receive the Holy Ghost by the layingon of the apostles hands (of. 8:14-18). It is to benecessarily inferred that only the apostles had thepower of giving the Holy Ghost to others since Philiphad not conferred such a gift and Peter and John hadto do it. Simon was apparently among the number sofavored with the rest. However, he wanted more. Namely, the "power that on whomsoever I lay hands,he may receive the Holy Ghost" (8:19). His offer ofmoney was rejected and his spirit was rebuked asPeter said, "Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may bepurchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lotin this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sightof God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, andpray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee" (vs. 20-21). Here is the key to theproper relationship to God; attitude, the condition of one's heart. Simon's was not right, it was not ruledby the right spirit and attitude, thus the indictmentof Peter.

There are several factors which enter into a condition of heart that is not right in the sight ofGod. The word "overcharged" is descriptive of one such condition and attitude. "And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, andcares of this life, and so that the day come uponyou unawares" (Lk. 21:34). Most will identify the circumstances in this context as relating to the destruction of Jerusalem. The principle is ever applicable, however. The end

result of the attitude here considered is to be unprepared and lost. Jesus here says "take heed to yourselves" which impresses the personal aspect. Theguard and care required in maintaining the rightheart in order to salvation is a personal thing. Theelders of the Ephesian church were admonished by Paul to, "Take heed therefore unto yourselves" (Acts20:28). First attention, not only by elders but by all,must be to self before there can be any measurablesuccess in behalf of others. This conclusion is further complemented in the statement of Hebrews 2:1,"Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heedto the things which we have heard, lest at any timewe should let them slip."

Take heed "lest at any time your hearts be overcharged." Overburdened and weighted down by the physical and material things of life, is the thought here. The heart and life so burdened, soengrossed, has no time for the things of the spirit. In our own day and time this is the most obvious explanation for the unwillingness of many to serve anddevote themselves to the things of the Lord. The anxieties of daily living leave no room for the Lord.The word "surfeiting" is from a term which signifiesthe giddiness and headache resulting from excessivewine-bibbing, a drunken nausea (W. E. Vine). Theidea is obvious, enamored with the physical, mundane things of life, one is completely overwhelmed.

Upon these the day of the Lord will come "as a snare." Again, we hasten to point out that the Lordis specifically dealing with the destruction of Jerusalem. However, the principle here developed iswithout question deserving of a broader application.We thus conclude that this overcharged heart will atthe Lord's coming, finally, as was the case with Hiscoming in the destruction of Jerusalem, trap men inthe snare of insufficient preparation and unreadinessfor that coming.

The unforgiving heart is not right with God. Forgiveness from God is in part predicated upon ourwillingness to forgive our fellows. In the model prayer of Jesus, he taught, "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors" (Matt. 6:12). Brethren need to recognize that offenses will comebut such ought never be allowed to develop into abreech. When they do such indicates that Satan is incontrol of someone, maybe everyone. A basic consideration is in the offering in Matthew 18:15-17,"Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee,go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone:if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee oneor two more, that in the mouth of two 'or three witnesses every word may be established. And if heshall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church:but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be untothee as an heathen man and a publican." If an offense is serious enough to talk to any one about it isserious enough to talk to the offending brother about.Resolving differences is a two-way street involving all parties. This threadbare and time-worn phrase, "I amoffended" is the most overworked statement in some brethren's vocabulary. Most of the time such only involves petty grievances produced by ruffled feelingswhich are too childish to talk about. The immaturityreflected in this kind of attitude is among the saddestof commentaries on the way of Christ. Most brethrenwould do well to tuck their feelings in if they areeasily pricked and pursue a course of forgiveness andseek forgiveness. The unforgiving heart is not rightbefore God and invariably reflects a disposition whichmars the beauty and happiness of the relationship of the citizens of the kingdom. Indeed, the unforgiving heart is not right before God.

"But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day ofwrath and revelation of the righteous judgement of God" (Rom. 2:5), introduces the third factor whichmakes for a heart not right before God. Repentance isthe resolute determination of mind to quit sin. It isillustrated most forcefully in, "But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to thefirst, and said, Son, go work today in my vineyard.He answered and said, I will not: but afterwardhe repented and went" (Matt. 21:28-29). Herein is impressed a condition of heart which must be maintained. God has calculated that keeping in constant remembrance the factors responsible for repentance in the first place will aid if not accomplishthis. Paul credits the "goodness of God" with leadingto repentance (Rom. 2:4). That goodness must certainly comprehend all that God has done from thesending of His Son to die to the publication of Hiswill and the preservation of it. If these factors willproduce repentance, and they will, keeping them inconstant remembrance will maintain the tender condition of heart originally in evidence. The impenitent heart has cast out the factors responsiblefor repentance. It is no longer touched by the factof God's goodness but rather hardened to the appealof the gospel. In this condition of heart and the life itproduces there begins to be a delight in wickedness.This is the line of argumentation followed by Paul inthe opening chapters of Romans as he identifies theGentile first and then the Jew as being in sin, finallyclimaxing in the indictment of both. The heart that cannot be brought to repentance, that does not maintain a penitent posture is not right with God.

While the factors noted are but representative theyare sufficient to enable the drawing of a most vividconclusion. As Simon was in the "gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity" destined to perish with the money offered in payment of a measure of the HolySpirit not intended for him, so it is with all whosehearts are not right with God. God be thanked thatthere is a remedy for the heart not right, "repent andpray God if perhaps the thought of thine heart maybe forgiven thee." May God help us.

PERSONAL INTERPRETATION—NO. 3

This is the third and last in a series on the personalinterpretation theory. I used Billy Sunday Myers as atake off, since he took the position that no preachercould "preach the word", only his personal interpretation of the word. Myers, was pressed hard indebate when he espoused this position. Many believethis diabolical doctrine but have not been pressedenough to admit it. Any person who believes that apassage may be made to teach conflicting doctrineswith the approbation of God must believe the theory.

When the early church had a confrontation over circumcision and eating meat sacrificed to idols, thematter had to be settled by inspired men. The recordsays, "And certain men which came down from Judeataught the brethren, and said, except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot besaved. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, theydetermined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem unto theapostles and elders about this question" (Acts 15: 120). They sent to Jerusalem and received the following reply from the apostles and elders, "Andthey wrote letters by them after this manner; Theapostles and elders and brethren send greetings untothe brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: Forasmuch as we have heard, thatcertain which went out from us have troubled youwith words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye mustbe circumcised, and keep the law; to whom we gaveno such commandment" (Acts 15:23-24).

Now, I want to affirm that this matter was either' black or white, there was no room for gray! The apostles either authorized the judaizing teachers orthey did not. The text says they did not. But someone might say, preacher, what if a person sayshe could not understand either the law or the explanation of the apostles with reference to the law. My answer is that such a person is either lying ornot accountable. Of the first, he must repent; if thelatter he has no problem.

This brings up the next challenge. Some have argued that the early church was in a much betterposition than we. It is argued that when controversies arose, they could send up to Jerusalemand ask the apostles and thus the matter would besettled. For your information, that did not settle thematter with some. They just challenged the authorityof the apostles! But someone says, wouldn't it be nice to send up to Jerusalem and get the apostles to settlesome of these HARD questions in the church? Forexample, we could ask them who is right on the hatand hair question, the war question, the invitationsong question, the funeral and weddings in churchbuilding question, the college question, the fellowshipquestion, the cooperation question, etc. Kind friend,before we raise too many questions, I have somegood news. The apostles have already answered all ofthese questions for us. If we respect the silence of thescriptures, they are all answered! This is what makesthe Bible a complete revelation. We call it plenaryinspiration, from the Latin work plenus which meansfull or complete.

Madalyn Murray O'Hair, an atheist, from our LoneStar State is actively engaged in trying to destroythe Bible. We know what she is trying to do becauseshe shows her true colors. However, any person whobelieves the "personal interpretation" theory is destroying the Bible, but in a subtle way. I had muchrather deal with a Madalyn O'Hair than one who claims to believe it with one breath and then destroysit with another.

It is said that Harry Truman had a sign on hisdesk, "The buck stops here." I must insist that allcontroversies stop at the Bible. All one has to do toget the answer to his question is be honest! If heisn't honest when he gets his answer, he will notaccept it. Gentle friend, if you have a question whichtroubles you, write it down and send it to the apostles in Jerusalem; you will get an immediate response. Just pick up your Bible and you have theanswer. Yes, indeed it is a complete revelation.

In one of the warnings addressed to the church atCorinth, Paul said, "Neither be idolaters, as weresome of them; as it is written, The people sat downto eat and drink, and rose up to play" (1 Cor. 10:7).

In these words the apostle Paul sounded a sternwarning against the age-old sin of idolatry. It is awarning that is just as much needed today.

Man is a worshipping creature by nature. The instinct to reverence, or pay homage to some objector being that he considers higher than himself, or tohave some objective that he regards as the mostimportant thing in life, and for which he will makealmost any sacrifice, is as natural to man as hungerand thirst.

So whether it be in the steaming jungle of thetropics, or in the frozen regions of the north; whetherin civilized or uncivilized countries; whether it be the savage in his crude hut, or the rich man in his palatial mansion, man worships some one or something. It may be his effort to serve with godlyfear the God of the universe, or it may be his effortto achieve some ambition, or to reach some goal inlife. But man worships. Idolatry is simply misplacedworship—directed toward the wrong object.

Idolatry assumes various forms. Primarily it refers to the worship of images. The writer of Acts described the city of Athens as being "wholly givento idolatry" (Acts 17:16. K. J. V.). The evidence wasin the great number of images that Paul saw throughout the city (verse 23). That is just one formof idolatry, however. In our text Paul defined idolatry as the feasting and revelry that accompaniedthe worship of the golden calf. Sometimes idolatry isused with reference to the importance that one ascribes to the satisfying of the sensual appetites.Paul spoke of some "whose god is the belly" (Phil.3:19). Sometimes the term idolatry is used to describethe sin of covetousness. Paul spoke of "covetousnesswhich is idolatry" (Col. 3:5).

The Bible has much to say about the sin of idolatry. God has always hated it. Especially wasthis true in his dealings with Israel. God had separated them from the other nations, and had madethem a holy nation (Exodus 19:6). He pictured therelationship between himself and Israel under thefigure of husband and wife (Jeremiah 31:32). Thus heregarded idolatry in Israel as the infidelity of a wifeto her husband (Jer. 3:20).

When God thundered forth the Decalogue frommount Sinai, the first two commandments prohibitedidolatrous worship (Ex. 20:1-5). Time after time throughout the law of Moses these prohibitions wererepeated (Leviticus 19:4. 26:1, Deut. 16:21, 22).

With the memory of all God's goodness to them indelivering them from slavery, and awe-striken by thevoice of God as he spoke to them from mount Sinai(Ex. 20:18, 19), one might well suppose that Israelwould not so soon have fallen into sin. But it is a characteristic of man that the lessons of life are soon forgotten, and gratitude soon gives way to a feeling of independence. Scarcely had the echoes of Sinaidied away than idolatry reared its ugly head inIsrael. Impatient at the long delay of Moses in themount, they demanded of Aaron that he make them agod that they could see. This led to the episode of theworship of the golden calf. It was but the first ofmany occasions of idolatrous worship in Israel, andbecause of which God finally allowed them to betaken captive to Babylon where they remained forseventy years.

The New Testament Picture

With such a background, showing God's intensehatred of idolatry, it is not surprising that we findthe New Testament punctuated with exhortations andwarnings, forbidding Christians having any part inidolatrous practices. It will be recalled that Paul saidthat God had "left the nations (Gentiles. M. B.) towalk in their own ways" (Acts 14:16). Thus when Christianity was introduced, and while the New Testament was being written, idolatry was firmly

rooted in the religious life of the Gentiles. It was, we might say, the official religion of the Roman empire.

Thus one of Paul's first tasks as he went out preaching the gospel of Christ, was to turn men fromthe worship of idols to the worship of the God ofheaven "not like unto gold, or silver, or stone, gravenby art and device of man" (Acts 17:29). Then, asnow, religion was often commercialized, and the riotin Ephesus that almost cost Paul his life was instigated by the silversmiths who made their wealthfrom the manufacture and sale of images of the goddess Diana (Acts 19:23-25).

Because many of the Christians of Paul's day hadcome from an idolatrous background (1 Cor. 12:2), it was necessary that they be constantly warned and admonished lest they return to their former mannerof life. The words of the text at the beginning of thisarticle are but one of many such warnings. Down inthe fourteenth verse of the same chapter, Paul said,"Wherefore my beloved, flee from idolatry."

In 2 Cor. 6:14, Paul said, "Be not unequally yokedwith unbelievers." He gave a number of reasons inthe form of a series of rhetorical questions, one ofwhich was, "What agreement hath the temple of Godwith idols?" (verse 16). In Gal. 5:19, 20 he classifiedidolatry as being a work of the flesh. In Eph. 5:5 hesaid, "For this we know of a surety that no fornicator, nor unclean person, nor covetous man whois an idolater hath any inheritance in the kingdom ofChrist and God." Finally the writer of Revelation locates the destiny of idolaters as being "in the lakethat burneth with fire and brimstone; which is thesecond death." (Rev. 21:8, 9).

In an article to follow we shall discuss the presentday application of the above scriptures, and some ofthe idols that are commonly served.

THE ISRAEL OF GOD

_Norman_E. Sewell Is modern-day Israel the Israel of God? Many ofour friends and neighbors have become convincedthat modern-day Israel is fulfilling the prophecies made concerning God's people of long ago. I believethere are two fairly simple points to be made whichwill show the fallacy of at least this portion of themillennialist argument. Modern-day Israel cannot fulfill the land promisemade to Israel of old, because that promise and prophecy was fulfilled a long time ago. Notice, please, Joshua 21:43-45, "So Jehovah gave unto Israel all the land which he sware to give unto theirfathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein.And Jehovah gave them rest round about, accordingto all that he sware unto their fathers: and there stood not a man of all their enemies before them; Jehovah delivered all their enemies into their hand. There failed not aught of any good thing whichJehovah had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass. " Surely, if all had been fulfilled asinspired scripture plainly says, there can be no morefulfillment of this prophecy today or in the future. IIChron. 9:26 tells us of Solomon: "And he ruled over

all the kings from the River even unto the land of thePhilistines, and to the border of Egypt. " This is exactly the land promised to Abraham's seed in Genesis 15:18. There can be no doubt that the land promise was fulfilled, and modern-day or future earthly Israel cannot fulfill that which has alreadybeen fulfilled.

But, who is the Israel of God today? Paul wrote inRom. 9:6, ". . . for they are not all Israel, that are of Israel". In other words, not even all of physical Israel are of God's spiritual Israel. The point is further clarified in verses 24-26, "even us, whom he also called, not from the Jews only, but also fromthe Gentiles? As he saith also in Hosea, I will call them my people, which were not my people, And herbeloved, that was not beloved. And it shall be, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are notmy people, There shall they be called sons of theliving God. "The idea of a SPIRITUAL ISRAEL is further taught by Paul in Romans 2:28-29. "For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly; neither is thatcircumcision which is outward in the flesh: but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is thatof the heart, in the spirit not in the letter; whosepraise is not of men, but of God. " God's man todayis not necessarily a Jew physically. In Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek (Rom. 1:16; 3:29; 9:24; 10:12; I Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11; and Rom. 2:9-10). The Israel of God is not physical, but spiritual, not based upon a physical birth and nationality, but on spiritual birth.

Herbert W. and Garner Ted Armstrong in theirradio and T.V. broadcasts, and in their printedmaterial suggest that there is a difference betweenthe Jews mentioned in the passages above and Israel. However, this can be shown to be in error when we view a few passages in the New Testament.The disciples were sent to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matt. 10:5-6). Mark tells us thatJohn the baptizer preached to those who came tohim from "all the country of Judea, and all they ofJerusalem" which would have been the Jews according to Armstrong's ideas, but Paul says that John preached to "all the people of Israel" (Acts13:24). When John tells us of Nicodemus coming toJesus we are told that he (Nicodemus) was a ruler"of the Jews"(John 3:1), but Jesus refers to him in verse 10 as a "master (teacher) of Israel". We further learn that those who were scattered abroad upon thepersecution that arose regarding Stephen travelledto several places, "speaking the word to none save only the Jews" (Acts 11:19), but Peter speaking inthe house of Cornelius, Acts 10:36 says the word was sent to "the children of Israel". We also find that on the day of Pentecost "Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven." (Acts 2:5), but when Peteraddressed them he called them, "Ye men of Israel" (Acts 2:22). While there was in the Old Testament period of time a difference between those who werefaithful (JUDAH) and those who went

astray (ISRAEL) in New Testament times, the distinction is no longer recognized. (BY THE WAY,JUDAH EVENTUALLY ALSO WENT ASTRAY). The Israel of God today is SPIRITUAL,not physical, consisting of Jews and Gentiles, "to wit, that the Gentiles are fellow-heirs, and fellow-members of the body, and fellow-partakers of thepromise in Christ Jesus through the gospel" (Eph. 3:6).

If these two main points are both true, (1) that theland promise to Israel of old was fulfilled, (2) and that the Israel of God today is spiritual, not physical, those two points alone do irreparabledamage to the man-made theories about modern-day Israel. Salvation is offered by Christ, to thosewho obey Him. This relationship makes one a part ofspiritual Israel, having become a Jew inwardly, and having been circumcised in heart and not in theflesh.

I am deeply indebted to a special issue of the Gospel Guardian, dated July 24, 31, Aug. 7, 1969for much of the material in this article.

2020 Vivion Road Kansas City, Mo, 64118

EMPTY CHAIRS

The hostess has toiled,Most of the week,Preparing a feast,To pass critique.The house is clean,The silver is shining,The table is set,All ready for dining.

The time has come,For the guests to appear.She's anxiously waiting,Their knock to hear.

But no footsteps sound,On the silent stairs,So she's left to serve,Empty chairs.

The preacher has toiled,Most of the week,A spiritual feast,He hopes to bespeak.With time and deep feeling,And always with care,He's studied and researched,Spent hours in prayer.The time has come,It is the Lords day,The sermons begun,Without delay.But his eyes are saddened,When he looks out there,For he's left to serve,Your empty chair.

Dody Gibson Kokomo, Indiana

THE CHARMS OF POLITICAL LIFE

Some gospel preachers at various times during thepast one hundred and fifty years have been attractedto politics. A few of these, with varying degrees ofsuccess, have actually entered the political arena toseek some public office. Gen. James A. Garfield is perhaps the most outstanding example of achievement in this field. While he took a liberal interpretation of the Restoration, he was a gospelpreacher and continued to preach occasionally afterhe became a congressman from Ohio in 1863. He waselected president on the Republican ticket with Chester A. Arthur in 1882. Other gospel preachershave sought less honorable positions on the federal,state, and local levels of government. But most gospel preachers over the years have recognized thatthere is no higher calling than serving Christ andthey have been content to live out their lives inrelative obscurity while serving the Prince of Peace.

It is believed by some serious students of his lifethat Alexander Campbell possessed the qualities ofcharacter that would have made him an outstandingstatesman, had his interests been in the direction ofpolitics. The only elective political office he ever held was a representative of Brooke County in the Constitutional Convention of Virginia in 1829. He served with such men as James Monroe, James Madison, and John Tyler. He was also acquaintedwith Henry Clay and other political leaders of hisday. But politics held no appeal for Campbell.

In a letter to Col. Charles S. Morgan, a friend andfellow delegate to the Constitutional Convention, heexpressed his view of the subject. He wrote: "I am conscious that many are infatuated with the charmsof political life. They never have any for me, and never will have any. I view mankind of a higherrelation than as a subject of taxation, or as a name on the muster roll. I view him as one who may beimmortal, a citizen of heaven, and a priest of God. Ihave more pleasure in thinking on man's eternal destinies, or in reading one section of the Oracles ofGod, than in all the splendid schemes of earthlyambition and political grandeur." (Quoted from LouisCochran, Christian Standard, July 15, 1967, p. 9).

We believe that Christians may hold elective political office and that it is possible for them toconduct themselves as Christians should while occupying such a position. But we are also persuaded that the church is better off spiritually when gospel preachers refrain from political infatuation and devote

their time and talents to the gospel. We are also persuaded that the individuals themselves are better off.Campbell's view of the matter is certainly worth seriousconsideration, to say the least.

DEATHS ROSS O. SPEARS—With sadness we report the death of this well-known and much loved gospel preacher. Brother Spears was workingwith the church at Kettle, Kentucky but passed away at his farm near Butler, Missouri after completing a gospel meeting in Kansas City.Brother Spears was not only a capable preacher but also a talentedsinger and was often called upon to direct singing in gospel meetings. This writer shall never forget the night in Tampa in 1974 when Ross O. Spears led singing with about 1,000 peoplepresent. He led without a book, and the audience sang that way, anumber of old songs of Zion. We saw tears in the eyes of many ashe led us in Rock of Ages, On Jordan's Stormy Banks I Stand and Standing on the Promises. He was always a delight in the socialcircle, one of the best with a humorous story. Perhaps no tribute tohim is more fitting than that which appeared in the STATE GAZETTE of Dyersburg, Tennessee on June 29, 1953 as the editor of that newspaper took notice of the Spears family leaving Dyersburg.We quote part of the editorial."Dyersburg as a whole joins with members of the Church of Christin regretting loss of Ross O. Spears as that congregation's minister."Mr. Spears' connection with the church was severed yesterday, hisresignation early in May having brought to a close ten years and onemonth of service as minister of the church and to the Dyersburg community. He has served both well, able and untiringly and thoseamong whom he goes now to labor are certain to find themselves as fortunate as we who deeply appreciate his contribution to the community............................................." 'On the Air' every Sunday evening except during the summermonths, ever since WDSG was activated, he was Dyersburg's oldest radio minister from point of service. His listening audience waslarge and he will be missed by it as well as in his own pulpit and the community life . . . ."Unlike many, he leaves Dyersburg not in search of a larger congregation to serve but in answer to a challenge he has givenhimself — service to a much smaller church with the hope andbelief that he can increase its membership and its usefulness to thecommunity in which it is located. Few men want changes unlessthey bring what the world looks upon as a promotion — from thesmaller to the larger — but in going from a church with a large membership to one with a smaller group, Mr. Spears actually is assuming a greater responsibility in his plans to build up themembership and increase the size of the congregation and therefore itis a promotion to a greater task. He has accepted the challenge andknowing his ability, his love of the Lord's work and his keen desire tobe of every possible service to everyone, it is certain that his effortswill be crowned with the success they so richly deserve."Our sympathies are expressed to sister Spears, their son Dudley Ross, gospel preacher, and to other members of the family.

MAY JOHNS—This beloved sister, second wife of the late J. S.Johns, passed away on May 9, 1976. Upon moving to Winchester,Ohio in 1952 she set about to establish a faithful church in that community. She was successful in teaching several members of herfamily and with the help of brethren from the Blue Ash congregationwho preached, taught Bible classes, led singing and did personal work,the work was started, meeting first of all in the home of sister Johns until a building was erected and occupied on August 3, 1958. On October12, 1961 she married J. S. Johns, gospel preacher whom she hadknown since 1937. She was 64 and he was 90 at the time of their marriage. He continued to preach until the week before his death onJuly 9, 1967. Sister Johns was a friend to many gospel preachers andmany sought her out to discuss the scriptures. She was an exceptional Bible student, well versed even in the Greek. Robert Welch spoke atthe funeral services. (Information supplied by Thomas H. Icard whoperformed the ceremony for the Johns and did some of his firstpreaching for the church at Winchester).

Debate On Existence of God

A significant debate will be conducted September 20-23, 1976 in thecoliseum on the campus of North Texas State University betweenThomas B. Warren of the Harding Graduate School of Religion inMemphis, Tennessee and Anthony Flew, Professor of Philosophy at theUniversity of Reading near London, England. Dr. Flew is regarded asone of the world's ablest defenders of Atheism. As professor ofReligion and Apologetics, Thomas B. Warren is ably equipped to meetthis challenge of unbelief. Large crowds are expected to attend. Thecoliseum will seat 10,000. The debate has been widely advertisedamong brethren throughout the nation and on college and universitycampuses nationally. The debate is to be published in book form and in cassette tapes which will be available from the Bible Chair in careof the University church in Denton, Texas. No tape recorders will beallowed during the debate. This is being widely advertised as "the debate of the century." We are not prepared to go that far, but dobelieve it will be a debate of much importance.

Thayer Street Lectures

The Thayer Street church, 640 Thayer St., Akron, Ohio announcesits annual lecture series for September 20-23, 1976. Evening sessions will be Monday, Tuesday and Thursday with Peter Wilsondiscussing the character of the Christian from Romans 12:9-21,followed by Homer Hailey on God's Providence. Day services will feature Olin Kern on The Lord's Supper, Ted Beever on Elijah, BryanSullivan on Jonah and Weldon Warnock discussing Daniel. At 1:30 daily Tom Oglesby will discuss and then lead the audience in Psalms which have been set to music. At 2:35 daily Aude McKee will discuss evangelism. Some housing can be supplied for out-oftown guests.

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H. E. PHILLIPS, P.O. Box 17244, Tampa, Florida 33612 • Iconcluded a good meeting with the church in Pound, VirginiaApril 11th. The attendance was good each evening with some fromthe community and many from surrounding communities. This isa good church. I am to be back again in the fall of 1977 and lookforward to returning to this beautiful country and these good people for another meeting.ROBERT E. HERNDON, 342 Mt. View Court, S. E., Concord,

N.C. 28025 — Sonny Dixon, formerly with the Lutz, Floridachurch, joined us as an evangelist in June. Dixon, who grew up inthe Carolines, replaces Jack Byars, who resigned the work aftersome eleven years. Dixon's new address will be Route 1, Box 147,Concord, NC 28025. LARRY R. DEVORE, Box 86, Roseville, Ohio 43777 — J. M. Kennedy conducted our meeting May 2-7 during which four werebaptized, including our eldest daughter, Kimberly. The meetinghad good interest and attendance throughout. One of our elders, W. O. Patterson will hold a gospel meeting at Corning, Ohio June13-20. Roseville is about 13 miles south of 1-70. Worship with uswhile on vacation through Ohio.EARL FLY, P.O. Box 3295, Jackson, Tennessee 38301 — We recently had 3 restorations and 2 baptisms at the Medina church.Bill Cavender held our meeting June 7-13. I held a meeting inMay for the church in Ridgeway, Virginia. We had good crowdswith many non-members attending each night • but no baptisms.This church was converted from a Christian Church several yearsago. Benton R. Graves, who lives in Eden, N.C, preaches forthem, and is doing a good work. My next meeting is in Hidalgo,Illinois.

Debate On Holy Spirit Baptism Larry Ray Hafley will meet G. T. Sharp of the United Pentecostal Church in debate October 25, 26, 28, 29 at 7:00 nightly in the meetinghouse of the Washington Ave. church of Christ, 309

N. Washington Ave., Russellville, Alabama. On October 25,26 Hafley will affirm "The Scriptures teach that Holy Spirit Baptismis not for believers today." On October 28, 29 Sharp will affirm"The Scriptures teach that all true believers can receive HolySpirit Baptism today."ROBERT J. LACOSTE, 103 Margaret Street, Joliet, Illinois60436 — We recently finished our second year with the MargaretStreet church in Joliet, Illinois. During this period 26 have beenbaptized and 39 were restored. We have enrolled 42 students in aBible correspondence course, and have a 15-minute weeklybroadcast every Sunday over radio WJOL, 8:30-8:45 a.m. Manygood reports have been heard from the community which indicatespeople are listening. This spring and summer I have been inmeetings in Trenton, Missouri, Grand Avenue in Chicago and Yale, Illinois. I am to be at Macon, Missouri August 2-8 and atPowell, Wyoming November 14-21. I would like to hear from churches that would be interested in having a week's series on "Catholicism vs the Bible" or "The Home." BOBBY J. FRIZZELL, Magnolia, Arkansas — The church inMagnolia, Arkansas which formerly met on Virginia Street hasrecently moved into a new building located on the corner of U.S.Hwy. 79 and Vera Street. At the new location the congregation will be known as the Sunny Acres church of Christ. Mailing

address is 1911 Vera Street. Those traveling through this area areinvited to visit with us. EDWARD ROBERTS, Apartment 35, Parkview Apartments, Powhatan Point, Ohio 43942 — In March, 1976 I came to work with the Powhatan Point congregation. Attendance averagesbetween 55 and 60 with most of the members young. We are locatedalong Route 7, next to the only traffic light in town. We are publishing two bulletins, one for the members and one for the town. Cottage meetings are also being conducted. We have been having only one gospel meeting a year but plan to begin havingtwo. We ask all brethren to pray for us and our work, and welcomeanyone in the area to drop in and study with us.

Preachers Needed CORVALLIS, OREGON — This 2 1/2 year old congregation has25 members. Corvallis is a university town with a population ofapproximately 37,000. Write to the church at P.O. Box 314, Corvallis, Oregon 97330. Or call Floyd Amick (503) 753-8539 orJim Crownover (503) 753-2474, evenings only. ROSWELL, NEW MEXICO — The church at 13th and Richardson St., Roswell, New Mexico 88201 is in need of a gospel preacher who will work and serve God diligently along withthem. This is a fine little church with excellent potential in a growing city of 50,000 people. There is a great nucleus of faithfulpeople here who will be grateful to have a faithful preacher towork for the Lord with them. Please contact D. P. Killgo (505) 622-0106 or Lee Verette (505) 622-0107 or Orval Buck (505) 6228577, or write to the above address. Full support is available.

A Report and Appeal For Massachusetts MORRIS D. NORMAN, 640 Thayer St., Akron, Ohio 44310 —During the week of April 19-25, Bill Calame of North Ridgeville,Ohio and I worked with the church in Framingham, Mass, in agospel effort preaching and conducting classes. Jay Guyer andSkip Paquette are laboring in this difficult work. The church is enthusiastic, responsive to gospel preaching and working. On Sunday a new attendance record of 76 was set. One was baptizedthe week prior to the meeting, one confessed sins during the meeting and two have been baptized since.The work is difficult. The members live over a wide area from southern New Hampshire to the north to deep in Rhode Island asfar as 80 miles to the south. Most of them drive 20 or more miles one way for services. Two men are needed to serve here. JayGuyer is supported from the outside but is losing some whichneeds to be replaced. It is my impression that he is losing some ofthis support because some of the supporting churches do not understand the circumstances there. The area is still in need of outside support and will be for a long time. The church is small,the territory is large and the harvest is white.Skip Paquette is at present being supported by the Framingham church out of a fund accumulated for this purpose,but it is fast being depleted. Skip will have to go back into secularwork if outside support does not come. I commend him as worthy of support. If any church has money they can turn loose, send it NOW. Contact Jay Guyer, 57 Holly Lane, Holliston, Mass.,01746; or Skip Paquette at 5 King David Road, Tyngsboro, Mass.01879.