ANOTHER NEW YEAR

With the birth of another new year there comes theannual promises, vows and resolutions for a betterlife this year than the year that is now past. But history speaks boldly that it is but a few weeks, ormonths at most, until every promise and resolution isbroken and the old man is alive again until another"New Year" comes around.

Everyone should resolve to improve his life on anyday of the year when he is convinced that he hasbeen wrong. There is no merit in waiting until a "NewYear" comes to repent of sinful conduct or to correctevil and dangerous habits in our lives. But more important than making "resolutions" is that determination to keep the good ones throughout theyear and all the rest of your life. If a pledge is worth making, it is worth keeping.

I am not trying to make some great point ofmaking promises at the beginning of each year to bebroken within a short time. I want to call attention to some resolutions you should make—you must make—if you are to grow as a Christian and to havethe influence upon others that God requires of you. Itis the nature of the resolutions rather than the idea of resolutions that I want to consider.

Christians claim to be a Bible reading, Bible believing people. We like to stress the point that"we speak where the Bible speaks, and are silentwhere the Bible is silent." However, the problem isthat we do not study this Book of God and really donot know whether we are following the above claim or not. This is true of most members of the church today. Here is one area that a strong resolution would be very important. Do not wait for some special occasion to make this resolution, because timeis of the essence. It is high time that we awoke out ofsleep and began to know what God has said to us.

While you are thinking of making some "resolutions" for the new year, why not include thisone? Read and study diligently the word of Godevery day.

Praying is a blessing that most of us do not reallyappreciate and use as we should. Just think of themight and power at our disposal through scripturalprayer! Each of us must watch and pray, and workand pray. But think of the results to individuals and congregations of the Lord's people if we prayregularly and fervently for those good blessings thatwould help us accomplish His will while we live onthis earth. We simply do not pray enough. We do notpray scripturally much of the time. We do not knowhow to pray as we ought. But stop and imagine the great changes that would come about in our own livesif we would pray "without ceasing" in such a waythat the Father in heaven would hear our prayers andanswer according to His own good will.

I am convinced that we have no problems today,individually or congregationally, that would not be corrected if everyone would adopt in his heart and lifethe two "resolutions" just mentioned:

1) Begin a regular, personal study of the Bibledaily that you will continue as long as you live. I do not mean just to read a few verses each day, but Imean to really devour the meaning of each passage,and diligently labor to practice in heart and life everything the word teaches. I am certain that will makechanges in attitudes and lives that will result in greatchanges in the work of the Lord.

2) To begin a regular "hour of prayer" that willhelp you to draw nearer to God. I am not speaking ofthe ritual, repetitious form of words that some of usrepeat at night before retiring, as well as that formof words that is usually heard in public assemblies. Iam speaking of that sincere prayer with thanksgivingunto God with the confidence that He will hear and answer according to His will. A righteous life and adiligent study of His word are necessary for the Father to answer prayers (I Pet. 3:7-12; Prov. 28:9).

I wish to mention one more "resolution" that every reader of this paper should make: I hope you willresolve that you will provide yourself and your family good spiritual and moral food for the mind. We havebecome so accustomed to seeing the filth in newspapers, TV, magazines, movies, and through just about every other means of communication that our minds are starving for something that will brighten life and give direction and purpose to ourexistence upon this earth. We need good, sound reading material that will make us think and strive towalk in the way of the Lord. SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES IS ONE OF THE BEST SOURCES AVAILABLE FOR THAT PURPOSE! If you arenot a subscriber now, please do so.

Searching The Scriptures is entering its eighteenth year of continuous publication. It has enjoyed a reputation of integrity and faithfulness to the word ofGod through the years. It has also enjoyed thelargest circulation of any "conservative" publicationin this country. Brother Connie W. Adams, its ownerand editor, is a man of impeccable character andgenuine devotion to the proclamation of the word.His fairness in editorial policy, his uncompromisingstand upon what he believes to be the truth of God'sword and his selection of writers and articles have given good balance to this journal. Resolve now to provide good reading material for yourself and yourfamily, and Searching The Scriptures is among thebest available.

In November, 1970, when this writer edited and published this publication, a plan called "AutomaticRenewal Plan'' or ARP was presented as a means of saving time and expense, and at the same time encourage subscribers to renew their subscriptionswhen due. At that time the subscription had to beincreased from $3.00 per year to $4.00 per year, beginning January, 1971 (Vols. 11 & 12, pp 162-163).

From November, 1970 to the time brother Connie

W. Adams became the owner and editor of SearchingThe Scriptures in May, 1973, the postal rates increased substantially three times, the method of preparation for mailing became more expensive andtotal printing increased four times during this period.This forced an increase in subscription rates from $4.00 per year to $5.00, which was announced in theNovember, 1971 issue (pages 354, 355), to begin January, 1972.

The ARP subscribers from November, 1970 who continued to renew every year are still receiving thisgood magazine for only $3.00 per year, far below theactual cost. Those who enrolled as ARP subscribers in December, 1971 and have continued to renew eachyear, are receiving the paper for $4.00 per year, belowthe actual cost of publication. You think about this!

In January, 1976 the price of yearly subscriptionshad to be increased to $6.00. There have been three postal increases since May, 1973, and the printing cost has substantially increased. In addition to this,the size of the paper has been increased from 16pages to 20 per issue. Also a Special Issue of 24pages has been published in July, 1975 and again in1976 at no extra cost.

I would like to appeal to those who have receivedthis good paper since the "Automatic Renewal Plan"

PREACHING IN ITALY

On November 17 I met H.E. Phillips of Tampa,Florida at Kennedy Airport in New York City wherewe boarded a plane for Rome, Italy and two weeks ofwork with our Italian brethren. We arrived shortlybefore noon on November 18 and were met by threegospel preachers, their families and some other brethren. From then until December 2, we were graciously entertained in the homes of three preachersand spoke publicly sixteen times, plus uncountedhours of Bible study in private homes. We believe thereaders of this paper are interested in our observations on the state of the Lord's work in Italy.Brother Phillips will also write something about thework which will be carried perhaps next month.

Background of the Trip

In the fall of 1974 I began corresponding with Rodolfo Berdini who preaches for the church at Aprilia, about 40 miles from Rome. He sent me an article entitled "From Italy With Sadness" which we carried in the January, 1975 issue. Before printing it we engaged in some very frank exchanges in our correspondence. Through these exchanges I was introduced to Allesandro Corazza of Rome and also to Antonino Buta of Messina, Sicily (now deceased).These men verified the report of Rodolfo Berdini about the general state of the work. They all made itclear that they had suffered enough of the American"missionary" approach. For several years brethren Corazza and Berdini had been preaching while supporting themselves in secular employment. Long ago they had disassociated themselves from the unscriptural activities and entanglements of the liberals. Through Glenn Jones, who was preaching inGermany, they were placed in contact with us. Aftersome months of correspondence, we were urged to goand visit among them. Other commitments preventedthis being done until the recent trip. In the meantime, James W. Adams and Foy Vinson went tovisit and offer encouragement in their work. A reportfrom James W. Adams was carried in several papers, including SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES. Last spring Roy E. Cogdill, his wifeand the Bill Owens spent about two weeks in Italy.The visits of these brethren did much to lift the spirits of the Italian brethren. H.E. Phillips and I didnot go to Italy as tourists, but as gospel preachers.Neither did we go as supervisors but as fellow-laborers in the gospel. We were received on this basis and believe much good was done.

Congregations Visited ROME — Via Sannio — Our first night in Italy wasthe time for the mid-week meeting at Via Sannio. Weanswered questions from the audience for about anhour. That was our last meeting with the churchthere until the final few days of our visit when we were with them for three more services. This congregation owns its building which appears to be adequate for the present needs of the congregation.They also own an apartment above the buildingwhere the preacher, Sandro Corazza, and his family,live. They have about 25 in regular attendance. The largest number to which we spoke was here next tothe last night we were in Italy when 46 were present.Brethren came from Aprilia and Pomezia to be with us. It was a wonderful meeting in which one young woman was baptized by H.E. Phillips. She was fromPomezia and will worship with the church there.

We found Sandro Corazza to be a man of much ability. Though employed by the government, hespends a large part of each day working on a paperwhich he edits and which is sent free throughoutItaly. It is called SENTIERI DIRITTI (The StraightPath) and consists of 16 pages. It is beginning to have a great effect. He is also translating RoyCogdill's WALKING BY FAITH and inserting onesection in each month's issue of the paper. He also plans to translate the entire TRUTH IN LIFE seriesof Bible class literature plus a number of good tracts.The consequences of his work will be far reaching andlong lasting. In another two or three years he can take an early retirement from his job and will be ableto devote all his time to the work. Brother Corazza was the first man to be baptized in Italy after WorldWar II. He worked full-time for several years andtranslated THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH byRoy Cogdill, the CAMPBELL-PURCELL DEBATE,INFALLIBILITY OF THE CHURCH by GeorgeSalmon and CATHOLICISM AGAINST ITSELF by

O.C. Lambert. This man's value to the future of the work is great.

There are three elders in the Via Sannio congregation. They are uniquely situated to do vitalwork. During the last five days of our stay in Italy,we were entertained in the home of the Corazzas. They have two grown sons who are Christians. POGGO MARINO — This congregation is in theNaples area, not far from Pompei and in sight ofMount Vesuvius. We spent two days here in thehome of Vincenzo Ruggiero, the preacher there. His family was delightful with his wife, two daughtersand son showing unexcelled hospitality. The firstnight we were there about 15 brethren came to thehouse where we had a very profitable study untilabout midnight. Among those who came was one ofthe elders (they have two).

In the past these brethren had limited fellowshipwith some calling themselves "Churches of Christ" but which use instrumental music. The church at Poggo Marino did not use the instrument. This recognition of the instrumental group has been common in Italy in the past through the influence ofsome of the American missionaries. We had a very frank study on this matter. The brethren assured usthat they had already ceased any such fellowship,that they were opposed to the use of instrumentalmusic and other errors held by these conservative Christian Churches, and that they would preach against such unscriptural practices. Apparently this loose practice of the past is partly traceable to influences emanating from the FLORENCE BIBLE SCHOOL.

The next day other brethren came to speak with usabout the scriptures. At 5 P.M. that Saturday wemet with all the church. In spite of the unusual time,a rain storm and the cold, 41 people were present intheir building which will perhaps seat 50. Both of us preached with Roberto Tondelli interpreting for us.This was followed by a question period. We could nothave been received more warmly by these brethren. Itwas a sad parting and we left wishing there had been more time to stay and work with these brethren. Brother Ruggiero is a middle-aged man of many talents. He is an able writer and has contributed some excellent material to SENTIERI DIRITTI. He is in contact with brethren in other parts of Italy whowant him to come and teach them. APRILIA — This town is located about 40 miles from Rome in the heart of farming country. Rodolfo Berdini is the preacher and one of the elders. Until last year, this was the largest congregation in Italy.About a year ago this church was divided with theaid of the "powers that be" from FLORENCE BIBLE SCHOOL. There are now 38 members meeting where Rodolfo Berdini preaches. They rentan attractive place which will seat about 60 peoplebut which does not have room for extra classes. Their contribution averages $120 a week, twice what it waswhen they were still joined with the liberals. I spokeat the morning service and in the evening, we both preached, again with the help of Roberto Tondelli.Brother Berdini is training two younger men for thework of gospel preaching. They have two studysessions a week and plans call for this to continue foranother year, at which time it is hoped that they willbe ready to move into some city and begin the work.Both of these men show great promise.

We spent the first ten days in Italy in the home ofthe Berdinis (except for the two days at Poggo Marino). Their family enjoys a very close and warmrelationship. Sister Berdini is a gracious woman and made our stay most comfortable. They have a son yetat home who is a university student, and a daughterin her last year of high school. Their older daughteris married to Roberto Tondelli, preacher at Pomezia.The Berdinis do not speak English and we could notspeak Italian, but we soon learned that there is alanguage of the heart which can communicate. Thereis an air of maturity and seasoned judgment aboutRodolfo Berdini which is refreshing, The brethren atAprilia have weathered a severe storm and have comeout of it with strong faith and determination and amost commendable zeal.

I did not know until this trip that an error occurred

in Berdini's article in SEARCHING THE

SCRIPTURES. The article reported that the Bible

school at Florence "costs hundreds of thousands of dollars each year." This should have been "thousands of dollars each year." It was worded correctly in the original manuscript in Italian. This was translated by the daughter of brother Buta who erred in the translation. Not knowing English, brother Berdini failed to catch it until it was already printed. Our apologies to those who operate the school. POMEZIA — This congregation of 10 members issituated in an industrial town about 25 miles from Rome. One family from Aprilia went with Roberto Tondelli and his wife to help begin the work hereabout a year ago. Some have been converted and thework shows promise. At their request, we spoke fourevenings here. They rent a small building which willseat about 30. Attendance for the four nights ranged from 25 to 39. Brethren came also from Aprilia andVia Sannio. There is an unmistakable zeal amongthese few Christians. Roberto Tondelli, the preacher there, is a youngman of much ability. He worked tirelessly with us interpreting not only our sermons, but private studiesas well, telling us what Italian people said and tellingthem what we said. I do not know how we would have managed without him. He is well-informed,studious, zealous and an able preacher. He is also a good writer and contributes regularly to SENTIERI DIRITTI. There are not enough words to adequatelyexpress our love and gratitude to this young brother.He offers much hope for the future of the work.

General Observations

The Vatican and its influence permeates Italian lifeand culture. Many, who are sceptics at heart, gothrough the motions of religious service rather thanrisk the pressure which they know would come otherwise. We talked with several who admitted that the Catholic Church had made them sceptics. While theVatican houses a treasury of jewels, pricelesspaintings and ornate displays of gold and silver, theItalian economy suffers. The government has frozen wages but not prices of goods. There is a runaway inflation. Gasoline is near $3 a gallon. A fuel shortage in Rome leaves families without heat except from mid-afternoon to bedtime. Converting people to the Lord requires cutting through deeply ingrained traditions and superstitions. This takes much time and painstaking effort. The CommunistParty is rising in power and influence. This will notpose the problem for Catholicism which some mightthink. After all, they have made deals with emperorsduring the middle ages and with Mussolini and Hitler in more recent times.

It appears to me that the brethren in Italy havebeen greatly discouraged in the past by the behaviorand unscriptural practices of some American missionaries. They speak well of some of those who first began the work but lament the fact that replacements have been progressively more liberalthan their predecessors. It is time for these brethrento stop mourning over what might have been. Theymust face reality and go to work with a zeal whichdoes not appear to this writer in great evidence in some cases. There is an independent spirit among these brethren which is good. They want to do thingsfor themselves and not be dependent on American preachers or churches. They are willing to be taughtbut they are not gullible. They learned long ago thata practice is not right just because an Americanpreacher said so. Liberalism is no better in Italy thanit is in America. It has taught dependence on human institutions, the social gospel, and a compromisingspirit. I do not believe that all of the liberal churchesin this country who support men in Italy wouldcontinue to support them if they knew everything being taught or practiced. They would be well-advised to find out for themselves.

If I have any word of criticism for the brethrenwho are trying to stand up for the truth it is thatthey do not meet often enough to worship and study.Churches can never be stronger than the amount andquality of gospel teaching which is done. Not enoughis being done to teach the younger people and settlethem in the truth. It is true that at this point there is a lack of good literature available. But sound Christians with Bibles in their hands ought to be ableto do more than is being done along this line.

No better traveling companion could have beenfound for this preaching trip than my beloved brother, H.E. Phillips. His experience, knowledge of the truth, sound judgment, firm convictions and compassionate approach quickly endeared him to the brethren in Italy. They showed their appreciation forhim in many ways. We have been friends and colaborers in the gospel for more than twenty-five years now. I treasure the time spent with this faithful servant of God and feel an even stronger bond withhim than ever before.

Seventeen people came to say goodbye at the airport on December 2. We boarded our plane with mixed emotions — saddened at the parting fromthose we had come to love so much, grateful for theopportunity to serve in this way, optimistic for thefuture of the Lord's work in Italy, thankful to thosebrethren who made it possible for us to go, and anxious to get home to loved ones for whose wellbeing we had earnestly prayed every day. "They ofItaly salute you" (Heb. 13:24).

DIVORCE AND REMARRIAGE

QUESTION: (EDITORIAL NOTE: the following

letter is reproduced in full so that every thought may

be seen in its full context—M.E.P.)"The advice given by noted preachers to those seeking answers to the question of divorce will cause many to enter into an adulterous condition. "The question of divorce has but one answer when one has studied all God has revealed on the subject."First, He does not approve of divorce. Mai. 2:6; Gen. 2:24: Matt. 19:6; Mk. 10:9. Paul writing by inspiration teaches the permanency of marriage in Romans 7:1-3; 1 Cor. 7:39. "Second, although God does not approve, Moses allowed divorce, because of the hardness of their hearts (Matt. 19:8), for the cause of unchasity (Matt. 5:32 N.A.S.)immorality (Matt. 19:9). This exception wasin force at the time Jesus made the statement, or under the Old Law. Consequently, He could have given no other answer or the Jews could have correctly accused Him of being a false prophet."Consider the legality of the exception inDeut. 24:1-4 and Matt. 1:18, 19. We must remember that they were man and wife fromthe time they were betrothed. Hence, the sinof fornication would be an act committed before they came together. Adultery is different in that it is an act between a man and another man's wife (Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon)."Third, the individual who contemplates dissolving a marriage has to answer the question, Am I innocent? Just because theguilty mate committed adultery, does that make the other mate completely innocent? Ifeach mate heeded the command of Paul in 1 Cor. 7:4-11 there would be no reason to think of divorce. If a few noted preachers would publicly proclaim the sin of divorce instead ofpreaching the innocent party theme, many divorces would be averted. Of course, if preachers began to teach the sin of divorce,many would become unemployed. Some wouldbe praised and supported for their stand forthe Truth. We should look to ourselves lest

we become as the ones Paul describes in 11 Tim. 4:14, seeking to tickle the ear, turning them aside fromthe Truth. "—C. E. E. ANSWER: I am not concerned primarily in this article with the accusations and unwarranted implications in the first and last paragraphs of the above letter. I know a host of gospel preachers who do not hold the view of ourquerist on this subject who would never compromisewith error or sacrifice the truth for the sake of employment—on this issue or any other. I must acknowledge, however, that I know some who do hold the views of our querist on this subject who inthe course of propagating and defending their viewshave been less than honorable. All of this, however, is beside the point so far as the real issue under study isconcerned. Let's turn our attention to the issue: Does the Bible teach that only death severs the marital bond and permits one to marry again?

In the first place, the distinction between "fornication" and "adultery," which our querist seeksto make is in error. While the word "fornication" is sometimes used to identify an illicit sex act on thepart of an unmarried person in contrast to the sameact on the part of one who is married, it is not alwaysso! The same authority quoted by our querist(Thayer) gives as the first and primary definition ofthe word: "a. prop, of illicit sexual intercourse in general . . . (Acts 15:20, 29; 21:25)." True, Thayeracknowledges that it is used in the specific sense and so as to distinguish it from "adultery" in Matt. 15:19; Mk. 7:21; and Gal. 5:19, but in the samebreath he solemnly affirms that it is used of adulteryin Matt. 5:32; 19:9—the very verses under study inthe above letter. So, our querist appealed to thewrong authority in an effort to establish his point ofdistinction.

Furthermore, W. E. Vine, in his ExpositoryDictionary of New Testament Words, likewise definesthe word "fornication" as follows: "is used (a) ofillicit sexual intercourse . . . in Matt. 5:32 and 19:9 it stands for, or includes, adultery; it is distinguishedfrom it in Matt. 15:19; and Mk. 7:21."

Also, in this column, January 1976, Vol. 17, No. 1,

p. 6, I cited other passages showing that "fornication" sometimes includes "adultery," namely, 1 Cor. 7:2-5; 5:lf. In the former reference, both the unmarried and the married are told what to do to avoid fornication.

Then our querist is in error again when he affirmsthat the "fornication" of Matt. 19:9 is the "uncleanness" (Hebrew "Ervah") of Deut. 24:1, and that Moses allowed this divorce because of the hardness of their hearts (Matt. 19:8). The force of his conclusionis stated in these words: "This exception was in forceat the time Jesus made the statement, or under the law. He could have given no other answer or theJews could have correctly accused him of being a false prophet."

God has always abhorred fornication —so much sothat under the law of Moses he attached the death penalty to this sin (Deut. 22:13-30; Lev. 20:10-14) Num. 5:11-31). For this reason, 1 insist that while the Hebrew "Ervah" sometimes means "fornication," it does not have this meaning in Deut. 24:1. It admitsof other definitions, as the scholars show. If it means "fornication" in Deut. 24:1, then the law of God contradicts itself. It would be impossible to write abill of divorcement; give it to a guilty wife; send herout of one's house so that she then marries another man (Deut. 24:1-4) and at the same time execute the death penalty as the law demanded (Deut. 22:13-30).Furthermore, the law was not optionally punitive inthis matter, namely, 1) demand the death penalty,or 2) in case of a married person, authorize a bill ofdivorcement.

It does not meet the issue to say that "adulterywas not universally punishable by death under thelaw. Witness the case of David." In David's case there were no accusers — no witnesses. Uriah, thehusband, had been killed. Had he lived and sought adivorce on grounds of fornication, he would have failed—unless and until guilt was established by dueprocess of law. Then the death penalty would have applied. Thus, the marriage would have been terminated on grounds of death, not divorce. It should be remembered that any failure to executethe law (for whatever reason) does not change the law!

Neither does citing the case of the woman taken inadultery (Jno. 8) meet the issue. Jesus in recognitionof the demands of the law asked her, "Woman, whereare those thine accusers?" She answered correctlywhen she said, "No man, Lord." Of course, our Lord had previously caused them to see their own guilt,hence, they had fled in shame. When Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn thee: go and sin no more," he referred to judicial condemnation. This is the condemnation under consideration in both verses ten and eleven. Jesus clearly acknowledged her sin, butsince those who could accuse had fled, no judicialcondemnation was possible. He had no civil authority and could not of himself execute such condemnation, hence, "Neither do I condemn thee ..."

What our Lord taught in Matt. 5:31, 32 and in Matt. 19:8, 9 is in keeping with his theme throughoutthe Sermon On The Mount. This sermon might wellbe entitled "A Recall To Purity'' or "Kingdom Principles." Both objectives are in view and in harmony one with the other. It is true that His frequent remark "It hath been said" referred often tothe distorted views of the law as taught by the leaders of the Jews. However, in Matt. 19:8, 9 reference is made to what Moses said, and Jesus puthimself in contrast with that. Since our Lord's exception and that tolerated by God under Moses(Deut. 24:1) are not the same, as we have previouslyshown in this article, it follows that what our Lordtaught and God's concept of marriage "from the beginning" are the same and at the same time different from what was tolerated under Moses. In so teaching, our Lord not only did not endorse the extreme views of the school of Shammai and the school of Hillel, but called them back to marriage inits original purity and as authorized by Him.

When our Lord taught that "fornication" was grounds for dissolving the marriage union, it was not new. It did as much under Moses. The dissolution was accomplished not by a bill of divorcement, butby the death penalty, as we have shown. The only thing new about "fornication" under Christ is its being made the exclusive grounds for divorce and remarriage (in contrast to Moses); the abrogation ofthe death penalty and the bill of divorcement instead—all of which is in harmony with the sanctity ofmarriage "from the beginning."

I MARVEL

A short time ago a mother came to me and said,"What can I do about my daughter. She came every time the doors were open, but the minute she movedinto her apartment she refused to come to servicesanymore." Another set of parents marveled that theirson would not obey the gospel. In their words, "Hehas always done what we told him to do in everything else." In both of these cases the reason may be the same. The child resented the dictates ofthe parents and was waiting to show them that theycould not make all the decisions. The girl waited untilshe was no longer under the parental roof; and theboy was well taught enough to know that perhaps forthe first time he was faced with a decision that was purely his and no one else could make it for him. Inboth cases the children wanted to "get even" with their parents and were hurting themselves.

There is no easy answer to either case. Certainly asparents we should take the children to service andteach them the truth. At the same time, we should give them the right to make decisions for themselves,when they are old enough, in matters where their soulis not at stake. In this way they might not resent thedecision to obey the gospel or to be faithful. I thinkthat parents have to have the wisdom of a Solomonin this day and age, and after the parents have doneall that they know to do, the children may do as theyplease. They have a responsibility to God also. Torebel against parents when they are right is a rebellion against God and this ought to be taughtfrom the cradle.

All that the gospel preacher can do is to consolethe parents by reminding them that the teaching isalways there and the child knows better than to do ashe is doing. I can remember when it was the "in" thing when the child got to be about 14 years of ageto obey the gospel and have the church come aroundand shake their hand and say to them, "I have always said we have the finest group of young peoplehere in the world." Brethren need to face the fact that it is no longer popular and that the "in" thingtoday is not to obey but to resist any attempt tomake the decisions for them. The sad thing about itall is that they are hurting themselves most of all.

After all, even Solomon was afraid that the one who came after him would not have the wisdom he should have, and Rehoboam certainly demonstrated it toperfection.

SINGING AND THE SONG LEADER—NO. 1

Since God has specified that the church is to "sing" (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16) and in order to have an orderly assembly (I Cor. 14:40), usually, some brother leads the congregation in singing. That suchis both scriptural and necessary I am willing to affirm. However, there are some things that both those who lead singing and the congregations needto consider.

Problem Area

Among denominational churches one of the placeswhere problems arise is in the choir. The denominational "pastor" and the choir leader often have a difference of opinion, resulting in one of themresigning and often beginning another church. While churches following Christ do not have choirs for entertainment, they are not without their problems inthe area of church music.

Most gospel preachers at one time or another havehad to work with brethren because of problems related to song leaders. Personally, I have known ofsome acting child-like and immature. Look with meat some problems related to song leading.

(1) Most important part of the service. Some people like to sing better than others. Personally, I enjoy good music of all kinds. However, there are some brethren who lead singing who really like to sing and many times arereally well trained in music. Care needs to be takenlest one who not only enjoys singing but also leading singing gets the idea that most of the service should be taken for singing. These mayalways be ready to sing, but not ready to pray or listen and study the word of God. To be around them one soon gets the idea that they think song leading is the most important work of the church. (2) I am THE song leader. Few churches are well blessed with several men who can do a goodjob leading singing. Thus, brethren in those churches often have to depend upon one brother tolead for he is the only one able to lead singing.

However, some congregation are fortunate to haveseveral who can lead singing. Naturally, some wouldhave more ability than others. The one with the mostability might think himself to be "head song leader."When the larger crowds are in attendance he willpush himself out to lead for that assembly and leaveothers to lead at the other times. Let it be understood that I am not suggesting that one be putup to lead singing before a house full who can notreally start a song.

Where a congregation has several leaders, brethrenshould have a clear understanding as to who will leadand when. All song leaders are simply servants ofChrist. There is no place for "head song leader" anymore than there is for head prayer leader, head elder,head deacon or head preacher. In the kingdom, Christis to have the preeminence (Col. 1:18), not men.

(3) Not interested in training others. Closely related to number two is the attitude of notbeing interested in training younger men to lead singing for fear that they would get my job in the church. I have known of some, and I am glad to saythey have been few in number, that were not interested in younger brethren learning how to workin the service of Christ for fear someone would take their job. Brother, if you have that attitude, let mesay first it is a sinful one, and second you need have no fear. There never has been an over abundance of servants of Christ—song leaders included. I am glad men like Bob Bailey, John Hendrix, Delmer Brock, Bruce Smallwood, O'Neal Smelser and others did not have such an attitude toward me as I grew up. (4) Recognize limitations. If you can lead singing, recognize your limitations. I have known men who could lead singing but were not all that proficient at it, but they did not know they had limitations. Under any circumstances theywould try to lead the most difficult song in the book and then think that brethren didn't know the song when the congregation failed to "raise the rafters."

At this point, let me say some good song leadershave been ruined so far as usefulness is concerned bybrethren who did not know anything about musichighly complimenting them. Some brother who thinks"do" is a female deer walks up to a good song leaderand tells him he is the greatest in these parts whenneither one of them knows all that much about music. The song leader may be good, but he is not allthat good.

Brother, sing the songs you know and leave thoseyou don't know to be lead by those with more ability.

(5) Song leading is not showmanship. When one gets up before a congregation of God's people tolead singing, he is just directing everyone in singing praise to God in an orderly way. This is not atime or place to "out do" some other song leader or to put on a demonstration of your abilities regardless of how great you are. If you are thatgreat, brethren will recognize it; if brethren do notrecognize you for your greatness it could be because you are not all that great.

Once I knew of a man that came to an elder and was disturbed because he was not called upon to leadsinging that Sunday, because on that day he hadmost of his large family present and they did not getto see him lead singing.

Forbid that I should judge the motives of brethren,but I have seen a few cases during gospel meetingswhere several brethren would take turns leading thesinging on different nights. I got the impression (Icould be wrong about this) that they were trying toimpress the congregation and visitors as to how great they were because they could lead the mostdifficult songs in the book. Such did not show their greatness; rather it showed their lack of common, mature judgment in selecting songs.

With this incident, I close this article. Several years ago during a debate in which I was engaged, achorus director for one of the liberal colleges wasasked to lead the singing. He selected a very difficultsong to sing and with expert showmanship started tolead. It was a flop from the start down to where hehad to stop and give it up. Another night, I wascalled upon to select a song leader. In the packed house, the first song leader my eyes saw just happened to be my brother-in-law. People went away saying what a good leader he was. His formal music training was limited but he had the common sense to pick an old song everyone knew and lead itwithout putting on a show.

STRANGE THINGS

Will Rogers used to say he never tried to tell jokes.He just read the papers and reported the news. Paul Harvey has enjoyed a sizable and appreciativeaudience for years using the same technique. He suretold the truth who said "Truth is stranger than fiction! " And as Ray Bolger used to put it (and maystill), "Strange things are happening."

One fellow was just given a full pardon from prisonafter serving several years for armed robbery.Authorities finally decided to check out his alibi. Sureenough, they found it was foolproof. He couldn't have been guilty of the crime he was arrested andconvicted for. You see, he was robbing another storein another state at the time! And the statute of limitations had run out on that robbery, so he cannotbe tried for it. He says he holds no grudges about this error. But he's seeking financial reimbursementfor the time he spent behind bars.

Then there's the celebrated Gilmore case in Utah. The man has been convicted of murder (he killedtwo), and sentenced to die by a firing squad. He sayshe wants to get it over with and has begged,challenged, dared, and demanded the state to executehim. The Civil Liberties Union is up in arms. Theyhave said something about "helping a man commit suicide." I may be proved wrong, but I don't believe there's a state in the union with enough officials whohave enough fortitude to execute a man, regardless ofwhat crime he has committed.

(We can wave goodbye to another good sermon illustration. Though not precisely parallel to the preceding incident, the man has often been picturedwho awaits execution, and at the last moment receives a pardon from the governor. But he refused the pardon! So there is nothing left to do but gothrough with the execution. This is likened to thosewho reject the pardon so freely offered in the Son ofGod. But nowadays, by the time the Civil LibertiesUnion and others of like ilk got through, the poorfellow would be pardoned whether he wanted to be ornot!)

Finally, in this "stranger than fiction" article, I have before me a news story from Miami concerninga fellow who thought he had a foolproof defense whenpolice charged him with writing bad checks.

"I can't write," he kept telling officials. But it tookhim six months to convince them!

Finally, they acknowledged that he is probably the wrong man. He lives 18 miles from the address listed on warrants for arrest. He has a different social

security number. He works for a different company.

And witnesses described the wanted man as being 5

foot 8 and between 150 and 175 pounds. The arrested

man is 5 foot 6 and weights 205 pounds.

Only the name, Joe Parrish, is the same.

Which goes to show that when we attempt toidentify something, we need to be interested insomething other than the name.

A Catholic lady recently reminded me, "Just because a church wears the name 'Church of Christ,' does not mean it is the right church." I promptlyagreed, and explained that that is why we are just as concerned about having the right organization,worship, doctrine, and program of work, as we are inhaving the right name.

". . . let us walk by the same rule, let us mindthe same thing" (Phil. 3:16).

To Those Who Love His Appearing

An AP article with dateline Moscow was recentlycarried in the Baptist weekly, Sword of the Lord:

"For nearly two years a forlorn German shepherdhas met every Ilyushin-18 passenger jet arriving atMoscow's Vnukovo Airport in search of the masterwho flew away.

"Airport workers feed the ragged-eared dog, butshe refuses to let anyone come near her and won't leave, authorities say.

"This saga of devotion was reported yesterday byKomsomolskaya Pravda, newspaper of the Communist youth organization. The paper said ithoped the owner, whoever he is, will read the articleand return to claim his faithful companion.

"Sometime in late 1974, airport authorities refusedto let the dog board the plane with her owner becausehe did not have the necessary health certificate froma veterinarian. So the man boarded the Ilyushin-18flight and left the dog at the airport, the newspapersaid.

"During the first few days, the dog chased alldeparting 11-18's as they taxied away, to the consternation of pilots. Then she switched to meetingincoming flights.

"The dog lives under a construction worker's trailer near the airport terminal, watching for the 11-18's. Authorities say they do not know how she tells thedifference between planes.

" 'As soon as the staircase is sent over to the plane, the dog runs over, stops at a safe distancefrom the passengers and waits,' the newspaper said.

"The article concluded:

" 'The owner has probably decided that the one heleft behind has forgotten him. Let this man urgentlytake leave from work, find money and fly to Moscow,because he is being awaited at Vnukovo.' "

Wouldn't it be wonderful if all Christians would look for the return of our Master with such singleness of purpose? "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearance of the great Godand our Savior Jesus Christ1' (Titus 2:13); "Henceforth there is a crown of righteousness,which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give meon that day: and not to me only, but unto all themalso that love his appearing." (2

Tim. 4:8).

Postscript

In the August, 1976 issue of STS, I quoted fromthe National Enquirer, March 30, 1976, the prophecies of seeress, Jeane Dixon. She prophesied:

1. That Jimmy Carter would be the next Presidentafter a photo-finish race against Ronald Reagan;
2. That both President Ford and Reagan would face assassination attempts—and the President would bewounded; 3. That Ford would be plagued bybetrayal, domestic woes and a health crisis and wouldresign; and 4. That Nelson Rockefeller would become"Caretaker President" for several months, until a new President had been elected.

Way to go Mrs. Dixon. You're batting 1000! It'seasy to understand why so many people believe you have "the gift of prophecy."

BRAVERY IN THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

It was interesting indeed to read some of the things Brother Bob Buchanan of the Philippine Islands had to say the other day in a three page propaganda sheet he sent out entitled "THEY CREEP IN 'PRIVILY' ". He was having reference to the "conservative" brethren and referred to us as "false teachers who are guilty of 'sneaking around'and penetrating congregations secretly with theirevil teachings." He accuses us of not being willing toface them and purposely avoiding a visit to BaguioCity where the Philippine Bible School is located. Brother Buchanan also states that "these 'conservatives' HAVE REFUSED TO DEBATE UNLESS THE 'LIBERALS' PROVIDE THE AUDIENCE FOR THEM!" "From the 'safety' of their magazines they cry out, for the sake of publicity, that the 'liberals' will not debate with them! They deceive their readers!" I believe brother Buchanan needs to get his "facts" straight.

First of all, it was very interesting, to say theleast, that Brother Buchanan did not mention either my name or Connie Adams' name in his "letter." He knows only too well, that there has already been adebate on the issues of the "sponsoring church" arrangement in the Philippines between me and Eusebio Lacuata. For, he is well aware, I am sure, that the church where Brother Lacuata preached in1971 is no longer meeting as a result of that debate;and also that many brethren have learned the truth as a result of reading and studying the debate that was printed and hundreds of copies sent to the Philippines. You do know that don't you brother Buchanan?

Secondly, in June of 1972 I sent propositions toBrother Buchanan and the other brethren in BaguioCity urging them to let us come and discuss withthem the sponsoring church arrangement and churches of Christ supporting a school like the Philippine Bible School with no reply to this date. Also the article was published in SEARCHINGTHE SCRIPTURES and brother Buchanan did not reply.

Thirdly, I also challenged Brother Ray Bryan tocome to Louisville, Kentucky in December of 1971and meet me on the orphan home question and James1:27, and I even put the proposition in SEARCHINGTHE SCRIPTURES (December issue) and still noword with reference to that proposition or challenge.Does that sound like we "creep in 'privily? ' "

And in the fourth place, the fact of the matter isthat Brother Buchanan knows that they were so anxious to meet and discuss these issues with the "American preachers who come to the Philippines"that when we had the debate in M'lang in 1971 withBrother Lacuata, the American brethren from BaguioCity were in M'lang the week before the debate but had to leave THE DAY BEFORE THE DEBATE, but were not so busy that they could not return THE DAY AFTER WE LEFT M'LANG. Boy, what bravery!

Also, Brother Buchanan complains about them having to furnish us an audience. I don't know when they have done that. For when we were in M'lang forthe debate, there were over 300 in attendance who agreed with the position I hold on the subject of thesponsoring church arrangement, and only about 25 or30 who agreed with Brother Lacuata. So, Brother Buchanan has his "facts" wrong again.

No, the truth of the matter is that the Americansin the Philippines will not defend what they are doingwith reference to the sponsoring church arrangement—at least, they have not done so,though a number of brethren have challenged them.

Now Brother Buchanan, if you do not believe that I can make arrangements to come back to the Philippines to debate you, or any of the other brethren who are there (American or Filipino) who areassociated with the Philippine Bible College, thensend me the propositions that you will defend and wewill see whether the Americans who come there from time to time are willing to confront you face to face. Iknow, and you know, that you are bluffing. If youare not, then let's get on with it. I would suggestthat we have three debates. One in Baguio City, onein Manila, and another somewhere in Mindanao. What do you say?

LOST IN HELL

Hell is a subject most folks have heard about. TheBible refers to it but all too few have any real conceptof what it is like. Even among those of us who feellike we know something about it there is the inclination to push it to the background. Some eventhink no such place or condition exists. These are without excuse, are unbelievers, refusing to acceptfacts as revealed in God's word. Strangely, many inthis class believe in heaven yet deny the existence ofhell. These are selective believers, they take only thepart of the Bible they like and want. Generally, thereseems to be a lack of genuine respect for hell as setforth in the Word of God. Fear of it seems to be missing. Maybe all of us are deficient when it comesto studying about and meditating upon hell. What does the Bible say about it?

Jesus, after presenting the judgment scene in thefigure of a shepherd dividing his sheep from the goats, concludes, "And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal" (Matt. 25:46). The everlasting punishment ofwhich the Lord speaks is hell! He says some will,indeed, go there.

Hell as the place of everlasting punishment for thewicked is an important Bible subject for a number of reasons. One cannot appreciate the magnitude of salvation until and unless there is some understanding of what it means to be lost in hell.Quite possibly some may not be as deeply moved bythe need for salvation because of this. The eternal tragedy and horror of hell is a remote considerationwhich few bring themselves to consider. To all suchthe marvelous truth of salvation by grace, love andmercy of God is not truly a thing of greatness. Savedfrom what? The realization of this gives a solid basisfor appreciating God's grace. A de emphasizing of thereality of being lost is at the same time a minimizingof the greatness of salvation.

The subject of hell is important because of motivational value. Real belief in God's word will bring forth effort to be saved from hell. Some decrythe use of fear as a motive in salvation but such is unwarranted. God uses it and he above all understands the psychology of the man he made. Takenote of, "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, yeshall all likewise perish" (Lk. 13:3). "The Lord is notslack concerning his promise, as some men count blackness, but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willingthat any should perish but that all should come to repentance" (2 Pet. 3:9). These passages are representative of the motivational value of fear asused by the Lord. Fear the prospect of perishing inthe fires of eternal hell so strongly that repentance isforthcoming. This is their basic thrust. Fear to such degree that a penitent attitude is prompted and everpresent within us.

If one could see hell in the back yard for about 30 minutes surely we would have more respect for whatthe Bible says. But the truth of the matter is, if we believe the Bible we don't have to see it in the backyard. We not only see it through the eyes offaith but we accept it as being just that way. Jesussaid, "everlasting punishment" for the wicked, and that's it.

The motivational value which attaches to the understanding of what the Bible teaches on the subject of hell is not limited to obedience to the primary principles of the gospel. When the Christian appreciates the fact that people are lost, on the roadto eternal hell, this motivates each to reach out with the gospel. Quite possibly some of the failure to reach the lost or at least make effort in their behalf may betraceable to this factor. Do we really believe all menare lost in sin and the only hope of salvation is in thegospel of Jesus Christ?

The gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1:16). The opposite of salvation is condemnation. Men are lost because of sin, the only means or power by which such may be saved isthe gospel. "For the wages of sin is death; but the giftof God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom. 6:23). Note the contrast in this verse, "wages"vs "gift," "death" vs "eternal life." Sin brings an earned and deserved reward, "death." This is not the annihilation which some claim but eternal separationfrom God in hell, everlasting punishment. In contrast, the gift of "eternal" life" is by the graceof God and is appropriated through obedience to thegospel. Only thusly can man escape sin's wage.

The subject of hell is also important because of thenumber of people affected. The majority of this oldworld is moving toward this terrible and eternal destiny. "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction and many there be which go in thereat:Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way,which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it" (Mt. 7:13-14). Surely if one knows where the roadleads he will change his mind about the journey.Would we want to go to a city plagued? Would onewant to take his children to such? If the Son of God knew what he was talking about, then most are onthe road to hell.

The nature of hell continues to be a much discussed and controverted matter. The "hell fire" of "hell of fire" in Matthew 5:22 is "Gehenna of fire." Gehenna is applied to the Valley of Hinnon, southeast of Jerusalem. It is a place used in connection with worship of Molech, fire god of the Ammonites (2Kings 23:10). J. W. McGarvey says "It was the fireof idolatrous worship in the offering of human sacrifice which had given the valley its bad notoriety." The general concept of the Jew associatedsin and suffering with "Gehenna." In New Testament times the cite had been reduced to a garbage dumpoutside Jerusalem.

With this brief background we hasten to note thatJesus was not talking about the grave in Matthew

5:22. Nor was he talking about the garbage dump.He used the term to identify the place where peopleshall be eternally and irrecoverably lost. The place of"unquenchable" fire (Mark 9:43-47) is prepared forthe devil and his angels (Matt. 25:41). The place ofeternal punishment (Matt. 25:46) where those on theleft hand in judgment will be consigned. A place ofhorror, sadness, everlasting pain and torment, wherethe fire is not quenched.

Thank God one does not have to go there, escape isthrough Jesus Christ and the gospel. However, the escape is not unconditional. The sinner must acceptthe Son of God and obey his will to escape. The childof God, having obeyed the gospel, must continue infaith and obedience. For all of us, thinking about hellonce in a while, moving it into the back yard of theheart and mind, may very well motivate a strongerfear and greater determination to shun it. May Godhelp us.

THE LANGUAGE OF THE NEW TESTAMENT—NO. 2

It should be carefully observed that a study of thelinguistic influences on the writers of the New Testament does not cast any reflection on the conceptof verbal inspiration. I am totally committed to theproposition that the writers of the Bible were verballyinspired, but, at the same time, I reject the idea thatthe language of the New Testament was a special"Holy Ghost" language that was invented for the writers. Our present knowledge of the contemporaryKoine Greek indicates that the original language ofthe New Testament was the vernacular of the common man. Furthermore, verbal inspiration doesnot mean that a writer's own style, or that a writer's understanding of a word, could not be used by theHoly Spirit. Finally, even after one has accepted theverbal inspiration of the Scriptures, he still uses lexicons, dictionaries, etc. in an effort to determine the meaning of the original text.

The Greek Influence

The conquests of Alexander and the extension ofGreek culture into widely separated areas resulted ina modification of the Attic, or classical, Greek. This modification resulted in a common dialect called Koine, from the Greek adjective koine, "common." This dialect, called also Hellenistic, was spoken basically from 330 BC to AD 330. Obviously, theGreek New Testament was written during this Koineperiod.

The Koine became the lingua franca of the Empiremuch as the Aramaic became the lingua franca of theFertile Crescent and the ancient Persian Empire.Greek became the language of literary men in Romewhere one would expect Latin, the official language,to be used.

Styles of Koine Greek

Normally, the Koine Greek is divided into two types of styles, called literary and non-literary. The former style would be illustrated by the Greek ofJosephus, Philo, Plutarch, or Strabo. The latter stylewas the Greek of the common man. This non-literaryGreek is well illustrated by a great mass of Greek papyrifound in Egypt in the early twentieth century. Manyillustrations of New Testament words found in this contemporary Greek may be seen in Moulton's Vocabulary of the Greek Testament.

The Greek of the New Testament varies from the more non-literary style of the writings of Mark and ofJohn, to the more literary style of Luke, Acts, andHebrews.

Luke-Acts is an interesting study in the GreekNew Testament. It is the longest book when it is thought of as a two-volume work. As such, it contains 750 words that are nowhere else found in the New Testament. As many as 480 words containedin Luke-Acts occur also in contemporary medicalliterature. See Hobart's The Medical Language of St. Luke.

IS THE DEVIL THAT SMART

OR IS HE THAT DUMB

I never cease to be amazed at how much some people know about the Bible and yet how little theyknow about the plan of salvation. The devil is awfully smart and can hoodwink people. Or people are unusually dumb and simply can't learn the truth.

Only last week I watched an hour's program on television. A man by the name of Richardson was incharge of the Bicentennial Program which consistedof several segments but the program was mostly preaching. Richardson represented the Church ofGod. Naturally he made a plea that all turn to Godand make a new commitment of their lives unto Him. Many things said were true. Indeed, we will have to turn back to God and repent if He ever forgives oursins and heals our nation.

This man, Richardson, was a smart man in the ways of the world. He suggested many good things.But when it came to telling the people what to do tobe saved, he was as wild as a March hare. He nevercame in a million miles of the truth. If people dowhat he said to do NOBODY will ever be saved and come to God. It is amazing how one can speak sowell and say so many good things and then go haywire and hog wild and never come close to approaching the truth on the most important partof the whole thing.

The man talked and talked about how to come to God. But he never one time mentioned baptism. Jesus said "He that believeth and IS BAPTIZED shall be saved." Now Richardson talked and talked about being saved but he never mentioned baptism.Peter said "Repent and be baptized in the name ofJesus Christ FOR THE REMISSION of sins." Richardson talked and talked about having our sinsremitted but he never mentioned baptism. Ananias said "Arise and be baptized and WASH AWAY THYSINS, calling on the name of the Lord." Richardson talked and talked about having our sins washed awaybut he never mentioned baptism. Paul said, "We are baptized INTO Christ." Richardson talked and talkedabout getting into Christ but he never mentioned baptism. Peter said we "Purify our souls in OBEYING the truth." Richardson talked and talked about purifying our souls but he never mentioned obeying the truth."

And so we could go on and on talking about howthis man skipped around and dodged about while setting forth a sectarian brand of salvation.

Since the Bible says we are baptized into Christ,and since it gives no other way to get in, it followsthat if one has not been baptized he is NOT IN Christ.

I don't know how the devil keeps so many peoplein profound ignorance of the truth on this matter. Aten year old child can read that he that believeth andIS baptized shall be saved. A ten year old child can read that baptism is FOR remission of sins. A ten year old child can read that we are baptized INTOChrist. A ten year old child can read that we OBEYthe truth to purify our souls. I can only conclude thatthe devil has a strangle hold on such men as Richardson and others who teach a plan of salvationthat would eliminate baptism and obedience. These people are ignorant all right but they couldn't get thatway themselves. The devil had to help them. So, thedevil is smart. And the men are dumb enough to follow his teachings. May God help us. See the following scriptures: Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27; I Peter 3:21.

Moving is not fun! Ask any preacher! However itseems that loading and unloading boxes is a part ofthe life of a gospel preacher. For some it comes toooften; for some others it does not come often enough.

Moving costs do not come cheap. Usually thechurch where a preacher is moving agrees to pay hismoving expenses. This is good and we ought to be grateful for it. However, this expense is figured bysome as only the cost of a moving company or inother cases the cost of a U-Haul or some other typeof rental truck. But there are a number of other expenses involved.

Travel

Suppose a preacher is moving to begin in a workwhich is about 1000 miles from his present location.Government travel figures indicate that car expense is 15c a mile. There's a $150 travel expense that somewould not think about. He and his family might evenhave to spend the night at a motel on the way, which could range from $12.00 to $25.00+ depending on thesize of his family. Then they would probably requiresome food along the way which would need to beadded as well. If he is driving the U-Haul or if he hastwo cars, even more money will be spent on gas andoil. Thus one could very easily spend $200 in justtraveling to his new work. From where is that money going to come?

House Fixtures

Upon their arrival they will probably find thatsome purchases are going to have to be made. Theymay have to buy window shades, new curtains, etc.Very seldom do the curtains used in one's last house fit the windows of his. new house. Furniture which has been moved so many times that it is falling apartmay have to be replaced. Old furniture which may have fit in one house, but too large for another mayhave to be sold cheaply, and then newer purchased ata higher price. If the former church had a study forthe preacher with bookcases, typewriter, desk, etc.but the new one does not, then sometimes the preacher is left to buy these things from his own pay.Here again we are talking about $100 minimum forthings in this area. Who pays this amount?

License Transfers

Within 30 days, in most states with which I am acquainted, one is to transfer his driver's license and auto registration and license. Transferring a car can bea very expensive ordeal. In some states there is a road privilege tax. In West Virginia it is 5% on thebook value of the car. If the car is not completely paid for some states charge a sales tax generallyranging from 3%-5%. So, on a car valued at $3000one could pay a tax of $150 to get it transferred, plus anyother fees for plates, driver's licenses, etc.

Conclusion

There are other little things we could probablymention, i.e. cost of mail transfer, losing a week's pay, etc., but these things are said hopefully to putbrethren in mind of them. I believe we can generallysay that brethren are honest and good and desire todo what is right. However, when they are ignorant ofa problem there is not much chance of the problembeing cured. Thus, we would hope this information will help inform our brethren that one can spend anadditional $400-500 in moving expenses over and above the cost of moving furniture. It would surelybe appreciated and a great relief on some tightbudgets if these things would be considered in thecost of moving.

Preachers, let us be thankful for those brethrenwho truly care about our material things in thisworld, and be a little more patient with those who arestill learning.

WILLIAM C. SEXTON, 2219 South Glenn, Wichita. Kansas67213 — We have a blind brother at Westside. He would like to correspond with brethren who might be able to read and write inBraille He would like to receive any materials by faithful brethrenin Braille. Does anyone have a copy of SACRED SELECTIONS inBraille which he might have? He has a copy of the Bible in Braille,teaches some and leads singing at times. He has put together 100songs in Braille — a lot of work. If you can help him with theserequests, write: William Essex, 341 North Market, Wichita, Kansas 67302.

The work at Westside moves forward and upward. Two morecongregations in Kansas have taken a stand for the truth: 11thand Walnut in Herington where Karl Oeljen preaches and onein

Lewis where Marion Brown preaches. I was in a meeting at bothplaces in 1976. A new work has begun in Manhattan assisted bybrethren from Herington and Topeka.JAMES C. Jones, Rt. 1, Chicopee Rd., Gorham, Maine —Attendance and contribution continue steadily on the increasehere. There are now 21 members. Four members who came to us over a year ago from the divided Christian Church in our area,have grown substantially and have now accepted the truth on theinstrumental music question. Lord, willing, the church will build abuilding next spring across the street from our residence wherethe church presently meets. I spoke on the New EnglandLectureship at Bangor on the Edification of the Local Church andpreached in a gospel meeting in Rockland in November.

Page 15

AN OPEN LETTER TO CONNIE W. ADAMS Dear brother Adams I just received my renewal notice for STS and it renewed athought that 1 have had for some time now.I subscribed to STS several years ago and continue to

appreciate the good material. I also appreciate the price Ipay to receive it, but of late have been feeling guilty aboutit. Brother Phillips made an arrangement in which STS would be sent, at a constant rate, to those who joined the Automatic Renewal Plan, regardless of price increases. Idon't think that brother Phillips foresaw the inflation thatplagues us today. You have continued to honor that agreement, but 1 just don't feel right about it.

I have a suggestion. Let those of us who joined ARPvoluntarily consider ourselves as a club and subscribe tothe paper at club rate (now $5 per year in clubs of four ormore). I truly believe that the time has come to release brother Adams from this commitment. I like to save money as much as the next miser, but not at the expenseof a brother in Christ. I hope my suggestion will find agood reception. Enclosed find my check at the club rate.

Sincerely,

Gary Ogden(EDITOR'S NOTE — Thanks, brother Ogden, for yourthoughtfulness. If your suggestion were carried out, it would relieve a great deal of pressure. We lose money onevery $3 and $4 subscription and we have several hundredwhich fall in that category.)

PREACHERS NEEDED MILL1NGT0N, TENNESSEE — Small congregation in this town of 25,000 souls, located 19 miles north of Memphis is in needof a full-time preacher. There are many opportunities for growth.We need a man of maturity and experience, though we havebeen trying to locate such a man for over a year. If interested, contact Earl Wilburn, 6959 Cades Brook Cv., Millington, TN 38053. Phone 872-7269. GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN — The church which meets at 1621 Hillcrest Drive in Green Bay needs a full-time preacher. We are asmall group of 15 members and can provide at least $300 a monthsupport with the rest having to be raised elsewhere. Our only requirement is that the man have the ability to carry out the charge contained in 2 Tim. 4:2. We recently completed a highlysuccessful meeting with Ken Murphy of Libertyville, Illinois preaching.

Interested individuals should contact: Ted B. White, Box 161, Oneida. Wisconsin 54155 (phone 414-869-2185); or Lawson Winton.901 S. Christine St., Appleton, Wisconsin 54911 (phone 414-7395882.

PREACHERS AVAILABLE LEE MOSELEY, 130 Sunset Drive, Frankfort, KY 40601 — I amavailable for Lord's Day preaching appointments within drivingdistance of Frankfort. Call on me if I can be of service. Phone 6954588. FRANK INGRAM — After sometime in south Florida, I would beinterested in a work in some other area. You may reach me bycalling (305) 758-9845, or by writing to me at 225 N.W. 111th St.,Miami Shores, Florida 33168.

DEBATE WITH PENTECOSTAL

On January 3, 4, 6 and 7 Glenn R. Burt of Deer Park, Texas metMarvin A. Hicks, United Pentecostal debater of Corpus Christi,Texas in debate in the auditorium of the Robert E. Lee HighSchool in Baytown, Texas. Propositions covered the identity ofthe New Testament church and the Godhead. We regret that wedid not receive this notice in time to publish it before the debatetook place.

JIMMY TUTEN, 111 S. 19th Court, Dade City, Florida 33525 —In the past five weeks we at Dade City have had four baptisms and three restorations. The baptisms have come from denominational groups. We are growing and thankful for the increase. We just recently closed a fine meeting with JohnClark of Tampa preaching. He did an outstanding job and the brethren here appreciated his efforts. Worship with us at 203

N. 12th Street when passing through Dade City. ROY S. BRADSHAW, 1002 S.W. 15th St., Okeechobee, Florida 33472 — The congregation which has been meeting in the Women'sClub building (Westside Church! is now meeting at 912 N.W. 2ndSt. (IOOF HALL) in Okeechobee. I have been preaching here since July and the response to the gospel has been veryencouraging. As a result of home Bible studies we have two

baptisms and two have been restored. We are thankful to God forthe increase.