THE SOURCE OF REVELATION

There are two great avenues of revelation, both of them

stemming from God. It could not be otherwise because only

God knows all things.

1. NATURAL REVELATION This is the general revelation of nature which is learned by investigation and reason. It is the revelation by naturalreason of man. This is alike to all people (Rom. 1:20; Acts17:17,27; 22:23-31; Psalms 19:1). Some say that the Bible is only what the people knew atthe time they wrote it on a rational basis. Reason may assert many things about the experiences of man, but itcannot know all the divine revelation until revealed. Reason has a place in the investigation of truth, but it is not to manufacture the evidence. Through reason the will of man iscontrolled, and through the will the life is made to progressin its course. Some things in the Bible cannot be understoodsolely on the principle of reason. Miracles cannot be accepted on a rational basis; they must be accepted by specialrevelation. The rationalist gives all authority to reason. What cannotbe reasoned is not true to him. The Bible is of no benefit to such people at all. But the opposite extreme is the mystic,
2. who assigns reason to no place in revelation and the investigation of truth. He disregards reason altogether.
1. SPECIAL REVELATION Special revelation is that which is supernaturallycommunicated from God to man. All this revelation is found in what we know as the Bible. All revelation had its originin the mind of God. The uncovering must be by the Spiritof God who searches into the mind of God and reveals them to us (I Cor. 2:10,11). The only way we can know by thisrevelation is to study it. Nature does not reveal the thingsfound in the Bible. This supernatural revelation tells us ofour origin, moral conduct, the way to salvation, our destiny

in eternity. Pertaining to ideas and facts beyond our person

experiences this revelation must be communicated in onlytwo ways:

(1) Oral communication. Oral communication is that which is revealed by word of mouth. Man is an intelligentbeing, superior to the brute. In dealing with him as an intelligent being, God had to communicate to him in the language of his understanding. To such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, God communicated to them orally or by word in adirect and personal way. (2) Written communication. Oral communication is one thing and written communication is entirely another. Revelation is absolutely necessary to the problem of origin. Noother method can tell us of our origin. Who could write ofthe creation of the world when no man existed? It had to come from some source that was there and could relate it to man afterward. When creation was described to man later,it had to be delivered in written revelation for generationsto later read. God used both the oral and written revelation to communicate His mind to man of all ages.

3. GOD'S WRITTEN REVELATION THROUGH CHRIST

All revelation from God to us today is through Christ. This revelation is in what Christ did and what he said. All the treasures of God's wisdom and knowledge are hidden inChrist (Col. 1:15-23; 2:2,3).

In Hebrews 1:1-2 we find that God speaks through HisSon Jesus Christ as the final revelation to man. Prophecy said that Christ would have the words of God (Deut. 18:18,19), and Peter applies this to Christ (Acts 3:22,23).

4. THE PROCESS OF REVELATION THROUGH CHRIST

Christ did not write this revelation himself while on earth. He did speak many of these things to the apostlesthat they were afterward to remember. Jesus claimed to speak not his own words but the words of God (John 5:19;6:38; 7:16,17; 8:28; 12:49,50). Christ gave these wordswhich he had received from the Father to the apostles, sothat the word of God came through Christ which was given through the apostles of Christ (John 17:8,18; 17:14; 20:21;I Thess. 2:13; II Pet. 1:21). The Holy Spirit was to guidethe apostles in giving them the words of God through Christ (John 14:16,17,18,26; 16:13,14). When the HolySpirit ceased revealing the words of Christ to the apostles,the process of revelation from God ceased. This faith was once for all delivered (II Pet. 1:1; Jude 1-3). No other revelation is allowed with this one (Gal. 1:6-10).

Paul is an example of an apostle writing the word of God by the Holy Spirit. Peter says that Paul's writing is scripture (II Pet. 3:16). Paul said he wrote the word ofGod (I Thess. 2:13; II Thess. 2:15; I Cor. 14:37).

ORAL REVELATION FROM GOD

Some expect God to speak to them orally today as He didin the past ages. This is neither promised nor expected by Bible students. The grace of God has been revealed (Titus 2:11-14), and is forever settled in written form (Jude 3).

When God created Adam and Eve, He spoke to them inoral tones, and they spoke back to him (Gen. 2:16; Gen.4:6). He spoke of marriage (Gen. 2:24). He spoke of sacrifice (Gen. 4:4; 8:20). All revelations He gave to mankind for the first 2500 years were orally given andnone of it written. To the generations that followed fromAdam to Moses all communications between God and man were in this manner. We have no record of any other kind ofcommunication for the first 2500 years of man's history. When Noah built the ark (Gen. 6:13), all the instructionswere given by the mouth of Jehovah and none written.

To Abraham and his posterity God communicated through the mouth of angels (Gen. 12:1; 20:3; 26:2; 28:13). His instructions differed from time to time and from generation to generation. Sometimes He spoke directly, sometimes through dreams and visions, and sometimes through the mouths of angels, but always by oralcommunications. What written record we have of the history of God's dealings with these Patriarchs was written by Moses many centuries after they happened. The Spiritof God guided the hand of Moses in the writing so that no errors crept into the revelation. There were no written revelation from God to man before Moses began to write thePentateuch in 1500 B.C. There are some who claim that earlier writings from God exist, and some critics assertthat there was no written revelation from God to Moses because there was no writing known then. Neither of thesepositions agree with facts.

EDITORIAL STEW

About once a year we try to gather up several looseends, none of which requires lengthy treatment, butall of which need some notice. Here is a little "stew" for the cold days of December.

Our Thanks

Last January H. E. Phillips wrote an article concerning those who were yet receiving this paper ata reduced rate because of the Automatic Renewal Plan he had instituted when he edited the paper. He asked for volunteers to increase their subscription tothe current rate of $6 a year. In the same issue we carried an "Open Letter" to the editor from GaryOgden in which he offered to do this and suggestedthat others at least raise theirs to the current club rate of $5 a year. A number of readers have done this. We wish to thank those who did. We are still honoring the agreement with all who have not increased theirs, though that means that everyonereceiving this paper for $3 or $4 a year does so nowbecause someone else is making up the difference.

The Odd Couple

The Gospel Advocate, published since 1855,has entered an unusual stage in its history. Foundedby Tolbert Fanning to air the controversy overmissionary societies and other innovations attemptingto overtake the churches in the south, and since hisday edited by such men as David Lipscomb, H. Leo Boles and Foy E. Wallace, Jr., the ADVOCATE finds itself now in a rather bizarre position. B.C. Goodpasture, who passed away last year, guided the paper into becoming the "advocate" of church supported institutions, sponsoring churches and many other innovations. A one-sided journalisticapproach was adopted and a program of quarantinewas inaugurated to silence all opposition.

The selection of a new editor was awaited with much interest. Ira North, the flamboyant promoterand ring master of the Madison, Tennessee church now has in his hands the editorship of the ADVOCATE. Who would have ever dreamed that the "Old Reliable" would now be in the hands of a man who would take a crew of workers to Akron, Ohio to visit Rex Humbard's Cathedral of Tomorrow and Dallas Billington's Baptist Temple tolearn how to have a big crowd in Bible school? The"Old Reliable" in the hands of the recipient of Guidepost award presented by Norman Vincent Peale in the pulpit at

Madison amid special choral offerings and much fanfare? David Lipscomb's chair occupied by a clown who builds the "largest Bible school attendance" withthe use of politicians and Kitty Wells, JohnnyWright and the Tennessee Mountain Boys of theGrand Ole Opry? Incredible!

But to add to the curiosity is the announcementthat Guy N. Woods is to be Associate Editor. While we cannot endorse the position held by brotherWoods relative to the institutional controversy, we dorecognize him as a serious student of the Bible and capable writer. It has been our impression that he has not been in sympathy with the far-out promotionalism characteristic of the likes of Ira North. We would not have been surprised had Guy

N. Woods been chosen as the editor of the ADVOCATE and, in spite of our differences with brother Woods, think that the paper would have beenin far better hands. Stolid students and clowns make odd couples. The future will be interesting to watch.

Catalogs From Religious Supply Center

Those on our mailing list will soon receive a catalogfrom RELIGIOUS SUPPLY CENTER which advertises regularly in this paper. We think youwill find it helpful and useful in ordering suppliesneeded for individual study and to meet church needsfor literature and other necessary supplies. These are good folks to do business with and offer promptand pleasant service. A new store is being built nowjust across the road from the present location. The newproperty adjoins a branch of the Post Office. Largerquarters will mean more display room, larger stockand better service to both mail and walk-in customers. They hope to be in the new facilities byJanuary 1, 1978 and invite all to come in and seetheir new place and look over the materials on hand.Our business relationship could not be better and wegladly urge all readers of this paper to patronize RELIGIOUS SUPPLY CENTER.

Roy E. Cogdill

It was our good fortune to have Roy E. Cogdill ina series of gospel meetings at Expressway congregation in Louisville in October. Many ask usabout his health as we travel about the country. Wewere able to be at home during the first part of themeeting and spent some time with him. He is holding up well physically and still preaching with great power. His preaching is the kind that builds faith,dispels doubt, exposes error and inspires to greater service in the kingdom.

Home For Winter Classes

During 1977 it was the editor's privilege to preachthe gospel in 24 meetings ranging from Kaysville,Utah to Pennsylvania and from Ontario, Canada tothe Gulf Coast of Mississippi. Many of these meetings have been with small congregations whilesome were with churches of good size and substantialprograms of work. We have seen overflow crowds ata number of points. Several meetings have closedwhen interest appeared at its peak and when it might have been good to have extended the effort a fewmore days. Day services were planned in severalplaces with good interest and attendance. Though there are yet three more meetings to conduct for theyear, at the time this is being written, thus far therehave been 53 souls to respond to the Lord's invitation in these meetings.

The word "home" grows dearer with each passingyear. Nobody ever enjoyed preaching any more thanthis writer. But we must confess that the sweetness of that grand experience is somewhat dimmed by thoughts of home and hearth, especially in the nightwhen there is time to think. How wonderful to have had my family along during some of these efforts,but how lonely to have been without them on otheroccasions!

Perhaps such sentiments are responsible for mycoming to prize the winter months when meetings areover and we can enjoy the crackle of fire in the fireplace on a cold winter night. But the winter alsogives time for some class work with the good churchat Expressway. This winter I am teaching a young adult class on "The Family", a high school class on 1and 2 Timothy and Titus, preaching through thebook of Hebrews each Monday night, conducting atraining class for men and teaching a Friday morningclass on "Premillennialism." Steve Wolfgangcontinues his able work with the Expressway churchand our working relationship has been most pleasant.

To Our Writers

We owe a debt of gratitude to those able andworthy servants of God who handle so well the various writing assignments of this paper. These work without financial compensation and becausethey love the truth and want to see it advanced. Wehave a large backlog of good material which we hopeto get published as soon as space permits.

Bound Volume 17-18

The index in this issue tells us that it is time to bind two more years of the paper. Bound Volume 17-18 (1976-77) will be ready for sale by April 1.Advance orders can be sent anytime now. They willbe bound in blue buckram to match all previousbindings and will sell for $8.50. The limited numberprinted means that in a few years these will be collectors items. None of the first eight years are available. We are completely sold out of Volume13-14 and have a limited number of Volumes 9-10, 11-12, and 15-16.

New Book Soon Ready

We are printing a fine book by Gene Tope entitled "Trail-Blazers For Christ." This book is based on his 18 years of work in South Africa. It is perceptive,sobering, emotionally stirring and says much that needs to be said about the work of the gospel in otherlands. It will make you think, laugh and cry. Printedin paperback it will sell for $2.95. Advance orders both for individuals and bookstores may be sent tous at P.O. Box 68, Brooks, KY 40109.

Postal Delays

With very few exceptions this paper has been mailed within the first ten days of each month. Yetwe hear complaints from many parts of the countryabout slow delivery. Some tell us it takes them amonth to get their paper from the time it is mailed atFort Wayne, Indiana. The best thing we know to do is to write to the Postmaster there and express yourfeelings about such service. According to the PostalManual it should never take anyone anywhere in thiscountry longer than 10-12 days to receive secondclass mailings. If it is taking you longer than that,then you have every right to complain. Some local systems are giving very good service while some arenot. Let the ones which are not hear from you. Othereditors tell me they are having the same problems.Misery loves company.

Help Our Circulation

With very little effort our present readers could help us increase our circulation considerably. Whynot show the paper to other Christians when youhave finished with it? Ask them if they are regularlyreceiving a good paper in their homes. Or, why not subscribe for a friend when you renew your own subscription? Could you afford to send the paper to15 people a year for $5 a month? How better couldyou spend $60 a year than in sending this paper into15 homes? May we hear from you? Many readershave stayed with us through the years, some fromthe very beginning. These are special to us and weexpress once more our gratitude to them.

(EDITOR'S NOTE—Larry Duncan obeyed the gospelin Orlando, Florida being taught the truth by his wifeSharon and by Roy Cogdill and Jere Frost. Less thana year after obeying the gospel the Duncans movedto Biloxi, Mississippi where Larry was able to assistin the work. In less than a year after conversion, hepreached his first sermon. From Biloxi he was transferred to Goose Bay, Labrador, Canada. Findingthe congregation there without a preacher he volunteered to do the preaching. While living inAbilene, Texas he drove down to San Angelo everySunday to preach. His first full-time work was at Forrest City, Arkansas. He now is laboring well withthe Wendell Avenue church in Louisville, Kentucky where he followed Rodney Miller. We are pleased topresent to our readers his first article submitted toany periodical, though he publishes a good weekly bulletin.)

UNITY

Much has been said in the last several years aboutbrethren being unified. Often (in my experience) thesuggestion of unity comes from brethren in the Church with whom we are in disagreement over theirreligious practices. A case in point is the preacher forthe "liberal" congregation where I live. Whenever weget together and begin to discuss issues plaguing thechurch the statement is made, "Instead of arguingold problems, we need to be unified, and with thatunity accomplish the work God gave us."

I agree that it is God's plan for brethren to be unified and to accomplish the work assigned;however, I believe the Bible is specific in the mannerunity comes about. Paul sought the Ephesianbrethren to "keep the unity of the Spirit" however healso stated that there was but "one faith" (Ephesians4:3-5). Though required to be unified, this unitycame from a common faith (and by faith, obedience)in the Lord.

Webster defines unity as: "the quality or state ofnot being multiple, oneness; a condition of harmony;continuity without deviation or change (as in purposeof action); the quality or state of being made one."

Webster's 7th New Collegiate Dictionary.

We see unity of this nature in the very early Church. Luke records that "the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and one soul" (Acts4:32). They were one, they were in harmony — butwhy? Speaking of the same Christians, the writer of Acts tells why the Church was then unified — "Andthey continued steadfastly in the apostles' teachingand fellowship, in the breaking of bread and theprayers" (Acts 2:42). Notice especially — "they continued in the apostles' teaching."

Indeed we have the responsibility to be unified.But not at any cost. Unity is only to be purchasedthrough careful and complete obedience to God's word.

s amusing when TV's Flip Wilson grins and says, 'The devil made me do it!' It's terrifying when the child victim in the movie, 'The Exorcist' screams, 'The devil made me . . . 'In every city where 'The Exorcist' has been shown, some youngsters have fledthe theatre screaming, many into hospitals; some areunder restraint as a result of that terrifying graphicportrayal of demon possession. . . The Church of England researched demon possession as recently asthe 1960's and after eight years of diligent study,recommended as recently as 1972 that every dioceanbishop should appoint a priest as diocean exorcist. . .Similarly, Roman Catholic priests are authorized bythe Church hierarchy to perform the ancient rites."The movie, 'The Exorcist' was expected to gross $100million, and the book by William Blatty became anall-time best seller in paper back edition. Many 'Holiness' people claim to cast out demons now. For example, the late A. A. Allen published in his paperin Feb., 1956, the picture of what he called 'a demon' he cast out of a woman, but what others called afrog.

Who Are Demons?

The New Testament tells us that demons are "spirits" (Mt. 8:16) and being such they do not havebodies like men have (Lk. 24:39) yet they inhabitedthe bodies of people.

Men have had several false concepts about demons.

(1) Some have thought that demons were disembodied spirits of a pre-Adam race of people uponthe earth, when the Bible tells us Adam was the "first man" (1 Cor. 15:45). (2) Others have thoughtdemons were the offspring of women and angels basedupon a misunderstanding of Gen. 6:1-4. (3) Somehave thought that demons were the spirits of wickeddead men that have come back and are indwellingliving men. Josephus and Alexander Campbell both believed this. However, when one considers Lk. 16:19-31 it is

clear spirits did not pass back and forth in the hadean realm, neither did they leave the hadean realm and come back to men on earth. This position appears to be a form of reincarnation. Others have believed demons to be fallen angels. Thayer says,page 124, that this is the position of New Testamentwriters, yet he gives no New Testament verse thatso teaches. I fail to see anything in 2 Peter 2:4; Jude6, Mt. 25:41 or Rev. 12:7 and 9 that says demons arefallen angels. Personally, I don't know. To my mindat the present time it seems Deut. 29:29 gives us some information along this line.

Nature of Demons

(1) They were evil. Luke 7:21 speaks of "evil spirits" and Lk. 8:2 says "healed of evil spirits." (2) Some were worse than others. In Matt. 12:45 itis said that one "taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself." (3) They were cast out by the authority of Christ.The disciples said to Christ "the devils are subjectunto us through thy name" (Lk. 10:17). (4) They could enter and leave a person at will."The unclean spirit . . . saith, I will return unto myhouse whence I came out" (Lk. 11:24). (5) They once dwelt in animals. In Mk. 5:13 they"enter into the swine." (6) They recognized Christ. In Mk. 5:7 one said,"Jesus, thou Son of the most high God" and in Mt.

8:29 one said, "Jesus, thou Son of God."

(7) They dwelt in desolate places, in tombs and inmountains (Mk. 5:2-5) as well as dry places (Lk.11:24). (8) They dreaded restriction and recognized time oftheir freedom was limited. In Lk. 8:28 one said,"torment me not" and in Mt. 8:29 said "torment us before the time."

Active In New Testament Times

From a reading of the New Testament it is evidentthat demons were active in New Testament times. Reading Matt. 12:22-30 one learns how they opposedthe work of God.

People in New Testament times were really demonpossessed. Men (Mk. 5:2), women (Lk. 8:2), boys(Lk. 9:38-39) and girls (Lk. 7:25) were all demon possessed. Possession by demons caused individualsto be dumb (Mt. 9:33; Mk. 9:17), to be blind (Mt.12:22), to be deaf (Mk. 9:25), to be savage (Mt. 8:28;Mk. 5:4; Lk. 8:29) and to have superhuman strength (Mk. 5:4; Acts 19:16). People were caused to appearto be epileptic, falling into the fire and water (Mt.17:15; Mk. 9:22), grinding their teeth (Mk. 9:18),having convulsions (Mk. 9:20; Lk. 4:35) and foamingat the mouth (Mk. 9:20; Lk. 9:39).

However, while demons caused the above, there

needs to be a distinction made between demon

possession and physical sickness (see Mt. 4:24; 8:16;

10:1; Mk. 1:32-34; Acts 8:7; 19:11-12).

Demons Active Today?

While demons were active in New Testament times, we need to know whether they are active now or not.The prophet Zechariah said "in that day" when there would be "a fountain open" "for sin" that God' would (1) "cut off the names of the idols out of the land" and (2) "I will cause the prophets and theunclean spirit to pass out of the land" (Zech. 13:1-2).Jesus said the apostles would "in my name cast outdevils" (Mk. 16:17). Paul said "prophecies, they shallfail" (1 Cor. 13:8). Of one "with an unclean spirit" itis said "no man could bind him, no, not with chains" and when "he had been often bound with fetters and chains" "the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces; neither couldany man tame him" (Mk. 5:-4). Do we have men today that can not be bound? The average chain willhold any man. In Mt. 8:28 we learn of "two possessed with devils" who were "exceeding fierce, sothat no man might pass by that way" but we have no such circumstances today. Again, from Acts 19:13-16 we learn of certain ones who were caused to flee wounded and naked because one with an evil spirit leaped upon them, overcame them and prevailed against them. Do demons cause such today? If demons really possessed men today, beforethey could be converted, the demons would have tobe cast out, thus calling for a miracle. Calvinismsays man is so depraved that it takes a miracle inorder for him to be converted. If miracles are needed to convert men today, then miracles have not ceased(1 Cor. 13:8-10) and Calvinism is true.

Exorcism Contrasted

Looking at Jesus casting out demons and whatmen today claim they do will reveal that they are notalike.

(1) Jesus did not cast out demons in some dark,secluded room to be publicized later. When Jesus castout demons the record says "they were all amazed"(Lk. 4:33-37). (2) With a word Jesus cast out demons (Mt. 17:18), yet a Catholic priest in the movie, 'The Exorcist' tried 20 times within two months. Another priest attempted Exorcism 14 times in 29 days. (3) Those who were demon possessed in New Testament times had malfunctions of otherwise normal conditions; they were dumb, blind and deaf.However, Catholic exorcist Luigi Novagese said, "Apossessed man's skin turned white like paper, histeeth became transparent, his eyes bulged with ballsof flame and fire issued from his mouth." Where do you read of such descriptions of demon possessed people in the New Testament? Novagese said thatduring a session of exorcism one demon took a bite ofa sandwich. (4) So-called modern demons give out with 'fierce curses' and 'bursts of blasphemy' yet in New Testament times even the demons recognized andrespected Deity (Mk. 1:24; 3:11; 5:7). (5) The purpose of exorcism in New Testamentdays was to confirm the word (Mk. 16:15-20). Theword does not need to be confirmed today. If someword needs confirmation today, this is an admissionit is not the word preached by Christ and the apostles. Modern exorcists do not preach the con firmed word of God.

WHO IS JEHOVAH?

I feel that two extreme positions have been takenon this question. Many denominational writers teachthat the name "Jehovah" always refers to Jesus. Such teaching is set forth in the late Harry Rimmer's "The Magnificence of Jesus" (in most respects, a magnificent volume, I might add).

Rimmer wrote: "Among the sacred names of God as He revealed Himself to the Hebrews in Old Testament times, is one hallowed name, the exactform of which is lost to our modern age. The American Revised Version seeks to recapture thisname under the form 'Jehovah.' Other scholars say it should be 'Yah' or 'Yawah.' This is a question ofsmall moment, and one that is impossible to settle,because of the dramatic disappearance of that wordfrom written records. The loss of the exact form came about in this fashion: The name (which we will callJehovah) occurs in the Old Testament text something over seven thousand times. It was held in such reverence and awe, men never spoke it in audibletones. When the priest was reading the law and cameto this sacred name of God, he shut his eyes, bowed,crossed his hands on his breast, and worshipped. Thecongregation, knowing that he was thinking the nameof God, bowed with him and joined in that homage.

"When a scribe was copying the law, the ceremonial admiration of that name was so great, healways used a new pen to write the holy appellation when he met it in the text. In the course of time, itbecame agreed that since the name was never spoken,they would leave a blank in the record, and copiesthus were made in this fashion. When the reader came to this blank, he knew that the name of Godwas intended, and he paused and worshipped at thethought of that name. Thus, after generations and centuries of this practice, the name became lost. Forthe sake of convenience, we will use the English form'Jehovah' and simply state that it was the holiestword for absolute deity in the Hebrew text, and thatit always means the Person of Jesus Christ!"

I quoted those lengthy paragraphs because of theinteresting information they contain. My objectionlies with the last sentence of Dr. Rimmer's remarks, that the name "Jehovah" always means the Person ofJesus Christ.

David said: "The LORD said unto my Lord, sitthou at my right hand until I make thine enemies thyfootstool" (Psalm 110:1). In the King James Bible, the word "LORD" with all letters capitalized, is fromthe word "Jehovah." Here "Jehovah" refers to the Father, not to Jesus Christ.

Jesus quoted this passage in Matt. 22:41-45: "While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesusasked them, saying, What think ye of Christ? Whoseson is he? They say unto him, The son of David. Hesaith unto them How then doth David in spirit callhim Lord, saying, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I made thine enemies thyfootstool?"

It was the Father who said these words to the Son (Heb. 1:13). Therefore this is one clear case in whichthe name "Jehovah" refers to the Father, and not to Jesus.

But I must also take issue with the idea that the name always refers to the Father. The "Jehovah's Witnesses" teach this, and it harmonizes well withtheir doctrine that Jesus is a created being. Manybrethren (while in no way denying the deity of Jesus)also believe and teach that "Jehovah" is used exclusively of God the Father in the scriptures. I donot believe such teaching will stand up.

In Deut. 6:4, Moses wrote: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD." The American Revised Standard has "Jehovah" where the King James Version has "LORD". Jehovah is here under consideration. The word "God" is from the Hebrew Elohim. This is the plural form of the word El. It is the word used in the very first verse of the Bible. Itis used in Gen. 1:26: "And God said, Let us makeman in our image, after our likeness." It is used inGen. 3:22: "And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us. . . " It is used again andagain in the Old Testament, and it always refers tothe Persons or Beings of the Godhead, the Father,Son, and Holy Spirit.

The word "one" in Deut. 6:4 is echad. This word means a united one, not an absolute one. It shows compound unity. It is used in Gen. 1:5: "And the evening and morning were the first day." The word "first" is echad. Two objects (evening and morning)equaled one, i.e., a united one. The word is used inGenesis 2:24: "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife; andthey twain shall be one flesh." Here again we have acompound unity. Husband and wife become one. When Jesus quoted these words in Matt. 19:5, Heused the Greek hen for the Heb. echad. And then He used the same word in John 10:30 when He declared: "I and my Father are one."

Now, back to Deut. 6:4, when we put the abovepieces together, it becomes obvious that "Jehovah" isthe name of all three members of the Godhead. While the name might be applied exclusively to one Memberin a given text (as in Psalm 110:1), it may be appliedto any Member. It is a name of deity.

There are several texts in which the name "Jehovah" applies to Jesus: "The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of theLORD (Jehovah), make straight in the desert a highway for our God" (Isa. 40:3). Readers will recognize this as a prophecy which Matthew statedwas fulfilled

by John the Baptist as he prepared the way of Jesus(Matt. 3:3).

Psalm 24 should be read in its entirety. It is a prophecy of the ascension of Christ. Verse 10 asks:"Who is this King of glory?" Then the answer: "TheLORD of hosts, he is the King of glory."

Many other references could be given, but theseshould suffice. "Jehovah" is a name of the Godhead,not just of the Father.

"Therefore, we ought to give the more earnest heedto the things which we have heard, lest at any timewe should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward:How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation . . ." (Heb. 2:1-3). This clearly teaches that if Christians drift and neglect their salvation, they willno more escape punishment than did the disobedientJews. The sin of negligence begins in the heart with aweakening of faith, a loss of zeal and love; and itresults in slothfulness in the Lord's work. It is extremely deceptive and very dangerous, and will surely send one to hell. One can attend every serviceof the church, give liberally, pray, worship, live agood moral life, and still be guilty of negligence. Ifone is not alert and watchful, it is easy to be lulledinto a false sense of security, not realizing thegradual drifting away into grave danger. This is whyits so important to examine ourselves daily to see whether we are in the faith (2 Cor. 13:5).

I fear there are many churches, which are "sound on the issues," and faithful in doctrine, but complacent and lukewarm, not zealous of and not careful to maintain good works. Some may have aname that they live because of strong, past opposition to institutionalism, etc., but are dead like the churchat Sardis (Rev. 3:1). Unless churches constantly,honestly and thoroughly examine themselves, theymay go to the judgment in a dead, lukewarm, lostcondition.

There are many warnings against negligence. The entire 25th chapter of Matthew warns us with examples: The five foolish virgins neglected to keep an adequate supply of oil; the one talent man neglected to use what he had according to his ability;those who neglected to give attention to "little things," such as giving food, drink, clothing to the Lord's brethren in need, and failing to visit the sickand those in prison. Jesus teaches that they shall beeternally condemned in punishment, not because ofwhat they did, but because of what they did not do(Verse 46). Also, in John 15:1-6, Jesus says that theunfruitful branch will be cut off, cast into the fire andburned. Negligence causes this unfruitfulness. Christians are warned and exhorted to provoke oneanother unto love and good works, and to remembertheir former days of faithfulness, and to not castaway their confidence, but be patient in doing the will of God, in order to receive the promise (Heb.10:19-36).

Causes of Negligence

(1) Love of and conformation to the world. We arewarned to love not the world, neither the things inthe world (1 John 2:15). Demas forsook Paul,"having loved this present world" (2 Tim. 4:10). Weare exhorted to not be conformed to the world, but transformed (Rom. 12:1-2). (2) Lust of the flesh, lust of the eye, and the pride of life can cause one to be negligent. When one hadrather enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, than tosuffer afflictions with the people of God (Heb. 11:25),he neglects the works of God. (3) Temptation causes negligence; it causes one tofall away (Luke 8:13). God knows how to deliver thegodly out of temptations (2 Pet. 2:9), and he alwaysprovides a way of escape (1 Cor. 10:12-13); but its upto us to take the route of escape. We should praythat we enter not into temptation: "Watch and pray,that ye enter not into temptation. . ." (Matt. 26:41). (4) Some "go forth, and are choked with cares andriches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit toperfection (Luke 8:14). We will always have somecares, but we can keep them from hindering works ofGod. Covetousness and riches cause negligence. A covetous rich man said: "Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat,drink and be merry" (Luke 12:19). Even the desire tobe rich brings temptations and snares (1 Tim. 6:910). Pleasures also cause negligence. Some are loversof pleasure more than lovers of God (2 Tim. 3:4).When cares of this life, riches and pleasures have priority over God's work, it results in sinful negligence. (5) Weariness causes negligence. God says, "Letus not be weary in well doing, for in due season weshall reap, if we faint not" (Gal. 6:9). "Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short ofit" (Heb. 4:1). Many are negligently resting now, andforfeiting their eternal salvation. Only when the faithful, fruitful Christian dies in the Lord, can herest from his labours (Rev. 14:13).

Tragic Consequences of Negligence

Negligence will cause multitudes of alien sinnersand negligent Christians to be forever lost in hell. Itis contagious: "A little leaven leaveneth the wholelump" (1 Cor. 5:6). There is no escape for one who neglects his salvation (Heb. 2:1-3); he will go awayinto everlasting punishment (Matt. 25:1-46). The unfruitful, barren branch will be cut off and cast intothe fire (John 15:1-6).

The Laodicean church is an example of a lukewarm, complacent, slothful, negligent church (Rev. 3:15-20). But they thought they were saved, safe and secure; actually, they were wretched,miserable, poor, blind, naked and lost, in need of zealand repentance. They could have known this if theyhad thoroughly examined themselves by God's word. This church was not charged with teaching falsedoctrine, immorality or forsaking the assembling of themselves together. They were condemned, not because of what they did, but because of what theydid not do. They needed to awaken from their sleep,rise from the dead, be zealous and repent, and startredeeming the time (Rev. 3:19; Eph. 5:14-17). Preachers should constantly warn churches to examine themselves, and be zealous, fervent in spirit,and careful to maintain good works, serving the Lord(Tit. 3:8; Rom. 12:11).

Christians are God's workmanship; they are ordained to walk in good works (Eph. 2:10). Jesus gave himself for us, to redeem us from all iniquity, to purify unto himself a people zealous of goodworks (Tit. 2:14). Surely, we can live and work for himwho died for us, and not neglect his commandments.

Sometimes one may be negligent because he thinkshe does not have ability, the means, and opportunities. This negative attitude manifests littlefaith. If we have a fervent desire and willingness towork, God will work in us "both to will and to do ofhis good pleasure" (Phil. 2:13). God is "able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us" (Eph. 3:20). "And God is able to make all graceabound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every goodwork" (2 Cor. 9:8). He can enrich us in ALL BOUNTIFULNESS IN EVERYTHING (Verse 11).Many limit God's blessings by their little faith in these promises, having a lukewarm spirit and a slothful life. They equate God's reasoning and powerwith their own, having little faith that God can and will provide bountifully all things needed for every good work. We do not have to see how God will do it;we must walk by faith, not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7). Hisways and thoughts are as much higher than ours,as the heavens are above the earth; his ways are past finding out (Rom. 11:33). So, why should we question God's ability and willingness to supply usbountifully? Brethren, let us cease doubting and wavering, and confidently and fully believe and apply the above passages, always walking by faith, not byour sight.

We can avoid the deadly, soul-condemning sin ofnegligence, if we will abstain and maintain: abstainfrom worldly things that hinder, and maintain good works. We must not love the world or the things ofthe world (1 John 2:15); we must not be friends ofthe world (James 4:4); we must not be conformed tothe world (Rom. 12:1-2); otherwise, we will be negligent and slothful. We must ALWAYS put God's kingdom FIRST (Matt. 6:33).

We should add to our faith: virtue, knowledge,temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness,and love; "for if these things be in you and abound,they make you that ye shall neither be barren norunfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purgedfrom his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren,give diligence to make your calling and election sure:for IF YE DO THESE THINGS, YE SHALL NEVER FALL—for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2Pet. 1:5-11), Peter said though they knew thosethings, he was putting them in remembrance (Verse12). Evangelists today should constantly put the brethren in remembrance of being careful to maintaingood works (Titus 3:8).

We must constantly, honestly and thoroughly examine ourselves, whether we be in the faith, ornegligent (2 Cor. 13:5). If negligent, we must awakenfrom our sleep, rise from the dead and redeem the time (Eph. 5:17-18). We must be zealous and repent;this is what Jesus told the Laodiceans (Rev. 3:19). We should be fervent in spirit, not slothful in business, serving the Lord (Rom. 12:11). We mustwork out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12).

In order to go to heaven, we MUST do God's commandments, enduring to the end, being faithful unto death (Rev. 22:14; Matt. 10:22; Rev. 2:10).Christians can help each other to make it to heaven,if they will daily exhort each other, provoking untolove and good works (Heb. 3:12; 10:24).

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith withoutwavering (Heb. 10:23). Let us have patience in doing God's will (Heb. 10:36). Let us never become wearyin well doing (Gal. 6:9). "Therefore, we ought to givethe most earnest heed to the things which we haveheard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For ifthe word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward, HOW SHALL WE ESCAPE. IF WE NEGLECT SO GREAT SALVATION. . ." (Heb. 2:1-3).

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast,unmoveable, always abounding in the work of theLord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is notin vain in the Lord" (1 Cor. 15:58). "For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love,which ye have shewed toward his name, in that yehave ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the samediligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:that ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises" (Heb. 6:10-12). "Cast not away therefore yourconfidence, which hath great recompense of reward.For ye have need of patience, that, after ye havedone the will of God, ye might receive the promise"(Heb. 10:35-36).

Preaching the gospel of Christ is a tremendous responsibility. Every gospel preacher should be fully aware of its importance. But do we realize that LISTENING is just as important as speaking? A preacher's lesson does very little good (even though he may have spent many hours in its preparation) ifthe audience is not listening. And, surely, if a persondesires to be entertained, the world provides that inmany forms—many of which are acceptable and allright in their proper place. But entertainment has noplace whatsoever in the pulpit or in our worship toGod. Thus, when Christians assemble for worship,ALL must realize the importance of such an assembly, and treat it and others with due respect."Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot bemoved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve Godacceptably with reverence and godly fear; For ourGod is a consuming fire" (Heb. 12:28, 29).

"They Gave Him Audience Unto This Word"

Some people will listen to the word of God up to apoint. In Acts 22, Paul defends himself in Jerusalem.The Jews listened to Paul concerning his birth (vs.3), education (vs. 3), zeal towards the law (vs. 3-5),and they even listened to the facts concerning his conversion to Christ (vs. 6-16). But, when Paul mentioned the Gentiles, a group of people they hated,that did it! (Acts 22:21). Their prejudices were soblinding that they would hear Paul no more. What Paul said in verse 21 "turned them off." "And theygave him audience unto this word, and then liftedup their voices and said, Away with such a fellowfrom the earth: for it is not fit that he should live" (Acts 22:22).

The Athenians listened to Paul in Acts 17:22-31. But, "When they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked" (Acts 17:32).

The above are New Testament examples of poorlisteners. Likewise, it is not uncommon to encounter the same today with those of the denominational world. For example, they may be quite interested,listening well to Bible teaching concerning faith or repentance. But not so when it is pointed out thatbaptism is essential to salvation (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Rom. 6:3, 4; 1 Pet. 3:21). Though theteaching is sound and scriptural, they want to hearno more of it!

It must also be pointed out that some members ofthe Lord's church listen—up to a point, that is. They like the preacher and what he says just fine until hebegins to zero in on their sins. After that, they don't hear a word he says!

"He Preaches Too Long"

I know of a case where the local preacher had a lesson that was a little longer than usual. One brother in the audience became so impatient (whatwith it past twelve and all), that he stood up, slammed his song book down on the bench, and stormed out of the assembly. (He later repented ofsuch action.) Many members of the church are not soabrupt in expressing their impatience with the preacher's "long-windedness" as in the case cited above, but they, too, have means of sending out littlesignals revealing their impatience. It may come in theform of criticism—"he preaches too long." Or, it sometimes manifests itself by the listener (?) continually cleaning his throat, or by getting thesong book out and opening it to the song to be sungat the close of the lesson, long before the preacherconcludes. And we can't leave out that old

standby—get real fidgety and continually look up atthe clock or at your watch. The message will comein loud and clear every time!

I would be the first to acknowledge that a preacher must use good judgment as to the length of his sermons. But, the length of a lesson sometimes depends upon the subject. (Some lessons just takemore time than do others.) There is no reason why apreacher should d-r-a-g o-u-t his sermon until heloses his audience by being redundant. He should bedirect and to the point, thus, excluding the need tosay the same thing two or three times before finishing his lesson. But at the same time, listeners should not get upset when he "goes over" because they can't "beat the Baptists" to the nearest cafeteria or restaurant, either!

Conclusion

As listeners of God's word, may we all seek to beas Cornelius and his household . . . "Now therefore are we all here present before God to hear all things that are commanded thee of God" (Acts 10:33). Their main concern was to hear the word of God. When the preacher takes his place in the pulpit,as a listener, are you truly concerned with hearing God's word? The preacher will have to give an accountfor what he says, and you, the listener, will have togive an account for how you listen. The following is a quotation from a cartoon: "I have a task and thatis talking to you. You have a task of listening to me. Ihope you do not finish before I do." In most cases,when the listener stops listening to a gospel sermonbefore it is completed—the problem does not lie withthe preacher, but rather, with the heart of the onewho has stopped listening. May we all realize THEIMPORTANCE OF LISTENING to God's word.

A child in art class cuts a potato in two. He draws asimple picture on the flat face. Then he cuts awaywhat is outside the outline. Next he "inks the stamp"by touching it to a paint pad. Now he stamps hisfigure on paper. The simple printed character comesout the same every time and delights the budding artist.

Transfer this action to an ancient workman. An expert, he engraved in metal an image to be stampedon coins, or wax, or on other material. The term forthat stamped "picture" was the Greek word, charakter. In this connection it meant, "an exact expression; an exact reproduction; a perfect likeness;the impress, as enstamped; an exact copy; precise reproduction in every respect". These definitions areby recognized scholars. All of them refer to the samestamped image.

This word appears only once in all of God's Book.This is in Hebrews 1:3 which begins, "And He (God'sSon) is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature (New American Standard Bible)".

Considering the definitions above we can appreciatehow different translations render this. The American Standard Version has, "the very image of his substance". In the margin is, "the impress of his substance". The King James Version says, "the express image of his person". In the Revised Standard Version we read that he (Jesus) "bears the very stamp of his nature". The New International Version calls it, "the exact representation of his being."

All of these forcefully convey the thought that thenature, being, and person of God are seen in Jesus.

Other words and other verses teach that the Savior showed us the Father and how we are to imitate Him. But here one time is the answer to, "What does God look like?" In much detail and in great beautywe have the printed portrait. Jesus is the marvelouspicture of God.

THE BROOK KIDRON (2 Sam. 15:23; 1 Kings 15:13; John 18:1)We read the story and in sympathyBehold King David in his hour of woePass over Kidron. There with him we see His fleeing people, weeping as they go.Years afterward the good King Asa burned The image at the brook. On Kidron's sod Brave David's faithful great-great-grandson turned The worship of God's people back to God.And finally at night, but not to hide, OurLord passed over Kidron. Calm and meek,He sought the scene of grief.It was beside Jerusalem's historic dusky creek.

Oliver Watts

Index for Volumes XVII & XVIII

ANSWERS FOR OUR HOPE — Marshall E. PattonBritnell—Woods Debate .............................................. 398Concessions for Unity .................................................... 168Divorce and Remarriage .............................................. 249Elders—Having Faithful Children ................................. 188Lord's Supper on Sunday Night, The ............................... 289Scriptural Divorce .......................................................... 6Why Did Joseph Not Put Mary Away? ........................... 309

ARROWS OF TRUTH FOR DENOMINATIONAL ERROR — Ward Hog landDeceptive Argumentation—No. 1 ...................................271 Deceptive Argumentation—No. 2 ....................................294 Deceptive Argumentation—No. 3 ....................................331 "Personal Interpretation"—No. 1 .................................... 72 "Personal Interpretation"—No. 2 .................................... 92 "Personal Interpretation"—No. 3 ....................................154

EDITORIAL — Connie W. Adams

"And See How They Do" ..................................................103Bad Company.................................................................. 431Blueprint for Disruption .................................................. 43Book, Chapter and Verse................................................. 187Bringing in the Sheaves....................................................367Catering to the Rich .........................................................391Choosing Up Sides ......................................................... 3Editorial Stew .................................................................. 83Editorial Stew .................................................................. 7Editorial Stew ................................................................. 471Following Precedent ........................................................207God's Moral Standard ..................................................... 124Investigate ..................................................................... 167Looking for Loopholes ......................................................147Ontario, Canada .............................................................. 347Optimism in the Lord's Work .......................................... 327Place, The........................................................................ 23Preaching in Italy ........................................................ 247Questions for Arnold Hardin ........................................... 287Shameful Failure, A........................................................ 307Supporting GospelPreachers........................................... 63Two Great Losses.............................................................411What Shall It Be Called?...................................................269Your Only Real Assurance ...............................................451

EXPOSITION: TEXT AND CONTEXT — Weldon E. Warnock

Be Not Deceived...............................................................437Five Wonderful Things ................................................... 234Letter to Laodicea, The (Rev. 3:14-22) ............................. 67Letter to Philadelphia, The (Rev. 3:7-13)......................... 47Letter to Sardis, The (Rev. 3:1-6) .................................. 29Letter to Thyatira, The (Rev. 2:18-29) .......................... 8Some Things Paul Knew...................................................293Unpardonable Sin, The ................................................... 275

I MARVEL -James P. Miller

Back to Tampa ...: ........................................................ 213Combating Evolution....................................................... 50I Marvel .......................................................................... 251In Memory of Henry Craft ............................................. 400Sin of Premarital Sex, The ............................................. 173Wisdom of God, The......................................................... 104

INSIGHT — Dee Bowman

Far Better Way, A .......................................................... 436

LET NO MAN DESPISE THY YOUTHEvil Eye, The—Ralph A. Walker, Jr ....................... ; .. .413Great Heritage, A — Steve Goff ...................................... 3,55Hypocrisy — Ronny Milliner .......................................... 24Miracles in the Word — Keith Ward ................................ 105Nappers and Daydreamers — Steve Patton .................... 73Old Perversion, An — Wayne S. Walker.......................... 196Rare Gift of Forgiveness, The — Jerry Accettura ......... 272Unity — Larry Duncan .................................................. 473

Unity by Numbers or Faith? — Bill Robinson, Jr ............ 329Where Are the Ruths — Stanley W. Adams .................... 435Worship — Glenn Seaton ................................................. 4

PERFECTING HOLINESS IN THE FEAR OF GOD — Gary P. Henr

Cold Buildings and Slow Songs........................................ 459Lord, Help Us Not to Run in the Church Building ........... 351Praying for Real People ..................................................420

PLAINNESS OF SPEECH, USING GREAT — J. T. Smith

Anatomy of an Anti— A Review ofJohn Waddy's Attack ................................................... 71Arnold Hardin, the Baptists, and Legalism ..................... 170Bravery in the Philippine Islands ................................... 254Brother Hardin Can't Have It Both Ways!....................... 231Fellowship and Debating ............................................. 30Having the Mind (Attitude) of Christ—No. 1 ............... .296Having the Mind (Attitude) of Christ—No. 2 .............. ... 306Having the Mind (Attitude) of Christ—No. 3 .................... 2How Does God Make His Message Known Today? .......... 151Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage................................. Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage ................................350Plainness of Speech......................................................... 10Proper Attitudes Toward God's Word .............................108Putting Repentance into Practice................................... 277Salvation by Grace Through Faith—No. 1 ......................393Salvation by Grace Through Faith—No. 2........................417Salvation by Grace Through Faith—No. 3 .......................438Salvation by Grace Through Faith—No. 4........................454

RESTORATION FOOTNOTES—Earl Kimbrough

Abuses of the Press ......................................................... Charms of Political Life, The ...........................................157Dandy Definition, A......................................................... 2"Espoused," "Affianced," but Not "Betrothed" ........... 461"His Soul Goes Marching On" ........................................ 346"Ideal" Preacher's Wife, The ......................................... 94"Lord Will Provide, The" ............................................... 418McGarvey Made Mistakes, Too ...................................... 278Paving the Way for Innovators ...................................... 51Sermon for the Birds, A................................................... 2"Sommer, You Are Right!" ............................................ 215Where Then is the Body? ................................................. 177Why Preachers Keep Preaching .................................... 292

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

Astrology ........................................................................ 414Cogdell's "Campaign for Christ" Reviewed—No. 1 .........149Cogdell's "Campaign for Christ" Reviewed—No. 2 .........175Cogdell's "Campaign for Christ" Reviewed—No. 3......... 191Cogdell's "Campaign for Christ" Reviewed—No. 4 .........210Confessing Christ............................................................. 107Demonology ....................................................................473Help an Eighteen-Year-Old..............................................235Hindu Idolatry—Transcendental Meditation .................... 90Prophets View the Church, The—No. 1 ............................ 311Prophets View the Church, The—No. 2 ............................ 5Prophets View the Church, The—No. 3 ........................... 352Prophets View the Church, The—No. 4 ........................... 394Religion of Freemasonry, The—No. 1............................... 7Religion of Freemasonry, The—No. 2 ............................. 27Religion of Freemasonry, The—No. 3 ............................. 46Religion of Freemasonry, The—No. 4 .............................. 69Satanism ........................................................................ 441Singing and the Song Leader—No. 1 ...............................252Singing and the Song Leader—No. 2 ............................... 273

SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, USING THE — Ken Green

Bringing Him Up Right ................................................... 290Churches Promote Swinging Singles? ...........................452Crumbling Foundations ................................................. 87Doctor in Search of a Miracle, A .................................:. 32Here's Another Good (?) Example, Folks .......................209

"If You Haven't Tried It, Don't Knock It!" .....................3101975 in History.................................................................. 49Onward March! .............................................................233Salute! ............................................................................ 419Strange Things.................................................................253Superpunks, New Examples for Youth............................399That Crystal Ball Again...................................................150"They Have Stricken Me" ............................................ 66Who Is Jehovah?..............................................................475

THINGS MOST CERTAINLY BELIEVED —Julian R. SnellGift Supreme, The !......................................................... 12Glorifying God ...............................................................333Hearts Must Be Right .....................................................153"Looking Diligently".......................................................297Lost in Hell ....................................................................255Lost Opportunities........................................................... 89"Sin" .............................................................................110Tears of Jesus, The ........................................................460Unconscious Loss ............................................................216

THINGS WRITTEN FOR OUR LEARNING — J. Wiley AdamsDavid ............................................................................... 11 Need for Home Discipline, The ......................................232

THINK ON THESE THINGS—H. E. PhillipsAnother New Year...........................................................245Are We Losing Our Freedom? ........................................165Condemning Self.............................................................. 21Elder's "Child or Children" Again, The............................389Evil Attitudes Toward Preaching ...................................345Faithful Attendance........................................................185I Do Not...........................................................................145Lord's Work in Italy, The ................................................265No Love for the Truth.......................................................205Of Heaven or of Men? ...........................................'........ 61Positive Action Necessary............................................... 1Religion of the Pharisees, The.........................................101Source of Revelation, The................................................469Thy Heart Is Not Right ..................................................225Unique Claims of the Bible, The...................................429Unique Nature of the Bible, The.......................................409Unique Unity of the Bible, The.........................................449What is the Bible?—No. 1 ...............................................285What is the Bible?—No. 2 ................................................305What is the Bible?—No. 3 ................................................325Worldliness in the Church ................................................ 81

WORD STUDIES IN THE GREEK NEW TESTAMENT —E.V. SrygleyHebraists and the Purists, The.........................................313 Historicityof Jesus of Nazareth, The..............................211Language of the New Testament, The—No. 1 ...............236 Language of the New Testament, The—No. 2 .................256

WORD STUDIES IN THE HEBREW OLD TESTAMENT —Harold Tabor "Honey" .......................................................................316

Adams, J. Wiley

Immodesty—Indecent Exposure..................................... 127Laborers Are Few, The...................................................374

Bailey, Morris W.R.

Neither Be Ye Idolaters—No. 1 ......................................155

Neither Be Ye Idolaters—No. 2 .......................................172

Beasley, William V.

Book of Mormon and Prayer, The....................................198

Berdini, Rodolfo

Italian Liberals................................................................395

Blackford, Dick Advice to Young Preachers ............................................189 Detente in the Church .................................................... 93

Blasingame, Lowell

"So-Called Gods".............................................................337

Bradberry, Mrs. Wanda

Awake, Awake, Christians, Awake, Awake.................... 52

Bunting, Robert H.

Unity in Diversity ........................................................... 112

Bunting, Tom

Pick a Country ............................................................... 311

Copeland, Jady W.

My Second Trip to the Philippines.................................. 176

Daly, Ronnie

Black Church in Nacogdoches, The................................. 400

Dively, Ray F.

Women, Teaching and Speaking in the Churches............. 193

Dodd, Bill

Modest Sex Symbol?, A................................................... 401

Edwards, Johnie

Tossed To and Fro ......................................................... 336

Evans, R. J.

Abortion Crusade Doctor Makes aDramatic Turnabout ..................................................... 356Be Alert! ........................................................................ 382Boasters ......................................................................... 295Importance of Listening, The ......................................... 478

Fly, L. Earl

Can Baptism Make an UnscripturalMarriage Scriptural? ......................................................192Deadly Sin of Negligence, The.........................................476

Gibson, Dody

Empty Chairs.................................................................. 157

Granke, A. A., Jr.

Revolutionary New Bible!, A.......................................... 113"Womenism" and the Clergy.......................................... 357

Green, Ken

Irrational Philosophy—Spring of Social Chaos ............... 121One on One...................................................................... 375

Grider, A. C.

Is Long Hair a Glory to a Woman?................................... 194Is the Devil That Smart or is He that Dumb? ................... 257One Baptism, The ............................. '............................. 315

Halbrook, Ron

"Secretariat, I Ordain Thee Bishop!" .......................... 41

Hardin, Arnold

Reply to J. T. Smith ........................................................ 229Reply to J.T. Smith......................................................... 288

Henry, Gary P.

Christianity, Inc.............................................................. 314

Higgins, Pat

Equality in Value............................................................ 317First Study—Then Stand................................................. 422

Hughes, Thomas

Reflections on a Special Class— One Student's Viewpoint.................................................................................... 354

Kimbrough, Earl

Sin of Premarital Sex, The .............................................. 134

Lee, Irven

Right and Duty................................................................ 458

Little, Wallace H.

Distribution of the Pagadian City.,Philippines, Relief Fund, 1976 .........................................433"Dungaree Goodbye" .....................................................3371977 Philippines Preaching Trip—"And See How They Do" .................................................397

Love, Vernon

Tidal Wave One Year Overdue!....................................... 421

Martin, Luther W.

"No Private Interpretation" ......................................... 112

Miller, Bobbie

Images Anyone?.............................................................. 455

Miller, James P.

Lord, Send Me ................................................................. 380

Milliner, RonnyBreakfast or Goldfish Swallowing—Which is Scriptural? ....................................................... 114Moving Expenses............................................................ 258Stewardship—Bodies...................................................... 456Stewardship—Money ...................................................... 439Stewardship—Time Introduction ................................. 416

Ogden, Gary

Grace of God and How It Saves, The ............................... 217

O'Neal, T. G.

Homosexuality—A Sin Against Nature........................... 136Sower of the Seed, The..................................................... 369

Patton, Marshall E.

Soil for the Seed ............................................................. 372Women's Liberation Movement, The ............................. 125

Phillips, H.E.

Drinking and Drugs......................................................... 129Harvest is Plenteous, The ............................................... 365

Roberts, Eddie

Let Us Stand for the Truth............................................... 316

Seaton, Glenn

Christian and Civil Authority, The .................................. 213

Shewmaker, Fred A.

Actions of Christians ....................................................... 53

Smart, R. C, Sr.

Unity 54

Smith, J.T. Adulterous Marriages .....................................................135Self-Starters to Soul Winning ..........................................379

Snell, Julian R. Seed or the Sack, The.......................................................370 Sin of Dancing, The ........................................................132

Stringer, Johnny

What's Your Gripe?.........................................................195

Sullivan, Brian V.

"It's All Greek to Me"......................................................349

Tabor, Harold

Personal Evangelism and Mormons................................109

Tibayan, Victorio R.Eschatology, New Testament ........................................ 84 Godhead, The ................................................................. 44 Jesus Christ is Lord ......................................................... 65

Warnock, Weldon E. Mind Pollution—Pornography.........................................137Roadblocks to Reaping ...................................................377

Watts, O. E.Contrast...........................................................................401Moving the Mountain.......................................................212Sun of Righteousness, The .............................................237Word With You, A............................................................479

Weaver, Walton

Wheat and the Tares: A Response, The ........................... 26

Weliever, Ken

What Kind of Preaching is Needed? ...............................317

IRVEN LEE, P.O. Box 866, Hartselle, AL 35640 — Several months ago I sent word to SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES that I would be cutting down on meetings. My practice has beencontrary to my word. Several things have changed since I wrote the letter, so I have been and will be conducting meetings as time allows, if it be the Lord's will. I am very thankful to have the strength and health that I now have.

Despise Not the Day of Small Things RAY VOTAW, Box 801, Springs, Tvl. 1560, South Africa — Thena and I have just returned from another trip into the kingdom ofSwaziland. It was my privilege while there to make a thirty minute recording at the Swaziland Broadcasting System's studios—government owned and the only station in Swaziland —on "What About This Church of Christ in Swaziland?" This is to be broadcast over the air to Swaziland listeners at a prime time on Sunday. SBS has a potential listening audience of over five hundred thousand. . . . All of this was made possible because a few years ago-in a pinch- a crippled, tattered, shy and a completely unprepossessing young Swazi was selected to do some translating for me. This was the beginning of Nicholas Masuku's interest in the truth. For many months thereafter—on my occasional trips to Swaziland—Nicholas would say "I'm trying to repent." (He was convinced about the oneness of the body, baptism, etc.) About two years ago he made up his mind aboutthe "new life" and I baptized him in a muddy stream coming down from the Lebombo mountains. Our brief associations since that time have been a delight. When we arrived in Swaziland week before last I learned from Nicholas that he had already conducted two thirty minute programs over Swazi Radio using L. A. Mott's tract, "What Is The Church of Christ" as a guideline. This was inthe Siwati language of the Swazis. How long this good thing will last I have no idea. But for now—and without costing a cent — this broadcast continues each Sunday evening. There is no way thistime could be purchased. It just so happens that Masuku had at one time worked with the man in charge of religious programs. After Nicholas' conversion he had talked to this man — Mr. Lukela — about the church and he had suggested, "Why don't you tell all Swaziland?" Nicholas is doing just that. Quite possibly, through this little impoverished and crippled native black, more people have heard the gospel in this sub-continent than in all theseyears of gospel preaching. Indeed — "Who hath despised the day of small things" (Zech. 4:10)? JOHN McCORT, 2675 Kentucky Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46241 —In September of 1976 a group of people started a new congregation in Indianapolis known as the Westside church of Christ. For nearly a year we met in the basement of one of themembers. On August 21, 1977 we met in our new building for the first time and had 196 in attendance. Our building is located at 2675 Kentucky Avenue in Indianapolis. I wish you would announce this fact in your paper because many people are stillunaware of the existence of this congregation.

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New Congregation in Des Moines RON ANDERSON, 602 S.E. Magazine Rd., Ankeny, Iowa 50021 — I am writing to send word that a new congregation is now meeting in the city of Des Moines, Iowa, a city of over 200,000 people, and certainly in need of a faithful, sound congregation. On August 7, 1977, six families met together for the first time to initiate this new work. This came after much anticipation by several individuals over a period of time. We presently have 24 in attendance including 11 adults (average age 38) and the remainder children. We are presently averaging $200per week in contribution which we feel is quite good. All of the men can teach and preach and participate in other items of worship. We stand opposed to the church support of human institutions along with all the other innovations that have invadedthe body of Christ in the last few years. The brethren here are present because of conviction and not for convenience which makes for a great asset in the Lord's work.I moved here to do full-time work after preaching in Texas the last ten years. My support has been raised from congregations in Texas and Arkansas. The work thus far looks extremely encouraging and the brethren would like to proceed in avery positive way in making this new work go. We are presently meeting in a rented business property that is quite nice. We have Sunday Bible classes at 9:45 A.M., Worship at 10:45 A.M. andagain at 6 P.M. We meet at 7:30 Wednesday night for Bible classes. The address is: 1490 W. 86th St., Des Moines, Iowa 50322. Please visit with us when you come this way.

Debate WILLIAM C. SEXTON will meet Robert C. Loudermilk in a series of three debates in Wichita, Kansas. On January 13-14

Loudermilk will affirm that in communion "the cup" (drinkingvessel) is emblematic of the New Testament and the fruit of the vine is emblematic of the blood of Christ. On February 17-18 Loudermilk will affirm that in the Lord's Supper the bread must be in one piece or loaf. On March 24-25 Sexton will affirm the scriptural right to use the Bible class arrangement and the right of women to teach a class of women or small children. On April 2at 3 P.M. there will be summary speeches and a question and answer session. The propositions in this debate are a little out of the ordinary and should make for an interesting discussion.

Preachers Needed MOSCOW, IDAHO — The congregation meeting here is in needof a full time evangelist. We have recently obtained a building to meet in and presently are able to supply all but a small part of the preacher's support. Those interested please write to: Moscow Church of Christ, P.O. Box 8172, Moscow, Idaho 83843. Phone

(509) 332-8503. MEDINA, TENNESSEE — The church in Medina is seeking an evangelist to work with it on a full time basis. Anyone who mightbe interested should address inquiries to: Medina Church of Christ, Medina, TN 38343 or call Hershel Cooley at (901) 783-3603. CRANE HILL, ALABAMA — The church in Crane Hill, Alabama needs a full time preacher. We are a small congregationof eight families (total people 20). We are not yet self-supporting, though we have an adequate building in which to worship and can provide at least $250 a month support to an evangelist. There is plenty to do and many souls to be saved in this area. Interested persons should inquire by calling (205) 747-6942 or writing the Crane Hill Church of Christ, Star Route, Crane Hill, Alabama 35053.