THE UNIQUE NATURE OF THE BIBLE

A good understanding of the Bible itself will help us tounderstand its nature. It is not just another book like themany books we have today. There are several traits aboutit that clearly distinguish it from all other literature in theworld. A strong effort is being put forth in this generationto lower the influence of this book to that of other books written by men, but as long as the distinguishing characteristics of the Bible remain, it can never be classifiedwith the rest of the literature of the world.

Various terms used to describe the Bible will help us tounderstand something of its nature. The most prominent ofthese terms are:

(1) Bible. This book is called the "BIBLE," from the Greek Biblia meaning "the books." It is the "Volume of thebook" of Psa. 40:7; Heb. 10:7. This refers to all the booksindividually that compose what we know as the Bible. (2) The Scriptures. This term is often used to refer to the same writings as the word "Bible." Scripture is a Latin term which means "The writings." By common usage it hascome to mean the writings of God. (3) The Word of God. The word of God signifies thatwhich is written is from God — it is His word and not the word of man. (4) The Gospel. This term signifies more directly the "good news" of Christ, but it is used also to signify any thing that God has spoken to man, especially those thingsin the realm of promises that bring a blessing to mankind.

The nature of the Bible is shown in these terms byputting their meanings together. It is the BOOKS of sacredinstruction composed of THE WRITINGS of God that camethrough holy men as they were "moved by the Spirit,"composing the WORD OF GOD in contrast to the word ofmen. Paul says his message did not come by men, nor thewill of man, but of Jesus Christ (Gal. 1:11,12). This writingof God brings the GOSPEL or "good news" of salvation to lost mankind.

THE UNIQUE NATURE OF ITS ORIGIN

1. CAUSE —EFFECT The unusual origin of the Bible tells of its divine origin.This divine origin of the Bible depends upon the universally accepted relation between CAUSE and EFFECT. The Bibleis an EFFECT of a CAUSE. Its very nature required anunusual Creator. A clock is the result of some designer andcreator. If we find some distinctly unique clock, we knowthat there must have been some unusual mind behind it. If we concede that there is a God, then the existence of the Bible can easily be explained. But deny the existence of God
2. and we cannot reasonably account for the existence of the Bible.
1. EITHER FROM GOD OR MAN Reason inquires: "Is the Bible of human or divine origin?" Reason simply deduces from evidence given whatis most natural and logical. An example is: Man has a soul;Adam is a man; therefore, reason says Adam has a soul.There is no other alternative. Reason tells us that the Bible is here; it had to have some creator; it had to come fromeither a Divine Being or from man. There is no other alternative. This necessarily makes the Bible the loftiest or basestpiece of literature on earth. With its claims it either is verytrue or very false. If the Lord is in truth and fact the Sonof God, he is the highest authority on the face of the earth.He can speak from the source of divine wisdom, knowingthe future will not change his doctrine. If he is not the Son of God, the Bible is the greatest fake the world has everknown. The Bible as it is cannot be a good work unless it is
2. what it claims to be; and if it is what it claims to be, it isthe only book that has God for its author.
1. IT CLAIMS TO BE FROM GOD
2. God is the ultimate speaker in all the Old Testament. InHebrews 1 a list is given of statements regarding Christfrom several writers such as David, Moses, Samuel, but Paul says they all come from God. Sometimes the word "Scripture" is personified as God (Rom. 9:17). Modernistsdecry the idea of making the Bible a person, but that is theway the Book uses the term. This simply means that God speaks through the Scriptures.
1. THE HUMAN INSTRUMENTALITY FROM MANY SOURCES

Though God is said to be the author of the contents of theBible, He used human instrumentality in the work. In thisrespect it came from many sources, yet it is perfectly assembled together into one book. Like the temple in I Kings 5 and 6 it was made to fit before being put together. It

was written by statesmen like Moses, fishermen like Peter,kings and warriors like David, publicans like Matthew, shepherds like Amos, scholars like Paul, and physicians likeLuke. Men from many countries, different ages, and from avariety of walks of life were used in writing the Bible. Thiswould have been impossible without some Superior Mindguiding them in the writing. This makes the Bible unique inits origin.

THE UNIQUE POWER OF THE BIBLE

The Bible claims to be the most powerful book known to man. This claim is either true or false. If false, it is thegreatest fraud known to man; but if true, it is indispensableto life and happiness. Its claims to power are:

1. TOO POWERFUL TO BE BOUND

Paul writes to Timothy that the "word of God is not bound" (II Tim. 2:9). This means that no man or power canbind the powerful word of God. Men can be bound, as Paulwas, but not the word of God. Men may temporarily "hold the truth in unrighteousness," but the time will come whenall such will feel the power of the word and know it cannotbe ignored or bound. It will live and abide forever. Other things will pass away but the word will never pass away.

1. IT IS POWERFUL TO PIERCE THE HEART
2. In Hebrews 4:12 the word of God is said to be "quick" (living) and "powerful." This power is to reach down intothe depths of the heart and discern the motives and intentsof the heart. It anticipates attitudes and motives that govern the conduct. This is an unusual power that cannot beignored by anyone who reads the word of God. No otherwritten matter contains such a power.
1. IT IS POWERFUL TO SAVE No work of man can claim to have the power to save the soul from sin and spiritual death. The word of God makesmen clean: "ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you" (John 15:3). Paul said: "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of Godunto salvation to every one that believeth" (Rom. 1:16).This word of God is the POWER that God uses to save those who believe it. Paul further states to the Corinthians that he declared the gospel unto them "which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are

saved" (I Cor. 15:1,2). The gospel or word of God is the onlypower God uses to lead men to salvation (Acts 11:14).

TWO GREAT LOSSES

Within the same week death claimed two more faithful preachers of the gospel. Luther Blackmonand CD. Plum have now crossed over. Though bothhad been in failing health the last few years, then-passing yet leaves us full of sadness. We countedboth men among our friends. Their diligent worksand faithful preachings were always true to the book.

Luther Blackmon

Though we do not have all the details as to datesand places before us, we can report many thingsabout him. Luther was a preacher of unusual abilities. With little formal education, he appliedhimself and became a well educated man. He had a quick mind, an uncanny memory, a natural witand an eloquence of expression seldom equaled inpreachers. There was a poise and dignity about himunmatched by many. A tragic divorce in his early lifeleft him determined never to re-marry, though hisformer companion was married twice after that. Hebelieved there was one cause for divorce and remarriage but did not want to leave any cloud overhis name which would in any way hinder his work asa gospel preacher. He took care of his mother untilshe died and lived alone the rest of the time.

He was in the front ranks in the early days of theinstitutional battle. His preaching and writing werepotent forces in persuading many to stand for thetruth at all costs. Through the pages of the GOSPELGUARDIAN and TRUTH MAGAZINE he wrote material which will live on to challenge the thinkingof readers. His pen was eloquent, sharp at times and often possessed of a biting wit. He had more "down home" expressions than any man we ever knew. Heespecially equipped himself in the field of evidences.No man ever did a better job of pointing up thewisdom of faith in God, Christ, the Bible, divinecreation and the church than he. His assaults on human philosophies which arrayed themselves againstthe word of God were devastating.

When his health began to fail, his last few yearswere spent in a home for retired people in Marion,Indiana, a place he chose for himself. We visited himseveral times there. The last time we saw each other was during a gospel meeting in which the writerpreached at Marion in 1975. He attended every service, listened intently and made comments to encourage the speaker. His funeral was conducted atNorhill in Houston, Texas by his lifetime friend, Roy

E. Cogdill. We mourn his loss, but not as others who have no hope.

C. D. Plum

This grand preacher died at his home in Parkersburg, West Virginia on June 30, 1977 at the age of

79. He obeyed the gospel in 1911. It was one of thosemeetings in which "one little twelve years old boywas baptized." He gave the rest of his life in the Lord's service spending 56 years preaching thegospel. He did local work with several churches inOhio and West Virginia and preached in gospelmeetings which took him to twenty states and intoCanada.

For several years CD. Plum was a staff writer for the GOSPEL ADVOCATE. When that paper turnedits support to church financed private enterprises, thesponsoring church and other digressive practices, hetook a strong stand against these errors and the ADVOCATE ceased to publish his material resultingin his resignation. He then wrote often in the GOSPEL GUARDIAN and later TRUTH MAGAZINE. He took a stand when it cost something to do so. Many of the congregations wherehe had been welcomed for meetings, and some ofwhich he had helped to establish, no longer welcomedhim. This hurt him deeply. But his love for the truthwas greater than his desire for popularity and therewere many brethren who called for his services aslong as he was able to go. We had the privilege of hearing him a number of times. He always spokewith earnestness (though he did not have a strong voice). His preaching was simple enough that children could understand him. He was a master of blackboard illustration.

Once the editor of this paper was in a meeting atNorth Ridgeville, Ohio the same week C. D. Plumwas conducting a meeting at Medina, Ohio. We werehaving day services and brother Plum came every morning, sat right on the front seat and listenedintently as we conducted a study through the book ofGalatians. He likely never realized how much hispresence, attention and words of encouragement meant to this preacher. .

If other preachers near his age, who lived in thearea where he did, had taken a stand for the truthwhen he did, we are convinced that many congregations in the Ohio Valley would have stood against the tide of error which finally engulfed many of them. We lift the following words from Bill Cavender who, along with Richard Greeson, conducted the funeral services:

"In the nineteen years I knew brother Plum well, I came to love and appreciate him as I have few othermen . . . He was a deeply pious man, given to muchprayer, Bible study and meditation. He always talkedof the scriptures, the church, home and heaven. Inever heard him discuss politics, sports, hunting,fishing, or gossip about anyone. He loved his familyas much as any man I have ever known. Only topreach the gospel would he leave them, while gone hewrote them every day, and when a meeting was over,he was anxious to return home. Humble in spirit, reverent in demeanor, always moderate in all his habits, very unassuming and quiet in his disposition, thrifty with money, undemanding and simple in hisneeds, accurate and meticulous in his work, kind andgentle in manner, forgiving and without rancor toward his enemies, hopeful for the best in all things,believing in God's will and providence in every facetof his life, he tried to live as much as possible atpeace with all men, consistent with God's will, and tolive soberly, righteously and godly in this world.May God bless the memory and work of this wonderful man" (Imhoff Avenue Messenger of Truth, July, 1977).

Observations

The past two years or so have witnessed the passing of several great and good men among us. Itis hard to realize that giants such as Franklin T.Puckett, Oaks Gowen, Frank Smith, Luther Blackmon and CD. Plum are no longer among us. Thattheir works will live on hardly needs to be said. A generation is passing and a link with the past isdisappearing. While there are younger men who will keep the torch of truth burning, we are convincedthat we are not producing men of the same calibre asthese we are losing. We once heard Luther Blackmonpay his respects to some young intellectuals whopoked fun at the likes of Campbell, Lard, McGarveyand others. He said "If the mantle of Campbell or McGarvey should fall upon one of these youngdetractors, it would fit him about like a cowhide on amocking bird." The soft, easy life which our affluentsociety offers is not calculated to discipline men suchas seemed to be true of those who were linked to harder times.

These giants were not only able preachers — they were godly in character. They took heed to themselves and to the doctrine. We are passingthrough perilous times in which we are not only losing these great men by death, we are losing some to theDevil. It is tragic to hear of so many preachers whohave lost their influence for good because of sin intheir lives. The Devil rejoices and the church suffers every time this happens. If there was ever atime to call upon God's people to watch and pray, surely now is the time.

We thank God for the memories of these two preachers whose passing we sadly chronicle in thisarticle. Only in memory now shall we see the artisticdesigns on the blackboard carefully drawn by ouresteemed C. D. Plum. We shall miss his earnest,quiet exhortations to live godly lives. We shall neveragain receive one of his famous postcard messages.His words of exhortation to a younger man to "fightthe good fight of faith" echo through the sacredchambers of memory. No more shall we hear the cheery greeting from Luther Blackmon — "Hello there Connery." (This was a nick-name he made upfor me and he was the only man who ever called methat). No more shall we sit spellbound as he relatesthe distances between the planets, the dimensions ofthe universe and the intricate design of the humaneye as an evidence for the existence of God, nor hearhim quote a genealogy or a chapter without missing a raise his knee and slap his thin American StandardTestament against it like a rifle shot, to emphasizesome point of truth. Ah, what precious memories theseare! They only serve to brighten the prospects ofheaven. We rejoice that they have entered their rest,though we mourn for ourselves because we miss them.Let those who remain determine to be as diligent andfaithful as they were in the Lord's service. Indeed, "our hearts as muffled drums are beating funeral marches to the grave.''

--------------o ---------------OUR BEST TO THE NEW EDITOR OF TRUTH MAGAZINE

Declining health and personal problems led to the resignation of our friend and brother, Cecil Willis,from the editor's chair of TRUTH MAGAZINE. We deeply regret these circumstances. But we are pleasedto learn that Mike Willis has been selected to edit that good paper. He is already acquitting himselfably as an editor. He deserves the prayers, supportand good wishes of all who are interested in thefurtherance of the gospel. He is equipped by training, native ability, and faithfulness in life to give thatpaper outstanding direction. We encourage brethrento subscribe to this and other good papers whichstand for the truth. If you have not done so already,write Mike Willis a note to encourage him in the taskhe has undertaken. His address is: 1021 Welford Drive, Xenia, Ohio 45385. The greatestencouragement of all would be to send in a list of subscriptions.

(Editor's note: Ralph Walker is 23 years old and grew upin Tampa, Florida where he attended MacDill Avenuecongregation where his father was one of the elders. Heattended Florida College for three years and then wentto Louisville, Kentucky to work with Julian Snell andthe Manslick Road congregation where he worked forover a year. He is married to the former Paula Robartsof Jacksonville, Florida, daughter of an elder of theSouth Jacksonville church. He is presently working with the church in Cleveland, Mississippi. We had occasion to be fairly close to his work while he was inLouisville and enjoyed having him as a student in oneof the classes at Expressway church one winter. We commend his article to you as worthy of much consideration).

THE EVIL EYE

Last week we had some unusual and interesting visitors in our home. Early in the week we sat with awoman who was clad in a belly dancer's outfit and who even performed some for us. Some time later wewatched in amazement as a troupe of bikini clad beauties paraded before our wide eyes. Later in theweek we had to listen to the foul language used byvarious guests as they freely cursed in our home,which, by the way, is normally immune from suchfilth. And finally we watched in horror the unfoldingof an adulterous affair with two of our companions,as well as a prostitute soliciting men in her trade,and a few homosexuals discussed their actions and thoughts openly. All of this took place in our livingroom. Can you imagine such?

I hasten to assure you that the above paragraph isnot fact with our family, but it most assuredly didtake place in the homes of many Christian families.All of the above incidents were noted from advertisements of local television shows. All of them! And most of them, sadly, were observed in fullby "godly men and women", unless I am mistaken.

For too long, our only objection to the televisionhas been the amount of time it takes away fromdecent and wholesome activities. In recent years the devil has supplied us with an abundance of new material to attack on grounds of morality, yet wehave been strangely silent on this. Why? We have preached against the evil influences of modern movies. We have condemned the trashy novels and sex-oriented books. Rock music and its preoccupationwith sex, drugs and revolution have been severely criticized. But our guns have remained largelydormant on the subject of sex, violence, immorality,indecency and cursing that is now an intrinsic part oftelevision. Why? We can only guess, but a majorfactor has to be the number of preachers, teachers,elders, deacons and other leaders in the church whoare actively or passively condoning such viewing. Itis hard to condemn what you yourself are doing, orare allowing your family to do.

T.V. is a powerful medium. Figures confirm that.96% of the families in America have a least one T.V. set. For the child, T.V. will exceed the amount of time consumed in any and every other conscious activity. It is the favorite pastime of adults. If ever Satan could use a tool for his work, it is the T.V.And old Satan has done just that.

Television shows reflect an increasing desire for thethings of the world. Cursing and filthy language are as common as canned laughter. Nudity, or near-nudity is becoming so frequent that an evening without it is rare indeed. Homosexuality, adultery, lesbianism, prostitution, sex-changes, rape, child molesting, and fornication of every kind saturate thescreen, reflecting the one track mind of the producersand the average American (can you believe that sucha mind is "average"?) Violence, which is the onlyaspect of television to draw fire, is a steady diet forall of us.

The infatuation with sex used to be confined to afternoon soap operas. Wives and husbands (yes, a recent survey showed the increasing number of men now tuning in to the sex scene) and daughters and allothers who are avid fans of these shows ought toconsider the effect that prolonged viewing cannothelp but have on them. One begins to rationalize, tosympathize with the characters as they run from adulterous affairs to killing, to abortions and back toaffairs again. One finally gets used to behavior andactions that should shock us with their filthiness. Truly one becomes in the end, a person of the world,liberated from the scruples and restraints that oncemade you shun these sins, at least in mind. (Understand that I am not implying that anyone istempted to actively commit the things they see, but rather, they suppress the natural revulsion they should feel.)

But the worst wasn't over there. Not satisfied with adulterating (what an apt word) our minds in the afternoon, producers have now made a bold move toalso work their influence on us at night. The rage hasbecome the "mini-series", an effort to put on the tubethe best selling books of today. I have yet to watch afull episode of one of these productions, but I speakwith the knowledge gained from seeing previews and reading articles about these shows. T.V. Guide statedthat the drawing card for all of these shows is lustand gore. Every single one of the "mini-series" hascarried with it a recommendation of parental guidanceand discretion. Isn't that enough for us who are called to be "as little children"? Which one of these shows doesn't have an adulterous or unlawful affair going on? Which doesn't frequently use foul language? Which one would the Lord Jesus be watching were He here now? NONE; not a single oneI know of!

Brethren, it is fast reaching the point at which notrue child of God can continue to watch these shows and other regular serials which are just as bad (onenewer, highly popular weekly was called in T.V. Guide, the first girlie magazine to appear on T.V.).As they continue to become more explicit in projecting the sins of the world, we will no longer beable to smirk and shrug our shoulders as if to say"Well, I can't help it". You can help it. The excusethat "I know it's bad, but it goes on every day where I work" won't hold water. I've never known anyonewho had to watch a couple in bed, or witness a slowstrip-tease, or watch a child molester at work. Youare not forced to sit in front of that machine and watch it. Remember, it cannot show it's filth unlessyou first switch it on. Who controls what?

I honestly believe that most of us haven't reallyconsidered the consequences of this activity. And thisis the real evil of the "evil eye". It creeps upon us soslowly, so subtly that we never realize what we aredoing until we are trapped.

I probably haven't pleased many of you with this.I realize the harshness of my article, but I feel thesituation calls for harshness. We are in a desperatecondition when we cannot even see the potentialresults of our avid habit. I pray that all will overlookthe "fanaticism" and see the concern and love that prompts the writing of these words. Pray about it,think about it, study it, and decide what to do as aChristian.

If we all would print up a sign and place it overour sets, I am convinced our consciences would prevent us from much of our viewing. What should the sign say? Just this:

" ... whatever is true, whatever is

honorable, whatever is right, whatever is

pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good

repute, if there is any excellence and if

anything worthy of praise, let your mind

dwell on these things." (Phi. 4:8, NAS)

As one television program mistakenly said "The following program may not be suitable for viewers whose sensibilities can still be offended." Amen and Thank You, Lord for sensibilities that can still be offended. May we cultivate them.

ASTROLOGY

The word 'occult' comes from the Latin word 'occultus' and means "covered over, concealed." Included in the broad term of occultism are the specifics astrology, fortune telling, the psychics, spiritualism, witchcraft, Satanism, and demon possession. The word 'witchcraft' in Gal. 5:20 and 'sorcerers' in Rev. 21:8 embrace the practice of the occult.

What Is Astrology?

In an article in U. S. News and World Report,May 24, 1976, page 74, astrology is defined as "a system of forecasting events by studying theinfluence of heavenly bodies on human activities. It contends the position of the sun, moon, planets andstars at the moment of a child's birth have a direct impact on his or her character and that charting theirpositions will reveal an individual's destiny." The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, page 300 says, "Astrology is an attempt to ascertainthe will of God by other means than those which Hehas appointed . . . . In Greek hands, astrology waschanged from its character of an oriental religion intothe appearance of science." Webster in his collegiate dictionary, page 55, says "the pseudo science which treats of the influence of the stars upon human affairs, and of foretelling terrestrial events by theirpositions and aspects." The word 'horoscope' is fromhora, meaning hour and skolos meaning watcher. Thetwelve signs of the Zodiac were refined in ancient Babylon. According to Reader's Digest, May, 1969,page 244, in 1962 half of India sat up waiting for theend of time based upon astrological predictions. It should be pointed out that there is a difference in astrology, a false science, and in astronomy, the truestudy of heavenly bodies.

Origin

Astrology began over 5,000 years ago in Babylonand Assyria in the worship to the sun, moon, and stars. The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, page 300, says, "The originalsource of all astrology in the ancient world lay in the system of planetary idolatry prevalent in the Euphrates valley, and in the fact that this idolatrywas practiced chiefly for the purpose of divination."During New Testament times Mesopotamia, Palestineand Asia Minor practiced it, with the Arabs reviving it in Europe in the Middle Ages. John Godwin said in Occult America, page 1, "It has become difficult to venture anywhere in contemporary America without being informed that the 'Age of Aquarius' is upon us." TheBroadway rock musical, "Hair" opened with these words,"When the moon is in the seventh house . . . And Jupiter aligns with Mars . . . Then peace will guide theplanets .... And love will steer the stars . . . . This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius " (Gospel Advocate, 1975, page 740).

Today's Acceptance of Astrology

In 1974 it was estimated 20 million people spent 200 million dollars on personal horoscopes (Ibid.).There are at least 20 magazines published monthly forthe sole purpose of predicting man's destiny by the stars. It has been estimated there are 175,000 parttime and 10,000 professional astrologers in the UnitedStates. Astrology is a $200,000,000 a year business withbetween 2 1/2 and 3 million books sold in America. Twenty years ago 100 daily newspapers had horoscopes;in 1970, 1,200 daily papers had them. Bantam Books onastrology sell higher in the South, which has been called"the Bible Belt." As estimated 10,000,000 practice theoccult. According to U.S. News and World Report,May 24, 1976, page 74, a Gallup Poll showed 32 milliontake it seriously, which is double the estimate in the early1970's; 22% of the adult population in the United Statesbelieved in astrology and 24% read their horoscope regularly. Of those involved, 4 to 1 are women.

Why Popular?

Why is the occult so popular today? There could beseveral reasons given: (1) Man today lives in an age offear and anxiety. (2) In society there is a great amountof mental and emotion instability. (3) There is much religious ignorance and superstition today. (4) Thereligious faith of many has collapsed for they no longerregard the Bible as authoritative. (5) Many let curiosity lead them into such. (6) We are living in an age of computers where there is de-personalization, withpeople being a number in a computer and not a person created by God.

Bible and Astrology

The practice of the occult and astrology is nothing new. It was practiced in ancient times and God said something about it—he always condemned it.

(1) Deut. 18:9-14 (see also 4:15-19 and 17:2-5). In Deut. 18, Moses set forth a number of terms bywhich God condemned the practice, all of them related to the occult. a. pass through the fire — see Lev. 18:21 where some sacrificed their children to the idol, Molech. b. divination — fortuneteller; to know secret matters. c. observer of times — used planets, etc. to tell the future. d. enchanter — one who does things which are covered and concealed from the knowledge of others. Towhisper, to observe the clouds to charm, to use magic arts and spells; sometimes inspecting the entrails of beasts, observing the flight of birds, and

divining by serpents.

e. witch — one who is supposed to have a pact withevil spirits and by this means operate supernaturally, using drugs, herbs, perfumes pretending to bring celestial influence to their aid. f. charmer — one who charms, enchants and allures,who uses spells, sometimes tying knots to divine. g. consulter — one who inquires of one spirit tolearn from another. h. wizard — a sorcerer, an enchanter, one knowingwise woman, a white witch.

i. necromancer — one who inquires of the dead.

(For some of these definitions I am indebted to Brother Raymond Harris in his excellent work, Demonology, page 10, and for other material in this series of articles. The reader may wish to order a copy of his booklet from him at P. O. Box 915,Florence, Ala. 35630, price I think is $1.50.)

(2) In Isa. 47:9-15 the prophet named a number ofthose practicing the occult and said let them "save theefrom these things that shall come upon thee" and thensaid "none shall save thee." (3) Jer. 10:1-15 — the prophet forbad Israel topractice the way of the heathens. (4) Daniel — In such passages from Daniel as1:17, 20; 2:2, 10-11, 19, 27, 28, 30, 45, 47; 4:7 God showed the astrologers of Babylon could not reveal truth or save but rather truth and salvation comes from Jehovah. (5) Amos 5:26 — Israel served Moloch and Chiunand Stephen refers to such false worship with all thatwas a part of idol worship in Acts 7:42-43. (6) Acts 7:41 — Stephen said Israel made a calf and worshipped it. By way of comparison see also 2 Kgs. 17:16-17 and 23:4-6, 24. (7) Zech. 10:2 — idols speak vanity, those who divine have seen a "lie" telling false dreams and giving vain comfort.

Why Is Such Condemned?

God has always forbidden man to seek to worship idols of any kind in both the Old and New Testaments. Such undermines faith in God for one turns to astrology rather than God. Astrology leads one to worship the creature (see Rom. 1:22-25) rather than God.Astrology says nature controls and determines events while the Bible shows Deity controls even nature (Mk. 4:35-41). Astrology denies God is active inhuman affairs, which the Bible teaches (Acts 17:28).Astrology seeks to justify man in sin because his activity in sin is predetermined by the stars. It claims togive man something pertaining to life in addition or inthe place of the word of God, yet Peter said God provided all we need (2 Peter 1:3). Last, God condemnssuch (Gal. 5:20 and Rev. 21; 8).

Astrology Is Unscientific

Astrology is not based upon nine planets but five; intime man may learn of even more planets. Webster defines it as a "pseudo science" (page 55), that is, afalse science (see 1 Tim. 6:20). Webster, further calls theZodiac, upon which astrology is based "an imaginarybelt in the heavens" (page 996). "Astrology in spiteof attempts to establish itself as

a science, must be considered a pseudo-science and divinatory art" (Encyclopedia Americana, 1969 edition, Vol. 2, page 557). "Astrology, says the astronomer, is not a science at all but a superstition. Whatwe have learned about the stars and planets in the last500 years completely destroys any possibility that astrology contains a grain of truth" (Science Digest, Feb. 1967, page 30).

"In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy." (1 Cor. 4:2). The word steward comes from the Greek word OIKONOMOS. Commenting on the word W. E. Vine writes, "primarilydenoted the manager of a household or estate (OIKOS, a house, NEMO, to arrange)." He is one who "manages his master's property." (Arndt & Gingrich). Asteward is "a kind of chief slave who superintended thehousehold and even the whole property of his master."(Kittel's Theological Dictionary of the New Testament).

Jesus used the steward in teaching some spiritual lessons in some of his parables. In the parable of thetalents (Mt. 25:14-30), though the word "steward" is notused, we find the idea of entrusting "his possessions to them" (v. 14). These servants had been given certain amounts of money to use for their master's well being. Later there came a time of "settling the accounts" with their lord (v. 19). The one who had notbeen faithful in his responsibility as a steward was called a "wicked, lazy slave." (v. 26). We also find a steward in the parable of the shrewd steward (Lk. 16:113). This steward had squandered his master's possessions (v. 1) and was called in to give an account

(v. 2). Due to his shrewdness he was able to salvage hisposition (vs. 3-8).

All Christians are stewards (1 Pet. 4:10). God has entrusted certain things to us that we must use to Hishonor. In the passage quoted above (1 Cor. 4:2) we seethat Paul as an apostle had the gospel entrusted to him. We want to study some things that we all have in common. We all have time, money, and physicalbodies entrusted to us. Let us remember that as a steward we must be faithful or trustworthy to the charge we havebeen given for we will have to give account to God. Inthis first article we notice the subject of TIME.

I. "REDEEMING THE TIME"

"Redeeming the time, because the days are evil" (Eph.5:16). "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time." The word "redeem" (EXAGORAZO) is a combination of the word AGORAZO, to buy, and the preposition EK, meaning out. Being in the middle voice in the above passage it means "to buy up for oneself, . . . 'buying up the opportunity' (R. V. marg.; text, 'redeeming the time,' where 'time' is KAIROS, a season, a time in which something is

seasonable), i.e., making the most of every opportunity, turning each to the best advantage since none can be recalled if missed" (W. E. Vine). Noticing some other translations might also help to understand the meaning. The New American Standard says, "making the most of your time." Alford's translation reads, "buying upopportunities." Thus we can conclude that to redeem the time means "to rescue or recover our time from waste; to improve it for great and important purposes" (Barnes).

How Do We Redeem the Time?

We are given 168 hours a week by God. How do we use this time that has been entrusted to us? We cannot redeem the time by regaining a part of the past.We cannot redeem it by being overly sorrowful over thewrongs of the past to the point that it causes us tobe inoperative. Time will not be redeemed by simplya sentimental wish for a better future. Yet many resort tothese methods.

How then do we redeem the time? We must first of all learn to budget our time. Time needs to be spent working (1 Tim. 5:8). We need to give time to sleep, eating, andthe care of the body (1 Cor. 6:19-20). We even need timefor recreation (1 Tim. 4:8). We all need that little bit of"bodily exercise." Our family needs a part of our time(Eph. 6:4; Tit. 2:4-5). We must also have time to workfor God (1 Cor. 15:58).

Our trouble comes when these things get out of their proper proportions. We can give too much time toworking, too much time to eating and sleeping, too muchtime to recreation, or too much time to our families. Onecan even spend too much time working for God in thathe neglects his family or other responsibilities.

We must learn to set priorities. Jesus said in Mt. 6:33,"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness;and all these things shall be added to you." God mustcome first before all else. We should also recognize theimportance of the spiritual well-being of our familiesover our physical jobs. Work should take precedence over play. Let's learn to budget our time and give proper proportions to proper things.

It Costs

The meaning of "redeem" has the idea of something being paid. We must recognize the high value of time. As someone once said, "Time once gone is gone forever." We have to pay the cost in redeeming the time. SPEND thought in how we can best use our time. SACRIFICE our own pleasure for the service of God. PUT OUT greater energy in MAKINGtime for the Lord. The man who says he is too busy, isindeed TOO BUSY! He needs to drop something of lessimportance and make time for those things of greater value.

The Lord's Day

While talking about redeeming the time, let me suggest some "food for thought" regarding the first day of the week. While we are not commanded to refrain from work as the Jews did on the Sabbath, do we giveproper respect to the Lord's day? Does it

become the Los Angeles Rams' day? Does it become the Cincinnati Reds' day or the Philadelphia 76ers' day?Have we turned The Lord's day into our vacation day?Why not use the LORD'S day for the LORD'S work?

II. "Because the Days Are Evil"

There are evil influences in our day as well as in Paul's which cause us to waste time. There are the allurements to amusement and pleasure. There is the temptation of ambition to gain prestige in the business world which is so characteristic of our materialistic society. Some give their time to indulgence in the luxuries and fineries of this life. AndI suppose that the number one time killer of all has tobe television.

We might also suggest some other reasons why weought to redeem the time. We have already lost a lot oftime which we can not regain (1 Pet. 4:3). Also we donot know how much time we have left, so we oughtto use the present to the best of our abilities (Jas. 4:14).Then remember also that as a steward we will have to give an account to our Master (Lk. 12:42-48).

"In this case, moreover it is required in stewards thatone be found trustworthy." (1 Cor. 4:2). "Making themost of your time, because the days are evil" (Eph. 5:16).

SALVATION BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH #2

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that notof yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works lestany man should boast. For we are his workmanship,created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hathbefore ordained that we should walk in them" (Eph. 2:810).

Many have the mistaken idea that "faith" in the above passage is "the gift of God." However as A. T. Robertson points out in his Word Pictures of the NewTestament Volume IV, Page 525, "This phrase he addsin repeating what he said in verse 5 to make it plainer.'Grace' is God's part, 'faith' ours. And that (kai touto).Neuter, not feminine taute, and so refers not to pistis(feminine) or to charis (feminine also), but to the act ofbeing saved by grace conditioned on faith on our part.Paul shows that salvation does not have its source (ex humon, out of you) in men, but from God. Besides, it isGod's gift (doron) and not the result of our work."

Salvation has been extended, by the grace of God, unto all men, according to Titus 2:11-12. This does not, however, suggest that all will be saved—it simplyshows that all could be saved. For though God's graceis extended to all men, Paul said that we have access byfaith into this grace (our justification) through the LordJesus Christ (Rom. 5:2).

God's grace has been extended to man in various wayssince Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden. We see His favor bestowed on man in providing a means for him tobe able to continue to live upon this earth and earn hisliving by the sweat of his face (Gen. 3:19). Throughout the Old Testament God's grace was extended in every command and in the blessings that come in obedience to those commands. Many such cases could be cited, Noah, the children of Israel being brought out of Egypt, the giving of Jericho, Naaman'shealing of leprosy, and hundreds of other cases. However, the ultimate of God's grace is seen in the giving of his Son (John 1:17).

We recognize that even though God's grace was extended in the Old Testament, that grace had not provided a remedy for sin that man might be justified. The blood of Christ is the only remedy for sin;and even though men were said to be justified in the Old Testament, it was because God speaks of things thathave not yet happened as though they had already happened (Rom. 4:17).

According to Heb. 9:11-12, the blood of goats and calves could not provide redemption for man. The blood of Christ was the only thing that could providethat; and this sacrifice was offered, not only for those whohad sinned this side of the cross, but was offered for theredemption of the transgressions under the first covenant (Heb. 9:14-15). Thus, the fullness of God's grace was shown forth in the giving of His Son.

God promised that grace (redemption through His Son)when he made the promise to Abraham that through hisseed, all nations of the earth would be blessed. The Jews, because they were the chosen of God throughwhom the Messiah was to come, believed they werethat seed that had been promised, and thus in the first fewchapters of the Roman letter, they argued that they werethe circumcised according to the Law of God and wereentitled to the blessings of justification. However, Paulpoints out a number of things wrong with their argument.

First of all, God is no respecter of persons (Rom.2:11). Secondly, the "seed" through whom all nations ofthe earth were to be blessed was not the Jew per se,but Christ (Gal. 3:16). And, Paul says, if we belong to Christ, then are we Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise (Gal. 3:29). So, he is not a Jew which is one outwardly, but he is a Jew which isone inwardly; and circumcision is not outwardly butof the heart (Rom. 2:28-29). Today Paul said we put offthe body of sin in a circumcision not made with handswhen we are baptized (Col. 2:11-12). Thus, all who have put off the body of sins are the elect of God and areheirs according to the promise (Gal. 3:29). (To be continued).

"THE LORD WILL PROVIDE"

V. M. Metcalfe was a faithful gospel preacher of Tennessee and Kentucky during the nineteenth century. His mother, whose maiden name was Jane Baylor Chilton, was a woman of no ordinary ability. F.

B. Srygley said of her, "She was deeply and earnestlyreligious, and carefully trained all her children in thenurture and admonition of the Lord." Jane's father was a well-known Kentucky Baptist preacher. So she was reared in the Baptist faith, but she had strong convictions and a good knowledge of the Bible which led her to conclude that the Baptists were wrong about many things. She eventually left the church of her father to unite with "a people known as disciples of Christ."

Jane's watchword through life, in good times and bad, was, "The Lord will provide, if I try to do just as hedirects, and trust alone in him." Her husband, Charles Metcalfe, often said in later years that he never saw hergrow faint-hearted but once and that was during theCivil War. Their children were all scattered, some in theConfederate army. Two daughters, their youngest,were in the deep South where they had been sent asrefugees from the terrible conflict that raged in the borderland by the opposing forces.

"The home place had been foraged by both armies.Every living animal had been taken except a little, oldjack. The smokehouse had been robbed, the chickens all stolen, all grain and hay appropriated or destroyed, even the bee-gums robbed of their sweetness, and bedclothes taken from the beds. The carpets were tornfrom the floors, all rails and fences around the yard wereburned, and all the outhouses destroyed. They were alone and lonely—almost nothing to eat, winter coining on, and but little to wear."

Charles, reflecting on their state of near destitution, said, "Well, good wife, what shall we do? Your motto is about to fail us—'The Lord will

provide!"

"No, no, never!" she replied, and laughing through her tears, repeated her faith with confidence, "God will provide."

Even as they were discussing their lot, a strangerdrove up to their porch with a wagon loaded with boxesof supplies for them. They quickly opened the largest box first and out came a much-needed roll of flannels. "The Lord sent it. I told you so," Jane said.

Then they unpacked blankets and, one by one, alltheir other immediate needs. "The Lord even sent tea and coffee."

At last, a large sack of tobacco and pipes werepulled out. Jane, like many pioneer women, smoked aclay pipe, a habit she was deeply ashamed of. Sheonce had a picture made, forgetfully holding her pipein her lap. The picture caused her much embarassment. "It always mortified her to think shewould show to the world that she smoked tobacco." When she saw the tobacco and pipes among thewelcomed supplies, she hesitated, but Charles,amused by her apparent dilemma, said, "Who sentthat?"

"Minor sent them," she said.

While Jane Metcalfe believed in the specialprovidence of God and saw his hand in that wagonload of goods, she knew that God works throughhuman agency and that the human element frequently adds something of its own. She used tobacco and was no doubt glad to get a batch at thatcritical time, but she couldn't bring herself to believethat tobacco and pipes fell within the scope of God'sprovidential care. Her son Minor, not God, addedthose. (Quotations from, V. M. Metcalfe, Uncle Minor's Stories, pp. 238, 244-245.)

SALUTE!

While I remain pessimistic that the scales of justicewill ever be balanced in this nation, I still tip my hatto every indication of a return to good judgment ingovernment.

In one of our newest states, the governor hasproposed some of the nation's harshest anti-alcohollaws. According to an A.P. release from Juneau,Alaska, dated Feb. 20, 1977, Gov. Jay Hammondsays he has "quit counting" the number of people heknows who have murdered or been murdered duringdrinking binges.

The residents of Alaska drink 57 percent morebooze than the national average. Hammond said theper capita alcohol consumption there is a 3.86 gallonsfor every man, woman, and child above the age of 15.This is 80 percent more per person than they drank in1958. The national increase over the same period was36 percent.

Researchers blamed drinking for 45 percent of allreported cases of child neglect, 25 percent of allreported cases of child abuse, 45 percent of all trafficdeaths, 60 percent of all boating accidents and 30 percent of all fire deaths.

Gov. Hammond said that while the state takes in $7 million a year in alcohol taxes, it spends $17million a year for treatment, social service programs,welfare and criminal justice related to alcohol abuse.

The Alaskan governor has proposed possessionlimits on alcohol as well as unlimited sales taxes and a two-week time lag between purchase and pick-up.The proposals also would prohibit liquor priceadvertising, make bootlegging a felony, and hikealcohol taxes by $10 million.

That's not enough, but at least it's a step in the right direction. Gov. Hammond is a non-drinker. Possibly most of our government leaders cannotdiscern the grave problems that alcohol is responsiblefor because their own minds are muddled by thedevil's brew.

"It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kingsto drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: Lest theydrink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgmentof any of the afflicted" (Prov. 31:4, 5).

AND AGAIN!

We will even tip our editorial hat to Gov. RubinAskew of Florida, and the State House of Representatives and Senate. The Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer reported on June 1, 1977, thatlegislation outlawing marriages between members ofthe same sex and banning homosexuals' adoption of children cleared the Florida legislature. Gov. Rubin Askew's press secretary said the governor would signboth measures.

State Sen. Curtis Peterson, who sponsored bothbills, said the legislative action was a strong messageto homosexuals.

"I would hope they would take this as a message that we are tired of you and wish youwould go back in the closet," Peterson said.

The Florida Senate approved the bill outlawingmarriages between homosexuals 37-0. I say that is astrong message indeed!

We also applaud the State of Florida for votingdown ratification of the ERA. Proponents of this amendment had their heart, set on winning in that state. In fact it was one of the very few victories theyexpected in 1977.

Florida legislators apparently realize, though theirgovernor apparently does not, that if you're againsthomosexual marriages and homosexuals adoptingchildren, you must (if consistent) be against theEqual Rights Amendment. Laws against suchpractices will undoubtedly be ruled unconstitutional ifthe proposed amendment is ratified by six morestates (three, if the courts rule that a state cannotrescind its ratification of a constitutional amendment!).

We encourage Christians to join the fight against this amendment. For further information, addressletters to Barbara Pagan, President of ConcernedWomen of Kentucky, 4006 Hawthorn Drive, Owensboro, Kentucky, 42301.

"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thymight. . ." (Eccl. 9:10).

PRAYING FOR REAL PEOPLE

The results of prayer are sometimes quite surprising. Especially when one person prays for another. Last year, after considerable indecision, I moved two thousand miles to accept a job in the publishing business. Christians in the city where I wasgoing had heard of the possibility of my moving thereand, because of their desperate need for help in the Lord's work, had been praying that I might, in fact, move theirway. On the day of my arrival, one of these Christianslent a hand in unpacking my things and, as I began toexplain to him how hard it had been for me to decide tomove, said, "Oh, we have known for some time youwould come to be with us! We all had been hoping andwishing you would, but awhile back I came into thehouse one day and found my wife down on her kneesPRAYING that you would, and from then on we knewwe had you!" Who was I, I thought wryly, to fight thatkind of influence?

Most of our praying is not nearly so specific andconcrete. When we pray for other people at all, we do itin vague generalities that just about cover everybody with any need, rather than making definite, particular requests for real people whom we canname. It is true that we have a responsibility to pray "onbehalf of all men" (1 Tim. 2:1), but the New Testament isquite filled with examples of the early Christians makingclear-cut supplications for the specific needs of peoplein their personal acquaintance.

To mention only a few examples from the letters ofPaul, there are statements like the apostle's to Philemon: "Prepare a guest room for me, for I am hopingthrough your prayers to be granted to you" (Phm. 22). Tothe Corinthians Paul wrote concerning his predicament inAsia, "And He will yet deliver us, you also joining inhelping us through your prayers" (2 Cor. l:10f). And about one of his several imprisonments, Paul wrote tothe Philippians, "I know that through your prayers andthe help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out formy deliverance" (Phil. 1:19).

I should like to draw attention to one of the reasons we shy away from making such concrete prayers ourselves. It is because we fear to lose our own faith in "the power of prayer." We suppose if ourprayers are for circumstances to be altered in any specific,visible, objective way and the prayer is not "answered",we shall have no choice but to conclude prayer does not"work". And so we leave our requests general and vague enough that, no matter

what happens, we may interpret the events as an appropriate answer to prayer.

Two incidents will show what I mean. In a recent Bible study on James chapter 5, concerning James' instruction for elders to be called to pray over the sick, one brother was heard to say, "This cannot mean physical sickness. If the elders prayed for the sick and they did not get well, where would that leave our faith?" In another Bible study, a brother defended theproposition that we only have the right to pray for thesick when doctors have not yet diagnosed the ailment.He apparently felt that a "miracle" would be involved if the Lord were to restore a sick person from a knowndisease.

It may be that we are losing sight of just what prayer is. We are confusing prayer with "magic." By thatI mean, we forget that prayer is a mere "request"made of an Intelligent Being and we think it is a meansof producing an unalterable result by a certain cause.Prayer was never promised to be a means of allowing us to command God to do this or that, with no choiceon His part. And it should not be a blow to our faith inHim or prayer itself when He chooses not to "obey" us.If we are afraid to pray for the special needs of real people because we are not certain the rabbit will pop outof the hat when we say hocus-pocus, let us pause toremember that prayer does not operate like that. It is notcause-and-effect. It is request, always with the possibility of denial.

We ought to get rid of the notion that when we pray we are calling God's attention to needs which have escaped His notice and that we are going to quitbelieving in "the power of prayer" if He does not meetour wishes. But, when we have learned that prayer is a child's request to his Father, we ought to summon thecourage to pray for particular, real things. We do not have to leave God an "out" by praying so vaguely that,come what may, no one will ever know if the prayerwas granted or not. Paul prayed to be allowed to visitPhilemon. It would be obvious to everybody if he werenot granted that prayer. He prayed to be released frompersecution in Asia. The results were there for all to observe. And he prayed to be released from prison,never fearing that, if he were not released, he would have to give up his faith in prayer.

It is a fine thing to entreat the Lord on behalf of "allfor whom it is our duty and privilege to pray." But if our faith is what it needs to be, we can add to that bymaking a definite list of real people with particularneeds (spiritual AND material, mind you) and making it a point privately to pray for them. And not onlyprivately. How long has it been since any of us mettogether in a private home for the express purpose ofpraying for somebody? And how long has it been sincethe entire congregation of which we are members hasbeen called together for the purpose of spending an houror two in prayer for one of its members? In Acts 12:5, 12we are told that the entire church in Jerusalem, as well asgatherings of individuals in homes, prayed ferventlyfor the release of Peter from prison. And James remindsus, "The prayer of a righteous man has great power inits effects" (Jas. 5:16).

It was in February a year ago that we received wordthat a tidal wave was going to come and cover the entirestate of Florida. Mrs. Dulce Garcia, a member of the Calvario Evangelical Church, Guatemala City, Guatemala was supposed to have received a vision of earthquakes causing catastrophes in Alaska, California, Mexico and Peru. She also saw in this vision a "big wave covering the entire state of Florida." The "tidal wave" was supposed to come in April, 1976.

The series of events following her prophecy was unbelievable. This prophecy spread over Florida like wildfire. It was the main topic of discussion on many ofthe talk shows. Many sermons were preached about it on the radio and many private discussions went on about the tidal wave until April had passed. It was believed by many so that they left their homes in Floridaand moved north to live until the tidal wave has passedover. One entire church of 75 members in Miami closed its doors and went north. Many families gathered a fewof their belongings and fled for northern states. Some sold out and moved north. Even here in central Florida, we know of families who left their homes, jobs, and took theirchildren out of school and moved north. One group went to a state park in Georgia and camped out. They were asked to leave after they had stayed the limit allotted them so they petitioned the Governor to let them stayuntil April was over. It was amazing to hear the attempts of the pentecostal preachers to try to prove this was a false prophecy. One preacher said on his radio program, "God never used a woman to prophesy any major event." That remark got all the women preachers after him and he had to get off that subject in a hurry.

Rev. (?) Bob W. Walker, picked up this prophecy and printed it and circulated it all over Florida. He called it an "Urgent Message, Earthquake for Guatemala —It Happened! Tidalwave For Florida—April!" The "Urgent Message" told the story how Sis. Dulce Garciahad received a vision and made this prophecy of earthquakes and a tidal wave. This prophecy also saidthere would be strange movements in the water three daysbefore the tidal wave came to Florida.

Rev. (?) Walker told the vision just as he received itthen offered this suggestion: "We are not saying to you a"Thus saith the Lord," in this matter. We are saying thismessage is worthy of your absolute attention in prayerand preparation. We felt responsible to you to give this message. It is your responsibility to make decisions. You must decide:

(1) Did this come from God?

(2) Do I have a right relationship with God through a salvation experience?

(3) Do I have the witness of the Holy Spirit in my life now?

(4) Am I in tune with the Lord so that I can hear His voice?"

Can you imagine any prophet of the Bible making sucha prophecy and then asking such questions and urgingthe people to decide if this is so or not? No one wholived around the prophets had to make any such decisions as the above and they did not have to sit around wondering if these things were from God. It isalso true today. We knew this was a hoax when we heard it in February, 1976. We openly said so on theradio, wrote articles about it, and were not afraid of thisprophecy (cf. Deut. 18:15-22).

We are commanded to "try the spirits" (1 Jn. 4:1), so we offered the following facts that proves this "prophet" was a fraud and the "prophecy" was a hoax!

I. THE LADY PROPHET HAD NO CREDENTIALS OF A PROPHET.

All we had was the word of the lady that she had received a vision. This is all that any latter dayprophet has to offer. You believe them because they say so. Let them prophesy something that comes to pass.Let them speak the same language of the Bible. Let thembe willing to be investigated, but they will not stand forthat. Therefore, the "lady prophet" did not speak like aprophet, and the tidal wave, is one year overdue!

II. THE VISION WAS FILLED WITH DENOMINATIONAL JARGON.

It is very strange that God would speak through onewho does not "speak as the oracles of God" (1 Pet. 4:11); and uses denominational jargon. Preachers were called "Rev." and "pastors"; Mrs. Garcia's church had an unscriptural name, the church had a "head"; to mentionjust a few of the many things the Bible does not say anything about. Had God forgotten what He had said1900 years ago? I think not, and also think God was notspeaking to Mrs. Garcia. Therefore, the tidal wave, is one year overdue!

III. NO ONE CAN PERFORM MIRACLES TODAY.

The apostles had to lay their hands upon a Christian before they could receive "gifts" (1 Cor. 12:810; Acts 8:17-24; 19:1-6; 2 Tim. 1:6). The apostleshad no successors, nor are they alive today, and the oneswith the gifts could not pass them on, so no one todayhas the power to perform miracles (Acts 8:18-24). We just have to believe they are performing miracles because they say so! Mrs. Garcia was trying to prophesy without the "gift of prophecy." Therefore,the tidal wave is one year overdue!

IV. DIVISION TODAY AMONG THE "MIRACLES WORKERS."

There are all kinds of churches, wearing all kinds of names not found in the Bible, practicing all kinds of doctrines which contradict each other. They still claim the Lord is working miracles today and it is so becausethey say so. They say they know there are false workers among them but they cannot tell you

how to determine when one is false and one is true. The Bible condemns division (1 Cor. 1:10) but we aresupposed to believe all these modern day miracleworkers, who are divided over hundreds of doctrines,which are supposed to come direct from the Lord, and not be concerned about division. Therefore, thisdivision has a tidal wave that is one year overdue.

This "Urgent Message" is not so urgent after all.In fact it is one of the worst hoaxes ever perpetratedupon the people of Florida. It has done untold harmto many people. Many will never be the same towardGod and the Bible. Many will keep on trying to havethe Lord speak to them rather than go to the Bibleand let God speak to them through the word (Heb. 1:1-2). We only hope and pray that all of these whowere deceived will realize the error of their way andturn to the truth. Those who promoted it need torepent and stop such foolishness because the tidal wave is one year overdue.

915 Desoto Street Clermont, Fla. 32711

It has been said that it is "better to trust the man who is frequently in error than the one who is neverin doubt." The one who is frequently in error is atleast cognizant of his fallibility. The one who is neverin doubt sees no need to investigate issues because hehas unwavering faith in his own wisdom;consequently, he is in grave danger of being misled.Sometimes one is never in doubt because he bases the strength of his faith on another man's wisdom, onsomeone he believes to be strong and knowledgeable,therefore, (he feels) incapable of leading him astray.

Blind faith in self or others puts one in a precariousposition. Most of us at one time or another have beenin the position of trying to defend a certain teaching and realized (shamefully so) that we had nothing toback it up with, except that Brother So-and-So saidit was that way (and we trusted Brother So-and-So).

It frightens me and saddens me to think about howmany of us are complacent in our acceptance ofteachings without proper study on our part; hencerendering us incapable of providing by the scripturesthose things we say we most surely believe.

I tremble when I think of how many of us reasonwith the logic of emotions rather than by the hearing of faith. Paul said, "Prove all things; hold fast thatwhich is good" (1 Thess. 5:21). No matter what we've been taught or how right it sounds, if it can't measure up to God's Word, if it is doesn't have a scriptural basis, then it must be abandoned. We mustbe able to "prove what is acceptable unto the Lord"(Eph. 5:10).

Throughout the years, different issues have confronted the body of Christ. Premillennialism,Institutionalism, Direct Operation of the Holy Spirit, Marriage/Divorce/Remarriage and numerous other issues have been responsible for forcing some tostudy diligently and take a steadfast position. Othershave just followed along the line of least resistance, notwilling to delve into the scriptures to learn what Godhas taught on the subject. Only when one searches thescriptures with an open and unprejudiced mind andprayerful attitude will he be able to distinguish between truth an error and "hold fast that which is good."

In teaching denominational followers, we reasonthat beliefs that are "better felt than told" are without scriptural foundation, therefore, erroneous.Let us keep this in mind as we face any issue thatconfronts the church. I pray that none of us be guilty of accepting a position or forming a conclusion onany issue without first studying what God has revealed on the subject. Emotional resistance notwithstanding — God's will be done.

The true test of a Christian is when he is obedient in those things he would rather not do, but does sobecause the love of Christ constrains him (2 Cor.5:14). To do those things that are convenient requiresno sacrifice on our part; but the Christian has beentold, "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ,not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for hissake" (Phil. 1:29). Since we must suffer for Jesus' sake, let us be sure we are on His side and onscriptural ground — and then stand firmly, no matterwhat the consequences.

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DOUGLAS K. SEATON, Route 1 Box 147, Concord, NC 28026 — In the last 10 months 8 have been baptized and 2 restored here. We are definitely not pleased with this number and plan to intensify ourefforts to reach more people in this community. We have a weekly newspaper article in the Concord Tribune which is getting quite a bit of attention. We conduct Bible classes in the homes of all new members and have several studies going with some who are not Christians. The church here, has been able to pick up allof my support and we are thankful to be entirely self-supporting. MACKEY W. HARDEN, 118 W. Brandywine Circle,Wilmington, NC — We are in our first full time work as a gospel preacher. My wife is conducting a class for women and I have a class for men each Thursday night. We have a lot of talent among the 40-45 who regularly attend here. We are having many visitors and have some good prospects for home studies. The church here was without a full time preacher for two and a half years but seems to be reviving inspirit.

New Congregation

H. L. BRUCE, Onatrio, CA — A new congregation met in Riverside, California for the first time on June 12, 1977. They are currently meeting at 4158 St. George Pl. For further information callAlan Doll at 714-689-6048. This is the only conservative group ina city of over 150,000.BARRY MAXWELL, HHD, 210th Avn Bn, Box H, Albrook AFB, Canal Zone, APO NY 09825 — I plan to terminate my enlistment in June, 1980 and would like to engage in full time preaching after that time. I have done part time preaching forsometime. In the meantime I would like to make contact with strongChristians coming to the Canal Zone. We have found the work here to be given to compromise in doctrine, morals and practice. Please helpus get in touch with those who want to stand for the truth withoutcompromise. RICHARD MERSKIN, 122 4th Ave., Orchard Valley,Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001 — My family and myself recently moved toCheyenne, Wyoming from Miami, Florida where we worshipped at North Miami Ave. We hope to begin a faithful church here. At present thereare two which support institutions and one with an organ. In the eventany brethren will be passing through this area, the church will be listed as the Orchard Valley Church of Christ, 122 4th Ave., Cheyenne, Wyo. 82001. For the time being we will be meeting inour home. Phone is 307-635-1982.

Preacher's Needed WAIPAHU, HAWAII — The Leeward church in Waipahu is seeking an evangelist to work with it on a full time basis. The work here is challenging and rewarding. Full support can be arranged by the church here. For more information about the workhere, please write to Leeward Church of Christ, P.O. Box 94, Waipahu, Hawaii 96797 or call Ernest Bautista at 808-4557259. OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA — The church at Okeechobee which meets at 912 N. W. 2nd St. needs a full time preacher. Anyone who might be interested should address inquiries to: Westside Church of Christ, P.O. Box 1023, Okeechobee, FL 33472 or call 813-763-3462. GALLATIN, TENNESSEE — A full time preacher is needed for a small congregation in Gallatin, Tennessee. The work is approximately two years old and is not yet self-supporting. A lot of personal work can be done and the area is developing to allow good growth. For further information, please contact: Southeast Church of Christ, 165 Witherspoon Avenue, Gallatin, TN 37066. Phone 615-4529598, 452-9713 or 452-5123.