On January 7, 1978, James P. Miller exchanged hismortal tabernacle for one "not made with hands." While none of us was prepared to give him up, yet hispassing brought release from the great suffering hehad been enduring while hospitalized at Rockledge (Cocoa), Florida. His death brings a sadness and emptiness to the hearts of God's people throughoutthe nation. For more than forty years he traveled backand forth across this great land telling the grand oldstory of salvation, or defending the truth of the gospel against false teachers on the polemic platform.While many will express their own thoughts abouthim for months to come, the editor and his familyfeels this loss in a personal way. Knowing that hisdeath was near, we decided to re-read PAP-THEBROKEN MOLD, written by Rodney M. Miller abouthis father We were reading the last chapter when H. E.Phillips called to break the news of his passing.

A Friend to Young Preachers

In 1954 this writer was a young preacher who hadjust experienced the roughest treatment he has yetfaced as a local preacher. Young, unknown and discouraged, my wife, Bobbie, and I made a trip toTampa to visit James P. Miller in his study at the oldSeminole church building on North Street. He listened patiently, offered some good advice, gave en-couragement at a time when it was sorely needed andtold us he would help us find another work. He kept hisword, contacted the brethren at what was then Glen-wood Hills in Decatur, Georgia, recommended me tothem and upon the strength of that, we were invited tomove there. Even before Bobbie and I were married,James P. Miller was a friend. Hazel, Kentucky was nottoo far from Fulton, Kentucky, home of my wife andher family. Brother Miller had conducted many gospelmeetings throughout that area. My wife attended hisdebate with L. R. Riley (Baptist) at the Fairgrounds inMayfield, Kentucky in 1950. I first heard him speak inthe spring of 1949 when he visited the campus ofFlorida College and spoke to the student body on"Creation." I had heard a lot of preachers by that time,but I had never heard a man start preaching from thetime he left his seat nor heard such powerful andeloquent delivery. His style of speech was the subjectof discussion in our speech class later that day. From that day on it was my good fortune to hear him preachin many gospel meetings and to attend some of hisdebates. On several occasions he would come into the area where we were living for a meeting at a time whenwe were discouraged. Hearing him again always gaveme a boost which lasted for weeks. Once, when I hadthanked him for all the encouragement he had been tome, he urged me to remember to pass it on to preachersyounger than myself.

A Master of the Pulpit

We have never heard a preacher who speaks in a conversational tone (which many speech teachersurge upon their students) arrest and hold attention asdid James P. Miller. He was an orator of the old school. He selected words for their maximum impact upon anaudience. He could, and did, move his hearers to bothlaughter and tears. His preaching had a down-to-earthquality and possessed a sense of urgency seldommatched. He was never without an apt illustration norat a loss for words, whether in the pulpit, on the debateplatform or in a circle of friends spinning yarns from apreacher's world. His sense of humor, which he kepteven in the pulpit, made him the object of criticism from some who complained that there was no place forhumor in the pulpit. Brother Miller did not share that feeling and used his humor to refresh the minds of theaudience and to illustrate some serious point. The thousands who heard him preach and who turned tothe Lord bear abundant evidence to the serious purpose behind what he was doing. Brethren far andwide called for his services, even to the very last. Herallied from two serious illnesses and lived to preachagain in many places. As late as last November hewas in meetings in Jacksonville, Florida with his lastmeeting being in Montgomery, Alabama, scene ofhis two debates with Guy N. Woods. Herschel Pattonhas written an account of his last meeting which will appear in next month's paper.

Set For The Defense of the Gospel

James P. Miller never challenged for any of the manydebates he held, but was on hand to meet those whochallenged the truth of the gospel. In this area of hiswork he was especially well equipped and alwaysacquitted himself ably. His sense of humor kept theaudience in good temper, his wit provided long to beremembered incidents which will be told and re-told for a generation, but none of this ever supplanted a seriousstudy of whatever issue happened to be involved. Hewas an able student of the Bible. His ability as anexpository preacher enabled him, because of hisknowledge of the context, to expose false argumentsand help the audience to see the truth on whateverpassage was under discussion.

His love for the truth led him to resist the popularinroads of institutionalism at great personal sacrifice.Prior to the division suffered by brethren over humaninstitutions to do the work of the church and sponsoring churches, no preacher in the nation wasin greater demand than James P. Miller. But even the churches of western Kentucky, where he was born and among whom he had conducted dozens of meetings inwhich he baptized hundreds of people, closed theirpulpits to him. Some preachers spread the false reportthat he had "gone off with the premillennialists" andplace after place cut him off without a hearing. But hisconvictions were not for sale. Those convictions led him all the way to the great debates with Guy N.Woods in Montgomery, Alabama and with G. K. Wallace in Tampa where the liberal brethren weretrying to gain a foothold.

Searching the Scriptures and "Mr. Outside"

For a short time he edited the CHRISTIAN LEADER (in the early 1940's). In March, 1958, theFLORIDA NEWSLETTER published its first issue.It was designed to carry news of the brethren throughout the state of Florida regardless of wherethey stood on the issues then dividing churches throughout America. James P. Miller and H. E. Phillips were co-editors and co-owners of the paper.The first issue carried a picture on page one of the thennew Seminole building on Rome Avenue in Tampa. ByOctober of 1958, the name was changed to "THE SOUTHEASTERN NEWSLETTER" with a wider purpose. By late 1959 it was evident that major division could not be averted. It was already an established fact in city after city throughout thesoutheast and the nation. Brethren Miller and Phillipsmet with some brethren in Orlando in the fall of 1959 and plans were made to publish a larger paper whichwould place teaching material in the hands of manyhonest brethren whose minds had already been prejudiced against other papers opposing liberal promotions. Out of that meeting SEARCHING THESCRIPTURES was born. H. E. Phillips was to handlethe burden of editorial work, which he nobly and ablydid for thirteen and a half years. James P. Miller wasto share the writing duties and to work in helping tobuild as wide a circulation for the paper as possible.This arrangement led to an editorial later in which H.

E. Phillips was designated "Mr. Inside" while James

P. Miller was styled "Mr. Outside." His wide travelsthroughout the nation gave him opportunity to tellmany of the paper, distribute sample copies and buildcirculation. The first issue was published in January,1960. It has not missed a month since then. You now hold in your hand Volume 19, Number 2. The earlyyears of the paper meant great struggle and financial

sacrifice. These two worthy men made the sacrifices tokeep the paper alive and growing. Their writingsheavily bombarded the forces of liberalism, especiallyin the south, and they reacted with great bitterness.But neither "Mr. Inside" nor "Mr. Outside" would be intimidated. Even after he had stopped putting somuch time and money into the paper, Brother Millernever lost interest in it. He continued to contribute articles under his column heading "I MARVEL", evenafter he was confronted with serious illness. Though hewas not able to write much during the last few monthsof his life, he did send an occasional article and newsreport. His last teaching article was in the July, 1977 special issue in which he wrote the climaxing article "Lord, Send Me." We think it was a masterpiece. Hislast published article was a brief comment on the deathof Henry Craft of the old Haldeman Avenue church inLouisville.

A Family Man

While preaching in Philadelphia, he married Robbie Nell Myers, who stood by his side to the very end."Bobbie" as he called her, and as she became known to many over the nation, was not only a faithful companion but become a model and inspiration to many young preachers' wives. Her work as a teacher at Florida College for twenty years touched the lives ofthousands. Seldom did he preach anywhere withoutsome reference to his "Bobbie" in his sermons. We have heard him movingly tell of many lonely hours inhotel or motel rooms, train depots, or airports, going toor coming from some meeting or debate, while hisheart longed for Bobbie, Rodney and home. He wasjustly proud of Rodney and his wife, Carla, and thegood work they have done for the Lord. It is not easyto be the son of a well-known preacher, especially whenyou are a preacher yourself. Rodney Miller has handledthat problem admirably and has carved his own placein the hearts of brethren who know, love and appreciate him for his own work. His work in FortWorth, Texas, Louisville, Kentucky and now Orlando,Florida speaks for itself. He has authored two excellentbooks and has worked diligently to publish Bible studyworkbooks written by his father and mother. We arecertain that we speak the sentiments of a host of readers when we express our deepest sympathy tosister Miller and Rodney and his family in their great loss. If you wish to send a card or letter to them youmay address them as follows: Bobbie Miller, Apartment 137, 516 El Sereno PL, Tampa, Florida33603; or Rodney M. Miller, 35 W. Par St., Orlando,Florida 32804.

Funeral services, were conducted at the Seminolebuilding in Tampa on Tuesday, January 10 with James

R. Cope, long-time friend, preaching a gospel sermon to a large gathering of friends and brethren. EverettMann, with whom brother Miller was working at the Del Rio congregation, also had part in the services. Ina way brother Miller was permitted to preach his ownsermon, for brother Cope read several excerpts from"The Glorious Bride", brother Miller's workbook-commentary on the book of Ephesians. His earthlyform was laid to rest in the Garden of Memories in Tampa to await the final resurrection. We will misshim. "I marvel" that he left us at the early age of 62when in our hearts we longed to keep him among usmuch longer. He was most assuredly "the brokenmold." He fought a good fight, finished his course,kept the faith and now has entered his rest to receivethe crown of life which awaits all the faithful (2 Tim.4:6-8).

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IGNORANCE OF THE ENLIGHTENED

We are living in an age of advanced education,

technology and skill in nearly every field. There are

more schools and universities, more pupils attending

schools, more methods of effective teaching than ever

before. Yet the ignorance of the only Book that gives

the education necessary to the best life in time and

eternal life after timely things is appalling.

During a general election year when the candidateswere making their speeches on Television and radio, Iheard one say: "It was Abraham Lincoln, I believe, who said, 'A city divided against itself cannot stand.'" I do not know whether Abraham Lincoln ever repeated these words or not, but I know where theyoriginated. Christ made the statement and it is recorded in Matthew 12:25, 26. When a man does not know the difference between what Christ said and what a former president of this country said, he is hardlyqualified to be a leader. But this is all around us. Ourpublic leaders are woefully ignorant of both the wordsand the sense of the revelation of Christ. What is worse, they have no inclination to learn what the Bible teaches. How can we expect to have good governmentor peaceful times when the leaders of nations do notknow and respect the words of the King of Kings?

During the last days of Christ upon earth, andduring the early days of the kingdom of Christ uponearth, the Jews exhibited a shameful ignorance oftheir own scriptures, especially in reference to the promised Messiah and his work upon earth. The multitudes do not know Christ, his revelation, andhis kingdom now.

In reference to the resurrection of the dead, Christsaid to the Sadducees: "Ye do err, not knowing thescriptures, nor the power of God" (Matt. 22:29).Isaiah 53 predicts the suffering and death of Christ,but the Jews did not understand this. They were so enamored with their tradition and national importance that they would see nothing that conflicted with it. Their own righteousness excelledanything and everything that could be thought of.

The apostle Paul prayed for Israel according to the flesh because of their zeal. He said: "For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being IGNORANTof God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted

themselves unto the righteousness of God" (Rom.

10:2, 3). We could put any religious denomination in

the place of Israel and it would be as true today as it

was then. Most men today are wholly ignorant of the

scriptures, but very wise in all other matters. The

great minds of our times are very zealous for

knowledge, and in their religious life they invent

various acts of righteousness, but do not submit to

the righteousness of God because they are ignorant of

it. There is only one place the knowledge of God can

be obtained—from the New Testament of Jesus

Christ.

Why is it true that so many men of great mental

ability are so ignorant of the Bible? Is it because they

do not have time to study? No, because they study

anything else they think will help them. Could it be

that God does not want these men of great ability to

understand His word? Certainly not, because He

said: "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of

God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved,

and to come unto the knowledge of the truth" (1

Tim. 2:3, 4).

I believe the answer to the gross ignorance ofdivine revelation lies in the nature of human wisdom. Human wisdom is in conflict with the revelation of God in many respects. Paul warns us not to be "wisein your own conceits" (Rom. 11:25; 12:16). Following are some statements taken from the first and second chapters of 1 Corinthians: "I will destroy the wisdomof the wise." "Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?" "For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, itpleased God by the foolishness of preaching to savethem that believe." "But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise." "And myspeech and my preaching was not with enticing wordsof man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spiritand of power: that your faith should not stand in thewisdom of men, but in the power of God."

The finite mind of man, limited in every respect,dares to set itself in competition against the InfiniteMind of God, unlimited in every respect. The resultis a stubborn rejection of all from God that is notexplained by the finite mind of man. This is why thewisdom of God is rejected by men. It also explains why God said, "I will destroy the wisdom of thewise, and will bring to nothing the understanding ofthe prudent" (1 Cor. 1:19).

Another thing about human wisdom is that it constantly seeks change. This was the case in Athenswhen Paul entered the city. When they heard Paulpreach the gospel of Christ they wanted to hear moreof "this new doctrine." They said, "For thou bringestcertain strange things to our ears: we would knowtherefore what these things mean. (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent theirtime in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hearsome new thing.)" (Acts 17:20, 21).

Men today are not content to hear and tell the old,old story of Christ and his word; they want to hear ortell "some new thing." Until the IGNORANCE OFTHE ENLIGHTENED is dispelled by the true knowledge of the revelation of Jesus Christ, we will continue to have the shameful teaching and practiceof the world leaders and educators that now exists. This ungodly ignorance is even more pronounced among the world religious leaders. "And ye shallknow the truth, and the truth shall make you free"(John 8:32).

HIGH SCHOOL LEADERS MORE CONSERVATIVE

"Seventy per cent of the nearly 24,000 high schoolstudent. leaders who answered a questionnaire saythey have never had sexual intercourse, and 56 percent say they would prefer their husband or wife tobe a virgin when they marry."

This report appeared in the Owensboro Messenger—Inquirer, Nov. 30, 1977, and represents the result of a nationwide poll which is conducted annually by "Who's Who Among High School Students" among juniors and seniors chosen by their principals,guidance counselors and national youth groups.

The 1977 poll indicates that teenagers are becomingmore politically and morally conservative. Perhapsthe wit was correct who described an optimist as alady who says to herself, "Oh goody! The flat tirewill be fixed in a jiffy now that the whole motorcyclegang has stopped." But I feel that the results of thispoll gives us a reason for optimism.

Nearly half of those polled, 49 per cent, said theynever had beer, 46 per cent never drank a glass ofwine, and 61 per cent never tried hard liquor. Five years ago, in 1972, 85 per cent said they had triedsome alcoholic beverage.

About 88 per cent said they never have used drugs.Only 9 per cent said they have smoked marijuana.Eighty-five per cent reported they had never smokedcigarettes and 8 per cent have quit. That means only2 per cent of these high school leaders smoke.

About 57 per cent favored passage of the EqualRights Amendment. Still a majority, but in 1974 itwas 74 per cent. Sixty-six per cent favor reinstating the death penalty compared to 30 per cent in 1971.Sixty-four per cent are in favor of censoring certain movies, T.V. programs, books and magazines.Almost the same percentage opposed any censorship in 1971.

Almost half of these students said religion hasbecome more relevant in their lives the past several years.

All this strikes me as being quite significant. It indicates that a number of young people are thinkingfor themselves. Many recognize the need of a spiritual dimension in their lives. All of the youngergeneration are not going to the dogs. And here is some good hard evidence for those young folks who are tottering on the fence that everybody's not "doing it."

Brethren, let us not lose hope. Let us not despair.Let us increase our efforts to reach those of honest and good heart with the good news. "The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating foolshall fall . . . It is as sport to a fool to do mischief:but a man of understanding hath wisdom ..." (Prov. 18:8,23).

SOMETHING'S GOTTA GIVE

Only a rumble here and there suggests that a major battle may yet be fought over the college inthe church budget. One such rumble was recentlyheard down Bowling Green way.

The bulletin of the Lehman Avenue Church of Christ of October 30, 1977, reports that the congregation will no longer support Potter OrphanHome and School from its treasury. The statement says:

"The eldership at Lehman Avenue has never feltit scriptural to SUPPORT Christian schools fromthe church treasury. We cannot bind upon eachmember that which is not bound by God's holyword. In no way does this alter the eldership'sfeelings on supporting Orphan's Homes since wedo find a definite command to support orphans.

"As most of you know, Potter Orphan Home andSchool has recently begun a program of admittingstudents from the community on a tuition basis.The eldership feels that this act places Potter Orphan Home and School in the same category as any Christian school. Beginning immediately, Lehman Avenue will discontinue its financial support to Potter Orphan Home and School. This action is intended in no way to discouragemembers in exercising their free choice to support the good work at Potter Orphan Homeand School, but encourage members as individualsto assist as they are able." (Signed by all the elders.)

Apparently, these elders do not agree with the oftparroted cry "the church can do anything the individual can do" or "If it's a good work the church can do it." Here's a work they describe as good which they do not believe there is scriptural authority for the local church to do. That's encouraging.

Now if they would just let this logic lead them toexamine that "definite command to support orphans"and answer who is being addressed, the individual orthe local church, we would really be gettingsomewhere. By the way, I wonder how many orphansare in Potter Orphan Home.

"LOSING A CHURCH"

I could not help but feel sorry for the little lady who wrote a letter to the "opinion" page of The Evansville (Indiana) Press. Never mind such questions as "How can you lose a church?" She has obviously lost all kinds of confidence in her fellowmortals as her letter demonstrates:

If your sister church should lose its building by a fire or other disaster, invite them to share your facilities or worship with you until such time as they can rebuild. Do not merge or if you merge—do so only if the vote is unanimous."

The reason for such advice is made clear as she explains what happened to her "church home." It seems that "Central Presbyterian Church in Henderson (Ky.) made the mistake of merging withFirst Presbyterian ..." Apparently, First Presbyterian had lost its "church home" by a fire or other disaster.

Anyway, after the merger, the membership was composed of a majority of former First Presbyterianmembers who proceeded to vote on whether to construct a new building. The ayes won. But here's the rub. They voted to sell the old building (i.e., thelittle lady's church home) to help pay for the new building.

I believe it was Hitler who said that democracycontains the seeds of its own destruction.

Now there must be a lesson in this besides "Don't trust Presbyterians." It might be a good place toinject some words of admonition about God's pattern ofchurch government and the dangers of majority rule incongregational affairs.

But I cannot help but believe that we see in thelady's letter (assuming she has correctly representedthe facts) not a Presbyterian problem, but a peopleproblem. Yes, we see the kind of problem that may,and often does, reap havoc in congregations ofChrist, because they also are made up of people.

And in this day of "no simple answers" may I suggest one for all people problems? "Whatsoever yewould that men do unto you, do ye even also untothem, for this is the law and the prophets" (Matt. 7:12)..

MASONRY—A FALSE RELIGION NO. 2

by J. T. Smith Last month in our study, we were able to showfrom authentic books written by thirty-third degreeMasons that Masonry is a religious institution, thatthey claim is a divine institution, and that they haveworship services. In this article we want to further note some teachings of the Masonic Lodge.

Masonry and the New Birth

"There you stood without our portals, on the threshold of this new Masonic life, in darkness, helpless and ignorant. Having been wandering amidthe errors and covered over with pollutions of theouter and profane world, you came inquiringly to ourdoors, seeking the new birth, and asking a withdrawal of the veil which concealed the divine truth from your uninitiated sight . . . There was to be not simply a change for the future, but also an extension of the past; for initiation is, as it were, adeath to the world and a resurrection to a new life" (Kentucky Monitor, page 26).

Now not only is this next to blasphemy,considering the fact that Jesus said that the new birth puts one into His kingdom (John 3:3-5), but Iwant us to consider another fact. Here, for example,is a man who is a faithful member of the Lord's church—perhaps an elder. He decides to become a Mason. After having heard the gospel of Christ, and having obeyed it, many years prior to this time, henow must admit that he came to the Masonic Lodge"in darkness," "helpless and ignorant." However, henow is told that he has come to the Masonic Lodge"seeking the new birth." And, yet many of mybrethren will attempt to deny that there is involved in the Masonic Lodge anything that is religious. Who are we trying to kid?

Masonry Has A Redeemer

"All antiquity . . . believed in a future life . . . andin a mediator or Redeemer, by whom the Evil Principle was to be overcome and the Supreme Deityreconciled to His creatures. The belief was generalthat He was to be born of a virgin and suffer apainful death. The Hindus called him KRISHNA; theEgyptians, HORUS; Plato, LOVE: the Scandinavians, BALDER; the Christians, JESUS; Masons, HIRAM" (Kentucky Monitor, pp. 14-15).

Now, let's notice what the Bible teaches on this subject. Paul said there is one Lord (Eph. 4:4)."And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt callhis name JESUS: for he shall save his people fromtheir sins" (Matt. 1:21). Also, in Matt. 8:24, Jesus said "except ye believe that I am he, ye shall die inyour sins." It is the responsibility of the Christian to try to guide people to the truth on this matterinstead of "joining hands with them" in such an organization as the Masonic Lodge.

Masonry Has A Plan of Salvation

"Notwithstanding the death of the Redeemer, mancan be saved by faith, repentance, and reformation"(Morals and Dogma, page 639). This is the same doctrine that is taught by many human denominations, and is just as false when taught inthe Masonic Lodge as it is when it is taught in ahuman denomination. The Bible teaches that "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but hethat believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:16).When the people in Acts 2 heard Peter and the otherapostles preaching on the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Jesus, they believed that they werethe murderers of Christ and confessed that theybelieved what the apostles had taught, they said untoPeter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you inthe name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (2:38). This is God's plan for saving man—not faith,repentance, and reformation.

Masons Receive Eternal Life Through Masonry

"and we doubt not that on the glorious morn of theresurrection our bodies will rise and become as incorruptible as our souls" (Ky. Mon., p. 152)."Let him who toils complain not, nor feel humiliated!Let him look up, and see his fellow-workmen there,in God's Eternity; they alone surviving there" (M & D, page 343). "The doctrine of a resurrection to a future and eternal life constitutes an indispensableportion of the religious faith of Freemasonry" (Mackey's Encyclopedia, Vol. 2, Page 851).

The Bible teaches that those who are a part of thefamily of God, having been born of water and theSpirit (John 3:3-5); having continued faithful inChrist's church or body (Eph. 5:23) will constitute thesaved—not those in the Masonic Lodge.

Conclusion

One who tries to be a Christian and a Mason has two of everything. Two religions, divine institutions, worships, new births, baptisms, redeemers, plans of salvation, Lord's Suppers, and prayers. In all fairness, brethren, I ask you—what is the differencein trying to be a Christian and a member of the Baptist church, and trying to be a Christian and aMason? I contend in light of the above information,that there is none. If you are a member of the Masonic Lodge, get out of it. If you don't, you will surely lose your soul (2 Cor. 6:17).

TURNING TO GOD

"For they themselves shew of us what manner ofentering in we had unto you, and how ye turned toGod from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from thewrath to come" (1 Thess. 1:9-10).

The turning of the Thessalonians was affected byPaul and companions entering in among them. The entering was accompanied by gospel preaching andmiraculous confirmation. Paul says, "For our gospelcame not unto you in word only, but also in power,and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance. . . . "(1 Thess. 1:5).

Notice in chapter 2 how Paul describes his entering unto them in reference to gospel preaching. In verse 2, Paul and company spoke the gospel of God. Inverse 4, they spoke the gospel in which they had beenentrusted. In verse 8, they imparted the gospel. In verse 9, they preached the gospel of God. In verse 13, they preached the word of God. All of this emphatically shows how the gospel must be preachedto turn people to God.

Furthermore, in verse 13, we are told that the Thessalonians not only heard the Word, but they alsoreceived it. Gospel preaching will not do us any goodunless it is received. The Word effectually works inthe hearts of receptive believers.

There are three things to which we direct our attention in the conversion of the Thessalonians. These three things are: (1) the turning, (2) the serving, and (3) the waiting. Let us notice them in the order stated.

The Turning

When one turns, he turns FROM something TOsomething. The Thessalonians turned from idols tothe living God.

(1) The turning from idols. The pagan world (government, religion, business, amusement, labor,social clubs) was built on the pattern of polytheism.Idolatry affected every aspect of life. The fictitious deities, whom the idols represented, were household words from childhood. They were deeply ingrained inthe minds of heathen worshippers. From these thingsthe Thessalonians turned. It not only entailed a denouncement of the idols, but a change of the wholelife-style. A re-orientation had to take place.

Businesses had to be closed or restructured; jobs had to be terminated; amusements had to be redirected and membership in social clubs had to cease in order for them to make a complete break with idolatry. Everything that was tainted with sinwas turned from. There could be no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness (cf. 2 Cor. 6:14-18; Eph. 5:11).

(2) The turning to God. Here, in our text, God is not so much pointed out as he is described. The Thessalonians turned from idols to serve the living and true God. The idol gods were dead, but God is alive. The deities they had worshipped were false and counterfeit, but God is real and genuine. Paul, while preaching at Lystra, calls these false gods, "vanities" (Acts 14:15). They cannot help because they are vain or unreal. But God is! He can and will help.

There are different attitudes toward God. Some people are indifferent, giving little or no thought toGod. Others try to evade God. They wish he did notexist. Then, there is a great number of people whohave only an occasional awareness of God. He is on the circumference or periphery of their lives. God is turned to when there is a tragedy or when one isabout to die. God is used like a fire escape—just in an emergency.

But turning to God involves permitting God to permeate the heart. God becomes the center of life, the dominant factor in life. The person who comes toGod lets God dwell in him (2 Cor. 6:16; 1 Jn. 4:12-16). God's nature, as far as humanly possible, becomes the convert's nature (2 Pet. 1:4). Every facet of life (religion, government, business, pleasure, labor, etc.) is regulated by God.

(3) Paul sent to turn. When Paul was before King Agrippa, he said he was sent to the Gentiles (heathen) to "open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power ofSatan unto God" (Acts 26:18).

Among the things stated, Paul was to turn the heathen from darkness to light or from error to truth.The heathen world had false concepts about God. They did not understand the unity of God, nor thecharacter of God. These things Paul had to deal with,and when the Thessalonians turned, they had their eyes opened to God's unity and nature. Cf. Paul's preaching to the heathen at Athens (Acts 17:16-34).

The Serving

Leaving idolatry, the Thessalonians turned to serve the God of heaven and earth. "To serve" is translated from the present infinitive verb, douleuein, which means "to become a slave." The Thessalonians had given themselves to God as his slaves. Their will had become God's will. Let us observe that being God's slave means:

(1) Voluntary action. We are not coerced or forced to serve God. Listen to Paul: "But God be thanked, that ye were the servants (slaves) of sin, but ye haveobeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, yebecame the servants (slaves) of righteousness" (Rom.

6:17-18). We become servants of God by exercisingour free will; by obeying from the heart.

When we begin grumbling and murmuring about having to attend all the services of the church, having to visit the sick, having to come to special classes and training sessions, and several other things that are involved in serving God, just rememberthat nobody is forcing us to do anything. If we do notwant to fully serve the Lord, then we can always quit.Of course, by quitting, we can not go to heaven. Butthe point is, why should we voluntarily give ourselvesto God's service, then constantly complain about doinghis work?

(2) Bought with a price. Paulwrote, " . . . . likewise also he that is called being free, is Christ's servant. Ye are bought with a price; be not ye theServants Of men" (1 Cor. 7:22-23). Being bought by Jesus' blood we are not our own. We owe our allegiance to Jesus Christ. We belong to God and wemust glorify God in our bodies and spirits (1 Cor.6:19-20). Every aspect of life must be to the glorification of the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.God's will must be our will. His ways must be our ways. (3) Jesus is our Master. Jesus is our despotes. This Greek word, translated, Master, means "one who has absolute ownership and un controlled power." We have been bought by the Master (2 Pet. 2:1, NASB). Jude wrote that certain ungodly men crept in unnoticed, denying our onlyMaster and Lord, Jesus Christ (Jude 4, NASB). Jesus is to have complete and total rule over our liveswhich belong to him.

The Waiting

The Greek word, anameno, translated, "to wait for," is used only here in the New Testament. Thayer's lexicon says it carries with it the idea of patience and trust (p. 40). The commentator, Find-lay, says it means, "sustained expectation." Hence, a servant of God needs to persevere through all of thetrials and temptations of life as he awaits the returnof Jesus Christ. He must not become weary in welldoing (Gal. 6:7).

(1) Second coming prominent theme. Among the early Christians, the second coming of Christ was a prominent theme. We are told that from Matthew through Revelation, the second coming of Christ, on the average, is mentioned every 13 verses. Jesus spoke of his return on different occasions (Matt. 25; Jn. 14:1-3). Paul writes about it,as well as Peter and other New Testament writers (1Thess. 4:13-18; 5:1-4; 2 Pet. 3; Jude 14). (2) Waiting implies readiness. If we are waitingfor somebody, we get ready for his coming. If a guestis coming for dinner, the house is cleaned and food is prepared. In like-manner, as we await the comingof Jesus, whom God raised from the dead, we must get ready. Having obeyed the first principles of the gospel (faith, repentance, confession, baptism)we must be faithful in life and doctrine (Tit. 2:11-14;2 Pet. 3:11-18; Rev. 2:10).

(3) Waiting delivers from wrath to come. If

we patiently endure and stedfastly remain in the truth,Jesus will deliver us from the wrath to come, that is,the final judgment. The King James Version has "delivered (past tense) us from the wrath to come."However, the New American Standard Bible has"who delivers (present tense) us from the wrath tocome." The NASB is to be preferred here.

Macknight stated concerning this word, "delivers,"that "it is usual in scripture to speak of things futurein the present tense, to shew the certainty of theirhappening" (Apostolical Epistles, p. 403). Hence, a serving, waiting Christian is assured of his deliverance from the wrath to come, the wrath beingdescribed in 2 Thess. 1:7-9.

In conclusion, the chorus of the song, "When JesusComes," is most appropriate. It states, "O can wesay we are ready, brother? Ready for the soul's bright home? Say, will He find you and me still watching, Waiting, waiting when the Lord shall come?" Have you turned from sin? Are you serving Jesus and waiting for his coming? If not, why notstart now!

POLEMICAL QUESTIONS NO. 1

In July of 1977 I met Roy Deaver in a four nightdebate in the Escambia High School Auditorium inPensacola, Florida. The Myrtle Grove and Bellviewcongregations, respectively, made all arrangementsfor the debate. These congregations asked brother Deaver and me to serve as disputants. I shall makeno comment on either victory or defeat in the debate.I prefer to leave that to the ones who attended. I might add that I enjoyed the debate very much and expressed by appreciation to both the Bellview church and brother Deaver for discussing what theybelieved. A word of thanks is also due to the fine Myrtle Grove church with its elders and evangelist,Willie Ramsey, for their preparation and supportduring the discussion. Ronald G. Mosby did a superbjob as moderator. His preparation of charts for the overhead projector was unexcelled.

It was agreed by brother Deaver and me to havefive written questions prior to each session. It was further agreed that the questions were to be presented to each disputant thirty minutes before thesession and the answers were to be in writing andgiven back before the session began. This proved tobe helpful and gave us more time for discussing theissues.

In this and succeeding articles I plan to discussboth questions and answers of the debate. Since the answers are in our own handwriting, it would be alittle difficult to distort what was said. During theministry of our Lord, he used questions as a part ofhis teaching. They help to bring out convictionswhich otherwise might be suppressed.

One of the questions I asked the first night was,"By what authority do you take your salary out ofthe first day of the week collection since this was forbenevolence (1 Cor. 16:1, 2)?" Brother Deaver answered in writing by saying, "By the authority ofthe significance of the principle involved in 1 Cor.16:1, 2, (I would like to hear your answer to this question)." When I read Roy's answerwas reminded of the old "Principle Eternal" argument given by E. R. Harper back in the fifties.Notice he said his authority was, "By the significanceof the principle involved." Is this an answer? Indeedit is not. It serves as a subterfuge but not an answer.I might add when the debate closed no answer hadbeen given to the question.

I had a twofold purpose in asking this question.First, I knew I would be asked the question beforethe debate was over. Knowing this, I wanted to beat Roy to the punch. Both Hogland and Deaver takesalary out of the first day of the week contribution — we are in the same boat! Liberal brethren enjoyputting us in the "defensive" by asking this question. Why not put them in the same place byasking first. You will notice in the parenthetical partof his answer, he could not resist asking me the samequestion. I knew it would come sooner or later. I toldhim later that I would answer the question but Iwould like his answer since I had asked first! Even with this, he would not answer. This question gives liberal brethren all kinds of trouble. They enjoyasking but will observe the passover in answering.

Just because brother Deaver refused to answer the question would not justify my refusal, so here it is. I pointed out that 1 Cor. 16:1, 2 was a passage whichdealt with benevolence. This could not be denied byany student of the Bible. Then I introduced a hypothetical passage which I called 2nd John 4:1.This passage reads, "Now upon the second day of theweek let everyone of you lay by in store for thepurpose of preaching the gospel." I pointed out thatthis passage gives us a "two pattern" system in raising and spending the Lord's money. I strongly emphasized that the pattern for raising and spendingthe Lord's money in benevolence was in 1 Cor. 16:1,

2. On the other hand, the pattern for both raising and spending the Lord's money in evangelism was in2nd John 4:1. I stressed with every atom of my beingthat if such a passage existed I would not take onedime out of the first day of the week for preachingthe gospel and I hoped that brother Deaver wouldnot! However, since no such passage exists, Godwants his work accomplished out of ONE treasury.The plan for RAISING that money is in 1 Cor. 16. I have never believed in a two treasury church. I havenever found a liberal brother who would argue for atwo treasury church, yet they love to ask questionsabout the treasury but are mighty slow in answering!By the way, brother Deaver never once attempted toanswer the above argument. My authority for taking salary out of the first day of the week contribution isthat God has one pattern for raising money but hegives a dual pattern for spending it — preaching and benevolence (2 Cor. 11:8; Phil. 4:15, 16; 1 Cor. 16:1,2).

God tells his people to do two things on the firstday of the week. One is to observe the Lord's supperand the other is giving as they have been prospered (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1, 2). In my next article, I plan to show that brother Deaver and certain liberal brethren have given up the old doctrine that the firstday of the week is the ONLY time we are to raisemoney for the Lord's work. Without batting an eye,he said that he believed money could be raised for theLord's work (put in treasury) at times other than thefirst day of the week. He also argued that the Lord's treasury could consist of many tilings besides money!Brethren, it is later than we think! There is an old song which says, "It is just a matter of time." Gentle reader, it is just a matter of time until thesebrethren will give up the Lord's Supper on the firstday of the week. They have given up the exclusivepattern of contribution on the first day of the week!When will they give up the Lord's Supper? I do notknow. If someone would have told me years ago thatpreachers would take up the sectarian practice ofpassing the hat and raising money at every service, Iwould have denied it. If they would have told me that brethren would say this practice has the approbation of God, I would have denied it. Which goes to prove I am not a prophet!

It is necessary that we have all the things God hasrequired of us. But many times we may be mistakenas to what is enough. We need to study God's wordand be sure we have not left out anything that isnecessary to our salvation.

God has said that we must have faith to be saved. But what does it mean to have faith? Is it necessary to do anything to have faith? What constitutes saving faith. The word "faith" or "belief" is used in different ways in the New Testament. Sometimes wecan say one has faith when he only believes what the Bible says. This is faith, all right, But it is not SAVING faith unless and until it is obeyed. We believe there is one God. But the devils also believe this. But when we go on and obey the word of God,when we conjoin our works with that word, the faiththat we have becomes perfect and we are thus savedby faith. See James 2:21-24. Yes, faith saves. But a certain kind of faith is not enough. We must obey (Heb. 5:8-9; 2 Thes. 1:7-9).

God has said that we must be honest and sincere to be saved. But, honesty and sincerity are not enough. We must know the truth to be made free (John 8:32). One can receive and believe a lie and stillbe honest and sincere in his belief. When Joseph's father saw his coat of many colors saturated in theblood of animals, he thought it was the blood of Joseph and said he would go to his grave in mourning for his son. But Joseph was not dead! Hewas going on to become governor of all Egypt. It isgood to be honest and sincere but we must know whatGod would have us do, and we must do it to be saved.

God has said that we must be morally good. But, moral goodness is not enough. One cannot go toheaven unless he is morally good. But, he can bemorally good and NOT GO to heaven. Cornelius was a good moral man (Acts 10:1-2). He was honest and sincere. He prayed regularly. He gave alms to the people. But he was UNSAVED. He needed the wordof God that he might be made right with God. Ofcourse the least we could expect if we want to go toheaven is that we will be good morally. But again letus be sure we have the truth and are acting inharmony therewith. Let us be morally good. But letus be RIGHT and morally good.

God has said that we must desire to be saved. One cannot expect to be saved unless he has a keen desireto do so. God will not save one who does not want to be saved. But desire to be saved is not enough. It isthe same old story all over again. We must know thetruth. We must understand the plan of salvation. Wemust do what God requires of us if we are to expectsalvation at God's hand.

God has said that we must be zealous if we are to be saved. But we must learn that zeal alone is not enough. We can be ever so zealous and still go aboutto establish our own righteousness (Rom. 10:1-3).When we establish our own righteousness we will notsubmit to the righteousness of God. Such is the unhappy condition of nearly three thirds of the religious people upon this earth. Many people have established their own righteousness in the plan of salvation they have followed. They continue to establish their own righteousness in the worship services in which they engage. When the truth is presented to them they cast it aside on the groundthat they are satisfied with the way they are conducting the services. May God help us to be zealous, but may we be right.

God has said that we must assemble to worship(Heb. 10:25). But to assemble on the first day of theweek, or any other day to worship God is not enough. We must assemble all right. But we must worship in harmony with God's word. And our attitude must be in harmony with his word also. Manypeople never miss a worship service. But their attitude is not always right. Many will assemble regularly but will not take any part in worship services. God help us to realize that we must assemble but that simply assembling is not nearly enough. Help us to be faithful.

God has said that we must be a member of the church. Acts 2:47 tells us the Lord adds to the church daily all who obey the gospel or all who aresaved. But simply being a member of the church isnot enough. We must have an interest in the churchand in all of those who are outside the kingdom. Wemust seek to build up the Christians and we mustseek to bring in others that they also may be saved.Let us not simply be members of the Lord's body.Let's seek the salvation of all our friends and neighbors. Let's really be Christians.

Finally, we must be almost persuaded to become aChristian. But, of course being almost persuaded is not enough. Old Agrippa said he was almost persuaded to become a child of God. But Paul informed him that he should be altogether a Christian. Naturally being almost a Christian is not enough. If

you miss it by a little you will entirely miss it. Weneed to be, not almost, but altogether a child of God.We must be altogether what God would have us to bein every avenue of our service to God. He will not accept second hand service. We need to do our best.

A thousand years before Christ, the Psalmist wrotethese words: "Let mount Zion be glad. Let the daughters of Judah rejoice, because of thy judgments. Walk about Zion, and go round abouther; mark ye well her bulwarks; consider her palaces,that ye may tell it to the generations following" (Psalm 48:11-13).

With this text as a basis, it is my purpose todiscuss in this article, and in some others to follow,the things that constitute the bulwarks of Zion.

Definition of Terms

In the discussion of any subject, it is always wellto have a definition of the terms that will be used. Therefore I want us to look at the word, Zion, first asit was used in the Old Testament; and then as it is used in the New Testament.

1. In the Old Testament the word, Zion, is used in its literal sense to mean the city of Jerusalem. Thename occurs for the first time in 2 Samuel 5:7. There,in describing an assault made by David's army against the Jebusites, who at that time inhabited Jerusalem, the writer said, "Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion; the same is the city of David."

Other passages identify Zion as the city of Jerusalem. We have the testimony of a writer, who,in describing the loneliness of the Israelites while incaptivity in Babylon, said: "By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea we wept when weremembered Zion. Upon the willows in the midst we hanged our harps, for they that led us captive,required of us songs, and they that wasted us withmirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion. Howshall we sing Jehovah's song in a foreign land? If Iforget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forgether skill. Let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth. If I remember thee not; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy" (Psalm 137:1-6).

We are also familiar with the words of the prophetIsaiah, as looking down the stream of time he foretold the establishment of the church, and concluded with the prophecy of the giving of the greatcommission in these words: "For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of Jehovah from Jerusalem" (Isaiah 2:3).

The above passages of scripture thus serve toreveal that in its most literal sense the word, Zion, meant the city of Jerusalem.

2. Because Jerusalem was the centre of worship forIsrael, in time the word, Zion, came to have a symbolical meaning. It was known as, (a) God's dwelling place (Psalm 9:11; 132: 13), (b) the source ofblessing (Psalm 134:3), (c) the source of strength (Psalm 20:1, 2), (d) the place of salvation (Isaiah46:13).

From these observations we may thus concludethat the word, Zion, in a symbolic sense, came to beidentified with all that was associated with the religious life of Israel.

Zion Of The New Testament

The exhortation of the Psalmist to "Mark ye wellthe bulwarks of Zion" is as applicable today as it wasin the days of fleshly Israel. Just as the Old Testament had its Zion, so also does the New Testament. In Hebrews 12:18 the writer tells us first,that to which we are not come. "For ye are not come unto a mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, and unto blackness and darkness, and tempest." The scenes described by the writer inthe verses that follow, all identify the occasion as thegiving of the law at mount Sinai, and are the author's way of telling us that we are not under thelaw of Moses.

Then beginning with verse 22 the writer said: "But ye are come unto mount Zion, and untothe city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem,and to innumerable hosts of angels, to the generalassembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolledin heaven ..." That is his way of telling us that weare under the new covenant, — the law that was to go out of Zion (Isaiah 2:3).

But let us look at some other passages. Seven hundred years before Christ, the prophet Isaiah said:"Therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah, Behold I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, aprecious corner stone of sure foundation. ..." (Isaiah 28:16). Now hear the apostle Peter as he quotes fromthis prophecy in 1 Peter 2:5, 6. "Ye also, as livingstones, are built up a spiritual house, to be a royalpriesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Because it is contained in scripture, Behold I lay in Zion a chief corner stone,elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall notbe put to shame."

Here we have an example of an inspired man telling us what a prophecy means, and how it wasfulfilled. And in this case Peter tells us that the prophecy concerning the laying of a foundation stonein Zion was fulfilled in Christ's building the church.On that basis then, I feel justified in referring to thechurch as God's spiritual Zion today, and shall sospeak of it in this discussion.

Bulwarks

The word, bulwark, means a fortification, or safeguard. It may be used in a physical sense toidentify some material fortification such as a wallthat insures the safety of a city. Or it may be used todesignate some abstract quality that insures the safety of an institution, or social safeguards that protect society. In the wild frontier days suspectedhorse thieves and other such criminals were often shot or lynched at the scene of the crime. Questionswere asked afterwards. But today it is a part of our system of law that a man charged with a crime,regardless of how serious, is entitled to a fair trial,and moreover is considered as innocent until provenguilty. This is one of the bulwarks of our society andis a safeguard that prevents any injustice being done,and to protect innocent people from suffering fromcrimes they have not committed.

Physically, Zion, or Jerusalem of the Old Testament had some natural bulwarks, or fortifications to protect her. The city of Jerusalem was flanked on the east and west and south by deep ravines. In a note on the topography of Jerusalem, William Smith said: "To convey the idea of the position of Jerusalem, we may say roughly, that the city occupies the southern termination of a tableland, which is cut off from the country round it on its west, south, and east sides, byravines more than usually deep and precipitous." (Smith's Bible Dictionary. Page 286) While the city has been captured many times during its long history, it could not be taken without difficulty.

When we think of the word, Zion, with reference tothe religious life of Israel, it becomes obvious thateven here she was protected by numerous bulwarks,or safeguards that were designed to protect Israelfrom apostasy. Israel had a law, given by God,Himself, and which was superior to the laws of thenations about her (Deut. 4:8). It was a law that was designed to keep Israel separate from other nations,and thus to protect her from the blighting effects ofidolatry. It was a law that was also designed toprevent intermarriage with the heathen nations, andthus to keep intact the lineage through which the Christ, the redeemer of the world was to come. The tabernacle was built and furnished according to thepattern that was shown to Moses on Mount Sinai. (Exodus 25:40). This assured that it was built the way God wanted it built.

Just as Zion of the Old Testament had certain bulwarks, — safeguards that were designed toprotect Israel from apostasy, so God's spiritual Zion

— the church — has been fortified by certain bulwarks that are designed to keep her pure in organization, in doctrine, and in worship. In somearticles to follow I propose to take an excursion aboutspiritual Zion and mark some of those bulwarks, sothat we may be able to tell it to the generations following.

BOOKS BY ROY E. COGDILL

Walking By Faith (paper—$2.00) cloth...................$2.50The New Testament Church

(paper—$2.00) cloth........................................... $2.50

Eugene Britnell to Re-join Staff

We are pleased to announce that Eugene Britnell will soon be writing regularly in thispaper once again. The Sower, which he has edited so ably as a subscription magazine, has nowchanged its format and over-all approach and will be published by the Arch Street church inLittle Rock where Eugene preaches. It will be sent free as a part of the teaching work of thatgood church. Prior to his leaving our writing staff to edit the Gospel Guardian and then later The Sower, he wrote one of the most popular columns this paper has ever had. He is a princeamong men, and an able and experienced writer. We are certain our readers will be glad toknow that they can soon find his articles on the pages of Searching the Scriptures once again.His material will add greatly to the worth of this paper.

We appeal to our readers to show the paper to others and help us build our circulation to10,000. We are going to try to reach that number by the end of our twentieth year. We believewe have many friends and that they will want to help.

WILMOTH CROSSLAND, Muskogee, Oklahoma — The churchin Muskogee is known as Southside Church of Christ and meetsat 2001 South Cherokee. We have recently moved into largerquarters at this address. Lowell K. Roberts is the preacher.

New Congregation

DOUGHERTY Church of Christ, P.O. Box 1549, Albany, Georgia 31702 — We wish to inform you of a new congregation in Albany, Georgia. This work began on September 11, 1977 and is composed of brethren leaving digressive congregations and those moving into the area from other states. Our meeting place is 1601-C Maple Street. We are of the New Testament order. We are located in the Turner City Shopping Center just off US 19 by-pass. On Sundays we meet at 9:30 and 10:30 in the morning and at 6:00 at night. Our mid-week study is at 7:30 on Thursday nights.

RAY F. DIVELY, 425 Dippold Ave., Baden, PA 15005 — Theyear 1977 was another busy year for me. Besides the local work, I was privileged to preach in eight states, Canada and India. The Baden church has helped to support gospel preachers in Mexico,Nigeria, Philippines and India and has sent these brethrengospel literature, Bibles and song books. We can testify that achurch does not have to be large in numbers to help preach thegospel in other places. In 1978, once again, we are going to offer aBible correspondence course and put teaching articles in the newspaper.

DEBATES IN INDIANA AND KENTUCKY

Robert Wayne La Coste met James L. Thompson in public debateJanuary 9 and 10 in the building of the Grandview church inTompkinsville, Kentucky and on January 12 and 13 in Indianapoliswhere James L. Thompson preaches. The propositions concernedchurch supported benevolent institutions and the extent of churchobligation in benevolence. We are sorry this report could not becarried before the debates occurred.

EIGHT WEEK TRAINING CLASS JIM PUTERBAUGH of Santa Rosa, California has been in the Philippines the past year conducting 8 week training classes atvarious points in that nation. One such class was conducted at Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur with 76 preachers in attendance. In addition to the training classes taught by brotherPuterbaugh, Billy Hayuhay from Manila also taught music. Fromsports, much good was done.

DEBATE ON EVOLUTION

On February 27 and 28 at 7 P.M. a debate will be held in thebuilding of the Northside Church of Christ, 1800 HairstonAvenue, Conway, Arkansas. The speakers will be Keith Sharp,preacher at Hairston Avenue, and Neal D. Buffaloe who isProfessor of Biology at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, author of two text books on biology, co-author of a third, and an elder at the College church of Christ in Conway.There will be no formal propositions. Each evening there will betwo twenty minute speeches by each speaker followed by a thirtyminute question and answer session dealing with questions posedby the audience. The first night the general topic will be "Creation and Evolution in the Light of Natural Science." The next nightwill be on "Creation and Evolution in the Light of the Scriptures." The public is invited.

ADAMS—INMAN DEBATE

The editor will meet Clifton Inman of Parkersburg, West Virginia in a debate to be conducted in Middlebourne, WestVirginia in the building of the Fair Avenue congregation. The dates are May 29, 30 and June 1,2. The subjects for debate arechurch supported benevolent institutions and the sponsoring church arrangement in evangelism. Clifton Inman has edited andpublished THE BIBLE HERALD for many years and is presentlyhead of the Bible department at Ohio Valley College. The sponsoring church proposition is unique in that it not onlyidentifies Herald of Truth of Abilene, Texas as an example of whatis under discussion but also names the Back to God program ofthe Clarksburg, West Virginia church, a sponsoring churcharrangement which has been in operation since 1949. We expectan orderly discussion conducted in the proper spirit. Those interested in attending from a distance might contact RonnyMilliner, local preacher at Middlebourne. His address is P.O. Box 371, Middlebourne, WV 26149. His phone number is 304-758-4313.He will supply information as to accommodations in the area.

PREACHERS NEEDED WARREN, ARKANSAS — The congregation which meets at 304 South Martin St., Warren, Arkansas is in need of a full time preacher to work with them. He must be experienced anddedicated to the cause of Christ. The congregation is small andpartial support will have to be supplied elsewhere. Contact Ed Lyon, Rt. 2, Box 426B, Warren, Arkansas 71671 (Phone 501-226-2185); or, Morgan O'Neill, Rt. 2, Box 423, Warren, Arkansas 71671(Phone 501-226-3964).

Pane 15

VANDUSER, MISSOURI — The church at Vanduser will need a full-time preacher the first of March as Dan Richardson, presentpreacher, is moving to Tigrett, Tennessee. The Vanduser congregation is small with 30-35 in attendance. Some outside support will need to be raised. Anyone interested should contacteither: Ron Nichols, Rt. 1, Bell City, MO 63735 (Phone 314-733-4533) or Walter Nichols, Rt. 1, Bell City, MO (Phone 314-733-4349). Vanduser is located in southeast Missouri near Sikeston. PORT CLINTON, OHIO — The church in Port Clinton needs a full time preacher. We are a small congregation. We have an adequatebuilding and can provide $700 a month support to an evangelist.There is plenty to do and many souls to be saved in this area.Those interested should write to: Church of Christ, 1518 E. Third St., Port Clinton, Ohio 43452 or call Phillip Helton at 419-635-2666.

PISCATAWAY, NEW JERSEY — The church meeting here isseeking an evangelist to work with it on a full time basis. We areable to provide half of his support. There is much work and agreat challenge in the northeast. If interested please contact:Church of Christ, 258 Highland Avenue, Piscataway, New Jersey08854 or call 201-369-3851. ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND — The church in Annapolis needs a gospel preacher. The church is new, but we have a building and support is available for an evangelist in this necessary field. Call or write: Ray Hendricks, 123 Brent Rd., Arnold, MD 21012;or Lou Mattox, 8225 Bodkin Ave., Pasadena, MD 21122. Phone 301-255-4139 or 647-8134. NEWTON, NORTH CAROLINA — The church in Newton is searching for a new preacher. Our present evangelist, ErnestShoaf, is wanting to retire from full time work due to his age andthe ill health of his wife. Anyone wishing further details concerning this work please contact either: Tony Johnson, Rt. 1 Box 540-11, Conover, NC 28613 or Jerry Wright, 205 MorningsideDr., Newton, NC 28658 (Phone 704-465-1704 or 704-256-7623). MILLINGTON, TENNESSEE — The church desires a mature man, wise in the scriptures, to do the work of an evangelist inMillington. We are a faithful work and are zealously engaged ingoing from house to house to seek and teach the lost. This is thehome of the world's largest inland naval base, 15 miles north ofMemphis, and provides constant fields white unto harvest. Won'tyou please come and join with us in this exciting work. You maycontact us at the following address or phone number: 5038 EasleyStreet, Millington, TN or 901-872-7269.

E. C. KOLTENBAH

With sadness we take note of the death of another veteran gospel preacher. Our good friend and brother, E. C. Koltenbah ofMuncie, Indiana passed away on October 30 at the age of 74.After preaching several years in the Christian Church, he saw theerror of that digressive body in 1937 and came out of it to devotethe rest of his life to preaching the pure gospel. His experiencewas wide and took him to many parts of the country in hismeetings and local work. He was especially able as an expositor.He did not write much in the papers published by brethren, butall who knew him well were aware of his deep knowledge of truth and his careful exegesis of the text of God's word. His wife preceded him in death by a few months. He is survived by a daughter, Mimi Ledford of Florida, and a son, David E. Koltenbah of Muncie, Indiana. David is a gospel preacher and teacher of physics at Ball State University and one of our dearestfriends. We cherish the memory of this faithful servant of Godand extend our deepest sympathy to his children who remain. Weare hoping for a more complete report on his life and work fromthe able pen of David Koltenbah.

IN THE NEWS THIS MONTH

BAPTISMS 274

RESTORATIONS 46

(Taken from bulletins and papers received by the editor)