One would have to be a recluse and completely out ofcontact with the world not to realize that there are many abuses in life. The burden of this article,however, is not that of establishing and substantiatingthe existence of abuses but to show a common,dangerous tendency of man in view of abuses. Man isprone to believe and claim that anything which isabused is wrong within itself. With the recognition ofthese abuses, man is also inclined to go to the otherextreme.

Many of the problems relative to morality or immorality stem from this inclination. Many of theyouth of our country are fed up with the hypocrisy oftheir elders, so they go to the other extreme—theybecome perfectly open with their shameless actsof promiscuity and debauchery. They are sick of theirparents abusing morality and decency with their drinking of alcohol and commission of adultery; sothey are prompted to smoke pot and use mind exploding drugs and live together in fornication —rejecting the institution of marriage because it isabused. They refuse the "old morality" and bring intheir new morality (which is immorality — openness and shamelessness). The taxation of the American people is also often abused. The money taken from usby the government is, on occasions, wasted and misappropriated. Hence, some feel taxes are ALTOGETHER WRONG.

Again, allow me to reiterate the common, dangeroustendency of man: man often believes that anythingwhich is abused is wrong within itself and with the recognition of these abuses man is given to going to

the other extreme. Now, let us make some spiritualapplications.

The Local Church

Admittedly, there are abuses concerning the localchurch. Some believe that all there is to Christianity isassembling and partaking of the acts of publicworship. To them, this is the totality of worship toGod. Church buildings sometimes are abused. Buildings purchased with the Lord's money are used by some for facilities for recreation and social activities. On occasions, church buildings have eventaken precedence over the preaching of the gospel. I am reminded of a recent (about 6 years ago) erection ofa church building (edifice) in Texas which cost almost$2,000,000 (1.8 million)!

Now, how does this common tendency of man comeinto play? Because of the abuses centering around thelocal church, some brethren are attacking the localchurch arrangement, as taught in the New Testament.They maintain ALL church buildings are wrong andthat ALL social activities (not even involving the localchurch as such) are sinful (see Acts 2:46).

Church Discipline

By church discipline we have reference to a localchurch withdrawing from a disorderly member. The New Testament is plain in its teaching of withdrawingfrom those who walk disorderly (1 Cor. 5:1-11; Tit.3:10-11; 2 Thes. 3:1). Paul taught, "Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother thatwalketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us" (2 Thess. 3:6).

Notwithstanding this lucid teaching and command,there are those who oppose withdrawal. They claimthat a church withdrawing from a member only increases problems. Usually, they can cite youinstances in which withdrawal only caused divisionwithin the local church. They talk about how silly it isfor a local church to withdraw from a member when all the member has to do is identify with anothernearby church. Some local churches will tolerate allkinds of doctrinal and moral deviations simplybecause "withdrawing only compounds the problems."

Confessedly, discipline is abused. In some cases, it isnot practiced right to start with. Instead of being a final effort to restore the one at fault and maintain the purity of the church, it is the beginning effort (Tit. 3:10; 1 Cor. 5:1-11). Beloved, just because discipline isabused and, therefore, ineffective, does not mean it isALTOGETHER WRONG and undesirable!

Benevolence

More and more are believing that the way to reachaliens is for local churches to become more benevolence conscious. They tell us that by filling alien's stomachs and clothing their bodies we can win them to Christ."Brotherhood" benevolent programs for aliens arebeing made a part of the work of many "churches ofChrist."

Truly, such is sickening and disgusting in view of theNew Testament not authorizing local churches toassist aliens in this manner and institute brotherhood benevolent programs for aliens (Acts 11:28-30, 1 Cor.16:1-3). Yet, there are those who are allowing theseabuses in benevolence to blind them and cause them to go to the other extreme by allowing needy saints to go unassisted (if they had their way) claiming the localchurch has no responsibility AT ALL in the area ofbenevolence for needy, deserving saints.

You select the subject, whether it be the eldership,located preachers, plan of salvation, et cetera, and wecan show you abuses. Correspondingly, we can cite youinstances in which man has opposed the eldership,located preachers, plan of salvation etc. believing themto be wrong within themselves simply because they are abused.

Conclusion

Brethren, let us beware of this common and dangerous tendency of man. Let us not ever condemnthe thing itself (when it is right) simply because it isabused. And let us never with the recognition ofabuses go to the other extreme.

EDITORIAL STEW

It has become customary as well as useful to write acolumn under this heading every year at this time. We begin by thanking our readers for staying with usthrough another year. It is the hope of all the writersthat the material presented during 1980 has beenedifying to all. Our writers donate their material in aneffort to utilize this medium through which to extendtheir teaching efforts. Some of our writers have beenwith us since the paper began in 1960 and others joinedthe list during the early years of the paper's existence.These men have come to be looked upon as trusted friends as they have provided well-written material ona wide range of subject matter, and all with the intentto cause the reader to search the Scriptures. Not onlyare there "old-timers" among the writers, but we havea number of readers who have received every issue ofthis paper for twenty-one years. Our heartfelt thanksto all writers and to all readers whether you are an old-timer or a newcomer.

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"ANSWERS FOR OUR HOPE" SOON IN BOOK FORM

From the very first issue of this paper, Marshall E.Patton has written a column entitled "Answers For Our Hope" in which he has ably handled the Biblequestions which have been on the minds of brethrenover the past two decades. Not only has his columnprovided a wealth of carefully prepared Bible information presented with wisdom and forethought, but it has served as well as a commentary on the issues and questions of the times. In addition toanswering questions from readers, he has also prepared several series of articles on needed subjects.Cogdill Foundation is now in process of publishing thismaterial in a hardback book. It will be indexed bysubject matter and by scripture references to make itof the greatest use to readers. We cannot give you theexact price now nor the date it will be ready, but it is inthe works now. Please do not send funds for advance orders. We will inform readers when it is ready. Watch for further information. We believe that Marshall E. Patton is one of the ablest Bible students of our times and are confident that the appearance ofhis material in this paper since it began has donemuch to enhance the good reputation the paper hasenjoyed. He stood like a rock beside H. E. Phillips andJames P. Miller through the birth pains and earlyyears of the paper when issues needed definitionand when the sophistry of false teachers needed to beexposed and the scriptures they perverted needed tobe studied in their context. The present editor is much indebted to Marshall E.

Patton for his friendship, wise counsel, studious helpand continued support in our efforts to carry on thework of SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES. We are delighted that the material which appeared in ourcolumns from his pen will be preserved not only in ourbound volumes with their limited circulation but in book form for the study of future generations.

A DIFFERENT SONG LEADER EVERY NIGHT

At the risk of inciting the wrath of no telling howmany, I wonder how and why the practice ever gotstarted of having a different song leader every night ina gospel meeting. I remember when I first beganholding meetings that brethren either used the bestthey had or sometimes sent elsewhere to borrow a goodsong leader for a meeting. Some congregations may bebetter blessed along this line that others, but frankly, Ihave seen very few instances in which such a practicedid not hamper the singing more than it helped it. Every leader has his own style and cadence. A congregation has to make an adjustment every nightunder this practice. I have also noticed that there isoften little, if any, thought among the leaders as tohow the song selection may enhance the sermon. I havepreached through whole meetings in which none of thevarious leaders ever picked up on the announcement of a topic, or asked if there might be some songs whichwould better fit the occasion. I have seen inexperiencedleaders try out brand new songs on the congregation inthe middle of a meeting, and that includes an invitation song which is totally unfamiliar, or else one which requires parts which are painfully absent whenneeded.

I have made it a point to ask elders at various placeswhy they do this. The most common answer is that they don't want to hurt anyone's feelings by leaving him out? Does that apply to those who lead theprayers? Is this an admission that there are brethrenin a congregation who are to be used publicly who areso childish that they might have a pouting spell ifbrethren try to help the meeting? We have heard a fewbrethren defend this practice and respect their judgment. But I have talked with a number of menover the country who have done extensive gospelmeeting work and find that most of them regard thepractice of a different leader every night as a greaterhindrance than help. What a pleasure it is to work witha good song leader who selects songs which fit theoccasion and which do much to stir the hearts of the brethren to greater service. A meeting is the time toput your best foot forward, including the song service.And while we are on the subject, why would brethreneven consider using a brother as a song leader anytimewhose life needs serious correction and whose faithfulness is marginal at best?

EPIDEMIC! EPIDEMIC!

In spite of preaching, writing and debating on thesubject of divorce and remarriage, with all the weekend series and special lessons in classes and the effortsof godly parents to train the young, divorce continuesto be an ever worsening problem among Christians.The law of God is trampled under foot, homes arewrecked, families are in turmoil, hearts are broken,

children are bewildered and God-fearing elders and preachers are often scorned by those whose emotionslead them to support transgressors. Over and over wehear it all across the land. The lives of elders, deacons, preachers as well as the rest are being torn apart. Ithas come to the point that when you meet an old friendof years gone by, you almost fear to ask about thehusband or wife. "Oh, didn't you know? We are divorced?" Readers of this paper know that the editorfirmly believes there is one scriptural cause for which awronged companion may put away the offender. We would not penalize those who have every God-given right to make such a serious decision. But we continueto cry out against the permissive tide which seems tobe inundating many children of God. I do not understand why elders and churches wish to coddle preachers who give out an uncertain sound, and in some cases a MOST CERTAIN false teaching which ineffect calls evil, good and encourages sinners to persistin their sins. It is past time for faithful Christians everywhere to hold up the hands of godly elders,preachers and others who are trying Against increasing odds to maintain some semblance of purity among theLord's people. The only vaccine that will successfullycounter this epidemic is found in the charge "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove,rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine" (2Tim. 4:2). It would not hurt to ponder the next verse which warns of those with itching ears who seek preachers to scratch where they itch.

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ANOTHER BUSY YEAR

1980 has been a very busy year for the editor. Goodhealth was enjoyed through most of it and we wereable to conduct classes at Expressway as planned andto work in 20 gospel meetings between March andNovember. These meetings took us from Miami to theshores of Lake Erie and from Virginia to Utah andmany places in between. In addition opportunity wasgiven to preach the gospel in five cities in Italy and inLondon, England. We saw more than 40 souls obedientto the truth in addition to a good number at Expressway over the year.

1981 looms before us with 19 meetings planned and another round of classes through the winter months atExpressway. Classes are planned to deal with Catholicism, Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, Masonry and two sections of classes on the book ofJeremiah. Meetings are set from Ontario, Canada toFlorida and from Pennsylvania to California. In a laterissue we will list the meetings by months for thebenefit of any readers in those areas who might want to come.

In August, 1980, the work at Expressway was blessed with the arrival of Jerry Parks and his familyto live and labor among us. He has been preaching for anumber of years and has done excellent work in Ohioand Kentucky. He came here from the Kettering church in Dayton, Ohio. We knew Jerry Parks when hefirst began preaching in the Akron, Ohio area. We anticipate a long and fruitful association in the work inLouisville.

RELIGIOUS SUPPLY CENTER

With the exception of the ads purchased bycongregations to advertise their locations and meetingtimes for the benefit of moving and traveling brethren,our only advertising client is Religious Supply Centerof Louisville, Kentucky. Our business relationshipremains as pleasant as it was in 1973 when they began advertising with us. Their business has steadilygrown. There are several reasons for this. One is thatthey are well stocked. Another is that their store is next to a branch of the Post Office and orders go outthe same day they come in. Another is the friendly,"down home" attitude of David Key, the manager, andhis wife Phyllis, and Marie Ricks and Mary Catherine(Wimpy) Threlkel. They know how to fill your orders,carry on a friendly conversation, take your money inpayment and let you leave feeling good about havingspent your money with such good folks. They tell usalso that one reason for the growth in their businesshas been their advertisement through Searching theScriptures. If you think nobody reads this paper, justask them. Remember that they can fill your needs for literature, tracts, good books (even books for children), Bibles, maps, film strips, projectors,communion supplies, and even fiber glass baptisteries.Think of Religious Supply Center when you are ready to order next time.

---------------o -----------------ABOUT H. E. PHILLIPS

Several readers have asked both brother Phillips and myself why we had several months in 1980 without material from him in the paper. Some are always quickto read something between the lines which is not therein the first place. During the past year, my belovedbrother has battled health problems, stood by hislovely companion, Polly, through her sometimes serious health problems, and maintained a busier preaching schedule than was good for him. He has traveled much and has done much of his work when he was not up to par physically. He and I wish to assureall our readers that he is as much concerned for the future work of this paper as he has ever been. He has offered his apologies for not being able to write asmuch as he would like to. None of our readers could possibly regret the absence of his material from the paper more than I. Relax, brethren. There has been nobreach between the former and present editor, of thispaper. We stand where we have for many years as goodfriends and fellow-workers for the cause of our Lord. We happily anticipate receiving whatever material heis able to send and will have it right on the front pagewhere it belongs. I am sure that thousands of brethrenjoin me in praying for continued improvement in thehealth of both H. E. and Polly Phillips and that wemay benefit from his timely writing for many years to come.

In the first three chapters of Romans Paul showsthat "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory ofGod." But in the later part of chapter three (3:21-31),he give the readers hope by telling of God's plan tomake men righteous. Because of the sacrifice of Jesus,God is "just and the justifier of the one who has faithin Jesus" (3:26). An example of justification by faith isfound in chapter four when Paul discusses, the justification of Abraham. In Romans 5:1-11 Paul turnshis attention to the blessings or results that we havebecause we have been justified by faith. It is theseblessings that we want to consider in this article.

Peace with God

"Therefore having been justified by faith, we havepeace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom.5:1). A man who is still in a sinful condition cannothave harmony and concord with God, because sin alienates us from God (Isa. 59:2). But because our sinshave been forgiven, so that we may be counted asrighteous, we now have peace with God. The peace hasbeen made possible through Christ. He made it possible to be delivered from the wrath of God (Rom.5:9).

Introduction Into Grace

Paul continues, "through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace inwhich we stand." (Rom. 5:2a). The word PROSAGOGE, translated "introduction" (NASB) or "access' (KJV), literally means "a leading or bringinginto the presence of PROS, to AGO, to lead), devotesfreedom to enter through the assistance or favour ofanother" (Vine, p.21). It is only because we have Jesusas our high priest that we can come into God's presence (Heb. 10:19-22). But this blessing like all theothers is based on certain conditions. We have the introduction "by faith." It must be a faith which includes "having our hearts sprinkled clean from anevil conscience and our bodies washed with purewater" (Heb. 10:22). And we also must "stand" in thisgrace. The word "stand" being in the perfect tenseimplies that we once took our stand in this grace andwe continue to stand in it.

Rejoice In Hope

Those who have been justified by faith "exult inhope of the glory of God" (Rom. 4:2b). Hope is desireplus expectation. The hope that we now have is of theglory of God. Peter says it is a living hope of theinheritance reserved in heaven for us (1 Pet. 1:3-4).Having such a great hope, we glory or boast.

Rejoice In Tribulation

It might be considered only natural to rejoicebecause we have the hope of heaven, but Paul adds,"we also exult in our tribulations" (Rom. 5:3a). Paulgives us the reason why we can rejoice even duringtimes of affliction (5:3b-4). "Tribulation brings aboutperseverance." Overcoming the pressures of life helpsto produce the good quality of patience within us (Jas.1:2-4). Perseverance, in turn, brings about "proven character." While the KJV translates DOKIME "experience," the word means "approvedness, tried character" (Thayer, p. 154). By the perseverance oftrials we pass the test and show ourselves approved before God (Jas. 1:12). But this proven characterresults in "hope." If our character is not approvedbefore God and we know it, then we can have no hopeof heaven (1 Jno. 3:20-21). But for these reasons we"exult in our tribulations."

Love of God In our Hearts

Because we have been made righteous, "the love ofGod has been poured out within our hearts through theHoly Spirit who was given to us" (Rom. 5:5). The proofof God's love can be seen in the death of Christ (Rom. 5:6-8). He died while we were helpless (5:6a). He died atthe right time (5:6b; Gal. 4:4-5) He died for the ungodly(5:6c-7). He died as a demonstration of God's love (5:8).

Saved From The Wrath Of God Paul mentions another result of justification by faith whenhe wrote in verse nine, "Much more then, having nowbeen justified by His blood, we shall be saved fromthe wrath of God through Him." Because of sin mankind was under the wrath of God. To the Gentiles Paul said, "For the wrath of God is revealed fromheaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness ofmen, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness"(Rom. 1:18). To the Jew he stated, "But because ofyour stubbornness and unrepentant heart you arestoring up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath andrevelation of the righteous judgment of God" (Rom. 2:5). But now, Christ's blood has been shed as a propitiation to appease God so that we may be justified (Rom. 3:24-25).

Reconciled

Before justification we were enemies of God (Rom.5:10a). But now Paul affirms, "we were reconciled toGod through the death of His Son, much more, havingbeen reconciled, we shall be saved by His life" (Rom.5:10). The word reconcile means "to change fromenmity to friendship" (Vine, p. 260). We are now the friends of God. Abraham was also the friend of God when he was justified by faith and works of obedienceto God (Jas. 2:21-24. We shall be saved by Jesus' life as He ever lives to make intercession for us (Rom. 8:34;Heb. 7:25). "We also exult in God through our LordJesus Christ, through whom we have now received thereconciliation" (Rom. 5:11).

Conclusion

Are these great spiritual blessing yours? Theycannot be unless you have been justified by faith.They, like all the spiritual blessings, are in Christ (Eph.1:3). Are you in Christ (Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:26-27)?

Just how sick-minded sodomites and lesbians came

to be identified by the word "gay" is not easily

apparent to me. The American Heritage Dictionary

Of The English Language, New College Edition gives

five definitions of the word "gay", the last of which

is "Slang. Homosexual." Of the other four, the only

one even remotely suggesting anything at all about

sexual activity is the fourth—"Dissolute, licentious."

Yet somewhere along the way, that bunch of putrid

perverts has so applied the word to themselves as to

now practically monopolize it. Perhaps this is in part

due to the fact that the sane and sensible segment of

society which has such a revulsion to their

"alternate life style" has just become reluctant to use

a word which they so delightedly, publicly apply to

their sinful mode of sexual expression.

I personally resent the fact that such a beautiful and expressive word as "gay" has been made so sourthat youngsters cannot even hear the word nor use itamong their peers without smirks and snickers asthough the speaker were trying to infer something he was not actually saying. My American College Dictionary defines the word: "1. having or showing a joyous mood: gay spirits, music, scenes, etc. 2. bright or showy: gay colors, flowers, ornaments, etc.

3. given to or abounding in social or other pleasures: a gay social season. 4. dissipated; licentious: to lead a gay life." Synonyms are listed as: "gleeful, jovial, glad, joyous, light-hearted; lively, vivacious, frolicsome, sportive, hilarious." Nor do any of theseterms even remotely suggest homosexuality.

As we suggested above, perhaps the number four definition could apply to them. You see "dissipated"comes from "dissolute" which means "indifferent to moral restraints; given over to dissipation, licentious."This last term, "Licentious," is defined as "1. sensually unbridled; libertine; lewd. 2. unrestrained bylaw or morality' lawless; immoral. 3. going beyondcustomary or proper bounds or limits." Yes! Yes! thisdefinition definitely applies to those reprobates. ButI'm extremely doubtful that's what they mean by theterm—but truthfully describe them, it does.

Of course, in their clamor for social acceptance, theyseek to reject the appellatives which suggest they aredissolute, licentious, immoral. And in an effort toevade the Scripture's condemnation of their behavior,they will do as some did in the "Gays Parade" in Kansas City, June 21, 1980, crying out that "God continues to be alive and communicating to people onhow to live today." They thus suggest a latter-dayrevelation of approval. Those who would declare theBible's condemnation of their lifestyle are accused ofpromoting bigotry. Of course, any bunch of sinnerswho wanted to form a "community" could make thesame accusation against any who condemned their sin.How about "the drunkards' community", "the thieves community", "the liars' community", "the rapists' community" right along with the gay community"?

But the Bible, the word of God, condemns themnonetheless. Reverting to the dictionary definition,"licentious", we see them in the Bible term "lascivious", one meaning of which word is "licentious." See this sin condemned in Gal. 5:19, Eph.4:19, etc. Their condition is vividly portrayed inRomans 1 as "uncleanness" (v. 24), "vile passions" (v.26) and unnatural use (v. 27). For such behavior, thosewho so lived "received in themselves that recompenseof their error which was due", and God "gave them up"

(v. 24, 26, 28). This sin was prominent among theevils for which Sodom and Gomorrah were overthrown (Gen. 19:4-11). In the Mosaic period there was the simple declaration, "There shall be no whore of thedaughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel" (Deut. 23:17). The next verse calls them "dogs." In these verses, both natural (man with woman) and unnatural (man with man) illicit relationships are condemned.

Since the homosexuals themselves speak of the heterosexual person as "straight", maybe instead of"gay" they should just be called "twisted" or "crooked", the obvious opposites of straight.

Some who would be benevolent toward the homosexual speak of them as "sick." They are sick allright—in the same sense in which all sinners are sickand for which the Great Physician came into the world.And they can be healed of that sickness just like othersin-sick souls can be healed—by coming to Godthrough Christ (Jno. 6:44-45; 14:6) in gospel obediencewhich includes repentance of the sin (Acts 2:38; 17:3031; Gal. 3:26-27).

LET US RISE UP AND BUILD

Characteristic of Leadership As Seen In Nehemiah.

IV. Self-Denial

Self-denial is basically self-control. There is no morenecessary quality in a leader than self-denial or self-control. The question we will be looking at in thisstudy is this: "Are you and the Lord in control of yourlife?"

This all important lesson is seen in Nehemiah 5:14

19. Here Nehemiah shows that the former governorslaid burdens on the people by taking their food, money,and by domineering the people. In other words theyruled in such a way as to indulge themselves. "But IDID NOT DO SO, BECAUSE OF THE FEAR OF GOD. . .WE did not BUY LAND. . .ALL MY servants were gathered there for the work." Here is one of themost important principles of this study: to BE ANEFFECTIVE LEADER ONE MUST BE AN UNENCUMBERED INDIVIDUAL! Nehemiah was not interested in the pleasures of banqueting on thebread and wine of the people. He was not interested inthe wealth to be obtained from the silver of the people. He was not interested in the buying and managementof land. Well, if he was not concerned about pleasure,wealth, and land management power, what then was heinterested in? GATHERING ALL OF ISRAEL TOGETHER TO DO THE LORD'S WORK (5:16)!

One of the great tragedies of our generation in thechurch is the attitude that "I want to be financiallyfree and independent of the brethren." To do this, leaders, preachers, elders, etc., have in turn set up businesses that make profit selling to the very onesfrom which the preacher wants to be free. There isnothing wrong with the preachers "making tents" asdid Paul. Yet the abuse of this is wrong, and in fact, isexactly what Nehemiah says he did not do. Nehemiahsaid he did not use the people with whom he wasworking for his own gain or profit. Instead, Nehemiahsays he was busy doing what he came to do in the firstplace: gathering Israel together to rebuild the wall.Brethren, can there be a clearer lesson in all of God'sword to demonstrate to us that those that lead have no business becoming wealthy at the expense of thosethat they are seeking to help? We need to see thislesson in our work and concentrate on rebuilding thewalls of Zion rather than signing up new distributorsfor our business. How many preachers, teachers and elders have become so encumbered in the business side-lines that the Lord's work has suffered? Men taking full time salaries oftentimes take on devoting themselves to everything but full time studies. Theyhave developed into salesman and everything elseother than for what they were hired. How can wepreach about the sin of materialism from the pulpit ingospel meetings, while we spend hours in the livingrooms of brethren telling them how rich they canbecome and how they too can drive a companyCadillac?

Brethren, we fail today because too many of us areburdened down with all the very functions that Nehemiah rejected! A mass of Scripture speaks forcefully to this simple fact that we need to understand. First, Heb. 12:1, . . ."let us lay asideevery ENCUMBRANCE and sin which so easilyENTANGLES US, and run with endurance the racethat is set before us." Secondly, 2 Tim. 2:4, "No soldier in active duty or service ENTANGLES HIMSELF INTHE AFFAIRS OF EVERY DAY LIFE. . ." Thirdly,2 Peter 2:20 speaks of those who escape the defilements of the world only to become entangledagain in them. There are basically three ways in whichleaders can become entangled and encumbered:

First, in materialism. As we view the documentaries and read the news accounts of the primitive cultures that are starving to death acrossthe world, one factor impresses our minds. Such anexistence reduces life to its more basic essentials. The danger of a highly technological and affluent age is theexcess baggage of materialism. Material possessionsbreed status, and stature breeds pride. Leadershipthat is concerned about material values will fail in a spiritual kingdom. "Know ye not that friendship withthe world is enmity with God." "No man can serve two masters, God and mammon." A materialistic leader who wants to drive the most expensive type ofcar will seldom truly sacrifice his pleasure to give tothe Lord so that lost souls can be reached. This typeof leader will be more worried about hurting feelingsthan in saving souls.

Secondly, in service. Not only can we become encumbered and entangled with the love of materialpossessions, but we can also become so entangled thatwe have no time left to give to the Lord's cause.

Time is probably the most valuable commodity wehave in this modern age. Success in the world takestime, effort and energy. When worldly success becomes our God, we will have nothing left to give tothe Lord. The church today is failing because NOBODY HAS TIME TO REBUILD THE WALL! Some are eating the bread and drinking the wine oftheir own pleasures. Some are striving for the silver tobe gained. Others are buying land, and the result isthat EVERYBODY is too busy to lead. Find a congregation where the leaders are too busy inbusiness, and you will find a dead church. But it wasnot so with Nehemiah because he refused to become involved and entangled in these NON-ESENTIALS.When Paul called for the Ephesian elders to meet himat Miletus, had they been most elders of today's congregations, they would have been too busy tocome! Many of our would-be leaders are too busy: toobusy to visit; too busy to pray; too busy to even beconcerned about all the things they are too busy to do.We have become so entangled in the world in which welive there is no time for the Lord.

Yet, there is another facet of this problem of timewhich deals not with those entangled with the world,but with those who are sincerely trying to serve as bestthey can. Usually, in every congregation many arecaught up with the worldly encumbrances and the work falls on the shoulders of a selected few leaders. Now, how are they going to functionally carry thework load of all the others? The answer is we must properly understand the function of decision making:HOW AM I GOING TO USE MY TIME? It involves the constant process of decision making, of choosingbetween many things, any and all of which might begood. This, in turn, involves a choice between theGOOD and the BETTER. Every time we select a Better thing, 40 other Good things must receive a NO! There may be things which would be helpful and beneficial, but which do not fulfill the number one objective of leadership. Therefore, the effective leadermust select between the better things and the best. Inthis way we can all become prepared to work with bothhands and accomplish the Lord's will. Every leadermust be able to make the correct decision between the Good, Better, and Best. Martha was doing a goodthing as she prepared a meal for the Master, but Marychose the BETTER part as she sat at His feet to hearevery word from His lips. The church will die under"spiritual Marthas" who have not learned how to make the decision of leadership. This is why it is soimportant for every part of the body to function in itsplace. In Acts 6, if the Apostles had left the teaching ofthe Word and prayer in order to serve tables, thenSatan would have been the victor. Spiritually eachleader must function in his correct place, just as do themembers of the physical body. A would-be Bible classteacher who manicures his/her lawn and then rushesthrough a lesson preparation is no leader. A would-bepreacher who forsakes the preaching and teaching ofthe Word in order to make money is no leader.

Thirdly, in desires. Not only must we be in control of our time and material possessions, but we must manifest self-control in our desires. Sometimes the temptations we must necessarily be faced with in ourattempt to maintain purity seem oppressive. However, another principle of leadership is to understand "OTHERS MAY, BUT I CANNOT!" Toknow what one cannot do is to appreciate self-control.To know that if I am to lead I cannot desire to fill mymind with lustful thoughts. To know that if I am to bepure in heart, I cannot desire to go certain places andsee certain things.

In conclusion, we need to see the necessity ofstripping our lives down to the essential elements andnot to become entangled with the world. Worldlysuccess takes time. Spiritual leadership takes time. Tobe a Spiritual leader as was Nehemiah, we must haveone objective in mind: "GATHER TO WORK."

"15. 'Is not the Baptist church a human organization deriving its name from, and built upon, the ordinance of baptism?' No. The name Baptist camefrom heaven, for God called John a Baptist. Baptistchurches are built upon the one true and tried foundation, Jesus Christ, that the gates of hell cannot shake (Matt. 16:18)."

I deny that the Baptist Church came from heaven!The man doesn't live who can find the scriptures whichso teach. Again he is wrong in saying that God calledJohn "a Baptist.". He was "the" Baptist—the onlyone. And what does John's name have to do with the Baptist Church? He was not a church, nor did he build one.

According to Baptist doctrine, the church was builtbefore Peter made the confession which became the foundation upon which Jesus promised to build hischurch. So they have the church built before the foundation was laid. Just another Baptist error.

It is true, as the question implies, that the Baptistdenomination is built upon the ordinance of baptism.Without baptism, there could not be a Baptist nor aBaptist Church on the earth! Speaking of baptism andchurch membership, the Baptist Manual by Hiscox says: "And while they cannot become members without baptism, yet it is the vote of the body whichadmits them into its fellowship or receiving baptism."

"16. 'How then can it be the household of God or church of the New Testament, which is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus ChristHimself being the chief corner stone?' Easily. Baptistsalone claim Jesus Christ as the Founder and Head of their churches. All others have human heads and human founders. Baptists alone demand that everyone received into their fellowship shall acknowledgethe Lordship of Jesus and that He is Head over all things to His churches today. Campbellites haveruling elders usurping the Headship of Christ; and invest their ministry with episcopal authority inreceiving members, thereby destroying the democracyand brotherhood of their members. Baptists only acknowledge the headship of Christ in all things."

When he says that Baptist churches alone claim Jesus as head and founder he states a falsehood. We make the same claim for the true church of Christ, for that's exactly what the Bible teaches (Eph. 1:22, 23; I Cor. 3:11). If, as he says, all religions except Baptistshave human heads and founders, then all but Baptistsare wrong, lost, and their religion is in vain (Psalm127:1; Matt. 15:13) Yet he has already said in answerto questions 9 and 10 that millions of Methodists, Presbyterians and others will be in heaven. How canthat be true if they must be in the Baptist Church to beon the rock foundation and have Christ as head? Which time did he tell the truth?

He is wrong again in claiming that Baptists alonedemand that those received must acknowledge Jesusas the head of the church. We teach and emphasizethat very truth and ask all who come for baptism toconfess Jesus as the Christ and Son of God (Acts 8:37).

When he says, "Campbellites (having references tochurches of Christ) have ruling elders usurping theHeadship of Christ," he states another lie! I knowthat's plain language, but that's exactly what it is. TheLord authorized an eldership, composed of a pluralityof men who meet the qualifications of First Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9, for each congregation (Acts14:23; 20:17; I Peter 5:1-4). They serve over the church(I Peter 5:2), but under the oversight and authority ofChrist, the chief Shepherd (I Peter 5:4) and head of thechurch. Christ has all authority in the church, and herules through the New Testament under which we alllive.

In contrast, Baptists do not respect this congregational form of government. The most of themuse a board of deacons, but in the New Testament theyare described as servants in the church, not overseers.In Baptist churches, the local preacher is THE Pastor,the big sheep among the flock. For such there is noscriptural authority.

May I emphasize again that scriptural elders do notusurp the headship of Christ. He has given them awork, and delegated unto them the necessaryauthority to do the work (Acts 20:28; Heb. 13:7,17).

Churches of Christ do not exercise "episcopal authority in receiving members." Christ adds the saved to the church, the universal body (Acts 2:47). Acongregation has some voice concerning those who arein its fellowship (I Cor. 5:1-70 2 Thess. 3:6).

Baptist churches are the ones guilty of exercisingcontrol over the members, for they govern and guidethem through their human creeds, the BaptistManuals. Upon receiving members, they demand an"experience," vote to decide whether or not to receivethem into fellowship, and then demand that theysubmit to Baptist baptism before they will accept them. These are all human standards, but they areenforced by the Baptists.

"'17, 'If John the Baptist founded the Baptist church, are not Baptists the disciples of John, insteadof Christ?' No, indeed. John did not found anything.He only prepared the material out of which the Lordbuilt His own church. No Baptist contends that Johnfounded a church. Jesus did that Himself."

Some Baptists have taught that John built thechurch, but we are willing to let Mr. Taylor state whathe believes. He is right in saying that Jesus built Hischurch. Since it was and is His, it should wear hisname, not the name of John who did not build it and towhom it does not belong. It is easy to see why peopleconclude that Baptists are disciples of John instead ofChrist, for they insist upon wearing a designationwhich was given to John rather than wearing the nameof Christ. If the church was not built by John the Baptist, why call it the Baptist church? And if Baptists want to be identified with Christ and notJohn, why don't they wear and defend the name ofChrist which is "Christian" for the individual and "church of Christ" for the body of Christ? (To be

i d)

John the Baptist was described as "the voice of onecrying in the wilderness" (Mt. 3:3). Doing his preaching in the wilderness of Judea, he came proclaiming the necessity of repentance in view of thecoming kingdom. He referred to many of the religiouspeople of his day as a "generation of vipers" (Mt. 3:7) thus, in a very real sense, he also preached in aspiritual wilderness. That is, to a people destitute oftrue spirituality.

History has known many who cried out in a spiritualwilderness. Elijah cried out against the sins of Israel and the prophets of Baal (1 Kgs. 18). Jeremiah weptover the sins of Jerusalem and those who seemed not to care (Lam. 1:8,12). Ezekiel, Jonah, Peter, Paul, and ahost of other great men of God. These men had severalthings in common that it is vital for people of ourgeneration to notice.

First, they preached the will of God. Their sermonswere not filled with references to the creeds of men for authority for what they taught. Their lessons were notdesigned with political reform being the motivationalfactor. They recognized that life came through the willof God. But today, even brethren have become socaught up in the social gospel that they have forgotten the need for a "thus saith the Lord."

Second, these great men of God were often few innumber but even that had little effect upon them."Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil" (Exo. 23:2) was not just something they preached butsomething they practiced. Their task was not easy. They had to condemn sin in every form and that wasnot popular. But, nevertheless, they accomplished thetask before them. They preached the will of God.Though they often had to suffer for their preaching,they realized it was a work that had to be done and,with the help of God, they did it.

The need of the hour is for more men with these same characteristics. Men who are interested in preaching a pure gospel even though they are in the minority andunpopular. Men who will not only preach from the pulpit but from the pew also and in their daily lives.Men who will spend hours after they get home fromwork studying and teaching their family and friendsinstead of watching hours of filthy television programs. In essence, the need is for more godly peoplewho are more than just nominally interested in theirown souls and the souls of others. Men who will give ofthemselves and their time to the Lord's cause. Now,what about you? The wilderness is there but there aretoo few crying.

HUMANISM IS ATHEISM

I have observed from the writings of many of thosewho are connected with the feminist movement (lesbians as well as "queers" who support the feministmovement) that they are humanists. When I first heard the word "humanist," it sounded like a perfectlygood word. Then I began to investigate and find outjust what humanism is.

Most people think that humanism is simply a deepconcern for humanity. However, I obtained a copy ofthe Humanist Manifestos I and II, and it was veryenlightening indeed. The first Humanist Manifestowas drawn up in 1933 and signed by thirty-four liberalhumanists in the United States. They "defined and enunciated the philosophical and religious principlesthat seemed to them fundamental" (Page 3, Ibid).Perhaps this is why Jane Kathryn Conrad, a humanist,said, "Humanism is my religious belief. . ." (Humanists of the Southwest, October 1978).

On pages eight and nine of Manifesto I, I read, "First: Religious humanists regard the universe asself-existing and not created. Second: Humanism believes that man is a part of nature and that he hasemerged as the result of a continuous process. Third:Holding to the organic view of life, humanists find thatthe traditional dualism of mind and body must berejected. Tenth: it follows that there will be no uniquely religious emotions and attitudes of the kindhitherto associated with belief in the supernatural."

"Humanist Manifesto II was first signed by 114individuals of prominence and distinction. (It wasadopted in 1973-JTS). It has since been endorsed bycountless numbers. . ." (Page 4, Ibid). On page sixteenof Manifesto II under the title "Religion" I read, "Wefind insufficient evidence for belief in the supernatural;it is either meaningless or irrelevant to the question ofsurvival and fulfillment of the human race. As non-theists, we begin with humans not God, nature notdeity." "While there is much we do not know, humansare responsible for what we are or will become. Nodeity will save us; we must save ourselves." "There isno credible evidence that life survives the death of the body" (Page 17).

On page seventeen on the subject of "Ethics" I read,"We strive for the good life, here and now." Then onpage eighteen on the "Individual" they say, "In thearea of sexuality, we believe that intolerant attitudes,often cultivated by orthodox religions and puritanicalcultures, unduly repress sexual conduct. The right tobirth control, abortion, and divorce should be recognized. "... Neither do we wish to prohibit, by lawor social sanction, sexual behavior between consentingadults. Individuals should be permitted to expresstheir sexual proclivities and pursue their lifestyles asthey desire."

Under the heading of "Democratic Societies" on pages 19 and 20 I read, "It also includes a recognition of an individual's right to die with dignity, euthanasia, and the right to suicide." "The principle ofmoral equality. . . Individuals should be encouraged tocontribute to their own betterment. If unable, thensociety should provide means to satisfy their basiceconomic, health, and cultural needs, including wherever resources makes possible, a minimum guaranteed annual income."

And finally, under the heading of "World Community," page twenty-one they say, "We thus reaffirm a commitment to the building of world community, at the same time recognizing that thiscommits us to some hard choices."

You may be asking yourself, "Well, so what? What is Smith getting at?" I'm glad you asked thatquestion. The answer is that thousands are joining inwith the above philosophy. These thousands are working, yes I said working daily to try to promotethese very principles and get laws passed that willpromote such things. Betty Friedan, who was one ofthose who signed Humanist Manifesto II said in aspeech last year as she launched stage 2 of her effort(the first being the Women's Liberation Movement, and now the second being the Human Liberation Movement), "The family is here to stay—only it comesin different forms these days to keep up with social andtechnological change. A family is a nurturing ground for human values for everyone." Others of this persuasion said the diverse forms here or coming along, include, in addition to the regular nuclearfamily, families trying out marriage; families livingunder terms of renewable contract marriages;communes of adults with no children and, perhaps,no sex; communes of adults with children; communesof older Americans of both sexes and single sex communes."

It is not enough that we have people who believe,teach and practice such filth, but in President Carter's appointment of a national IWY (International Women's Year) commission authorizing $5 million forState and National IWY conferences, the Presidentappointed 42 members of the council with Bella Abzug, who is a leading feminist, who as a congress-woman introduced a bill to give "civil rights" to homosexuals, chairman. It is myunderstanding that out of 42 women appointed byPresident Carter, 41 of them held the feminist view.These are the kind of people who are working to"liberate" the homosexuals, get laws passed that will change what "families" are and what these "modern"families can do. Why just recently a New JerseyJudge granted custody of 5 children to two practicinglesbians. This is one of the "homes," "families," thehumanists (feminists, atheists) are striving for.

Someone may be saying, 'Oh, Smith is getting excited over nothing." Perhaps you could have saidthat 15 years ago when some of these "queer" (I think the

word "gay" is too good a word to be used on such filth)rights movements started. Now, many of our people inCongress in "high places" are supporting the "queer movements." For example, we all know of our President Carter "pressuring" some in the State of Illinois to try to get the E.R.A. passed. Thankfully, hedid not succeed. But how about the following?

It is hard to believe that those who are in "high places" in government do not realize or have knowledge of the Humanist Manifestos I and II. Yetaccording to the Free-Mind, a newsletter of the American Humanist Association, Volume 21, Number6, the following telegram was read at the annualconference of the American Humanist Association which met in Orlando, Florida, April 7-9, 1978. Thistelegram was signed by President Carter.

"Those who participate in the Annual

Meeting of the American Humanist

Association are furthering a movement that

greatly enhances our way of life. "As you

know, the advancements of

human rights has become the cornerstone of

this administration's actions at home and

abroad. "The work of your organization in

this

area is, therefore especially gratifying to me,

and I welcome this opportunity to applaud

your important accomplishments. "May you

have a most productive and

inspiring 1978 session."

Surely Mr. Carter does not know of the desires andobjectives of the Humanist movement. Gloria Steinamin the Saturday Review of Education, March, 1973said, "By the year 2,000 we will, I hope, teach ourchildren to believe in human potential, not God." MsSteinam is a humanist.

Then why this article? These people who are "in theknow" about humanism (whether Mr. Carter is or not Ido not know) are endeavoring to bring our nation downto degradation. Let us not, as Christians, sit idly bywhile they are diligently working to do so, and let thishappen without a fight for right and truth. We havethe God-given-right to voice our convictions on thesematters according to the laws of this great nation. Letus do so. Let us not sit idly by and "fiddle while Romeburns" and allow our great nation to "go under" without lifting a hand to stop it. Let's work in our community and in our schools. And, when we hear ofbills that are about to be passed that promote humanism, remember, atheism is being promoted. Letus work and try to do that which will help our childrenand grandchildren to have the same freedoms we havehad in worshipping God.

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In the sixth chapter of Genesis, the Bible records thefact that the "sons of God" noticed that the "daughters of men" were beautiful (fair), resulting inunions from which "men of renown" were born. Some readers of Scripture have speculated rather wildly,concluding that the "daughters of men" came from theentirely different race of people other than Adam. It isto this theory that I would like to direct this article.

Children—Sons—Daughters

Throughout the Bible the words children, son ordaughter, were used in different ways. (1) Denotingrelationship, such as between parents and offspring.

(2) Denoting character, such as a pupil takes on thecharacter of his teacher. (3) A natural sense may be ascribed to either (1) or (2), and (4) a figurative or symbolic application may be made of either (1) or (2).

In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ spoke of "Peacemakers .... being called 'the children of God'" (Mat. 5:9). Thus, those who take upon themselves thecharacter of the Prince of Peace, becoming faithfullyobedient to His gospel, become rightly called God'schildren. Christ further stated in Matt. 5:45, that thosewho loved their enemies, blessed those who cursedthem, and prayed for those who despitefully used them..." that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven." Here again, by adopting theconduct and character of Christ, people may becomequalified to be termed God's children!

" ... As many as received Him, to them gave hepower to become the sons of God..." (John 1:12)."... Gather together in one the children of God thatwere scattered abroad" (John 11:52).

I John 3:9-10 speaks of "children of God" and"children of the devil". Obviously, those who servedGod were termed "His children", while persons rejecting Christ and serving Satan were termed "children of the devil".

Elymas the sorcerer was called a "child of the devil"(Acts 13:10).

Judas, who betrayed Jesus, was called the "son of perdition" (John 17:12), after allowing Satan to controlhis thoughts and actions. The "Man of sin" mentionedin Paul's 2nd Letter to the Thessalonians, was alsocalled the "son of perdition".

The Ephesian Christians were admonished to "walkas children of light" (Eph. 5:8). John recorded thatChrist urged people to believe on Him that they mightbe "children of light" (John 12:36).

Christ spoke of the "children of the resurrection" inreferring to the faithful at the judgment (Luke 20:36).

The Lord's disciples were figuratively referred to asthe "children of the bride-chamber", with Christ as thebridegroom (Matt. 9:14-15).

Peter wrote of wives who were Christians, "Even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well..." (I Pet. 3:6).

The "Scribes, Pharisees, hypocrites" reprimandedby Jesus in Matthew 23, were described as producingproselytes who were "twofold more the child of hell"than themselves (Matt. 23:15).

Belial or Beliar

The term "belial" or "beliar" is really not a propername worthy of being given a capital "B", but is aword meaning "worthless, reckless, or lawless". Thisword is used some seventeen times in the Bible, withonly one usage in the New Testament. "What concordhath Christ with Belial?" (2 Cor. 6:15). The Christiansat Corinth were being warned NOT to be unequallyyoked with unbelievers, in business, in marriage, orin any relationship that was so close and intimate asto place the Christian in an untenable situation.Verse 18 concludes . . . "I will receive you and be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." In the Old Testament:

Deut. 13:13—"children of Belial"

Judges 19:22—"sons of Belial"

Judges 20:13—"children of Belial"

I Sam. 1:16—"daughter of Belial"

I Sam. 2:12—"the sons of Eli were sons of Belial"

II Sam. 20:1—"man of Belial"

II Kings 21:13—"two men, children of Belial" And anumber of other passages with similar expressions.

Christ as the "Son of Man"

Christ, in being born of Mary, a virgin, was the "sonof Mary" in natural birth, but was the "super-natural"son of God, sired by the Holy Spirit (Matt. 1:20). He was frequently termed "the son of man" in the Scriptures because he "was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Heb. 4:15). In the beginning, He was the Word, "And the Word wasmade flesh and dwelt among us ..." (John 1:14). Hesuffered as mankind suffers, "the Son of man hath notwhere to lay his head" (Matt. 8:20). "The Son of man came eating and drinking. . . ." (Matt.11:19). ". . . Whosoever speaketh a word against theSon of man, it shall be forgiven him . . ." (Matt.12:32). ". . . So shall the Son of man be three daysand three nights in the heart of the earth" (Matt. 12:40).

Conclusion

Although I have given only a very few examples of the uses of the words "son", "child", "daughter" or "children", I believe I have managed to clarify thesubject of the '"sons of God" and the "daughters ofmen" as used in Genesis. Surely after giving study tothis subject, the idea that the "daughters of men"came from ancestors other than Adam, will be abandoned.

The most exalted privilege of man is to be a child ofGod:" Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called children ofGod; and we are" (I John 3:1). Such cannot truly becompared to being related to the royal families ofEurope or Asia, being the offspring of a president,having ancestors who came to American on the Mayflower, or being filthy rich (Rockefeller, Hunt,Hughes, etc.). There is a great truth taught when wesing "The Child of a King:" "A tent or a cottage, whyshould I care? They're building a palace for me over there! Tho' here I'm a stranger yet still I may sing: All glory to God, I'm the child of a King! I'm the child of a King, The child of a King! With Jesus, my Savior, I 'm the child of a King" (verse 3).

A study of entering the family of God is most important. Every legitimate means of one becoming amember of an earthly family is used in the New Testament of one becoming a member of God's family.

So far as I know there are only three. There are notthree different ways of becoming a member of God's family, but there are three figures given. Salvation isone—God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34).

Adoption

The Old Testament did not legislate concerningadoption, but there are examples of adoption. Ephraimand Manasseh were adopted by Jacob (Gen. 48:5, 16).Moses was adopted by Pharaoh's daughter (Exo. 2:10),and Mordecai adopted Esther, his niece (Esther 2:7,15). In the New Testament "adoption" is spoken ofonly by the apostle Paul, and then only when writingto churches which were predominately Gentile in composition. Paul uses "adoption" to denote thechoice of Jehovah of the Israelites to be His specialpeople (Rom. 9:4). "Adoption" is also used of the redemption of the body; its deliverance from sin, painand death in the glorified state (Rom. 8:23). It is alsoused of God's reception of Christians as sons of God(Gal. 4:1-7; Eph. 1:1-5). The "spirit of adoption"(Rom. 8:15) enables us to feel toward God as childrenfeel toward a loving father, and is distinguished fromthe "spirit of bondage," which compels one to feeltoward God as a slave toward his master (Rom. 8:1421).

Adoption is just as binding as birth. In our society, I have been told, even more so. In some states onecannot disinherit an adopted child. In speaking of "adoption" Paul probably borrowed the term from theGreeks or Romans. A Greek could adopt a son "withthe invariable condition that the adopted son acceptthe legal obligation and religious duties of a real son"(ISBE, p. 58). Even in the Old Testament the bindingforce is seen. To Joseph Jacob said: "And now thy twosons... are mine; Ephraim and Manasseh, even asReuben and Simeon, shall be mine" (Gen. 48:5). Estherwas taken by Mordecai "for his own daughter" (Esther2:7).

Try to imagine how terrible it would be if we (Gentiles) held second-class citizenship in God's family; if we were inferior to Jewish Christians. Canyou contemplate a different plan of salvation, or receiving different treatment (harder or easier). Whatif God showed less concern toward us than He did toward Jewish brethren? Such is not true. Adoptiontakes place in the mind of God and we are "his own."

Marriage

In the New Testament Jesus Christ is called the bridegroom (John 3:29) and the church is the bride(Rev. 21:2, 9). The bride figure speaks of purity:"...that I might present you as a pure virginto Christ" (2 Cor. 11:2; see also Eph. 5:25-27). This purity can be accomplished in one of two ways (this istrue physically as well as spiritually). One can eithernot sin (perfect obedience) or one can receive forgiveness for sins committed. The one who is forgiven is just as pure as the non-sinner. Such, beloved reader, is our only hope!

Birth

Birth is the most natural/popular way of entering afamily. The child of God today must be "born anew" (John 3:3, 5). It would be well to notice how themarriage figure (". . . having cleansed it by thewashing of water with the word.. ."-Eph. 5:26) andbirth figure (". . .having been begotten again.. .through the word of God.. ."-I Pet. 1:23) agree.These passages (Eph. 5:23-26; I Pet. 1:23; John 3:3-5;Gal. 3:23-4:7) point to one thing: BAPTISM OF A PENITENT BELIEVER. At this point we are bornanew, married to Christ and God adopts us as Hischildren.

Conclusion

Would you be born of God? married to Christ?adopted as a son (daughter) of God? "He that believethand is baptized shall be saved..." (Mark 16:16).

George Plagenz, of the Cleveland Press, visits adifferent church each week and then writes a review of his findings. He is particularly concerned with the preachers and the job they do in preaching their sermons each week. He rates worship service, music,sermon and friendliness, granting up to three stars ineach category. In nearly two years Plagenz, wholistened to many pulpit "greats" a generation ago, hasfound "only two preachers worth three stars," he says.

While we recognize that George Plagenz is only ableto judge the quality of preaching according to worldlystandards, what he has to say is revealing, and wemight do well to consider some of the things he has to say.

He notes that the tone of preaching has changed in recent years. As a case in point, he refers to a paper,which is a sister magazine of the Christian Century, known as The Pulpit, renamed itself some ten years ago Christian Ministry. This change was made in aneffort to take some of the "sting" out of the name of the magazine. He blames this attitude in part on thebackwash of the 1960s. "A lot of men went into the ministry for reasons other than preaching. They wereinterested in social action, so now we're stuck with them," says Plagenz. So, you see, there is a lack offervor and zeal in the delivery of many sermons.Somehow the term "minister", has a sound that manyprefer in the place of "preacher." To them, it does notsound so "harsh." They do not like a bold preacher, onethat reproves, rebukes, exhorts with "all longsufferingand doctrine" (2 Tim. 4:2). But with a "soft-pedal" "minister" in the pulpit, the sinner can be more comfortable. He can leave when the service is ended with the feeling that the "church" has sheltered himfor that time and has given him a place of refuge. Tohim, this is what preaching is to accomplish and what religion and the church is all about. Truly, the devilwants nothing more than this! The devil's purpose isaccomplished when the sinner becomes convinced thathis sins are respectable enough that his church acquiesces in them by not ever "getting on his toes."Of course, you and I know that many of thesedenominational churches have even gone into practicessuch as dancing, gambling, drinking, etc., etc., all inthe name of religion. Naturally, people come flocking!Even many of our own brethren have learned to spice-up their church activities with things that appeal tothe flesh. The devil certainly is happy with this. Certainly, he's not going to fool around with them, forhe already has them under his control!

The December 31, 1979 edition of Time magazine reported that "Many preachers devote far too little time to research, reading and writing in sermon preparation." The report continued: "The problems arecompounded when the clergyman is a liberal in theology, which may mean that he is uncertain about the importance and accuracy of the Bible or even aboutthe urgent need for biblical teaching."

Yes, that's how far many denominational"ministers" have gone. But brethren, there is even aneed for us also to allow, yea, require preachers of thegospel to spend enough time in study and preparationto be able to present biblical and forceful sermons thatwill cause the sinner to be "pricked" in his heart (Acts2:37), and be willing to repent of his sins, and bebaptized into Christ for the remission of his sins (Acts2:38). The sinner simply cannot be comfortable underthe sound of such preaching. When the apostle Paulpreached to Felix, the record says that Felix trembled(Acts 24:25).

The kind of preaching which Paul and the other apostles did was definitive in nature. They spelled outin bold terms the difference between truth and error (2Cor. 3:12). It seems that they were not concerned in theleast about whether or not they would get invitedback.

Brethren, let's be like them and tell it like it is!

A baby one year old dies after doctors have used

every mechanical device available and all of the

knowledge they possess to keep her alive, then we

say, "God's will was done". A soldier in Viet Nam

falls on the field of battle and Dad says, "I can

hardly bear the loss of my son, but I must bow to

the inscrutable will of God!" Cancer strikes and we

wonder why God wills such a kind and good person

to suffer in such an agonizing and painful way. An

auto accident destroys the life of a friend and seriously

injures another and we say, "We don't understand it

but we must see the will of God in this calamity".

These statements raise serious questions about our

understanding of God's will. Did Jesus and the

apostles go against God's will when they

healed the sick and raised the dead? Are sickness,

accident, death and disease the will of God?

Does a doctor work against the will of God in a

life devoted to alleviating human suffering?

That there is confusion, thoughtlessness, ignoranceand rebellion concerning the will of God is very evident in what we hear about it daily. The expression "the will of God" and similar statements are found in the Bible and one must be careful to use them in the same context of meaningas they are used there. It may be well to state herethat many passages of scripture (e.g. I John 2:17, Ephesians 6:6) indicate that the Bible is God's revealed will for man to follow. The only way we canknow God's will for our salvation, both in becoming achild of God by the new birth, and in our manner oflife from then on, is revealed only in His Word. In this article we are NOT dealing primarily with theBible and salvation, but with God's rule of the world in the every day mundane things of which life consists and man's relation to those things, A small hardback book, almost tract size, by Leslie D. Weatherhead set me to thinking about the Christiansresponse and attitude toward life's happenings.

The death of the Viet Nam soldier was the will of the Viet Cong, not the will of God, even though Godmay be using the total conflict in a providential wayto work out His purposes. The auto accident may have been due to carelessness, drunkenness or mechanical failure, it was not the will of God. Death is an enemy of God for we read, "The last enemythat shall be destroyed is death" (I Cor. 15:26).Sickness, death and disease should be blamed on the right one. "Should not this woman whom Satan hath bound, lo these eighteen years, be loosed from thisbond . . ."? (Lk. 13:11-17). The works of Jesus, the Apostles and doctors against disease and death isGod's will! It is like the injury our child receives inlearning to ride the bicycle we bought for him. The injury was WITHIN our will because we wanted him to learn to ride, but certainly it was not our intentional will that he be hurt or killed. Would any be

so ignorant or thoughtless as to say, "His father

willed that he be injured"?

Perhaps many people have taken solace in

attributing some blessing or affliction to the will of

God and take great comfort in such a haven, but

anything based on a false premise must ultimately

be of no value. Truth is the rock upon which we

should base all of our relationships with God and

man.

There are however the problems presented in the

first paragraph of this article that I am sure we can

more clearly understand with some thoughts in

conjunction with the revealed will. It is the mundane,

the every day occurrences that we want to discuss

here. Every day our own personal will is expressed in

what we do and what we say. Homer Hailey made a

statement in 1975 in a lecture on "Prayer and

Providence" which must be recognized in any

discussion of God's will as relates to the Christian life

or to the every day life of the sinner. "Through the

Hebrew nation, Israel, God brought His Son into the

world. In doing this He controlled the destinies of

kingdoms, conditions and individuals, always

working in a way that DID NOT INVADE NOR

VIOLATE THE SANCTITY AND SOVEREIGNTY

OF HUMAN WILLS". I emphasize these last words

in capital letters because we believe that, whether

saint or sinner, we are all free agents to determine

our own destinies, and that God will not invade or

violate that which He has given man.

In 2 Peter 3:9 we have a well known and oft quotedverse of scripture which reads, "The Lord is not slackconcerning his promise, as some men count slackness;but is longsuffering to usward not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance." From the fact that God is not willing that people perish, it is evident that God's INTENTIONAL will for man is that man would come to repentance and be saved. But God does notforce His intentional will on anyone. If He did we would have universal salvation. In Matthew 18:14 Jesus said, "Even so, it is not the will of your Fatherwhich is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish." In spite of God's will many little children die. If His will were done, not an infant or child would die. Death is an enemy of God, yet whowould deny that He uses it to His purposes? God's intentional will for Israel was that theyshould enter the promised land, obey Him and havepermanent possession of the land that flowed withmild and honey. Human will interfered however, sothey were cast out. God intends good for man and not evil. Even our suffering is to be for doing well, not evil. This is God's will (I Peter 3:17). There seems little doubt that the soldier killed in Germany in a World War died either by the will of the Kaiseror Hitler. The Viet Cong willed the death of many a soldier in Viet Nam. President Lincoln died at the personal will of J.W. Boothe, not at the hand of God. Were we discussing Divine providence, we would point out how He uses man's conduct to work out His own purposes.

Due to the circumstances of life we may not be able tocarry out God's intentional will for us. Think of a lady friend of the family who is past 50 years of ageand would have loved to marry and have a family ofchildren. She has stated this, but she was never asked to be a bride. In God's overall plan, we can besure God intended for the younger women to marry,bear children and replenish the earth. Can this woman, under the CIRCUMSTANTIAL will of God, have eternal salvation? Most assuredly, any who willhear and obey the gospel can be saved, whetheryoung or old, single or married (Rev. 22:17, John

3:16 and a dozen other passages). A passage teachingthat we are to take advantage of circumstances is Galatians 6:10: "As we therefore have opportunity,let us do good unto all men".

The battle against disease and death is the will ofGod because Jesus, the apostles and others spentlong hours and days in this work to establish in theminds of those healed and those who watched that their word was the power of God, the same powerthat raised the dead and healed the sick. Jesus placed the blame on Satan for the infirmities we suffer in the flesh (Luke 13:11-17). Satan used sin tobring death and disease into the world (Hebrews

2:141. Certainly we don't know very much about HOW God answers prayer or works things out forgood for His people. Our prayers for the sick anddying are in harmony with God's will and need notexpress a doubt by praying, "if it be thy will, mayJohn get well and be restored to his normal health".Farther along we may understand all but for now wemust ask in faith without doubting.

Another aspect of His will has to do with His overall knowledge and foresight. The ULTIMATE will of God cannot be changed or held back or put forward by the will or prayers of the saints nor bythe legislation of men. God willed the creation of theuniverse, and He wills its future destruction at a timeto suit His eternal purpose and wisdom. He willed that in the fullness of time His Son would enter the world and shed His precious blood so man's sins could be forgiven. He willed the scheme of redemption would be worked out in such a way that no man nor group of men could say, "We worked it out this way". It was to be by Hisgrace. By His ultimate will we will all stand beforethe judgment bar of Christ to be judged accordingto the deeds done in the body, whether we want todo that or not. He wills it!

The action and words of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane sets an example for all of us in our attitude toward God's will in conflict with our human will. Jesus prayed, "O my Father, if it bepossible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt" (Matt. 26:39). It is evident that the will of Jesus the man, the human being, was not the same as the will of the Father andthat Jesus wanted a change if possible. As a human being He was saying that if there is no other way, Iwill to do Your will. Our prayers should follow thispattern of expressing to God our will in a matter butif there is a better way, not our will but the Father's be done.

Now we have a very logical question in view of theforegoing, "How can I determine the will of God in acertain decision making situation over which I exercise some control"? Should we move to another

town? Should I change jobs? My husband has been

unfaithful to me, should I divorce him? A person lost

in woods can determine North, South, East and West

if he knows woodcraft. There are means we can use

to determine the choice we should make, the direction

we should go if we will use those means in trying to

determine God's will.

First, when a decision is to be made, the one who

knows God best, by close association, by study of

His word, can best be assured as to the proper thing

to do. He can pray continually for God's providential

working in the matter. Pray without ceasing. A

group of women working in an office desire to buy

their boss a gift for his birthday so they phone his

wife who knows him best and ask her what he might

appreciate. Buying a dress for a deceased person, the

daughter she has lived with the last ten years says.

"I know what Mom would like to be dressed in for

the final viewing." The mortician can only guess,

the daughter knows. Her close association guides her

in the choice. By living close to God day by day,

year in and year out, we can best determine what the

Father's will may be as we search for the right thing

to do.

Secondly, your conscience can often be of help

when the thing involved has moral or spiritual

consequences. This would apply more forcibly

according to how well you have trained that

conscience by learning the things written in the word

of God. As baptism is the answer of a good

conscience, so also other acts in life guided by His

word can be the answer of a good conscience.

Thirdly, the use of common sense, facing in a realistic and hard-nosed way the pros and cons of a situation, can be of great help. The person who moves his family of six young children into an areawhere there are no other Christians knowing full wellhe doesn't have the zeal or hope (desire plusexpectation) of starting congregational worship, is notusing common sense. I have seen this happen and then the parents wonder where they went wrongwhen their children quit traveling long distances to church, marry outside God's family, divorce and theirdaughter date men still married to someone else. Objectivity, the use of unbiased reasoning, commonsense, might mean less income but greater spiritualsecurity for those we love and even brought into theworld. Is God's will that inscrutable in things likethis?

Fourth, ask help in decisions from those even moreexperienced in the Lord's work than we, to assist with their viewpoint. Elders, deacons, preachers,older women, all would be glad to help in determiningGod's will if you have the humility and desire to seektheir suggestions. Many books and pamphlets cover awide variety of subjects, and if written by Godlypeople, may be of real assistance. Jesus stated a principle which can apply in areas other than prayerto God, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek and yeshall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you"(Mt. 7:7-12). Read the next verses too.

Fifth, don't rush into situations. Take as much time as you logically can to make your decision.God's will may not be determined in ten minutes. We tend to desire instant answers but the wise personreally seeking to know, will take time to seek outhelp in prayer, study, friends and meditation. God may want more time to work it out than you are willing to give.

Sometimes we would do well to ask the question,"Do I really want to know God's will or am I seeking sanction to do my own will?" How often we run into this situation when young men or women come to thepreacher or elder and ask about marrying a certain person they are in 'love' with. Advice is lightly taken. Another question equally important might be,"Do I have the courage to do His will when I learnwhat it is?" Maybe I am like the rich young ruler anddesire eternal life, but if it costs me doing my thing, or giving up what I have gained in this world's goods, I don't have the courage to do it. Be assuredof this, when we do to the best of our ability whatthe Lord wants us to do, we can have that peace thatpasseth understanding." Our conflicts are resolved and we can go on our way rejoicing in the full assurance of faith. "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect he became the authorof eternal salvation unto all them that obey him" (Hebrews 5:8-9).

In the fourteenth chapter of Matthew immediatelyafter feeding the five thousand Jesus retired to thehills to pray. Then in the fourth watch of the night Hecame walking on the Sea of Galilee toward the discipleswho were in a boat rowing hard against the wind.When the disciples saw Jesus they thought He was aghost, but He assured them, "Take heart, it is I; haveno fear." Peter responded, "Lord, if it is you, bid me tocome to you on the water." Jesus said, "Come." Peterkept his eye on Jesus and went walking across the waves. But, then he began to look at the wind and waves and started to sink. "Lord save me," he cried out. Jesus reached out His hand and caught Peter,giving him a stern rebuke for his "little faith."

You and I are in a storm on the sea of life. The waves of disappointment, frustration, anxiety and doubtbuffet us from every side. Sin is everywhere, the devilis just waiting for us to slip and remove our eyes fromJesus. When we do then Satan has us and he knows it.

Where should we look? If we look back we may seethe failures of the past. If we look toward the future wemay be overwhelmed by the uncertainties of life. If welook only at human wisdom we could become disillusioned. If we look only at our possessions we willsoon see that moths, rust and inflation consumes them. If we look at our earthly friends we soon see inconsistency. If we look only at our health the lookitself may make us feel sick. If we look inside ourselveswe see our own weakness and the power of sin againstwhich we struggle.

Where then can we look? "Only to Jesus the authorand finisher of our faith . . ." (Heb. 12:2). Jesus is the same "yesterday and today and forever" (Heb. 13:8).As long as we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, we will losesight of all the trivial, insignificant things of this life.It is in Jesus that we find our strength and not in ourselves. Where are you looking? Look to God's Son, Jesus.

Send all News Items to: Wilson Adams, 317 Trinkle Ave., N.E., Roanoke, VA 24012

PREACHER'S NEEDED work in the community. Northwood is a suburb of Toledo. PleaseDELAND, FL—The church which meets at 823 North Boulevard call or write Charlie Shreve (419) 865-8338 at 6818 Fenwyck Rd. #3,will be in need of a full-time gospel preacher by mid-November. AMaumee, OH 43537. preacher's house and full support are furnished by the congregation. All interested parties write in care of P.O. Box 1966,SUPPORT NEEDED Deland, FL 32720, or call Elmer VanCleef (904) 734-3544. RICHARD SIMS, 108 Wells Fargo Trl, Jacksonville, AR 72076.

The faithful church in Ruston, LA is made up of about 20 dedicatedN0RTHWO0D, OH—The congregation here is in need of a full-time Christians. The congregation has a house that has been nicelypreacher. We can supply full support to a man and his family. Our converted into a meeting house. Brother Earl Hartsell started thisattendance averages 50+ and we are anxious to work with a work about five years ago and has now moved to Nashville, TN to preacher who will boldly speak the truth and help with the personal (Continued on Page 294)

THEY BEING DEAD YET SPEAK By Melvin Curry

The Florida College Lectureship, to be held January26-29, 1981, will present biographies of: sixteen gospelpreachers who have exerted tremendous influences onthe current trends among churches of Christ. Nameslike Srygley, Boles, Larimore, Tant, and Kurfeeswere household words when we were growing up, andthe prospect of learning more about them thrills me.Some of the others—like Hardeman, Porter, and Waillace—I have had the privilege of knowing personally though none intimately. All of the men studied made their own unique contributions toward the realizing of "Apostolic Christianity" inthe 20th Century. In fact, many of them were quitecontroversial and promoted innovations that dividedchurches. This material promises to be rich and informative. You may wonder why certain men wereleft out. Obviously, limitations had to be imposedbecause of time and space; therefore, we tried tochoose the individuals who seemed to be most influential. Also, common sense dictated that we notinclude any living preachers although many are worthy of such honor.

The 1982 Florida College Lectureship will continuethe same general theme but will center more on the controversial issues in which these men were involved along with some problems that have developed sincetheir time. Issues such as Premillennialism, institutionalism, Bible colleges, unity-in-diversity,instrumental music, carnal warfare, and marriage anddivorce have been suggested and will be treated fromthe historical viewpoint so that they may be seen intheir proper perspective. For example: What men weretied to what issues? What effect has a givencontroversy had on the directions churches are going in the mid-Twentieth Century? Our hope is that these two books of lectures will become source-books for the study of contemporary church history.

If you have any suggestions about future lectureships, we will be happy to hear from you andwill give them careful consideration. As an educational institution, we desire to achieve qualitywithin the bounds of propriety.

Page 18

preach. The brethren in Ruston have asked me to move there towork with them. We plan to move to Ruston in December and will need a great deal of financial support. I am 32 years old, marriedwith three small sons. I have six years full-time experience: fouryears with the Westside church in Aurora, IL and two years withthe McArthur Dr. church in Jacksonville, AR. For references brethren may contact Ray Ferris, Karl or Leslie Diestelkamp, Keithor H.F. Sharp, or Phil Roberts. I can be contacted at 108 Wells Fargo Trl., Jacksonville, AR 72076. Phone (501) 982-8396. If any ofthe readers of STS can help us in this work, we and the brethren inRuston would greatly appreciate hearing from them.

NEW WORK IN BRENHAM, TXWARREN R. KING, P.O. Box 1528, Brazoria, TX 77422. With a large number of churches, a person may be surprised to learn that ahuge portion of the state has existed for years with no conservativecongregation! It is even more surprising to discover that this arealies between two very large centers of population, Houston andAustin. The town of Brenham lies roughly in the middle of this hugearea. On October 5 a group of about 50 people assembled for thefirst time in a renovated building to worship God. The Highway 290church of Christ in Brenham was begun. Plans are to meet at 2:30

p.m. each Sunday during October, then begin a morning andevening schedule in November. The building is located on Highway290, the main route between Houston and Austin, about 1 1/2 mileseast of Highway 36. My family and I have made plans to move toBrenham in June of 1981. Current commitments with the church in Brazoria, where I am now preaching, prevent our moving beforethat time. Of course, to be able to meet the challenge effectively, Iwill need the support of faithful brethren in other places. Althoughthere will be no need for support until June, I would like to have mysupport committed by January. This will allow me to spend time inlaying "groundwork," rather than searching for support. Yourspiritual support will also be greatly appreciated. Any inquiriesconcerning the work in Brenham may be directed to Carlos Lawhun,Rt. 2, Box 245, Brenham, TX 77833 (713) 836-4833. Inquires concerning my background and work may be sent to the elders ofthe church in Brazoria, TX, or the elders of the church in Yoakum, TX. Several preachers may also provide some information concerning my background including Keith Sharp (Conway, AR),Robert McDonald (Odessa, TX), W. R. Jones (Houston, TX), ElmerMoore (Palestine, TX), James Wilson (Paris, TX), and Ardie BrownJr. (Beaumont, TX). My address is P.O. Box 1528 Brazoria, TX 77422. Phone (713) 798-2923. May the Lord continue to bless us all in His service.

INSTITUTIONALISM ALMOST DEFENDED DICK BLACKFORD, P.O. Box 225, Owensboro, KY 40302. On Sept. 3,1980, this writer accompanied Dale Barnes (preacher for the Antiochchurch of Christ) to the home of John Gaines (preacher for theYeaman church of Christ) to make arrangements for a two nightdiscussion of the issues regarding the work of the church in benevolence and evangelism. (Through previous correspondencethese men had agreed to such a discussion). At that time an agreement was typed up by brother Gaines and signed by both men.The discussion was to take place on September 18-19, 1980, at theAntioch building. After advertising had already been done, brotherGaines backed out of the agreement just three days before the discussion was to begin. Brother Barnes had taken off work fromthe coal mines for a week and a half to allow him time to prepare forthe debate and had spent a considerable amount of money in preparation. Brother Gaines is a four-year graduate of Freed-Hardeman College and is engaged in full-time work with the Yeaman church.

About the time I reach the point that I think nothing will surpriseme, something does! In this case it was a big disappointment. Mydisappointment is two-fold. (1) It is nearly impossible to getdigressive brethren to defend the towers they are building for whichthey have not counted the cost (I am talking about division), and (2)A gospel preacher has not kept his word. At this point if brother Gaines could prove institutionalism to be scriptural it would nothelp his loss of integrity. He stands in danger of the eternalconsequences which befall all covenant breakers (2 Tim. 3:1-5; Ecc.5:4; Rom. 1:31). I had to think long and hard if this had everhappened before and finally remembered a case where a Baptistpreacher had backed out of a discussion in which he had signed toparticipate. This leaves brother Gaines in mighty poor company.

Brother Gaines reminds me of a hit n' run driver. When he had the advantage of the pulpit he preached on the issues in this areaand conducted a one-sided debate in which he had no live oppenent to expose his error. But getting him to engage in a fairdiscussion was like pulling hen's teeth.

When Dale and I visited brother Gaines he tried every way in theworld to get out of the proposed discussion. The only reason hewould do so was because he had said he would in their correspondence, but the arrangements had to be almost totallyupon his terms. Dale bent over backwards to let him have his way just so the discussion would materialize. The one encouraging noteat the time (which can now be viewed with great irony) was a statement made by brother Gaines. He said he saw no point inputting the agreement in writing because "we are both Christians." (If that doesn't mean anything what does)? We went ahead and got the agreement in writing and he typed it up andsigned it right there. If his spoken word was as good as he claimedI thought surely his signed agreement ought to mean something, butit didn't!

DEBATES IN VIRGINIA WILSON ADAMS, 317 Trinkle Ave. N.E., Roanoke, VA 24012. This is to inform the readers of STS that two religious discussionstook place in the Old Dominion during October. On the dates of Oct.6, 7, 9, 10. Tom O'Neal met Roy Hall on the located preacherquestion. The discussion was held in the Richlands Jr. High Schoolin Richlands, VA. Then the next week Tom O'Neal met Walter Bailey of Newport, KY on the same issue. This discussion was heldon the nights of Oct. 16, 17 in the church building at Cedar Bluff,VA. I attended those two nights and can say that Bro. O'Neal ablydefended the truth. This question has caused much division in thatpart of the state and we are hopeful that these discussions helpedsome to see the truth. Dover Stacey moderated for Tom O'Neal.

IN THE NEWS THIS MONTH

BAPTISMS.		212
RESTORATIONS		135
(Taken from bulletins and papers received by the editor)