Various ideas, doctrines, and practices constantlycome toward us from different directions. People who do public work or stand in places of leadership in theLord's church are expected to oppose these doctrines ifthey are unscriptural and to support them with zeal ifthey are in harmony with the will of God. It is a shamefor men in positions of responsibility to dodge or shunthe issues where the truth is involved. The masses of people are not required to follow the elders andpreachers on all occasions in matters of doctrine.Christ is head of the church, and no group of men canmake a doctrine right if it does not have the Lord'sapproval.
It is sad when a large portion of the preachers andelders over the land accept and promote some highlyadvertised unscriptural plan of action. Yes, it is sad, but such things do happen. Each wave of digression orapostasy comes this way. As long as men who havespecial opportunities to teach publicly stand for thetruth their leadership helps hold all the brethren in the safe way. These same teachers who are in strategic positions can take the many down the wrong road withthem (2 Pet. 2:1-3).
When there is a falling away of a large segment ofthe church, social pressure becomes one of the chiefweapons in trying to force every one to follow thecrowd. Some efforts are made to make the unholymovement look like a revelation from God, but prejudicial titles and pressure tactics to force all to line up with the parade becomes more effective than arguments in favor of the erroneous doctrine. Pointingto the large number of highly respected men that favorthe innovation is treated as if their approval of the ideais more or less equivalent to scriptural authority.
Many poorly informed people will get on the bandwagon under the urge of such social pressure. Theythen finance the popular projects and scorn those who call for Bible authority.
It is not safe to promote those things which the Lorddoes not approve, and it is not safe to oppose or hinderthe works which the Lord does approve. We are in noposition to fight the Almighty One (1 Cor. 10:22). Thereligion of Christ is of such nature that true Christiansdiligently work to advance the faith, and they work just as diligently against the things that would hinderthe truth in unrighteousness. The Lord has no place inHis army for those who will not fight for the right bymeans of the spiritual armor (Eph. 6:10-20; 2 Cor. 10:36). One who would be faithful needs the wisdom to"approve things that are excellent," and to "earnestlycontend for the faith" (Phil. 1:9-11; Jude 3; Heb. 5:1214; 2 Tim. 2:15).
A Christian is to rebuke sin (2 Tim. 4:2; Tit. :13;2:15). This is part of the good warfare. He is to wrestleagainst wickedness, even in high places. He is to bewell armed for the fight so that he will be able to standagainst the fiery darts of the wicked one (Eph. 6:10-20).Even though he is to fight a good fight against evil, itis not fair to say that he is against everything. Itwould not make sense to say that such men are "against." The question would immediately follow asto what they are against.
"Anti" is a prefix that is intended to be used withsome other word. It is not a word to be used alone. This four letter prefix means against the idea, habit,doctrine, philosophy, or practice implied in the wordto which it is attached. An example of this is thatmany Americans are anti-Communists. This means that they are against the beliefs, plans, and goals ofthe Communist Party. Each time a large segment ofthe church would run rough shod over the informedbrethren who stand for the way of truth, thefactionists call them "antis" as a prejudicial name tohelp deceive the masses. All men are against somethings, and the prefix used with these words thatidentify which things are being opposed is appropriate. When it is used to close minds to furtherinvestigation and study, it is only an act of cunningcraftiness of those who lie in wait to deceive (Eph. 4:14).
Some people are born in the "objective case" and
oppose many things that actually deserve
encouragement. Often these radicals come to be
known as "antis," and they add special
unpleasant significance to this prefix so that those
who would introduce unscriptural programs can do
more harm than ever by calling defenders of the faith
"antis," The ability to discern between good and evil
comes with spiritual maturity and much exercise of the
mind (Heb. 5:12-14). This wisdom or skill is
something for which we should pray and study (James
1:5; 2 Tim. 2:15). Be careful to reserve your disfavor
for that which is evil, and be glad to manifest your
approval boldly for that which is good. A cowardly
refusal to have part in a battle between truth and error
is no compliment to any one.
What are the things that have come among thechurches today that should be opposed? If we think ofthe new and unscriptural practices that have come toone place or another we come to realize that there aremany. These additions can be grouped for study.Church support for various forms of projects whichinvolve food, fun, and frolic are being emphasized as ifthey were a primary part of the church work in someareas. Financial support for schools, hospitals, camps,and other works that are considered good works arelooking to the church for money, but there is noscriptural authority for the churches to become fundraisers for such organizations. The church has a greatwork of its own to finance without undertaking to paythe bills that the public should pay. There are manychartered corporations under boards, or under the supervision of "sponsoring churches," that are set upto do evangelistic or benevolent work, which arepressuring churches to finance them. Each church is todo its own work under its own elders. Several churches may relieve the need of the saints in one area bysending to the elders in the area of special need (Acts11:27-30; 2 Cor. 8,9; 1 Cor. 6:1-3). Several churches may support a good man to preach (2 Cor. 11:8). The Bibleexamples show no corporation between the churchesand the work being done.
Another unfortunate change is emotionalism andsensationalism in the place of gospel preaching. The gospel is God's power unto salvation, and it appeals toevery aspect of man's mind and not just to theemotions. Pride and appeals for worldly recognitionare also easy to find. One way this is demonstrated isby the great number of very extravagant buildingswhich may cause poor people to feel uncomfortable butwhich cause high society to stop and look.
A fact that is sad to contemplate is that basicallygood people who are not for these wild ideas often usepreachers that are for them for their regular work andin meetings and special efforts. They may be driftingcloser and closer to the ways of the denominationswithout realizing it, and they may be unwilling to letany one warn of the danger in the things mentioned inthe above paragraphs. How wonderful it would be iftruth could have free course. All truth asks is that honest people be able to hear it. Is it sinful to speak outagainst dangers that are in evidence?
Searching The Scriptures
Volume 21 July, 1980 Number 7
Published Monthly at
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RURAL CONGREGATIONS
As these lines are written, the editor is half waythrough an enjoyable gospel meeting with the Antiochcongregation in Ohio County about 20 miles from Beaver Dam, Kentucky. This is an old congregationwhich has flourished at times, diminished at intervalsas members have moved to Louisville or other placesseeking work, and flourished again as good men haveassisted them. The church at present has about 50 inattendance on Sundays. Meeting attendance so far hasranged from 61 the first night to 80 by the fourth nightwith several community visitors and support frombrethren in other places.
The building is situated in a grove of trees on a gravel road. It is a white frame structure which hashad an addition to the back (for two extra class roomsand a baptistery) and an addition on the front for avestibule, rest-rooms, a small class room and a nursery. The interior is neat and adequately furnished. Adjoining the parking area surrounding the buildingis a cemetery which is well kept and where many whowere formerly active members of this congregationhave been laid to rest. The surrounding countryside consists of gently rolling hills and fields with an occasional house or barn in view. The community ison the fringe of the vast coal fields of western Kentucky where strip mining harvests the precious "black gold".
The people of the community have their roots deeplyembedded in this area. Some are young familiessupported by the mining industry or jobs in nearbytown. Some farm. One brother farms extensively whilehis wife runs the only general store for miles around.Some are older people who have worked until retirement in some industrial area and have returned "home" to live out the rest of their days in either thehouses where they were born, or else in a mobile homeor small dwelling standing on or near the site of theirchildhood. The housing ranges from the occasionalmobile home, to the small two, three or four-roomframe dwelling, to a few brick or stone dwellings oflarger size. The people are friendly, unassuming,unhurried and conversation comes easy. The generalstore has its "sitters and talkers." One elderly man satin his yard and whittled with his pocket knife while wediscussed with him the serious concerns of the soul. Oh, there are people here who are prejudiced and arenot willing to discuss the Bible. No community is freeof that entirely.
Preaching in such rural churches provides a contrast
to working with congregations in the towns and large cities of the nation. It is my conviction that nothingbetter brings a man back to reality and to basics thansuch experiences. We have lived and worked with churches in the Louisville area for the past ten years.Many of the elders, deacons, preachers and older members who have been faithful through the yearshave their roots in such places. Several of the membersat Expressway in Louisville grew up in this community and attended Antioch or some similar rural congregation in Ohio, Grayson or Butler County.The family life and congregational influences of these communities have had far reaching consequences for good. In spite of the fact that economics have forced anumber to migrate to other areas, the memories of the family circle, the struggle to live off the land, the tiesto former days and influences have not been lessenedand the attachment felt for the communities where they were born and spent their formative years isstrong.
Antioch is served by Dale Barnes who lives seven miles from Beaver Dam and who served as one of the deacons there until he resigned because of the demandson his time from the needs of the church at Antioch. He works through the week for the Peabody CoalCompany. On Sundays and Wednesday nights he will be found at Antioch, and sometimes through the weekvisiting in the community. This week he has takentime off from work to be able to visit more in the community and help the meeting. I am staying in hishome where many other gospel preachers have beenshown such warm and gracious hospitality. As I writethese lines, his good wife has gone to stay with a sisterwhile her husband has surgery in the hospital at Hartford. Their children are well-mannered and obedient. Brother Barnes is accumulating a good library. It is not large, but his books have been carefully selected and are useful tools for his work. Hisstudy must be done at night on his time off from themine. It is obvious that the brethren at Antioch hold him and his family in great respect. At this point, Antioch is not able to provide the needs of a full timepreacher. Thank God for men who have the drive and spiritual concern to push themselves so hard in orderto help congregations which otherwise might not haveanyone to preach.
City dwellers often develop an air of sophisticationwhich regards rural communities and churches as substandard, quaint and somewhat out of date. Ruralchurches do not always have buildings as large and ornately furnished as some in the large towns andcities. Parking lots might not be black-topped.Classrooms might be small and sparsely furnished.But if you were to remove every elder, deacon,preacher, Bible class teacher, and each family that isspiritually strong from the larger, more prosperousappearing city churches, which have their roots in suchcongregations as Antioch, then much of the strengthand influence of these city churches would be gone.
Rural churches have historically been more tolerantand patient with the feeble, beginning efforts of youngmen who desire to preach the gospel than some of thelarge city congregations. It was a rural congregation ina remote farming community which heard my first "sermon" one Sunday night in August of 1945. Theysat patiently and gave their attention while a 15-yearold boy delivered all his "wisdom" on "The Excuses of Moses" for 20 whole minutes. They did not seemembarrassed over my poor choice of words, longpauses occasioned by having to hunt for a verse whichwas in my notes and I knew good and well was "in theBible someplace" but which for the time had mischievously disappeared. It was a small, rural congregation which allowed me to conduct my veryfirst gospel meeting in 1950. Some of my finestmemories from preaching are centered not in the airconditioned, finely carpeted, padded seated, elegantand imposing structures of the great city churches, butin the plain, frame buildings situated in a grove oftrees, back a few yards from a gravel road. Placeswhere there was no air cooling system except whatbreeze might flutter through an open window or mightbe generated by the use of paper fans from the funeralhome. Places where there were no overhead projectorsand pull down screens and the only visual aids werechalkboards and dusty erasers or a cloth chart tackedto the wall behind you (scornfully called "rag sermons"by some). Places where bashful young men stoodoutside and listened through open windows. Placeswhere older brethren sat in the "amen corner" with their thumbs hooked in their galluses (suspenders tothe uninitiated). Places where unassuming peopleheard the gospel, were touched by it, and steppedforward to make the good confession or toacknowledge grievous wrongs in their lives. Placeswhere you had to go almost every night to a river,creek, or pond and baptize the penitent while gatheredbrethren sang "Oh Happy Day" or "Trust and Obey".Places where the meeting might be extended a fewmore days because of the interest. Places where thelast service closed with "God Be With You Til We Meet Again" while the preacher and good brothers andsisters wiped the tears from their cheeks.
The world is changing. The pace of the technological society is frantic. Population centers have shifted. Many former rural communities have been swallowed up by the sprawl of suburbia. Many rural churcheshave long ago folded. But frankly, it is refreshing tofind a few Antiochs, Fairviews, Flatwoods, Etnas,Bethels, Elk Forks, and many others we could name,which are still alive and where the word of God is still being preached and saints are yet being encouraged tomake their calling and election sure. Thank God forwhat such congregations have meant and continue tomean to the cause of Christ.
After the better part of two decades of being a paidprofessional writer, you would think that the thrill ofseeing one's name set in type would rub off. Not so, especially when it is in such good and noble company.This is a greater feeling than when we were asked towrite for a monthly trade publication with a readershipof a quarter million.
The theme for this series will be taken from II Tim.
2:2 wherein Timothy is called upon to begin a series oflong term linkage that covers the remaining age ofman. It had it's beginnings with the Apostles andcomes on down to us. The question now comes to us ... will we continue this effort? And of almost as great aconcern, will we do it with ability?
This will not become a pure scriptural study as inmost of the articles contained in this journal, instead,it shall concern itself with a sort of how-to-do-it polishing process we all need so very much to becomebetter teachers. And most of us are in very great needof improving our ability in this area.
Nothing in this series will be original. I have had very few original thoughts in my whole life. One or two, at the most. I know of very few who have had more than half a dozen. We shall combine the techniques of various educational disciplines withsome basic scriptures and reason out goals or targetswe need to reach. Our God is a reasonable God as he stated to Isaiah in verse 18 of chapter 1. We will try tokeep to this reasonableness, in our determination toshare with you some of the things we have seen andexperienced in the past three decades in the church ofour Lord as a teacher His word.
At the beginning we may go a bit astray from ourtheme. If so, please bear with us, as we are laying someground work or 'setting the stage' for some more difficult stuff later on. Anyone who writes has to beaware of the perils of plagiarism. That means stealingthe other man's words and thoughts. This, we will beguilty of if we limit our theft to one person. However, if we 'borrow' words and thoughts from twenty authorsthat changes the classification from plagiarism toresearch. We'll try to remain in the latter camp at alltimes.
The theme of this series will be interwoven about seven basic laws that concern teaching. These are notmine, I was lucky enough to 'research' them many years ago. I'd like to share my findings with our readers. The author is John Milton Gregory whoorganized and helped establish the University ofIllinois. He wrote his "Seven Laws of Teaching" in
1884. They have been used in the educational halls of
our nation as a 'classic text' for years. Each of the
seven laws has a strong scriptural basis as you will
soon recognize.
These seven laws may be best classified as beingabout people, tools, processes and application. Thatdetermination is, at least, original. The first two lawscover all the people involved in this teaching programgiven to Timothy.
Law number one covers that of the teacher: "The
teacher must know that which he would teach".
Simple, isn't it? Yet this past week, while out of town,
we visited another congregation of the Lord's people.
We heard an adult class Bible teacher offer far more
opinion than scripture. And then to top it off, claim he
was not prepared to teach this particular subject. He
did not have all his facts straight.
Law number two is about students: "The learner must attend with interest to the material to be learned". Maybe Mr. Gregory got this from the lastfew words of Nehemiah 8:3, "and the ears of all thepeople were attentive unto the book of the law". Mr. Gregory was a Bible student as well as a dedicated public educator. His knowledge of scripture seeps through his work, if you look for it.
Laws three and four concern themselves with tools of our professional work. We are not just workers forGod. We are, in one sense of the word, professionalpeople. If we are not, we should be. Number threestates: "The language used in teaching must be common to both". If there is the slightest gap inunderstanding . . . the cause has been damaged by ourfailure to communicate. In the business world the art and science of communication stands up near the topof any priority list. So should it be in the work of theLord. Preachers, please take note. Some sermons areover the heads of many. It shouldn't be that way.
Law number four is about our second tool, that of thelesson. "The truth to be taught must be learned through truth already known." This is as obvious asthe whole subject of math. Can anyone learn advancedalgebra before the multiplication tables? Or solve advanced navigational problems of angles and degreesand drift and speed before knowing basic addition? Yetquite often we throw babes in Christ into adult classesand into the depths of the Roman letter when theyknow very little of basics, of even the very firstprinciples of the type listed in Hebrews 5:12 and 6:1.We need a re-evaluation of our whole teaching program in most congregations. If the slipshod planning forclasses and overall teaching were used in business andindustry, most planners would have been dismissed long ago.
Laws five and six are process laws, the first of themon teaching: "The teacher must excite and direct theself-activities of the pupil, and as a rule tell him nothing that he can learn himself." Most adult classesviolate that principle. That is a crime against the wholeteaching program of the church.
Law six is the most difficult to really understand. The area of concern is the human mind of our learner. "The pupil must reproduce in his own mind, the truthto be learned." Here we enter into the region of the basics of the three R's of first year college psychology;retention, recognition and recall. Without these thereis no learning. And they are not new nor is my statement the philosophy of men and therefore . . . heresy! Know and understand from where it camebefore you mark it up as from man. It's as old as can be as a matter of divine principle. Read Jeremiah's comments on this subject in Lamentations 3:17 through 22. There, you'll find such terms as 1)forgetting, 2) remembering, 3) in remembrance, 4)recall to mind. If that's not on the sixth law then nothing is. Most teachers don't fully comprehend thisprocess, nor understand how it works. This, we willcover in depth. When you do it God's way it does work.
Last of these laws are about review and application.Here, we have left Mr. Gregory and adapted his laws tothe reason for our theme. We have called it the application to life. The work of teaching is confirmed, first by review, and finally, by applicationthrough the conversion of others.
If there is any single need in the church, it is this. For the Lord said in Mark 4:13 "Know ye not thisparable? And how then shall ye know all parables?"The subject matter is the word as the seed. But that isreally secondary. The major thrust is on explaining themystery of the kingdom. But more on that verse later.
Stay with us, let's learn together. We all have muchroom for improvement.
RISE UP AND BUILD:Nehemiah's Call To LeadershipNehemiah 1:1-4
Who are God's leaders today? To answer thisquestion we need to return to ancient history of the Old Testament prophets and see what made God's leaders in days past. By such an examination of the past wewill know who are God's leaders today and in thefuture.
Nehemiah teaches us the lesson that the key toleadership is feeling the burden. As we begin our study of Nehemiah, we find him in Chapter 1:2, asking aboutthe Jews who are now living in Jerusalem: "... and Iasked them concerning the Jews who had escaped andhad survived the captivity, and about Jerusalem." Nehemiah was now in the capital city of the PersianEmpire, Susa, serving as cupbearer to the king. Evenas Nehemiah asks this question, he is about to becomeclay in the hands of the potter. The answer would bring Nehemiah to his knees. The response is found in verse
3: "the remnant.. . are in great distress and reproach,and the wall is broken down and its gates are burnedwith fire." Maybe he expected better news, because hehad heard of the work done by Ezra and Zerubbabel inthe rebuilding of the temple and teaching the people.Maybe at his last inquiry the situation in Jerusalemwas good, but now that was not the case. The newsfrom Jerusalem, his home and motherland, was desperately tragic.
Nehemiah's response to this terrible situation isfound in verse 4: "I sat down and wept and mournedfor days; and I was fasting and praying before the Godof heaven." How this recent information tore at his heart! He was dismayed by the magnitude of theproblem concerning his loved ones and God's people.He poured out his soul in grief over the plight of Jerusalem by weeping, fasting, and prayer. So great was his pain that he was moved to do everything possible to correct the situation in Jerusalem.
Now as we have seen, the attitude of Nehemiah whenhe receives this news becomes important. Note for a moment what Nehemiah is and what Nehemiah is not. Nehemiah was not a priest, nor was he a king. All suchfunctions were absent from Nehemiah's list of credentials. All three of the orders: prophet, priest, andking, were at various times included in God's plan, butNehemiah did not fit into any one of these three categories. He was not a priest offering sacrifices, nordid he wear the kingly vestures that would commandattention when he spake. It is at this point that we areabout to learn our first great lesson of true leadership.
The leaders of God's choice are those WHO ARISE BECAUSE THEY FEEL THE NEED TO DO ALL THEY CAN TO SERVE GOD. Nehemiah was moved to the depths of his being to such a degree that heHAD to do something to serve not only his people, butalso his God. He had the fire burning in his bones tosuch an intensity that it could not be quenched. Eventhough he possessed no great earthly qualification, hefelt the need to arise!
WHO THEN ARE GOD'S LEADERS TODAY? The first lesson we must understand is the need for this burning desire to correct the wrong, to strengthenthe right, and to serve in any way that we can. Acommon problem is that today there are some trying tolead, but they have never heard the call or felt theburden. They are termed "leaders", but all they do isoccupy an "office." Their hearts, their minds, and theirlove is far away in other fields of interest. They may becalled elders, preachers, teachers, deacons, husbands,mothers, or personal workers, but unless they haveheard the call, they are not leaders in God's order. When we speak of hearing the call, we are not speakingof the denominational call of miraculous salvation, but rather the burden of desire that moves an individual to give his life to one goal. That goal is spiritual service tothe maximum of their capacity. The condition of thepeople moved Nehemiah to give up the number oneadvisory position in the world's greatest and mostpowerful kingdom in order to serve his Lord. Cupbearer before the King was one of the most trustedand guarded positions of his day. He had all the privileges of royalty and all the glory of the King's most trusted confidant. All of this meant nothing toNehemiah, just as the earthly power and prestigemeant nothing to Saul of Tarsus when he was movedinto a position of leadership.
This is the very principle that Paul draws from, as hewrites to Timothy concerning those that are to be theleaders in the New Testament church. Paul tells Timothy that they must "desire the office." Here wefind the Old Testament definition of what "desire" really is; rambling here and there about what "desire the office" means can be voided by this Old Testamentexample. For one to consider preaching as a way of life,this burning passion to lead people to Christ is anabsolute must. My father used to say, "Son, don't make a preacher unless you can't help it." Downthrough the years, how much better could the cause ofChrist have been served, if those who had not really"desired" to preach had made other choices.
Brethren, who are God's leaders today? Even thoughthey may not be prophets, priests, nor kings, nothing will stop the common man who matures and becomesso spiritually attuned to the needs of God's people thathe puts his hand to the plow without one thought as towhat he has left behind. Paul says that we havebecome "fools for Christ"; we have become "a spectacle to the world" (I Cor. 4:9-10); we have "become the scum of the world, the dregs of all things"(I Cor. 9:13). Why, and how could Paul give up thepinnacle of political power in Judaism to become the scum of the earth? Paul tells us of this burning powerthat drove him into spiritual service: "Woe, be unto meif I preach not the Gospel of Christ." Paul had a fire inhis bones
that could not be quenched. This was the reason for hiscommitment. Listen to what had no effect on Paul: "servants of God, in much afflictions, in much endurance, in hardships, in distresses, in stripes, inprison, in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fasting,in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in theHoly Spirit, in love, in the word of truth, in the powerof God, by glory and dishonor, by good report and evilreport, as unknown yet well known, as dying yetliving, as punished but not up to death, as sorrowfulyet always rejoicing, as poor yet rich, as havingnothing yet possessing all things" (II Cor. 6:4-10).
This, brethren, is the picture of God's leader. PaulKNEW HE MUST PREACH the Gospel. God's call to leadership is not for those who want to "play church."As we read the sacred pages of Old Testament scriptures the wrath of God is poured on those whoCLAIMED to be leaders without a burning passion toserve. Woe be to the leader who wants to claim leadership, yet does nothing but make decisions onhow to set the thermostat. Woe to the preacher that uses the church for his own reputation andadvancement, when our Lord came to make Himself ofno reputation. Woe be to the Bible class teacher thatonly teaches because he or she has to or it will makethem look bad. Woe to the teacher that quickly readshis lesson Saturday night and hopes there are enough questions to take up the allotted Bible study period. Woe be to the men in a business meeting who argue fortwo hours over what kind of garden hose to buy andwhat color to paint the auditorium.
The church today faces a crisis in leadership. Eldersare needed who feels the passion of Nehemiah. Preachers are needed who are willing to be fools forChrist as did Paul. We need men and women who feel the burden of generations of young people who were"raised in the church", only to bolt for the door at thefirst opportunity. One man calmly told me that "we have lost an entire generation of teenagers." Yet, why was he not moved to have an all out effort to train their Bible class teachers? And, why was he not moved toteach on the home, and family and its place in society?He felt no burden to make one single attempt to doanything different in order to keep from losing thegroup now in the Jr. High class. The tragedy was thathe was called an elder! The real problem? He was aleader without a passion to meet the need.
What do you think would have been Nehemiah'sreaction to that type of news? He would have fallen onhis face before God in tears and left the court of kingsto meet the challenge.
In conclusion: Who are God's leaders? They are thefaithful who will arise in whatever way they can toserve Jehovah.
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EAT, EAT, EAT
From the Sentinel Star, Orlando, Fla., Jan 25, 1980,comes this AP release regarding eighteen-year-oldAmy Brown who eats a dozen eggs for breakfast andtwo steaks for lunch to keep her weight up to 90 lbs.
Before you say you wish you had her problem, read on:
This young lady suffers from an unusual syndromecalled mal-absorption. She is required to eat almosthourly to replace lost potassium in her body. Her foodbills take $170 a week, $8,840 a year, out of her father's $13,000 annual salary.
Her father's salary is too high to qualify for food stamps and welfare officials reject the claim thatAmy's food is a medical expense. Only help fromfriends and civic groups keeps the family afloat.
Doctors say mal-absorption, which usually afflictsyounger children, can strike a range of fats or vitaminsneeded to keep the body's system in balance. A faultyvalve in Miss Brown's kidney is releasing almost allthe potassium in her system, and the doctors say thereis little Miss Brown can do except take potassiumsupplements and eat.
I've long marveled at the good percentage of folkswho have been members of the church for years,perhaps decades, and who have sat in Bible classesyear after year and heard literally thousands of gospelsermons, yet when a spiritual showdown comes theyweigh in as 90 lb. weaklings with no stamina whatever.
What's wrong with these people. I now know. Theysuffer from a syndrome (not unusual, unfortunately)which we may describe as spiritual mal-absorption.As in the case of little Amy Brown, enough soul foodis taken in to nourish four adults, but not enough isabsorbed to give them strength to walk unaided.
The doctors have no remedy for Amy. They predictthat her condition will change, for better or worse, asher body completes maturity in the next few years.
Happily, the Great Physician holds greater power inthe matter of spiritual mal-absorption: "I will meditate in thy precepts, and will have respect untothy ways" (Psalm 119:15); "He giveth power to thefaint; and to them that have no might he increasethstrength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, andthe young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shallmount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and notbe weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
LOVE NOTES
Is there no end to the silly antics of the brethren?
Now from the Star Reporter, Jan. 80, we find an ad which features a "Note of Love to All Single Members." The copy says:
"This 'Love Note' (hearts are substituted for the o's in those two words) is to those who have been taught todate Christians and to marry only 'in the Lord' (another member of the church of Christ). (That's their parenthesis, not mine, K.G.) A group of concerned brethren want to do more for you than say, 'Depart inpeace, be ye warmed and filled.' They want to helpsupply that which is needful to your body and soul(James 2:16; Gen. 2:18).
"Somewhere, someone is lonely waiting just for you.If you long for the help of sincere Christians in findingthat one, answer this Love Note for further information. The Bible will be our guide all the way."
The address is given along with a suggestion that acontribution would be appreciated.
Why on earth didn't Paul think of that?
I believe I can speak for Brother Adams and say thatSearching the Scriptures will not be a forwardingagent for this service.
THE A CAPPELLA CHORUS
Bro. Charles Holt, writing in the church bulletin heedits for the Westside Church of Christ in Rossville,Ga. says, "Do you have any idea what the above refersto? It is not what you may think. In the October, 1979issue of Mission (a 'brotherhood publication') thereappeared an article under the above caption. It is anedited version of an interview conducted by LynnMitchell, Jr., representing Mission, with three homosexuals ('gays') who claim to be members of the Church of Christ . . . These three 'gays' wanted to speak up for and in defense of 'the gay community ofthe Churches of Christ', and Mission furnished them an open forum for such. These 'gays' think it is 'time for homosexuals to make a comment to the brotherhood." '
Bro. Holt continues: "The 'A Cappella Chorus' is the name of their 'gay community, and its 'purpose' is to serve as 'an outreach to the people in the Church ofChrist who are gay.' They adopted the name 'as a name we can all identify with' because Churches of Christ believe in a cappella music' All the denominations have a name for their 'gay fellowship' and now our'gays' have a name for theirs. And they are 'coming out in the open', out of the closet of secrecy andcover-up, hoping to find acceptance of their 'lifestyle'—with their 'lover'—by Churches of Christ. They are 'coming out in Houston' to test the waters ofacceptance. They have apparently surveyed theclimate and found the time is ripe to make their move.They have gotten off to a good start with the publicitygiven them by Mission."
The standard arguments are used by this "A Cappella Chorus." We are told that homosexuality isnot really condemned in the Scriptures. One of thoseinterviewed said, "My sexuality is a gift of God. Beinghomosexual is what God has given me and I've got tolearn... to use that as I would any gift that God wouldgive me."
Lynn Mitchell, the Mission interviewer comments: "... knowing what to say to a gay Christian is one of the most painful and unpliable dilemmas that a sensitive minister can face." Bro. Holt ably responds:"Does he have the same trouble with the fornicator,adulterer, thief, idolater, or drunkard? His trouble isthat he is too 'sensitive'. He does not want to believe and say what the Scriptures teach he should say . . .Thank God, Paul didn't have Mitchell's 'dilemma.' Paul boldly and plainly classifies 'homosexuality' asunrighteousness and he converted people from such,just as he converted them from fornication, adultery,drunkenness, and idolatry. Those who don't 'convert',give up their 'gay lifestyle' and get 'straight'—are unrighteous and 'shall not inherit the kingdom of God.' "
Later in this same issue of Mission, we see a word that's beginning to be tossed about a good bit. We aretold by Mitchell that many who plainly condemn homosexuality as sin are guilty of "homophobia". Thisis defined as "our irrational, dishonest, confused, cowardly, sinful fear of homosexuality and homosexual persons."
"Mitchell even tries to make 'homophobia' worse than homosexuality," comments Bro. Holt. "He (Mitchell) says there is 'no doubt God can forgivehomophobia, but that makes it no less destructive,degrading, painfully demeaning of spirits of thosewhom it affects.' Wonder why the apostle Paul did not list 'homophobia' right along with homosexualitywhen he wrote his epistles? He did not even includethis terrible 'homophobia' in his list of the 'works of the flesh' in Galatians 5! It may well be that Mitchell has described a new sin!"
Bro. Holt closes his vigorous and scripturalresponse, just a sampling of which we have quotedhere, with the words: "The 'gay community' (the ACappella Chorus) of the Churches of Christ, along with Mission's compromising stance on the matter, is one of the 'signs of our times' that needs to beread carefully by all Christians who love truth and righteousness. Where will it stop? The roadof compromise and digression is unending. It is time to wake up to what is really happening toChurches of Christ. 'A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.' Do you care?"
Please consider the exact wording of the followingtranslations:
NEW AMERICAN STANDARD VERSION
Matt. 16:19 — "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you shall bind onearth shall have been bound in heaven, and whateveryou shall loose on earth shall have been loosed inheaven."
Matt. 18:18 — "Truly I say to you, whatever you shall bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven;and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven."
AMPLIFIED VERSION
Matt. 16:19 — "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind—that is, declare to be improper and unlawful—on earth mustbe already bound in heaven; and whatever youloose on earth—declare lawful—must be what is already loosed in heaven."Matt. 18:18 — "Truly, I tell you, whatever you forbidand declare to be improper and unlawful on earth mustbe what is already forbidden in heaven, and whateveryou permit and declare proper and lawful on earthmust be already permitted in heaven.
NEW WORLD TRANSLATION
Matt. 16:19 — "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of the heavens, and whatever you may bind on earth will have been bound in the heavens, andwhatever you may loose on earth will have been loosed in the heavens."
Matt. 18:18 — "Truly I say to you men, Whateverthings you may bind on earth will have been bound inheaven and whatever things you may loose on earthwill have been loosed in heaven."
J. B. PHILLIPS TRANSLATION
Matt. 16:19 — "I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven; whatever you forbid on earthwill be what is forbidden in Heaven and whatever youpermit on earth will be what is permitted in Heaven!"Matt. 18:18 — "Believe me, whatever you forbid uponearth will be what is forbidden in Heaven, andwhatever you permit on earth will be what is permittedin Heaven."
KENNETH S. WUEST TRANSLATION
Matt. 16:19 — "I shall give to you the keys of thekingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth(forbid to be done), shall have been already bound (forbidden to be done) in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth (permit to be done), shall have alreadybeen loosed in heaven (permitted to be done). Matt.
18:18 — "Assuredly, I am saying to you,Whatever you forbid on earth, shall have already beenforbidden in heaven. And whatever you permit on earth, shall have already been permitted in heaven."
A. S. WORRELL'S TRANSLATION Matt.
16:19 — "I will give you the keys of the Kingdom ofHeaven; and whatsoever you shall bind on the earthshall have been bound in Heaven, and whatsoever you shall loose on the earth shall have been loosed in Heaven." Matt. 18:18 — "Verily, I say to you, whatsoever yebind upon the earth shall have been bound in Heaven, and whatsoever ye loose on the earth shall have beenloosed in Heaven."
CHARLES B. WILLIAMS TRANSLATION
Matt. 16:19 — "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you forbid on earthmust be what is already forbidden in heaven, andwhatever you permit on earth must be what is already permitted in heaven.Matt. 18:18 — "I solemnly say to you, whatever youforbid on earth must be already forbidden in heaven,and whatever you permit on earth must be alreadypermitted in heaven."
ROBERT YOUNG'S TRANSLATION
Matt. 16:19 — "And I will give to thee the keys of the reign of the heavens, and whatever thou mayestbind upon the earth shall be having been bound inthe heavens, and whatever thou mayest loose uponthe earth shall be having been loosed in the heavens."
Matt. 18:18 — "Verily I say to you, Whatever thingsye may bind upon the earth shall be having been boundin the heaven, and whatever things ye may loose on the earth shall be having been loosed in the heavens."
GEORGE SWANN'S TRANSLATION
Matt. 16:19 — "I will give to thee the keys of thekingdom of heaven, and whatsoever thou shalt bind onearth shall have (first) been bound in heaven, andwhatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall have (first)been loosed in heaven."
Matt. 18:18 — "Verily I say unto you thatwhatsoever you shall bind on earth shall have (first)been bound in heaven, and whatsoever you shall looseon earth shall have (first) been loosed in heaven."
KING JAMES II TRANSLATION
Matt. 16:19 — "And I will give you the keys of thekingdom of Heaven. And whatever you may bind onearth shall occur, having been already bound inHeaven. And whatever you may loose on earth shalloccur, having been already loosed in Heaven." Matt.
18:18 — "Truly I say to you, Whatever you shallbind on earth shall occur, having been already bound inHeaven. And whatever you shall loose on earth shalloccur, having been already loosed in Heaven."
SUMMATION
Please note that when the apostles gave an answer tosuch questions as: "Men and brethren what shall wedo?" (Acts 2), and "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"(Acts 16) ... THE APOSTLES TAUGHT WHATCHRIST HAD ALREADY TAUGHT! For example:Christ taught the need for BELIEF (John 8:23-24,Mark 16:15-16).
Later, the Apostles taught the same (Acts 16:30-34,
Romans 10:8-17).
Christ taught REPENTANCE (Luke 13:3,5; Luke
24:27).
Later, the Apostles taught REPENTANCE (Acts
2:38, Acts 3:19, and Acts 17:30-31).
Christ taught the need for oral CONFESSION OF
CHRIST (Matt. 10:32-33).
Later, the Apostles taught CONFESSION OF
CHRIST (Rom. 10:9-10, 1 Tim. 6:12)?
Christ taught BAPTISM UNTO SALVATION (Mark
16:16, Matt. 28:18-20).
Later, the Apostles taught BAPTISM UNTO THE
REMISSION OF SINS (Acts 2:38,1 Pet. 3:21).
Therefore, we have proved without doubt or questionthat Heaven (through Christ) first laid down the requirements for man's faith and obedience, leading tothe salvation of man's soul. Then, later, the Apostlesecho the same requirements of faith and obedience,leading to man's salvation.
Christ's teaching was basically to the Jews, whilethe Apostles taught ALL nations.
CONCLUSION
The foregoing ten versions of the English NewTestament demonstrate the accurate rendering ofMatt. 16:19 and 18:18, both grammatically as well asin accord with New Testament teaching. I sincerelywish that ALL English versions were as accurate inrendering various New Testament passages.
It is hard to imagine that ten years have passedsince I was eighteen years old and a senior in high school. We all at times like to look back and reflect on our lives and see what changes we might or might notwant to make. If I could be eighteen again here aresome things I would do.
Remember My Creator
One of the wisest men who ever lived advised,"Remember also your Creator in the days of youryouth, before the evil days come and the years drawnear when you will say, I have no delight in them" (Ec
cl. 12:1). One would first begin remembering hisCreator by obeying the gospel (Mk. 16:16; Ac. 2:38), Hewould need to continue to remember Him by dailyprayer and study of His word (1 Thess. 5:17; Ac. 17:11). One needs to remember God in his youth because that may be the only time he will have (cf. Jas.4:14).
Realize The High Price of Sowing Wild Oats
A lot of people want to have a "good time" in tryingall kinds of worldly pleasures while young. They givetheir best to the devil and then think they will be able to give the leftovers to God later in life. But they fail toconsider the price of sowing wild oats.
I can recall some cases in high school. Our classpresident was killed in a car wreck because he andanother boy had been drinking. A very popular younggirl, a cheerleader, had to drop out of school to have ababy out of wedlock. The Bible teaches that we reapwhat we sow, "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked;for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For theone who sows to his own flesh shall from the flesh reapcorruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit shallfrom the Spirit reap eternal life" (Gal. 6:7-8). The sowing of wild oats can cost us our health, ourfreedom, our lives, but more importantly our souls.
Rule Self
The Bible places a lot of emphasis on the importanceof self-control (Prov. 16:32; 1 Cor. 9:27; 1 Pet. 3:10-11; 2 Pet. 1:5-6). One needs to control his actions (2 Cor.5:10), his words (Mt. 12:36), his thoughts (Phil. 4:8),and his time (Eph. 4:16). There are youthful lusts fromwhich one needs to flee (2 Tim. 2:22). I should learnhow to say "no." I should not just follow the crowd and use the excuse "everybody is doing it." Learningto say "no" places me in company with such youngfaithful servants of God as Joseph and Daniel and histhree friends (Gen. 39:7-9; Dan. 1:8; 3:17-18).
Rally Around Good Friends
Paul wrote, "Do not be deceived: Bad company corrupts good morals" (1 Cor. 15:33). If one runsaround with the wrong crowd, he is asking for trouble.I need to choose my friends by a high standard. Parents need to recognize they have a big responsibility in providing young people the opportunity to be with good Christians their own age.
Radiate A Good Influence
When the Bible speaks about Christians being shining lights, it does not say that just older Christians are to let their light shine (Mt. 5:16; Phil.2:15). Young people, I believe, do not fully realize theinfluence they can have with others. Sometimes theycan have a far greater influence with other young people than those who are older. There are even timeswhen some older people will more fully appreciate a young person's faith and thus be influenced by him.Consider the influence of Alexander the Great who was king before he was thirty years old, and Napoleon who ruled France when he was thirty years old. Look also atJesus who did all that he did in about 33 years.
Reach My Place in the Church
We occasionally hear the cry, "Our young people arejust not interested in the church." Maybe they havebeen made to feel that the church is just for oldermembers. We need to give them responsibilities and use them in every way possible. They can teach classes, lead singing, read the Bible, preach, help inthe care of the building and grounds, conduct religious surveys, set up Bible classes with their school friends, and visit the shut-ins and sick. Theycan do anything, and should do everything, that aChristian is supposed to do. The only way the youngpeople will be the church tomorrow is if they are anactive part of the church today. What a beautiful sightto see younger and older Christians working shoulder to shoulder in the work of the Lord.
Respect My Parents
The Bible teaches, "Children, obey your parents inthe Lord, for this is right. Honor your father andmother (which is the first commandment with a promise), that it may be well with you, and that youmay live long on the earth" (Eph. 6:1-3). We may notwhile we are younger think our parents are very wise intheir decision-making, but generally as we grow olderwe will see their wisdom. They have our well-being atinterest (Heb. 12:9-10).
Reflect Upon Choosing A Mate
I would start considering such a choice. Some by thisage have already made the choice, and they bringmany hardships upon themselves by marrying too young. We should not think that unless we are marriedby the time we are twenty that we will wind up as anold maid or lonely bachelor. Some have committedfornication, been "forced" to marry, and thus givenup their right of choice. I need to exercise great cautionas to whom I date, because I will most likely wind upmarrying someone that I date.
Above all the considerations for a mate should be that he or she be a Christian, You might be able to find a tall, dark, and handsome unbeliever, but the short,light, and ugly Christian will make a better husband, "Oh", you say, "I'm going to convert him." If youwanted a Thunderbird, you would buy a Thunderbird. You would not buy a bicycle and then convert it into aThunderbird. Marry someone who can help you get toheaven, not hinder you and your children.
Conclusion
I'm not eighteen, but I believe these things are whatthe Bible teaches that an eighteen year old ought to do. What about it?
BETTER THAN PREACHING?
Recently in one of their bulletins, Marvin Phillips,who preaches for the Garnett Road Church of Christ inTulsa, Oklahoma, wrote an article entitled, "It Should Have Been On Nationwide TV." I quote several thingsfrom the article.
"The time was last Monday night. The place, Garnett Road Annex. The occasion, 'Parent Appreciation Banquet.' It is my firm conviction, had itbeen screened on national TV, it would have done ourcountry more good than a Presidential conference. It had more spiritual worth than a wagon load ofsermons" (emphasis mine, JTS). Boy, it sure musthave been powerful to have done the country moregood than a wagon load of sermons. Wonder what itwas? Marvin continues,
"First of all, it was a class event. Our young peoplesimply wanted to honor their parents. The food wasexcellent, the decor lovely. The entertainment, anuplifting time of song ministry by our own 'HeavenlyGeneration Singers.'"
"And then, came the main course . . . completelyunrehearsed! These young people were asked if anywanted to come up to the microphones and expresstheir love to their parents. I guess there must havebeen 25 to 30 who did so. Generation Gap, gone for awhile, they just unloaded their love and appreciationto Christian and non-Christian parents alike. It was anemotional, heart rending experience."
Now how about that? According to brother MarvinPhillips, food, a lovely decor, entertainment by theirown choir (chorus), and personal testimony, (whichprovided "an emotional, heart rendering experience")would have done the country more good than a wagon load of sermons. Well maybe it would have done thecountry more good than a wagon load of sermons fromMarvin Phillips, but not the kind preached by Peter,Paul, John and others. And how about such a statement in view of the fact that the apostle Paulsaid, "It pleased God by the foolishness of preachingto save them that believe" (I Corinthians 1:21).
The curiosity of many is peaked by the subject ofangels. In this article we propose to study the subjectby looking at some "Oft - asked questions about angels."
Where Do Angels Come From? Do Good People Become Angels When They Die?
Angels are a creation of God even as man is a creation of God. Paul said in Col.l:16, "For by him(Christ hh) were all things created, that are in heaven,and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, orpowers: all things were created by him, and for him."Somewhere in the terms "all things . . . that are inheaven," or "whether they be thrones, or dominions, orprincipalities, or powers," angels are almost assuredlyincluded—hence created.
In Ps.l48:2-5 the Psalmist tells the heavens, theheights, the angels of God, God's hosts, the sun, themoon, the stars, the heaven of heavens, and the watersabove the heavens to praise God saying, "Let thempraise the name of the Lord: For he commanded and they were created." Here angels are plainly said to becreated.
The fact that angels are created beings should besufficient to show that people do not become angelswhen they die. In Mt.22:30 some are said to be "as theangels of God in heaven" when they are raised fromthe dead. Note, it says, "as the angels." It does not say they become angels. In Lk.20:34-36 we are told thatthose of the resurrection will not be given in marriage; Neither will they die for they are to be "equal to the angels." Things can be equal in some aspects without being the same things. A pound of dirt is equal inweight to a pound of gold, but gold is not dirt. Theresurrected will be "equal to" and "as" the angels inthat they will not marry nor die, but the resurrectedwill not become angels.
What Do Angels Look Like? Do Angels HaveWings?
When visiting earth, angels sometimes fashionedthemselves as men. This seems apparent in that thereare instances recorded where people thought them tobe men, not angels (Gen. 19:1,5,8,10; Judges 13:16).Hebrews 13:2 also tells us some have entertained angels unawares.
We dare not say that angels always appeared asmen, nor do we wish to be so bold as to say that this istheir form in heaven. We do not know for certain. We
do know that on some occasions angels were
recognized immediately, and brought fear to those who
looked upon them (Lk.l:ll,12). This suggests a form
different from that of a man. We need, also, to
remember that Heb.1:14 calls angels "ministering
spirits." "Spirits" no doubt has reference to their
nature, just as Jn.4:24, "God is a Spirit," has reference
to the nature of God. But who knows just what a spirit
looks like?
Some of God's creatures are winged. The cherubs
each have four wings (Ez.1:5,6; 10:15) while the
seraphims each have six wings (Is.6:2). But angels are
never described as having wings. Gabriel was caused
to "fly swiftly" (Dan.9:21) and David saw an angel of
the Lord "stand between the earth and heaven"
(IChr.21:16), but neither is said to have wings.
Some have suggested that cherubs and seraphimsare different orders of angels. This is only assumed. Itcannot be proven by the scriptures. It is just aspossible that cherubs and seraphims are yet othercreations of God. There is therefore nothing to suggestthat angels have wings, nor is there anything that tellsus what angels look like except when they appeared onearth in the form of man.
Do People Have Guardian Angels?
In Mt.18:10 Jesus said, "Take heed that ye despisenot one of these little ones; for I say unto you, that inheaven their angels do always behold the face of myfather which is in heaven." In commenting on this verse, Pulpit Commentary (Mt., Vol.l5,p.210) expresses well the thought of many saying, "thateach soul has assigned to it by God a special angel is grounded on this and supported on other passagesof scripture." Pulpit then lists Heb.l:14; Ps.34:7;Ps.91:ll; Lk.l5:7,10 as the "other passages."
Angels are indeed ministering spirits (Heb. 1:14).They have on occasions as they carried out God's charges guarded or protected individuals (Ps.34:7;91:11). We question, however, if Mt.18:10 or any otherpassage necessitates that "each soul has assigned to itby God a special angel" at all times.
The idea of a guardian angel watching over individuals is consistent with Mt.18:10 and other passages but is not necessarily deduced from them.
Is There A "Death Angel"?
This question seems to imply that death has beencommitted into the hands of one certain angel, and that death is the result of a visit from this angel. Manywould appeal to the plague of the death of the firstbornof Egypt to substantiate the existence of a "death angel."
In Ex. 12:23 we are told that the Lord would passthrough to smite the Egyptians; but when He saw theblood upon the lintel and the two side posts, the Lordwould pass over the door of the Israelites and wouldnot suffer the destroyer to go in unto their houses tosmite them. The Lord was to pass through, but there ismention also of a "destroyer." Ps.78:43-51 againspeaks of the plagues which came upon Egypt. Verse49 reveals the Lord brought about some of the plaguesby sending angels among them. It is possible,therefore, that the death of the firstborn was administered by an angel, referred to as the destroyer.
There are other occasions where we know an angeladministered pestilence that brought death(2 Sam. 24:15, 16; 1 Chr. 21:12) and where an angel wasthe cause or slayer of people (2Kgs.l9:35; Acts 12:23).But nothing suggests that it is the same angel eachtime, nor that there is one "angel of death." Neithercan we reason that because angels have had a part inthe death of some people that they have a part in thedeath of all people.
Are Angels Always "Men Angels"?
In commenting on the word "angel" W.E. Vine in his"Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words,"Vol. 1, p.55, notes, "angels are always spoken of in themasculine gender, the feminine form of the word doesnot occur."
When angels visited earth and assumed a humanform, they appeared as men (Gen.l9:5,8,10; Gen.32:24;Judges 13:6).
These facts considered, we can most assuredly saythat there are no "female angels." But I would still prefer the term "angels" to "men angels."
Is Satan A Fallen Angel?
Some reason that Satan was not created evil, butnow is evil; therefore, he must be a fallen angel. We would agree that Satan was not created evil. This would reflect upon the holiness of God, making Godthe author of evil. We do, however, disagree with theconclusion that Satan must be a fallen angel. It seemsto be based on the idea that there are no heavenlycreatures but angels. This we do not know for a fact.
Is.14:12 says, "How art thou fallen from heaven, OLucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down tothe ground." Some use this as their proof text to showthat Satan is a fallen angel. Note Isaiah did not sayLucifer was a fallen angel. Furthermore, in contextIsaiah was speaking of the king of Babylon, not Satan.
We do not say that Satan cannot be a fallen angel.No scripture though calls him such or proves him to bea fallen angel. I am, therefore, content to admit Satan's existence and not to speculate as to what hewas before he became Satan, the adversary of God and man.
Are Angels Still Active In
The Affairs of Men Today?
Angels are "ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation" (Heb.l:14). Nothing in the study of angels pronouncesan end to the ministering of the angels. It would seem,therefore, that as long as there are heirs of salvationwho need ministering to that God would employangels. We do not venture to say what angels are doingtoday. Perhaps one would find a study of what angelsdid in the Old and New Testaments profitable.
CONCLUSION
It is both right and good for us to know what theBible says about angels. These things were written forour learning. We must, however, be content with whatGod has revealed unto us and not go beyond the truthsof His word.
A lot of people are not desirous of becomingChristians because of all the things they would have togive up. This was the problem with the rich young ruler - he did not want to give up his riches to followChrist (Lk. 18:18-23). Occasionally, people of the worldare heard telling Christians, "Just look what you aremissing by being a Christian." But what are we missing by being Christians?
BEING ON YOUR OWN. Beloved, all who are notserving God are on their own. "For the eyes of the Lordare over the righteous, and his ears are open unto theirprayers; but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil" (I Pet. 3:12). Many are experiencing severedifficulties and consequences from trying to be their own God. But still they look to themselves for guidance and strength. The Christian, however, hasone greater than himself to whom he can go forguidance and strength.
Many non-Christians are trying to experience a solidmarriage without having a solid foundation uponwhich to build. They are without the guidance andinstruction of God as to how to have a happy, fulfillingmarriage (Eph. 5:22-33). They are experiencing not afew problems in rearing their children because theyrefuse God's teaching on this subject (Eph. 6:1-4). Non-Christians are without the providence of God (I Pet.3:12), and they are missing one of the greatestprivileges of all - prayer. When adversity and sorrowscome upon them, they do not have the assurance thatGod will hear and grant their requests (Phil. 4:6, Prov.15:29; 28:9).
THE DEGRADATION AND HURT OF SIN. The Christian constantly strives to avoid sin (Rom. 12:9). Hence, he averts the degradation and hurt of sin.Conversely, those who refuse to become Christiansoften find themselves wallowing in the filth and mire ofsin and suffering its horrible consequences (Rom. 1:2132, 3:10-18). Many who have chosen to serve Satan andhave ridiculed the Christian, pointing out the things heis missing, have experienced the truthfulness of Solomon's announcement, ". . . the way of transgressors is hard" (Prov. 13:15). They have pursued mind stimulants such as alcohol and drugsand have become enslaved to them. In indulging insensuality, they have contracted obnoxious venerealdiseases and suffer the incapacity to enjoy true affection. They have been reduced to mere animalism,being dominated by lust and greed (2 Pet. 2:12-14).
THE TORMENT OF GUILT. By being a faithfulChristian you can miss the torment of guilt. We can be
as the apostle Paul who exclaimed, "And herein do Iexercise myself, to have always a conscience void ofoffence toward God, and toward men" (Acts 24:16).The Christian will be convicted by his conscience whenhe does that which he knows is wrong but when herepents and prays for forgiveness he can forget abouthis offence and thus avoid a guilt complex (Phil.3:13,14; I Tim. 1:12-15).
Psychiatrists tell us that one of the common mentalaberrations plaguing people today is a deep, intensesense of guilt. They harbor this guilt and thus create aguilt complex. This we are also told, can and doesmanifest itself in different ways such as self-punishment and abuse.
SEPARATION FROM GOD. By being a Christianyou also miss being separated from God. The cause ofman being separated from God is clearly seen in thefollowing enunciation: "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy,that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid hisface from you, that he will not hear" (Isa. 59:1,2).
Many suffer from a deep sense of unfulfillment,feeling of emptiness, and aimlessness. It is your writer's belief that this loneliness is often a product ofman being separated from his Creator (Eccl. 12:13,14).
HELL. Not only does the Christian miss manythings that are certainly undesirable in this life - beingon your own, without the guidance of God's word,prayer, and providence, suffering the shame and hurtof sin, the torment of guilt, and separation from God but he will also miss the anguish and everlastingpunishment of hell (Matt. 15:46, Mk. 9:43-48; Rev.14:9-11).
Christian friend, you are missing many things inbeing a Christian. None of these things, however,promote man's happiness (Josh. 1:8). Let us, therefore,not be envious of sinners and gladly count all thingsloss for Christ (Prov. 24:1,19; Phil. 3:7).
My non-Christian friend, you are also missing manythings by not being a Christian - the guidance of God's word, prayer, and providence, help to avoid sin, itsshame and hurt, freedom from the torment of guilt,being reconciled with God, and heaven. These thingsare necessary for your happiness and salvation. Whatyou are experiencing is not lasting and enduring anddoes not offer substance (Heb. 11:25; Eccl. 12:13,14).Choose you this day whom you will serve (Josh. 24:15). Resolve today to become a Christian by believing inChrist's deity, repenting of sins, being willing toconfess Christ's deity before men, and being baptizedfor the remission of sins (John 8:24, Acts 17:30, 8:37, 2:38). The Lord will then add you to his church (Acts2:47).
A few years ago, Connie W. Adams wrote an excellent article entitled "Umbrella Religion" in which he warned of the fallacy of considering apreacher to be "sound" simply because he was against certain things (such as, the church support of human institutions) or for certain things (such as, morality). He pointed out that a "sound" preacherwill be sound in every area of teaching. He statedfurther the same point in connection with local churches.
Tom Bunting desires to go to Norway to preachChrist. After letting brethren know of his desire, months passed with very few commitments for support. In fact, the only promise of continuing monthly support was from an individual. What's wrong? Brother Bunting is a qualified and maturepreacher. He and his family have lived in Norwaybefore. They speak the language. His wife Shirley isa qualified and capable teacher. What's wrong? Ibelieve that a fundamental lack of soundness exists in many churches of Christ that are supposed to be"sound" when it comes to their practice in the realmof evangelism. Let's consider the scriptures.
CHURCH TO SEND
In Acts 13, inspiration has recorded the HolySpirit directing that THE CHURCH was to "Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them." THE CHURCH "sent them away" (vv. 1-3). The work was evangelism. The scripture says that the church should select men to go and preach and THE CHURCH is to send them.
Our custom is to let the preacher spend the time,money, effort, etc., to determine where he is needed.He then must write articles, letters, and travel,speak, beg and plead to be allowed to give up theblessings of living in a well-to-do country among friends and relatives to go to some country that"knows not God" where language and customs andfalse religions produce inconvenience, barriers, anxiety, home-sickness and sometimes personaldanger in order to accomplish the primary mission ofTHE CHURCH — preaching the gospel. "Thus yehave made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition" (Matt. 15:6).
The preacher has the responsibility to GO (Mk. 16:15; Matt. 28:18-20). The church has the responsibility to SEND (Acts 13:1-3). How many churches are "sound" on this point?
SOME RESPONSIBILITIES OF PREACHERS
- To go (Mk. 16:15; Matt. 28:18-20).
- To preach (2 Tim. 4:2).
- To preach Christ (2 Cor. 4:5).
- To preach truth (Eph. 4:15).
- To reprove, rebuke, exhort (2 Tim. 4:2; Acts 20:12).
- To be an example (Tit. 2:7-8).
SOME RESPONSIBILITIES OF CHURCHES
- To send preachers (Rom. 10:13-15; Acts 13:1-5).
- To support preachers (Phil. 4:10-18; 1 Cor. 9:1-18;2 Cor. 11:1-15; Lk. 10:7).
- To hear Christ preached (Matt. 17:5; 1 Thess. 1:56; 2:13).
- To search the scriptures (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1).
- To receive exhortation (Heb. 13:22).
- To be an example (Rom. 1:8; 2 Cor. 9:1-5; 1 Thess. 1:7-8).
SUMMARY
Are we "sound" on evangelism? Are you willing togo to Norway? Germany? Japan? Australia? Africa?If you are, who will send you? And if you are notwilling to GO, are you willing to SEND? Too few aregoing. WHY? Many "doors" are open that may be closed at any time. Do you know where? Do you care?
CHURCHES TAKE NOTE: If you are "laying up treasures" in your bank account while able men,willing to GO, cannot find a church or churches to SEND, are you "sound"? I challenge you to considerthe fact that the Macedonians sacrificed financiallyto do "beyond their power" the work IN ANOTHER LOCALE for which Paul had shown them responsible. If you oppose the "missionary society"and the "sponsoring church" arrangement, then youmust act; and you must act NOW! I challenge you tobe sound in evangelism that the gospel may bepreached to a lost and dying world, that souls may besaved, and that God may be glorified. And remember, that we have the responsibility to preachand to keep on preaching whether anyone ever responds to the message. (Remember Noah). Let usall pray for soundness in the work of evangelism anddo our part to see that it happens.
For about two years now, we at Wendell Avenuehave had a telephone Bible message program. It seemsto be working rather well and several congregationshave requested information about the program and recently some individuals have suggested that wedescribe this program via this medium.
This Dial a Bible Moment program is not "our baby", so I feel somewhat presumptuous to attemptto describe it. What we have done is take various ideas from around the country and try to put them togetherin a workable format. Brother Rod Boston, inRichmond, Kentucky, has to be given much credit forthe work he has done in a similar program and for the aid and encouragement he has given me in this endeavor.
Basically, the system works like this: we use twoCode-a-Phone telephone answering machines. We hadthe telephone company install a telephone line andjack, for each machine, that would be compatible withthe equipment. We have used what is called a rotarydialing system. What this means is that if someonecalls our DABM number and one machine is in operation, the call is automatically switched to theother machine. Only if both machines are in operationdoes the caller get a busy signal. Of course, you mayuse only one line and machine or several. The numberused would depend upon the number of calls received. For more than a year we used only one machine, but finally the call volume was high enough to warrantanother line. One way of telling whether another line and machine is needed is to have the telephonecompany run a busy survey. When they do they areable to tell you how many people call and hear a busysignal instead of the taped message. When we did this, we found that on one day 110 callers received a busy signal instead of hearing the Bible message.Surely, several of these 110 calls were repeats butstill the number was too high. We immediatelyadded the second machine and telephone line. As the number of calls builds up we will again have a busysurvey performed and "take it from there."
Endless loop tapes are available to fit these answering machines in various time lengths rangingfrom 30 seconds to 3 minutes. I try to vary the length, and of course the time of the tape will depend upon thelength of the message. We always try to leave about 15seconds at the end of the tape for the callers to leave their names and addresses if they wish to receive the correspondence course we always offer. I try to tie theend of the message into a need for Bible study. Forexample, if the message has to do with the Judgment, Imight have an encouraging tie in to the correspondence course like this: "How about you? Areyou ready for the judgment? If not, we would like tohelp you
prepare to face God and so we offer free of any charge,a Bible correspondence course that will help you knowwhat God would have man to do. You may request thisstudy, taken in the privacy of your home, by leavingyour name and address at the tone. ..." If a messagefits in well with a particular tract we also offer that.
Material for the taped messages may come fromvarious sources. I have found that many short bulletinarticles make great outlines or scripts for the message. Basic sermon outlines also work well and sometimes a current event in the newspaper lends itself well to a message.
It seems almost impossible to predict how manypeople will leave their names requesting a correspondence course or tract. Some weeks we mayhave 700 calls and only 5 people will leave their name, yet on other weeks we may only have 500 callsand 50 people might request the study.
When we do receive a request, we send them Lesson1 of the correspondence course (we use the 8 lessonHurt series). We also include a welcoming letter that has a clip out section to return if they desire our bulletin, a home Bible study, or transportation toworship. On the back of the letter is a map showingour location, a little discussion on what to expect ifthey visit our services, the time of our services, and ashort outline on the gospel plan of salvation.
When they finish the course (lesson 8) we then have apersonal follow-up in their home. Since Louisville is solarge and spread out, we try to enlist the aid of otherfaithful congregations in our area if the individual doesnot live close to us. We operate on the theory that a"searcher for truth" is going to be more willing toassemble and study with the Lord's people if they donot have to drive past 6 other sound congregations toget to us. While we would like to have them here, ourultimate interest is in the salvation of their soul. If that means another congregation gets the "body count," then so be it.
We advertise our program weekly in the Louisville newspapers and simply use an enlarged version of thesticker seen here. We also try to paste a sticker on each piece of correspondence that goes out of here and alsoencourage our members to use them. One of our eldersis a doctor and he even puts these stickers on hismonthly statements. Also, any time we have handouts, meeting announcements, meeting outlines,etc., we try to use these stickers.
We have been thrilled to see our number of calls increase from 200 monthly to nearly 3,000. We believethat if we can get 50+ people to hear a Bible messagedaily, surely some good shall come of it. Perhaps onething to keep in mind is that not everyone will immediately respond and request the correspondencecourse or a home study. Personally, I have not been asconcerned with this as I have in simply sending out theword. I guess it's just that "ole" idea of planting,watering, and the increase! It surely takes time to reapa crop from planted seed. I wouldn't be surprised tofind that someone who requests a study this weekmight not be someone who first called months ago. Iguess I'm trying to say, be patient. Remember, wehave 3,000 calls now but first had 200. But I also remember that we were thrilled with those first 200 calls, too!
We have found the Dial a Bible Moment program tobe a very viable and cost effective way to proclaim thegood tidings. You may too.
In the New Testament are several figures teachingus to fashion our lives after Jesus. He is our exampleor pattern (John 13:15). We are to follow Him (Matt.16:24) and to imitate Him (I Cor. 11:1). Christianshave fellowship with Christ (I Cor. 1:9 and I John1:3). We are taught to emulate His specific traits(Eph. 5:2), walking as He walked.
Standing out among these is an expressive illustration mentioned only once. This is the word translated example in I Peter 2:21, "Because Christalso suffered for you, leaving you an example that youshould follow in His steps." So interesting are thecomments about this by Guy N. Woods that we quote the entire paragraph from his, "A Commentaryon the New Testament Epistles."
QUOTE: "'Example,' in the text, is from hupogrammon, accusative singular of hupogrammos, from the preposition hupo-, under, and gramma, to write: thus, literally to write under; to copy, and herefiguratively, a pattern or model for imitation. It is afigure suggested by the copy book method ofteaching penmanship. Christ thus becomes the copy-head, the beautiful writing at the top of the page. Implied in the figure is a copy book, a perfectpattern of writing, a white, unblemished sheet ofpaper, the student's effort to transcribe the copy, the awkward attempts in the beginning, persistentdetermination, constant and unremitting practice;and then, eventually—success!" (End of quote.)
The Zondervan Analytical gives what it calls theproper meaning of this word as, "a copy to writeafter."
We see in a classroom above the blackboard a series of black cards with the capital and small lettersupon them in white. They are written perfectly forthe students to imitate and to drill upon. The ancientforms to copy from were similar to this in their arrangement and in the way they were used.
Thayer's first (the "proper") definition of hupogrammos is: "1. a writing-copy, including all the letters of the alphabet, given to beginners as anaid in learning to draw them." He then cites this useby a secular writer as he does several for the figurative usage, which he next defines as follows: "Hence 2 an example set before one." He states that this word is in our text, I Peter 2:21. He indicatesthat it occurs only this one time in the New Testament.
It is the figurative meaning of the term which hascome down to our time in the language of the Greeks.Now they use it to mean a model or a pattern.
It was in this sense that the inspired Peter usedthe word. We should faithfully copy Jesus as ourstandard. Paul cautioned imitators of himself to do so only as far as he followed Christ (I Cor. 11:1).
Many years ago penmanship copy-books were printed with a line of writing across the top of eachpage. Below this were several blank lines for copying it. Teachers found that a pupil would copy his own bottom line each time. Thus, down the page, a defectwould become more and more pronounced. So, aninventive person designed the "movable copy," astrip which was moved down a line at a time. Thiskept before the student the perfect model to copy on each line.
The application is obvious. We have heard andread many lessons urging churches carefully to followscriptural precepts, examples, and necessaryinferences. Copying copies would lead to following errors and increasing them. The same care is necessary in the lives of individual Christians as theywork at directly copying Christ. We might write(live) after other copies (lives) Heb. 13:7. But weshould constantly and carefully check them with themaster-copy (Jesus). It is vital that we closely followour original and perfect "writing-copy."
Please Renew Promptly!
THE NEWS LETTER REPORTS
"... They rehearsed all that God had done with them .. ."—Acts 14:27 Send all News Items to: Wilson Adams, 317 Trinkle Ave., N.E., Roanoke, VA 24012
DOUGLAS-AUGUA PRIETA NEWSLETTER known as the Westside church of Christ. The building will seat 80CHARLES F. HOUSE, P.O. Box 1031, Douglas, AZ 85607. We are people although at present there are only three members. Come andhappy to report that two precious souls were born into the family ofvisit with us when traveling or vacationing in the area. God recently. Pedro Ramirez is the fine preacher at Agua Prieta andis assisted in the work by Camilo Villegas, another fine preacher andLINCOLNTON, NC WORK personal worker. We are anxiously looking forward to the day when GILES PAINTER, P.O. Box 1323, Lincolnton, NC 28092. Lincoln we can see these two men installed as elders. The Augua PrietaCounty, NC has a population of 47,000 people. Being a native of thischurch is a wonderful example of love, dedication, and puregood state and knowing the need, I have looked to this county withdoctrine. Concerning the English congregation in Pirtleville, we desire to establish the Lord's church here for a number of years. I
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moved here June 21, 1979, and the following Lord's day beganmeeting in our home. While the work has been hard, we have seentwo baptized into Christ. We are few in number, only a dozen or so,but we have work to do and we shall be about our Father's business. April 13, 1980 we began meeting in our building following a 12-daymeeting with Benton Graves. Other meetings are planned for thecoming months with Wallace Whitehorn (Aug. 3-8), and Irven Lee(Nov. 9-14). Keep us in mind when in our area and visit with us. Weare located east of Lincolnton on Hwy. #27, just east of the junctionof Hwy. #73. If you have friends who live in this area please let usknow. Phone: (704) 735-4416.
WORK IN MOBILE, AL JIMMY TUTEN, JR., 7911 Country Dr., Mobile, AL 36609. Thereception among the brethren here has been the best that I haveexperienced in a long time. All are pulling together, are zealous, anddemonstrating the true character of Christianity in their lives. Weare greatly encouraged by what is taking place at Tillman's Corner.Several special classes have been conducted already. Groupvisitation and personal work is beyond the planning stage. A veryspecial teenage class on Sunday afternoons has been responded toin an exemplary fashion. Plans for our "special Bible lessons," thefirst of May, are moving in a positive way and we are planning for abusy summer. If we can build on the foundation that has been laidin a very positive way, the future will look bright for us. If there isanyone we can contact within driving distance, let us know. Thoseof you who have encouraged me with your letters and notes, thankyou and God bless you.
PREACHERS NEEDED DALHART, TX — Darrel Shaw who labored with us for 15 years has now moved to Houston and we are in need of a preacher. Wehave about 30 members. Our building is paid for but we do nothave a preacher's home. At the present we could provide $200 aweek in support and will do our best to increase that amount as weare able. As we do not have elders we would prefer a seasoned manto work with us, but would like to contact anyone who may beinterested. Al Watkins of Amarillo has been preaching each Sunday for the past
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several months. His phone number is (806) 622-2054. Also JohnnieMonden (806) 249-2323, or BUI McMurry (806) 249-4018. Themailing address of the church is Box 622, Dalhart, TX 79022.
WESLACO, TX — The church of Christ at Weslaco, TX is in need of a preacher. We have 10 members and can pay one-third or moreof his support. If interested contact R. Dodd, 310 South Texas Ave., Weslaco, TX 78596.
ORANGE, CA — The church in Orange, CA (located 30 miles S.E.of Los Angeles) desires a preacher to work with them. We are acongregation of 70 members, self supporting, with an averageattendance of 90. For more information contact: Bill Barr, (714)595-8073, or L. O. Anderson (714) 581-3523. Or write the church at 1838 N. Shaffer Ave., Orange, C A 92665.
MARKED TREE, AR — The church here needs a man to work with them. The church has an attendance of 50-60. Partial supportand a house can be provided. For more details write the church atBox 115, Marked Tree or call Al Hale at (501) 358-2933. After 6 p.m.call 358-2707.
PEWS FOR SALE WARNER ROBINS, GA — 18 pews, 12 feet long, light oak, goodcondition. $2000, you haul. If interested, write Westside church ofChrist, 158 Willow Ave., Warner Robins, GA 31093. Or call 1-(912)922-1158, l-(912)-922-5168,or l-(912)-922-5902. TERRY L. SUMERLIN — If anyone knows of a baby that isavailable for adoption by a faithful young couple, please contactthem as follows: Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Finch, 1416 Ave. O, Freeport,TX 77541. (713) 233-8045.
DIOSDADO L. AENLLE IS DEAD MACKEY W. HARDEN, 3535 N. Biscayne Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46226. The work of the Lord in the Mindanao region of the Philippines has suffered another loss in the death of another faithfulgospel preacher. On Sunday, April 13, 1980, brother Diosdado L.Aenlle of Pagadian City, passed away as the result of a heart attack.He was approximately 58 years old. Brother Wallace H. Little wasin Pagadian City preaching when brother Aenlle was stricken. He,along with several of the Filipino preachers, preached brother Aenlle's funeral. I had been corresponding with brother Aenlle for well over a yearand was very much impressed with his stand for the truth. His goodwidow, sister Charito Aenlle is in need of financial assistance. She is a very dedicated woman and is determined to do all within herpower to ensure that her husbands work continues. If you are ableto lend assistance you may contact her as follows: Mrs. CharitoAenlle, P.O. Box 1326, Pagadian City 7824, Republic of the Philippines. If you would like more information concerning thissituation please contact me at (317) 897-7410.
IN THE NEWS THIS MONTH
BAPTISMS 270RESTORATIONS 163(Taken from bulletins and papers received by the editor)