OVERCOMING DISCOURAGEMENT

Zeal is such a vital part of any project that itsimportance can hardly be over-estimated. It providesthe impetus for activity, the fuel for completion. Itsabsence will almost certainly insure the failure of the project, its presence will cause respect even if the project it energizes is a faulty one (Cf. Rom. 10:1-2).

The most effective deterrent to this wonderful stimulus is discouragement. Discouragement sapszeal, promotes dissociation from the project and isoften the primary cause of failure. Even the concept ofthe word illustrates the point. "Dis," an English prefixcarrying the force of "away"; "courage," the confidence or moral energy needed to accomplish athing; thus, to do away with the zeal or energy toaccomplish a thing. A person discouraged is an empty shell, a wretched soul completely discomfitedby his own sense of failure. A person devoid of hiscourage constantly diminishes his own self-image, becomes a burden to society and is a prime candidate for a number of emotional disorders.

The devil makes good use of discouragement. Hevery often makes little effort to cause overt sin, hemerely causes discouragement instead. In doing so healters plans, thwarts purposes, impedes progress by robbing people of the zeal which enables these goalsand purposes to become realities. Discouragement is a most effective tool. It comes about with little effort on the devil's part and will stay long past the time itought even when we have fought it off as best as we can. A person cannot entertain enthusiasm and discouragement at the same time; they mitigate against one another. To hold to one is to diminish the other; they have effects which are opposed to oneanother.

The effects of discouragement are many, but to mymind one of the most damaging is its weakening of our sense of aim. A person's aim is absolutely vital to hiswell-being and particularly to his sense of spiritual well-being. Without aim there is no special place to go.Without aim there is no need for the concentration of energies. Without aim there is no cause for unity, nocall for togetherness. Our hope is connected to aim.Our achievements are connected to aim. Our sense of self-esteem is connected to aim. Discouragement dullsour enthusiasm for accomplishment, retards our desireto fulfill. It dispirits our aim.

Discouragement is involved in many of the sins oflethargy. It is the cause of some, the effect of others.Indifference, for instance, may be either the cause ofdiscouragement or the effect of it. First, discouragement promotes dullness and inactivitythereby causing indifference. But indifference is veryoften the result or effect of discouragement because ofits ability to dull our sense of dedication. Other problems in this special category of sins which arecaused by or result from discouragement include disinterest, lack of attendance, sporadic involvement,and a host of others. It is easy to see why the devilmakes such wide use of discouragement, seeing that itaccomplishes so much with so little effort on his part.

The decision to do a thing is always antecedent tothe realization of that thing. Discouragement inhibitsthe decision-making mechanism. Because a person isdisheartened, he is doubtful. He begins to questioneven his own abilities to function, he has mentalreservations about his aim, and he is likely more mentally occupied with the possibility of failure thansuccess. He is tentative in his approach to the entireaffair. The obstacles which line the way of any worth while project become insuperable and very oftenare magnified completely out of proportion. The self-confidence needed to accomplish the goal now takes a back seat to the discomfiting feelings of doubt and the disheartening visions of failure. The result is "don't try!" It's the easy way out.

There is no easy solution for discouragement becauseeven the residue left after its expulsion is sufficient tocause continued problems. But I suggest severalthings which will help us to overcome this most subtle deterrent to our faithfulness:

1. Faith—There is nothing which will counteractdiscouragement like trusting in God and remembering his immutability. Faith emboldensus. It causes us to be strong. It removes distrust, doubt, removes despair and depression. We havefaith from a constant contact with God's word (Rom. 10:17) and we derive strength to overcomethereby (Cf. Phil. 4:13).
2. Self—control—Discouragement seeks control over us. We must not submit to it (Rom. 6:17).We must not allow it free course in our minds. Every person becomes discouraged at times,even the most successful. But we must limit those times to a minimum by remaining in completecontrol of ourselves.
3. Spiritual thinking—Discouragement is a mentalprocess, not a physical malady. If we are toovercome it, we must occupy our minds withthings that enable and edify and not allow doubtand distrust to discolor and distort our thinking.There is sufficient material in God's Word which is intended to edify, encourage, embolden (Cf. Col.3:1-3; Phil. 4:8).
4. Intense activity—The quickest way to win over discouragement is to get out of yourself and go dosomething for somebody. Discouragement is very often brought on by feeling sorry for yourself. Quit thinking "poor me" and see whatyou can do to make someone happy! When you doyou will quit feeling sorry for yourself and whenyou quit feeling sorry for yourself, chances arethe discouragement will disappear. It is verydifficult to feel sorry for yourself when your mindis occupied with helping others.

All of us have times of discouragement, times whenwe doubt, times when negativism rules in our minds.We all have times when we distrust our own abilities and lose confidence in our wisdom to handle the affairs of life. But with proper thinking and involvement ingood things we can keep these times out of our livesmost of the time. And when they do come we will recognize them for what they are and know full wellthat we can handle them. A Christian is a sojourner, apilgrim. This world is not his home. And the land towhich we journey is so great and its inhabitants sonoble as to render almost insignificant any trouble ordifficulty we might encounter as we press toward it."Our light affliction, which is but for a moment,worketh for us a far greater and eternal weight ofglory, "said Paul (II Cor. 4:17-18). So, "let us not beweary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, ifwe faint not" (Gal. 6:9). Let us press on!

Searching The Scriptures

Volume 22 DECEMBER, 1981 Number 12

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The Gospel Preacher

By Ben Franklin — Vol. 1 and II

41 sermons on basic themes by one of the truly great preachersof the last century. These are full texts of great sermons, not just outlines. The editor of this paper has preached again and again some of these sermons and yet finds it refreshing to read these books even after having read them through several times.Young preachers especially need to saturate their minds with the able lessons of this stalwart.

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EDITORIAL STEW

Winter is upon us and it is time once again for thatmixture of items which we think need saying but whichrequire short space. Some of our readers have commented that they wish we would present a column along these lines more often. We remind them that "stew" is good at certain times of the yearbut when served too often develops a sameness which loses appeal.

IN JOURNEYINGS OFTEN

The year 1981 found us, as usual, in frequent travelsto preach the gospel in 18 meetings in various parts ofthe nation and in Ontario, Canada besides. In thesemeetings a number responded to the gospel call. Withfew exceptions the meetings were characterized bygood attendance and interest and with a good numberpresent who were not Christians. From various sourceswe continue to read that the day of the gospel meetingis over, and that attending such meetings is but anexercise in boredom. I guess we are just not going tothe same places some of these folks are talking about.There are a few places we know of where the brethrenmight do well to consider reducing the number ofmeetings so that the folks will be hungry for one whenit comes. No congregation should have a meeting justas a matter of routine.

We have worked with many fine gospel preachers, young, middle-aged and older, who are devoted to theLord and who are going competently about their work.At a number of places we have been impressed withsome young families and, in some cases, college agedyouth who are really serious about serving the Lord.

PURELY PERSONAL

We encountered a temporary set-back in our workplans in October after suffering a detached retina inthe left eye which required surgery, the cancellation ofone meeting and being forbidden to drive a car or weara contact lens on the troubled eye for several weeks. Iwas permitted to hold two meetings in November buthad to have my wife drive" me everywhere and also hadto work with half vision. I am thankful that all has gone well thus far, that I still have sight and thatthings should hopefully be back to normal by the timeyou receive this paper. I have now had a detachedretina in both eyes, cataract removed from one, haveall sorts of lens and glasses, but with the help of the Lord am still able to see and attend to most of mywork. My wife says she is thankful that I don't havethree eyes. You have heard of the fellow with one eyeand half sense? Well, let other editors have whateverfun they can get out of that!

OUT OF THE MOUTH OF BABES

During one meeting last summer a little girl gotpretty restless and decided the sermon was much toolong. Finally she spoke out loud and asked her mother, "Why didn't he just write us a letter?"

DISMISS US,BROTHER, PLEASE DISMISS US Somehow we are failing in efforts to train brethrenfor taking part in public worship. Some seem to haveno understanding of what is needed in giving thanks atthe Lord's Table, and some have no concept at all of what it means to dismiss an audience in prayer. Frequently, brethren will pray for the sick, the president, the preacher, the elders, will quote scriptureto the Lord, and pray for the forgiveness of sins (whenit has only been a few minutes since that same petitionwas raised). All of this after the audience has been standing through the invitation, closing announcements and remarks and after the same requests have been made known only shortlybefore. A dismissal ought to be that—a dismissal."Let all things be done decently and in order."

CROSSROADS AGAIN

The evidence continues to mount that the Crossroads Philosophy" of the now infamous Gainesville, Florida church is cultish in design and practice. The book, THE MASTER PLAN by adenominationalist named Coleman, is the basis of the whole concept which includes the monopolizing oftime, "soul talks", and "prayer partners." There arenow about 60 congregations in this country orderedafter the "Crossroads philosophy." The liberal camp isin a battle royal over it and many of them are able tosee what even a few conservative brethren, includingthe editor of VANGUARD, either cannot or will not see. Some of us have been criticized for speakingagainst Crossroads when we have never been there.Well, I have never been drunk, but I know what iswrong with it. I have never been to Hell either, but Iknow enough about it to warn people against it. I canread, and fairly well understand what I read and thereis enough information available about Crossroads that it is not necessary to go spend a week with themgetting their guided tour in order to speak out againstthis evil. It is terribly naive to say that the best thingCrossroads has going for them is "total commitment." "Total commitment" to what? Is Crossroads involved in teaching or practicing error asa congregation? For starters, would someone like totake their "prayer-partner" practice and see if he canfind a forty-second cousin to it in the New Testament? We urge brethren not to allow a burningdesire to strike a dramatic chord for brotherhood unityto cloud judgment.

RELIGIOUS SUPPLY CENTERNOW HAS WATTS LINE

In a continuing effort to provide greater service toout of state customers, Religious Supply Center ofLouisville now has a toll free number for you to call forfaster delivery on your orders. Dial 1-800-626-5348.This applies to all states except Kentucky, Hawaii andAlaska. The number for Kentucky residents remains502-366-9014. David, Phyllis, Mary Catherine andMarie all appreciate your business and stand ready tobe of help with your orders for Bibles, books, tracts,class literature, communion supplies, maps, film strips, and even baptisteries. Don't forget hymn books as well. You will not get faster and more efficient service anywhere, nor from more pleasantpeople. Our working relationship with them continues to be as pleasant as it was the day westarted. We are glad their business is doing so well andfeel certain that their advertisements in this paperhave contributed much to their growing success.

AT EXPRESSWAY

The work at Expressway in Louisville continues in agood way. Jerry Parks is the able preacher. His effortshave borne much good fruit in the past year. Our workis peaceful and enjoyable. Art Ogden preached in a spring meeting and Weldon Warnock in the fall. Bothmeetings were well attended and did much to stimulate the church to greater service. In 1982 welook forward to a spring meeting with Dee Bowmanand in the fall to having Roy E. Cogdill with us again.In June, J. Wiley Adams will be with us in a weekendseries on "The Family." By the time you receive this paper, we will be into our winter classes for December, January and February. The editor will teach classes during these three months on "DANGERS WE FACE", "PRESSURES ON MODERN MARRIAGES", and "EZRA AND NEHEMIAH—The Restoration of the Remnant." Two years ago we began a different approach in our adult Bible classes which has produced much greater interest and more diligentstudy. Each quarter we offer 5 elective classes onboth Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. We allow our high school students to take part in thischoice. We have no class meeting in the auditorium.We continue to offer the same courses (with the sameteachers) until everyone has had each of these classes.Then new books or subjects are chosen. For instance,this past quarter, there was an option for all whowould go into one of these classes on Parables, MinorProphets, Jeremiah, Titus, Old Testament Survey, Prayer, Faith, Judgment and Opinion, The Christian and His Attitudes, Proverbs. In January we begin anew slate of classes for both Sunday morning andWednesday night. After visiting many places year inand year out, we are convinced that Expressway has asgood an arrangement for Bible classes as can be found anywhere. We would welcome students who attend the University of Louisville or any of the othercolleges in the area. There are also a number of otherfaithful churches in the greater Louisville area which

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KILLED WHILE LEAVING SERVICES

Brother Harry Perkins, who served for many yearsas an elder at Preston Highway church in Louisville,Kentucky, was involved in an automobile accidentright in front of the Preston Highway building whileleaving after services on Sunday night, October 25.His wife was injured as was another sister who wasriding with them. L. E. Sloan conducted services onWednesday, October 28. Not only was brother Perkinswell known by local brethren but was known and lovedby many gospel preachers who have preached eitherlocally or in meetings in this area over the years. Oursympathy to sister Perkins and the family.

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NEW SUBSCRIPTION PAPERS

STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES is now beingpublished by RON DALY on a bi-monthly basis. Thepaper is 8 1/2 X 11 and will run from 16 to 20 pages.Annual subscription price is $8. Brother Daly is one ofour very fine black preachers, possessed of great ability both in writing and preaching. The first issue ofthis paper was excellent. Send all subscriptions to: RonDaly, P.O. Box 1647, Pine Bluff, AR 71613.

THE EXPOSITORY REVIEW begins in January as a monthly edited by Robert L. McDonald and published by R. L. Craig. Brother McDonald is an experienced and able preacher and writer. He presently works with a fine congregation in Odessa,Texas. The printing work of Bob Craig is always firstclass. Annual subscription rate is $6 a year. Subsmay be sent to: The Expository Review, P.O. Box2375, Harker Heights, TX 76541. A prospectus hasbeen issued and you may have one by writing to theaddress given above.

We offer our best wishes to these new papers andeditors as they sail out on the often stormy and financially uncertain seas of religious journalism.

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BEHIND THE SCENES

Those who receive and benefit from this paper areindebted, along with the editor, to the efficient anduntiring efforts of Barbara C. Adams, beloved wife of the editor. She keeps the mailing list current, runs iteach month by a cut-off date on to what is called adick-strip so the printer can then slice and stick eachindividual address as a label, handles daily postingchores, attends to all monthly billing, handles nearlyall of the business related correspondence and countless other things absolutely essential to the operation of this paper. In addition to that, she keepsthe homes fires burning and makes it possible for theeditor to keep up with his often hectic schedule ofpreaching and teaching. When she accompanies mefor a meeting that means she has to work many hoursin advance and then has to play "catch up" whenreturning home. To keep from having too little to do,she helps her mother daily (when she is at home) inattending to her father who has been a bedfast invalidsince 1965. Now for several weeks she must be mychauffeur and at least

for the November issue of the paper, had to be theproofreader. Her chores are many, her burden oftenheavy. Somehow she manages to get it all done withgrace and dignity while maintaining her sanity and hersense of humor. If I am careful, I can get this in theDecember paper without her knowing it until the paperarrives from the printer. Otherwise she would protestany such notice for she has never sought the limelight.I just thought our readers ought to know a little aboutwho makes this editor tick, and who really makes itpossible for you to receive your paper each month."Honor to whom honor." "Many daughters have donevirtuously, but thou excellest them all."

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WE ARE GRATEFUL

Without the continuing confidence and support ofour readers we would be out of business. We do not take you for granted. Thanks to all those who haveaccepted without complaint the necessary increase forthose who were receiving the paper on the reducedrates about which we had to write several months ago.And again, many thanks to those brethren who unselfishly give of their time and talents to providethe material for this paper. We wish for all a spiritually prosperous 1982. Keep searching the Scriptures.

DOES THE END JUSTIFY THE MEANS?

QUESTION: Is Paul's statement "Let us do evil,

that good may come" (Rom. 3:8), the same philosophy

as "The end justifies the means"? It seems obvious to

me that Paul is condemning the latter. In what ways

do you see violations today that would justify the

same condemnation?—I.P.

ANSWER: I believe that our querist has a proper

conception of Rom. 3:8 and perhaps his list of

violations would be as good as mine. However, the

request merits careful attention and such study should

be profitable to all.

Let it be understood that Paul's statement, "Let usdo evil, that good may come," is not approved, butrather condemned! The context shows this clearly.Some had "slanderously reported" that Paul was teaching such. He said their "damnation is just." Paultaught that "where sin abounded, grace did muchmore abound" (Rom. 5:20). From this, no doubt, someconcluded that the more they sinned, the better itwould be; that such would make for a greater show ofGod's righteousness. Paul condemns this again,saying, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue insin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we,that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" (Rom. 6:1,2). He concludes with emphasis in verse six saying,"that henceforth we should not serve sin."

Evil must never be engaged in, no matter how much"good" (in the eyes of men) may result therefrom. KingSaul, together with the people, brought back from hisbattle with the Amalekites "the best of the sheep andof the oxen, to sacrifice unto the Lord thy God" (1Sam. 15:15). This he did in violation of the command to"utterly destroy all that they have, and spare themnot; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass" (1 Sam. 15:3).Even though sacrifice was a precious thing in the sight of God, it became evil when one had to violate anothercommand of God in order to do it. It is never right topit one command of God against another. Hence,Samuel said unto Saul, "Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeyingthe voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better thansacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornnessis as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejectedthe word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee frombeing king" (1 Sam. 15:22,23).

During the personal ministry of Jesus, some Jews"did evil, that good may come" by saying, "Corban"(Mk, 7:11). The word "Corban" was a Hebrew word denoting a gift or dedication to the temple or God.When so dedicated the property or gift could not beappropriated to another use. God also commanded them to "Honour thy father and thy mother" (Mk.7:10). They excused themselves from the latter bysaying "Corban." Thus, they violated one command inorder to keep another, namely, support the temple.While supporting the temple was good, it became evilwhen they violated a command of God in order to do it.

Some today fail to help their parents or a neighbor intime of need upon the grounds of what they give to thechurch. Some expect the church to care for theirparents, offering the excuse that they give "what theyare able" to the church. Such violates Paul's instructions, "If any man or woman that believethhave widows, let them relieve them, and let not thechurch be charged; that it may relieve them that arewidows indeed" (1 Tim. 5:16). Again, Paul said, "Butif any provide not for his own, and specially for thoseof his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel" (1 Tim. 5:8). All should remember that we have an obligation to our "own" over, above, and beyond our obligation to the church—it is in addition to our obligation to the church.

Some brethren "do evil, that good may come" by notfollowing the Lord's instructions about resolving personal differences as set forth in Matt. 18:15-17.Instead, they malign, backbite, and often work up aparty spirit against a brother or sister in an effort tocorrect what they think is a personal injury to them.Even if the injury be real and in need of correction,making it public and working up a party spirit ofopposition to the guilty is a violation of the procedureset forth by our Lord.

The Missionary Society came into being because of adesire to do good by evangelizing. However, God'spattern of church organization and the principle of theall-sufficiency of the church had to be violated in orderto do this "good." All the "good" in the world will notjustify violating God's pattern for his church and itswork.

Likewise, some are guilty today for the same reasonin their efforts to do the benevolent work of the church through organizations of men.

The sponsoring church arrangement is another example of such evil. Here, the work of many churchesis accomplished through one church and under thedirection of one eldership—all of which violates thelimitation God imposes upon the oversight of elders,namely, "the flock of God which is among you" (1 Pet.5:2;, All the "good" done otherwise will not justify the violation of God's divine limitation.

Even our very attitude of heart may be in violation of heaven's will as we go about exposing evil andcondemning sin. If so, we are guilty!

We must be careful lest we "do evil, that good maycome." Paul said that the "damnation" of those guilty of such "is just."

A HEALTHY CRICK IN THE NECK

A crick is "a painful spasmodic affliction of the muscles, as of the neck and back." Physicallyspeaking, this is not a desirable ailment to have, but ina figurative sense, a crick in the neck may be a good sign, especially if it exists for the right reason.

Columnist George Will, addressing university graduates in California in 1977, recommended thatthey learn to live with a crick in the neck. He wasreferring to a symbolic catch in the neck musclesbrought on by looking backward. "That might not be aheroic posture," he conceded, "but it is prudent."

Those ignorant of the past are condemned to repeatit, the sages tell us. It was in keeping with thissentiment that Will, quoting a teacher of his, said,"The world has suffered much from the bright ideas ofclever people who are so uninformed about the pastthat they do not know that they are addressing old,wrong questions in old, wrong ways.''

He went on to explain: "Commencement would be amelancholy ceremony if those graduating had devotedfour years to looking ahead nervously to the next four decades of necessitous employment in the workadayworld. Rather, education should be primarily an innoculation against the disease of our time, which isdisdain for times past."

Will spoke largely in a political and economic context, but what he said in principle makes sensibleapplication to the churches of Christ. Reading the brittle, age-burned pages of old Restoration journals, such as the Gospel Advocate of 50-100 years ago, is almost "instant replay" of questions, problems, and attitudes of brethren today. Only the names and Victorian peculiarities are appreciably different.

If New Testament Christians in the middle years ofthe 20th century had been informed on the real issuesand consequences of the organ-missionary society controversy, the institutional-social gospel delusionsof the 1950s and 1960s would not have set so many once faithful congregations on the road to denominationalism. All too often the Restoration movement has been romanticized and the men who led it "canonized," while the great principles of divinetruth to which the movement and the men were largelydedicated have been ignored or re-interpreted in thelight of a biased historical revision.

All Christians, particularly young men who will greatly influence the churches in the decades ahead,need to develop a healthy crick in the neck fromlooking backward to the roots and development of theRestoration movement. This does not mean that we should live in the past, hold to human traditions, orferret doctrinal idiosyncrasies to espouse. Nor that weshould fear new ideas and methods (duly measured bythe Divine Standard). But lessons may be learned fromthe experiences of brethren in past generations thatmay be learned in no other way. We can be instructedby their teaching, find encouragement in their virtues,and take warning from their frailties.

The principles involved in restoring "the ancient order of things" are as needed today as they were inthe early years of the 19th century. But restoredChristianity cannot survive by occasional doses of nostalgic sentimentalism regarding these principles,nor can they remain a vital force in the salvation ofsouls by default of their enemies. The Restoration pleamust be clearly understood and aggressively advocated if New Testament Christianity is to survive and prosper into the 21st century. This ishardly possible apart from a knowledge of the events that gave birth to the plea and of the rugged road it has traveled during the past and present centuries.

As George Will said, looking backward may not be aheroic posture, but it is prudent. A healthy crick in theneck from looking backward into the history of thechurches of Christ during the 19th and 20th centuriesis an ailment we can ill afford to have cured.

THE KOSCLUSKO CONFESSION ANDPERJORATIVE NAMES

In the deep South there is a little college calledMagnolia Bible College which is located at Kosclusko,Mississippi. Several of these small colleges have cropped up during the post war years. This one is operated by what we call the "liberal" or "institutional" brethren. Its president is Cecil May,Jr. and he editorializes a Bible question department inthe college paper. Brother May makes a confession inthe May, 1981 issue of the paper which I did notbelieve would ever be made by these brethren. Headmitted he was an "ANTI!" He further stated that the term "anti" was a "perjorative name" (whatever that is). I searched through three dictionaries and could not find it. However, mine are getting a little old and might not list a sixteen cylinder word like that. Iassume the perjorative name would be about the same as a ' 'prejudicial name.''

I see in this confession several things. One is asoftening attitude towards the ones of us who haveopposed these innovations throughout the years.Possibly one reason for this is that these brethren havebeen locked in such a bitter struggle with what theycall the "classical liberals," they, therefore have become less austere towards us. Much of what he saysin this brief article is true. The terms "liberal" "conservative" and even "anti" are all relative and must have some sort of comparison. I wrote an articleseveral years ago in which I admitted that to some Iwas "liberal" and to others "conservative." The word "anti" is a prefix used in forming adjectives and nounsderived from them. Since it means "against" it is nevercomplete alone. To avoid misrepresentation, I will givethe article in its entirety: "QUESTION: What is theanti-church? Do you feel it is a part of the body ofChrist in spite of doctrinal differences? RESPONSE:'Anti' means against. In the Bible and 'anti-Christ' is someone who is against Christ because he denies thatJesus is the Christ (I John 2:22) or that he came in theflesh (I John 4:3). The term 'anti-church' is not exactlylike that. It is a derogatory term used to describe a congregation or a person who is 'against' something which the one who so describes it is 'for.' So to the 'Disciples of Christ' or 'Christian Churches' we are 'antis' because we are against instrumental music.Those who oppose churches contributing to orphan's homes, and cooperative efforts where one congregation sponsors a work to which several congregations contribute, and eating in church buildings, are sometimes called 'antis' by some of us, because webelieve those things are scriptural and right. Thosewho opposed Sunday morning Bible classes at thebuilding or multiple cups are referred to as 'anti' even by those that we call 'anti.' On the other hand, thosewhom we call 'anti' call us 'liberal,' because we do contribute to orphan's homes and sometimes eat inchurch buildings. It would be better by far to leave offperjorative names. When we need to refer to one another, it would be better to say something like,Those who oppose orphan's homes,' or 'Those who believe in sponsoring church arrangements.' That hasthe advantage of being both understandable and acceptable to the ones referred to; yet it still sayswhat needs to be said. Whenever the gospel ispreached and obeyed, the obedient hearer is saved andadded to the church (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:47). It is myunderstanding that those who oppose orphans' homes, etc., are in the Body of Christ, are brethren, brethrenin error. It is a sin not to have a heart of compassion for the homeless. It is sin to fail to provide, 'as we haveopportunity,' for those in need. (James 1:27; Gal 6:10). It is not necessarily a sin, however, to believe, even erroneously, that doing so in a particular way is wrong. It becomes sin when (1) theduty is left undone, or (2) the belief that some particular way is wrong is bound on others to theextent of breaking fellowship or causing division.

One of the sins of the Pharisees was to attempt tobind traditions and regulations which God had notbound. Jesus and his disciples refused to be bound bysuch tradition (Matt. 15:1-9). For a person or a congregation to limit their own actions in accordance with their own conscience is acceptable and right. Forthem to insist that others do so to the extent of creating a faction and causing division is sin."

The thing which amused me about this article is thathe rebuked his brethren for using the term "anti" andsaid to the people of the First Christian Church he was an "anti". This is what we have tried to tell these "liberals" all along! That all people are "anti" to some things and "liberal" to some, and "conservative" to others. At last we seem to be getting through. BrotherMay did cry a few crocodile tears over some who haveno "compassion" for the homeless. He knows betterthan this. I have never found one of my brethren whodid not have a heart as big as Texas for the homeless.They just oppose institutionalism; not the homeless.One might as well say we must have a "heart ofcompassion for the lost by preaching through a missionary society." Then charge any who do notbelieve in the V.C.M.S., as people who have no compassion on the lost! This is psychological rhetoricand should never be used on the polemic platform.Brother May, makes the usual mistake of using James1:27, and Gal. 6:10 to vindicate his position of taking money out of the church treasury. I must challengehim both

privately and publicly to prove this. I insist that bothpassages are speaking to the individual and not thechurch. Another thing, he says some bind a pattern inbenevolence and evangelism. Yes indeed, and I wonder if brother May will defend what he writes in publicdebate. If so, since we are both from the state ofMississippi this can be arranged. I believe there is apattern for both benevolence and evangelism in the New Testament and am willing to sign a proposition tothat effect. I wonder if brother May will defend whathe said in his article? We shall see.

THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST

The gospel is a teaching process appealing unto themind of man. Christ said, "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: andI will raise him up at the last day. It is written in theprophets, and they shall be all taught of God. Everyman therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of theFather, cometh unto me" (Jno. 6:44-45). Christ said,"Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel toevery creature. . ." (Mk. 16:15). All of this is the waythat the Lord designed to save man from sin.

The gospel is the power of God unto salvation. Mancould not save himself (I Cor. 1:21), so Christ came,went back to heaven, sent the Holy Spirit to guide theApostles into all truth that the gospel might berevealed unto man lost in sin. Paul said, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power ofGod unto salvation to every one that believeth; to theJew first, and also to the Greek (Rom. 1:16;). This isGod's power unto salvation. Since man could not savehimself, then any way or scheme devised by man willnot save his soul. It will take God's power to save.

(1) Men have taught that while a preacher is preaching if one will just place their hand on the radioand give their heart to the Lord, God will save them. (2) Others have taught that if you are a sinner and want to be saved, all that is necessary to be saved iscoming to a mourner's bench and morn and cry over one's sins and call upon the Lord to save. (3) Still others have taught that if man would besaved that he must come forward and pray the prayerof faith. (4) Some have taught that believing only in Christwould save.

(5) Many have taught that there is nothing to do to

be saved, that God will save man by his own grace inhis own good pleasure and time.

(6) Some have taught salvation by a system ofworks.

Since all of these plans invented by man will not savehim, man needs to turn to the Lord Jesus Christ andlisten to His will set forth in the gospel. If man will notobey the will of Christ declared in the gospel of Christ,there is no hope of salvation that anyone can extend tohim.

The gospel of Christ is a certified gospel. Men areliving in a day of specialization and certification. If thefarmer buys seed, he wants those seed to be "certifiedseed". There is a seal on the bag of seed that declaresthat this is "certified seed". The seed of the kingdomwhich is the gospel of Christ is a certified seed. Whenone hears, believes and obeys the gospel of Christ, he ishearing, believing and obeying a certified gospel. Thereis no page in the gospel of Christ that has not beencertified. Paul said, "But I certify you, brethren, thatthe gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taughtit, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ" (Gal. 1:11-12).

The gospel of Christ which is certified will germinatein the heart of the sinner willing to believe the gospel.It will purify the heart of man, Peter said, "Forasmuchas ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptiblethings, as silver and gold, from your vain conversationreceived by tradition from your fathers; But with theprecious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemishand without spot: Who verily was foreordained beforethe foundation of the world, but was manifest in theselast times for you, Who by him do believe in God, thatraised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; thatyour faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye havepurified your souls in obeying the truth through theSpirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that yelove one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever" (I Peter 1:18-23).

Peter said, "Men and brethren, ye know how that agood while ago God made choice among us, that theGentiles by my mouth should hear the word of thegospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth thehearts, bare them witness, giving them the HolyGhost, even as he did unto us: And put no differencebetween us and them, purifying their hearts by faith"(Acts 15: 7-9).

The gospel of Christ is also said to be the mediumthrough which Christ calls men unto him. Many haveoften asked, "Preacher, were you called of God topreach?" to which I always answer in the affirmative.That is, I have been called to serve the Lord in exactlythe same way that every other child of God has beencalled.

However, when one begins to talk with the masses ofpeople about being called of God, nearly everyone has adifferent story to tell. One was in the field plowing andthe Lord, so they say, wrote G. P. in the sky. They justknew the Lord was calling them, telling them to gopreach. While I do not mean to be unkind, those claiming such would have done better to have stayedin the field and plowed. The reason I say this is, I havenever heard men who claim they were called of God inthis way that would tell what the word of God tells oneto do in order to be saved. What a tragedy it is forthose wanting to know what to do to be saved, to betold by one who thinks he has been called of God,something different to what men in the first centurywere told to do in order to be saved.

God has but one means of calling men unto him.Paul said, "But we are bound to give thanks alway toGod for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, becauseGod hath from the beginning chosen you to salvationthrough sanctification of the Spirit and belief of thetruth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to theobtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2Thess. 2:13-14). God calls men by the gospel.

The gospel appeals unto the intellect of man andsince God calls men through the gospel, it follows thatthe medium that God uses to call men is a logical,rational, and understandable medium. God speaksunto men today through the written word, which isthe gospel. Paul said that the Lord called the Thessalonians by the gospel. Since God called them bythe gospel, he calls everybody else by the gospel.

The New Testament records that the process ofhearing the word of God and becoming a child of God issometimes called a birth. John says, "There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of theJews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said untohim, Rabbi, we know that thou are a teacher come fromGod: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest,except God be with him. Jesus answered and said untohim, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man beborn again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and thatwhich is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that Isaid unto thee, Ye must be born again. The windbloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, andwhither it goeth: so is every one that is born of theSpirit. Nicodemus, answered and said unto him, Howcan these things be? Jesus answered and said untohim. Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest notthese things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen and yereceive not our witness" (John 3:1-11).

The Corinthians were begotten by the gospel. Paulsaid, "For though ye have ten thousand instructors inChrist, yet have ye not many fathers: for in ChristJesus I have begotten you through the gospel (1 Cor.4:15). We can learn the sense in which Paul was afather to the Corinthians. He said, "I have planted,Apollos watered; but God gave the increase (I Cor. 3:6). Paul was the one who went to Corinth and preachedthe gospel of Christ, which is the seed of the kingdom.The Corinthians heard the gospel, receiving it into

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their hearts. Since this gospel which they believed wascertified seed, it germinated in their hearts and beganto grow. As it grew in their hearts, they believedstronger the word of God, turned from their sins andwere born again into the family of God. Paul was, tothe Corinthians, a father in the Lord, because he haddeposited the seed of the kingdom, which is the word ofGod, into their hearts by preaching unto them theword of God, the gospel of Christ which is certified.

BAPTISM IS ESSENTIAL TO SALVATION

As you read the Acts of the Apostles, one thing thatis very clear is the fact that in every case of conversion,people did not rejoice until after they had beenbaptized. There must be a reason for that.

You may say, "Well, what is the reason"? Thereason is that baptism is "for the remission of sins"(Acts 2:38), and is therefore essential to salvation.

You may say, "But the majority of the religiousworld teaches that baptism is not essential to salvation, and surely the majority cannot be wrong." Iask the question, what is our standard of authority regarding religious subjects, the majority or The Bible? It is my understanding from the Scriptures thatwe will be judged by the Word of God in the day ofjudgment, not what the majority believes and teaches.In John 12:48 Jesus said, "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: theword that I have spoken, the same shall judge him inthe last day." Thus it is not the word of the majoritythat I am going to be judged by in the last day, butThe Word of God. Now in view of this, let's examine what the Bible says on this subject.

Mark 16:16

"He that believeth and is baptized shall besaved. . ." Notice that in this passage that both belief and baptism come before salvation.

Acts 2:38

"Repent and be baptized.. .for the remission ofsins. . ." Again, from this passage we learn that repentance and baptism both come before the remission of sins.

Acts 22:16

"Arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins. . ." Now in view of the fact that the Bible says in Mark 16:16 that baptism

comes before salvation; Acts 2:38 saysbaptism comes before remission of sins, andActs 22:16 says baptism comes before thewashing away of sins, what would one haveto rejoice about before baptism, the majority of the religious world notwithstanding?

Just for a few moments, let me give you a soberingthought on which to reflect. Perhaps, you had rathernot think about this particular matter, but it might do you good if you do.

Let us suppose you had just one more day to live and you knew you had only one more day—how would youlive?

First, how would you react? With panic or calm?With fear or courage? You might be surprised, yourself, at how you would react.

Suppose a Sunday were to be your last day. Wouldyou spend the day in pursuit of worldly pleasure? Orwould you assemble with God's people and engage inworship of the God that gave you life? SupposeWednesday were to be your last day, would you attendmidweek Bible study and worship? Do you supposeyour mind might turn to the words, ". . .not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is,but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as yesee the day drawing nigh" (Heb. 10:25)?

If you had only one more day to live, would youspend that day with doubts in your mind regarding thequestion of whether there is to be a judgment or not?Whether there is a heaven or hell or not? I do not think so. John wrote, "And I saw the dead, the great and thesmall, standing before the throne: and books wereopened: and another book was opened, which is thebook of life: and the dead were judged out of the thingswhich were written in the books, according to theirworks" (Rev. 20:12). Jesus said of the separation ofmen in the day of judgment, "and these shall go awayinto eternal punishment: but the righteous into eternal life" (Matt. 25:46).

If you have sacrificed a liberal portion of yourmaterial means in support of the service of God and inrelief of those about you in distress, and you realizedyou have only one day to live, would you spend thatday regretting the fact that you sacrificed so much inHis service? I am sure you would not. You would rather be thankful for the fact that you thought seriously enough about heaven that you laid up treasure there. Our Lord said, "Lay not up foryourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth consume, and wherethieves do not break through nor steal: for where thy treasure is, there will thy heart be also" (Matt. 6:1921).

Would you spend the day feuding with an enemy ifyou had only one day left? Would you harbor hatredand bitterness and malice? Would you think, "I've got to get in just one more 'lick' at that guy."? Or wouldyou be more concerned with resolving your problem orconflict? Jesus charged, "If therefore thou art offeringthey gift at the altar, and there rememberest that thybrother hath aught against thee, leave there thy giftbefore the altar, and go thy way, first be reconciled tothy brother, and then come and offer thy gift" (Matt.5:23,24). Would it not be a good time (any time is agood time) to think about the words of Paul, "Avengenot yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrathof God: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me: I will recompense, saith the Lord. But if thine enemyhunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him to drink: for inso doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head. Benot overcome of evil but overcome evil with good"(Rom. 12:19-21).

Only one day left! What would be the tone of yourvoice? Should your words be harsh, biting andcaustic? Or, would you not decide that it is time tospeak softer and gentler words? "Let all bitterness,and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and railing, be putaway from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one toanother, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even asGod also in Christ forgave you" (Eph. 4:31,32). Solomon, the man of great wisdom, wrote of the "virtuous woman" or the "worthy woman", ". . .in her tongue is the law of kindness" (Prov. 31:26).

What would be your attitude toward your husbandor wife? Might you not say, "I love you, honey." just alittle more often? Do you suppose you might think ofsome other ways to show your love? "Husbands, loveyour wives, even as Christ also loved the church, andgave himself up for it" (Eph. 5:25). How much didChrist love the church? Enough to die for it! Wives are to love their husbands too. "that they may train theyoung women to love their husbands, to love theirchildren" (Tit. 2:4).

Surely, you would not spend that "one more day"thinking about material things. I doubt that you wouldcatch yourself thinking, "I've just got to make one more 'buck' before I die." No, I suspect you would spend a lot more of that last day thinking aboutspiritual and heavenly things. There is wisdom in this."Set your mind on the things that are above, not onthe things that are upon the earth" (Col. 3:2). I do notthink you would spend that last day complaining about what you did not "get" materially. It would bevery easy to conclude, and rightly so, "You know, Ireally had 'enough', after all." Paul's perspectiveabout material things is well expressed in the following words, "But godliness with contentment is great gain: for we brought nothing into the world, for neither canwe carry anything out: but having food and covering we shall be therewith content" (I Tim. 6:6-8).

If there is something you have not been doing thatyou know you should have been doing—do you notsuppose that you just might try mighty hard to do itthat one day remaining? It is bad not to do as well asyou know. "To him therefore that knoweth to do good,and doeth it not, to him it is sin" (Jas. 4:17).

Would you occupy yourself trying to justifyyourself in the eyes of men? No, there is somethingthat would concern you more and that is being justified in the sight of God. Take a look at the words of Paul, "For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? or am I striving to please men? if I were still pleasingmen, I should not be a servant of Christ" (Gal. 1:10).When the rulers of the Jews charged the apostles "notto speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. . .Peterand John answered and said unto them. Whether it is right in the sight of God to hearken unto you ratherthan unto God, judge ye: for we cannot but speak thethings which we saw and heard" (Acts 4:18-20). God'sfavor is much more important than the favor of men.

Only one day left! How would you dress? Would youmake a sensual display of your body in apparel immodestly designed? Would you take pleasure in your capacity to turn the eyes of lustful men your way?No, I think not. Not if you remember the words of Paul, "In like manner, that women adorn themselvesin modest apparel, with shamefastness and sobriety;not with braided hair, and gold or pearls or costly raiment; but (which becometh women professinggodliness) through good works" (I Tim. 2:9-10).

How shall I live my last day? In obscene words? Insmuttiness and vulgarity? In words calculated to kindle lust or lead others to sin? Certainly, this is notthe way it should be. "Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for edifying as theneed may be, that it may give grace to them that hear"(Eph. 4:29). "Let your speech be always with grace,seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought toanswer each one" (Col. 4:6).

Would you reason, "I've got to get drunk just onemore time."? No, not if you believe God's Word and want to avoid the consequences of sin. Paul wrote of"the works of the flesh," an extended list, which included "drunkenness," and said, "of which I forewarnyou, that they who practise such things shall notinherit the kingdom of God" (Gal. 5:19-21). You wouldnot do these things of you want to go to heaven.

If you are a Christian, and you had only one day lefton earth, would you spend that day in regret of the factthat you became a Christian and tried to live to the glory of God? No way! Paul, who lived a life of faithfulness, basked in the warmth of the assurance,"there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness,which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to meat that day;" (2 Tim. 4:8).

Seriously, friend, what if you had "JUST ONE MORE DAY?"

The Lord said: "Upon this rock I will build my church." This is the church that was established according to God's eternal purpose. It is an illustration of His many-sided wisdom. The church asthe body of Christ grows as more people please Godand are added as lively stones in this spiritual house(Matt. 16:18; Eph. 3:8-11; I Cor., 12:12-27; Eph. 2:2022; I Peter 2:4-10). Men can never plan or build a churchthat could be anything but a contrast. The price forthe Lord's church was fully adequate, the plan was ofGod, and the perfect Savior is the head. The plan forthe church that is described in detail in the New Testament is the ideal church.

This article is a look at the human element in the church. This study is of the ideal local church. All the members are sinners saved by grace. If one could notworship except at some place where no member ever errs and where every member understands every passage of scripture fully, that one could never worship in an assembly. If he did find that perfectchurch it might not be that perfect after he becamepart of it. The Lord has room in His church for babeswho desire the sincere milk of the word that theymay grow thereby. Many have found fault and leftwho could have learned of more weaknesses if theyhad made careful and honest study of weaknesses ofthose they see when they look in the mirror.

What is an ideal church? What is an ideal? Your dictionary may tell you that one definition would indicate that it exists in imagination only. A definition more in our reach is that it is conforming to a standard of perfection. The standard given by theLord is the perfect law of liberty. The Lord does notset any standard for his people short of perfectionitself. He does not say seldom lie, nor does He ask thatwe steal very little.

We can illustrate the perfection of His standard orgoal for His church by noticing His standard of unity."Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our LordJesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and thatthere be no divisions among you, but that ye beperfectly joined together in the same mind and inthe same judgment" (I Cor. 1:10). Could there be ahigher standard of unity? Has any congregation fullyreached this goal?

Ideals are to be pressed toward. If it is a goal set by the Lord we should press toward it with fear,trembling, and diligence. (Phil. 2:12; II Peter 1:10;Phil. 3:13,14). There are congregations with many members

who are very eager to follow the steps of Jesus who isour perfect example. No standard short of perfection isworthy of the children of God. Their ideal is to be liketheir Lord. "But if we walk in the light, as he is in thelight, we have fellowship one with another, and theblood of Jesus Christ his son cleanseth us from all sin" (I John 1:7). So mercy helps, and can be expected bythose who press with zeal toward the mark of the highcalling of God in Christ Jesus. The Lord would like forHis people in any community to be "a glorious church,not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but thatit should be holy and without blemish" (Eph. 5:27).

A church that conforms to the standard of perfectionin spiritual matters is an ideal church. Since the teaching of Christ is that we lay up treasures in heaventhe church must be interested in pleasing God ratherthan men (Gal. 1:10; Matt. 6:19-21). Men who love thepraise of men more than the praise of God cannotqualify as members of a glorious church. It is a sad daywhen buildings are built, sermons are delivered, anddecisions are made in an effort to impress the publicrather than to please God. Some ways by which aworldly attitude may manifest itself is by soft preaching, extravagant buildings, and unholy conductof members. Some so called churches are little more than country clubs. They have show places for buildings, and preachers who stand for nothing. Anideal church hungers for the whole counsel of God andseeks to apply it fully in the lives of the members. Sothen the will of God is far above the will of the people.

A chain cannot be stronger than its weakest link. Achurch can be stronger than its weakest member sincethe strong bear the infirmities of the weak, but oneungodly member might be a spot or wrinkle or ablemish. Let each and every member strive diligentlyto avoid being a spot on the Lord's holy church.

"Do all things without murmurings and disputings:that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons ofGod, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked andperverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights inthe world; holding forth the word of life" (Phil. 2:1416). If church members are like their worldlyneighbors they do not make up a glorious church. If,instead of being conformed to this world, they aretransformed by the wholesome influence of the wordthey will be as lights in a dark world. They will walkcircumspectly and speak boldly as they ought to speak. If Paul were alive and should write to such achurch he might say "I pray God your whole spirit andsoul and body be preserved blameless unto the comingof our Lord Jesus Christ" (I Thess. 5:23).

Christians were taught to be examples and patternsso that those of the contrary part might be ashamed,having no evil thing to say (I Tim. 4:12; Titus 2:7; IPeter 2:11,12; 3:10-17). If one has no plans to be as saltof the earth, he should not pretend to be a member ofthe church. The Christian is bought with the price sohe is a servant of Christ. He cannot please the worldand Christ (James 4:4). He cannot serve God and mammon (Matt. 6:24), True conversion includes repentance, and this will lead one to make a clear cutdecision to

walk the narrow way of truth and holiness that leads to life.

When we talk about "my position" on a particularsubject or "Bro. so-and-so's position," I trust thatwhat we actually mean is what we believe to be the Biblical doctrine of that subject. It is obvious thateverybody's "position" cannot be the Biblical position because there are usually contradictions between various views. A pertinent question then that needs tobe addressed is how to formulate a true position on anygiven subject. Most people, I think, are interested inholding the Biblical position. But many have notarrived at this view because they have gone aboutforming their views from the wrong standpoint. The purpose of this article is to offer suggestions for forming a true Biblical position on any particularsubject. To do this it is important to examine somefalse bases and then the correct basis for forming a true position. WRONG BASES FOR FORMING A BIBLICAL POSITION:

1. Emotions. It is dangerous to formulate a positionentirely from an emotional standpoint. Do not misunderstand, it is important to have emotions—to feelvery deeply even about religious matters. The point isthat emotions alone are not a sure foundation. Emotions fluctuate depending upon changing cir- cumstances. Emotions are unreliable when searchingfor truth. This is a mistake that many people makeconcerning salvation. They "feel" saved and yet havenot completely obeyed God's will for salvation.
2. Personal experience. This is a corollary to basinga view on emotions. Some people form their viewsaround what has personally happened to them. Thesepeople begin with their own personal experiences andfit their beliefs to their own lives. This often results in justifying things that are in fact wrong or explainingthings away that do not "fit" their experiences. Obviously this is a false basis for forming a true positionbecause the beginning point is wrong.
3. What has always been done. This is the "oldpaths philosophy" which says whatever has alwaysbeen done is surely what is right. Granted, truth doesnot change. But it just might be that what has alwaysbeen done has been wrong all along. This is thesmokescreen used by many brethren to justify theirpractices. But it must be realized that what has alwaysbeen done does not necessarily constitute truth.
4. Hypothetical situations. Many people dream up hypothetical situations and formulate their positionsaround these. This is the basis for the old "died on the way to the baptistery" argument. Some will say thatbaptism is not essential for salvation based upon ahypothetical circumstance. This "method" has also

been used widely in arguments pertaining to divorceand remarriage. All sorts of complicated situations are concocted in attempts to justify divorce and/orremarriage on grounds other than immorality. One ison shaky ground when the best he can do is to offer ahypothetical situation to substantiate his position.

5. Opposite extremes. In an attempt to refute falsepositions, some people go so far to the oppositeextreme that they arrive at another false position. Thisis not to say that all truth is in the middle of the road.It is simply to point out another way in which false positions are formed. For example, in attempts to counter Calvinistic misconceptions concerning thegrace of God, some are leaning toward the position ofdiscounting God's grace altogether. Neither position isright. False concepts need to be countered with truth,not necessarily with the opposite extreme. THE RIGHT BASIS FOR FORMING A BIBLICAL POSITION:

The key to the matter under consideration is simple. One needs to "search the scriptures daily to seewhether these things are so" (Acts 17:11). The key tothe matter is intelligent, unprejudiced Bible study. I offer three simple suggestions for proper Bible study:

1. Study the context. Always look at verses andpassages in light of their immediate and remote contexts. This will guard against misconceptions andmisinterpretations. This is the one rule of Bible studythat so many overlook.
2. Study words. The Bible is a book of words. If oneis ever going to correctly interpret the Bible, then one must study the words that have been revealed. Whenwe understand what the words actually mean, we canmore certainly arrive at the Biblical position.
3. Study related passages. Jesus said that we shouldlive be "every word that proceeds out of the mouth ofGod" (Matt. 4:4). On any particular subject, we need tostudy all of the pertinent verses. All truth on one subject is not necessarily revealed in one verse or passage.A true position is one that takes into account everything the Bible says about the matter.

Avoiding fallacious methods for forming a positionwill clear the way for unprejudiced Bible study, correctexegesis, and holding the true Biblical position on any given subject.