HOW TO DESTROY A SOUND CHURCH

Do you want to know how to destroy a faithful,sound church' of the Lord? There are a lot of peopledoing it, but I doubt any of them would admit thatthey are working toward this goal. You understand, of course, that I am NOT writing this article in the hopeof finding some one to do such a dastardly deed. I amapproaching the subject from a standpoint that will make the guilty realize what they are perhapsignorantly doing to weaken the congregation of whichthey are members. If I do not reach the guilty,hopefully I will help all who are trying to make the church strong to identify by their actions those who are destroying the congregation of which they are members.

The formula for destroying the effectiveness of astrong and growing congregation is a rather simpleand easy one. Of course, no one wants to admit that hewishes to be a party to any such work, but somehowthe majority of religious people today seem to find andfollow the formula to the letter.

There are many characteristics about a sound,strong and faithful church that distinguish it fromothers, and these are the vital points to attack first indestroying such a church. The devil knows this well,and he will plant in the hearts of as many as possiblethe will to do his work. We shall examine the approachof the weak and ungodly and their methods to destroy a sound church.

1. Every strong, effective congregation has a goodteaching program. It must be acknowledged that a"teaching program" is not, within itself, an asset, buta good teaching program to teach the TRUTH is one of the greatest assets any church can have.

Consequently, to contribute something to the

downfall or deterioration of the teaching arrangement

and the effective implanting of the truth in the minds

of children and adults alike will result in the

destruction of a strong church.

There are a number of approaches to accomplish this

destruction. Instead of regular and faithful

attendance, an occasional attendance to Bible classes

demoralizes the teacher, discourages the class, hinders

the plan of teaching by the elders, and keeps you from

learning. You could also roam from class to class in an

effort to become lost and yet claim your fulfillment of

responsibility for being present. That is a successful

way NOT to learn and to keep others from learning.

I must not fail to mention that one of the most

effective ways to destroy Bible study is to never

prepare your lesson or participate during the class

period. If possible leave your work material and Bible

at home. Murmuring and complaining about the

subject matter, the teacher, and other students in the

class contributes to the destruction of an otherwise

effective Bible study.

2. The second point in a strong church to attack andkill is the zeal and thirst for truth and righteousness.Just develop an attitude of apathy—I don't care—andencourage as many others as possible to do the same.Forget about the importance of expressing your love toGod in obeying His commandments (John 14:15; 1John 5:2,3). Be sure to come to the period of worship onLord's day morning and Lord's day evening (if you areinvolved enough to come) with both the attitude andexpression of doing as little as possible and expectingto receive as little as possible.

Find as many faults with the elders, deacons,teachers, preachers, and saints as you can think up. Imakes little difference whether they are true or not. Itwill help distract your attention from the purpose inpraying and singing the praises of God. Never bringyour Bible to worship. Never listen to a lesson with selfin view, and never make an application of any principleof truth to your own life. In substance, be as indifferent toward all that is done or said as is possible with you. Indifference on the part of a largeenough number (and apathy is contagious) will completely

demoralize and destroy the work of a strong congregation.

3. One of the most effective tactics in destroying a sound church is to introduce false and divisive doc trines. Develop yourself into a professional critic, andattack under the guise of "deeper study" about everyprinciple of truth that is presented privately or publicly. Try to make yourself a one man authority onevery issue and an expert umpire in resolving everycontroversial issue. It does not require a great amountof knowledge of the Bible, but it does require a skill inperverting the truth and in ignoring other plain statements that are made in the Bible. It would help toenlist any others who might seem to think as you do toadd to the false and contentious doctrines. It is important to undermine the oversight of scriptural eldersand the sound doctrine from the word of God both privately and publicly. To make your opinionated doctrines even more effective, begin a campaign of settingone brother against another or one family againstanother within the congregation.

False doctrine is an effective method of destroying a sound church. But there is another very effectiveelement to add to this false doctrine approach: adoptthe practice of shifting responsibility to someone else, anyone else. Encourage the elders to give their responsibilities to others—to the preacher. This can bedone almost without notice. The claim to oversight could be retained while literally assigning everydecision and function of the elders to another personto the point that the elders do not really know what isgoing on. The quickest way for elders to lose their oversight and leadership is to lose the personalcommunication with the congregation to which theyare responsible. This has produced more corrupt and unauthorized functions and organizations within thechurch than any other one single practice.

4. One other point in accomplishing the demise of astrong, faithful church is for a large number of themembers individually to love the world and turn backto those things from which they were delivered whenthey obeyed the gospel. The word teaches us not tolove the world, and then defines what the world is (1 John 2:15, 16). To love the world makes us enemies ofGod (James 4:4).

The slow drift both on the part of the ones whopractice immoral conduct of the world and those inthe church who tolerate it will in time lead to the ineffective influence of the church to preach the gospelof Christ to anyone. The Spirit said that they who areafter the flesh will die, but those after the things ofthe Spirit will live. (Rom. 8:5-8).

The works of the flesh are listed in Galatians 5:19-21. The weakening of the church through immorality ismade greater by the fact that immorality is toleratedand even excused by others in the congregation who donot practice it but will not take scriptural action to"purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be anew lump" (1 Cor. 5:7). One or two practicing theworks of the flesh will soon destroy all the influence ofany congregation and render it totally defenselessagainst the powers of this world. Such a church willlose its relationship to the Lord, and the candlestickwill be removed out of its place.

Searching The Scriptures

Volume 22 April, 1981 Number 4

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This is a sordid and sickening picture of the downfall of a good congregation and how to accomplish it. It isnot a theory, but is in fact a cycle in which the historyof many congregations is repeated many, many times.The purpose of this article is to impress upon everyonethe need to avoid any part of this course that would lead to the destruction of any congregation.

It is so easy to allow oneself to drift from the truth ,or to close our eyes to the drifting of another. Thechanges are slow and gradual, but the inevitable consequences are the same. This is the reason the word of God repeatedly exhorts each of us to watchand "examine" ourselves, whether we are in the faith(2 Cor. 13:5).

Page 3

THE COURSE OF THIS WORLD

"And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walkedaccording to the course of this world, according to theprince of the power of the air, the spirit that nowworketh in the children of disobedience (Eph. 2:1-2).With these words Paul contrasted the present happystate of the Ephesians with the former deplorablecondition in which they were found. Before they weremade alive unto God, they served the Devil, were permeated by that spirit which continually dwells inthe disobedient, and ordered their lives after the "course of this world."

The word "course" here is from the word AION, often translated age and sometimes dispensation. In our passage it does not denote a period of time, but amode of dealing, or the cycle or present round ofthings. (W. E. Vine, An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words.). The term "world" denotes the realm in which Satan's influence is felt.

Christians are ever warned against following the course of this world. "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love theworld, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes,and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of theworld. And the world passeth away, and the lustthereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever" (1 Jno. 2:15-17).

The danger to the soul of a Christian from the courseof this world is tragically exemplified in the report that"Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this presentworld" (2 Tim. 4:10). Christians are taught to regardthemselves as strangers and pilgrims who are not to indulge in practices which war against the soul (1 Pet.2:11). "No man that warreth entangleth himself withthe affairs of this life; that he may please him who hathchosen him to be a soldier" (2 Tim. 2:4).

In spite of such sober warnings, it is a lamentablefact that too many who profess to be Christians havefailed to heed these warnings and are so caught up inthe course of this world, that little, if any, distinctionmay be noted between their lives and the lives of thosewho make no claim of serving the Lord.

(1) The things of this world have so captivated the hearts of many of the Lord's own, that they haveexcused themselves from those pursuits necessary todevelop the graces which ever identify the Christian.Under the guise of "making a living" many have settheir affections on things below, rather than those above. Bigger houses, more gadgets, cars, boats.

campers, sporting goods, a thicker carpet, a fashionable wardrobe, and such like have so occupiedthe thinking of many that they have lost interest inmansions in the sky and robes of righteousness. Suchvain pursuits have robbed homes of mothers and children of natural parental affection and guidance.

(2) The pleasures of this world have captured theattention and occupy large segments of the timeof modern people. It is unpopular in many places for gospel preachers to say anything against dancing, drinking, gambling, mixed swimming, movies and television shows which feature everyunholy attitude or expression conceivable. Night timesoap operas play to vast audiences among whom are found many who have been washed in the blood ofthe Lamb, but don't want to miss the next episodeof Dallas or Knot's Landing, or Flamingo Road. Sex,both pre-and extra marital, lying, scheming, cursing,drinking, and you name it—all these and more arecommon fare. Sports- mania is epidemic in America today. Church members will miss worship periods, memorize statistics, and some congregations have even changed service times to keep from inconveniencing some sports nut. Boosters of rival teams have been known to have hard feelings though all were members of the same congregation. And if some player takes his hockey stick and knocks a rival in the head, or some football player isbrutally injured, or a basketball player gets his legscut out from under him after a lay-up, or there is a riotduring a baseball game, then that makes it all the more spicy. After all, who wants a dull contest? Wehave heard Christians seek to justify their "innocent" wagers at a horse track or a Las Vegas casino.Social drinking finds more advocates all the time, evenin Bible classes and pulpits. (3) The dress of this world is more important tosome than modesty, shamefacedness and sobriety, andthat applies to both men and women. Indecent exposure is common among both sexes, including thosewho wear the name of Christ. Strapless, backlessdresses are seen at worship gatherings, along with skintight stretch pants and low necklines. Men, who obviously fancy themselves "macho" appear with theirshirts unbuttoned nearly to their waist. I have seen afew of these real "he men" serve at the Lord's Table with their hairy chests exposed to the congregation.People who have "dress up" clothes and who wearthem to appropriate occasions have decided that worshipping the God who made us is such an ordinary,common-place thing, that we must appear as casuallyas possible lest we allow someone to deprive us of our"liberty." Liberty is one thing; irreverence is another.Such passages as 1 Tim. 2:7-10 and Titus 2:3-5 are stillin the Book and should be given due attention. (4) The speech of this world has so invaded our ranks that many who ought to know better have becomecoarse and vulgar in expression. A few years ago mywife and I excused ourselves from a gathering in which a well known preacher was relating such an indelicatematter that we were both embarrassed. Upon leaving,we told him that we did not want to hear anymore ofsuch talk. Some of the pulpit language is pretty salty

at times in some places. The vulgarisms of degeneratemusicians have become part of everyday expression.Hear the word of the Lord. "Let no corruptcommunication proceed out of your mouth, but thatwhich is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers" (Eph. 4:29). "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt,that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man"(Col. 4:6).

Having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust, let us not become again entangled therein and lose our reward. All too soon the journeyhere will be over and we must stand before our God to give an account. Heaven awaits the righteous, and"every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself" (1 Jno. 3:3).

ARTICLES ON THE CHRISTIAN AND WARFARE IN NEXT ISSUE

The long awaited articles presenting the two majorviews on the Christian and his relation to warfare will appear in the May issue. The editor and Ken Green andEugene Britnell all regret the delay. The material iswell written and thought provoking and we believe will be of great value to all Christians, but especially toyoung men who have to face this issue and decide whatthe proper course of action for them would be.Brethren Britnell and Green are both regular writersfor this paper and personal friends. They have written without rancor and have tried to objectively set forthwhat each believes on this important issue of conscience. While both these men believe that debates, properly conducted, are profitable, and sodoes the editor, we have chosen a different formatfor this study.

We will print some extra copies in the event somemay wish to order additional copies to hand to friends. We thank both men for the extra time and work this imposed on them. Both of them are extremely busyand have contributed this material only out of a desireto help in the study of this question. Watch for it inthe MAY ISSUE OF SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES.

REDEMPTION (2)Moses to Cornelius

In the initial article of this series we have attemptedto stress the eternal purpose of God, identifying thegrand central theme of the Bible as redemption. Wehave taken note of the introduction of sin into the human family, via Adam and Eve, by which the worldstands condemned. Adam disobeyed God, this act ofsin alienated him from God. Sin always produces thesame result, "alienated and enemies in your mind bywicked works" (Col. 1:21). It was the fact of sin in Adam's case that alienated and it is the fact of sin in every son and daughter of Adam. This plight in God'spurpose was to be averted in Christ. "For God sent nothis son into the world to condemn the world; but thatthe world through him might be saved" (John 3:17).

God, unwilling that man be forever lost, conceived an extraordinary expression of love that would vindicate divine justice and touch the rebellious heartof humanity affecting reconciliation. To this end it was God's eternal purpose to send Jesus in the fullness of time; establish the church; publish the gospel; and reconcile all things unto Himself (Eph.2:11-17). The admission of the Gentiles into the kingdom of God brought perfection to the plan of the ages.

The Old Testament era is generally accepted as therecord of some 4000 years of human history which divides into the Patriarchal Age of about 2500 yearsand the Mosaic Age of some 1500 years. This last, theJewish dispensation, is initiated with the giving of theLaw at Sinai. The "words the Lord spake" werewritten in two tables of stone and Moses was mediator between the people and God as the Ten Commandments circumscribed the relationship ofthe nation of Israel and Jehovah (Deut. 5:5, 22). Suchconstituted a system ordained of God and designed tolast until the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ. Then, a new law, the gospel, was established bringing to fulfillment all previous law instituted byGod. "Blotting out the hand-writing of ordinances thatwas against us, which was contrary to us, and took itout of the way, nailing it to his cross" (Col. 2:14). But,why was the law added? "It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom thepromise was made; and it was ordained by angels inthe hand of a mediator" (Gal. 3:16-25).

In relation to the system and purpose of God whichwas to succeed it, the Law must be viewed as typical.The continuity of contrast between the Law and the Gospel, designed to stress the superiority of theGospel featured in Hebrews, emphasizes the point."Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenlythings, as Moses was admonished of God when he wasabout to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, thatthou make all things according to the pattern shewedto thee in the mount" (Heb. 8:5).

The record of some 450 years of history dealing witha system of Judges who ruled and championed thecause of Israel is followed by the setting up of akingdom. Saul, David, and Solomon ruled 40 yearssuccessively, giving us the 120 year united kingdomperiod. With the death of Solomon, division into twokingdoms develops. Ten tribes defect to become identified as the Northern Kingdom of Israel, and twotribes remain faithful to the house of David, theSouthern Kingdom, Judah. Subsequent decline andfall of these bring us to what we here refer to as thegospel in prophecy.

The prophets occupy a major portion of the latterhistory of Israel. The scope of their work was bothphysical and spiritual. To this end they, as the mouthof God, taught and admonished the people in the rightway of the Lord and kept in constant focus the promiseof Messiah and His everlasting kingdom. They, in this sense, preached the gospel prophetically. Theypredicted every facet and development of the redemption to be consummated in the coming Messiahand establishing of the kingdom.

In character and power the Messiah was to be called,"Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, Theeverlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." His was tobe an everlasting government of peace established upon the throne of David to dispense judgment andjustice forever (Isa. 9:6-7). He was to be an everlastingpriest, "Thou art a priest forever after the order ofMelchizedek" (Psa. 110:4), the Son of God (Psa. 2:7),possessed of unlimited power and dominion. "TheLord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool" (Psa. 110:1).

Messiah was prophesied as born in Bethlehem of Judea (Mic. 5:2), of a virgin. "Therefore the Lordhimself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shallconceive, and bear a son, and shall call his nameImmanuel" (Isa. 7:14). He was to be rejected, shamefully treated and crucified (Isa. 53); betrayed byone of his own (Psa. 41:9). The Psalmist prophesied thathe would be raised by the power of God (Psa. 16:9-10),then the gospel would be preached from Jerusalem (Is.2:2-3) and the kingdom would be thus established inthe days of the Roman kings (Dan. 2:44). This is thegospel in prophecy of which Peter says, "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: butholy men of God spake as they were moved by theHoly Ghost" (2 Pet. 1:21).

The fourth phase in the development of God's eternal purpose may be designated preparation. The time chosen for the advent of the Saviour into the world was ripe. Every circumstance of human history blended to bring to fruition God's plan. Jesus was bornof a virgin, lived and died under the Law of Moseswhich he unerringly kept. Only in His death could the

Law and the prophets be fulfilled, "Think not that I

am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not

come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you,

Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall

in no wise pass form the law, till all be fulfilled"

(Matt. 5:17-18).

Forty days following the resurrection of Jesus was

spent in teaching his disciples about the kingdom

(Acts 1:3). Finally, they are told to tarry in Jerusalem

"until ye be endued with power from on high" (Lk.

24:49). Jesus then ascends to heaven, as the disciples

stand watching, there to be crowned king.

Incidentally, if the church is not the kingdom, as

some would have us to believe, Christ is king without

one. Ten days later, on the day of Pentecost, the gospel

was proclaimed in fact for the first time. No longer is

it a matter of purpose, neither promise. Prophecy is

fulfilled, preparation is complete, the plan of the ages

has been nurtured and developed to maturity.

Circumscribed by three cardinal truths which also are

its focal point, the death, burial and resurrection of

Christ is preached, the gospel as a matter of

established and unquestionable fact is proclaimed.

The first Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ is

both a beginning and an ending. The ending of the

Jewish or Mosaic Dispensation and the beginning of

the Christian Dispensation, the age of grace. The cross

plus 50 days ushers in a period of apostolic activity

commanded in "go ye into all the world and preach the

gospel" which sees the Jew as the initial object of

preaching. Finally, the Gentile as represented in

Cornelius, hears, believes and is baptized, thus

completing God's remedial system. God has done all

he purposed and promised to do toward redemption,

man must do the rest. (Our third installment in the

series will deal with the completion of God's remedial

plan).(to be continued)

FOUR GREAT FOUR-LETTER WORDS—LOVE

Everyone deserves the privilege of being loved. Butmore than that, everyone deserves the privilege of loving. Man thrives on love, both extending it andreceiving it. Without it there is a void which cannot befilled, a nagging feeling of incompletion and lack.

Love is very close to a lot of things. It has to do withdevotion. It has to do with sympathy. It has to do withphysical attraction. It is a part of mercy. It is themotive for grace. It is the reason for salvation. It is sohigh and so noble a sentiment, so great a quality thatJohn affirms that "God is love" (I Jno. 4:8) and that"love is of God" (I Jon. 4:7).

Love is that disposition or state of feeling whichshows itself in the seeking of the best interests of theobject of the affection. Not only does it seek the approval of the object of such affection, it usuallydelights in the presence of that one. It is prompted bymany motives: physical attraction between the sexes;sympathy for one's ill fortune; common interests andgoals; but in all cases true love seeks the best for theone loved. When the Scriptures say, "God so loved theworld that he gave his only begotten Son," it is astatement about his concern for and interest in mankind, the object of His affection.

We are to love God and our fellows. Rememberingour definition, it becomes apparent what John meantwhen he said, "For this is the love of God that we keephis commandments," for to love God is to seek His approval, His fellowship, as well as the promotion ofHis cause. To love our fellows is to perfect His love inus, for "if we love one another, God dwelleth in us" (IJno. 4:12). And in this simple statement is seen love's relation to approval as well as fellowship. When Jesussays, "on these two commandments hang all the lawand the prophets" (Matt. 22:40), he seeks to show usthat love is the supreme motive for all service. "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God;and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knowethGod" (I Jno. 4:7).

We are to love our enemies. When we come to understand that the love commanded in Scripture isnot the maudlin sentimentality promoted by worldly sources, that it is rather an intellectual commitment toanother's well being, then we can comply with theLord's command, "Love your enemies, bless them thatcurse you, do good to them that hate you, pray forthem which despitefully use you and persecute you"(Matt. 5:44). When we "were yet sinners (enemies, Jas.4:4) Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8). By such actions "he commendeth his love for us." Such devotion to mankind is graphically illustrated by Jesus in hisinjunction in the mountain message of Matthew five.We must be like him. What a terrible fate would be ours if God had rejected those who rejected Him. Howhorrible our eventuality if Christ HAD called down hislegions of angels (Matt. 26:53). Instead he willinglyand out of great love, died for his enemies.

We should love truth. Far too few people reallylove truth. I know that is true for far too few peopleget to know truth and far too few people want it nearby at all times. In fact, I think I can safely say thatmost folks consider truth to be a burden, a chore to beborne, a responsibility to be shouldered. There are even people who will apologize to their peers becauseof their association with truth. But truth deserves no such relegation. Its value is incalculable, its worthinestimable. Who can put a price tag on discovery?Who can properly value the release from the grip ofsuperstition, ignorance, prejudice that has taken placeas a result of the ascertainment of truth? And who is it that could determine the worth of salvation? And are not all these the result of truth? It is no wonder the wise man enjoined, "Buy the truth and sell it not(Prov. 23:23), for it is indeed a most preciouscommodity. How we ought to love it! We shouldlove hearing it, learning it, discussing it, promoting it. Truth is the basis for our salvation (Jno. 8:32), thepower for our deliverance (Rom. 1:16), the means forour acceptance with God (II Pet. 1:3). Let us truly loveit.

We should not love the wrong things (I Jno. 2:15).We would not inordinately love ourselves (II Tim.3:2). We should be careful that we are not "lovers ofpleasure more than lovers of God (II Tim. 3:4). Let usseek out and embrace the kind of love that suffers long,is kind; that envieth not and vaunteth not itself; thekind not easily provoked and that thinketh no evil (CF.I Cor. 13). Let us "Not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth" (I Jno. 3:18).

In an unscheduled speech during the 1981 LecturePrograms held on the campus of Florida College, January 26-29, President Cope responded strongly and emphatically to a number of problems, attitudes andrumblings that plague both the College and theparents. The audience of over one thousand visitorsinterrupted his remarks with applause on several occasions as he presented numerous thought-provoking, and often challenging, comments regardingthe conditions that prevail in the church, the home and colleges today. Because of the changes taking place inthe thinking of the students who are attending, and more importantly, in that of the parents who aresending, the College often finds itself under attack.President Cope said:

"We need not expect that the foundations ofFlorida College will be exempt from the beating rains, stormy winds, and risingfloods of years to come. Just as this schoolhas known it's 'blood, sweat and tears' periods, so it needs be that to greater orlesser degrees the similar testing times willcome. If the foundation stones laid 35 yearsago are kept in place, none need fear thatthis institution will be standing a hundredyears from now. We need to remember,however, that this school is run by men . . . poor, fallible though sincere, well-intentioned sons of Adam. Furthermore,that these men are the products of a variable, changing, and often fickle society,affected by changing mores and value concepts which, even among religiousleaders, are ever in a constant state of flux,characterized by varying degrees of liberaland conservative thought.

I regret to say that there have been numerous schools begun on just such fundamental and conservative foundations,as has this one, which have long since leftthe faith of their founding fathers. Collegehalls which once vibrated and resounded respect for God, His word, and His way, have long since echoed the destructive echoes of worldly, even atheistic, owls and bats."

President Cope spoke of the apostacy that had takenplace in the church and pointed out that when thishappened, faithful brethren rose to form new andfaithful congregations. Just as this happened in thechurch, he said:

"If and when the Florida College you and I

have known, loved, arid preserved, so departs from its original moorings that it isunworthy of patronage and support, that same day faithful brethren should start another institution to serve the peculiarmoral and educational needs of Christian parents and children who at that timebelieve in the ideals which gave birth to this one.

If I told you that I am not concerned aboutthe future of Florida College, I would speak a falsehood. But hear this, my brethren: Iam much more concerned about what is happening to parents who send them, and tothe young people who come here, than I amabout the stability and perpetuity of thisschool which exists to serve the allegedneeds of both Christian parents and their children."

Many who are associated with Florida College have,for the last several years, heard parents and collegesupporters express concern that occasionally somestudents are reported to be doing things while atFlorida College that are improper. President Copeexpressed his deep concern that such things can, anddo happen, but warned that the attitudes of parentsand others often foster such problems, and respondedwith:

"This school has lived 35 years because itspatrons have believed this controlled environment, based upon biblical truth andenforceable moral regulations, is worth theprice they must pay to have it for theirchildren. All this time, most of these parentshave had enough confidence in the administrators and teachers here to back them regardless of the restrictions and punishment of their own children when theyhave been severely disciplined... I confess toyou that within the last ten to fifteen years Isee a definite reassessment of moral values and attitudes which were not spawned here,but were brought to this campus. . . Mybrethren, God's people have always lived inthe midst of the worldly ways of worldly thinking and godless people. Christians aresaid to be 'in' but 'not of this world. Nevertheless, when Christian parentstolerate in their children immoral practicesgenerally characteristic of the non-christianworld, there is no way for such childrensuddenly to become lily-white simplybecause they are exposed to the controlledenvironment of this campus."

The audience responded with nods of approval and

applause as President Cope put the blame and

responsibility uncompromisingly upon that which he

believes has created these conditions. He said: "I bring no wholesale indictment againstany parent or child in particular. Yet, inboth homes and churches I visit away from the campus, more and more I see a lesseningof respect for the hoary head, less reverencewhere worship is taking place, and morescoffing at regulations imposed by both public and private school officials. I observean increasingly sloven, 'don't care' attitude toward neat, clean dress habits and the typeclothing worn in public. I observe scanty,sexually suggestive, and often shameless attire worn by both male and female, plus adisgustingly increasing fondling of the bodies of the opposite sex, often in thepresence of the youth's own parents! I see a 'don't care' attitude toward what older and wiser heads suggest as proper behavior and all this coupled with a 'nobody's going totell me what I am going to think, say or do' disposition. These are some of the things Icontinue to observe in families of men usually thought of, in many churches, as theleaders and feeders of the flock of God.

I suggest to you, my brethren, that all theseconditions did not happen overnight. I further suggest that these attitudes havenot been born on the campus of this andsimilar schools. They have developedelsewhere, yet somehow the most ardentboosters often expect faculty and administration to wash all these soiled and torn linens without rubbingsomebody's feathers the wrong way.'' Just as these problems are often brought to, and do

occur on, the campus of Florida College, President

Cope emphasized that when it becomes known, action

is taken to stop it. He referred to some who thought

that things had taken place on the campus and

believed that the College did nothing about it, by

saying that too often those who know of such

things...

"... instead of coming to the officials whocan do something about it, or going throughstudent government channels designed forthe correction of such matters, that theyjust talk to one another, stew in their ownjuice, often upset their parents by their reports, and, instead of helping the situationby reporting irregularities, allow the situation to degenerate. The same thing istrue off campus. Even our patrons and supporters sometime talk to their neighbors, friends, and brethren about things happening thousands of miles fromwhere they live but somehow never get around to writing a letter or making a telephone call to personnel in the collegewho can do something about a situationwhich may, admittedly, be bad. Even though I am head of the school, and eventhough we have people who are giving their lives in an effort to help the sons and daughters of other Christians across thisland, all of us frequently learn things away from campus

that we do not learn on campus.''

In a comparison of this college's problems to otherexperiences in everyday life, he said:

"I doubt if there is any parent who hasgrown children who has not also been thelast to learn some things about his own children. Millions of marriages end in divorce every year because one companionknew nothing of the activities of the other tilit was too late."

Perhaps most of us, as parents, would feel deeplyhurt if we should learn that our children had been guilty of some serious infraction while away at school.It may even be somewhat natural to want to put theblame on others. It is obvious that serious soul searching and deep reflections were taking place assilence fell over the audience while President Copestated forcefully:

"Florida College is not a reformatory.Parents who have no realistic control of their teenagers while they are at home should not be shocked when these same children get into trouble here. It is evenworse, and ultimately detrimental to thechild and destructive of the home, whenparents sympathize with and defend theirchildren who disregard school regulations.It is not uncommon for us to learn that young people who get caught in their use ofnarcotics or alcohol here have been getting by with the same activities while in highschool and living at home all the while thefathers and mothers never dreamed that their dear darlings were wild degenerateswhen outside their parents' immediate presence. . . Increasingly, this type studentcomes to this type school only to learn after arrival that we mean what we say about ourregulations. He is soon in trouble, is oftensuspended, and then it is known that insome cases both the child and his parentstend to carry a chip on their shoulders, become openly critical of school policies, andsometimes become hard, if not bitter,critics. Some parents don't want their sonsand daughters enrolled in the 'do-your'ownthing' tax supported college, but these sameparents sometimes become critical of thisschool's officials for demanding respect for the very rules which distinguish FloridaCollege from universities with such tolerantenvironments."

Obviously, such conditions and attitudes do existand almost every parent and supporter of the Collegehas heard something at some time that prompted deep concern. It seems that President Cope not onlyunveiled the problem, but struck at its heart when hesaid of parent's discipline and training of their own children:

"They cannot wait til they (the children) are

ready for junior high, senior high school, or

college, to start discipline. These same parents must learn that they must begin by loving and respecting each other as husbands and wives. We spend fortunes,and the first 20 years of our lives, learningto make a living, but precious little timelearning to make a life together with the opposite sex. We spend years preparing forlivelihood, occupations and professions andlittle or no time preparing our minds orthose of our children, for love and tenderness, the patience and politeness, thethoughtfulness and unselfishness, the common sense and common decency, themutual respect and the mutual responsibilities of marriage. Shall we neverlearn and shall we never teach our children that happiness is not discovered in sex alone? Shall husband and wife never learn that happiness is a state of mind created bytwo persons committed to God and to eachother in the completing of each other's whole being and personality?

Florida College would be derelict in its mission if it failed to support the home andhold before its students the sanctity of marriage and family life.

The time is now and the place is here for youand me to resolve anew to give ourselves, inthe time we have left, to the building of faithand faithfulness into our own hearts and lives as parents and teachers. With an eyeupon eternity, a heart prompting to action, ahand guiding the steps of those committedto our trust, by God's grace and as His people we cannot fail."

In his conclusion he stressed the College's role, and

while pointing out its place in the moral development

of each student, he made certain none could, or would,

identify the College as the church. He said:

"Florida College is not the church of JesusChrist, locally or generally. As I said earlier,it is not a moral reformatory to repairparental failures. It is not a missionarysociety to evangelize the world as an agenteither of individuals or churches. It is designed, and continues, purely as a privateeducational entity ... a human service institution. It sells human improvement services without financial profit to anystockholders, though it is dependent uponothers than the parents and the pupils it serves. Though the graduate or non-graduate . . . the finished product . . . may not always have the finesse that a parent, oreven the faculty itself, may desire, it shouldalways be remembered that the raw materialenrolled in September has much to do withthe finished or unfinished product whichleaves this campus at the end of a semester,a full term, or with a diploma two yearslater.

The thing that has amazed me is not the number which we have failed to improve,but the great number that Christians working here daily and prayerfully havesucceeded in salvaging for useful citizenry,for both general society and the kingdom ofGod. Those who shall continue to operatethis school need the constructive suggestions of faithful friends, and theymust have it to preserve what has thus farbeen wrought."

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Along with brother Hammontree, we believe James R. Cope hit the nail right onthe head. His words are courageous, sobering tostudents and parents alike and ought to be well considered by all, whether patrons of the school or not. At the end of the next full year of work at FloridaCollege, James R. Cope will retire as President. He hasserved well and long and deserves the gratitude of ahost of parents and former students. His successoras President has not yet been announced and friendsof the school will watch and wait with keen interest. The second generation in the administration of anyhuman enterprise, whether school or publishingbusiness, is always crucial as to whether or not saidenterprise remains faithful to its original aims and purposes. We think it not out of place to express hereour best wishes to those who have to make such a serious choice along with the earnest hope that theCollege Board, Administrators and Faculty will actconsistent with God's will in their decisions and actions. CWA)

We continue with the seventh and final point of

question eighteen, and the question concerns the

practice of "close communion." Mr. Taylor replied:

"We teach close communion because the Scriptures

so teach. A. Campbell said open communion is both

unreasonable and unscriptural. So said J. W. McGar

vey and all other Campbellites of recognized

scholarship. First Corinthians 11:18-20 shows

conclusively that if there are sects or divisions or

heresies present at the Lord's table you can't eat the

Lord's supper. It is no longer the Lord's table but the

table of men or of demons. God's alternative is close

communion or none at all."

When reference is made to "close communion" or

"closed communion" we are speaking of the practice of

the Baptist people in refusing to allow the members of

other denominations to eat the Lord's supper with

them even though they may be present and desire to do

so. They are as inconsistent on this as they are on

many other things. They teach that all believers are

saved regardless of what denomination they are in. So

they plan to spend eternity in heaven with them but

will not commune with them while on earth.

The New Testament does not teach close communion in the Baptist sense of that term. Certainly theChristians in a congregation should be united. In the verses in First Corinthians 11, Paul rebukes thedisciples for desecrating the Lord's supper by turningit into a common meal and not discerning the Lord'sbody and blood. It is a spiritual communion, andshould be observed in a worthy manner. Nothing issaid about someone approving or disapproving of anyone eating it. The examination is to be done byeach individual for himself, and not by the church."But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat ofthat bread and drink of that cup" (I Cor. 11:28). Itdoesn't say let the church examine the man and thenperhaps forbid him eating of the bread and drinking ofhe cup. No, it doesn't say that! That's only Baptist doctrine.

He failed to offer any proof that Campbell believed inclose communion, and he mis-represented McGarvey.In commenting on First Corinthians 11:28 and 31, McGarvey said:

"If we examined and corrected ourselves, we would escape the correction of God; but, as it is his judgments are visited upon us, so that we may notfinally be condemned with the world (Ps. 94:12; Heb.12:5-12). Verses 28 and 31 call for self-judgment, butthere is no Biblical authority for the practice of those who take it upon themselves to judge as to the fitness of other

professing Christians to commune (comp. Rom 14:4). Moreover, these verses, in giving the true rule of practice, expose the departure of the Romish church,which calls for no self-examination, but makes confession and priestly absolution the preparation forcommunion." (The Standard Bible Commentary byMcGarvey and Pendleton, page 119).

Please notice that McGarvey said there is "no

Biblical authority" for the practice of those who judge

the fitness of others to commune. Of course there isn't!

"19. Where in the New Testament do you find

authority for these things (the seven points of question

18, EB)?"

Taylor's answer: "All Scripture references bearing

on doctrine, polity or ordinances of the New Testament

churches plainly teach that the once-delivered faith is

the faith now taught and practiced by the Baptists.

Given an open Bible and an open mind and a new heart

and a Baptist will be the sure result."

I suppose that means that everyone who is not a

Baptist has a closed Bible, closed mind, and an old

heart. I have opened my Bible to every page many

times, but I have not read anything about a Baptist,

the Baptist Church, instructions for becoming a

Baptist, or the command to be one. I think I have an

open mind, so if anyone knows where I need to open

my Bible to find such information, please let me know.

So far, I have overlooked it.

Instead of Baptist doctrine and practice being the "once-delivered faith," I am ready to affirm that thereis not one thing taught by the Baptist Church, peculiarto that denomination, that is in harmony with thescriptures. If one knew only the Bible, he or she would never dream of a Baptist Church or know of Baptistdoctrine.

"20. Baptists are unscriptural in name, doctrine andpractice; why be one?"

"Wrong again, neighbor. I am a Baptist becausethey are scriptural in origin, name, doctrine, faith and practice. The first New Testament preacher was a Baptist preacher. The material out of which JesusChrist organized His church was prepared by thisBaptist preacher and was therefore Baptist material.The church organized by Jesus Christ out of thismaterial was a Baptist church. The only time all three of the persons of the God-head ever manifested their presence on earth was at a Baptist baptism(Matt. 3:13). No man could be one of the 12 except onewho was baptized by the first Baptist preacher (Acts1:21-22)."

We have gone over some of this before, but it isnecessary that we answer every point made, and repetition is one of the laws of learning.

If the Baptist denomination is scriptural in origin,where is there a reference in the scriptures to itsorigin? If it is scriptural in name, where is it named inthe scriptures? The same applies to all other characteristics.

John was not a Baptist preacher, nor was he a NewTestament preacher. He lived and preached before the New Testament of Christ became effective (see Heb.9:16-17). He did not prepare any Baptist material outof which Jesus organized a Baptist Church. He did not

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administer anything close to modern Baptist baptism.He baptized sinners—those who confessed their sins(Mark 1:5)—and his baptism was for or unto theremission of sins (Mark 1:4). You mention baptizing sinners for the remission of sins today, and a Baptistpreacher will have a running fit. No one opposes suchpractice as they do.

I deny that Jesus received Baptist (baptism), butwhile we are on that solemn scene, it is worthy of notethat God acknowledged Jesus for the first time as theSon in whom He was well pleased after His baptism(Matt. 3:16-17). Baptists today want to be called sonsof God before and without water baptism, and speak alot more about being saved like the thief than they dofollowing the example of Jesus Christ. The appearanceof the three persons of the Godhead when Jesus wasbaptized has absolutely no significance for or relationto any denomination or denominational doctrine onearth today.It is true that one must have accepted the message of John concerning the coming of Christ and His kingdom, and received John's baptism, in order tobecome an apostle of Christ. But what on earth doesthat have to do with the Baptist denomination whichcame into existence hundreds of years later? It issignificant to note that one could not become a discipleof John without receiving his baptism, and those who rejected it are accused of rejecting the counsel of God(Luke 7:30). It is equally true that one cannot become adisciple of Christ without receiving His baptism,because His final instructions before leaving the earthincluded the statement, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved" (Mark 16:16). (To be continued.)

I read and hear of serious problems that are caused

by unfair and unscriptural elders. I do not deny or

doubt that there are men who are called elders that are

not worthy of honor. Paul was giving a warning which

heaven approved when he told the Ephesian elders,

"Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking

perverse things, to draw away disciples after them"

(Acts 20:30). If it was a danger and possibility then, it

is such a danger in our generation.

The church could avoid many of the problems that

unscriptural elders cause by being more careful in the

selection of elders. Some lover of preeminence should

not be allowed somehow to get himself appointed for

this important work. Brethren often hesitate to offer

any protest if a name is once put up for consideration

for a bishop or overseer of the Lord's people.

I have known of this plan for selecting elders. Aftersermons on the qualifications, work, etc., three highlyrespected men who for some reason could not themselves qualify as pastors or shepherds wereselected to receive lists of names from the brethren. The brethren were asked to list the names of the men whom they considered qualified, sign, and give the liststo either of the three men. The three would then goover the lists and get the names of those mentioned most often. Any who may have been on only one ortwo lists would not be put up for consideration. Thosewho were mentioned again and again would be writtenon the board for the whole congregation to consider. Ifthere were scriptural reasons why one or more shouldnot be appointed, these reasons would be written onpaper, signed, and handed to one of the three to beexamined by the whole assembly of brethren. If therewere no legitimate objections for some, they would beappointed as elders.

There was evidently some system used by which the seven men were chosen to serve tables at Jerusalem,but the system is not bound on us today. The size of the congregation and other circumstances might makeone plan more practical than another. The church atJerusalem did somehow select seven men from amongthousands (Acts 4:4; 5:14; 6:1-7). The apostles then ordained them.

The brethren should surely know not to select a loverof preeminence or an ungodly man for an elder. Ifqualified men are chosen, it then behooves every memberof the church to honor and obey these overseers in matters of judgment. Only Christ the King can makelaws. These laws have been given through our NewTestament. Elders are not to enact laws. They are toplan for the things that will carry out the orders asgiven by the King. This plan for elders in every church is of God and is to be respected by men (Acts 14:23;Tit. 1:5; Acts 20:17,28; Phil. 1:1).

If a factious man is trying to draw away disciplesafter him, good elders would be in his way (Tit. 1:911). This heretic would then do all he could to discredit the elders and get them out of his way (3John 9,10). Diotrephes used malicious words. Othersof similar disposition could be expected to do the same. We hear of those evil elders in some cases when the evil is in the accusers rather than in the accused. We are not to receive an accusation against an elderexcept before two or three witnesses (1 Tim. 5:20). Ifthe church is going through a crisis because of a trouble maker, it needs its elders. Do not be a part ofa faction that would destroy the leadership of God'speople when they are in battle with error.

A parable came to my notice recently in a letter froma brother in Christ whom I shall not identify. It did megood, and it might help people in many places, so I amtaking the liberty with the writer's permission to copy it here.

"And a certain young preacher asked his elders,saying, 'Good brethren, what good thing shall I do tokeep my job here as preacher?'

"And the elders said unto him, 'Thou knowest the duties of a minister: preach the gospel to the lost' teach, admonish, and edify the saints; reprove, rebuke,and exhort with all long suffering and doctrine; avoidall worldly lusts, including covetousness, and avoidevery appearance of evil; keep yourself unspotted fromthe world.'

"And he said, 'All these things have I done eversince I began laboring here with the congregation. What lack I yet?'

"Now when the elders heard these things, they saidunto him, 'Yet lackest thou one thing. Go, dispose ofthat moonlighting business that you are pursuing on the side and which is absorbing so much of your time,your interest, and your efforts; and devote your fulltime to making full proof of thy ministry by doing the work of an evangelist—which is the job we hired you todo. Then thou shalt have greater favor among themembership. You cannot serve two masters; for youwill cling to the one and neglect the other. You cannotserve God and mammon.'

"But when the young preacher heard this, he turnedaway very sorrowful; for he yearned mightily for greatpossessions, and he was making money hand-over-fistin the operation of his moonlighting business on theside.

"And when the elders saw that he turned awaysorrowfully, they said, 'How hardly shall they whoyearn and strive to get rich quickly find either the timeor the desire to serve the Lord whole heartedly?"

There are no perfect elders, preachers, or churches.There are times when preachers are mistreated and notadequately supported. There are also times when preachers do things for "filthy lucre's sake" which they ought not to do. Many of the Lord's faithfulservants earn much or all of their personal supportand preach unselfishly. This is not the same as the case when a man accepts full time work with the church and then does much more for himself than for the church.

We are hearing and reading of so many conflictsbetween elders and preachers. These men are due tobe very faithful servants who seek first the kingdomof God. Preachers are in error sometimes, and eldersare at fault sometimes. Regardless of where the faultlies, it should be corrected. The cause of Christ issuffering in many communities. Let there be peace.Preachers like Diotrephes and elders that would belords over God's heritage are both very seriousproblems (3 John 9,10; 1 Pet. 5:1-5). Each should beshunned by faithful churches.

LET US RISE UP AND BUILD Leadership & Spiritual Renewal, Example& Discipline, Nehemiah 8

"The word of God is powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword. . ." So it is, as we open our text toNehemiah 8 and observe Nehemiah and Ezra workingtogether to effect a spiritual rebirth of Israel.

Ezra stands with thirteen priests on a platformerected at the Water Gate to read the Law. As Ezra opens the Book to read, all the people stand. He nowprays for the blessing of God, exalting Him as "theGreat God." The people respond by answering "Amen,Amen", and "lifting up their hands and bowing lowwith their faces to the ground." These actions by thepeople: (l)standing when the Book is opened, (2) saying"Amen, Amen" (so be it Lord), (3) holding up their hands, and (4) bowing low to the ground, are simplyreflections of the feelings in their hearts. They are outwardly demonstrating that they realize their needfor Jehovah and His forgiveness. The lifting of thehands above the head with the palms turned upwardrepresented the traditionally Jewish way of saying "Iam empty handed. I have nothing. Everything that Ineed comes from you." But as we can see here, this is aground-swell action of the people. This is the most basic of grass-roots movement. What eldership or preacher would not relish this attitude from the members of a local congregation? So what part doesthe leadership play in this action of spiritual renewal?

There were several factors that brought about thisattitude which the people exhibited. First, the unyielding desire of Ezra to teach God's truth is doubtless one of them. Ezra 7:10 is probably one of themost powerful verses in all of God's word on teaching."For EZRA set his heart to study the law of the Lord,and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel." Note the order: First, to study!

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Without knowledge, no matter how well we have mastered the art of communication, we need to stay inour seats and not stand to teach. It is the midnight oilof study that fuels the fire of learning His word.Secondly, Ezra set his heart to practice what hetaught. How many times have we made this point inthese lessons: that the leaders must practice what theyteach? Far too much emphasis has been placed on thevisuals, the methods, and the aids, (which are important), but little if any has been placed on thelife that the teacher must live. Some of the most creative and exciting teachers I know are "hot" onequarter and "cold" the next. No consistency ofpractice! Thirdly, after Ezra had learned and soughtto practice, then and only then was he ready tocommunicate this knowledge to others. His examplehad to be a factor in the people's desire to hear him proclaim the word.

Another factor in the attitude of the people was theexample of Nehemiah. We have spoken of his examplein previous lessons. But, still another facet of Nehemiah doubtless brought these people to theirsenses: the ACTION of Nehemiah.

The Need For Discipline In The Face Of IMPURITY

Nehemiah assembled the people in Chapter 7 todiscuss leadership. HANANI, his brother, and HANANIAH were placed in charge because they were"faithful men and feared God more than many." Thisis the proper delegation of responsibility. First faithfulleaders then, security of the city, the gates, and finallythe purity of the officials and priests. In verses 61-65,there appeared several who could not prove their genealogy so they were purged from the priesthood. V.64, "these searched among their ancestral registration,but it could not be located; therefore they were considered unclean and excluded from the priesthood." What courage and spiritual toughness ittook on the part of Nehemiah to exclude these men.The kind of courage that most leaders do not havetoday when it comes time to discipline the unfaithful,immoral and ungodly that are coddled and cuddled byso many local churches. In the first place, Nehemiahtook time to investigate the lineage. Too often amongourselves we can't find leaders who will take time to visit a wayward member, to study with the weak, or tolook up and encourage those missing the assembly. Yet, Nehemiah was on top of the situation by callingthe assembly and purging the immoral from the rolls.It is not unusual for a member to miss the assemblies for a year or more and no elder, deacon, or preachermake even one personal visit to correct the situation.How many do we lose every year simply by neglect?

Notice the result of Nehemiah's purge. Verse 66, "the assembled together was 42,360 . . . and the headsof the households gave to the work . . . and governorsgave to the treasury . .. and the rest of the people gaveto the treasury." After the courageous purge, Israelgave to God's cause. Then as Chapter 8 begins, theyassemble "AS ONE MAN at the square . .. and askedEZRA to BRING THE BOOK OF THE LAW." Realizing the impurity of Israel and seeing the purgingof the wicked, Israel's attitude was one of giving and readiness to learn. Was this not the case in Acts 5?

Ananias and Sapphira are struck dead for their immoral materialism. Note the result: V. 11 "great fear came upon the whole church and all who heard ofthese things ... the people held them in high esteem.And all the more believers in the Lord, multitudes ofmen and women were constantly added to their number." Isn't it time that we saw what the example ofdiscipline and moral purity means to the church?As long as adulterous marriages, flagrant unfaithfulness, and gross materialism exist, the church will undergo no spiritual renewal and the respect of the world is lost. Can't you hear the discussion in the business meeting if Nehemiah hadbrought up these conditions of the priests for a vote?"Why, we can't do anything about these people because they've lived in Jerusalem as long as I canremember." Or, "It'll kill the church to exclude thesepeople." Or, "Well, we just can't really be sure . . .after all, there may be some records we are missing."Brethren, we do not mean to sound harsh and unloving, for all of us know the admonition of Gal.6:1;'... spirit of gentleness, looking to yourself." Yet,after all the gentleness and humility is duly considered, it finally becomes time to ACT!

Just as a child, after being disciplined, comes to hisparents with tears on his soft cheeks, there is a priceless moment of love and compassion, andcommunication, that could never be purchased in anyother way. SO IT IS WITH THE CHURCH. If there is no respect for the leaders because everyone knowsthey won't do anything, there will never be spiritual renewal. But when that action in love and tenderness is preceded by a powerful life of (1) study,

(2) practice, and (3) teaching, it can turn people totheir God with a magnum force previously unknown.

"Honesty" signifies truthfulness, integrity, freedomfrom fraud; It implies a refusal to lie, steal or deceive inany way or be false to a trust.

The Bible has much to say about honesty and a goodbit about lying as well. Jesus tells us that the devil isthe father of lies: " . . . He was a murderer from the beginning, and standeth not in the truth because thereis no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speakethof his own: for he is a liar, and the father thereof" (John 8:44). If you need proof that Satan is the father of lies,go back to Gen. 3:3,4. God told Adam and Eve if theyate of the tree in the midst of the garden they woulddie. The devil said, "Ye shall not surely die." Wholied? Not God! Paul wrote to Titus of "... God, who cannot lie... "(Tit. 1:2).

If man is to avoid hell he must refrain from lying.Hear John: "But for the fearful, and unbelieving, andabominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, their part shall bein the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; whichis the second death" (Rev. 21:8).

Not only will lying lead to the loss of the soul but experience teaches that lying is hurtful even to thephysical body. There are certain physical symptomsoften associated with dishonesty, cheating or lying. Itis not at all uncommon for one who lies to experience adry mouth, sweaty hands, a change in blood pressure,pain in the stomach or even sleepless nights. Lying and cheating can wreck one's health.

There are various kinds of lies indicated in the scriptures. There is the simple falsehood (a bald-facedlie, as we would say) as told by Isaac in reference toRebekah, his wife. He said she was his sister in order toavoid an attempt by some man in Gerar to kill him andtake his wife. His deceitfulness was discovered byAbimelech, king of the Philistines, and he was rebukedfor it (Gen. 26:6-11).

Another kind of lie is the half-truth, as more thanonce told by Abraham. He told the Egyptians thatSarai was his sister. Later, he deceived the people ofGerar in the same fashion. (See Gen. 12:10-20; 20:18). But for divine intervention Pharaoh and Abimelech would have taken Sarai as a wife. It is true that Sarai was Abraham's half-sister. But he had held back the fact that she was also his wife with the intent to deceive. This, in effect, was a lie.

The scriptures also give us an example of an implied lie. Satan addressed God with a question regarding Job, "Doth Job fear God for naught?" (Job. 1:9). Here,Satan says in effect that Job knew which side his breadwas buttered on and that he only served God becauseGod has blessed him. He also stated that if God took away what Job had that he would curse Him to Hisface (Job. 1:10,11). Satan was proven to be wrong inthe test that followed but he had, nevertheless, implieda lie in the question asked.

You and I should always speak the truth, always behonest—at whatever cost. We should be honest, for indoing so, in this respect, we will be like Jesus. He issaid to be "full of grace and truth" (Jno. 1:14), Inavoiding dishonesty, we can avoid being like Satan,the father of lies (Jno. 8:44). We must avoid lyingbecause lying is a sin, a violation of God's law, "Thou shalt not bear false witness" (Matt. 19:18). Anotherreason to avoid lying is because God hates, "A falsewitness that speaketh lies" (Prov. 6:19). Lying isinconsistent with the new man that we become in putting on Christ, "lie not one to another; seeing thatye have put off the old man with his doings, and haveput on the new man, that is being renewed unto knowledge after the image of him that created him"(Col. 3:9,10). A man confirms the fact that he is a foolwhen he deals dishonestly with others, "As the partridge that sitteth on eggs which she hath not laid,so is he that getteth riches, and not be right; in themidst of his days they shall leave him, and at his endhe shall be a fool" (Jer. 17:10). Those who lie areoutside the fellowship of God, "Without are the dogs,and the sorcerers, and the

fornicators, and the murderers, and the idolaters, and

every one that loveth and maketh a lie" (Rev. 22:15). It

is folly to lie.

The Word of God also points out that there are manyways in which to lie. One may lie by denying that hesins, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceiveourselves, and the truth is not in us ... If we say thatwe have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his wordis not in us" (I Jno. 1:8,10). We lie if we profess toserve God and at the same time give ourselves over tosin, "If we say that we have fellowship with him andwalk in the darkness, we lie, and do not the truth" (IJno. 1:6). If one professes to know God, that is to livein fellowship or relationship with Him, and yet doesnot keep His commandments, he is a liar, "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him"(I Jno. 2:4). One who claims talents or capacitiesthat he does not truly possess is a liar, "As clouds andwind without rain, So is he that boasteth himself of gifts falsely" (Prov. 25:14). The man who claims tobe a prophet of God when he is not is a liar, "Beloved,believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, whetherthey are of God; because many false prophets aregone out into the world" (I Jno. 4:1). The man who uses a false measurement or weight device is dishonest, in fact, he is a thief, "A false balance is anabomination to Jehovah; But a just weight is his delight" (Prov. 11:1). Paul indicates that some so-called scientists are liars, "O Timothy, keep thatwhich is committed to thy trust, avoiding profaneand vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:" (I Tim. 6:20 KJV). Yes, dishonesty manifests itself in many different ways.

But let us not close our study without a few morepractical observations. Let us be careful that we notmanifest dishonesty in preparing our tax returns.Many people, some even professing to be Christians,cheat the government of taxes that are due. God says,"Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; ..." (Rom. 13:7). Becareful and exact in the way you punch your time-cardand the way you fill out your expense account or youmay wind up being a thief. Certainly, there is no placefor one's "borrowing" a little glue, or a few bolts, orsome paint, or some tools from the plant you work for.This is stealing—it's dishonesty. Cheating on examination tests, copying assignments from classmates or anything of like nature is dishonesty. "White" lies, or "polite" lies, are still lies. The misrepresentation of merchandise is dishonesty. If the prospective buyer asks if the "oldklunker" uses oil, tell him it does if it does. "Knocking" a product to force the seller to cut theprice is not honesty when the "Knocking" is not in harmony with fact. Solomon wrote, "It is bad, it isbad, saith the buyer; But when he is gone his way,then he boasteth"(Prov. 20:14). Did you get too muchchange at the grocery store? If you did, and you failedto return it, you acted dishonestly. Do you borrow andthen fail to return that which you have borrowed? Thatis dishonesty too. Do you re-use a stamp that thecanceling machine failed to cancel even though youknow it has already carried one letter?

Careful, now—your integrity is on the line. Embellishing a "tale," told as fact, to make it a bitmore interesting or amusing, when you know it reallydid not happen that way exactly is dishonesty. Makingup excuses for failure to attend Bible study or worship or failure to carry out an assignment or failure to doanything you should have and could have done isdishonesty.

If one is to be right in the sight of God he mustrepent when he realizes that he has not been 100percent honest. Genuine repentance requirescorrection or restitution. If you have circulated afalse report—set the record straight. If you havecheated someone—pay him what you owe him. If you have taken that which belongs to another— return it. Zacchaeus gives us a good example to followin this regard. He said, ". . . if I have wrongfullyexacted aught of any man, I restore fourfold" (Lk.19:8). This, obviously, was a rule that Zacchaeus hadset for himself—the four-fold rule. Not that restitution is not required. Or even restitution with interest. That would be nothing but right. But "four-fold"? That would tend to help some folks to be honest—if theyknew that they would have to give back four times asmuch as they actually owed! But the reason Zacchaeushad that kind of rule, in the first place, was because hewas an honest man. He was not going to deliberatelycheat anybody. If he realized he had—he wanted to gothe second mile to be sure that everything was maderight. And not just the second mile. He went the thirdand fourth mile too. That is HONESTY!

"It was for freedom that Christ set us free..." Gal. 5:1 The term "freedom" has to be one of the most precious words ever introduced into the vocabulary ofmankind. Freedom is that which is cherished by thosewho have it, and highly desired by those who do not.The events of the past few months, regarding thereturn of the fifty-two Americans held hostage in Iran, has been a reminder to each of the priceless value offreedom.

It's wonderful to enjoy physical freedom and to livein a country founded upon the very premise of freedom as so stated in Jefferson's great Declaration of Independence. What a blessing it is to be able tospeak freely, live freely, and worship God freely. Yet,an even greater blessing than physical freedom isspiritual freedom in Christ. While it is wonderful to bea citizen in the "land of the free," it's an even greaterprivilege and honor to be a citizen in the heavenlykingdom of the Lord (Gal. 4:26). Physical freedom has its

limitations, but spiritual freedom knows no

geographical boundaries, (Rom. 1:16). Yes, it's a

terrible thing to be held hostage in physical captivity,

but it is far worse to be a hostage in spiritual

captivity under the bonds of Satan. And while we

rejoice at the safe return of our fellow countrymen

from physical slavery, how much more should we

rejoice when men and women all over the globe are

set free from spiritual bondage by the blood of Christ!

"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus

has set you free from the law of sin and death"

(Romans 8:2).

The book of Galatians has been called "The MagnaCharta of Christian Freedom." The theme of Paul's epistle is "Freedom in Christ." Ten times in six chapters he uses the words "free," "freedom," or "liberty." But to properly understand and appreciatethe aim of the apostle in Galatians one must look toActs 15 and become aware of a movement underwaywhich tried to make Christianity co-exist with the Lawof Moses. A movement which left unchecked would jeopardize the whole gospel system. The apostlesattacked and denounced these Judaizing teachers inJerusalem but the erroneous doctrine continued to spread. It was to combat this error that Paul pennedthe Galatian epistle. His argument would be that ifone returned to the Law he would become a hostage tothe Law. Contrariwise, if one accepted the gospel hewould be set free, have liberty, and be no longer inbondage.

I. THE AUTHENTICITY OF THE GOSPEL, Chapters 1 & 2

A. Paul Proves Himself As An Apostle. These Judaizing proclaimers tried their best to discredit Paul's apostleship by pointing out that he was not ofthe original twelve. Paul answers the charge in 1:1. Hegoes on to relate his divine call to the apostolic office in1:13-16. He was an apostle, he had witnessed the resurrection, and he had received a divine revelationfrom Jesus Christ.

B. Paul Proves Himself As An Apostle By His Preaching. He preached by revelation of Christ! Note1:11-12: "For I would have you know brethren, that thegospel which was preached by me is not accordingto man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.'' Paul says:

Gospel Preached Not According To Man! Gospel Received

C. Paul Proves Himself As An Apostle By Preaching What The Other Apostles Preached. Four teen years had elapsed between his conversion and theJerusalem meeting. Upon conferring with the other apostles Paul discovered that his message was theirmessage! The apostles then stood together, denouncedthe false doctrine, and did not yield to the Judaizers"for even an hour" (2:5).

II. THE SUPERIORITY OF THE GOSPEL,

Chapters 3 & 4 Paul is almost beside himself as to how anyone could

turn from freedom in Christ and go back in bondage tothe Law. "But now that you have come to know God,or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turnagain to the weak and worthless elemental things, towhich you desire to be enslaved all over again (4:9)?"... I am perplexed about you," (4:20). Thus he beginsto point out the superiority of the gospel over the Law:

He further illustrates the advantage of the gospel bypresenting a contrast between the false sonship ofIshmael and the true sonship of Isaac (4:21-31).

Ishmael (Hagar-servant) —born after

ordinary course

of nature.

Abraham Isaac (Sarah-freewoman)—born through

promise. The apostle's contrast is then given in vs. 24-25. Hagar the servant of Abraham represents the Lawfrom Sinai and all who follow the Law are as it were her children in that they, like Ishmael, are slaves and receive no inheritance. On the other hand, Sarah the wife of Abraham represents the gospel and all who accept the gospel are as it were her children in thatthey, like Isaac, are free and subject to an inheritance(4:7). The conclusion is then given in vs. 31:

"So then brethren, we are not children of a bondwoman, but of the freewoman." For years God had promised blessings and freedom under the Messiah which they could not enjoy. His point being, "Why be an Ishmael when you could be anIsaac and thus be free?"

III. THE FREEDOM OF THE GOSPEL, Chapters5&6 A. The Gospel Sets One Free From The Law (5:1).The Law held a person hostage (4:3) for under thatsystem there was no forgiveness (Heb. 10:4). However,in Christ there is freedom through forgiveness (Heb.10:9-10). Paul then lists the consequences of holding tothe Law:

1. Christ is of no benefit, vs. 2
2. Under obligation to keep the "whole" Law, vs.3
3. "You have fallen from grace," vs. 4 (Jno.1:17)

B. The Gospel Sets One Free From Despair (5:5). Only in Christ can one's hope be realized (1 Jno. 3:3; Rom. 5:1-2). C. The Gospel Sets One Free From Sin (5:24). A study of Romans 8:1-4 will show that it is the gospel

and not the Law which sets one free from the law of sin and death.

D. The Gospel Sets One Free From Bondage Service (5:13). The Jew too often served out of "have to" instead of "want to," thus his service was a bondage service. But now that we have been called tofreedom, Paul says, we render service out of love. Hence the statements of 6:2 and 6:10, "bear one another's burdens," and "do good to all men."

Conclusion

"For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation" (6:15). It matters not to God whether one is circumcised or not for the Law has been taken away. What does matteris the "new creation." Paul stated in 2 Cor. 5:17, "if any man is in Christ, he is a new creation." How doesone get "in Christ?" He answers that in this Galatianletter by saying, "for all of you who were baptizedinto Christ, have clothed yourself with Christ" (3:27).

In these days of celebration as we rejoice at the homecoming of our fellow countrymen freed from physical bondage, how much more should we rejoicewhen men and women around the world are set free from the slavery of sin by the blood of our blessedSavior. "Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Rom. 7:24-25). And finally remembering the words of our Lord Himselfwhen He proclaimed,

"You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set

you free."

Having done a little reading and having, as a child,been an avid viewer of western movies, I learned a little about the concept of being "blood-brothers."The ceremony that made two unrelated individuals "brothers" differed from book to book, movie to movie, and, no doubt, from tribe to tribe, but all hadthe one essential idea of the combining of blood. Eachman would cut a small place on his arm and then the two wounds were placed together causing the two bloods to flow as one blood—hence, "blood-brothers." From that time on the two men were "brothers" with all of the responsibilities of brotherhood. This to theAmerican Indian was, evidently, a very serious andsolemn ceremony, and was not to be taken lightly.Brotherhood was, to the American Indian, very real.Such an attitude is to be commended.

Those individuals who have obeyed the gospel ofJesus Christ are "blood-brothers." No, we did not cut ourselves with a knife (or even prick a finger with a pin)to let the blood of our bodies mingle and flow as one,but we are, none the less, "blood-brothers." We, if we have truly obeyed the saving gospel of our Lord, are

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"blood-brothers" because of the blood of the Savior, shed on the cross on Golgotha (John 6:53-56; Acts20:28; Col. 1:14, 20; I Pet. 1:19).

Since we are "blood-brothers"—brothers by the blood of Jesus Christ—we, too, need to seriously consider the responsibilities of brotherhood. Our responsibilities as "blood-brothers" in Christ would include, but not be limited to, loving one another (IJohn 4:7-8, 11, 20-21) fervently (I Pet. 1:22), being anexample to our brethren (II Tim. 4:12), working forpeace (I Thess. 5:13) and unity (I Cor. 1:10) and prayingfor one another (I Thess. 5:25; 2 Thess. 3:1).

On the negative side we have the responsibilities toNOT cause our "blood-brothers" to stumble (Rom. 14:13, 21; I Cor. 8:12). We also are not to murmur against our "blood-brother" (Jas. 5:9).

Toward those who serve as elders we have the responsibilities, as "blood-brothers," to "know them that labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them exceedingly highly in love for their work's sake" (IThess. 5:12-13). We are, in fact, to count all our "blood-brothers" as "better than" self (Phil. 1:3).

Because of our relationship as "blood-brothers," brothers by the blood of Christ, we have the responsibility, when necessary, to "admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak" (I

Thess. 5:14). As "blood-brothers" we are to seek to restore the erring in "a spirit of gentleness" (Gal. 6:1)that we might "save a soul from death, and cover a multitude of sins" (Jas. 5:20). Our relationship as "blood-brothers" gives us the responsibility towardthose who will not be restored, will not repent to "markthem . . . and turn away from them" (Rom. 16:17) andto "have no company with him (them), to the end thathe (they) may be ashamed" (2 Thess. 3:14).

The shedding of blood caused the American Indianto take the responsibilities of being a "blood-brother" most seriously. How seriously do you, my beloved "blood-brother," take the responsibilities, gained by the shed blood of Jesus Christ, of being "bloodbrother" to all the saints?

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

NEW CONGREGATIONS CALERA, AL—The new church in Calera has been meeting onlyabout three months. They are the only faithful group in town. If youare in the area, please make plans to stop and visit with these goodbrethren. Contact Jim Owens, Rt. 1, Box 295, Calera, AL 35040. Phone: (205) 668-0084.

SYCAMORE, IL—On February 1, 1981, a new congregation had it's beginning here. There were 22 in attendance on Sunday morning and 23 that night. At present they are renting the Oddfellows Hall,located on Sabin St. in Sycamore. Sycamore is five miles northeastof Dekalb and Northern Illinois University. Those traveling in thatarea or attending Northern will be welcome. For more informationcontact Dan Halstead (815) 895-4869, or Leroy Fogle (815) 758-4710.

FIELD REPORTS STAN ADAMS, 2426 Tahita Lane, Alabaster, AL 35007. TheElliottsville congregation here is now four years old. In this timethey have grown from 7 to about 80 in number. The group is locatedabout 20 miles south of Birmingham, just before I-65 starts again.Much growth has been seen both spiritually and physically. Therehave been 24 baptisms, 40 restorations, and approximately 30families to move into the area. While some have moved away, thecongregation is a stable work and is presently undertaking a personal work program in order to more effectively reach the lost.This congregation was begun by Cecil Lane and the late FrankSmith preached for them for six months until his untimely death.My family and I have worked here for three and a half years, and ithas been very rewarding. If in the area stop in and worship with us.We are only 2 miles off I-65. Phone (205) 663-1092. RAY F. DIVELEY, 425 Dippold Ave., Baden, PA 15005. The year 1980 was another busy year for me. Besides the local work, Iwas privileged to preach for 11 congregations in 7 states. Also, Imade my seventh preaching trip to India, preached in Colombia, South America and visited the brethren in Mexico. The Baden church helped support three native preachers. One each in Mexico, India,and the Philippines. For 1981 we are putting weekly ads in thenewspaper offering a Bible Correspondence Course, One way of getting FREE teaching articles is by writing letters to the editor,which I have been doing.

NORWAY TERRELL BUNTING, 1048-A Oakhurst Dr., Charleston, WV 25314. I am making plans to go to Norway in May, 1981. I lived inNorway as a child during the years 1967 through 1970. I returned for a visit two years ago and every since I have wanted toreturn to help spread the gospel. At the present there is only oneman preaching in Norway, Tom Bunting, who is my father. Myparents live in Bergen (pop. 200,000) and I will be devoting all my efforts in helping them in the work. It is my plan after six months to try and find employment in Norway. This will enable meto live there without depending on the brethren from the states forfinancial support. I am considering making Norway my permanenthome. I feel there is a need for individuals and families to live in Norway for as long a term as possible.I am writing in request of your financial support for my laborthere the first six months. I need $600 a month plus some help ontravel expenses. A one-time contribution would be greatlyappreciated also. If you have any questions concerning my plansplease contact me. At present I am staying with my brother DonaldBunting who preaches in Charleston, WV. For a reference contactBro. Aude McKee who preaches for the West Knoxville church inKnoxville, TN.

PREACHERS NEEDED Marysville, CA—We are a new congregation with about 20 memPage 18

bers. Attendance runs around 30. We are meeting in a home presently, but we are considering our own place to buy. We areable to provide some support. Please contact Lee Hendrix, 1863Park Circle, Marysville, CA 95901. Phone: (916) 742-1532.

OKEECHOBEE, FL—The Westside church here is seeking afull-time preacher. We are a small congregation but strong anddesirous to uphold the truth. If a man is interested in working withthe church here in south Florida, please contact: Franklin Varson,Rt. 2, Box 175, Okeechobee, FL 33472. Phone: (813) 763-3462.

MONROE, LA—We are a small congregation with great opportunities. Some outside support would be needed. Contact:Wallace Price, 1103 Glenmar, Monroe, LA 71201. Phone: (318) 3873984 after 6:30 P.M.

BLUE SPRINGS, MO—A new congregation in the Kansas Cityarea is looking for a full-time preacher to work with them. We cansupply $300 per month in support. We have access to other support.We are interested in someone who can help us in personal work.Please write P. O. Box 1053, Blue Springs, MO 64015, or call (816)625-4711 during the day or (816) 229-2232 at night.

CARY, NC—The church here seeks a full-time man. Please contact Paul Corley, 302 Abbey Ln., Cary, NC 27511. Phone: (919)467-0820.

BEREA, OH—The church at Berea, a suburb of Cleveland, desires afull-time evangelist to work with them. We are a congregation ofabout 40 members, situated in a good location with manyopportunities (large population and a college town). Most of the support would have to come from elsewhere. Contact H. Neal, 26425 Cook Rd., Olmsted Falls, OH 44138. Phone: (216) 235-2797after 6 p.m.

DOVER, OH—The Canal Dover church of Christ which has been in existence for the past two years, is looking for a full-time preacher beginning in the month of June. This is due to the resigning of Bro. Larry Chaffin from full-time preaching. Thechurch can provide $200 per month in support and names of otherplaces that possibly could help. Interested persons should contactClyde Heavilin at 115 Canal Road, Dover, OH 44622. Phone: (216)364-3090.

GERMANY RON MILLER, 5a Rhode Island, 7500 Karlsruhe, West Germany. On January 11, 1981 a new congregation beganworshiping near Stuttgart, West Germany. So far we are madeup of only two

families. However, we are hoping that since there are other American military and civilian personnel stationed in this area thatwe will find others who would like to worship with us. If you know of any who are here, or who will be moving here, please tell them aboutthe church. The military posts in the Stuttgart area are: KellyBarracks, Patch Barracks, Nelligen Barracks, Robinson Barracks,Panzer Kaserne, and Echterdingen Airfield. Cities within reasonable driving distance are: Ludwigsburg, Heilbronn, Karlsruhe, Tubingen, Goepingen, and Ulm. Both families here havebroken away from the liberal minded congregations in Stuttgart and Karlsruhe. We are now ready to get down to the work that Godwould have us do in the way He wants it done. We desire yourprayers. If you write to us from the states address your letters to: Ron Miller, 69thPSC, APO NY 09164.

JOHN EVERETT, HHC 7th ATC Box 3148, APO NY 09114. Mywife and I are presently living in Germany. Due to the hardshipsthat we have encountered while here, in finding sound brethren toworship with, etc., we would like to establish a directory of soundbrethren in Germany and use this information to help others whowill be coming to Germany. If you are reading this and alreadyworship in Germany, please send us your name, address, telephone number, DEPROS, and any other helpful informationsuch as where you meet, etc. If you are in the states and know ofChristians in Germany, please write us and give their names andaddresses so that we may contact them. Also if you know of anyChristians who have fallen away or anyone who would be a good prospect please let us know. For those of you who may betransferring to Germany, please keep our address and write us assoon as you know your duty station so that we can write and give you the names and addresses of the Christians nearest you.

At the present we are located in Bayreuth, 26 miles from theChechoslovakian border, about 1 1/2 hours from Nuernberg. Theremay be Christians around us, newly arrived that we don't knowabout. Just a short letter from you may help us win a soul. Please,no financial support, though we would be glad to help refer you to

those who could use it. Phone: 0921-45324.

IN THE NEWS THIS MONTH BAPTISMSRESTORATIONS(Taken from bulletins and papers received by the editor)	385 128