CENSORING ELDERSHIPS

A relative or friend will send others tracts, bulletinsor papers such as this one in an effort to teach them the word of God. In some cases the one to whom the paperis sent requests that his name be removed from ourmailing list. That is always done with all who do notwant to receive this paper. But I have received requests in the past from the elders of some congregation requesting that we delete the names ofall in their congregation who receive our publication,even if the persons receiving it requested it themselves. Now I do not intend to withhold publishingtruth because someone believes he is the guardian ofwhat others should read in the search for divine truth.

Roman Catholicism controls its membershipthrough a tight system of censoring its membership asto reading material. This, of course, presents the membership with no alternative but to read what is prescribed by their rulers. They have no choice in searching all the evidence to ascertain the truth of God's word.

About sixteen years ago, when I was editing SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES, I received paymentto send this journal to a number of members of the congregation that person attended. About three months later I received a letter from the elders of that congregation submitting "a humble and sincere request" not to send the members of that congregationthis religious journal any more. I was told that theyhoped I would "respect the autonomy of that congregation and the authority of its eldership."

I am amazed that so many elders do not know whatthe "autonomy" of a congregation is and what the"authority" of the eldership involves. What authoritydo elders have to decide for the flock what they shallread in the search for divine truth? Where do they findthe verse that authorizes the elders to decide what the members of the congregation shall or shall not read? Itis possible for the elders themselves to speak "perversethings, to draw away disciples after them" (Acts20:30). Are they infallible that they know what maturemen and women should and should not read? I don't think so!

The rule of elders requires them to "feed the flock ofGod which is among" them (1 Pet. 5:2), but that does notpermit them to be "lords" to censor the reading material of the flock and decide for them what truth is. The word of God tells exactly how the elders are tostop the mouths of vain talkers. This would include"the pens of vain writers." They do this by "holdingfast the faithful word as he has been taught, that hemay be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and toconvince the gainsayers ' (Titus 1:9). Instead of censoring the reading material of the members, the eldersshould use sound doctrine to expose the errors of thespeaker or writer, and then the soundless of the flockwill rest in the power of God's word and not in theopinions of the elders as they try to evaluate thewritings of other men.

There is not one word in the New Testament about the eldership having "authority" to decide for thechurch what they shall read in learning the truth ofGod. Roman Catholicism has listed the forbidden books their members are not to read, but do we refuseto try to teach Catholics God's truth in order to respect the "autonomy" of the Catholic Church andthe "authority" of Catholic priests? No man has theright to think for another.

This matter of autonomy of congregations is somisunderstood by many that it is ridiculous how theytry to use it. The word means "self-governing" or " self-ruling." This rule does not extend into the area oflegislation: the making of laws. Christ is the only lawgiver (Jas. 4:12). Autonomy does not involve thejudicial, for Christ is to be the judge of the destiny of all men. The only area of autonomy (self-governing) isin doing the will of Christ without outside control. Itmeans that each church is completely independent indoing its own work as directed by the New Testament.Some elders will send their own funds to another eldership to control and spend as they please, and cry: "Weare not losing our autonomy." But when a preacher,who is authorized to "go into all the world and preachthe gospel to every creature" sends teaching materialto members of any congregation, they cry: "Violatingautonomy!"

Preachers are to "preach the word; be instant inseason, out of season" (2 Tim. 4:2); they are to do sowith all authority (Titus 2:15); they are to teach whatPaul taught (2 Tim. 2:2). They are to rebuke even elderswhen they sin (1 Tim. 5:20).

I certainly agree that the elders (when scripturallyqualified) have the oversight to guide the flock into alltruth, and they are directed to the word of God as theirauthority (Acts 20:35; Titus 1:9). But they do not do soby censoring the reading material of the members.They expose the error of false teachers by sound doctrine so that those under their oversight may know thedifference between truth and error. I do not intend to allow any group of men, in the church or out of thechurch, to tell me to whom I shall try to teach God'seternal truth. I have the whole world in which to preach, and the authority of Christ to preach thegospel. What more do I need? Neither is this intendedto reflect upon the scriptural responsibility of elders towatch against false teachers as they tend the flockwhich is among them.

THE INDESTRUCTIBLE KINGDOM

Elsewhere in this issue, Rodney Miller has another ofhis thought-provoking articles drawn from the book ofNehemiah. Not only has he done excellent work inacquainting readers with the life and times of that great leader of God's ancient people, but he has as welldrawn many practical and penetrating lessons which have stirred many readers and should have stimulatedelders, teachers, preachers and all other Christians toself-examination and self-improvement in serving the Lord in our day.

In his article carried in this issue, he says somethings which badly need saying and which are "hardsayings" because they expose raw and sensitive nerveswhich we would rather let alone. There is no excuse for the apathy which is lulling so many congregations tosleep. I fear that all too many elders and preachershave decided that if they cannot awaken such congregations from their slumber that they will snuggle down comfortably and go to sleep with them.Someone has to stay awake in order to awaken others.

Lest We Forget

But while we are in need of all such instruction, let usnot forget certain basic things about the kingdom of God as they are set forth in the word of God. While anycongregation anywhere may die, yet the church of theLord will not and cannot die. That is as certain as the fact that God cannot lie (Heb. 6:18). Daniel prophesieda kingdom "that shall never be destroyed" (Dan. 2:44).When he in vision saw one like "the Son of man" ascend to the Ancient of days, he said "his dominion isan everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away,and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed"(Dan. 7:13-14). The angel Gabriel announced to Mary"He shall be great, and shall be called the Sons of theHighest: and the Lord shall give unto him the throneof his father David: And he shall reign over the houseof Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be noend" (Lk. 1:32-33). The Hebrew writer described thosewho were in "a kingdom which cannot be moved"(Heb. 12:28). The reason the kingdom cannot be destroyed is that it is perpetuated by indestructibleseed, even the "word of God which liveth and abidethforever" (Lk. 8:13; 1 Pet. 1:23-25). The life of thekingdom is co-extensive with the life of the seed thatproduces it.

A Needed Distinction

While it is certainly true that congregations may die,it is not true that the church has died because of that. We are back to a consideration of the church local as opposed to the church universal. THE church (universal) is composed of all the saved in all the world. Nolocal church constitutes the entirety of the saved. Thatlocal churches may die is evident by the fact thatsound churches do not today exist in very many placeswhere they were found in the first century. That localchurches in a given region of the world may suffer fromthe same afflictions and either become totally extinctor go into apostacy and lose identity as the Lord's people is seen in the fate of the churches of Asia wherePaul, Barnabas, Silas, Timothy, Apollos and otherslabored. Where are they today? While we know of themonly from history, the church of the Lord did not diewith them.

If all the fine buildings we enjoy today are sold for shopping centers, or bought by sects in which topropagate their false doctrines, yet as long as brotherMiller's children, or mine, have the conviction to meetin a warehouse or a store-front building with only ahandful of the devout, just that long will the church ofthe Lord continue in them and others like them. Should congregations in America regress beyond zero growthand begin losing members by the thousands, thechurch will not die in this generation or any other aslong as the world stands. With all our lethargy andapathy, this generation of Christians in America hassent faithful men to preach the blessed gospel intomany parts of the world. That seed of the kingdom hastaken root and there are today several places in theworld where the cause of our Lord is anything butdying. In some spots it is growing rapidly. Should thetime come that there is a need for a new restoration movement in this country, and that could well happen,as brother Miller pointed out, the seed is already planted in the hearts of thousands around the world that provide the means for this to be done, should suchbecome necessary.

God's Seven Thousand

While it is imperative that we face up to reality, assess the reasons for decline and failure in congregation after congregation, determine to apply the remedy of divine truth to our diseases; yet, let usnot go with Elijah into his cave of despair and tell theLord that "only I am left." God told that prophet "Ihave seven thousand that have not bowed the knee to Baal." Elijah did not know them or about them, butGod knew them. It was out of the small remnant with which Ezra and Nehemiah worked that God reestablished his people in their land and renewed theMessianic hope. The midnight of Hebrew history ended, the day broke, hope renewed and God kept hispromises.

Along with brother Miller, I am concerned deeply forthe welfare of what used to be strong, aggressive, militant congregations. I am concerned to see somewhich still consider themselves towers of strength, converting five or ten people in a whole year andgradually declining in numbers and work. Somethingis wrong and it will never be made right until we admitthat something is wrong. Along with Nehemiah, let usnot only survey the walls, but let us then get to work torepair the damage. But while we assess the matter, let us not conclude that the church will die in this or anyother generation. Such would make false prophets ofDaniel, Gabriel and Paul. With shame for our failures,resolve in our hearts, and purity in our lives, let us geton with the work at hand. While the church, universally speaking, cannot be destroyed, local churches canand do, perish. From that viewpoint what brotherMiller has said urgently needs consideration. It willpinch (perhaps even gouge) us, but when the pain letsup it will do us good. In conversation with brotherMiller I have gone over the gist of this article and hefully agrees with the distinctions made here and statesthat he plans to deal with the matter more fully in additional articles on Nehemiah. Watch for them and read them carefully.

PREMILLENNIALISM IN NIGERIA

Those who read my editorial in the November, 1981issue on "Premillennialism in the Philippines" will beinterested in the following letter received from LeslieDiestelkamp.

"Dear Connie: Please accept my genuine commendation ofthe fine editorial in the paper which came yesterday—regarding the premillennial efforts in the Philippines. I am delighted toknow that J.T. Smith was able to go andhelp in the confrontation and I am thankfulthat you promoted the arrangement.Having spent ten weeks in the islands, nineof them on Mindanao island, I have a deepinterest in the welfare of the churches there. It may be of interest to you (and perhaps toyour readers) to know that Robert Boydhas made two or three trips to Nigeria also,and has infiltrated the ranks of brethren there, so much so that a few brethren haveespoused his theories. So far the damage isnot significant, in numbers, and it is beingstrongly opposed by faithful and capablenative preachers there. But American churches that support Nigerian preachersshould be aware of the dangers, some mature American preachers (especially somewho have been there) would do well to visitthere again to strengthen and encourage thefaithful, and all of us must manifest our concern in whatever ways are available. If youcan do so, I think it would be good if you would publish some remarks to enlightenyour readers about Nigeria just as they are now informed about the Philippines. Thanks.

Sincerely,Leslie Diestelkamp

IN NEXT MONTH'S ISSUE

The February issue will carry the excellent materialprepared and used by J.T. Smith in his lectures onPremillennialism during his recent trip to the Philippines. It is clearly stated and well illustrated withcharts which all will find useful in studying thequestion and in refuting the error whenever and wherever it raises its head. Plans call for this material to be put in tract form and circulated free of charge tobrethren in the Philippines.

IN ANOTHER FUTURE ISSUE

Sometime in the spring or early summer we plan topublish in one issue of this paper the text of three sermons on the Holy Spirit which were presented severalyears ago by Franklin T. Puckett at the Thayer StreetLectures in Akron, Ohio. We have the first two speeches ready and are waiting now for the third one.This is the richest material on the subject the editorhas been privileged to see. His material on "the gift of the Holy Spirit" in Acts 2:38 is thorough and evenexhaustive and should be of special interest to all. Watch for further word on this.

AND NOW—VOLUME 23

With this issue we begin our 23rd year of publication. As one wag of the past remarked "Tempus shore do fugit." Our aims remain the same as inthe past. We yet build on the solid foundation for thepaper laid by H.E. Phillips during his 13 years of faithful service as editor. A number of the initial writers for the paper (including H.E. Phillips) continue to contribute material month after month. Many of ourreaders have come to look upon these men as oldfriends who have been constant and true through theyears in teaching the truth and exposing error. Staywith us. We will do you good.

PHILIPPINE TRIP

On October 13th I boarded a North West Orient plane in Miami, Florida to begin my trip to the Philippine Islands to try to help the brethren there combatPremillennialism, brought there by brother RobertBoyd (and others) from Louisville, KY.

I changed planes in Chicago, and unlike the "old"707 that Connie Adams and I traveled on in 1971, socrowded we could hardly move, it was refreshing to seea Boeing 747 waiting at the gate when we boarded inChicago, our next stop being Tokyo, Japan.

After one of Elijah's "long days" (for although weleft Chicago at 1:30 P.M. and had an 11 hour flight toTokyo) the sun shone on us from the time I got up inMiami at 6:00 A.M. (having crossed the internationaldate line) until the time we left Tokyo, almost 24 hourslater.

We arrived in Manila, Philippine Islands, safely at

9:30 P.M. on the 14th having made another stop inOkinawa, and by 10:30 P.M. I was safely in my hotel room in Manila.

The next day I was scheduled to leave for Davao City on Mindanao Island, which was to be my home forthe next 12 days. Brother and sister Juanito Balbin,and a number of other brethren met me at the airportin Davao City and escorted me to my room in the hotel Maguindanao.

The next day I went to Magsaysay to speak to thebrethren there on Premillennialism. However, becauseof much rain in the area north of Magsaysay, anestimated 500 brethren or more were not able to attend because of the flooding. Thus our attendance was around 150.

The next morning when I arose to prepare for a tripby boat to the Island of Samal, who was I to see in thecoffee shop but (as the Filippino brethren referred tohim) the "rich" Robert Boyd, the teacher of Premillennialism from Louisville Ky. who had been spreadingthe false theory there by radio, and had come there in1980 to "confirm" some brethren who had been inquiring concerning the teaching.

May I explain. Many of the brethren there referredto the "rich" brother Boyd because he sent 5,000 pesosof Philippine money, (equivalent to about $625.00 inAmerican money) ahead to prepare for his coming. Forexample, instead of riding in a Jeepney or on a bus aswe did, brother Boyd hired his own private car anddriver for his journeys, which, according to the brethren in Davao City would cost approximately$100.00 per day. Oh well, when you don't have thetruth, you must have something that will impress thepeople.

At the time of a meeting on Saturday morning withbrother Boyd and the Filipino brethren who were withhim, as I returned to the lobby of the hotel, brotherCyrus Gesulga (who was to be brother Balbin's opponent in the debate) and brother Balbin along withbrother Boyd, were discussing a matter. Brother Balbin informed me that they were saying to him that instead of having a moderator for each man that wehave one moderator or chairman—now get this—ARoman Catholic! No your eyes are not deceiving youany more than my ears were deceiving me. They actually made this proposal. Of course, with the premillennial brethren fellowshipping W. Carl Ketcherside and the Christian Church people in Louisville,what more could you expect from them. Of coursebrother Balbin and I immediately turned down theirproposal.

After a boat ride of about one hour and a half, wearrived at Samal Island to meet with the brethren there and have a lecture for them. The meeting withthem was very enjoyable. They have a small chapelwhere Julio Notarte preaches.

On Sunday morning we traveled to Gumalang wherebrother Manual Caa preaches. After speaking there forthree or four hours, I was invited to speak for a UnitedPentecostal Church whose preacher had visited ourservices in Gumalang. They invited me to speak intheir chapel that afternoon. They were very receptiveto the things that were said, and said they wereseeking only the truth. Brother Caa and others will tryto assist them in their search for truth.

On Monday we were invited to go to Suawaan, asbrother Balbin said, on the seventh hill, and I canbelieve it. There I spoke for about three hours to agroup of people from two congregations, Suawaanwhere brother Awyan Beusan preaches, and to brethren who were visiting from nearby Tambubung.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, we had all day lecturesat San Juan Villiage in Bankal where brother Balbinpreaches. Attendance was not as good as we had hoped it would be, first of all because of a mix-up on the datesas well as a lack of funds on the part of many who werenot able to come. Also, the premillennials boycottedour studies even though they were invited to come andbring tape recorders, etc. Actually we did not know forsure whether or not the debate with brother Gesulgaand Balbin would continue or whether we would even be allowed to attend their lectures on the 22nd and 23rd. For, brother Gesulga told brother Balbin onTuesday afternoon that the debate was "off" because Ihad referred to brother Boyd as a false teacher onbrother Balbin's radio program the previous Sunday,and we would probably not be welcome to attend theirlectures.

It was not long, however, until we learned the outcome of this matter. The debate was "still on," but onThursday morning as we went to attend their lectures, I just walked on in as I normally would at anygathering where the Bible was to be discussed. However, to my surprise, brother Gesulga came intothe assembly and asked me to leave. He said that I wasnot welcome. Thus neither I, nor brother Balbin normany or the other brethren were permitted to hear a single word uttered by brother Boyd in his lectures.

On Saturday, the debate was held as scheduled.Brother Robert Boyd moderated for brother Gesulga,and I moderated for brother Balbin. It was good toknow that brother Boyd was not only willing to attendthe debate, but to serve as a moderator in one. Duringboth the afternoon and evening sessions, in myopening remarks I pointed out that it would be good ifbrother Boyd and I could have such a discussion in the

U.S.A. Although he did not accept the challenge, atleast he did not "flatly refuse" it. Thus at the close ofthe debate, I handed him the following propositionswhich I believe fairly represent our respective positions.

The Scriptures teach that the kingdom of Daniel

2:44 was to be a spiritual kingdom that would includeall nations. It has already been established and will bereturned to the Father at the second coming of Christwhich will be the end of all things.

Affirm: J. T. Smith

Deny: Robert Boyd

The Scriptures clearly teach that after the secondcoming of Christ—and before the final resurrection andjudgment—there will be an age or dispensation of onethousand years during which Christ will reign on the earth.

Affirm: Robert Boyd

Deny: J. T. Smith

Hopefully sometime in the near future, at a time whichwill be convenient to both our schedules, such a debatecan be arranged in Louisville and other places wherebrethren would desire to hear the subject of Premillennialism discussed.

Both brethren Balbin and Gesulga were well prepared for the discussion, though in the finalanalysis I honestly believe that brother Balbin's efforts in presenting the truth were seen by all present.

I thank God for a man like brother Balbin, andothers in the Philippines, who are willing and able todefend and preach the truth.

While in Davao City, we were visited by brother R.

G. Carino of Pagadian City. Brother Carino had beensent by the brethren in Pagadian City to escort me onmy journey there. We left very early on Sunday morning October 25th and arrived in Pagadian City latethat afternoon. I preached there on Sunday night andlectured on Monday and Tuesday on the subject ofPremillennialism to a number of preachers who hadcome from many places. It was good to meet brother Carino and his family and to be in their home. Also, it was good to see brother and sister Eddie Ramiro whomI had not seen since 1971 and to be in their home.

On October 28th I returned to Manila where I was met by my old and dear friend, Victorio Tibayan, hisson Vic, Jr., and brother Billy Hayuhay's son. Vic told me of the brethren's plans for me to come and speak onPremillennialism in Pasay on Thursday, October 29th.We met and discussed the subject, and other matters,including the great harm that has been done to thebrethren on Luzon Island regarding support, by the EdHarrell and Tommy Poarch report a number of months ago.

Since the time I visited the Philippines in 1971 untilnow, they have had the same problem with inflationthat we have had here in the United States. And it is beyond my understanding how men who have families(a wife and from 2 to 7 children) are "getting by" on$200.00 to $300.00 per month. "Getting Rich"? Horsefeathers!

I have a number of pictures of homes where thesebrethren, who are good and faithful men live, try toprovide for their families and preach the gospel in rented rooms, homes, or chapels made out of Bamboo poles. And I believe many of them are honest, sincerebrethren who will stand for the truth with or without support. So if you have funds you would be willing tosend to men like these, (individuals or congregations),(50.00, $100.00, $200.00 or $300.00 per month, writeme or brother Connie Adams, Ben Shropshire, or anyof the other brethren who have been there and visited in the homes of the people and know of their ability andtheir needs. We have the names of several men whom we believe are worthy of such support and are willingto try to "get by" on these amounts and give their fulltime to preaching the gospel of Christ.

NEHEMIAH. LET US RISE UP AND RESTORE

The Generation In Which The Church Died.

In our study of the Book of Nehemiah we have notedthe two seemingly overwhelming tasks that Nehemiahhad before him. First, he was to lead the people torebuild the wall. When we consider that this wall was constructed in 52 days, then we see what a great leaderNehemiah was. The rebuilding of the wall portion comprises the first 7 chapters of the book. Yet, no matterthe greatness of this feat, it was not the sum total ofhis work. The most important aspect of his leadershipwas the spiritual renewal of the people. Herein lies the success or failure of any leader, and we find this portion of his work in Chapters 7-10 of the book.Spiritual renewal is the key to any leadership effort.No matter how great the achievements may be,without a renewed heart the people would simply lapseback into the sin from which they came. There can beno lasting growth without the spiritual renewal. Nehemiah sought to accomplish this by teaching thepeople, as we studied together in our last article (Chapter 8). What is our challenge in the kingdom today?Are we serious about teaching the coming generation?In that last article we noted that to answer this question we might examine our commitment to teaching, by checking to see if we have a regular program of teacher-training, or if we even have anyteacher-training at all. Do our classrooms look likebroom closets, or do we have a planned series of Biblestudy goals and objectives? Nehemiah, as a leader, wasserious about teaching the Word of God because herealized that if the people were not renewed the wall which they had built would be of little consequencebecause the enemies of Israel would soon overrun it.

Revival the Guide to Survival

There can be no doubt that the only way the Kingdom is going to survive is for there to be a spiritual revival. The attitude of the Pharisees wasthat they were God's people and He could do nothingwithout their finer qualities. John, in Matt. 3:9, toldthe Pharisees that God could raise up children from thestones if that was His desire. Then again in Luke19:39, 40 when the Pharisees directed the Lord torebuke His disciples for proclaiming Him as theMessiah, He told them that if His disciples were silent,the stones would cry out to glorify His name. So, whilewe feel very smug about our place as the people of God, we are not the only people to have felt smug and securein our traditions of righteousness. The Pharisee ignored the heart of the Law and a vital living relationship with God for a code of externals that could beritualistically performed even if one did not love Godat all. This traditional external code of righteousnesswas substituted for a heart that loved God, walkedhumbly and dealt with justice and mercy to his fellowman. This pharisaical attitude developed intosuch fractured sectarian spirit that the various partieswould argue over which was the "greatest commandment." All the while they were thrusting outtheir chests and proclaiming with such great pride thatthey were thankful they were not sinners like all theothers. If this attitude is present among us today thenwe too would be guilty of the spirit that killed Christ.We would be building our own crosses to crucify Himinstead of simply using a Roman cross. If we fracturedinto parties gloating that we were the only ones withthe truth on this issue or that issue, of if we wereswelling our chests and proclaiming that we are notsinners, or that we can by "doing our own thing" earnour place at the throne, or if we were so pleased that weare the people of God and know that we always willdwell in our ivory-towered meeting houses, then wewould have a great deal to fear. As with forest fires,"only you" can search your hearts and make your evaluation.

Where Is Religion Headed?

On any given Sunday only about 7% of the Americanpopulation attends a "church service" somewhere. This would include all Catholic, Evangelical,Protestant and non-denominational churches, as wellas the Lord's body. While this figure is very small, thefact is that it is growing smaller every year! But themost revealing question to us is, what about the Lord's church? What is happening in His body? Are wegrowing in spite of a general religious decline? Are wesimply "holding our own"? This is a most widely useddeception, and is used by various gospel preacherswhen they meet one another. The conversation usuallygoes something like this: "How is your work going?"The response generally is: "Well, we are just holdingour own." Could the real truth be that we are decliningjust like all the denominations around about us? Toask the question is to answer it!

There was a time when the Lord's body was thefastest growing religious group in America. This waswidely recognized by all of the monitors of the religious world. But this is not the case today. Notethis quotation from Flavil Yeakley, Jr., on page one ofhis book, WHY CHURCHES GROW:

'' If the trend of the past decade continues in

to the future, the present net annual growth

rate of around one percent will continue to

decrease until around 1980 when growth will

totally stop. The church will then begin to

shrink. By around 1990 it will be back to the

present size or below. Around the turn of the

century, it will be down to only half its

present size. DURING THE NEXT

GENERATION'S LIFETIME, THE

CHURCH OF CHRIST IN THE UNITED

STATES WILL DISAPPEAR ENTIRELY

IF THE TREND CONTINUES."

Yet, as pessimistic as that sounds, Dewayne Davenport is even more pessimistic in his book, THE BIBLE SAYS GROW, he says: "At this present trend, membership in the churches of Christ by 1990 will be ZERO." This conclusion was arrived at statistically by a comparison of our gains and losses.

Are We on the Road to Extinction?

Just to think of the church not meeting in the "zip,zip street building" where it has met for so long isalmost beyond our belief. While I was speaking on thistheme at one of the larger congregations in the southeast, which has been a bastion of the faith forseveral generations, one brother commented later on inthe week that sometimes he has felt like standing upat his seat and crying out that "this is not so." But,brethren, we are looking at the generation in which the"CHURCH DIED", unless we are willing to face the problem and seek to rectify the disease instead ofplaying church and bathing the symptoms. Yes, manydo refuse to believe what cannot be denied. How much we are like the Jews of the Old Testament days! Theytried to take Jeremiah's life when he preached themessage of doom for Judah. It was only the quotationfrom one of the previous prophets that saved his life atthe hands of a desperate mob. Still, smashing thebarometer does not change the course of the comingstorm. They killed every prophet who dared mentionthat Israel or Judah was not the beautiful apple ofJehovah's eye. It mattered not that they had no lovefor God, or that they had no burning relationship withHim in the most personal way. No, just so long as theyroutinely substituted the sabbath and sacrifices for anabiding relationship with Him, so they could cheat,steal and lust as they desired, THEY WERE STILL GOD'S PEOPLE. So, since we are God's people, wewill never be destroyed, they erroneously reasoned. Wewho consider ourselves as being in the church challenge the world that we are God's people. But, arewe living up to our own challenge? We have restoredthe worship, the origination and the doctrine, but whatabout the commitment of the New Testament Church? What about the evangelism of that first century body?What about zeal and devotion to the Lord? What makes us think that we can claim to be what we are not without even realizing our own weaknesses and failures, and still be pleasing to Him? It is not that the problems cannot be seen and effort put forth by someto right them. However, the greater majority refuse toeven see that they exist!

We are so self-satisfied with our efforts that we continue to judge denominationalism and never stop tothink that the same measure by which we judge otherswill be used to judge us. Just as the Lord took ancient Judaism out of the way so that He might rebuild by dedicated men like Ezra and Nehemiah, what makes us think for a moment that He would hesitate to take us out of the way as well. Why would He do this? Todevelop men of faith who are willing to stand in thegap and reach lost souls for Jesus.

"But the church is not dying," you say! Well,brother or sister stop and think about it for a moment.Suppose you ask on next Lord's day morning, "howmany of this assembly are new converts to Christ of a year or less?" How many hands would be raised? Ifless than 10% of the total audience assembled that morning raised their hands, we are in fact dying! Wemust maintain at least a 10% growing rate to "justhold our own", as the preachers are accustomed to expressing it. You see, we are staying alive by SWELLING, not by growing. What we mean byswelling is that people "place membership" by comingfrom another congregation. Our larger urban congregations have swollen by the general movementof brethren to the sunbelt and to the urban centers, asopposed to rural areas in which they grew up. Bro.Adams, the Editor, wrote an excellent article last yearabout what the rural church has done to contribute to the city congregations in the last 20 years or so. Theyhave given us our preachers, elders, deacons, and bibleclass teachers. The "backbone" of most of the citychurches is comprised of individuals who grew up in arural church but moved to the city because they could not make a living in that rural environment. But whathas happened to those rural churches? Have they maintained that strength to keep supplying the brotherhood with the leaders that it so desperately needs? Of course, we know what the result has been. In most cases the rural churches have suffered a greatdeal because of the loss of their very best and mostable people. Now, the reservoir is running dry!

How many examples of this do we need to give in order to prove the point concerning places and churches? In place after place brethren are selling their buildingsto the Pentecostals and going to worship at anothercongregation located in a different place. In congregation after congregation the median age is inthe high 50's or low 60's, with few if any young people.What will become of these churches when these grey-haired brethren pass from this life? What have theyleft behind? Have they left faithful children serving the Lord in their places? Sometimes, yes, they have;but the statistics reveal that in 63% of the cases theyhave not even left children behind that are faithful.

Brethren, we have become somewhat of a "halfturned cake," as was Ephraim in Hosea's day. Justlisten to what we are saying, teaching and preachingabout. We rapidly point at what is wrong with theCrossroads plan, with the prayer-partner, with theHerald of Truth and with every other thing in theworld. We already know what is wrong with it. (And, there certainly are Scriptural errors in each of theseexamples.) BUT, WHEN ARE WE GOING TO SPEAK AS FORCEFULLY ABOUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH US? When are we going to talk aboutWHAT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO? When are we on a large scale going to talk about what we areFAILING TO DO, rather than what is wrong withwhat everybody else is doing? The other day an articleappeared touting the fact that the liberals are "dying."Yes, the liberals are dying, but at least some of themKNOW IT! Not one word in the article says that weare going down at a much faster rate than they are. Weare like the crabs under any salt water pier in Florida.They feel so little pain that one crab can eat another,while the first crab is actually being eaten by a thirdcrab. We are standing in the dark and pointing frantically at others who are blind and cannot see. We haveone little group here, and one little group there andthey cannot get along doctrinally with the other. Toomuch of our effort has been simply like rearranging thedeck chairs on the Titanic!

Does it have to be this way? Well, let's ask the prophets. Let's ask ancient Israel before 722 B.C. or Jerusalem before 586 B.C., and then ask them after 722 or 586. No, it does not have to be this way. Why?Because Israel and Jerusalem could have repented andchanged their posture, returning in humble obedience to a forgiving God. But the reality is that they didn't repent,and they were not humble. So, the lesson we might learnis simply this: We probably will not change either, andthere will have to be another restoration movement sometime, somewhere by those that love Him far morethan we do. The tragic thing is: WHAT ABOUT MYCHILDREN? Where will my daughter, who is now 9, andmy son, who is now 7, worship when the building isclosed and sold to some aggressive and growing cult?Well, let's pray that their faith will be strong enough to meet in a cold warehouse or in a dusty store front. Butthen again, if their faith is strong enough to start all overagain to restore the New Testament Church then maybe,just maybe, their faith will be strong enough to teach theirchildren to deny a material world with plastic and polyester, with chrome and double-knit, instead of lusting for better than their dads have, and who will try not towalk in both worlds.

"Unto you therefore which believe, He is precious..." 1 Pet. 2:7a

When upon life's billows you are tempest

tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is

lost,

Count your many blessings, name them one by

one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath

done.

So go the words of a popular hymn by E. O. Excell. Yet, when instructed to number our blessings we immediately realize that such is an impossible task! However, Mr. Excell's song only serves to remind us allof the magnitude, the immensity, and the countless blessings afforded to God's children which are too numerous to count and too great to number.

Let's suppose that you are given the assignment of producing just one word descriptive of all yourblessings. What would it be? Dear friend, Peter picked aword! He used one word repeatedly in his two brief epistles to convey to his readers what it meant to be aChristian and what it meant to receive the blessings ofChrist. That word was—"PRECIOUS." Eight times in eight chapters Peter uses that term to describe the blessings of Jesus.

The term precious is defined as, "of great value or high price, excessively refined, highly esteemed and cherished, priceless." We use the word to portraymoments in our life which are especially meaningful andwe refer to them as "precious memories." Those we deemas "precious" are those most dear to us. And what do theladies ALWAYS say when viewing a newborn child?"Oh how precious!" No wonder Peter used that word. Notice:

1 Pet. 1:18-19 — "redeemed with precious blood"

1 Pet. 2:4-6 — "a chief corner stone, elect,

precious"

2 Pet. 1:2-4 — "great and precious

promises"

1 Pet. 1:6-7 — "trials of your faith. .

.precious"

1 Pet. 3:3-4 — "meek and gentle spirit. .

.precious"

2 Pet. 1:1 — "like precious faith"

Yet, without Christ there would be no blessings.Peter says, "Unto you therefore which believe, He isprecious" (1 Pet. 2:7). That is, Jesus is the reason for itall. This particular verse differs from the rest, for, inthe original, we find not an adjective but a noun. He is"THE PRECIOUS ONE," or "THE PRECIOUSNESS," i.e., Jesus is the object of inestimable value. Peter in essence says that among the cluster of jewels worn by the Christian, there is onecentral jewel whose brilliance outshines all the rest. Itis Jesus. He is the pearl of great price, the bright andmorning star, the light of the world, and He is thepriceless and precious crown jewel of the saint. AroundHim we revolve, because of Him we are, and throughHim we shall be. Yes, He is the center of it all! And so with Christ being the center of the crown, let's note the Christian's crown jewels as given by our Lord and asdescribed by the apostle.

1. Redeemed With "Precious" Blood

Knowing that you were not redeemed with perishablethings.. .but with precious blood, as a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ (1 Pet.1:18-19). Do we really appreciate the significance ofCalvary? People, Jesus was willing to pay a price thathad to be paid, for "without the shedding of bloodthere is no forgiveness" (Heb. 9:22). Read Isaiah 53 and see if the prophet doesn't look forward to the daywhen there would be one to walk who wouldn't deserve to suffer and die. One whose soul would be spotlessly pure and whose hands would be full of kindness. One who would walk the pathway of righteousness and whose heart would constantly beatof love and devotion to God. He would be the "unblemished and spotless lamb of God," yet He would be led to slaughter. And there on the rugged heights ofGolgotha, the only one who never knew sin would hang as a sinner. Why? Paul responds by saying, "Hemade Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, thatwe might become the righteousness of God in Him" (1Cor. 5:21). Someone had to pay the price. Someone had to set us free. "Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!"

2. Built Upon "Precious" Corner Stone

To whom coming as unto a living stone,

disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of

God, and precious, Ye also, as living stones

are built up a spiritual house. . . Wherefore

also it is contained in scripture, Behold I lay

in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious:

and he that believeth on Him shall not be

disappointed (1 Pet. 2:4-6).

Here is Peter's second aspect of preciousness. It's not enough to be redeemed and forgiven for we must atthat point begin to grow and be built up into holinessand godliness of character. How? Peter says, "You build on Jesus, for He is our chief building block." Later he admonishes us to "follow in His steps" (1 Pet.2:21). Jesus Himself said, "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me." Peter's point is that we shouldgrow, learning to imitate the character of Jesus.

There is an interesting passage in Psalms 118:22.There are some translations which render "the chief corner stone" as "the head stone of the corner." Now the head stone is not necessarily the bottom stone. In astructure such as a pyramid, the head stone of the corner would have been the top stone laid on the pinnacleto indicate completion. What the Psalmist may besaying is that Jesus is not only our corner stone laid beneath our character and life, but that He is also our head stone laid at the very apex of our life to completeit. The Hebrew writer says the same thing in a different way in 12:1-2. The idea is one of a race. Often ina track event the starting point is also the finishing point. Jesus is "the author and finisher of faith." We start from Him and we come back to Him. He is our corner stone and we build on Him. He is our head stone and we finish building on Him. Jesus lies beneath us as an everlasting rock and He glitters on top as our crowning jewel!

3. Hope Through "Precious" Promises

For by these He has granted to us His

precious and magnificent promises (2 Pet.

1:4).

Do you realize that the only thing in this life in which we can place our total and complete confidence, is inwhat God has said? God's promise is at once the assurance of fulfillment. In Romans 4:21 we are reminded that Abraham was "fully assured that what He had promised, He was able to perform." Then in Hebrews 10:23 we are admonished to "hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He whopromised is faithful to deliver." Yes, everything that God has promised will come to pass. That should produce both desire and expectation in the heart ofevery Christian as we hope for heaven. That's whyPeter says in 1:3-4 that we are "born again to a livinghope.. .reserved in heaven for you." Peter says that wehave a hope that lives. Why? Because our hope rests upon His precious and magnificent promises. And what a comfort it is in the midst of a troublesome and changing world to know most assuredly that we havean inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled andwill not fade away, and that such is reserved for us inheaven. And Peter, when called upon to describe ourliving hope, used the term "precious." I know of no better word.

To Be Continued...

MORE ON "IF ANY WILL NOT WORK"

Warren Berkley, of Mulvane, Kansas, writes: "Dear bro. Green:

"I appreciated your recent article in Searching The Scriptures, "If Any Will Not Work." The advice you gavewas good.

"We do something here that seems to be workingwell. We have a 'policy' we follow with each transient requesting assistance. We ask the person to fill out afiling form (see copy below), then we tell them we willconsider their request. We explain that we will not makean impulsive decision, but that we need several hours.Then, if they fill out the form and actually apply forassistance, we take the information to the Police Station and ask them to run it through their computers.(Most law enforcement agencies will gladly do this, asthey are anxious to eliminate undeserving transients). If everything checks out with the Police, we check the references and the story, then make some decision, in keeping with the guidelines you gave and the Scripturalrestriction on the use of funds in the treasury.

"Now, no one have ever yet filled out the form! Oneman got half way through it, became disgusted and left.Others have simply refused to be subjected to any kind ofverification. And some have looked at the form and then politely dismissed themselves (thinking we were 'on to' them).

It may seem too bureaucratic or ridiculous, but it hasproved to be a helpful tool (or expedient) in separating the legitimate from the undeserving."TRANSIENT FILING FORM (Please Print)Full Name _____ ----------------------------------------Date of Birth _____________________ Age --------Address (it no current address, give last address) ___Social Security Number-------------------------------------Car Information (make, model & year of car; color; tagnumber) ---------------------------------------------------------Current Driver's License Information (State, licensenumber, expiration date) ---------------------------------Please Answer The Following Questions:

1. Have you ever applied for assistance at any churchbefore? If so, give this information -----------------------
2. Are you presently being pursued by any law enforcement agency? ------------------------------------------
3. Are you a member of the church of Christ? If so,

give name and address of local congregation, preacher

and/or elders _______________________________Give names, addresses and phone numbers of at leasttwo people who would be willing to vouch for you:

On the back of this form, please explain your presentcircumstance and tell exactly what kind of assistanceyou request.By my signature, I verify that all the informationgiven on this form is correct.

-------------------------------------------- Date:__________ (Signature

In the Law of Moses provision was made for someone to eat the passover at a later time if they werenot able to eat it on the prescribed day (Numbers 9:114). In the past several years there has been growinginterest in using this as an indication that the Lord's supper may be served a second time on the Lord's dayfor those who were not able to eat it the first time it is served. Such was suggested by brother Keith Ward inthe October SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES.

This argument disturbs me. Not because of the conclusion that saints may eat the Lord's supper on Sundaynight, with which I agree, but because it is using theLaw of Moses to establish authority for New Testamentworship.

Does It Show Authority Or Is It Just "Something ToThink About"?

A number of times I have heard people make thepoint of the second serving of the passover and qualify itwith a statement such as: "This is something to thinkabout" or "I believe this is worthy of consideration", butstopping short of saying: "The second serving of the passover authorizes the second serving of the Lord'ssupper". Keith is consistent in that he is not in a noncommittal way trying to just "slip" this idea into the thinking of people; rather, he is stating without reservation that this point of the Law of Moses authorizes the second serving of the Lord's supper. WhileI commend his forthrightness, I question the validity ofthe argument.

Keith correctly states concerning the question of the second serving of the Lord's supper: "The germane question is, 'Is it authorized?' ".

He states of the second-serving-of-the-passover

argument that is "a scriptural and clear

argument". He has a paragraph with the heading "The

Authority Of The Old Testament". Near the conclusion of the article he says that the parallel between the passoverand the Lord's supper "teaches us that as those who could not attend an annual feast assembled at a later date to partake, so may those who cannotattend in the morning assemble in the evening topartake of the Lord's supper." Keith believes that "if we allow the O.T. to teach us anything" that it teaches this.

I deny that the Old Testament teaching about thepassover teaches us anything about the Lord's supperapart from what the Bible says that it teaches.

Keith stated some parallels between the passoverand the Lord's supper: Christ is our passover, Jesus instituted the Lord's supper on the passover, the passover was to be observed when Israel was congregated as the Lord's supper is to be observed when the church is congregated, a time is specified forobserving both. Actually to call a couple of thosepoints "parallels" may not be quite accurate. Nevertheless, scripture can be given for each of theabove points. Where can scripture be given to parallel an alternate time for eating the passover with an alternate time for eating the Lord's supper?

There are a number of things which the scriptures donot parallel between the passover and the Lord's supper.

Old Testament Teaches But Does Not GiveAuthority

As Keith points out, the Old Testament is written for our learning and admonition (Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11). But, brethren, if we begin going to theLaw of Moses to defend our practices in New Testament worship we are inviting some difficult situations!

Imagine having taught a friend that our authority for faith and practice is the New Testament. He thenvisits an assembly and observes that we serve theLord's supper on Sunday evening to those who werenot there on Sunday Morning, and wants to know why.(I have had people ask me!) Suppose I begin to explainthat our authority for that practice is the fact that thepassover and the Lord's supper have some parallelsand that the LAW OF MOSES provided for an alternate date for eating the passover, therefore we offer analternate time for eating the Lord's supper. How wouldI convince him that I am consistent in decrying his useof the Old Testament in defending instrumental music or burning of incense?

Brethren, if it is right (which I believe it is) to offerthe Lord's supper on Sunday evening to those who could not be there on Sunday morning, it is rightbecause the NEW TESTAMENT teaches that the Lord's supper is to be eaten upon the FIRST DAY OFTHE WEEK, and Sunday evening is still the first dayof the week. It is not right because the OLD TESTAMENT teaches that the PASSOVER could be eaten at an alternate date.

We must have New Testament authority for what wedo in the worship of the New Testament church (Colossians 3:17; Matthew 28:18; Ephesians 1:22-23; Hebrews l:l-2;2:l-4).

THE NAME "CHRISTIAN"

T. G. O'Neal

Isaiah, the son of Amoz, said, about 760 B. C, in56:5, "Even unto them will I give in mine house andwithin my walls a place and a name better than of sonsand of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name,that shall not be cut off." He further said in 62:1 and 2,"For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and forJerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness and thesalvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thyglory: and thou shalt be called by a new name whichthe mouth of the Lord shall name." In these verses,Isaiah is telling of the giving of a new name that the God of heaven is to give to his children.

We must turn to the New Testament of Jesus Christ in order to find the fulfillment of this prophecy ofIsaiah. We turn through the first four books of theNew Testament and we find not a word said about the new name that Isaiah mentioned in this prophecy. Wethen turn to the book of Acts and in the second chapterwe learn of the Jews receiving the law of the Lord.Peter is saying, as he closes his great sermon on thatday, "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whomye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now whenthey heard this, they were pricked in their heart, andsaid unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men andbrethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them,Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the nameof Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shallreceive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise isunto you and to your children, and to all that are afaroff, even as many as the Lord our God shall call (Acts2:37-39). In these words Peter has said that the promise of remission of sins and the gift of the HolyGhost is not only to the Jews but also unto the Gentiles, those that are "afar off". If you will turn toEphesians, chapter two and in verse seventeen, we willlearn of the Apostle Paul telling the Gentiles that the promise is unto those that were afar off and to thosethat were nigh. "And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh." Paultells the Ephesians they are Gentiles: "This I saytherefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforthwalk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of theirmind" (Eph. 4:17).

Since we have learned that the Gentiles are those that Peter referred to as being afar off in Acts 2, weneed not look for the new name that God was going togive to the children of the Lord until after the Gentileshave seen the righteousness of the Lord. We have seenin Acts 2 the Jews receiving the righteousness of theLord and we turn in our New Testaments to chapterten of the book of Acts of Apostles and now we areready to learn of the Gentiles receiving the Lord's righteousness. Here we learn of the conversion of theGentile, Cornelius. Information is also given in Acts

11.

The Gentiles have received the Lord's righteousnessand we are ready to look for the new name that themouth of the Lord is to give. "And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came topass, that a whole year they assembled themselveswith the church, and taught much people. And thedisciples were called Christians first in Antioch" (Acts11:26).

We have the new name that the mouth of the Lord was to give. The new name is CHRISTIAN. This nameis in two other passages in the New Testament. Wehear Agrippa saying unto Paul, ". . .Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian (Acts 26:28). Peter said,"Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not beashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf" (1Pet. 4:16).

One will instantly see that in the name Christian isthe name of Christ who is the head of every child ofGod. In wearing the name of Christ, honor is given unto Him who redeemed us and made us free from sin. Just as a bride wears the name of her husband, herhead, just so every faithful child of God wears thename of his head, who is Christ.

The New Testament shows that the name Christian is worn by individuals. Sometimes people want to call the Lord's church by the name, "Christian Church."But this is a mistake because this is a usage that the word of God never makes of it. The church of the Lord is described in the Scriptures as "the church of God" (1Cor. 1:2); the "church" (Acts 8:4); the "churches of Christ" (Rom. 16:16); and the "church of the living God" (1 Tim. 3:15); but never is the church of the Lordcalled the "Christian Church" in the Scriptures.

By a careful study of the Scriptures, it is evidentthat the name "Christian" is never used as an adjective, but always as a noun. This should be noted bythe children of the Lord. Many times we want to callthis nation a "Christian nation." Some are heard to use the name Christian with institutions, papers, and other things. Often we hear brethren talking about "Christian papers," "Christian Colleges," "Christian orphan homes," "Christian works" and many othersuch things. To the careful student of the word of God,it is clear that this is a usage that the word of God never makes. In times past some of us have been guiltyof the mis-use of the word.

Having recognized this teaching from the Bible,brethren who operate "Florida College" have seen thisand, wanting to use the name "Christian" only as theScriptures use it, they changed the name of the schoolfrom "Florida Christian College" to "Florida College."While the idea of changing the name of the school didnot originate with me, I certainly approve of what theyhave done.

Since the change from "Florida Christian College" to"Florida College" several of the institutional preachersand brethren have had articles to appear in which theyridiculed the idea of the change and have had someunkind things to say about the brethren for theirchange. When brethren change from right to wrong, itis sad; but when they change from wrong to right,they are moving in the right direction.

Some of the brethren have said that since the name "Christian" was removed from the name of the school, it shows that they have kicked Christ and the Bible outof the school. Because the brethren who operateFlorida College believe in the all-sufficiency of theScriptures as a rule of faith and practice and believe inthe all-sufficiency of the church to do the work thatGod has given the church to do, they have been the objects of much slander and misrepresentation by theGospel Advocate time and time again. It is not my purpose in this article to either defend or condemn the school; however, I think an observation or two in order.

If the fact that the name "Christian" is absent from the name of a college or is removed, is proof that JesusChrist and the Bible are not respected by operators ofsaid institution, and this is what some brethren havebeen charging, then let us look at some facts. Freed-Hardeman College in Henderson, Tennessee, has neverhad the name Christian connected with that school. Does this mean that the brethren who operate Freed-Hardeman College have kicked out Jesus Christ andthe Bible? Also, the name Christian has never beenconnected with the name of David Lipscomb College inNashville, Tennessee. Does that mean that JesusChrist and the Bible were never respected by thatschool? If the name of Christ being absent from thename of an educational institution means that Christ and His word are not respected, then the absence of thename of Christ from such an institution from its beginning would mean that the institution never did respectChrist and His word. It is now the attitude of both Freed-Hardeman College and David Lipscomb Collegethat "we do many things for which we do not haveBible authority" because they preach the doctrine of"Where there is no pattern."

Someone has said we should call nothing "Christian" that has not been baptized. Those whowere called Christians in New Testament days werethose who had obeyed the gospel.

MOUNT CARMEL

The Hebrew word translated "Carmel" means "fruit

garden." The word was used to refer to a mountain

range in Israel which ran about 13-20 miles toward the

southeast from Haifa on the Mediterranean to the

plain of Esdraelon. Its greatest height is 1742 feet

above sea level.

One of the great contests in man's history took placeon Mount Carmel. This contest was between Elijahand the prophets of Baal (1 Ki. 18:20-40). In this study we want to consider some characteristics of that struggle which took place on Mount Carmel.

A Mountain of Choice

In verses twenty and twenty-one the record says,"So Ahab sent a message among all the sons of Israel,and brought the prophets together at Mount Carmel.And Elijah came near to all the people and said, Howlong will you hesitate between two opinions? If theLord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him. But the people did not answer him a word." Elijah calls forthe people to quit "hopping" from one side to the other. If Jehovah was God, they should follow Him. IfBaal was God, they should follow him. There was nomiddle ground.

We also must choose whom we will serve. We are reminded of the words of Joshua, "choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the godswhich your fathers served which were beyond theRiver, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land youare living; but as for me and my house, we will servethe Lord" (Josh. 24:15). A choice has to be made between two because "no one can serve two masters" (Mt. 6:24). For a person to make a choice of neutralityis to make a choice against the Lord (Mt. 12:30). We need then to quit limping from one side to another—from truth to error and from worldliness to godliness.

A Mountain of Courage

We find Elijah telling the people on Mount Carmel,"I alone am left a prophet of the Lord, but Baal's prophets are 450 men" (1 Ki. 18:22). Poor Elijah, hewas outnumbered 450 to 1. But that fact did not stophim for he knew, like the psalmist, "The Lord is for me;1 will not tear: What can man do to me" (Psa. 118:6)?After all, God and one make a majority.

We should manifest this same courage today. Paul directs us, "Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong " (1 Cor. 16:13). This strength isfound in the Lord (Eph. 6:10-11). We should never be ashamed of Christ or His church, but always standready to defend it by fighting "the good fight of faith"(1 Tim. 6:12).

A Mountain of Challenge

Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to show thatBaal was the true God. He said, "Now let them give ustwo oxen; and let them choose one ox for themselvesand cut it up, and place it on the wood, but put no fireunder it; and I will prepare the other ox, and lay it onthe wood, and I will not put a fire under it. Then youcall on the name of your god, and I will call on the nameof the Lord, and the God who answers by fire, He isGod" (1 Ki. 18:23-24a). The worshippers of Baal claimed that he was the sun god or the god of theelements, so this challenge should have been easy forhim. It was equal and fair both to Elijah and to theprophets of Baal. The people agreed to the proposal (1Ki. 18:.24b).

There need to be more challenges to false teachers ofour day. There comes a time when every Christianshould "contend earnestly for the faith which was oncefor all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3). They need to beshown in their true light (2 Cor. 11:13-15; Mt. 7:15). Infact we have a divine command to "test the spirits tosee whether they are from God; because many falseprophets have gone out into the world" (1 Jno. 4:1).This work is important because souls are at stake (Mt.15:14; Ac. 20:29-30). If we faithfully carry out thisresponsibility the Lord will commend us as He did thechurch at Ephesus (Rev. 2:2).

A Mountain of Confusion

The prophets of Baal failed miserably (1 Ki. 18:2529). They cried and danced around their altar till noon.Then Elijah began to mock them. "Maybe he is occupied with something else." "Maybe he is turned aside." So we really see the sharpness of Elijah's remarks. But he continued, "Maybe he is on a journey or asleep and needs to be aroused." So the false prophets tried to attract Baal by cutting themselveswith weapons (swords and spears). They continuedtheir efforts till time for the evening sacrifice which was about 3:00 p.m. Their failure was clearlymanifested as the Bible says, "there was no voice, noone answered, and no one paid attention" (1 Ki. 18:29).

Modern false teachers find themselves in the same state of confusion when pressed with the truth. Theycontradict themselves as well as the truth. They arefalse promisers (2 Pet. 2:17,19). Such confusion showsthey are not of God "for God is not a God of confusion but of peace" (1 Cor. 14:33a).

A Mountain of Conquest

After the failure of the prophets of Baal, Elijahallows God to show Himself as trued Ki. 18:30-39). Henot only prepared the altar, but soaked it with water sothat there would be no question as to the source of thefire. Some historians have told us of how false prophetswould have someone to hide inside the altars to start fires so as to deceive the people into thinking it was miraculous. The trench around the altar held two seahs of seed or about 22 quarts. Elijah prayed to God to send the fire and show that He was truly "God in Israel." The fire fell and consumed the offering, the wood, the stones, the dust, and even the water in the trench. The victory was clear to the people.

As long as we stand with truth, we need to never fearthat the victory will be ours. Jesus promised, "youshall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (Jno. 8:32). Paul never had fear of failure as he could affirm "I can do all things through Him whostrengthens me" (Phil. 4:13). So with us, "in all thingswe overwhelmingly conquer through Him who lovedus" (Rom. 8:37).

A Mountain of Condemnation Verse forty gives us the conclusion to the story."Then Elijah said to them, Seize the prophets of Baal; do not let one of them escape. So they seized them; andElijah brought them down to the brook Kishon and

slew them there" (1 Ki. 18:40). Some may think this actcruel but it was what the Law commanded (Deut. 13:15).

The greater condemnation of eternal punishment awaits false teachers of today. Those who twist the Scriptures do so "to their own destruction' (2 Pet.

3:16). So the warning is, "if any man is preaching toyou a gospel contrary to that which you received, lethim be accursed" (Gal. 1:9).

Conclusion

May we learn these valuable lessons from the contest on Mount Carmel. Let us have the courage and faith of Elijah to stand with God. The end will be rewarding.

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A VALUABLE WORKER FOR THE SPANISH FIELD Wayne Partain

Royce Chandler has decided to go into full time Spanish work. Isay "full time" because he became involved m the work in Columbia, South America in August, 1977, and since that time has had amajor part in that effort. At that time, he and I went to Manizales,Columbia to teach a young man, Carlos Restrepo, who had been converted by Correspondence Course distributed by the church in Danville, KY where Royce preached at the time.

When Carlos moved to the capital city of Bogota that fall, Royceand Bob Crawley of Lexington, KY and their wives made plans togo there, and not only give more daily classes to Carlos, but alsolocated property, bought chairs, made a pulpit, etc. so the workcould begin. Then immediately after this, in January, 1978, my wifeand I went to Bogota to spend about six weeks.

Since that time Royce has returned to Columbia six more times,teaching and preaching with Carlos interpreting. Make that fivetimes, because the sixth time, in Aug.-Sept. of this year Roycepreached in Spanish, in Bogota, Manizales and Cali. This summer hespent 100 hours in a classroom, taking a concentrated Spanishcourse, and thenwent directly toColumbia toputit to use.

Shortly after returning from Columbia, he announced to theFranklin Rd. congregation in Nashville where he has preachedabout 2 1/2 years, that he and his wife had made a firm decision todedicate themselves to the Spanish effort on a full-time basis. Hisplans call for a move to San Antonio in January, 1982, to make thishis home base. His heart is very much in Columbia, but he tried forsome time to get a visa to work there and was unsuccessful. It isgetting increasingly difficult to get visas to preach in Latin countries. But Royce is interested in the Spanish work in general, in localwork, meeting and publishing work, and is eager to serve whereverpossible.

His decision has thrilled us. More workers, especially of hiscalibre, are urgently needed in this work. Many doors are opening tous at the same time that others close in our face.

Let me list a few of the activities he has in mind: (1) work here inSan Antonio with us house to house. This is a city of some 850,000and over half of our population is composed of Mexican-Americansand Mexicans (we have a Mexican-American mayor). Bill Reevesstarted the congregation here in 1963. They built a nice little concrete block building in 1967 on I-35 South. We're real proud of it, and lately we've done some fixing up, have fenced the property, etc.,but more than anything else we want to fill it with people! Thecongregation is quite small, not because it has never grown butmostly because of "move a ways." So we must put a lot of emphasison personal work, gospel meeting, distributing literature, etc., toreach more of these people. But a big problem has been that I'm out of town a big part of the time in gospel efforts in other places. ButRoyce and his wife Hope, have children at home, and will remain inthe city much more than we do, especially during the school year, sothey can keep the home Bible classes going on a more regular basis.Plus they can do other things that require regular attention, if theyso choose, such as utilizing a Bible Correspondence Course inSpanish like the one they had at Danville, or publishing a teachingbulletin, etc.

(2) Bill Reeves, who preaches at nearby Kerrville, and I publishstudies in Spanish (such as sermons, commentaries, debate notes,tracts, etc.) and have the printing equipment to do it (it would becompletely out of our reach to have it done commercially). Royce isinterested also in this phase of the work. He has a wealth of materialthat needs to be translated into Spanish, printed and distributed toworkers in the field. But this sort of activity also calls for full-timework in Spanish. I'm sure that many brethren have no concept ofthe tremendous shortage of study materials in Spanish. And so

many brethren need help in preparing sermons and classes who arenot full-time preachers and who have little if any formal training. Iwish you could see the letters requesting the materials we publish and the letters expressing appreciation for them. The exposure Royce has had to the work in Columbia will supply a strong motivation for him in this phase of the work.

(3) Two young men from Bogota, Santiago Castro and OswaldoLeon, spent several months in Nashville, studying with Royce, and now Santiago preaches full-time in Bogota. Royce is very interestedin training workers (2 Tim. 2:2). He preached in Danville eight yearsand along with one of the elders, brother Kelly Ellis, devoted muchtime to this effort. He will have much opportunity to give suchclasses in the field. For example, San Antonio is near the Mexicanborder, and I know of several fine young men who are eager for suchclasses. Royce could even give all day classes on Saturdays inReynosa, Matamoros or Nuevo Laredo, as well as longer sessionswhen possible. (4) Obviously he will continue work in Columbia. But this is justone South American country. As already mentioned, more and moredoors are opening to us in Puerto Rico, in the Dominican Republic, andalways in Mexico. Through brethren in New York and Los Angeles many contacts are being made that open doors to many Latin countries. Also our literature work is opening doors for us. (5) Correspondence work cannot be overlooked in a list of opportunities (not just friendly letters, but a tremendous teaching instrument). As one works in meeting work, for example, he becomes familiar with needs and problems in other places and can help brethren when he's back home through the mail, by sending them specific studies, and dealing intelligently with what they write about.

Royce is very mature for his 36 years, with valuable experienceunder his belt, not only in English work but also in Spanish work. Iwas in Columbia in June last year, preaching in the same placesRoyce worked in Aug.-Sept., so I'm familiar with some problemsthere. I mention this now in connection with comment about his maturity. He did an excellent job in dealing with one particularknotty problem. The proof has come to me in the form of a letterwritten in some detail by a very responsible individual of the Bogota congregation. He writes that now, after Royce's visit, all is at peace again. That speaks volumes as to Royce's ability and is agood indicator of what a stabilizing influence he already is in theSpanish work. You'd have to know the situation to appreciate theencouragement this has brought to us.

I've gone into some detail giving specifics as to possible waysRoyce may be involved in the Spanish effort. We need to convince anumber of brethren immediately of the importance of his decision. He isdetermined to begin 1982 in the Spanish work. The work is urgent.Also it is important that he continue using his Spanish before it coolsoff. I know for a fact that there are congregations looking for goodsolid, productive men with whom to have fellowship in evangelizing. Here's your opportunity!

Write him at 623 Woodett Dr., Nashville, TN 37211, or better still, call him at 615-311-7484. He'd be delighted to discuss his plans indetail with those interested in having fellowship with him. Or feel freeto contact me at 512-333-0595.

FOREIGN NEWS FERNANDO VENEGAS, Casilla #122 C.C., 5500 Mendoza, Argentina, South America. This is to report that during the dates of October9-11 we had a gospel meeting with Bro. Raul Caro from Puente Alto-Chile. Attendance averaged 15-20 each night. Then October 22-25 wehad a meeting with Bro. Carlos Capelli from Buenos Aires, Argentina.Attendance averaged between 20-25 persons. During the meeting four were baptized into Christ. More recently two others were baptized and one brother left the liberal church and identified with us.Thanks to the Lord for the progress of the work here.

PEDRO RAMIREZ, P.O. Box 21, Douglas, AZ 85607. I have lost$200 per month support from an individual in Memphis who could no longer send due to other financial obligations. I need to make this up at once, as I had no previous warning. I have many familyobligations and need to hear from any who could help. We continueto have visitors to practically all of our services. At

tendance averages around 100 on Sundays. Antonio Ramirez (mynephew) preached in a five day meeting in Xonacatlan in the state ofMexico. Camilo Villegas begins a 15 day meeting soon in CapamasSinaloa, deep within the interior. The church here is a wonderful example of a group completely dedicated to the Lord. Our economy is probably 25 years behind, but we are trying. That thing in itselfjust could be the reason for the growth here. My daughter Sarah recently broke her engagement with her young man because he would not leave the Catholic church and because she would not leave the Lord.

SPRINGHILL, LA—Due to impending repairs on our building we are discontinuing $125 monthly support to Bro. Rodolfo Valenzuela, Palanginan, Iba, Zambales, Republic of the Philippines, C2202. His ability and reputation is well reported of by the U.S. brethren who visit there and would be worthy of consideration forsupport.

FIELD REPORTS

EDGAR E. HOLCOMB, 263 Massachusetts Ave., Elyria, OH 44035. The church in North Ridgeville. OH closed a very finemeeting in which Peter Wilson from Gresham, OR spoke morningsand evenings. Bro. Wilson did an excellent job presenting God's word and greatly edified and encouraged the brethren. Attendance wasvery good and 2 souls obeyed the gospel. Three have been restoredsince the meeting.

RICHARD TERRY, P.O. Box Eg 277, Melbourne, FL 32935. January 4 will mark one year with the church here in Eau Gallie. Inthe past year the church has prospered both physically and spiritually. We conducted meetings with Lloyd Barker and Macky Harden during the year. Our contribution has increased as well asattendance. We have conducted a ladies Bible class, a men's

training class, instituted a 24 hour telephone message service wherein the caller hears a three minute message, and just concludedour second Teacher's Training class with 50% of our members in attendance at one of the two classes taught. In 1982 we are wanting toconduct a Personal Evangelism Training class. At present Wiley Adams of Warner Robbins, GA is scheduled to be with us in a meeting in January. The church here has two capable elders. My family and I look forward to many years of service in the Lord's vineyard with them and with the other brethren that comprise thisfine congregation.

TROY ADAMS, c/o church of Christ. P.O. Box 506, Ellsworth, ME04605. In February 1981 I left the small congregation in Ellsworth,ME to move to CA to care for my elderly mother who had lost muchof her eyesight and could not care for herself. Recently, my motherhad surgery which greatly improved her sight and ability to care forherself. As a result, my wife and I are going back to Maine and continue the work we started in 1978. Whether we raise support or notwe plan to move in November, 1981. At the present time I have no outside support. With a wife and five children I need $2,000 permonth. If you are not able to help on a regular basis, please consider aone-time contribution in order to help us get settled. For more information about me or the work in Ellsworth you may contact Ralph Smart at 516 Union St., Bangor, ME 04401; the TempleTerrace church of Christ at 501 Bullard Parkway, Temple Terrace, FL33617; or the Annandale church of Christ at 4709 Ravenworth Rd., Annandale, VA 22003.

RAY CORNS, 123 Sunset, Gibsonburg, OH 43431. I was in a good gospel meeting at Cob Hill, KY the dates of Sept. 6-11. The audience was very attentive and visitors came from other churches inthe area.

RUSSELL H. DUNAWAY, Jr. 4667 Cooper Rd., Cincinnati, OH45242. I would like to report that I moved to work with the BlueAsh congregation in August, 1981. Bro. Titus Edwards started ameeting with us the same week that I moved. Attendance was good and several visitors were present. The work is here to be done and with the help of the Lord we plan to work in the vineyard, bringingin those who have strayed as well as those who have not obeyed the

gospel. We ask for your prayers.

PAUL BRANCH, 25O2-2Oth Ave. W. Bradenton, FL 33505. Sinceour last report the new congregation in Sarasota has continued togrow. Additional members have left liberal churches to work with us. One new family from Orlando has recently moved into the areaand are meeting with us. One was baptized recently as well. Wehave gone from nine members to twenty-four members in twentymonths. The future looks bright. We will soon move to the DAV(Disabled American Veterans) building for meeting. I will step asideas part-time preacher in order for Herbert Fraser to labor full-time.His work will begin in January, 1982. Much of his support isassured but he still needs some assistance. Can you help? ContactHerbert at 2920 Michigan St.,. Sarasota, FL 33577 or phone (813)365-7628. You may also contact me at (813) 748-5592.

FRANK CHUMLEY, 350 Peggy Court, Goodlettsville, TN 37072.After nine years with the Northside church in Lexington, AL wherewe were able to see the attendance grow from the low 90's to a record of 200 and see the contribution go from a weekly average of$240 to $1,200 plus and see 117 souls respond to the invitation, I amnow working with the church which meets in Madison, TN known as Kemper Heights church of Christ. We have had 16 responses to theinvitation thus far. This congregation was established in 1922 andwas known as the Joseph Avenue church of Christ until 1973 whenit moved to this area and met in a school until it was able to move into it's new building located on Kemper at Tuchahoe Dr. The churchhere is enjoying a healthy growth under the effective leadership ofits elders. We also have seven deacons who are doing their workwell. While having a Goodlettsville address, we have a White House,TN telephone number—672-4725.

JEFF COREY, 2047 Garrick Dr., Pittsburg, PA 15235. The newwork in the Pittsburg area is now one year old. In the past yearthere have been six baptisms and several Christians have moved into the area. I began preaching here full-time in August, 1981. We appreciate the prayers, support, and encouragement that we havereceived. If you know of anyone moving to the Pittsburg area, orjust visiting, please contact us at the above address or phone (412)824-5843 or (412) 795-2560.

JIMMY TUTEN, 7911 Country Dr., Mobile AL 36609. Since ourlast report, things have continued to increase at Tillman's Corner inMobile in many ways. We continue to make contacts in growing numbers. Various ones among the liberal brethren are showing anincreased interest in our work. Among the several who have identified with us recently is a couple from the liberal church who areproviding many contacts and opportunities for discussion of differences. In the Spring we were honored to have Don Hastings preach our meeting. In August, Donald Ames preached our summermeeting. Both men endeared themselves to the brethren. Several major improvements and additions were lately made to ourbuilding. All in all, I am enthused about the work. I am grateful toGod and to my brethren's help that enables me to continue my enjoyable work in Mobile. Come see us. Call (205) 666-5769 for directions.

DEBATE IN PRINT EUGENE BRITNELL, P.O. Box 5624, Little Rock, AR 72215. My debate with brother Guy N. Woods on the benevolent work ofthe church is now in print. The debate was conducted in Suffolk,VA in 1977. It contains about 20 charts which we used in the discussion, and is an interesting and profitable study. There are afew minor errors, and one rather serious error on pg. 80 where several lines were omitted from one of my speeches. I want thereaders to know that I didn't black out at that point or changegears as abruptly as the printed copy would seem to indicate. Butone can understand what I'm talking about, and the same pointsare stated at other places in the debate. If I ever have the privilegeof meeting brother Woods again, I shall not proceed beyond myfirst speech unless I get him to admit or deny that he understandswhat the issue is and what we are discussing. He never did touch oreven acknowledge the real issue in the debate. He jumped from thechurch (which we were not discussing) to the home (which wewere not discussing) and refused to discuss the board of directors (which we were discussing).Read the debate and see if that isn't right. You may order it from Religious Supply Center. The price (hardback cloth binding) is $6.95 plus postage.

NEW CONGREGATIONS GREENTOWN, OH—On October 4th a congregation beganmeeting in the American Legion Building on Perrydale St. Our firstmonth's attendance averaged in the 20's. Due to the distance of thearea from other faithful churches, it was decided a new work in this community would be beneficial to our faithfulness and to spreading the gospel. Anyone wishing to contact this new congregation maycall Phil Duren at (216) 877-3903, or write him at 1112 Cosmos St.,

N. W. Hartville, OH 44632. We meet at 9:45 a.m. for Bible Studyand 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. for worship on Sundays. On Thursdayswe meet at 7:30 p.m. for Bible study.

EAST ST. LOUIS, IL—A new congregation began in October inEast St. Louis. These brethren are presently meeting in the home ofone of the members on Sunday morning and Tuesday evening. Ifyou know of members of the church who live in E. St. Louis or woulddesire more information about this new work, please contact Johnny Little at 5160 K Campfire, Florissant, MO 63033. His phonenumber is 355-3020. These brethren have indicated a desire to stand firm for the truth and respect the authority of Christ.

FOLEY, AL—A work was started in Foley, AL in June, 1981. Thisis the only sound congregation in Baldwin County which has apopulation of 70,000. Foley is 12 miles from the Gulf and manyvacationers pass through on the way to Gulf Shores.

PRINCETON, WV—A new congregation has been establishedin the Princeton, WV area. Their Sunday services are 10 a.m. and6 p.m. Their mid-week services are at 7 p.m. For more informationcontact John Gibson, 413 Old Bluefield Rd., Princeton, WV, 24740. Or phone (304) 425-3622.

NEW LOCATIONS MEDINA, OH—The church which has for several years met in theAmerican Legion Hall, 620 N. Broadway in Medina, now has theirown building at 6205 Wadsworth Rd., about a mile south of town onSt. Hwy. 57 near the intersection of St. Hwy 162. Our mailing address is still P.O. Box 313, Medina, OH 44258.

WINCHESTER, KY—The Winchester congregation has finallysucceeded in purchasing the property they have been trying to get for some time. There is a dwelling house on the property and on theback of the house is an auditorium suitable for our needs. We met for the first time on Sunday, September 6, 1981. The address is 623Colby Rd., Winchester, KY at the corner of Mahan Drive and ColbyRd. It is two blocks off the by-pass around Winchester. Everyone isinvited to attend services. Sunday Bible study at 10 a.m., worshipat 11 a.m. and evening worship at 6 p.m. Wednesday night we meetat 7.

PREACHERS NEEDED JACKSONVILLE, FL—The church that meets at 5518 Dunn Ave. in Jacksonville is in need of an evangelist. We are a small congregation numbering about 40. We can only offer $150 per weekin support at this time. As we grow so shall increase the amount ofsupport. The one that comes must be sound in the faith, willing togive book, chapter, and verse for all that he teaches. We need onewilling to do personal work. There are two congregations who havehelped with support here in the past and will continue this support.If interested contact O'Dell Tucker at 822 Granville Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32205. Or phone 781-0757.

YOUNGSTOWN, OH—The Westview church of Christ in suburban Youngstown, OH is searching for a full-time preacher.The congregation has an average attendance of 35 and can benearly self-supporting. The mortgage on a fairly new building willbe paid off by the end of 1981. Please write to the Westview church of Christ at 800 South Niles-Canfield Road, Youngstown,OH 44515. Or call (216) 792-6405.

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LAKE BUTLER, FL—The Danville church of Christ just southof Lake Butler (25 miles north of Gainesville) is in need of apreacher. Some outside support would be necessary. We would likean older man. Phone Troy Blackwelder at (904) 496-3859.

PREACHER AVAILABLE DENNY DIEHL, 1758 Ravizza Ave., Santa Clara, CA 95051. I am interested in relocating with a church around the first of the year. Ihave six years preaching experience. Phone (408) 246-6932.

IN THE NEWS THIS MONTH

BAPTISMS		330
RESTORATIONS		162
(Taken from bulletins and papers received by the editor)