EXCUSES

"And they all with oneconsent began to make excuse..."(Lk. 14: 18). An excuse is just another attempt to justifyoneself, which man is inclined to do on occasion. Many timesit would be much easier, and simpler, to just say that wedon't wantto do something, and we aren'tgoing todo it. Or,conversely, just admit that we have failed to do somethingwhich should have been done. But, that would entail acknowledgement that we are wrong, and possibly repentance. Who will do it?

As a rule, we offer more than one excuse to fit eachfailure. Or, different people offer a variety of excuses on the same subject. We aren't convinced ourselves that one excuse will suffice, so we want to make certain that we havemore than one just in case the first one or two fizzles out.And, it is difficult to listen to excuses day after day, without some kind of rejoinder. I wouldn't make a verygood social worker. About the time some shiftless excusefor a man told me he was physically unable to work, couldn't find a job, the right hours, the right workingconditions, the right pay, or may lose his unemployment orwelfare payments, I'd probably refer him to 2 Thes. 3: 10,Eph. 4: 28, and Acts 20: 35. Then, after I had been fired fortoo much preaching on the job, I'd probably quote 1 Tim. 5:

8.

If a man is sick, and can't work, he doesn't need a bunch of excuses. If he is able to live without working, and without being a leech on society, more power to him. If heis too lazy, why not just admit it? All the Lord

has ever promised us is a life of thorns, thistles, and sweat,and sufficient for our daily needs if we "seek first the kingdom. " Anything else is pure luxury.

While I have always had more work in the Lord's vineyard than I can do, I've had my share of meetingscancelled by congregations, and no two seldom gave thesame excuses. One wanted to send me some other placewhere I couldn't preach to them, another said it was "building a building" and I could not come, and one didn't give any reason at all. Another said they were cancelingmy meeting, "After very careful consideration and due tothe circumstances involved. " That's all, nothing more.Another cancelled "because of things they had heard, " but didn't tell me what those things were.

Only one congregation was honest enough to give me a reason. They agreed with what I preached, but had obtained a preacher to work with them since my last visitwhose practice didn't agree with what I preached, and wasafraid that if I came for the meeting the fat would be in thefire. They weren't overly impressed with the preacher's projects, and even favored my position over his, but for thesake of peace decided to cancel my meeting. I survived, butwhether they and he will in the judgment, I can't say. One thing I know, I'm not responsible for preaching the truthsomeplace when I'm hinderedfromdoingso.

Then, there are the excuses brethren make for not defending their idols. They claim they don't worship thoseidols, and that all is a matter of opinion, yet they will quarantine and brand those who disagree with them,cancel their meetings, lie about them and the real issue,divide the body of Christ, and in the safety of their ownpulpits and papers talk like it is a matter of life and death.

These same brethren have a different set of excuses when dealing with the denominational world. In fact, they often use more fairness and courtesy when dealing with the worldthan they do toward their brethren in Christ. Maybe theyhave more in common, or feel that they do. The excusesthey use depend on whether they are talking to brethrenwho agree with them, brethren who disagree with them, orto the world. They claim

there is no pattern for much that the Lord gave us to do, butthey surely have a pattern when it conies to makingexcuses—say whatever is necessary to keep from doingwhat they generally never intended to do in the first place—make a fair, honest, open effort to give an answerof the hope which they claim to have.

Any of us who have tried to persuade souls to obey thegospel have heard our share of excuses. The time is notconvenient, some preacher made them angry, their relatives wouldn't like it, or there are hypocrites in thechurch, they say. We can give excuses for not studying theBible, visiting the sick, or attending the assemblies of thechurch.

The "lord" of Lk. 14: 22 could see through those excuses which he heard, and the Lord of judgment can seethrough ours.

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"WHOSE SINS YE REMIT—WHOSE SINS YE RETAIN"

All day long the disciples had been filled with wonderment. Early that morning two of the women went to thetomb of Jesus and found it empty. Jesus made an appearance to Mary at the garden tomb and instructed herto go into the city of Jerusalem and tell "my brethren. "Later that day he appeared to two of the disciples on theroad to Emmaus. That Sunday evening, they gatheredsecretly "for fear of the Jews. " Suddenly, Jesus appearedin their midst. They were evidently startled, perhapsafraid, for Jesus quickly spoke and relieved their anxieties.He said "Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, heshewed unto them his hands and his side. " It was enough."Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. "

This joyous reunion, reported only by John in 20: 19-23 isof the utmost importance to all of us. What he said to themthat night has to do with whether or not sins are forgiven orretained. "As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saithunto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sinsye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soeversins ye retain,theyare retained" (21-23).

This passage is parallel in substance to the accounts ofthe Great Commission recorded by Matthew, Mark and Luke. The time is different, for those three reports concernthe last visit with them before the ascension. John's account is set on the evening of the resurrection day. In theGreat Commission, considering all the passages, they wereto tarry in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father (the HolySpirit to guide them). Then they were to start there and make disciples of all nations. They were to teach, baptizebelievers and then teach them to observe all things he had commanded. Those taught who believed and were baptized would be "saved" (Mark 16: 16) and would have"remission of sins" (Lk. 24: 47).

Our passage in John shows the basis on which such forgiven would rest. Jesus breathed on them and said Receive ye the Holy Ghost. " We are not to understand thathe then and there imparted the Spirit to them to lead andguide them into all truth. It was after this event that hesaid "Tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem until ye be enduedwith power from on high" (Lk. 24: 49). Also, just before hisascension he said "But ye shall

receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon youand yeshall bewitnesses unto me " (Acts1:8).Sothen,when he "breathed on them" he did not impart the Spirit to them. It was a symbolic gesture to indicate that the Spiritwould be breathed into them later and that under the direction of that Spirit, they would announce to the world the terms upon which sins would be forgiven. The statement also indicates whose sins would NOT be forgiven. The Spirit would give them words by which wecould know whether or not God has forgiven sins.

Do you see the utmost importance of this passage? The only thing we can know about whether our sins have beenforgiven or retained (held againstus) isby what Holy Spiritguided apostles taught. Any alien who does not submit to theSpirit guided instruction of those men Jesus "sent" (hisapostles), has his sins "retained. " Any erring child of Godwho does not comply with what these Spirit-filled men taught as necessary to that end, has his sins retained. Isany man prepared to dispute this?

The alien sinner was taught by these men to believe thegospel (Acts 16: 31). He was also taught to "repent and bebaptized for the remission of sins" (Acts 2: 38). If a legion ofangels were to teach otherwise, it would not make it so, forour Lord did not send angels forth with this message. Hechose earthen vessels in the form of the apostles and shinned the light of divine inspiration in their hearts (2 Cor.

4: 6-7). Paul said they spoke "not in words which man'swisdom teacheth, but which the Spirit teacheth" (1 Cor. 2:13). All the conventions, synods, councils/or generalassemblies of religious leaders in the world cannot alterwhat Holy Spirit guided apostles taught on this subject. All the personal testimonies of those who claim to have "accepted the Lord as their personal Saviour" short of doing what these apostles taught, cannot set aside the simple truth they pronounced. All the hypothetical casesof soldiers in fox-holes, miners trapped in caves, victims ofcar wrecks or those upon whom tree limbs have fallen on theway to be baptized do not give a single one of us theliberty to preach that an alien sinner will be forgiven shortof doing what Spirit-guided men preached or wrote. Who isprepared to deny this?

These same Spirit-guided men said to Christians "If weconfess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 Jno. 1: 9).Multitudes of debates, and barrels of ink used to write articles leaving the impression that just "maybe" there are exceptions will not mitigate what John, an inspiredApostle of our Lord said. My notion of what is just or fair isnot the standard. Whether or not I am worried about the basis of fellowship and how broad its borders ought to be, will notchange what the Holy Spirit said through John. Bring on allthe hypothetical cases you can invent. Question the justiceand fairness of God Almighty, if you have no better senseand so little reverence; but when you have finished with allof that, then remember that Jesus said "the words I have spoken shall judge you in the last day" (Jno. 12: 48). And partof that word is John 20: 22-23 "Whose sins ye re

mit, they are remitted and whose sins ye retain, they areretained. " The sense of that last phrase is "they have beenretained. "

Why cannot gospel preachers, or the theologians of Sectdom content themselves with teaching people what theLord and his apostles said on the subject of remission ofsins? Yes, God will be the judge. I know that. But I also knowHE SAID he would judge us by his word. I have to take thatat face value. So must you. It matters not how many booksa man has authored, how many years he has preached, howmany he has baptized, how many churches he has helped tostart, or how good he is morally: no man knows any moreabout the subject of forgiveness than what he can find on the pages of inspiration delivered by those men into whom God breathed the light of divine inspiration. Am I therefore become a judge for saying that those who have not compliedwith what the Spirit revealed through these men have theirsins "retained"? Well, is that not what he said? Do any ofyou know anything different from that. If so, by what spirit did you receive it? Are any among us so ignorant or arrogantas to think that our own ipse dixit is equal to the word ofinspiration? With Paul, let us all say "we also believe, and therefore speak" (2 Cor. 4: 13). "Faith cometh by hearingand hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10: 17). Let us allbe content to speak what we believe and let's be satisfied tobelieve the word of God.

Raymond Harris and I had made arrangements to remain in Turkey at the close of the Steps of Paul andJohn Tour and visit the cities associated with Paul's first journey (except Cyprus which I had earlier visited). All ofthe cities are now in Turkey, but due to the location ofhoteland car rental facilities it wasnotpractical tovisitthecities in the order in which Paul did.

Perga

From Istanbul we took a one hour flight on the TurkishAirline to Antalya (Attalia). Our Hertz rental car, a new Renault 9GLT with only 6000 kilometers, was waiting forus upon arrival. The airport was to the east of town, so thisput us only a few kilometers away from Perga in Pamphylia (Turkish Perge). Perga, located about sevenmiles from the Mediterranean Sea, is the only one of the cities to have considerable ruins excavated. We visited the theatre from the time of Trajan which seated about 14,

000. The stadium, which seated about the same number, isone of the best preserved in Asia Minor. The walls of thecity were from the Hellenistic period (3rd century B. C. ).There were gates from the Greek and Roman periods. Theolder one included 9 inscriptions of various founders of thecity. We noted the names of emperors Augustus and Trajanon inscriptions. Like any Roman city, Perga had an agoraor marketplace, a bath, and a nymphaeum (fountain). Awater channel had been constructed as a divider in the middle of the main street. The earliest datable building besides the walls was a palaestra (a training area for physical exercise) dedicated to the Emperor Claudius (A.

D. 41-54). The text in Acts does not mention whether Paulwas able to dock at Perga. The city was located aboutthree miles from the Cestrus (Aksu) River but was probably not a port. He may have landed at Attalia andgone immediately to Perga.

It was from here that John Mark turned back (Acts 13:13-14; 15: 37-39). No reason is given, but Raymond and Iguessed, tongue in cheek, it must have been the heat. It was definitely the hottest place we visited during our two weeks in Turkey.The heat wasso debilitating thatwe wentto the hotel in Antalya and rested during the hottest partof the afternoon. Ramsay argued that a change in planwas the reason John Mark abandoned the group. He alsostrongly contended that Paul had a serious illness in Pamphylia—malaria fever (St. Paul the Traveler and the Roman Citizen, pp. 90-97; Cf. Gal. 4: 13-14). This would be the reason why Paul

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chose to move immediately to the higher altitude of Pisidian Antioch. These are simply educated guesses. Onthe return visit Paul spent an indefinite period of timepreaching in Perga (Acts 14: 25).

Attalia

Attalia had been founded by Attalus II of Pergamum inthe second century B. C. Military veterans had been settledin the area by Emperor Augustus sometime before 6 B. C.In the third century A. D. the city became a Roman colony.We enjoyed seeing the harbor from the high cliffs above it.Attalia was the port of entry from Egypt and Syria to theinterior of Asia. From here Paul sailed back to Antioch (Acts

14: 25). There is no mention of any preaching in the city. TheLycian mountains were clearly visible to the west. The mostimpressive ruin in the city is Hadrian's Gate, a three archgateway which was extensively restored between 1960 and1963. Ourhotel was located near the harborin a beautifullyrestored area of the city. We enjoyed lunch and dinner intwo different outdoor cafes where there was a nice breeze. There were several German tourists in the city, but I observed only two other Americans.

Pisidian Antioch

On the second day we had to make it to Konya byevening in order to have even a third class hotel available.We left early and drove through the Pamphylian plain andthrough the mountains to Yalvac. The road was good all the way but the climb was steep at about three differentpoints. Snow-capped mountains and beautiful valleys wereeveraboutus. North of Isparta wedrove along side the large,cool, mountain lake Egridir before arriving at Yalvac. Wemarvelled that Luke's accountmentionsnothingof this longjourney which took us four hours in a new car alongmodern paved roads. It may well have been in territorylike this that Paul faced "dangers from rivers, dangers fromrobbers" (2 Cor. 11: 26). As we rolled into the outskirts ofYalvac we saw two cultivated fields of white poppies alongthe road. Under U. S. pressure, Turkey outlawed the growing of poppies in 1971. By 1974 they were allowing them to be grown under strict government control. Government factories convert the dried stems into poppy-straw concentrate (PSC) and then into morphine and codeine (See "The Poppy, " National Geographic, Feb., 1985, pp. 143-189).

The residents of Yalvac were having what appeared to bean annual side-walk sale. The main street was filled with trucks loaded with fruits and vegetables of every sort. Shoerepairmen, clothing salesmen, and trinket hawkers werealso cashing in on the large potential. Yalvac is located ona plateau at an elevation of about 3600 feet above sea level;the temperature was more bearable than at Perga. In thesmall museum we saw evidence of an early civilization inthis region, as well as a Roman presence. We found one youngboy who spoke enough English to point us in the right direction to thesiteofPisidian Antioch.

Antioch had been founded about 350 B. C. by eitherSeleucus Nicator or his son Antiochus I on territory

which had been devoted to the Phrygian god Men (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised 1979,

1: 142). We saw a small statue of Men in the museum. Thecity was actually in Phrygia, near Pisidia. About two thousand Jewish families were brought to Phrygia fromBabylon about 200 B. C. (Josephus Ant. Xii. 3. 4). Paul visited the Synagogue and presented a lesson which summarized the history of the Jewish nation, especially asit related to the Messianic promise (Acts 13: 14-41). Themessage wasso wellreceived thatwithin a week the "wholecity" assembled to hear the word of God. When the Jewsrejected the word, Paul and Barnabas announced that theywould turn to the Gentiles. The Jews instigated a persecution against the preachers and drove them out ofthedistrict (Acts 13: 44-52).

The tell, which lies a few kilometers north west of Yalvac, was excavated by Sir William Ramsay and D. M.Robinson from 1914 to 1924. Little is to be seen today.The well-preserved Roman aqueduct which brought waterfrom the Sultan Dag to the city was the most impressivething we saw. There were ruins of the temple of Augustus,baths, a triple gate, and a fourth century Byzantine church.

Pisidian Antioch was part of the Roman province of Galatia. If the South Galatian theory be correct, as Ramsay argued and as many modern scholars contend, thenthe epistle to the Galatians included the churches of Antioch, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe.

Disaster Strikes!

After a sufficient number of photographs had been madewe decided to head for Konya (Iconium), a distance ofabout 180 kilometers (108 miles). About 1: 30 P. M. we stopped east of Sarkikaraagac (we never could pronounce it)to make a picture of one of the shadoofs which dotted thefields. Our lovely little Renault died right there. Neither Raymond, nor the three Turks who stopped to help, could get the engine going. After hailing a bus into town we calledthe Hertz office in Antalya. No one in the town spoke English. An effort was made to get the car fixed locallysince we were nearly five hours away from the office. Theonly person in town capable of making such repairs seems tohave been the Fiat tractor mechanic. After towing us to hisshop he eventually gave up, indicating an electrical problem. We judged him to be correct. By 6: 30 P. M. we werein an old local TAKSI headed for Konya. Hertz would send acar there.As the taksi driverpulled outoftown hestopped to send two nice loaves of bread (the bread is never wrapped) to his family. He offered the loaf, which must havebeen 15 to 18 inches in diameter and 2 inches thick, to us andwe broke bread right there. Other than snacks we had noteaten all day. Wedid have a supply ofwater with us, and themechanic had supplied us with the ever-present afternoon tea. I must confess that while we never sensed any personalfear, we were apprehensive at the thought of eating dinnerwith the mechanic and his family. We kept reminding oneanother of a similar experience which Jack Lewis had reported ("Following Paul with Hertz," Restoration Quarterly,

XV, 1972, 129-151).

We had enjoyed the experience, but our regret at the breakdown was two fold: we missed some great land-scapeshots along the way into Konya, and we wouldn't be able to see the Museum until the next morning. That would crowd our schedule the next day. (Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe inthe next article. )

FOCUS ON THE WILL OF GOD

Children learn from seeing and hearing. Few children become Christians who have had no exposure to parents whodo not read the Bible and pray. The children who have beenexposed to a father and mother whom they see and hearreading God's word, talking about that . word, givingthanks for their food and other blessings, and are aware thattheir parents pray to God regularly are made conscious thatGod plays a major role, yea, the dominant role, in the lives oftheir parents. When these same children hear their parentstalk about God and doing right because they want to pleaseGod it is natural for such little ones to grow into maturitywith an awareness of this supernatural Provider and Keeper's meaningfulness to their parents. Many of us cannot remember a time when our families were not blessed by such experiences as Bible reading, prayer and conversation about God and spiritual things in our family circles.Blessed is that child who cannot remember a time that the very thought of a loving heavenly Father was not in its family's thoughts!

Spiritual Values—Number One

If it be true thatspiritualvalues are the mostimportant ofall values it is imperative for the entire family to keepspiritual considerations at the top of its list of values. Yea,not merely at the top of the listbuteven more so! The trulyspiritually minded family will be so saturated with spiritualthinking that no planning, or work, or play, or visits, or money expenditures, or education, or any other social, economic, or physical activities or planning will occur without the first thought being centered in the will of God.When one enters Christ he does so by virtue of Christentering that individual's heart and therefore his life. The Christian seeks to "bring every thought into captivity to theobedience of Christ" (2 Cor. 10: 5).

The Result of Parental Commitment

The family which is truly dedicated to living God's will is one wherein God's word is constantly exalted and appealed to for guidance in every facet of its function willbe a happy and trusting family.

I shall never forget visiting a family of ten children and two parents who worked hard to feed and clothe them.Nine of the ten were present that day and all set onwooden benches around a large rectangular table withfather and mother side by side at one end. On the wallabove the parents were these words inscribed on a plainframed placard: "Christ is the head of this house. He is theunseen guest at every meal, the silent listener to everyconversation. " Yes, I know that the father of these children was the physical head of that physical family,but I also know that the head of that man was Christ and that that man was head of his wife (I Cor. 11: 3; Eph. 5:23). Every child at that table was under control of thefather who was controlled by Christ. Spiritually Christ is"head over all things to the church" (Eph. 1: 22) but ascertain as a Christian "rules well his own house, havinghis children in subjection with all gravity" simply becauseChristruleshim,it would appear that Christ was theheadof that house through that father of ten children,everyone of whom was a member of the spiritual family of which Christ it the head.

The father and mother who focus upon the will of Godhave everything good going for them in "nurturing" theirchildren "in the chastening and admonition of the Lord. "Parents who leave out God in their child nurturing aredestined to see a materialistically minded family which tiesthem to this world only. It is still true that we reap what wesow and, proportionately, much more than we sow! Focuson God's will is a definite element in successful discipline.

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"PAUL CHOSE SILAS AND DEPARTED"

Silas become identified with Paul on the apostle's Second Missionary Journey. He first appears in Acts at the Jerusalemmeeting overcircumcision.This was about twenty years afterPentecost. Silas is one of those men who appear only briefly inthe sacred text. But God wants us to learn about this faithful disciple and to profit from the learning.

1. Silas Is Seen as a Leader in the Jerusalem Church. "The whole church" was present when the apostles and eldersmet to discuss the circumcision matter, and Silas was chosen,along with Judas, to go to Antioch to confirm "by word ofmouth" the things written in a letter to the Christians there.This letter is one of the oldest parts of the New Testament,and Silas is one of four men whose names are preserved in it(Acts 15: 22-29).

Silas and Judas, "leading men among the brethren, " wentwith Paul and Barnabas to Antioch, and when the letter wasread, the brethren "rejoiced over its encouragement". Then Judas and Silas exhorted them "with many words and strengthened them". What joy it brings when people arefreed from error by the truth (cf. John 8: 31-32)! Judas andSilas exhorted the disciples to build up their faith. This is thepurpose of exhortation.

Judas and Silas were dismissed when their mission was finished, but Silas either remained in Antioch (King JamesVersion) or soon returned. Christians may work with any faithful congregation they choose, and for some reason,Silas chose Antioch, after having served faithfully as a leaderin Jerusalem.

Even though he was one of the "leading men" in the Jerusalem church, there is no indication that Silas was anelder. One can be a leader without being an elder. But true leadership in the church is attained by faithfulness, maturity,and earned respect. Silas had proven himself trustworthy, andwas chosen for the delicate mission to Antioch for that reason. What a "hothead" or an incompetent person would have donein a situation like that at Antioch isn't hard to imagine. Muchharm is done by important duties being given to personsunprepared by temperament or experience to handle them.

Silas was also a prophet and an effective exhorter. Whileall teachers can exhort, not all are skilled in it. But bothteaching and exhorting are needed and an able exhorter is atreasure to any congregation (cf. 1 Tim. 6: 2).

2. Silas Is Seen as a Companion of Paul. He joined

Paul after the apostle separated from Barnabas. A disagreement arose between these men over whether to takeJohn Mark on the Second Journey (Acts 15: 36-39). Barnabaswanted to takehim but Paul insisted that the youngman,whohad deserted them on the First Journey, should not go. Bothmen apparently acted on principle. Even a matter of judgment can involve a principle of truth when anchored in sound reasoning and with the cause of Christ uppermost. Paul and Barnabas each continued the Lord's work and any enmitybetween them is more in the mind of commentators than in Scripture.

While Paul's prior acquaintance with Silas was limited, heknew the man's qualities. He had observed him in his mission to Antioch and he knew the high respect in which he was heldby the apostles and other brethren in Jerusalem. Men should not be chosen for the Lord's work in order to learn faithfulness, the faithfulness should come first. Perhaps Paul's experience with John Mark taught him this importantlesson.

Paul and Silas' journey through Syria, Cilicia, and Galatiabroke little new ground. They strengthened the churches inSyria and Cilicia (v. 41). They delivered "the decrees" to thosein Galatia, strengthened them in the faith, made some converts, and added Timothy to their company (Acts 16: 1-5).But the Holy Spirit led them to Troas, where they received acall to preach in Macedonia and where Luke joined them (v. 610). While their main work lay across the sea from Troas,their labor in the other places mentioned was not unimportant. Mission fields need the gospel, but established churches need exhortation and encouragement. What profitisthere in sacrificing one field for another? It is as importantto keep people in the right relationship with the Christ as it isto bring them into this relationship to begin with.

3. Silas is Seen as a Faithful Soldier under Fire. His most notable work was at Philippi where he had part in theconversion of Lydia, the jailor, and their households (Acts 16:11-40). He and Paul shared scourging and imprisonment inthis important Macedonian city and used their Roman citizenship to affect their release. Paul's insistence that themagistrates take personal note of their mistreatment was more for the benefit of the disciples at Philippi than themselves. It was not his nature to make such a demand for personal glory.

Silas accompanied Paul to Thessalonica where they hadanother effective work (Acts 17: 1-9; cf. 1 Thes. 1: 5-10). Theynext worked in Berea and established a strong congregation there (Acts 17: 10-13). Many Berean Jews and "not a few ofthe Greeks" were converted. But when Jews from Thessalonica stirred up the crowds, Paul left, leaving Silas and Timothybehind to strengthen the work.

Brethren conducted Paul to Athens and left him there alone,returning with word for Silas and Timothy to come to himthere "with all speed". However, Paul had gone to Corinthwhen his friends came to him (Acts 17: 14-15; 18: 1-5). Silasapparently remained through Paul's stay in Corinth. This is indicated by Paul's reference to "Silvanus and Timothy"assisting him there (2 Cor. 1: 19) and by "Silvanus" joiningthe salutation in

Paul's letters to the Thessalonians written from Corinth (1Thes.1: 1;2 Thes. 1: 1). Silas is believed to be a contractionof Silvanus.

Coneybeare and Howson think Silas returned with Paulto Jerusalem at the close of the Second Journey. But hispresence with Paul in Corinth is the last reference to him inActs. At this point he simply disappears from the book without explanation. We would like to know more aboutSilas, but the New Testament was written to tell about Christ, not to satisfy our curiosity. Those who preach theword are of little importance compared to their message.Paul asked, "Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, butministers through whom you believed" (1 Cor. 3: 5)? Yearslater Silas was in Babylon with Peter, who regarded him as a"faithful brother" and by whom Peter wrote his first letter (1Pet. 5: 12).

Silas was one of those faithful soldiers of the cross who was willing to stand humbly for a while in the shadow ofPaul and Peter to support their great work in the gospel. Hewas willing to serve where he was needed without seekingpersonal recognition. In God's scheme of things the cause ofChrist could not succeedon earth without suchmen.

"LOATHING GOD'S GIFTS"

God miraculously led the Israelites in the wilderness,providing them with bread, water, deliverance from enemies, and the removal of obstacles. Yet, in spite of themany manifestations of His grace and power, the peopleoften became impatient and murmured against God andMoses. One such occasion was as they "journeyed fromMount Hor by the way of the Red Sea, to compass the land ofEdom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged(impatient-NASB) because of the way (journey-NASB).And the people spake against God, and against Moses,Wherefore have ye brought us upoutof Egypt to die in thewilderness? for there is no bread,neither is there anywater;and our soul loatheth this light bread" (Num. 21: 4-5).

Because of Israel's attitude and actions, God sent the fieryserpents among them and many died. When they admitted their sin and asked Moses to pray unto God for relief, theserpent of brass was made and placed on a pole so that thebitten could come and look and be healed (Num. 21: 6-9).

Notice that in speaking against the Lord the people ofIsrael said "our soul loatheth this light bread. " They

had come to loathe or detest the bread (manna) that God had

previously provided for them (Num. 11: 6-9; Ex. 16: 12

31). This manna was God-given, and it effectively sustained

physical life. Israel could eat it, along with the quails, and

live. Physical life was sustained. But, they "lusted" for

more, or something else "remembering the fish,

cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic" which they

had come to love in Egypt (Num. 11: 4-6). So, they

expressed a loathing or detestation for this God-given

bread. They even referred to it as "this light bread. " They

were not referring to weight or low in calories when they

referred to it as "light. " Adam Clark, commenting on the

Hebrew word used here says "a word of excessive scorn; as

if they had said, this innutritive, unsubstantial, cheat-

stomach stuff" (Adam Clark Com.Vol.1,p.683).

It is no wonder that God was so offended with Israel and

severely punished them. They not only loathed what he

had given, preferring other foods according to their taste,

but even referred to the "bread from heaven" as

innutritive and unsubstantial, or worthless.

It seems that man has always had a tendency to preferthe attractive things offered by Satan and the world to that which God gives; often giving up the divine for thatwhich is flesh pleasing. Eve yielded to this temptation inthe garden. Son, Cain, soon exchanged what God authorized in sacrificing for what seemed good to him. TheBible is replete with examples of this, and in every case,God was displeased and severely punished the guilty.

Guilt Today

In John, Chapter six, Jesus reveals himself as the truebread that came down from heaven of which one can eat and have eternal life, in contrast to the manna which could only sustain physical life for a time (vs. 48-50). He further revealed that we eat of him as we hear his words (vs. 45,63), believe on him (vs. 47), come unto him (vs. 35), and dwell in Him (vs. 56). Our Lord, in his word, has provided anumber of things that are ingredients of the Bread of Life, oreating of Him. They include hearing his Word (Jno.6: 63; 1 Pet. 2: 2, 2 Pet. 3: 18), assembling for worship and spiritualedification (Heb. 10: 24-25), observing the Lord's Supperproperly in memory of Christ (1 Cor. 11: 26)—to keep frombecoming weak, sickly, and dying (1 Cor. 11: 30),congregational singing (Eph. 5: 19; Col. 3: 16), prayer (Rom.

12: 12; Lk. 18: 1; Jas. 5: 16). and even other things that could be cited.

Do we today loathe this bread from heaven and considerit worthless? Do we prefer and exchange this for that which is more ear-tingling, pride satisfying, and flesh pleasing?

ASSEMBLING. How do you really feel about assemblingregularly with saints for worship and spiritual edification?You may not say out loud "I loathe these assemblies", butdo you complain about "having to go", and being deprivedof the TV watching or other activities that you had reallyrather be engaged in? Maybe your desire for other thingscauses you to "forsake the assembling" in order that youmight pamper your pref

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erences! Your actions, which speak louder than words, maybe saying these assemblies are "light", "unsubstantial", or"worthless". Knowing how God felt about, and dealt withIsrael for "loathing" His life-sustaining gift to them, enablesus to know how God feels toward us, and what he will do,when we are guilty of this kind of thing. "Now all thesethings happened unto them for examples: and they arewritten for our admonition, upon whom the ends of theworld are come" (1 Cor. 10:11).

SINGING. Often saints are heard murmuring about thecongregational singing because it doesn't sound good totheir ears, and requires special learning and participation on their part. They think God could have given somethingmuch better, like instruments of music instead, or to accompany, or specially trained choirs, specialty groups,etc. With many, the things they desire actually over-ride andsupplant congregational singing. Thus, by word and actions, what the Lord gave is "loathed" and declared unsatisfying and worthless.

LORD'S SUPPER. Observing the Lord's Supper in memory of Christ (Lk. 22: 1) on the first day of the week(Acts 20: 7), regularly (1 Cor. 11: 25-26; Acts 2: 42) and in aworthy manner (1 Cor. 11: 29) is loathsome and worthlessto some. Many are not hesitant to express in words theirdistaste for such action; others show it by their actions-neglect or abandonment. The corruption at Corinth— making a common feast or meal of it, along with the prejudices and discriminations of common feasting, appealsmore to some—is better—than what the Lord requires.Indeed, many do "loathe" this God-given memorial supperand deem it "worthless", according to their words and actions. They are guilty of the same sin that Israel was intheir attitude and actions concerning the manna, and forwhich God severely punished them.

PRAYER. Prayer is a part of the "Bread of Life" whichChristians mustcontinually eat. Yet, this too, is loathed and considered worthless by a host of people. Some are outspoken concerning their doubts and feelings of the efficacyof prayer; others show their distaste by the absence of prayerin their life; by going any place and every place else thanprayer to God for their desires and needs.

Sin Unto Death

We need to realize that loathing and consideringworthless what God has given is sin. It is a sin unto death(1 Jno. 5: 16), unless repented of. When Israel was guilty onthe occasion of our text, God sent among them the fiery serpents and many died. When they cried unto Moses,asking him to pray unto the Lord for relief, and he did, away of salvation was provided. It involved Moses making aserpent of brass, putting it on a pole, and those bitten goingand looking on the brazen serpent. All who would not comply with this God-given remedy died.

When we today are guilty of this same sin, and many are,the remedy is in that which God provided for the remissionof all sins—the shed blood of Christ. It is effective for the remission of the Christian's sins when

we repent and pray to God for remission (Acts 8: 22; 1 Jno.

1: 9; 2: 1-2). This is the "walking in the light" (which is thesame as eating of the bread of life) that assures the Christianof continual cleansing by the blood of Christ (1 Jno. 1: 7).To be guilty of "loathing" God's effective gifts, speakingagainst and indicating they are powerless and worthless, isto be a sinner, doomed to eternal death. Continuing suchaction and refusing to seek the remedy is to "tread under footthe Son of God, count the blood of the covenant an unholythings,and do despite unto the Spirit of grace" (Heb. 10: 29)which willrender one incapableof being led torepentance.All that remains is "a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries" (Heb. 10: 26-27).

Brethren, if you detect even a faint loathing in your heartfor the things of God; a yearning for self-pleasing thingsrather than the things of God, you had better hasten to the"Bread of Life" and feed heartily thereon. "Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and letyour soul delight itself in fatness (goodness)" (Isa. 55: 2).Otherwise,"ye shall die" (Rom.6: 23).

CERTAINTIES OF OUR SALVATION

"We Shall See Him"

Again we examine a series of positive statements fromthe First Epistle of John. The basic theme of this epistle isexpressed "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may knowthat ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on thename of the Son of God" (1 Jn. 5: 13). The certainty ofeternal life is based on the things written. The Gnosticphilosophy, advocated in Asia Minor the last of the firstcentury, projected superior knowledge as the basis of relation with God and thus outmoded faith. John in a special way addresses this fallacy by positively identifying the true basis of relationship with God. This series of positive considerations continues to be challenging to thechild of God today by way of giving assurance of oursalvation.

"We know that, if he shall be manifested, we shall be likehim; for we shall see him even as he is" (1 Jn. 3: 2). The closing thought of chapter two impresses that righteousness is of God and those that are of Him, hischildren, are righteous. The exhibition of righteousness isevidenceof being sonsof God and it isnota superior

knowledge apart from faith in Jesus Christ. John then dwells on the blessings of that relationship. "Behold", takenotice of the measure of God's love extended us, summed up in verse 5, "And ye know that he was manifested to takeaway our sins; and in him is no sin" and reminiscent of John's statement of the great "golden text. " "For God soloved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, thatwhosoever believeth on him should not perish, but haveeternal life" (John 3: 16).

In this prelude to our key statement of study, he thenaddresses the proof of relationship to God as children. Is itbecause the world knows and recognizes us as such? No.The "world knoweth us not" and why should we expect thiskind of recognition to be the basis of our relationship to God when it didn't even recognize Jesus as his Son. This failure must surely be viewed as one of the greatest of all perplexities, even though it was not unexpected. The worldgenerally does not understand nor identify with the principles and reasons for the conduct and commitment ofthe Christian and has no real grasp of the basis of the joy and comfort being such affords. But in spite of this nonrecognition of the world, John says, we are sons of God now. God recognizes us as such and that is enough. To revert to previous study, that recognition is based upon keeping his commandments, knowing him, keeping his word, the love of God perfected in us (cf. 2: 3-5). Just because we have not seen what we shall be there need be no doubt asto our present statuswith our Father.

"We know that, we shall be like him" is the most intriguing of promises to the child of God. To be like him is tobe as he is in both spirit and form or body. How thrilling to contemplate the assurance of Paul, "The Spirit himselfbeareth witness with our spirit, that we are children of God:and if children, then heirs; heirs ofGod,and joint-heirs withChrist; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be alsoglorified with him" (Rom. 8: 16-17). Glorified with him, belike him and share with him that great and eternal legacy aschildren. This is a summary of all the good things which theFather has in store for his own.

There is an interesting story about a group of heathenconverts who when it came to the task of translating this verse (1 John 3: 2), just could not conceive of such apossibility.The veryidea, they reasoned, of sinfulman beinglike the Son of God. So they stopped and said, "No! It istoo much. Let us write that we shall be permitted to kisshis feet. " Indeed, to be like him, is a great deal, but thewondrous love of God has made the promise reality.

"We know that we have passed out of death into life,because we love the brethren" (1 Jn. 3: 13). The antagonism between the workers of evil toward the workers of righteousness should not be viewed as especially strange,John argues. Did not Cain hate his brother Abel and killhim because his works were evil and his brother's righteous. So marvel not at the hatred of the world. We arechildren of God in spite of this, he assures. We can know it is true because we have passed from "death" unto "life, " from a state of sin into a state of righteousness because wehave the Son of God (cf.

5: 12). The criterion of this certainty here in focus is theopposite of hatred. It is love of the brethren.

Perhaps we need to be careful not to accept an altogether too common misconception. Love for brethren is not to be viewed as a condition of salvation from past sins. It ishere posted as evidence of the certainty of it. It furnishesthe evidence that we have passed from death unto life and affords a test with which the individual and the world mayidentify. Love alone is not the standard of acceptance before God butitisthe basis on which all true virtue rests.

What a tragedy that it has become so common in so manyplaces that brethren have no love for one another. The churchstruggles to become a stable influence in the community formaybe twenty years and never seems to quite make the grade and those involved wring their hands and weep inwonder when the real problem often is so near it is missed.There is no real love among brethren, the world plainlysees this and every effort made to reach the world falls ondeaf ears because they want no part of it. In these situationsthere can be no spiritual growth and progress until there isa complete change of heart and attitude toward the Lordand one another. Until this occurs there might just as wellbe a boarding up of the doors and a tearing down of the sign "Church of Christ" because it is not and won't be until this basic ingredient is established.

We have further identified some of the positive notesstressed by the beloved John in the hope that we may becertain of our relationship to the Lord and of our hope forheaven. The uncertainty and doubt often evident among usis faith weakening and eternally destructive. We must dispel these attitudes.

Last year my wife and I moved to within drivingdistanceof my grandparents house. We never visit there that wedo not get Mema started telling stories about the family.Isn't it funny how much mothers know about the actionsof their children? We think we pull the wool over their eyesand years later it comes out they knew about it all along. Onesuch incident recited to us in a recent visit was my father's somewhat unique farming practices. It involved the planting of corn. It seems he was given a sack of seed cornand told to plant the freshly plowed field. Due to my father's superior horticultural talents he deduced that he could finish much quicker if he planted by the handfuland walkedfaster, thereby having time to do the things young boyswould rather be doing than planting corn on a warm

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spring day.

Funny thing about seed corn; it grows. And grows. I canimagine the look on Dad's face as his workmanship becameevident, as well as my Granddaddy's. One will have to ask my father the punishment he received. However, I am sureit was fitting. I also must admit to more than once drivingthe mower in high gear to finish the grass for the same boyish reasons.

When looking back on these incidents certain passagestake on new meaning and certain lessons can be learned.Many times today we go about our spiritual sowing in ahurriedstep,throwing in the seed,kicking the dirt over, andmoving on. Even the most fertile ground will not bringforth as it could with these techniques. How many timeshave we been told "if its worth doing its worth doing right"?God expects no less from us. Therefore, the sowers attitudetoward his work is the first step to successful spiritualfarming. With the proper attitude, the farmer will take carehow deep the seed is planted, seeing they are evenly spaced, and in straight rows.

In our spiritual planting we must remember to plant oneseed at a time and give it proper attention.

There is a tendency, no, there is a trend to do our spiritual planting in clumps. Mark 16: 15-16 tells us to takethe Good News to ALL the world-not just to preach it inthe field where it's convenient. Everybody likes to sow inthe shade and near the water bucket, but what about the middle of the field? Where does the tallest corn grow? Notin the corners or in the shade that's for sure.

In one sense, we all as Christians are sowing one long rowthroughout life. Not turning back, but planting one seed and taking one step at a time. When we reach the end of our rowChrist will turn with us and examine our work, to see theresult of our efforts. I am ashamed to say that there will indeed be some clumps and empty spaces in my row. Howabout yours?

At the time Dad was growing up money was very hard tocome by and seed was expensive. He wasted much withwhich he was entrusted. Grand daddy had to go buy somemore seed to finish the job. In our work today we must sowbountifully (2 Cor. 9: 6), but we must realize how precious itisbecause of its power, and because of who bought it for us.

May we all continue to "press on" and "lay hold" on thatwhich Christ haspromised tohis faithful atthe close of theday. Let me commend Philippians 3: 12-16 to you as the attitude to express toward our spiritual row which we areworking.

After being the example in so many of Dad's sermonillustrations, it is nice to have one to "tell" on him. ThanksMema, I will be back foranothervisit soon.

GO TO THE MOSQUITO

"Go to the ant thou sluggard" is a favorite text amongteachers at Athens Bible School where two of my childrenattend. But an article by Boyce Mouton suggests we maybe able to learn from the mosquito too. At least from a certain group of mosquitoes:

"Off the west coast of Florida 3. 2 kilometers is the island of 'Seahorse Key. ' It is a virtual paradise for mosquitoes... heavily timbered, swampy, warm and damp. In 1968 scientists began releasing thousands of amorous male mosquitoes upon the island. The influx of new mosquitoes averages 13,200 per day. At the end of the experiment 96% of themosquito population had been annihilated. The secretof this amazing stratagem is a sterile mosquito.Scientists produced and released insects that werenormal in every way... except that they could notreproduce. In the second generation of the experimentthe ratio of sterile males was 3 to 1. In the fifth and sixth generations it was 100 to 1. Except for the arrival ofnew wild mosquitoes migrating to the island, theseinsects would have been completely destroyed. In thelast two generations studied infertile egg rafts was

99. 4%-99. 8% effective. " The application is made toChristianity: "Statistics indicate that 95% of those with their names on church roles never win a soul to Christ! A community of mosquitoes with this alarming sterility rate would be close to extinction.The church could be unless the "rank and file" of the disciples begin to lead others to Christ. Except for thegospel seed being sown by "wild mosquitoes"(maverick believers who do not know any better thanto share their faith), the Lord's church would long since have vanished. WHAT A DIABOLICALLY CLEVER WAY OF ANNIHILATING CHRISTIANITY. Scientists at Seahorse Key weretrying on an exceeding tiny scale the same plan thatSatan is working on a worldwide scale.

Brethren let us soberly reflect anew upon the wordsof our Lord.

"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear

fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye,

except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches;

he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forthmuch fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abidenot in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; andmen gather them and cast them into the fire, and they areburned... Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear muchfruit: so shall ye be my disciples" (John 15: 4-7, 8).

Before it is possible for spiritual growth to occur, one musthave been begotten by the word of God, the gospel, and inobedience to the same have been born again of the waterand of the Spirit. Paul affirmed to the Corinthians that hehad "begotten them through the gospel" (1 Cor. 4: 15).There is no other begetting power known to man given byGod. Many in the religious world are attempting to grow tospiritual maturity who have not yet been begotten by theword of truth and born of the water and the Spirit. This iswhy I talk to so many folks who are thoroughly confusedand frustrated with their spiritual walk and do not know what the problem is. They have never complied with thewill of heaven to be begotten and born (Jno. 3: 3; Acts 2:38; Acts 3: 19; Titus 3: 3-7; Rom. 1: 16-17; Jno. 6: 44-45; Mk. 16: 15-16; Rom. 6: 3-6; Gal. 3: 26-29; 1 Pet. 1: 22-25).This spiritual begettal and birth brings one into the onebody, the church, and not into some humanly formedorganization or denomination (Acts 2: 41-47; Col. 1: 13-14; Jno. 3: 5).

Spiritual Food or Diet

Too many who have been obedient to the gospel and thereby added by the Lord to His church do not grow spiritually as they should. This is a tragic problem all tooevident as well as all too common in the churches of Christ today. Wesimply do not haveas many Bible studentsas weshould. As someone said once, "many in the church think asepistle is an apostle's wife. " In the physical family wewould be so very disturbed if growth did not properly occurand we would do well to be concerned for where there is not an obvious growth, it indicates a physical problemneeding immediate attention. Why do you suppose we areless concerned at the lack of spiritual growth in new converts to Christ? Are we more concerned with the physicalthan the spiritual? To ask is to answer. We are commandedto desire the sincere milk of the word that we may growthereby (1 Pet. 2: 1-2). How great an appetite do you havefor the word of Christ? Study is essential to know the will ofthe Lord. One who ever expects to pass an exam for somedesired degree in secular society knows how much work isinvolved and how often the midnight oil may have to beburned to learn sufficiently to pass the exam and get

the degree. How can we expect to meet with Christ's approval when we are unwilling to study sufficiently toknow the answers for our hopes? Please read 1 Pet. 3: 15; 1Tim. 4: 13-16; 2 Tim. 2: 15; Eph. 4: 11-16; 2 Pet. 3: 18.

Constant Prayer

Prayer is uniquely the privilege reserved only for faithfulchildren of God (Jno. 9: 31; 1 Pet. 3: 12; Isa. 59: 1-2). If aperfect man needed prayer so badlyas to prayallnightas didour Lord Jesus Christ (Lk. 6: 12), certainly we all needsorely to exercise the privilege more fervently and withgreater frequency than we do! There's no way of judging, Isuppose, what blessings and assistance to do the will of theFather in heaven we miss by simply not praying as often aswe should and to reach others with a needed message ofsalvation (Eph. 3: 20-24). We are told that He is able to doexceedingly above all that we think or ask. The apostlesrealized that the preaching of the word of God and prayertook precedence over the physical needs of those underconsideration on that occasionin Acts 6: 4. See also Mk. 11: 24; Jas. 1: 5-7; Mk. 11: 25-26.

Daily Meditation

Study, yes, but more than that! We need to learn the art of meditation on those things eternal and divine. Think onthe things we read, ponder them, make notes. Ask yourself aseries of questions about the text, seek to learn all that theLord wants us to get from the passage under considerationin the context where it is found. David spoke of the manwho is blessed and says he "meditates on the word of Godboth day and night" (Psa. 1: 2). Paul told Timothy tomeditate on those things he had been taught (1 Tim. 4: 15).See also Psa. 19: 14 where the words of our mouth as well as the meditation of our heart, petitioned David, may beacceptable in the sight of the Lord. In Phil. 4 Paul said weshould think on those things that are true, honest, just, pure,lovely and of good report, saying that if we do "the God ofpeace will be with us" (Phil. 4: 8-9).

Attendance in the Public Assemblies of the Church

God chose through preaching to save and to edify themembership of the local congregation. No true lover of Christ will absent himself/herself from any of the assemblies of the local congregation on purpose. (1 Cor. 1: 21;Jno. 14: 23; Acts 2: 42). The early saints recognized the importance of the assemblies of the churches of Christ andwould make every possible effort to be able to be wherethey met when traveling (Acts 20: 6-7). In Hebrews 10: 25 we are commanded, "not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together... " We need the strength worshippingand being with others of like precious faith can give. Youcannot obey the Lord's command to "teach and admonish one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs" (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3: 16), unless you are in the assemblies where such is taking place. Nor can you "proclaim the Lord's death until he comes" in partaking of the Lord's Supperunless you are with others and partaking on a weekly basis(1 Cor. 11: 23-31). It is a sin to willfully forsake the assemblies of the saints.

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Giving Sacrificially

Some Christians will never grow to spiritual maturity forthey will never learn and get to know the joy of sacrificial giving to the Lord. Also they will never understand how others who make less than they do can possibly "get by"and give so much to the Lord. Why it takes every penny theycan scrape up just to make ends meet! They need to learnwhat the Lord said and believe it then they will understandand not until. Over and over in the New Testament the inspired writers referred to God's provision for his faithfulpeople when they would do as He said as proof that Hestill will do the same for us if only we will trust Himsufficiently to put Him and the kingdom first (Mt. 6: 33; 2Cor. 12: 13; Acts 20: 35; 2 Cor. 8: 1-9; 1 Cor. 9: 6-10).

Application

We must put into practice that which we know is theLord's will and that which is our responsibility for growthto take place. James 1: 21-25 tells us to be doers of the wordand not hearers only. James 2: 14-26 shows that faith without works is as dead as the body without the spirit andthat the way we have faith is by our performance of thosethings we profess to believe. Romans 12: 1-2 shows that weare not to conform to this world but "be transformed by therenewing of the mind.

Importation

You will never grow to spiritual maturity until and unlessyou begin to relate that which you learn to be the will ofChrist. That's just a fact. Ask anyone who has ever taught aclass and see who they think it was who learned the most,his students or himself/herself. You will learn that the latterwill be his/her answer (Heb. 5:12-14; 2 Tim.2: 2;Acts 8: 4; 1 Thes. 1: 5-8).

As you attempt to teach your friends and neighborsabout the will of Christ you will be faced with questions andquibbles learned from denominational preachers, the answers to which you will probably not always know immediately. If, however, you are interested in your souland those to whom you speak, you will seek out the answerand return to your friend with God's answer to said question. In 1 Peter 3: 15welearn thatwe are to "...bereadyalways to give an answer to every man that asketh you areason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. "You see, as you search the scriptures for the answer to alegitimate question or evenaquibble, you will be spirituallybenefited by said exercise and hopefully so will your friend you are trying to convert to Christ.

Do not study simplyto be able to tellthat friend just howwrong he is and how right you are; after all it is a precioussoul you are trying to save, not a contest to see who knowsthe most! I've heard gospel preachers brag about how they"skinned" someone in debate. I would rather convert him,wouldn't you?

READ YOUR BIBLE TODAY

It takes dedication and personal sacrifice to be a Christian, no doubt about it. It takes a special kind of person, a person with conviction and perseverance, someone with "beautiful feet" (Rom. 10: 15), and we are blessed with many such people in the kingdom. I am, however, concerned and would like to raise a cautious voice regarding our priorities. As a preacher I am fullycognizant of the need for a redoubling of our efforts toreach a lost and dying world, yet at the same time I amconcerned that there are many, many of whom are preachers and elders, who in their zealous determination toeffectively evangelize their community have lost sight ofanother priority in their life: their family. As I have read ofsome of the pioneer preachers of the 1800's and early 1900's I was impressed with the great sacrifices that their familieswere forced to make and how often the family was almosttotally neglected in an effort to preach the Gospel. I fullyunderstand that not only must a minister make sacrifices,but that his family as well must be willing to make certain sacrifices,but my concern is that in an effortto reach the lostwith the message of hope that we may very well be losingour own families. Some years ago I had the privilege ofsitting at the feet of Brother Bob Frank and I well remember him, at that time, voicing concern over this veryissue. How many men have neglected their families to preach the gospel or to serve as elders and as a result haveseen their families begin to fall apart?

When Paul wrote Timothy "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than anunbeliever" (1 Tim. 5: 8. NASB), I do not think that I do anyinjustice to the text or the context in applying this principleto providing for the emotional and spiritual necessities ofour families as well. We must always be on guard lest weallow ourselves to be so caught up on our mission toevangelize that we forget an equally important mission,bringing our children up in the "nurture and admonition ofthe Lord". If we are not cautious we will find ourselves in the unenviable position of not "practicing what we preach".Traditionally, preachers' and elders' children have been notorious for being rowdy and oft times troublesome. Now whether such a conclusion is warranted I am not qualifiedto say. I certainly hope that it will not be so with my children.

In my 36 years on this earth I have seen many changes in the Lord's church, some good and some not sogood. I have seen preachers' sons indicted for murder and elders'daughters sentto prison as accomplices to murder.I have seen preachers' marriages, in greater

numbers than I care to think about, end in divorce. I have known of preachers' wives, neglected by their too busy, dedicated husbands, who find physical fulfillment with another man and in some instances another preacher, I have known of preachers, who because of their busy schedules are not home often enough to reap the physicalbenefits of the marriage relationship and have found fulfillment with other women. No one likes to talk about such things, but we cannot ignore them, they are real, theyare happening to some of our closest friends. We need to reconsider our priorities and reevaluate our relationshipswith our wives and children. What good is it to be loved bythe brotherhood for your works' sake and yet lose your family in the process. That's a high price to pay. No one issuggesting that we be less interested in the souls of men,what we are suggesting is that we reconsider how we maycontinue to serve the Lord without sacrificing our families onthe altar of dedication and conviction. Paul said it best "but I buffet my body and make it my slave, lest possibly, after Ihave preached to others, I myself should be disqualified" (1Cor. 9: 27 NASB). Some years ago there was a popular country-western song that stated "You can't be a beacon if your light don't shine". And so it is with those of us who labor in the Word. We must live and exemplify the life thatwe seek to teach others to live.

I once read that the book of Romans had a "silver thread" running through it. That silver thread is the resurrection. The Bible does not say what color the resurrection is; but if the word of God is "more precious thangold, ' then certainly, the resurrection may well be "the silver thread!"

I have found many references to the resurrection in the16 chapters of Romans. It is possible that I have overlooked some or many; but for your consideration, study the following with me.

1) "Resurrection from the dead" (1: 4)—Paul beginshis message with reference to AUTHORITY. This "gospel ofGod" (1: 1) was not of men, but from the Holy Spirit (Eph.

3: 1-3). Notice the POWER of the resurrection in Jesus. Notice the AUTHORITY, i. e., "according to" mentioned in verse four. At the outset of the epistle we begin ourthreading of the silver with power and authority.

Jesus gives eternal life. He was raised from the dead forthis purpose. Thus, those who believe Jesus was resurrected, have hope of that life fulfilled.

2) "Believe in Him who raised Jesus" (4: 24)—Righteousness is "credited to the account" of those who havefaith in God and the Son of the resurrection. BELIEF necessitates action. Never is righteousness said to be "reckoned" to a believer only; rather, only to a believerwho acts upon his faith.

3) "From Transgression to Justification" (4: 25)— This chapter ends with a point and purpose of the resurrection of the Lord. He suffered, died, and was buried because WE all sin. He was resurrected, however, that WE might find JUSTIFICATION. In the next chapter, i. e., 5:18, Paul considers again the emphasis of this "one act of righteousness. " The result was "justification of life to allmen. " Had Jesus not been resurrected WE would not be "excused" or "vindicated" from our transgressions. Paul writes of this silver thread of purpose in the golden words ofJehovah. Apurpose of the resurrection isto justifyman.

4) "Newness of Life" (6: 4-11)—Perhaps many in the Lord's church have been so preoccupied with the action ofbaptism, that they have forgotten the result of that action!The result as indicated here is a "NEWNESS of life. " The apostle continues his proposition of the resurrection bystating the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ is reenacted in baptism. One may enjoy the "new life" as opposed to the "old man" (6: 6).

This entire context explains immersion's purpose. The "old self" ends in burial. The "new life" begins in resurrection. Even the future is made certain in this action, i. e., there will be a resurrection (John 5: 25), thatwill result in a "likeness to Jesus" (Rom. 6: 5; 1 Jn. 3: 2).Basically we are seeing here a pattern of:

A) Jesus' resurrection and triumph over Satan.

B) Our re-enactment of Jesus' resurrection in baptism.

C) A general resurrection in judgment where we "shall be like Him (Jesus). "

By understanding and following these "three resurrections" we, (Rom. 6: 11), become "dead to sin, but alive toGod in Christ Jesus. "

5) "Fruit Bearers" (7: 4)—Another purpose of this "silver threaded" resurrection is that once we follow the action of baptism we BEAR FRUIT for Christ. Under theLaw people served the lusts and sinful passions (Rom.

7: 5) of nature. I believe our author is here addressingthree laws of concern:

A. Mosaical

B. Christian

C. Natural

There was no release from the iniquity committed underMoses' law. Man could only appease God by the sacrificesof blood and flesh of animals. Until Jesus died, was buried and resurrected, people on the Mosaical side of the crosshad no acceptable atonement for their sins. Because of theresurrection, however, Paul says the fleshly law (natural),which gets us into trouble, finds a way of escape in the blood and sacrifice of Christ. We as Christians, are able then to "bear fruit for God" (Rom. 7: 4) instead of "fruit fordeath" (vs. 6). How? By the resurrection the child of God isable to, in modern slang, "get his act together. " He can now, with

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hope of salvation in his heart, share this good news withothers, and subsequently produce a product acceptable untoJehovah! It is more than an appeasement. We are fruit bearers because of the resurrection!

6) "The Indwelling Spirit" (8: 11)—Jesus' ascension from the grave gives the Christian an INDWELLING of theHoly Spirit. This text (Rom. 8: 1ff) explains how sin mortifies the body; but Jesus, by the resurrection, is able to"give life through yourmortal bodies" (Vs. 11).

In verse 10 we have "righteousness" again mentioned. Itis coupled now with this indwelling of the Holy Ghost.Just what makes you holy? What separates you from theworld, and joins you toChrist? What makes you, a Christian,that "peculiar" person Peter portrays? It is the resurrectionwhich has produced an indwelling Spirit in the child of God.

As the resurrection produced action in baptism and a newlife in Jesus, it also gives power by the Spirit to the Christian.Look at Romans 8: 16: "(He) bears witness.. . " i. e., He testifies, "WITH our spirit, " i. e., our "lives that we are children of God. " Note especially the preposition "with. " Kenneth Taylor in his popular paraphrased "Living Bible"uses "to. " The resurrection did not provide more revelationto be given apart from God's written word. It provided thepower of the Holy Ghost to work with us in our lives to"keep that which has (already) been committed. " Hence, Hedoes not testify "to" us; but works "with" us. He does so through God's written inspiration (Eph. 3: 1-5). All of this ispossible because Jesuswas resurrected fromthegrave.

7) "Intercession" (8: 34)—Our text here includes verse 27, even though some versions break the continuity ofthought at verse 30. Because of the resurrection we as God's children have a "go between" from ourselves to Jehovah. I do not believe we can think of Jesus and the HolySpirit here as two separate entities, either working when theother does not. E. g., verse 26 says the "Spirit intercedes" and verse 34 labels the Lord as the intercessor. The word "also" helps to define the co

worker relationship.

If we think of Christ and the Holy Ghost as accomplishers of the same task, i. e., INTERCESSORS, we should have no trouble understanding that they accomplishthat task because Jesus, "took on the form of man" (physically), died, and was resurrected to make this possible. As the spiritual part of all three members of theGodhead is mentioned in verses 9-11 we can see that physical aspect of resurrection made possible the intercession of the Spirit in God's child.

In this verse also (8: 34) it is significant to note the Kingship of Christ, as He is now (present tense) "at the righthand of God. " Thus, His resurrection provided us a King. Amonarch, if you please, to rule His kingdom while we arealive and citizens of it on earth.

8) "Salvation" (10: 9)—Finally, SALVATION is madepossible to us because of the resurrection. At this verse, wehave confession of the Lord and development of faith thatHe was raised. How many times have I used this passage toprove confession of faith? I am fearful I have missed anequally important point, and, really, the basis for salvation.It is essential that folks confess Jesus as the Christ; but do we emphasize the resurrection just here as much as weshould? Possibly not! In simple terms, while we preach theplan of salvation as being faith, repentance, and baptism,we neglect the foundation for the plan: The Resurrection!

I conclude with one more, this time rather obscure passage of the resurrection: Romans 14: 9. The word resurrection is not used here, but note its inference.

"For to this end Christ died and lived again, that He

might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. " We, like Jesus, must die (Heb. 9: 27); but, because of the resurrection we can and will escape the second death. Thank the Lord for this "silver thread" among the "gold. "

Sendall News Items to:Connie W.Adams,P. O. Box69,Brooks,KY40109

CHARLES FLETCHER HOUSE Christ by his tireless efforts.

F. YATER TANT, Gardendale, AL—Charles Fletcher House of Douglas, Through the years brother House had written hundreds of letters to Arizona, known throughout the nation for his total commitment to the churches and individuals, pleading with them to recognize the great evangelization of Mexico, died of a massive heart attack on July 1. He wasopportunity open to us in reaching the people of Mexico. Scores had seventy-two years of age. His funeral service, conducted in both Englishresponded, and there are now a number of small Mexican churches along (by Mack Kercheville) and in Spanish (by Pedro Rameriz Banda) was anthe Mexico-U. S. border between El Paso and San Diego-churches which occasion of great sadness for all. This sorrow was particularly evident for years to come will be a living testimony to the unflagging zeal and among the Mexican brethren, whom he loved so deeply, and who had dedication of thisone man. May his tribe increase!reciprocated that love to the fullest. He had lived among these people, sharingBrethren and churches who had been interested in the Mexican work, in their humble life, and had won their hearts completely. Brother House isand who had from time to time sent contributions through brother House survived by his wife Nattalee, his aged mother, Ira Maude House, a to be used in furthering that cause may, if they desire, continue their daughter, a grand daughter and a great-grandson.Alsogrieving at his deathcontactswiththat field throughbrother Mack Kercheville,(P.O.Box3487,will be an uncounted numberofhis "children inthefaith" who had beenled ElPaso, Texas79923)or brotherMelvin Rose(179 B. St., Brawley, Californiato 79923).

DEBATE

September 30th through October 4th, 1985, brethren Charles A. Holt and J.

T. Smith will meet in Lake Jackson, Texas to discuss the following propositions:

1. The Scriptures teach that the local ecclesia of Christ has reference tonothing more than disciples or saints in a given area or context, who may actindividually and/or together with others in carrying out the Lord's will; and there is no requirement(pattern) fromGod that they formor constitutethemselves into an organic, institutional body corporate (functional unit)for doing any work ordained by God.
2. Affirms: /s/ Charles A. Holt Denies: /s/ J. T. Smith
1. The Scriptures teach (1) that every local church of Christ is an organized, functional, institutional entity (body corporate); (2) that as such ithas been given certain specific, clear-cut, authorized works to perform thatonly this unit can perform with God's approval;and (3) thatevery disciple ofChrist is required to join (become a part of) such a formal organization andtherein serve under the control of the organization in certain works that thedisciples cannot do otherwise and please God.
2. Affirms: /s/ J. T. Smith Denies: /s/Charles A. Holt
1. The Scriptures teach that as a result of meeting Bible qualifications men may be appointed as elders by a local church; and that as dulyconstituted officials (bishops, pastors) they have the divine authority tooversee that local church in all of its functions, with the right to make thefinal decisions.
2. Affirms: /s/ J. T. Smith Denies: /s/Charles A. Holt
1. The Scriptures teach that (1) elders are the older, relatively more mature; (2) that age, knowledge, experience and maturity in the Lord's service constitute them as such (compared to the younger); (3) that theseelders, because of who and what they are, are thus authorized (appointed)by the Holy Spirit to teach, tend, shepherd (pastor), oversee, guide and lead(bishop) the disciples among them; and in the discharge of such responsibility orfunction there is no inherent authority.

Affirms: /s/ Charles A. HoltDenies: /s/ J. T. Smith

This discussion will be held at the Lake Jackson Intermediate School cafeteria on Oyster Creek Drive in Lake Jackson, which will seat about 500people. (Coming south toward Freeport from Houston on Highway 288,turn right on College Drive which becomes Oyster Creek Drive). The sessions will begin each evening promptly at 7: 30 P. M. Both of thesebrethren solicit your prayers that truth may prevail, regardless of who hasit. They encourage all who will to attend this discussion. For more information, call (409) 265-2191 or write J. T. Smith, P. O. Box 698, LakeJackson, TX 77566.

NEW CONGREGATIONS TOM ROBERTS, P. O. Box 330998, Ft. Worth, TX 76163—In addition to other faithful churches in the Fort Worth, Texas, area, there is also a congregation meeting on the south side of the city, filling a long standingneed. The W00DM0NT church of Christ had its beginning in the fall of1981 with a peaceful" swarm" of a few members who lived in the south partof Fort Worth and who wanted to start a faithful church closer to their homes. Brethren where they were worshipping, the West Side congregation,were kept apprised of the plans, bid them "Godspeed" when they left and complete harmony existed and still exists between two groups.

For about three years, the Woodmont church met in rented quarters (theJewish Community Center) but pressed forward with plans for a permanentmeeting house. On December 23, 1984, these plans were fulfilled when thechurch occupied a new building at the corner of Alta Mesa Blvd. and Landview, in the heart of a new residential/business section. The architect and builder was Joe Feagin, a member of the College Park church in Richardson, Texas. With nine classrooms, nursery, study, library and anauditorium seating approximately 250, the building features an auditoriumwith a "wrap-around" effect in the seating. I am serving as the local preacher.

Visitors may locate the building by taking the Crowley Road exit off I-20 (South Loop 820), going one mile to Alta Mesa and turning right. We are located at Alta Mesa and Landview. Phone:(817)292-4908.We meet Sundaysat 9: 30 and 10: 30 and 6 P. M. with Wednesday Bible study at 7: 30 P. M.Please inform relatives or friends in the area about us.

BILL FLING, P. O. Box 2072, Roseville, California 95678—The elders atMiller Avenue in San Jose have offered to continue our support in a newwork for the Lord. After investigations and many prayers, we have decided to start a congregation in Roseville, California. There is one institutional-type church there. The nearest church respecting the Lord's pattern is in Carmicheal. Roseville is half-way between Sacramento and Auburn, on I-80. It has a population of 28, 000 and is growing with many High Tech businesses moving into the area. A nucleus of 14-16 memberswill be starting with us.

We met the first time on Sunday, July 21st. We are presently meetingin the Eagles Hall at Vernon and Lincoln Streets in Roseville. On Sundayswe meet at 9: 30 and 11: 00 A. M. and at 6: 00 P. M. My home phone is

(916) 652-7526 (in Loomis). Or you may call Steve Dickey (916) 725-3390(Roseville exchange). If you know of unfaithful Christians in the area, or anyone you would like us to contact, please write or call. The Eagles Hall isabout 2 or 3 minutes off I-80, taking the Douglas off-ramp west to FolsomRoad, right to Vernon, left to Lincoln. With God's help, a church to His glory will grow in Roseville.

THAYER STREET LECTURES

The church meeting at 640 Thayer Street in Akron, Ohio announces alecture series for September 16-19, 1985. Speakers will be: Jeff Smelser,Bob Buchanon, Frank Perkins, Bobby Graham, Roy Diestelkamp, RayFarris. Wayne Walker will lead congregational singing. Subjects include: The Nature of the Church, Suffering, Self-Deceit, Marriage, Church Buildings (authority for, financing and Use of), Behavior in the Assembly,Church Fads, When are N. T. Examples Binding, Patterns for Benevolence, Patterns for Evangelism. For more information call (216) 376-2818.

ZION, ILLINOIS LECTURES

The church meeting at 2310 Lewis Avenue, Zion, Illinois 60099, will have a Bible lectureship October 20-25, 1985 on the theme, AUTHORITY IN RELIGION. Speakers will be: Keith Barclay (Janesville, WI), Maurice Barnett (Phoenix, AZ), Gary Coles (Round Lake Beach, IL), Karl Diestelkamp (Kenosha, WI), David Girardot (West Allis, WI), Craig Meyer (Berea, OH), and Gene Taylor (Tallahassee,FL).

PREACHING IN COLUMBIA—VENEZUELA ROYCE CHANDLER, Mason, Ohio—Wayne Chappell (Mill Rd., Cincinnati) and I traveled to Columbia and Venezuela during July 6-19 to visit among the brethrenin Bogotaand Manizales, Columbia. The best newsofall to come out of this work in the past four years is that CARLOS RESTREPO (the young man who originated the work in Columbia in 1977 and who baptized around 200 people in the first three years of work,and who then fell away from the Lord four years ago) HAS COME BACKTO THE LORD! About four weeks ago he

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returned to the assembly of the church that meets in Chapinero and confessed his unfaithfulness and has been assembling with them since.His wife has also returned. Only time will tell just what part he will play inthe continuing work there. Santiago Castro, preacher in Chapinero, is doingwell thoughdiscouraged over a"lull" inthe attitude ofsomebrethrenthere.Those who know Santi could help by writing him a good letter of encouragement.

The church in San Carlos (south Bogota) where NESTOR BERMUDEZ isworking, is busting at the seams with zeal, enthusiasm and success. Theynow have about 30 attending and their little meeting place is packed andthe work is going well.

REID BRASWELL and JAIME RESTREPO are working in Manizales. There have been 12 baptisms in recent months. They are a zealous, close group and the future looks very exciting for the work there.

C. S. Gatlin, Jr., P. O. Box 1397, Sandpoint, Idaho 83864—THE GOSPEL MINUTES, published weekly by Dillard and Clem Thurman of Fort Worth, Texas, has been around for many years. The present circulation isnow over 125, 000. Many people have desired to obtain back issues of thispaper which are no longer available from 1959-1982. The Thurman's have given me permission to reprint and make available bound volumes of thispaper beginning with the year 1959. If you are interested in obtaining any ofthese back issues, please send a #10 self-addressed, stamped envelope to theabove address. I will send you a price list and information concerning printing and delivery dates.

LUTHER W. MARTIN, 707 Salem Avenue, Rolla, MO 65401—On this date, July 6, 1985, my very good friend and brother in the Lord, OliverMurray, of Houston, Texas, "came home" to his devoted wife and familyafter hospitalization for a five-bypass-surgical procedure. There were someanxious moments, when a blood clot formed, but many prayers were offered in his behalf, and the wisdom and skill of his physicians allowedhim to return home today. We are so thankful that brother Oliver Murraywas able to come home.

Yesterday, after a three-week trip to Europe, my beloved wife, Jeanne"came home. " With planes being bombed out of the sky, and terroristsholding hostages; with Athens, Rome and Madrid being bombed by terrorists; with Jeanne Martin's group of tourists arriving in Madrid one dayafter the bombing there, many prayers ascended

heavenward in her behalf and for the safe arrival of those travelling withher. Ihave written the abovesimplytoremind us of the precious blessings weall enjoy and possibly take for granted: blessings of good health, home, freedom and liberty. Let's all take time to give thanks for our manyblessings in this life, and the greater blessings awaiting the faithful, who arepreparedfor the greathomecoming at theend oftime.

PREAC HERS NEEDED WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT—The church here is looking for a man interested in moving to the New England states to help us. We are able tosupply partial support and could supply some possible leads for additionalsupport. Those interested should contact: Church of Christ, 23 Trumball Dr.,Wallingford, CT, or call(203)269-0406.

MISSION VIEJO, CALIFORNIA—The small congregation here is looking for a mature person to work with us. Some support is available butadditional support would be required. This is a good opportunity to workwith devoted Christians in a young work. A retiree or someone willing to dosecular work would probably work out best. Contact Walt Halagarda (714)768-8518 or write: Saddleback Valley Church of Christ, 22951 Los AlisosBlvd., MissionViejo,CA 92691.

PREACHERS AVAILABLE CAROL BATES, 3114N.18th, Coeurd'Alene, ID 83814—I am interested in working full-time with a congregation in need of a preacher. Full information and references gladly supplied. Write or call (208)667-7922.

KENNETH E. MORRISON, 516 S. Sequoia, Roswell, New Mexico 88201—I am interested in relocating with another faithful congregation. I am 34 years old, married with three children. I have been preaching here for six years and our separation is completely peaceful. I can fullyrecommend the church in Roswell without reservation to any who mightdesire to locate here. Writemeat the above addressorcall (505)622-9152.

IN THE NEWS THIS MONTH BAPTISMS 253 RESTORATIONS 86 (Taken from bulletins and papers received by the editor)