CHARIOT SCENES AT 35,000 FEET

It was late the afternoon of Thursday, September 12,1985, when our family boarded the big Boeing jet thatwould take us non-stop to Orlando, Florida. The kidswere caught up in the anticipation of excitement thatsurrounded a first trip to Disney World accompanied,no less, by the thrill of flying the friendly skies which, onthat day at least, would prove to be less than cordial.

No sooner had we settled in than I noticed fear had etched itself into the face of a middle-aged woman seated to my right. It was quite apparent that she wasnervous, a condition that escalated into panic as we began our push back from the gate. "Please," she said,"Can I talk to you?" "Certainly," I replied. She continued, "This is my first flight and I think I'm going to besick..." With that, she grabbed the air sick bag which Iimmediately took from her while saying-'There's nothing to be afraid of. . . etc., etc." (You've been there, right?)

And, so, we talked. About aviation, about her familyand mine, about her trip and about the Bible. Her namewas Nancy Smith. Nancy lived on Maryland's Eastern Shore and was traveling to Florida to visit relatives inthe Kissimmee area. She found out that I was a preacher (which must have comforted her for I heard her say-"Thank the Lord!") traveling to Orlando to begin a gospel meeting on Sunday. I invited her to attend,drew a map, and invited her relatives, too. She thankedme for the invitation and indicated she might come if she had the time.

The weather worsened as we neared our destination (Ididn't need this!) It was apparent that central Florida was experiencing one of her typical summer thunderstorms which had, by now, decided to camp out over theOrlando airport. The flight attendants asked that theshades be pulled due to the terrific lightning thatseemed to be wrapping itself around the aircraft. Theturbulence was the worst I had ever experienced. Add to that my little boy's inopportune question: "HEY,DAD, ARE WE GOING TO CRASH?"-and Nancy wasabout to lose it all.

Thus, while the pilot was making his attempts atlanding, I was making my attempts at comforting andencouraging Nancy. "Now there is absolutely nothingto be worried about. . ." (Did I really believe that?)"Nancy," I said, "If the good Lord answers our prayersand gets us down from here in one piece, you need tocome to church." Without hesitation, and very emphatically, she said, "I'll be there!"

We landed safely. Nancy met her party and we met ours and I left wondering if I would ever see her again. Iwould.

On Sunday night I walked into the church building atPar St. and there sat Nancy and Nancy's relatives. They had all come. After the services we had a chance tospeak further. "When are you going back to Baltimore," she wanted to know. "Saturday at noon," I told her. Shecontinued, "I'm supposed to go back on Wednesday butI sure would like to wait and fly back with you." Wespoke briefly and they left. I wondered once more if Iwould ever see her again. I would.

Sure enough when we arrived at the gate for thereturn trip, Nancy was waiting on us. We arranged ourseating so we could be together and this time theweather was beautiful. We talked for two hours about God's plan for man and God's plan for her. She had questions and the Bible had answers and, so, at 35,000feet and at 600 m.p.h. we talked. (Come to think of it,didn't Phillip do this kind of thing some 2,000 years agoin a little lower and slower chariot?)

Nancy Smith went home and so did we. I later phonedher and at her invitation my wife and I crossed the beautiful Chesapeake and drove the hundred or so miles to her home for a further study the next week. I wouldlike to tell you that Nancy obeyed the Gospel. Shedidn't (at least that night). The brethren there agreed to"follow Up" on Nancy and continue the study. At thiswriting I know not the outcome.

Brethren, there are opportunities for Christians toteach virtually everywhere. So often we pray, "Lord,grant me opportunities to reach and teach the lost" andthen He does and we walk blindly by. Let us pray foropportunities (Col. 4:2-3), but let us also pray for wisdom (James 1:5) to enable us to seize the occasion andfor courage to speak unashamedly (Rom. 1:16). WAKETHE WORLD & TELL THE PEOPLE is not a call to greater attempts at organized evangelistic outreach programs but, rather, is an appeal for Christians (youand me) to simply begin doing what we say we believe indoing-reaching and teaching the lost.

You see, there are Nancy Smiths everywhere. Peoplewho are hurting, people who are searching, people whoare in sin and who need Jesus. Who else will teach them if you and I don't? Pray for opportunities yes, but prayfor the wisdom and courage to seize the moment andspeak the word. The Nancy Smiths will be there, you can count on it. The real question is: Will YOU be ready?

PEOPLE OF THE BOOK

The completion of the walls of Jerusalem under theaggressive leadership of Nehemiah, produced a mood ofthanksgiving and spiritual introspection which God'sancient people had not experienced for years. Decadeshad passed since the first group came back into a desolated land under Zerubbabel. Under the prodding ofHaggai and Zechariah, the temple was completed anddedicated sixteen years after they laid the foundationand then left it to secure their own personal interests.Ezra led a second group out of Persia back to Judah anddid much to purge the people of sin and to teach the law of God. But nothing seemed to spark genuine repentance along with their outpouring of gratitude like therebuilding of the walls of the city.

Nehemiah 8 tells of an unusual meeting, not at thetemple (near the northeast corner of the walls), but inthe street before the Watergate, in the southeast cornerof the city. It was really a PEOPLE meeting. The gathering was not called by Ezra, nor Nehemiah, nor the priests nor the city fathers. The PEOPLE came together and made request of Ezra, the scribe, to bringthe book of the law of Moses, and read it to them (Neh.8:1). What followed was a protracted meeting lastingfor several days and culminating in the observance ofthe feast of tabernacles which they had not kept sincethe days of Joshua (Neh. 8:17). All morning they listened as the priests and Levites read the law and "gavethe sense, and caused them to understand the reading"(Neh. 8:8). In the afternoons they celebrated, cookedgood things and sent portions to those who were pooramong them.

These people were, for awhile, truly people of the book. They were unhurried. From "morning til midday"they heard the law read and discussed. They took timeto listen. They were not preoccupied with the "hurry up,get it over with" spirit of many pseudo-worshippers ofour day.

These people of the book were attentive (Neh. 8:3).Verse 7 says "and the people stood in their place." Thisdoes not mean they occupied a standing position allthat time, for verse 5 indicates that when Ezra opened the book before them "all the people stood up" whichmeans they were seated until that time. But it doesmean they sat and listened and stayed in their place. Ifanyone had to go out to the brook Kidron to get a drink of water, no mention is made of it. Modern worshipperscould learn from this. Too many assemblies are disturbed and listeners distracted by a continual procession of children, and sometimes adults, just wandering in and out. True people of the book come to listen and learn.

They were reverential in demeanor. When Ezra stood up before them and opened the book, the people stoodwhile he "blessed the great God." They shared the sentiments of the prayer with becoming "amens." Theylifted their hands, an oriental gesture which was an actof supplication to God the provider of all things, anexpression of thanksgiving for the source of all blessings and an appeal for inspection of the hands and hearts of the worshippers. They bowed their heads andworshipped with their faces "to the ground." There wasnone of the gross familiarity with the Almighty which appears in much of modern worship where some do not seem to know the difference between Deity and humanity, nor respect it if they do know.

They had tender hearts which were stirred by thegrandeur of the occasion. "For all the people wept, when they heard the word of the law" (verse 9). They did notsupplant understanding with emotion, for they first heard and understood the words of the law. Neither did they leave their emotions at home. It was a noble occasion. It was a time for serious reflection on all God had done for them and a time to re-acquaint themselveswith the law of God. They were not in captivity. Theywere safely in Judah. Inside the walls of Jerusalem stood the temple. Before them stood God's dulyconstituted priesthood reading to them from the bookof the law which distinguished them from all otherpeople. In their hearts that day, a covenant was beingrenewed. There are some days which tower above others-mountain peak days. Most of life is lived in theordinary, but this day was far from ordinary. People whose hearts cannot be stirred cannot properly servethe Lord. On Pentecost, Peter's words cut them to the heart (Acts 2:37).

People of the book are people of change when theydiscover that they have not been observing somethingwhich the book of God plainly teaches. The feast oftabernacles was required in Deut. 16:13-17; in Num.29:12-40 and in Lev. 23:39-43. In spite of that, they keptit only for one generation after entering Canaan. But when they saw their error, they decided to do exactlywhat the Lord said. That being the precise time of yearfor such observance, they kept the feast.

The result of all this was great joy among the people.Nehemiah and Ezra said to the people "for the joy of theLord is your strength" (verse 10). Redeemed, worshippers of God ought to be the happiest people on earth.We ought to "rejoice evermore" with a "joy unspeakable and full of glory."

We ought now to be genuine people of the book. Ourappeal ought, first, last and always, to be to the testimony of the law of God. "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God" (1 Pet. 4:11). Jesus asked"What is written in the law, how readest thou?" Romans 10 is a good example of the appeal to the word ofGod made by Paul. He said "For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law" and then gave themwhat the word of faith (of the gospel) says (verses 5-6).In verse 8 he asked "But what saith it?" and then quoted Deut. 30:14. In verse 11, he said "For the scripture saith." In verse 13 he quoted from Joel 2:32. Inverse 15 he said "as it is written" and quoted Isa. 52:7.In verse 16 he said "For Esaias saith" and quoted Isa.

53:1. There is a reference to Psa. 19:4 in verse 18. In verse 19, he wrote "First Moses saith." Then in verse 20"But Esaias is very bold, and saith" and then gives a quote from Isa. 65:1-2. There is no doubt about it. Paulwas a preacher of the book.

To the degree that preachers and teachers of the present age fill their speaking with human wisdom,pretty, catchy phrases and spiritual pablum, to thatextent they cease to be men of the book. And you can besure they will not produce genuine people of the book.Who can deny that there is an abominable ignorance ofthe content of the book of God among Christians today.God's people have always been destroyed for lack ofknowledge, even as they were in Hosea's day. Everywhere, the people of God need to hear exposition ofscripture. While there is a need for topical preaching,there is a far greater need for effective presentation ofwhat God said in the context in which it was first said. That needs to be followed by plain application of thetruth of scripture to the needs and lives of the people.

The best preventive against apostacy is to remainpeople of the book.

BLACKFORD WRITES COLUMN

With this issue we begin a regular column written byDick Blackford of Owensboro, Kentucky. Some of hismaterial has appeared at times and it has always beenexcellent. He has had wide experience in preaching. Formany years I have read his bulletin with interest. Hiswriting is fresh, pointed and with a dash of wit whichmakes it always interesting. Above all, he is sound inthe faith and his material manifests a reverence for the word of God. We welcome his column and believe our readers will profit much from what he has to say. * *

* * * * * * * * PATTON—PHILLIPS EXCHANGE

We expect to begin the exchange between Marshall E.Patton and H. E. Phillips in the February issue, onemonth later than originally intended. Two thirds of thework is now in my hands and the rest is expected beforetoo long. The exchange concerns the remarriage of certain "put away" persons. Who these "certain" ones are will be clearly pointed out in the discussion itself. Watchfor it.

WHAT WE OWE OUR READERS

I appreciate brother Adam's confidence in asking meto write for SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES. I hopethat I will not disappoint him. Most of all, I accept thisassignment with a great feeling of responsibility to myCreator and to those who are subscribers to this magazine. Since STS has a wider circulation than any church bulletin I have edited, the magnitude of what I writewill be greatly increased for good or harm. A keen awareness of that responsibility causes me to begin bywriting on my obligation. I have fallen short in timespast in fulfilling my responsibility, therefore I do nothold myself up as an example. However, there are someareas I wish to set before the reader in which I will try tobe responsible. Of course, all of us who write should feela certain debt to those who take the time to read what we have written. Among those responsibilities are:

1. TRUTH. Obviously, this is first. It matters not with what eloquence we may be able to express ourselves. The ability to articulate is no guarantee of anything. We must not forget such men as Aaron (Ex. 4:14),Apollos (Acts 18:26), Tertullus (Acts 24:1,2), RobertIngersoll and other great orators who had excellentcommand of language but erred in their message. Onlythe truth can make us free (Jn. 8:32). This must be awriter's first consideration for "if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch" (Mt. 15:14).
2. SIMPLICITY. Though Paul wrote some things"hard to be understood," there is a "simplicity that is inChrist" (2 Cor. 11:3) and it was "the common people whoheard him gladly" (Mk. 12:37). Are we writing for theintellectuals? This may be the reason people listenedand responded more readily to Christ than they do tous. A photographer once said, "I could ask you to participate in a synchronized coordination of the neophysiological reflexes with semiautomatic impulses,but it would be simpler if I just asked you to smile." An intellectual should be able to understand the simple, butnot all of us can understand the complicated.
3. EDIFICATION. "Let all things be done unto edifying" (I Cor. 14:26). This should be uppermost in ourminds under every teaching situation. We are to buildup, not tear down the brethren. To edify is to promotethe spiritual growth and development of the characterof believers. Spiritual progress is our goal. If we giveonly pious platitudes, pop psychology, and suchlike, we may develop people with winsome personalities but

very little Bible knowledge. If we dwell only on issuesand isms we will develop harsh, unfeeling members interested only in intellectual and academic pursuits and argumentation. Let us build up the total man.

1. SOUND JUDGMENT. When one puts histhoughts in writing he has no way of knowing intowhose hands they may fall. Some things should not beput in writing. There is no point in deliberately placingoneself in a libelous situation. Satan does not miss an opportunity to destroy our work. We must exerciseprudence. This also applies to the raising of variousissues. A good question to ask is "Does this issue deserve the magnitude of attention it is getting?"
2. BREVITY. Preparing for a long trip, a man said, "Iam just about packed. I only have to put in a guide book, a lamp, a mirror, a microscope, a telescope, avolume of poetry, a few biographies, a package of letters, a book of songs, a sword, a hammer and a set ofbooks I have been studying." "But you can't get all thatinto you bag," responded his friend. "Oh yes, it doesn'ttake much room." With a smile he placed a Bible into thecorner of his suitcase and closed the lid.

The Bible is the most concise and compact book everwritten. What book deals with a wider range of topicsthan the Bible? The Bible records several thousand years of history. It contains geography, science, mystery, romance, poetry, biographies, adventure andtouches on many other subjects.

I am not arguing for articles of a particular length.Some topics deserve more space than they are given.Others may be too long for what we had to say. It isinteresting to note that it takes only about 16 minutesto repeat the Sermon on the Mount, reading aloud at normal speed. Yet it is nothing short of a masterpiece —delivered by the master teacher.

A friend of mine once remarked that too many wordsare wasted. His comment was that "we are drowning ina sea of words." A brother who works 8 hours per day,spends a considerable amount of time traveling to andfrom work, tries to fulfill the role of a husband, father,handy man, and financial wizard, does not have thesame amount of time for reading that a preacher mighthave. I appreciate the fact that such a brother wouldsubscribe to a paper and try to keep up on his readingand studying. I will try to do my best in consideration ofhim and watch the verbiage.

6. COURTESY AND FAIRNESS. I regret that somequit subscribing to periodicals because they often contain controversies. The daily newspaper has controversies in it but I still want to keep up with the news. Cometo think of it, the Bible contains controversies.

It may be that the objection is to the manner andattitude in which a controversy is carried on. Someoneonce said, "Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength." A teacher of God's word must walk a fineline. There is a danger in our efforts to speak the truth with all boldness that we will be unkind and unloving.And there is a danger in our efforts to be kind and lovingthat we will compromise the truth. If during my association with STS I find myself involved in controversy, Iresolve now to do my best not to belittle the one with whom I share a disagreement by unkind personal remarks. Paul said, "only let your conversation be at itbecometh the gospel..." (Phil. 1:27). This should governour writing as well as our speaking.

Finally, consider Paul's exhortation to the preacher Timothy. "And the Lord's servant must not strive, but be gentle towards all, apt to teach, forbearing, in meekness correcting them that oppose themselves; if peradventure God may give them repentance unto the knowledge of the truth, and they may recover themselves outof the snare of the devil, having been taken captive byhim unto his will" (2 Tim. 2:24-26).

CONCLUSION: This is a big order and I may have toeat some of my words. But if I fall short it will not be thefault of the goals themselves. It will be due to my own shortcomings. Pray for me.

"NOT AFTER MAN"

THE KING'S MESSAGE: "I marvel that ye are so quickly removing from him that called you in the grace ofChrist unto a different gospel; which is not another gospel: only there are some that trouble you and wouldpervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angelfrom heaven, should preach unto you any gospel otherthan that which we preached unto you, let him be anathema... for am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am Istriving to please men? If I were still pleasing men, Ishould not be a servant of Christ. For I make known to you, brethren, as touching the gospel which was preachedby me, that it is not after man. For neither did I receive itfrom man, nor was I taught it, but it came to me through revelation of Jesus Christ" (Gal. 1:6-12). I finally bought my own personal computer. I had used the one at work long enough that I had become dependent uponit. "Dependent" means that I am "spoiled" and do notwant to go back to the old way of working. I studied along time about which computer to buy. You see, onemust select "hardware" (the machine itself) which iscompatible with desired "software" (the programswhich are put into the machine to enable you to dowhat you want to do). There are all sorts of softwareprograms, but they will not all work on the samecomputer. They must be compatible with both the machine and the disk operating system (DOS) loaded intothe basic memory of the unit to tell it how to run yoursoftware. I knew before I bought that NOT EVERYPROGRAM IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE SYSTEM I HAVE CHOSEN.

The Lord's "System"

When Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world"(John 18:36), he declared that His "system" would notrun the program designed by and for those whose ideology, methods, and ambitions are centered in the material "here and now" rather than in spiritual eternal life.He knew also that many who have similar ambitions forthe afterlife will not be able to operate His "system"because they insert improper directions or "commands"from sources other than the "User's Manual."

From inception, the Lord's kingdom was not designedto focus on the temporal, material state of man. Prophecy pointed toward spiritual purposes, spiritual hopes,and spiritual fulfillment. The rulership of the kingdom was to be spiritual. Messiah was to lead men back toGod and save souls in spiritual citizenship in a spiritual kingdom (Acts 3:12-26; 26:22-23; 1 Peter 1:9-12). The hope was truly spiritual (Acts 26:6-7; Romans 15:4;John 5:39-40). Therefore, when Christ established thechurch, He brought into existence a spiritual body infulfillment of God's spiritual promises to accomplishspiritual purposes (Luke 17:20-21; John 18:36; Romans14:17). The nature of the church is evidenced by the spiritual quality of its head (Eph. 1:19-23), its members(John 3:1-7; 2 Cor. 5:17), its worship (John 4:23-24), itswork (Eph. 4:11-16), and its rewards (1 Cor. 15:22-23; Eph. 5:27-28).

Improper Operating Commands

That certain types of "programs" will not operate onHis "system," is apparent from Jesus' own statements introducing it to the public. He repudiated standardpolitical methodology (Matt. 20:25-28). He turned downphysical and/or military force as a means of carryingout His spiritual purposes (John 18:36; cf. Zech. 9:9-10).Money, physical property, and material wealth wererejected as energizers for His kingdom (Luke 9:57-58; 1 Tim 6:10). He never authorized the church to establishand/or sponsor social, political, psychological, or economic causes which were designed to promote earthlyrelationships or material well-being. The church is not a"social change" institution.

Application

The "Social Gospel" concept of "Christianity" waspopularized by the New York, German Baptistpreacher, Walter Rauschenbusch, around the turn ofthe century. It centers on the theme of improving society and social relationships through the "Christian experience" and "witness" (see Rauschenbusch's Christianizing the Social Order (1912) or A Theology for theSocial Gospel (1917). Most major denominations in America unashamedly espouse the "Social Gospel" concept. They conceive of fulfilling the kingdom mission byinvolvement in social and/or political causes, psychological counseling, marriage counseling, general physicalbenevolence and on and on. Their church sponsored"whole-life" programs include seminars for all kinds ofhuman problems, activities for almost every interest,and psychological sermons or classes designed to dealwith the human experience. Such programs, designedby men, however valuable from the perspective of theparticipants' social or emotional well-being, will not runon God's "system" because His "system" was created with other outcomes in mind.

We must not drift into this concept ourselves. I knowit is extremely popular to appeal to people on the basisof their "human" needs. Lessons are exciting and seenas relevant when they are filled with "everybody's everyday life" themes, but we must ask ourselves if much ofwhat people want to hear is really relevant to the purposes of our worshiping and learning the Divine will.Preachers and elders may be able to build up memberships and make the work exciting by imitating denominational activity, preaching sermons straight from denominational literature, and reading "how-to" books bydenominational authors: but brethren, there is something terribly wrong when we think we need to go tothose whom we believe to be so in error in their view of what the church is that they have no fellowships withGod to find out how to carry on our work in the kingdom.

One thing we must ask ourselves is: "Why would wedo this?" We must be honest in our inquiry and forthright in dealing with the consequences of our action. Ifour "seminar" or "activity" or "program" is to teach theBible and comes within the bounds of work authorized by Christ, well and good. I am not saying that because a denomination does something it is necessarily unscriptural. If what we are doing is, however, designed as a tool to interest people so they will come worship withus, we have opened "a whole 'nother can of worms." If itis to make us popular and exciting or to please men, that is something else. Or, if what we are doing is designed todeal with some social interest, we will abandon our truepurposes, put the wrong program on the "system", andcome up without producing anything of value for theLord. Such is short-sighted and counter-productive ifour goal is the salvation of men and the growth of thespiritual kingdom!

THE SILENCE OF GOD

We are supposed to have authority for all that we sayor do in religion (Col. 3:17). And, Peter implies that if wecannot "speak as the oracles of God," we should keepquiet (1 Pet. 4:11). We should have the authority first, ifwe move by faith, for faith comes by hearing the word ofGod, and without that faith we cannot please God (Rom. 10:17; Heb. 11:6).

But, some folks have no respect for what God says inHis word. Others claim to have respect for what God says, but show no respect for God's silence. I have never been able to figure out how a person can show respectfor what God says, while showing no respect for whatGod doesn't say. Martin Luther tried to implement thisdouble standard, but it didn't work. In his "reformation" of Catholicism, Luther approached that task bytrying to retain those practices which the Bible did notspecifically forbid. But, he also rejected what God didsay (in the Book of James), because it was contrary toLuther's doctrine of salvation by faith only. I maintainthat no person can long have respect for what God doessay, once that person manifests no respect for God's silence.

In modern times, the argument that "God didn't saynot to" was best demonstrated by the efforts of digressive brethren to justify mechanical instruments of music in worship. Time has proven that lack of respect forthe silence of God has led those same people to showutter disregard for what God has said in His word.

Brother Clifton Inman is about the only preacher inthe Upper Ohio Valley who has even tried to defend theinstitutional practice among some churches of Christ,including the sponsoring church arrangement portrayed by the Herald of Truth. Even he was literallyforced to use the "God didn't say not to" argument inhis attempts to uphold these unscriptural and divisivepractices.

Brother Inman began using his "not to" argument inthe debate with Emerson Flannery in Columbus, Ohio.When brother Flannery pointed out this flaw in Cliff's argument, Cliff denied that he was using the argument.In the Willis-Inman debate at Parkersburg, W. Va.,brother Inman again was forced to fall back on the old"not to" argument of the Christian Church, but caughthimself, and said it was "an inadvertent statement." Aslate as the Adams-Inman debate at Middlebourne, W.

Va., brother Inman was still trying his best to keep from

using the "God didn't say not to" argument, but his

proposition demanded that he use it. It is amazing in

deed that some brethren do not even have general au

thority for their institutional arrangements, sponsoring

churches, and recreation complex, yet they insist that

we come up with a specific prohibition to head off their

unscriptural practices!

History proves convincingly that if man wants to do

something, it makes little difference whether or not God

has said not to do it. Adam and Eve ate the forbidden

fruit, and even admitted that God had told them not to

do it. God told Israel not to do a lot of things, including

"not's" in the Ten Commandments, but that didn't stop

Israel from disobeying God. Nadab and Abihu offered

strange fire which the Lord "commanded not" (Lev.

10:1). Maybe they argued that if God didn't command

it, then God was silent. They still died.

In the New Testament, we have been told "not" tolove the world, think too highly of self, divide the bodyof Christ, murmur, compare ourselves among ourselves, provoke our children to wrath, and not to forsake "the assembling of ourselves together. . ." (Heb.10:25). But, people still do what God has specifically told them not to do. What makes you think that if God had specifically forbidden mechanical instruments ofmusic in worship that those who want them would payany attention to God? The same goes for a host of otherthings which God may not have specifically forbidden,but neither has He authorized these things by His spoken word.

The only time since the first century that we even came close to preaching the gospel to every creatureunder heaven, was when we preached and practiced theBible principle of "Where the Bible speaks, we speak;where the Bible is silent, we are silent." Not only havewe digressed from this Bible battle cry, but we havealso retreated from the divine mandate to be the "pillarand ground of the truth" (1 Tim. 3:15).

"But the Lord is in his holy temple: let all the earthkeep silence before him" (Hab. 2:20). At the opening ofthe seventh seal, "there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour" (Rev. 8:1). When God is silent,some people can't keep quiet five minutes, much less"half an hour". Others have more respect for funerals,hospitals, weddings, or a golfer on the green, than theydo for God. Man's problem is that if he insists on talkingwhen God is silent, he probably won't be able to hearanything when God does speak.

Serving as an elder is a rather awesome responsibilityrequiring that one take the work seriously; if he doesn'tview it as a spiritual work to be performed, then heshould not consider accepting the position. It will be farbetter for him and for God's sheep needing oversight;for viewing an elder's role as a figurehead position, anhonorary office, an opportunity to wield dominion overothers, or a steppingstone to bigger things will lead tomonumental problems among the people of the Lord, aswell as that man's own condemnation by God.

Elders are pictured as overseers of the sheep in God'sflock in Acts 20:28. Observe that they oversee sheep;this they do as they watch for souls (Heb. 13:17). Theirprimary charge is to be alert to their spiritual condition,not to plan budgets or to oversee buildings and property. These matters likewise come within their concern because elders in Acts 11:30 had oversight of financialmatters, but these should never be allowed to becometheir principal concern. They are watchmen for souls,somewhat similar to the watchmen on the walls of ancient cities or to Ezekiel in Ezekiel 3:16-27. Others can plan budgets and care for buildings, but others lack thepreparation described in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 to dospiritual work. Any decisions relating to buildings orproperty are important only to the extent they reflect a necessary connection to the true work of watching forsouls. Far too often these mundane matters become larger than they should, even to the point of almostremoving spiritual matters from the minds of overseersand from the agenda of work of the local church.

In their work of watching for souls, there is much thatthey must find time to do. Some of the more routinematters might be delegated to deacons or to others, butthey cannot delegate their work of watching for souls to anyone. This is their personal charge. If they shun it orshirk it, they must answer to the chief shepherd in thefinal day (1 Pet. 5:4). They probably will need some help,but their attentive concern will not cease. They will goabout their work ever mindful of the potential wolvesawaiting the right time to pounce on the sheep; thus,they will prayerfully watch and work. By this point inthese deliberations, it is obvious that there are someprerequisites to this watching and overseeing.

1. He must desire the work (1 Tim. 3:1). An "office-seeking" attitude is not referred to here, but adesire to serve God and others in the capacity of an elder, to be

used up in the service of the Lord. His motive must notbe prestige, power, or money, but an opportunity forhumble service (Matt. 20:26-28). His work is not thewielding of carnal authority but the demonstration ofgodliness in life and oversight, so that spirituallyminded people follow his lead, have confidence in hiswisdom, and value his decisions.

He will often have to speak words of rebuke and warning, but his desire to do this work will impel him soto speak. That same desire will be reflected in decisionsthat he must make with other elders and with the congregation, though they be difficult and unpleasant ones.

Such desire will yield willing and eager service, according to 1 Peter 5:2. There will be no need for constantprodding of a qualified elder to do his duty, for such willbe his attitude. In this very area a man's wife or familycan be a great help or hindrance, depending upon theirattitude toward the importance and value of the workthat he is helping to do. When they understand thenature of his work and the need for it, they will be able toappreciate him for his faith and willingness to work, aswill the saints who are being overseen.

2. He must desire to lead God's people (1 Tim. 5:17;1 Thes. 5:12). This is the nature of his rule over the peopleof God. The word "rule" does not suggest the assertion of tyrannical will, but the leading of a kindly father. Hemust sometimes act contrary to the wishes of immaturechildren so their good might be achieved. He will consider their wishes and act according to them whenever possible, but all of his decisions must reflecthis spiritual maturity. Such is the very basis for his qualifications preparing him to oversee souls. The comparison of 1 Timothy 3:4,5 indicates that his rulingin the family prepares him for taking care of God's church. Just as there will be times when the entire family will decide a matter, so there will be numerousdecisions in the local church that all will have a partin. Elders who fail to consult members regarding such matters are acting unscripturally and unwisely.There will also be decisions that the father will have to make alone, as he unselfishly considers matters beyond the maturity level of the children. Local elderswill seek to teach and influence the Christians to acceptand follow such decisions as these that they must make for the good of souls.

Their role as spiritual leaders requires that they understand the teaching of the Scriptures and that theygive ample time to planning. Godly elders will act beforethe pressure of the members forces them to take action;to do otherwise is to fail to lead God's sheep. They willnot wait to see what others expect from them, but theythemselves will lead the sheep to understand the importance of serving God and growing spiritually. They willwillingly give time, patience, prayer, and courage tosuch work. Without such ingredients they cannot lead the sheep, but with them their spiritual-mindedness willbe obvious to all.

3. He must be willing to speak to others abouttheir souls (1 Thes. 5:12-14). He will sometimes have to warn people about their spiritual course, rebuke wayward souls, and strengthen the weak. He shouldfrequently

speak for the edification of all. While elders might use other teachers to do some of these tasks, they themselves will not consider their work accomplished until theyhave personally made such endeavors. Discernmentand wisdom will characterize their efforts in this field,both of which are provided for in the qualifications ofelders. It is in this area that elders find Bible classes so useful. Members should participate in these classes, sothat they might then heed their warnings, accept theirrebuke, and otherwise learn from them for the purpose of obeying them. They obey them as teachers of theWord and watchmen for souls, not as "power-crazy autocrats."

When it becomes necessary for these men to speak tosuch members, they will not find it easy but they willfind a way to do so for the sake of their souls. Privaterebuke or warning is not easily given, but such mendesire to work in this capacity for the good that can result. They must know the sheep in their individualsituations (abilities, inclinations, needs, knowledge) sothey can address their needs in the way most calculated to accomplish God's will. They will be watchful (not"nosey") over the daily lives of the sheep, as well as theirworship habits, so they will be some of the first to detecttrends in their lives. They will not wait so long beforespeaking with them about their concerns that such discussions become a formality serving little purpose. Incourage they will speak, and yet with patience will theydeal with the sheep.

4. He will understand the value of working withother elders. The plurality of men pictured leading alocal church must work as a team to do good. Eachone will contribute his strengths; in fact, each mustdo his full part if the men work together effectively.Objecting to ideas proposed by others can be helpful,but men do not help if they act only in this area. Thesemen must learn to talk together and to act in ways thatshow their love for God and His people. Such love andcooperation will overcome disagreements. Brief discussions before a worship period or after one willoften fail to make effective contribution to a local work. Time is needed for careful planning, discussion,and study. Their time also should be used on occasionsfor meetings with members to listen, to teach, and to lead. They must make themselves available for private and public meetings with the church. Just asthere can be little working together by elders in theabsence of their communication, so there can be little leading by elders or following by members in the absence of communication between them.

There is nothing needed more in local churches thangodly elders. Every person in a local band of disciplesbears some responsibility to becoming an elder or working together with elders. Parents, wives, and children can do much toward the development of elders, as canthose already serving and those not yet qualified.Changes in lives might be necessary for some to qualify in the future. In all efforts to develop men along the lines set forth in the Scriptures, may we keep in mindthe four principles emphasized in this present study.

There was an article in the 11-86 issue of PopularScience with the above title. The first paragraph reads"For years investigators who seek the origins of lifeadhered mostly to the theory that life's antecedents were organic molecules that got together fortuitously in a 'primordial soup'. Now a few scientists are postulating that life had a more solid beginning: in ordinaryclay."

Well I think our pseudo-scientists have made a step in the right direction concerning where life came from. They have got it out of the "soup of the sea" and to the clay of the earth. Genesis 2:7 declares for us,"And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath oflife, and man became a living soul." Now if these folkswho have got the right place where man came from,could just get the right forces that acted upon the dustof the ground they would have it! For you see it was not "lightning or solar ultraviolet rays" that "triggered chemical reactions" but the power of AlmightyCreator. It was God who took the dust of the groundand made man and gave him life.

The only reason I can think of why folks want tobelieve in the "soup theory" is because it alleviates theirminds about being accountable creatures of God. You see there are 3 questions that our "soup friends" havenot and cannot give a satisfying answer to. #1 Where did life come from? #2 Why are we here? #3 Where are we going?

I'm glad to have the word of God that reveals plainly the answers to all these questions. Actually the answerto these 3 questions can be answered to a degree without the Bible. We should be able to recognize a Creatorby just looking at the world (Psa. 19:1, Acts 14:17,Rom. 1:18-20). Secondly, we should realize that we are accountable creatures, that we should be thankful(Rom. 1:21), that we have a law written in our hearts of a'rightness' and a 'wrongness' (Rom. 2:14-15), that wehave a sense of the "ought" (Lk. 8:15), that man is aworshipful being, it is his nature, for the scriptures tellsus who to worship, not really to worship, per se. And inanswer to the 3rd question, it is man's makeup to believe in something beyond this life, as Eccl. 3:11 fromthe ASV reads "also he hath set eternity in their heart".Yet as all men have a degree of light in answer to these 3questions, we need the word of God to bring the full light (2 Tim. 1:10, Jn. 9:5).

We may stand amazed at these "soup" believers, butwe are no better off than they if, in practical living andapplication, our faith is dead and void of works. Jas.2:14-26 was written to those who professed to be Christians. James showed that saying we have faith will notbe enough to save, if it does not have the works ofobedience to perfect or complete our faith. "You see then how that by works a man is justified and not byfaith only" (vs. 24). Do we see it? We expect our denominational friends to see the point in reference to baptism,and rightly so. Why can we not see it in application tothe word of God in our own lives? Just take a survey ofthe book of James and see if we live what we profess. IfJesus is our Lord then we must willingly be a slave tohis commands (ch. 1:1).

If we believe in the Creator, that we are to serve him,and someday we will give an account to him and spendan eternity in heaven or hell, brethren let's live and act like it!

Patterns are an important part of our lives in manyways. When a contractor builds a house, he follows apattern know as a "blueprint". When a mechanic repairs your car, he uses a pattern known as an autorepair manual. When a mother sews a dress for hersmall daughter, she follows a "dress pattern". Andwhen your favorite cake is made, the cook followed a pattern called a "recipe".

In each case there is a standard pattern to be followedto achieve the desired results or the correct end product.The pattern must be followed or the end product willnot be faithful to the original pattern and the resultscould be disastrous. The house not built to pattern mayleak or worse, it may collapse; the car not repaired bythe manual may run like a "lemon" or not run at all; thedress not made by the pattern may look more like a clown outfit; and the cake not made by the recipe couldwind up unfit for the family dog.

Many people who have the common sense to recognize the need to faithfully follow patterns in their everyday lives, fail to recognize the most important pattern of all.. . the Bible. God has always provided a patternfor his people to serve as a guide to worship and serviceacceptable to him.

In the Old Testament, God led the children of Israelout of the slavery of Egypt down to the foot of Mt.Sinai. There God called Moses up the mountain and gave him a "pattern" of laws and a "pattern" for a placeof worship for the Jews. As God gave Moses this divine pattern, He also gave a warning: "According to all thatI shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and thepattern of all the instruments thereof, even so ye shallmake it" (Ex. 25:9). And He repeated this warning: "And look that thou make them after their pattern,which was shown thee in the mount" (Ex. 25:40).

Following God's pattern, the Jews constructed the tabernacle, a tent, and fashioned all the articles forworship to be placed within and without the tabernacle,the brazen altar, the laver, the golden candlestick, thetable of shewbread, the altar of incense and the ark ofthe covenant. For over 500 years the tabernacle servedas the place of worship for the Jews.

Not all the Jews heeded God's warning through Moses to follow his pattern. Two priests determined todisregard God's pattern of worship and follow their own worship. Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron "offeredstrange incense before the Lord, which he commandedthen not" (Lev. 10:1). The consequences of violatingGod's divine order were immediate and dire, "And therewent out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, andthey died before the Lord" (Lev. 10:2). God's drastic punishment of these two men was for our benefit toteach us to treat his pattern with respect and obedience.

When David became king of the Jews he planned tobuild a permanent place of worship, a temple, in the cityof Jerusalem. While David was not allowed by the Lordto actually build the temple, David did make all theplans and preparations for the construction of the temple which he passed on to his son, Solomon, to complete.As David commissioned Solomon to build the temple heexplained the source of the blueprints, '"All this,' said David, 'the Lord made me understand in writing by hishand upon me, even all the works of this pattern'" (IChron. 28:19). David urged Solomon to follow God'spattern in the commands of his Law as well as buildinghis temple.

Despite God's warnings again the Jews failed to faithfully respect and keep God's pattern. Towards the end of his life Solomon drifted away from God and his commandments. Following Solomon under the kingdoms ofIsrael and Judah, more Jewish kings were unfaithfulrather than faithful to the Lord. Because of the apostasy of the Jews, God allowed them to be taken intocaptivity and the temple to be destroyed.

While in captivity in Babylon, God sent a specialvision of the temple to the prophet Ezekiel. In the visionEzekiel saw a man with a measuring rod measuringGod's temple and all the articles in it. Why? What wasthe meaning of the vision? "Thou son of man, shew thehouse to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities: and let them measure the pattern"(Ezk. 43:10).

Just as God gave the Jews a pattern through Mosesand David, He has given us a pattern of work andworship through Christ and His apostles. The Old Testament, the tabernacle and the temple were only "acopy and a shadow of heavenly things" that are now provided for us by Christ under the New Testament.

The pattern Christians have to follow is complete andsufficient. It is complete as it has "given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness" (II Pet. 1:3). It is sufficient as it "is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works" (II Tim. 3:16-17).

As God warned the Jews not to violate or tamper withHis pattern. He warns us also.

1. WE MUST OBEY GOD'S PATTERN-It is necessary to obey "that form (pattern) of doctrine whichwas first delivered to you" (Rom. 6:17). To fail to obeyHis pattern leads to sin and spiritual death (Rom. 6:1823).
2. WE MUST WALK BY GOD'S PATTERN-The inspired apostles, led by the Holy Spirit are an "ensample" or pattern for us to learn from, imitate and walk after (Phil. 3:17; II Thess. 3:9).
3. WE MUST KEEP GOD'S PATTERN-"Hold fast the form (pattern) of sound words, which thou has heard of me..." Paul instructed (II Tim. 1:13).
4. WE MUST MAKE ALL THINGS BY GOD'S PATTERN-As Moses was warned to follow the pattern of God in all things, so God warns us in the New Testament ". . . for 'See,' sayeth He, 'that thou make all things according to the pattern...'" (Heb. 8:5).

Will you heed the warning?

Today we are seeing the effect of an immoral societyon every hand. The sins of immorality are growingamong Christians at an alarming rate. Much too often we are hearing of our young ladies pregnant out ofwedlock. Many of our young men are marrying becausetheir young lady friend became pregnant. The problem is not just confined to the young. All along we hear ofhusbands or wives who have been unfaithful in the marriage relationship. Often the result of this unfaithfulness is divorce because of adultery. Paul describesadultery, fornication, uncleanness, and lasciviousnessas being works of the flesh. After listing many otherthings that are works of the flesh. Paul then says, "theythat do such things shall not inherit the kingdom ofGod" (Gal. 5:19-21). We must go to the Bible to learn some practical steps that will help us arrest this growing problem.

In Genesis 39:7-15 Potiphar's wife tried to get Josephto engage in an immoral act with her. Joseph did notyield to the temptation. In this passage there are atleast four very practical steps that Joseph took in ordernot to sin. Let us notice the four steps that Joseph took.

"But he refused. .." (v. 8) The first thing we need tonotice is that he said "no." And to take it just a step

further, when he said "no" he meant "no." Saying "no"

is not always easy because sometimes we have just not

learned to control our desires and lusts, as we ought to.

We must learn to "abstain from fleshly lusts which war

against the soul" (1 Pet. 2:11). By and large, we are not a

people that like to say "no." We hear so much today

about being positive in our life that we almost feel

guilty saying "no." But we must learn to say "no" to

sin. We do not want to become a totally negative per

son, but where sin is concerned we must say "no." Could

it be that the most obvious is often the most over

looked?

" . . . How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" We must come to the understanding that when we engage in immoral acts we sin. We transgressGod's law (1 John 3:4). We need to have the same understanding as did David, "I have sinned against the Lord"(1 Sam. 12:13). When the prodigal son made up his mindto go home, he realized that he had sinned against hisFather and heaven (Luke 15:18). The context seems to indicate that at this time Joseph remembered all thatGod had done for him, and that this remembrancehelped him not to sin (v. 2,9). God has done so much forus. We show our love for God as we keep His commandments (1 John 5:3).

"...He hearkened not unto her. . ." (v.10). We learnthat Potiphar's wife did not make just one advance toward Joseph, but "she spake to Joseph day by day."Probably, not a day goes by but what the world enticesour minds with fleshly joy, pleasure, or fun of immorality. Remember in the parable of the sower, the rocky ground was those who had received the word with joy,and later were choked with cares, riches and pleasure ofthis world (Luke 8:14). The pleasure this world has to offer is but for a season (Heb. 11:25). Christians who arelistening to the world will "bring no fruit to perfection."It must be understood that the world is talking, and theworld is opposed to God (1 John 3:15-17). Brethren,there are times when we must associate with worldlypeople (1 Cor. 5:10), but we must not listen to them.

Joseph, "got him out." (v. 12) Joseph knew there wasa time to leave, and he left. Could it be that far too manytimes we play with sin? A little look, a little flirt, a littlesuggestion, a little touch, we try to see just how far we can go. The next thing we know we have been caught inour playing around with sin. There comes a time when a Christian must simply leave! The words of 1 Cor. 6:18are so very applicable here, "flee fornication..."

God's word does give us some very practical steps to take in dealing with immorality. First, say no. Second,realize that we sin against God. Third, do not listen tothe world. Fourth, sometimes we just have to leave. Theword practical means, "actively engaged in some courseof action or occupation" (Webster). In order for God's word to help us in dealing with the temptations we face,we must put it into practice in our lives.

READ YOUR BIBLE TODAY

The first recorded gospel sermon resulted in threethousand conversions; the second resulted in two thousand more, but also in the preachers being thrownin jail. The next day those apostles, Peter and John,were arraigned before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish highcourt. Rabbinic tradition says that body of seventy dated back to Moses' day (Num. 11:16), but the first historical record of it is in the Macedonian period (c.200 B.C.).

Be that as it may, the Sanhedrin had considerablepower, and we might expect these two fishermen fromGalilee to be somewhat intimidated in its presence (imagine yourself before the United States SupremeCourt). It had only been about two months since Peter,under similar circumstances, had vehemently deniedthe Lord (Mk. 13:53ff). However, this time it wasdifferent. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, delivered abrief but pungent address. Even the Council noticed a difference. "Now as they observed the confidence ofPeter and John, and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were marveling,and began to recognize them as having been withJesus" (Acts 4:13). Consider with me what the Councilobserved about Peter and John.

Confidence

The confidence of Peter and John was three-fold. First, they demonstrated confidence with reference totheir own position. Remember, this was the sameCouncil that had recently put Jesus to death (withRoman approval). But if these apostles were afraid itwas not evident. Jesus had earlier admonished them not to fear those who can kill the body but are unableto kill the soul (Mt. 10:28). To face death unafraidreflects confidence in one's salvation. Humility andawareness of our shortcomings prevent over-confidence on our part, but we can be assured of our standingbefore God. Paul said, "The Spirit Himself bearswitness with our spirit that we are children of God"(Rom. 8:16). Later in the same chapter he reminds usthat God is for us (v. 31). We can surely believe He hasforgiven us if we have complied with His conditions.How many times did John say, "By this we know..."?

Second, Peter and John were confident in their preaching. The word rendered "confidence" or "boldness" in our text literally means "all speech."The Council observed the "all speech" of Peter andJohn, that is, their unreserved and explicit preaching.

They said what was needed and said it plainly. Noticeespecially verse 12. "And there is salvation in no oneelse; for there is no other name under heaven that hasbeen given among men, by which we must be saved."Imagine telling the Jewish high court that the onlyway they could be saved was by accepting JesusChrist, the one whom they had recently convicted ofblasphemy and had crucified! Such distinctive preaching is needed today (2 Tim. 4:1-4). It is the onlykind that will save.

These apostles also expressed confidence on thisoccasion in what could be done. The Sanhedrin decided to release them with an injunction against any furtherpreaching about Jesus. "But Peter and John answered and said to them, 'Whether it is right in the sight ofGod to give heed to you rather than to God, you be thejudge; for we cannot stop speaking what we have seenand heard' " (vv. 19, 20). Their prayer later that daywas, "And now, Lord, take note of their threats, andgrant that Thy bondservants may speak Thy wordwith all confidence, while Thou dost extend Thy handto heal, and signs and wonders take place through thename of Thy holy servant Jesus" (vv. 29, 30). A threatfrom the supreme court might silence the mouths ofsome, but not Peter and John. They were lookingforward to accomplishing great things for the Lord.Would that we had that same confidence in the powerof God and His word.

Uneducated and Untrained

The confidence of Peter and John arrested the Council's attention, especially because they were uneducated and untrained. The two terms used here are interesting. The first denoted "primarily, a private person in contrast to a State official, hence, a personwithout professional knowledge, unskilled,uneducated, unlearned;; (Vine, p. 585). Our Englishword "idiot" comes from it. Thayer says the secondterm means "illiterate," and refers to those "unversedin the learning of Jewish schools" (p. 8). It is from the same root as the English word "grammar." The Council marveled at the confidence of these "ungrammatical idiots."

Surely this example shows that formal religioustraining can be overemphasized. I am not opposed toeducation; quite the contrary. I am grateful for havinghad some good educational opportunities. But we err ifwe think a man cannot preach if he has no college degree, or has not attended one of the fine schoolsoperated by the brethren. Such schools are not seminaries: they do not claim to be and we should notthink of them as such. Every congregation ought totake a look at what opportunities it is or is not providing for the education and training of young men to preach.

Another application of this principle is in the area wecall "personal work." Some seem to think such workrequires a sort of "sales-pitch" or employment of aprogrammed approach if it is to be successful. Such isnot evident in the New Testament. When the disciples were scattered from Jerusalem they went about speaking the good news of Christ (Acts 8:4; 11:19). Idoubt they had time to organize an "evangelism seminar" or "soul-saving workshop." They just talkedabout the gospel to those with whom they had contact.Consider some other examples of "personal work."When Andrew was introduced to Jesus he found his brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (Jn. 1:40, 41). How much do you supposeAndrew knew about Jesus at that point? Was he wellversed in all the doctrines of Christianity? The nextday another disciple, Philip, found Nathanael and announced to him the discovery of Jesus. Nathanaelresponded, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Was Philip prepared to answer this objection? He was not befuddled by it. He simply replied,"Come and see" (Jn. 1:45, 46). Could not we do the same? Just open the pages of God's word and examine them together with your querist, having a "Let us see"disposition. Learn with each other. Another excellent example is the Samaritan woman at the well, who led many to the Christ about whom she knew preciouslittle (Jn. 4).

Association With Jesus

Having marveled at the confidence of these uneducated and untrained men, the Sanhedrin "began to recognize them as having been with Jesus." Whatled to this third observation by the members of theCouncil?

For one thing, the conduct of Peter and John. Theirconfidence before this court must have been far different than these judges were accustomed to seeing. Ashort time later the apostles were again arrested,miraculously released, and arrested a third time (Acts6). Each time it was for obeying their commission fromthe Lord, and each time they went right back to thework upon their release. Such conduct made it clearthat these were Jesus' disciples.

Our conduct, too, should lead others to observe thatwe are associates of Jesus. "Therefore, since Christ hassuffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with thesame purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time inthe flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the willof God. For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desires of the Gentiles, havingpursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness,carousals, drinking parties and abominable idolatries.And in all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excess of dissipation, and they malign you; but they shall give account to Himwho is ready to judge the living and the dead" (1 Pet.4:1-5). Does the world notice that you do not run withthem? Could your neighbors, schoolmates, co-workers, or other associates readily identify you as Jesus' associate based on what they see from day to day?

The other identifying mark of Peter and John wastheir speech. They talked about Jesus. They spoke the truth. They appealed to God as their authority (v. 19).They were not unkind, but firm in their conviction.Speech reflects much about one's character and interests. Does your speech echo the words of Christliving in you?

These apostles were with Jesus because He called them and they did not refuse to follow. Jesus calls usthrough the gospel (2 Th. 2:14). If we believe and obeythat call we can have fellowship with Him, too.

In the early half of the fifteenth century, the only kindof printing known to the western world was xylography; i.e., wood block printing. Wood was carved and then inked, much as we use hand rubber stamps today,and that was the only printing known, until JohannesGensfleisch invented movable type printing.

He ultimately became known as John Gutenberg. Hewas from a family of gold and silversmiths. His fatherand his uncles before him had made coins for the Archbishop-Elector in the city of Mainz. The Gensfleisch family was of the upper-middle-class, andaspired to a higher status. They had named their residence "gutenberg", which originally meant "goodmountains" in the German language. So, like manypatrician families they gradually adopted the name oftheir dwelling.

John Gutenberg actually invented the means of making metal type for printing, devising chemically an inkof the proper consistency, and identifying a paperwhose texture would be compatible with the new inkand metal-type-printing. He borrowed funds heavily inorder to produce his first printed book, which was aLatin Bible, based upon Jerome's Latin Vulgate . . .except that Jerome's Vulgate did not include the addedapocryphal books, that Catholicism had embraced inlater centuries. The Gutenberg Latin Bible included theapocryphal books accepted by the Council of Trent acentury later, and also had additional material, thateven Catholicism did not accept.

Jerome's Preface To The Apocryphal Tobit

Again we remind our readers that Jerome did not accept the apocryphal books, but was ordered by somebishops to translate Tobit anyway. Please note Jerome's preface:

"Jerome, priest, to the bishops Heliodorus and

Chromatius, greetings. It is to be wondered that I

do not resist the importunity of your exacting

request. Indeed, you demand nothing less than

that I translate into the Latin idiom a book writ

ten in the language of the Chaldees, namely the Book of Tobit which the Hebrews, eliminating from the list of Holy Scripture those books they consider to be apocryphal, have set aside. I have conformed with your desire but not with enthusiasm.For the Hebrew texts are against me and call me toaccount for bringing to Latin hearers something whichis not in keeping with their canon...." (Vol. I. page 254,The Gutenberg Bible). Perhaps I should state that the Gutenberg Bible was composed of two large volumes,with the first volume ending with the Psalms, and thesecond volume beginning with Proverbs. Jerome includeda preface for each of the books of the Bible which hetranslated into Latin. Beginning with EmperorCharlemagne, of the late eighth century and early ninth century, the Latin Vulgate was required to include Jerome's prefaces in each copy. It was still beingdone at the time of Gutenberg's printed Bible 1450-1455

A.D.

A Reprint of Gutenberg's Bible In 1985

In the year, 1985, a French publishing firm, has republished the Gutenberg Bible. This Bible has beenreproduced exactly like the original was printed,illuminated, and bound. Some 530 years ago, the Latin Bible was the first book to be printed in the westernworld with movable metal type. The pages wereprinted, then artists decorated these pages with variouscolored inks, beginning the individual books of the biblewith artistic initials. After the pages were illuminated,the purchaser could have the book bound however hewished. Usually, beech-wood covers were used, and these in turn were covered with a fine quality animalskin.

The Bible that served in the year of 1985 as the original to be copied, is termed "The Mazarin Bible",inasmuch as it had long been in the library of CardinalJules Mazarin, in Paris. On Mazarin's death, he established through his will, a foundation that started theCollege of the Four Nations, which in turn was be-quested the Cardinal's substantial library ... in which this Gutenberg Bible was situated. So that which istermed "The Mazarin Bible" has served as the model for this exact 1985 reprint.

Jerome's Introductions and Prefaces

Almost exactly sixteen hundred years ago, Jerometranslated the Hebrew and Greek Old and New Testaments into the Latin language. It was Jerome's Latin Vulgate (with some additions) that Gutenberg used asthe first book to be printed. The interesting fact is, thatfor the first time in history, Jerome's comments which he penned as introductions and prefaces to the variousbooks of the Bible, have in 1985, been translated fromthe Latin into English. This material from the pen of anoted ancient Bible scholar, is going to be most revealing, since it has formerly been hidden in the Latin language, and in Bibles that still contained Jerome's comments.

The excerpt that we copied from Jerome, earlier inthis article, wherein he informed some bishops that hedid not appreciate having to translate an apocryphal

book known as "Tobit"; will serve as a sample of Jerome's comments. His apparent devotion to the canonical books of the Bible is most refreshing.

A GIFT THAT LASTS

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(1) Some member of the church you want to encourage and strengthen? (2) A son or daughter in the armed forces? (3) A son or daughter away from home in a college or university? (4) A married son or daughter?

SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES contains 288 pages a year with material from writers whoare true to God's book and who have been tested in life. The Newsletter Reports brings word from near and far concerning the work of the gospel.The church ads are used often by brethren whotravel and provide a contact in places where youmay have a loved one. Think about it—then write us.

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Send all News Items to: Connie W. Adams, P.O. Box 69, Brooks, KY 40109

WAYNE S. WALKER, 5170 Chippewa Rd., Medina, OH 44256—The work in Medina continues well despite our loss of three familieslately. Two have been baptized and two restored recently. Our building plans are on hold for the present. Because of zoning restrictions andother limitations, the land we own is unsuitable for our needs and we are waiting until we can sell it and buy a better lot. October 5-101was in a meeting in Covina, California where Alfonso Ferrer is thepreacher. October 26-28 I was in a meeting in Ashland, Ohio where Arthur Wagoner is located. In 1987 I am to be with the Central church in Greenwood, SC in March, with the Rt. 3 church north of Madisonburg, OH in April; with the Lily Chapel church near Portsmouth, OH in May and with the church in Roseville, MI inOctober. I have time for a couple more.

CLAYTON M. ADAMS PASSES AWAY Clayton M. Adams of Pulaski, TN passed from this life on October 20, 1986. Funeral services were held in Pulaski October 22 with burial in Marshall County, TN. Brother Adams preached for churches in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee. His last work was with the Bluff Springs congregation in Lewisburg, TN. He had resigned fromthe work there in July of this year due to failing health.

MRS. GLEN HUNTER, 610 S. 12th St., Paragould, AR 72450-C.

E. Purdom was a faithful elder of the church at Second and Walnut in Paragould, Arkansas for many years and was know to manybrethren throughout the country. He is living at the Greene AcresNursing Home, Rt. 3, Paragould, AR 72450. Although he was declared legally blind several years ago, his mind has remained alertand he was able to attend Sunday worship services. He became ill afew months ago and is confined to the home. His 91st birthday isFeb. 18 and it would be very uplifting to him to receive a note fromfriends who remember him.

DENVER NIEMEIER, 10356 North State Road 267, Brownsburg,IN 46112-Again in 1987, the Traders Point church will send me out forfour meetings with churches that are unable to support a preacher insuch an effort. At present, I have openings for three such meetings.

During 1986,1 was with the following churches in such efforts: Bicknell, IN; Old Kentucky Lake Road in Springville, TN; Paris, KY andGrant St. in Marion, IN.

TOM EDWARDS, 713 13th St., Ashland, KY 41101-The Tri-State church, which met at the Ashland Child Development Center, is now meeting at 713 13th St. in Ashland. The building accommodates uswell and is in a central and convenient location. I have been preachinghere for two and a half years. The men take turns preaching the lastSunday of every month and most of the members have been involved in teaching classes.

GILBERT COPELAND PASSES AWAY

JADY W. COPELAND, 2510 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland, FL.

Gilbert Copeland, beloved gospel preacher in several western and mid-western states, was born in Murfreesboro, Arkansas in August,1909 and passed away in Anaheim, California early on the Lord's day,October 19, 1986. He was baptized into Christ at the age of 13, andafter high school, attended Harding College. He soon began preachingthe gospel, following his father, J. A. Copeland, in the work of theLord. He worked with brethren in Hope, Camden, Nashville andMalvern, Arkansas as well as in Wichita Falls and Ft. Worth, Texas and in Montebello and Anaheim, California, where he lived to the time of his death. In addition to numerous meetings, he also worked forseveral years in Louisiana. In Anaheim, in addition to his preaching work, he served for several years as an elder until his health failedseveral years before his death.

Funeral services were conducted in the Anaheim building on October 22 by Otis Moyer, preacher and one of the elders, and DennisKilgo, son-in-law to Gilbert. Bob McCurdy, present local preacher,and Glenn Reagan spoke at the grave site. He is survived by his wife,Otsy, and three children, a number of grandchildren and eight brothers and sisters.

This writer, a brother, owes a great deal to Gilbert, having been of somuch help to me in knowing how to set my priorities in life. Gilbertwas a loving, caring and kind individual, yet had the ability to speakfrankly, yet kindly, in teaching the truth both publicly and privately.Truly he "spoke the truth in love". Perhaps he was not known as a "bigtime" preacher, but traveling over the south and west, I often hear ofthe good work of Gilbert Copeland. "He being dead yet speaketh"-inthe lives of his three faithful children, in the lives of his grandchildren,and in the lives of hundreds whom he taught and helped over a periodof over half a century. May God's richest blessings be with the family.

PATRICK S. PARISH, 831 W. Pleasant Run Rd., Lancaster, TX 75146-Events of the past several years, which have been generallyknown among brethren, make it appropriate to publish a statement ofthe present condition and direction of the Pleasant Run church inLancaster, Texas.

The confusion over grace and unity which was severe in some brethren in the Dallas-Fort Worth area had a pernicious effect on the Pleasant Run church. The eldership and the pulpit were infected withan entirely predictable effect on the membership in general. Manybrethren despaired of the situation and went elsewhere. The determined and stedfast resistance of the faithful brethren who remained, and particularly of two of the elders, Eugene Sikes and Willard Brockington, finally culminated in the departure, in January of 1984, of the group caught up in this error.

There is still much to do. For years, preaching and teaching thewhole counsel of God was not in vogue, and the effect of the spiritualmalnutrition which is the inevitable result of such a famine continues to manifest itself from time to time. Such manifestations will diminish with the continual proclamation of truth. Willard Brockington andEugene Sikes, the elders of the church, are providing vigorous, conscientious and knowledgeable leadership. Faithful men are filling thepulpit, both regularly and in special gospel meetings; the seed is beingsown, for saints and sinners.

Are you moving to Dallas? Lancaster is a lovely community of20,000 on the southern edge of Dallas. The congestion which threatensto turn the northern half of Dallas County into the world's largestparking lot is not a problem in Lancaster, with interstate highways oneach side leading into Dallas. Pleasant Run Road is one of the mainarteries and the building is right across the street from the highschool.

BILLY ASHWORTH, 116 Armory Dr. Lewisburg TN 37091—After

over four years of work with the Hickory Heights church in Lewisburg

my wife Lois, and I will be moving to Columbia, Tennessee at the end

of 1986. We have enjoyed our work here and will have many good

memories of saints to add to the list we have compiled over the years of

preaching Christ. This is one of the joys preachers and their wives

have as a result of working in the Lord's vineyard.

Although I am discontinuing "full time located work", I plan tocontinue preaching the gospel of Christ which I have been doing overthirty-three and one half years. I have several meetings scheduled andlook forward to more work in that area. Also, I have been contacted bychurches to preach for them on a part-time basis. At the time of thiswriting, our plans are not finalized but I hope to be able to submit another report later to this paper when that is complete. We havepurchased a home in Maury County, located on the Nashville Highway, six miles north of Columbia. We will appreciate hearing from all of our new friends who read this report. Also, I ask those who send bulletins to make a note of our new address. After January 1, pleaseaddress us follows: Route 1, Box 215, Columbia, TN 38401. Phone number will be (615) 388-8355.

MICHAEL GARRISON, P.O. Box 1281, Franklin, NC 28734—We have had a very good summer in Franklin. We were blessed with manyvisitors. Among them were Don Brady, Melvin Curry, Keith Ward, and Harrison Beiro who brought us some good lessons. We also had meetings with Piet Joubert and Denny Freeman. We are using the Gene Tope Bible correspondence course and newspaper advertising tohelp reach people of this area. If you know of someone we should contact, please let us know. We are the closest faithful congregation toWestern Carolina University at Cullowhee. Let us know of studentsthere we should contact. We are about 20 miles from the campus. If inthe area (a popular tourist area near the Smokey Mountains) we meetat 156 Old Murphy Rd. My phone number is (704) 369-5186.

VERNON LOVE, 310 Orange Ave., New Port Richey, FL 33552—The congregation here is now one year old and we are working to contactpeople of this area. Seven have signed up for the correspondence course which we advertise in the local paper. Over a year ago, one wasbaptized through the course and urged us to come here and start acongregation. We have 310 names of people who have bought homesthat we will contact by mail. The area is growing and we need to beable to work full time. So far we have not received enough support todo so. If you are coming to Florida for the winter, why not consider ourarea and come help the church. We would love to have you.

FROM AROUND THE WORLD

John Humphries, Jerry Parks, Gary Johnson and Bill Beasley spent six weeks preaching in India recently. They report much progress among the churches they visited. While their main objective was tostrengthen the hands of the native preachers, they still were able tobaptize 150 into Christ. We expect to have a more extensive report forour readers later. We rejoice in the good these men have done.

RANDY S. REESE, SR., P.O. Box 14, Ashiya Shi, Japan 659—We have just passed the six year mark. During this time some of theaccomplishments have been: the updating and reprinting of threetracts, translation of Peter Wilson's "Babes in Christ" series. Also, we have started the first congregation outside Osaka in twenty years. I have had the pleasure of teaching and baptizing four intoChrist. We have worked with six congregations and have seen onerestored to the church in Iwakuni due to these efforts. Also, we have started six new classes and are continuing one with the Jehovah's Witnesses. We have several new programs in the planning stages atthis writing. If you know of anyone who is coming to Japan, pleasegive them our address.

THOMAS BUNTING, Ovsttunveien 23, 5050 Nesttun, Norway—Would you mind making mention of our financial needs? I lost $550 amonth this last fall and it has not been replaced. I will be losinganother $250 a month in April, 1987. This will be a total of $800 amonth we are losing. If there are any churches that could help toreplace this loss it would be greatly appreciated.

RODOLFO BERDINI, Via Giuseppe Perego, 58-H/9, 00144 RomeItaly-Last September, we had a successful preaching effort in Latina.

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We secured a public hall and Roberto Tondelli preached for threenights. We distributed 10,000 invitation cards from house to house and placed many posters on public walls. Each night we had from 3040 visitors present. Several of these showed good interest. Severaltook tracts offered at the entrance and several requested the Bible correspondence course in 24 lessons. It has not happened in the lastseveral years that so many people who were not members werepresent. For that reason we felt compelled to repeat such an effort inOctober. I spoke the first night and Roberto Tondelli the second night.We had 20 visitors present. We had debates both nights with visitors who asked questions on the themes under consideration.With this encouraging interest, it has been decided to establish a newcongregation in Latina. Francesco Fosci works with this congregation.We gave up five members from the church at Aprilia to help start this work.

Vincenzo Ruggiero, preacher for the Poggiomarino church, died recently of a heart attack. He was 61 years of age. I preached at the funeral services. He leaves his wife, Lina, a son, Elio, who is 18 and two married daughters. This is a great loss to the work in Italy.

On October 14, I entered my 65th year of life. Many a man retires atthis age and have pensions available. This right is not conceded to mefor two reasons: (1)1 have no pension fund. I have never been able topay for it. Preachers in Italy are not recognized by the State and Icould not have a social security. Today, the young people seem to havemore opportunities in this respect. (2) I want to contribute to work forthe Lord until my death. Our thanks to those who are helping me to dothis.

PREACHERS NEEDED DEXTER, MAINE—In September, 1987, Herbert Braswell will be leaving the work at Dexter and a replacement will be needed.The

church can provide $450 a month support with the rest having to comefrom other sources. We prefer a man with some preaching experience.Anyone interested may contact Ralph Hall, RFD 1, Box 121, Corinna,Maine 04928. Phone (207) 278-8801; or LeRoy Hall, RFD 1, Box 144,Etna, ME 04434. Phone (207) 269-3480.

POUGHKEEPSIE, NEW YORK—Our preacher is moving and weare in need of a full-time man to work with us. Attendance is about 25-30. We are located about 65 miles north of New York City in themid-Hudson Valley. If interested call Greg Roark (914) 454-7170; orKen Boyd (914) 471-8671, or write, Southern Dutchess Church ofChrist, 786 South Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.

ROCKWOOD, TENNESSEE—The Highway 70 church in Rockwood needs a preacher. Those interested please write to: 507 Rockwood St., Rockwood, TN 373854 or call collect Conley Daugherty, (615) 354-1854.

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA—The North Scottsdale church, a 30 member congregation near Phoenix, is looking for a full-time preacher to further establish and strengthen the Lord's body. We currently meet in a high school with a good potential for growth in acommunity of over 100,000. We can supply $425 weekly towardsupport. If interested, call or write: Ron Clayton, 4402 E. Pershing,Phoenix, AZ 85254. Phone (602) 953-9685.

IN THE NEWS THIS MONTH

BAPTISMS 515 RESTORATIONS 137 (Taken from bulletins and papers received by the editor)