HYPOCRISY OF THE PHARISEES

Jesus pulled no punches when he addressed theduplicity of the scribes and Pharisees. The scribes werethose who copied, studied and handled the law of Moses.The law of Moses had been divided into thousands of rules and regulations and strictly enforced by the scribesand Pharisees. The law required a man to keep theSabbath day which would not permit him to work on thatday. The scribes and Pharisees labored to define thatcommandment to detail exactly what works one couldnot do, how far a man could walk on the Sabbath, how many sticks he could carry, etc. They made sure that nogood deeds may be done on that day. Such scrutinizingand interpretation of the law produced thousands ofprohibitions, requirements and totally perverted thelaw and its purpose as given by Moses.

The name "Pharisee" means "The Separated Ones."The Pharisees composed a strict party of Judaism, thatwas dedicated to keeping every tiny detail of the law and every rule and regulation as defined by the scribes. ThePharisees were dedicated legalists: they determined tosecure their salvation by complete obedience to the Law and all of the interpretations of the scribes. Synonymsfor the term "Pharisee" are, "fraud," "hypocrite," "phony" and "tartuffe." Jesus forthrightly labeled them "hypocrites" (actors, pretenders) and the reasons were clearly revealed. If anyone has an idea that he can please Christwhile preaching one thing and practicing another, lethim read carefully Matthew 23.

The denunciation of the Lord came because of the perverted and corrupt religious practice they had developed. Their sins produced a religion that:

Says But Does Not Do

The scribes and Pharisees occupied a position ofauthority in teaching the law and leading in obedience toGod. Instead of doing as the law requires, they commanded others, and then would not even move one oftheir fingers to obey the law. The emphasis upon DOING the will of God is found in many places in the New Testament. Being doers of the word and not hearers onlyis the point made by James in 1:22-25. Only the man wholooks into the law of liberty and does the work is blessed in his deed. Not those who call upon the Lord will besaved, but those who do the will of the Father in heaven(Matt. 7:21). The wise man who built his house upon therock versus the foolish man who built his house upon thesand, is the difference between just hearing the word,and hearing it and doing what it teaches (Matt. 7:24-27).

They had built a religion based upon thousands ofimpossible rules and hardships which they rigorouslyimposed upon the people, but they shrank from doing allthese things. Many people today impose such rules andrestrictions upon others and try to bind burdens uponthem, but they personally will not do what is required.They want, however, credit for their claim to righteousness while doing nothing, thus they become hypocrites.

All that the scribes and Pharisees did was for the glory of men. They appeared to be righteous, and dressed forthe salutation and approval of men. They sought thedignified titles and the high places at every gathering which exalted them above others. They were bloated with pride and hardened with the arrogance that forged them into the hypocrites that Jesus condemned. Ostentatious hypocrites occupy conspicuous places in churches of Christ across the land today. Many of themvery closely resemble the scribes and Pharisees condemned here by the Lord. Mostly their fault is sayingand not doing. Some will preach long and loud about howwe ought to be out converting the world to Christ, butthey spend very little time doing it. Some will talk abouthow much we ought to give to the Lord, but they rob Godevery Lord's day. Others teach that we must live moraland holy lives, but they are among those v no are guiltyof adultery, theft, lying and greed.

The indispensable virtue of humility was totally lacking in the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus said just beforethis address to the scribes and Pharisees, "And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he thatshall humble himself shall be exalted" (vs. 12). Theysought the love for worldly acclaim, the applause of men,the disgusting show of empty piety, and intolerable dispositions. They were morally bankrupt. They wereshamefully deceitful. Little wonder that Jesus proceeded to pronounce a series of "woes" upon them. "Woe" is a word of solemn denunciation, of punishment, ofdivine justice. Their religion

Closed The Entrance IntoThe Kingdom Of Heaven

The scribes and Pharisees stood in the way and keptpeople out of the kingdom of heaven. Their hate, envy,pride and arrogance toward Christ and his teaching compelled them to resist him with all their might. One must do the will of Christ to be in the kingdom; he mustbe "born again" (John 3:3, 5). The kingdom and thechurch refer to the same body of people in the samerelationship to Christ. They did not accept Jesus Christas the Son of God, and therefore rejected the kingdom ofheaven. They used their cunning influence to turn men to themselves and away from Jesus Christ.

The same class of people were told that they had "taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not inyourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered" (Luke 11:52). By keeping people from the knowledge ofthe truth, they are kept from the kingdom of heaven.Theirs was a religion of

Greed and Deceit

The King James Version has verse 14 which gives awoe for devouring widows' houses. It is found in footnote in the American Standard Version. This is in harmonywith the things Jesus is saying in this chapter, and Iwant to include it here. They devoured widows' houses and tried to cover it with long prayers. Their greed andavarice made them insensitive to the poor and helpless.Their hypocrisy produced long prayers, no doubt to beseen of men (Matt. 6:5, 7-8), in an effort to cover theirsins. Oh how empty and foolish was their farce atworshiping and serving God! — Continued.

PREACHING IN ITALY

We have recently completed our third trip to Italy tovisit among the brethren. We were there in 1976 andagain in 1980. In 1975 there were two congregationsstanding for the truth in a nation where liberalism hasmanifested itself as it has here and in many other places.Today there are ten congregations (some quite small)which are walking in the old paths. We were able to visitnine of these. The preaching among these churches is allbeing done by native Italian men. A great deal of hardwork has been done and the results are evident. Progressis difficult in the face of Catholicism with all the ignorance and superstition it has bred into the people forcenturies. In reaction to Catholicism, there is a risingtide of atheism among the younger generation. Businessand industry are prospering in Italy and there are manysigns of greater prosperity for many of the people. Thisadds materialism to the list of enemies of the truth. Yet,in spite of all of that, the work has grown.I think it would be of interest to the readers of this paper to know something of our impressions of the workin the places we visited. A number of American churchesand individuals have helped support Italian preachers,or have assisted those of us who have gone to visit among them. Some of the younger preachers there came to thiscountry to school and are known by many brethren here.

Via Sannio, Rome

The church here is one of only three which owns itsown meeting place. It is perhaps the nicest of any of therest. Sandro Corazza is the preacher here and hasworked here for many years. He has spent literally yearsof his life in translating good material into the Italian language for use in spreading the truth in that country,including several books. These include INFALLIBILITY OF THE CHURCH by George Salmon, CATHOLICISM AGAINST ITSELF (Vols. I and II) by O.C. Lambert, THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH by Roy E.Cogdill, WALKING BY FAITH by Roy E. Cogdill, andthe entire TRUTH IN LIFE BIBLE class series. He has authored an extensive 26 lesson Bible correspondencecourse geared to the needs of the Italian work. For a number of years he has published a magazine called SENTIERI DIRITTI which has been circulated all over Italy. That helped to open doors for the work in Poggiomarino to be grounded in the truth, as well as in Alessandria, Udine and Trieste. In the last few years the church at Via Sannio has suffered greatly from a factious group which caused trouble soon after coming there. They left,were disciplined, circulated among liberals and theChristian Church (causing some trouble among theliberals as well), then returned saying they had repented. In compassion and hopefulness Via Sannio took them back. They very soon caused trouble again, evenattempting to gain a majority and take over the physicalproperty. This failed and now they have gone and meetprivately somewhere in Rome. Other brethren over Italyfelt that these people had scandalized all faithful brethren in Italy through gossip and slander in widely circulated letters they sent out. We are praying that thedamages caused by these unworthy people will heal intime and that the strain on relations among faithfulbrethren may be removed. A normal Sunday at ViaSannio has about 30 in attendance. We had 22 presenton a Thursday night when I spoke there. NOTE: Word has come that these problems have now been resolved. We rejoice.

Aprilia

This city is located about 40 miles from Rome in theheart of a rich farming area. In many ways, the churchthere appears to manifest the most stability of any we saw. Rudolfo Berdini has been the preacher for manyyears. He is 65 years old and a man of great influence andability. He is knowledgeable in the Bible and eloquent inthe pulpit. He has written an excellent Bible studycourse on Bible characters and has completed commentaries on Galatians and I Thessalonians and will soon finish one on 2 Thessalonians. 55 were present on aSunday and 50 also on a Tuesday night for a midweek service. Brethren from Aprilia well supported special meetings at Pomezia and Latina. They have a good mixture of older and younger people. We witnessed thebaptism of a 50 year old man who was baptized by his son(who is fast developing into an able preacher). Sincereturning home, we received word from brother Berdiniabout the baptism of five more just after we left there.That answers many prayers and rewards faithful efforts of brethren there. Contribution at Aprilia runs about$400 a week. They rent their meeting place and will soonbe in need of larger facilities. This is very expensive inItaly. They provide some part of Brother Berdini's support both for local work and other preaching opportunities over Italy.

Pomezia

This industrial city is about 25 miles from Rome.There are 13 members and 20 in usual attendance. Roberto Tondelli is the able, energetic and well informedpreacher. He is 36 years old. He worked tirelessly as myinterpreter while we were in that area. Here also we saw signs of spiritual growth on the part of the members.They also have to rent their meeting place and it coststhem $500 a month for a store-front. One brother who was converted four years ago was an atheist. His wifewas converted a year ago. I spoke more times here than anywhere else. The brethren insisted on paying mesomething for my work, the only place in Italy that hasever done that for me. They also provided expenses forTondelli to take us to Poggiomarino, near Naples to visitwith the church there.

Latina

There are five members meeting in this sea-coast citysouth of Rome (near Anzio). Francesco Fosci, trained atAprilia under Rudolfo Berdini and the son of one of theelders there (his father passed away in 1981), is preaching at Latina. They have a small but attractive meetingplace, which again, is a rented store-front. They had planned a two nights series in a larger hall. I spoke the first night and brother Berdini the second. The workhere is slow and very difficult but a good effort is beingmade by a good man, faithfully assisted by his good wifeand two fine children.

Poggiomarino

This city is east of Naples near Mt. Vesuvius and theruins of the ancient city of Pompei. This is where the lateVincenzo Ruggiero preached. He died suddenly of heart failure two years ago. they have no full time preachernow, but three men take turns preaching. One of themis Elio Ruggiero, 19 year-old-son of Vincenzo. Elio is astudent at the University of Naples majoring in English,Japanese and French. They own their own meeting place and have about 60 in attendance on Sunday. 40 werepresent on a Monday night when we were there. Theyhave an impressive number of young people. We werewell received and enjoyed our third visit with these brethren.

Alessandria

A few miles north of Genoa is this city of 100,000.Arrigo Corazza is the preacher for this congregation of15 members. This church formerly was associated withliberal brethren but has taken a firm stand in oppositionto the unscriptural practices with which they formerlywere identified. They meet in rented facilities. We wereonly able to be there for one night but received a goodhearing. Brother Corazza prints and circulates a veryattractive and well written bulletin. They have hadseveral gospel meetings with other Italian preacherscoming to assist.

Udine

A great deal of progress has been made in this small city in northeastern Italy. Stefano Corazza is the preacher. He is working along with Valerio Marchi, a young lawyer who gave up that career to preach thegospel. They have much good work in progress. There are about 15 members now, many of them young converts of the last two or three years. In fact, they could usea few older members to give them balance. They alsoprint and circulate a very fine bulletin for teaching work.When they have special meetings (as was true in otherplaces in Italy) they prepare large posters which theyplace in prominent places in the city and then saturatea large area with handout materials. This is costly andtime consuming. They are also using a telephone message to reach new people.

Trieste

One of the most impressive congregations we visited was in this city of 300,00 in northeast Italy (on theYugoslavian border). Gianni Berdini is the preacher.The church owns its meeting place on the second floor ofa building in the center of the city. We noted considerable progress since we visited there in 1980. They have rearranged their space to provide extra classrooms.Attendance runs about 35. There are a few older, experienced brethren and some younger people as well. RinoTommasi, one of the members, is a most impressive man.He conducted a two-night special series on the Bible and Science at Udine recently with 40 non-members presentthe first night and about 20 more new ones the secondnight. We were impressed with the spiritual progress inevidence at Trieste. Gianni Berdini also has a good bulletin used for teaching a growing mailing list.

Monfalcone

This small city about halfway between Udine andTrieste is the scene of an effort to plant a new work.Stefano Corazza is doing the preaching in a rented place,and is assisted by Valerio Marchi from Udine and byGianni Berdini from Trieste. Other members of both places are helping in various ways. They have saturatedthe area a number of times with advertisements and teaching materials.

A great deal has been accomplished in Italy in the lastfew years against numerous obstacles. The preachersare well trained, dedicated, aggressive and on guardagainst any uncertain sound. They all need to move thechurches toward self-sufficiency at the earliest possibledate. What has been done in the last few years would nothave been done without the support which good brethren here have supplied. There is much yet to be done.Many of the members are yet babes in Christ with theusual growing pains to overcome. They all need ourprayers even as we need theirs.

It appears to me that there has been a waning ofinterest in gospel work around the word in recent years.This must be reversed. Only a small percentage of theworld's population lives in this country. The gospel is forthe whole world and we must do what we can to see that it is spread everywhere. We would remind our brethren in other countries that they bear responsibility also tostabilize their own work as soon as possible, do whatthey can in their own countries and then think in termsof sending men and supplies from among themselves to help reach the rest of the world. Brethren here shouldnot have to support the work in any country indefinitely,if the Lord's plan is to be properly executed.

We thank the Italian brethren for their invitation and for their loving hospitality while we were in their midstand we thank the three congregations which made itpossible for us to go.

* * * * * * * * * *

SPECIAL THANKS

I am grateful to Donnie Rader and Wilson Adams forediting the June and July issues of STS. Each wrote a guest editorial and Donnie did the news column and thepaste-up both months. This gave me some much neededrelief. This was the first time since I became editor in 1973 that I did not personally get an issue of the paperin the mail and write an editorial. Their work was excellent and I join the readers in thanking them for ajob well done.

IN THE SHADOW OF THE TEMPLE

EMOTIONALISM IN RELIGION, (PART 2)With the Calvary Assembly church of God, a 5,000 to7,000 member church just around the corner from wherewe worship it is like "living in the shadow of the temple."One of the issues that Pentecostalism has brought to thefore front is that of emotionalism in religion. One young woman came to us on the rebound from the Pentecostal movement. While she could see many problems with themovement she was still hung on one issue that stood between her and truth. She wanted to "feel something"so she would know that she was saved. In reality she wasstill looking for a religious experience to direct her life.All too often this journey to "feel" or "experience"something has led people to turn their backs on what the scriptures say. The Pentecostals are not the only ones inreligion using feelings or emotions and experiences to validate the truth of their position. The Mormons are perhaps the most subjective of all the religions. Whenyou have been discussing a position with them theysimply put their hand over their heart and say, "I feel inmy heart that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God." Thenit makes little difference what you say or what you showto them from the scriptures because the answer isalways the same, 'This is what I feel."

How then can we deal with emotions in our faith? For the Pentecostal the answer is easy. "Experience" has theprimary role of the authority in their lives. As much asthey want to give lip service to the authority of thescriptures, in reality the ultimate authority is what "Ifeel is right." The real reason this is true is found in thehistory of the reformation movement. Augustine developed the doctrine of original sin and the reformation movement had to figure out what to do with it. There were two lines of reasoning within the Protestant movement.

On one hand was the work of John Calvin and his 5 major points of Calvinism called the T-U-L-I-P.In Calvin's work the "T" stood for Total Depravity. This is seed of Augustine's original sin. Now, to deal withthis sin, it was necessary for the direct operation of theHoly Spirit to take place on the heart of man. The sequence for Calvinism and salvation is this way:

First, by faith only a person is Justified and Regener

ated.

Then, at death after a life time the person is Sancti

fied.

But during the formation of this theology there wasanother stream of thought. John Wesley was developingwhat was to become the Wesleyan school of Theologywhich would be the foundation of pentecostalism. JohnWesley began with the same presupposition of originalsin as did John Calvin. But his time table was different. First, one is saved by faith only and Justified. Then,by the Baptism of the Holy Spirit one is Sancti-fied atthat point by burning out the original sin. This is calledthe "second blessing." Sanctification is called the 2ndblessing because Justification is called the first blessing.But this act of the Holy Spirit, the baptism of the HolySpirit that burns out the sin, is an emotional experience. An experience that "Is better felt than told."Therefore this emotional experience of Holy Spiritbaptism is called the second blessing and is necessaryfor salvation. Once the Holy Spirit begins to move onyou and you speak in tongues then the original sin ofAdam is burned out of your soul.

Here are some quotations from Pentecostal leaderstaken from brother Bruce Hudson's bulletin. His article is entitled, "Speaking in tongues." He quotes George Cornell who interviewed various Pentecostal preachersat an Assembly of God convention. The report waspublished in the Bangor Daily News. One quotation wasfrom a Bill Williams of San Jose, California. "It is beyondemotion, beyond intellect. It transcends human understanding. It is the heart of man speaking to the heart ofGod ... We don't understand the verbiage, but we know we're in communication." In another, James Walter ofShawnee, Oklahoma says, "It's just a great exuberantfeeling. The only way to understand it is to experienceit." This is the experience of the Second Blessing.

What does the Bible have to say about this? First, let us begin with the doctrine of Original sin that came fromAugustine. Paul in Rom. 7:9 tells us, "that there was a time apart from the law that I was free from sin but whenthe commandment came sin became alive and I died." As a child Paul was not responsible for the commandments.A baby can't do all the things written in the law but therecomes a time when one is responsible to the commandments and when that happens and you fail then sin becomes alive. Another passage that shows that theheart of man can receive the word of God without the direct operation of the Holy Spirit is Luke 8:15, "wherethe honest and good receives the word." If the original sin of Adam scares the heart to the degree that it is dead then it would take a miraculous experience to open it tothe truth of God. Such is not the case. The power is in theGospel to save the heart and when that seed is planted in the right kind of heart, Jesus says that it "receives theword." Again in John 5:25 Jesus says the "dead shallhear the voice of God." In this context Jesus is speakingof those dead in sin. They will be able to hear the voiceof God.

But what about passages like Psa. 51 and Isa. 48:8that seem to say we are born in sin? In Psa. 51 David isconfessing that he is a very wicked person, v. 5 "In sin mymother conceived me." A parallel statement would be "In drunkenness my mother conceived me" but that doesn't make the child a drunkard. Or "in anger my father beatthe mark of the Apostle Paul.me: doesn't make the child violent. As David was pour-In our next article we will investigate some legitimateing out his soul to God over his sin with Bathsheba heuse of emotions in our religion. was stating how wicked he was. To illustrate this heturns to his past. David was the tenth in line fromPharas, who was the illegitimate son of Judah andTamar. (Matt. 1:3,4 and Gen. 38:29). Deut. 23:2 tells usthe offsprings were counted illegitimate for ten generations. So David may have been saying, I am so wicked that I am even illegitimate even to the roots of my familytree. This verse does not teach that David was born with the sin of Adam counted to his record.

Then in Isa. 48:8, Isaiah tells us that "you have beencalled a rebel from birth." This was not speaking of aperson but of the nation of Israel. How true this has beenconcerning the Israelite nation. From the time Moseswent up in Mt. Sinai to receive the law they were makingthe golden calf.

Notice Rom. 9:11 concerning Jacob or Esau the textsays, "that they had done nothing good or ill." They wereinnocent at the time of their birth.

It is clear from the scriptures that the reason for the emotional experience of Pentecostalism is not valid. The child does not inherit the sin of the father and that the gospel is enough in the honest and good heart to be thepower of God until salvation.

The real question is concerning the words Justification and Sanctification. Are these in fact two different processes? Calvin says that Justification occurs at salvation and then Sanctification occurs over a lifetime and culminates at death. John Wesley says that Justification occurs at salvation, but that sanctification is theSecond Blessing and it occurs when the baptism of theHoly Spirit takes place. We need to ask Paul what hethinks about the process since he introduced the world to it in his epistles. In I Cor. 6:11 Paul says, "And suchwere some of you; but you were washed, but you weresanctified, but you were justified in the name of the LordJesus Christ ..." Notice these three terms, "Washed,Sanctified, and Justified." The verb washed is in middlevoice meaning the subject did the act of washing. It isused in Acts 22:16 of baptism that washes away sins.Because it was middle voice it says that the Corinthiansthemselves desired and accepted this washing and cleansing. Next is the verb, "sanctified." This does notrefer to the burn out of sin; rather to a specific action atwhich God set someone apart. It is in the Aroist tensemeaning that it took place at one point in time. This isopposed to Calvin's concept of a lifetime culminating atdeath. The verb is in the passive voice meaning that thesubject of the verb did not do the action of that verb. Inother words the subject did not do the "setting apart."That was done by God. Finally the third verb is "justified." That means to be declared just. It too is in thepassive voice and Aroist tense meaning that it was a onetime action and it was not done by the subject of the verb.It is God who declares one just. What is the conclusion ofall of this? When the subject, that is the Corinthians ontheir own were washed then God did two things on Hisown. He set them apart and declared them to be just.Therefore the theology of both Calvin and Wesley miss

In a former article on this subject, we have definedsome terms involved in the doctrine of reincarnation. We also called attention to the alarming popularity of thissystem of self-deification and Universalism. We desperately need to sound an alarm and wake the public to thedeadliness of this movement. It is not an innocent curiosity, but a deadly, devastating system that is completely and totally in opposition to the Bible.

Some Proof Texts Offered

Reincarnationists cannot agree whether the Bibleteaches this doctrine, or whether it does not. Ms. MacLains' personal psychic, Keven Ryerson, who played a prominent role in her book, Out on a Limb as well asher television special, declared that it was once in theBible but "the Council of Nicea voted to strike the teaching of reincarnation from the Bible."1 David, a prominent character in her book also told her how it wascommon knowledge that"... proper interpretations werestruck from it (Bible) during an Ecumenical Councilmeeting of the Catholic Church in Constantinople sometime around 553 A.D., called the Council of Nicea. The Council voted to strike those teachings from the Bible inorder to solidify Church control." It would seem that herpsychics and others in tune to the "psychic data bank ofcosmic history" could do a better job of getting their factsstraight. In the first place the council which met in 553was not called the "Council of Nicea," but rather theFifth Ecumenical Council, known as Constantinople II.Second, neither of the Councils mentioned dealt with thesubject of reincarnation. One issue which was discussed was the belief in the preexistence of the soul. It was notthat they had experienced previous incarnations butonly that one had existed prior to birth. Origen had taught that humans had a prior existence as angeliccreatures. But he wrote concerning the theory that John the Baptist was a reincarnation of the prophet Elijah and denied that he believed the doctrine of reincarnation. He said,"In this place, it does not appear to me that by Elijahthe soul is spoken of, lest I fall into the dogma of transmigration (reincarnation), which is foreign to the Church of God and not handed down by the Apostles,nor anywhere set forth in the Scriptures. For observe,(Matthew) did not say, in the "soul" of Elijah, in which case the doctrine of transmigration might have someground, but "in the spirit and power of Elijah."2 Thus,some 70 years before the Council of Nicea and some300 years before Constantinople II, Origen denies

that reincarnation was either in the Bible itself, or in theteaching of the church at that time.

Space does not permit a consideration here of the number of passages which are twisted and perverted inan effort to show that there is some hint, or suggestionof reincarnation in the Bible. One passage often used byreincarnationists, and the last I would want to mention if I believed that doctrine, is John 9:1-3. Jesus' disciplesasked the Master who sinned, this man or his parentsthat he Was born blind. Now, the Lord had the perfect opportunity to teach all about "karma." Instead, Jesusspecifically denounces the idea that one's state in thislife is dependent upon something in another's former life, or a former life of his own. Whose sin caused thisblindness in this man, Lord? Jesus makes it clear that itwas nobody's sin which caused this and that your beliefin "cause and effect" is purely wrong. Each passagewhich they offer is easily disposed of as an inadequatetext when carefully examined. The Hebrew writer declared, "It is appointed unto man once to die but afterthis the judgment" (Heb. 9:27).

It is impossible for one to believe the Bible teachingconcerning the resurrection and accept the reincarnation concept. These are two radically opposing views!They cannot co-exist in the same viewpoint. The acceptance of the resurrection is the bedrock of Christianity (1Cor. 15:1-23). The resurrected body will be imperishable, immortal, glorified, and a Heavenly body. None ofthis is claimed for reincarnation. Geisler and Amano in the book The Reincarnation Sensation (p. 151)summarizes the major differences in reincarnation andthe resurrection as follows:

Reincarnation Resurrection

Mortal body Immortal body

Many-times event One-time event

Intermediate state Ultimate state

In process Perfected

It will do the reincarnationist no good to argue thateven if there is no specific passage affirming reincarnation, that the doctrine is in harmony with the Bible. Onlythose ignorant of the Bible could be led to believe thisassertion.

The King of Karma

I must pay some attention to Edgar Cayce, the lateAmerican psychic who did more than any other contemporary figure to re-introduce and popularize the ancientdoctrine of reincarnation into Western civilization.3 He is known as "The King of Karma", and "The SleepingProphet." During his lifetime he gave thousands of"readings" in which he claimed to be drawing his information from the "Memory of Nature," or the so-calledomniscient Akashic Records. He claimed that he himself had lived many times prior to his present life.There was nothing modest about his claims, he and his were always big and important people in past life existences. He had been a famous Egyptian high priestwho was instrumental in building the great pyramids ofEgypt. At that same time Jesus was his associate living as Hermes. Then later Jesus lived another life as Zend, the father of Zoroaster whose own father wasnone other than Uhjltd (Cayce).4 Thus at one time Jesus was the "son of Cayce.

One of the most ludicrous claims in Cayce's readingsconcerns Jesus being reincarnated first as Adam andthen as Enoch. Of course, the Bible student knows thatthe two men's lives overlapped 178 years. Adam was still living when Enoch was born. Wonder how Cayce's "Akashic Records" got so fouled up as to make a blunderlike this? One of his readings went like this: "Q. Whendid the knowledge come to Jesus that He was to be theSavior of the world? A. When he fell, in Eden." (1092)5 While I do not claim to know all the answers to how Cayce did many of the things he did, let it be remembered that even Cayce wondered if the Devil might beusing him.

"That's what I always thought, and against this I put

the idea that the Devil might be tempting me to do his

work by operating through me when I was conceited

enough to think God had given me special power... If

ever the Devil was going to play a trick on me, this

would be it.6

F. LaGard Smith wrote: "Mediums are prohibited byScripture not because there are no spirits who are able to invade the earth-plane, but because there arespirits out there who are more than willing to invadethe earth-plane in order to deceive us about ourorigin, purpose and destiny. They are not spirits of ourdearly departed. They are spirits who are in openrebellion to God. When we deal with Mediums, ancient or modern, we are not assured of getting the right spiritual formula for our happiness, growth and ultimate destiny. God wants us to come to him and tohis revealed word so that we can be assured of knowing the Truth that sets us free."7

Some Consequences

The doctrine of reincarnation in all its ramifications is simply a system of self-deification and Universalism.John Hick argues the very point that God lets none belost. The system has no place for grace, or forgiveness forthe "Karmic" law is one of strict full payment with nopardon or forgiveness.

The system of karma solves no problems, and offers nojustice. It proposes to punish children for lives theynever lived. A child is born horribly deformed, andmentally retarded. The terrible suffering and agony itwill endure through life, may be payment of the karmicdebt which Adolph Hitler incurred. Hitler went free, thechild pays.

To attempt to alleviate any of the suffering, pain andheartache about us, would be to interfere with that soulpaying off its karmic debt, and simply carry it over toanother life. This would be improper interference! A man might be putting his wife through unbearableshame and heartache by his adulterous affairs. He couldsimply tell her that this is what she deserves because ofactions of her own in a former life. This is her karma to be paid in this life. Thus, reincarnation besides beingfalse, is the source of much that is evil, unjust andinhuman.

The mediums, and psychics may be interesting to a lotof people. But the real issue is what spirit moves them? What God has prepared for those who love Him is amatter of His revelation, not one of hidden mystery (Eph. 1:9; Eph, 3:3-5). To His written revelation we mustmake our appeal. To reject it is to reject all hope. Do notcount on there being a second chance, and much less thatthere will be many more such chances. Footnotes 1 MacLain, Shirley, Out On A Limb, (Bantam Books, 1983), p. 181.

2 Smith, F. LaGard, Is Shirley MacLain Right Or Is She Out OnA Broken Limb, (Harvest House Publishers, 1986), p. 135.3 Church, W.H., Many Happy Returns, (Harper and Row Publish-ers, 1984), Preface page.4 Furst, Jeffrey, Edgar Cayce's Story of Jesus, (Berkley Publishing Corp., 1968), p. 107.6 Ibid., p. 47.7 Geisley and Amano, The Reincarnation Sensation, (Tyndall House Publishers, Inc., 1986), p. 79.8 Smith, F. LaGard, Is Shirley MacLain Right Or Is She Out OnA Broken Limb, (Harvest House Publishers, 1986), pp. 57, 58.

In the late 1950's and early 1960's sharp differencesin the understanding of the work of the church and theneed for scriptural authority led to division amongbrethren. Will that schism ever be healed? How far "gone" are the institutional brethren? Will they ever see that they have departed from the "old paths?"

These questions were uppermost in my mind as Istepped through the doors of the Preston Road church ofChrist (a large institutional congregation in Dallas,Texas) on May 15,1988 to attend a forum discussing acontroversial new book, The Worldly Church. What is this book about, and why are institutional brethrenso concerned about it?

The Worldly Church was written by C. LeonardAllen, Richard T. Hughes, and Michael R. Weed. Thebook is a scathing rebuke of the social Gospel programsthat non-institutional brethren have condemned for years. The book has stirred up much controversy because it was written from within the liberal camp, frommen they know and trust (two are professors at AbileneChristian University). I daresay that if Elmer Moore orConnie Adams or Roy Cogdill had written the book therewould have been no discussion at Preston Road that afternoon! Liberal brethren are so concerned about the indictments contained in the book that they are quiteactively talking and questioning its message. Thus,Preston Road arranged for the authors to come andspeak about this troublesome little book.

The schedule for the afternoon had each of the writers make a 30 minute presentation about one section of thebook. Following a brief break there were responses fromone of Preston Road's elders (Stanley Scott), their "pulpitminister" (Randy Mayeux), and one of the teachers atthe Preston Road "school of preaching" (Ronnie Wiggins). Doug Foster, a "church historian" from David Lipscomb College, and Mike Armour, who preaches forthe Skillman Avenue church, also made responses. Thisarticle will not discuss their responses, instead spendingscarce time and space on what the authors had to say.The afternoon concluded with a very brief question andanswer period. I would have given my left arm to addressthe large audience, but no non-institutional brethrenwere allowed to speak.

Summary of the Speeches

There was some concern that the authors would stand up and try to "whitewash" what they said in the book.They did not. They forthrightly and honestly explainedthat they meant what they said, and said exactly whatthey meant. The church, according to these men, has lostits "Christ-centered-ness" by allowing itself to be seduced into meeting the world's needs of recreation, entertainment, and bettering mankind. Instead of meeting THE ultimate need, the salvation of the soul,the church is rushing to be like the denominations,striving to better men. They illustrated this point bypointing to the practices of some liberal churches. Onecongregation was using the Sunday morning Bible classto teach high school students how to make better gradesin school! The authors stressed that when the church becomes secular in its emphasis, God will lose Hisawesome majesty and power and be transferred tomerely an "assistant" who helps US with what WE want.Although each author expressed trouble with knowing how to solve these problems they urged the developmentof a new "model" of Bible interpretation. A new hermeneutic is needed, they explained, because the "constitutional" or "pattern" approach to the Scriptures (although not without its merits) is of human origin and part of thesecularization problem! Therefore a new way to interpret the Bible must be found. In what may seem like a complete contradiction, the writers also called for moreBible study, and being a "people of the Book" as solutionsto the crisis at hand.

Questions and Answers

The question period that followed was, without adoubt, the most disturbing part of the whole afternoon.Several "anti" preachers (as they call us) were with meand we handed in several questions. Brother Bobby Holmes (preacher for the Dallas Avenue church inLancaster, Texas) asked "if these churches with secularschools, gymnasiums, fellowship halls, etc. are not 'worldly churches' what will it take for them to become such?" Brother Hughes answered this question by saying that it was not a certain list of things that a churchwas doing that made it a worldly church but the MOTIVES behind the things it practiced. He said he had noproblem with a gymnasium, unless it has been built sothat the church could have its own exclusive "church of Christ club." If it was built to serve the community, hehad no problem with it. How dismaying to see that hebelieves that we can do anything if our motive is right!By this thinking the church should build hospitals longbefore it builds gymnasiums! But in truth there is no"book, chapter, and verse" for either (see Colossians3:17).

My question for the writers concerned their views onthe Holy Spirit. The Worldly Church seems to teach that the Holy Spirit dwells in us apart from the Bible. Iasked the authors to clarify this point, and they did.Brother Allen stated in no uncertain terms that the HolySpirit does operate outside of the Word of God. He wenton to say that the belief that He dwells in us only through the Scriptures was a "bizarre aberration" produced onlyin the last century, and was another of man's attemptsto limit God and put Him in his pocket. Brother Weedalso replied, indicating that he completely agreed withbrother Allen, and stating that the Bible clearly taughtthat the Holy Spirit worked outside of the Word. Heexplained that while some insisted on calling this "providence" he preferred the more biblical term, "the work ofthe Spirit." This was the low moment of the afternoon.When brethren cannot see the difference between providence (God's care in arranging environment and circumstances for one's benefit) and the work of the Holy Spiritto guide one into all truth they are in deep, deep trouble!Brother Hughes also indicated that he completelyagreed with the statements of his colleagues. Theyconcluded that they were not talking about Pentecostalism in the least, and that they weren't headed down thepathway to interpreting indigestion as the leading ofGod's Spirit. They may sound good, but in reality it willnot work. Once brethren decide the Spirit operatesoutside of the word of God, where will they draw the line,and on what basis will they draw it? How can they say,"God is leading me by this feeling" but turn around andtell a Pentecostal "God is NOT leading you by yourfeelings?" Where will it stop? With an ache in my heartI heard many, many brethren say "amen" to the thingsthe authors said about the Holy Spirit.

Initially, my feeling is positive. We must commendthese men for the courage to write The Worldly Church, even though we do not agree with many of theirconclusions. For the first time in many years the institutional brethren are asking THEMSELVES (rather than us asking them) "have we erred somewhere?" Furthermore, I believe the book shows that there are still somesincere, honest brethren to be found in the liberal camp.Unfortunately, many have characterized all institutional brethren as being dishonest liars, but such issimply not the case. The authors all impressed me asbeing sincere men, who were genuinely concerned about what was going on among their brethren. I spoke atlength with brother Hughes during one of the breaks and he listened attentively as I spoke of the non-institutional churches and how they already had what his book wascrying for. He seemed interested and intrigued by whatwas said, not bitter or caustic. If we are writing off allliberal brethren as being unreachable or dishonest we are making a terrible mistake.

Secondly, The Worldly Church has opened an unprecedented door of opportunity for us. It shows ussome liberal brethren are still interested in the Bible and being God's people. Far too often we've written them off, but I firmly believe many still want to be right withGod, still yearn for the Jerusalem Gospel, and are becoming increasingly fed up with the social Gospel. The

furor this book caused proves it. Let us not be idle whilethe "fields are white unto harvest." This book provides a rich opportunity for us to talk to friends, relatives andneighbors who are members of institutional churchesand point out that the "anti-churches" are still havingBible classes, still love God's word, still emphasize it inour preaching, and don't have problems with running tomeet the world's every whim. This may be much more attractive to many people than one might think.

However, this optimism is tempered with severe disillusionment and disappointment. In many ways, liberal brethren have traveled far down the road of apostasy. If we couple their call for a new model of Bibleinterpretation with their doctrine concerning the guidance of the Holy Spirit it is obvious what is going tohappen: they will embrace charismatic and Pentecostal doctrine bit by bit. It is as inevitable as two and two making four. To be certain it will not happen overnight, but it will happen if they decide to leave the all-sufficiency of God's word.

It was also disappointing to see no discussion of Bibleauthority or any appeal to "book, chapter and verse." Noone talked about going back to the old paths, insteadthere was the earnest desire to move FORWARD to new and better things (such as the personal guidance of theHoly Spirit). The writers seemed surprised that anyonewould see the book as an indictment of the social Gospel, as they disavowed any attempt to end these "ministries."Instead they claimed they were merely trying to re-focusthe church's attention to the Cross. There was no ringingcall for repentance issued, and no one seemed to thinkthere should be such. The idea of having Scripturebehind all that we do is treated as an outdated anomaly,something that might be a nice idea but is certainly notworkable in the framework of our society today. Indeed,the authors repeatedly ridiculed the idea that the NewTestament was a pattern for our work and worship.Colossians 3:17 was read (because it was appended toBobby Holmes' question) but the passage was not evencommented on, nor did anyone seem to think it hadanything to do with what was being discussed. What ashame! Is it not so that only a return to a "thus saith the Lord" for all that we do can restore these "worldlychurches" to being "churches OF Christ?"

The Worldly Church is a highly recommended book. It will help us assess the state of our liberal brethren, and even guard us against the things thathave ruined them. But is its call going to be heeded by institutional brethren? In many ways, especially in regard to work of the Holy Spirit, I fear that it will. Let uspray and work to "save some, snatching them out of thefire; and on some have mercy with fear; hating even thegarment spotted by the flesh" (Jude 1:22-23).

LETTING UP ON THE ACCELERATION (No. 2)

In our last article in this column we described a problem among some of the older members of the churchwho begin to let up on the acceleration of their faith.Their faith begins to weakens; their convictions start toslip. This is not true of all older Christians or even most.However, it is a real problem with a few. In that articlewe saw that our faith must continually be growing. Wediscussed at least three causes of the problem. Let usnow consider some of the results of letting up on theacceleration and then the cure.

Results

1. One's conviction is not as strong—his faith isweaker. Some will be found doing things in their olderyears that they wouldn't have done in their youngeryears. They may miss services for reasons that theywouldn't have allowed in themselves before. Their knowledge and understanding is not what it once was.They now disappoint those who once highly respected them.
2. One begins to mellow — not as firm as he oncewas. I see some older members (some preachers andelders) that are not as militant as they once were. Inyears past they were the very ones who stood up to becounted. They took their stand to defend the truthagainst sin and error. But, now they become tolerant of some things they wouldn't have tolerated before. Theyare now battle-weary. They no longer want to fight for the cause. They had as soon not make any waves, to letthings be and rock on as they are would suit them fine.
3. One becomes inactive. How many times haveyou heard some older person excuse his/her inactivity on the basis that he/she has put their time in and it is timefor the younger ones to do it now? It may be time for theyounger ones to take on some responsibility, but it isnever the time for the older ones to quit! We must befaithful unto death (Rev. 2:10). We must always abound in the work of the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58).

Some of the greatest accomplishments among God's people have been by those that were in their late years.The apostle Paul wrote 2 Timothy near the end of his lifewhen he was an aged man. John wrote the book of John,1,2,3 John and Revelation when he was a very old man.Many think that Zechariah wrote chapters 9-14 of hisgreat book when he was an older man. Did you know thatbrother Homer Hailey wrote his commentaries on the minor prophets, Isaiah, Revelation, his book on thescheme of redemption, Hailey's Comments volumes 1 and 2 and a book on Prayer and Providence all past theage of 60?

These golden years could be the best years of your lifein service unto God. Why not do all that you can, ratherthan retiring from service in the kingdom?

The Cure

The cure is very simple. It is what we should be (orhave been) doing all of our Christian lives.

1. Bible study. Remember that we must always be growing AS newborn babes (1 Pet. 2:1). We build,strengthen that faith by turning to the book of God (Rom.10:17). We must grow in knowledge (2 Pet. 3:18), whichwill in turn cause growth in faith.
2. Prayer. We must always pray to God (1 Thess.5:17). Anytime we begin to neglect prayer, our wholespiritual life will be affected. Prayer is the action of faithand at the same time will help strengthen our faith.
3. Realize that there is no retirement in the Lord's kingdom. A person has every right to retirefrom his job, slow down his pace of life and resign fromhis work in the community. But those rights are not tobe confused with his work in the service to God. There is no retirement! Consider again 1 Cor. 15:58 and Rev.

2:10.

4. Be as active as you can be. There is plenty ofwork to be done. There are classes to be taught, peopleto be encouraged, odd jobs to be done, people to be visited and studying to be done. Why not see how much you cando?

Though your foot may be getting tired, and you haveno cruise control, do not let up on the acceleration. Holdthe pedal to the metal and press on full force ahead until death, or the Lord returns.

"THE PRESENT DISTRESS"

"Distress — Under great stress or strain from any cause and in need of relief (Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary).

The Corinthians were either under, or soon to be under, some form of distress. Regardless of the source,Paul enjoins certain measures upon the brethren inorder to cope with that distress (1 Cor. 7:26). Thesemeasures were not to infringe upon the established lawsof God, but on the contrary were to make certain thatGod's laws were not violated and that Christians could pursue their calling and duties unhindered.

The church today is facing distress in a number ofareas, not the least of which is in the area of marriage,divorce, and remarriage. For the sake of brevity, we mayrefer to this area as M-D-R, or some combination of those letters.

In a recent issue of The Chiefland Citizen (8/6/87),there were listed marriage license applications (5), divorce actions (10), and obituaries (3). These may not beaverage statistics, but they do indicate a problem in oursociety. The problem in the church is emphasized by theincreasing number of D-R members in many congregations. Even some of those involved in the D-R relationships are alarmed by the situation.

Preachers and elders especially need to take a look at their positions and practices with respect to M-D-R, anddeclare a moratorium on anything which would feedeven a morsel to the appetite of this devouring monster.Even if a practice is lawful under normal circumstances, it may be best to pursue a more expedient course due to"the present distress."

No matter what the world around us is doing, thechurch needs to remain sanctified and cleansed, "a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any suchthing; but that it should be holy and without blemish"(Eph. 5:26, 27). And, whether a practice be common inthe world, or "not so much as named among the Gentiles," the church is neither obligated nor permitted toconform to the world (Rom. 12:2; 1 Cor. 5).

If a practice is not even once sanctioned by the world,that is one good reason for the church not to do it; if a practice is named 1000 times in the world, then we have1000 reasons why the church shouldn't conform. Saintsare to judge the world, not vice versa (1 Cor. 6:2).

While we are dealing with the D-R problem, let us not

make the same mistake we have made in the past, i.e.,to emphasize one thing while ignoring other problem areas.

The soundness of a congregation, or the recognition ofits candlestick by the Lord, is not determined by itsposition on one issue, e.g., institutionalism. If we takeunto ourselves "certain lewd fellows of the baser sort" to help us in the battle against "liberalism," then we willhave to either discharge them or put them on pensionwhen the war is over.

Worldliness in any form, unscriptural marriages,lukewarm Laodiceans, the doctrines of Balaam and theNicolaitans are "such like" things to be avoided just asmuch as institutionalism.

At any rate, our "present distress" will get worsebefore it gets better. "For if they do these things in agreen tree, what shall be done in a dry" (Lk. 23:31)?

"I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I,if it be already kindled" (Lk. 12:49)?

Amidst all of this purification and "trial by fire," a remnant of God's people will be delivered. "Watch ye,stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong" (1Cor. 16:13).

That immodest attire, both men and women, is acommonplace thing surely none will deny. Nor is itconfined to the bathing beaches and pool decks. It is tobe observed lying on the blanket on the front lawn,mowing the lawn, parading in the shopping malls, push-ing a grocery cart —just about any public placeexcept in religious services — and in some instances ithas been there. The extent of near nudity in public hasreached such a degree that there is very little to beamazed at any more. Yet one cannot but marvel at thebrazenness manifested by such peeling off. And the sad part of it is that not only are many members of thechurch guilty, but others of us are gradually beinggalvanized so that it is no longer a matter of serious concern.

My desire in this treatment of our subject will not beto try and spell out how short the shorts can be nor howhigh the cut of the bathing suit nor how broad thebareness of the midriff. Rather the objective will be todeal with the principle of modesty. That principle,when applied by the discerning, can help one determinewhether a garment is modest and thus the kind ofgarment in which one who has proper self-respect andrespect for others and for God would appear in public. Itis my persuasion that when Christians, women andmen, understand and apply the principle in their livesand that of their children, the perennial problem ofimmodest attire is solved. Of course, there are many whomay understand it who just choose to ignore it in favorof what they want to do regardless of what the word of God teaches.

Please look with me to Paul's first letter to Timothy.Timothy, receiving a charge from the apostle (1:18), washimself to charge others regarding doctrine and practices (1:3-4). Among other things, Timothy was to instruct regarding prayer (2:1-8), the proper demeanor ofwomen (2:9-15), qualities to be found in bishops anddeacons and their wives (3:1-13), and other areas ofconcern which we shall not now touch upon. The ones wehave noted set before us the context to be considered more carefully, and especially the immediate context ofchapter two.

Note that prayer is to be offered "for all" (vs. 1-7), butverse eight sets forth a vital principle — the character ofthe men in prayer. They are to "lift up holy hands," a likely reference to the Jewish practice of praying withuplifted hands (Psa. 63:4) that had been washed clean tosymbolize their inward purity. However, he is not speaking of a posture in prayer, but the emphasis should beupon the word "holy." Vine says it refers to "being religiously right, holy, as opposed to what is unrighteous or polluted." It is to the character of the Christian that he refers. Attitude is also involved in that the person praying is to be free of "wrath and doubting" — bearing no resentment and sustaining no doubts. (There may be a lesson here as regards those who areput forward in the public services of worship.)

Attention is next turned to the demeanor of women— their apparel and their relationship to men. Our purpose here is to consider verses nine and ten. The phrase"in like manner" is noteworthy. Though considered a difficult phrase in this context, I suggest that it harksback to verse eight. And as the reference there was tothe character of those praying, so here reference is tothe character. That is, let the apparel of women whoprofess godliness reflect that profession. In lives thatdisplay and portray holiness and purity, let Christian women adorn themselves in modest attire.

Both "adorn" and "modest" derive from the same word. Adorn means "to arrange, to put in order (Eng.cosmetic) ... to ornament" (Vine). And of the word translated "modest," Thayer says, "Well-arranged, seemly, modest." Let her adornment, ornament, beseemly, harmonious with her profession of godliness.There is an attire seemly to one's station in life (Gen.38:14-15; Mat. 11:8; 27:28-29; Lk. 16:19). An especially vivid illustration of this is the reference in Prov. 7:10,"the attire of a harlot."

Negatively, the Christian's adornment is not to be alavish and gaudy display. It is rather to be with "shamefacedness and sobriety."

"Shamefacedness" (shamefastness, ASV) is that modesty which is deeply or fast rooted in the character,implying an established sense of self-respect. And Thayer reasons that it "is predominantly objective in itsreference, having regard to others. It precedes andprecludes the shameful act." Because of her sense ofself-respect and her respect for others, she dresses accordingly. As one in more recent time has stated, "Shedoesn't dress to be chased, but to be chaste." And hersense of "sobriety" gives her a self-control which holdsthe reins over passions and desires.

The Christian woman, the woman professing godliness, possessed of a deep-seated sense of modesty which considers others and respects God's word, will thereforebe adorned in apparel that befits the character. She willnot be a slave to modern fashion and the pressures of a worldly, lustful and lust-inciting society. When she shops, she will purchase clothing which is seemly to herstation.

As stated in the outset, if the principle of modestyis properly understood and practiced, neither Christian women nor men, will have difficulty with immodesty.And parents who want their children to grow up respecting the principle should begin early to develop thatmodesty that is deeply rooted.

LIFE INDEED

Basically, a man gets the quality of life that he seeks.The pity is we do not seek any higher life than we do. Wecontent ourselves with the little pleasures of our temporalexistence, and if we do think about something better ornobler, often it is only with the kind of wistfulness that alazy man aspires to the rewards of work. The unsatisfyingsort of life we get is the result of failing really and deeplyto want anything more. But it does not have to be that way.

"Alienated from the Life of God." Outside of fellowship with God, the thing that a human lives cannot fully be called "life." Long ago, God said to Adam and Eve, "But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die"(Gen. 2:17). When they rebelled against their Creator,Adam and Eve did die. First, they stood under the penaltyof eternal condemnation. Second, they forfeited physicalimmortality. But third, what was left to them in this worldafter they had sinned was only a faint shadow of the lifeGod had intended when He created them in His image. Allthings considered, the actual loss of biological life many years later was as nothing compared to what Adam andEve lost the day they separated themselves from their God.

Jesus taught that communion with God is required fortrue living. The man who only maintains himself physically is leaving out the thing he must have for real life:"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word thatproceeds from the mouth of God" (Mt. 4:4). Similarly,Jesus said, "One's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses ... Life is more than food, andthe body is more than clothing" (Lk. 12:15, 23).

Add it all up honestly, and one has to admit that, apartfrom God, all this life amounts to is several years' of "the work of gathering and collecting" (Eccl. 2:26). One becomes merely a janitor to the "stuff' he has accumulated. It is no wonder Solomon called this kind of existence "vanity and grasping for the wind." It is also no wonderPaul could warn Christians against continuing to livelike those outside of Christ: "in the futility of their mind,having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God" (Eph. 4:17,18). To be cut off from God is to be alienated from the life of God also. To have been reconciled to God and still live life on no higher plane thanthe unbeliever is a ruinous waste.

Page 14

"Passed from Death into Life." A part of what it means to be a "new man" in Christ is to have been rescued from death and given a new kind of life. Johnquotes Jesus as saying, "Most assuredly, I say to you, hewho hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me haseverlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, buthas passed from death into life" (Jn. 5:24; cf. 1 Jn. 3:14).Certainly this involves the Christian's having been granted the promise of eternal life to come. But thatshould make a crucial difference in the quality of life inthe here and now. Paul wrote, Therefore we were buried with Him by baptism into death, that just as Christ wasraised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even sowe also should walk in newness of life" (Rom. 6:4). In aquite important sense, the Christian has already been resurrected from the dead: "Reckon yourselves to bedead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus ourLord... present yourselves to God as being alive from thedead" (Rom. 6:11,13).

"Heirs of the Grace of Life." In one of the most beautiful phrases in the New Testament, Peter describes the Christian husband and wife as "heirs together of the grace of life" (1 Pet. 3:7). Life for theChristian, encompassing both eternal life to come andthe spiritual life he now enjoys, is the gracious gift of Godin Christ. And what a beautifully good gift it is! Petersays that the godly person can "love life and see good days: (1 Pet. 3:10).

The enjoyment by the believer of life — authentic life

— is, of course, not the result of anything external thatisolates him from the unpleasant things in this world. Asa suffering Christian, Paul could say, "We despairedeven of life... we had the sentence of death in ourselves" (2 Cor. 1:8,9). Instead, the true life of the Christian is the result of a renewal of his mind that comes from his new relationship to God. Paul wrote, "To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace"(Rom. 8:6). "Christ lives in me; and the life which I nowlive in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God" (Eph.2:20). Jesus prayed, "And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christwhom You have sent" (Jn. 17:3).

It comes down to this: to be in Christ is to again befully human. To be reconciled to God is to have receivedalready a down payment on the full restoration of all thatwas lost when we died in sin. The people of God are privileged to live "so that they may be sure of holding a share in the life which is real and permanent" (1Tim. 6:19 Phillips).

But we must really want genuine life. Jesus, whosaid, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst forrighteousness, for they shall be filled" (Mt. 5:6), is thevery source of true life and its abundance. He said, "Ihave come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (Jn. 10:10). But we shall neverbe deeply filled until we truly hunger. Jesus gives lifeonly to those who are heartsick with sin and long with apassion that will not be denied for that which is lifeindeed. Without that, a person is "dead while (he) lives" (1 Tim. 5:6).

Send all News Items to: Connie W. Adams, P.O. Box 69, Brooks, KY40109

Europe and certainly no sound presence in eastern Europe, the Soviet

AN OPEN DOOR TO CHINA Union, or the People's Republic of China. There are churches inJEFFERY KINGRY, P.O. Box 26, Milton, VT 05468—Years ago ICentral and South American, Africa, the Philippines, and Japan butwas discussing evangelism with a fellow preacher, and the conversa-with the exception of Nigeria and the Philippines they are few and fartion went something like this:between. Who do you know who is preparing to go to those places in

"For years we have repudiated organizations of men like mission-Asia, or south east Asia, where there is no church?" ary societies, and argued that individual preachers, supported di-"It would be nice if that was all there was to it. But you overlookrectly by churches is the best, only, and authorized manner of doing the difficulties. In some cases it is impossible. You can't get into aevangelism. Yet, the practice has proven to be difficult to implement."Communist country to live, let alone preach. Even Canada restricts

"In what way," my friend asked?resident visas unless you have a job with an existing business or"Well, look around. We have some men in Germany, England,church. Assuming you could get in, then you have to overcome theSwitzerland, Norway, and Italy, but nothing in the rest of western language and culture barrier. And, what American would choose to

live in some of those countries? What about your kid's education.

What about their growing up with the hardships of no Christians their

age? It's easy enough to talk, but reality is something else!"

I nodded in agreement, but persisted, "I have to believe that God

provides the means and opportunity when He gives us the

responsi-bility. Maybe we just don't have the faith that Paul,

Barnabas, Luke and others had. They met some of the same

difficulties, but they overcame them with God's help."

"That was a different time. They had the gift of tongues and

miraculous powers. Good intentions can't get you by a border guard."

In May 1988, the U.S. Consulate in Shenyang, China called my

wife, Anna, long distance and asked her if she would be willing to

come to China to teach elementary school to the consulate

dependents. She explained that her family must come, as she was a

"package deal."

"You don't understand, Mrs. Kingry." the consular officer said,

"We want your whole family to come, and we know your husband's

work, and the Chinese government does too, and it is not a problem.

There are several believers in the mission here and we are looking

forward to it."

Our prayers and preparation had finally borne fruit. The Shen

yang University of Technology needed a native English-speaking

teacher, and they offered me a small apartment on campus in

exchange for teaching a few classes in English. We had accomplished

access to China, residency, protection of the U.S. government (Anna's

work provides us with diplomatic immunity), overcome the language

barrier, and an automatic "entre" into the Chinese community.

God's providence has worked with man's faith to produce a grand

opportu-nity.

But, we need the help of the brethren. We leave July 15th for

California. We leave for China August 5th. We need $4,000 for plane

fare and at least $l,000/month support to replace what I am losing.

Can you help? We will go, but we need the support, prayers, and

continuing encouragement of the saints. Only I can make this trip.

Only you can provide the means and prayers to sustain us.

(Editor's Note: Rare opportunity, indeed. This is a must. Who can help?)

J. DAVID POWLAS, 3430 Kay St., D-3, Columbia, SC 29210—The Lower Richlands church had a gospel meeting June 12-17 withMicky Galloway of Piggott, Arkansas as the preacher. We were encouraged by his presence, his preaching and his love for the word ofGod and for God's people. We had out-of-town visitors and visitorsfrom the community each night. On June 5 I began work here asfull-time preacher. My heart surgery in August, 1987 was successfuland I am doing fine physically. The concerned brethren who sent money to help with my medical expenses have already been thanked privately, but I want to thank them in this note also. Because of their love and generosity and God's providence, the $32,000 total has been reduced to a more manageable $6,000 total. Ifyou are in the area, please worship with us. If you have friends orrelatives in the area who are not Christians, please let me know sowe can contact them and teach them. My phone number is (803)772-4371.

CORRECTION

The following omissions were made from an article by Willie

Ramsey in the June issue of STS. We regret this and offer our

apologies.

The author's preface should read "This article is a response to

Weldon Warnock's article in the Feb., 1988 issue of this paper. Please

read his article again. If the editor is willing, this article will be the

first of three in an exchange with Weldon. If he is not willing, and this

response with Weldon's reply is all that is printed in S.T.S., then this

exchange with my second response will be submitted for printing in

another subscription journal. I greatly appreciate the opportunity for

this exchange and Weldon's willingness to reply."

At the bottom of page 9 and the top of page 10, it should read: "To

my knowledge, out of these four, only SEARCHING THE SCRIP

TURES and CHRISTIANITY MAGAZINE function solely as

lawful publishing companies (businesses). But G.O.T. Found, and

Holt's Tr. and Fr. Min., Inc. do not function solely as businesses.

In one role G.O.T. Found, does function as a lawful business which

publishes religious materials by charging a purchase price 'to cover

the costs and make a profit'."

MIKE HUGHES, P. O. Box 2481, Corinth, MS 38834—After two

years labor with the North Cleveland church in Cleveland, MS, wemoved to work with the Central church located 6 miles east of Corinth, MS. We still need some outside support for the work here. The NorthCleveland church is looking for a man to work with them. If you are interested, please contact: Allen Williams, 312 Shumate Dr., Cleveland, MS 38732. Phone (601) 843-1532. This congregation has 37 inattendance and most support will have to come from elsewhere.

ERNEST ROBERTS, Dominica—The St. Joseph church invitedGary Henry of Jackson, MS for a meeting of 6 nights. He spoke on the following topics: The Lordship of Christ, Scriptural Authority, The Work of the Church, The Organization of the Church, Church Supportof Human Institutions, and Doing the Lord's Work in the Lord's Way.The liberal churches were invited to attend from throughout theisland, but only one preacher and a few members where he preachesattended. Three were baptized here. Two stateside brothers camewith brother Henry to Dominica: Mike Vickery of Ocean Springs, MSand Steve Gwin of Louisville, KY. I continue to preach for the Goodwill church but will assist the St. Joseph church on Sunday nights and fora mid-week service.

DAVID A. PADFIELD, 2612 S. Villa Dr., Evansville, IN 47714—My family and I moved to Evansville, Indiana in January, 1981 to workwith the Northwest church. This is one of the few in the southwest boot of Indiana. Some members drive almost an hour each way tomeetings. In July, 1986 we started a new congregation on the east sideof Evansville and I went with the new work.

In May 1986, Harry Lewis came to work with the Northwestchurch. Harry and I both worked at Northwest for the six weeks priorto forming the new group. For the past two years, Northwest has paidfor a live call-in radio program which brother Lewis and I have conducted. It has done much good and has resulted in several debates.Last summer I debated a Mormon elder on the radio. In December I had a debate with a Baptist preacher. He dropped out on the secondnight, stating that while he could not defend his doctrine, he stillbelieved in "faith only" salvation.

The work on the east side of town has shown progress. We nownumber 45 and rent a small building. I have been involved in secularwork the last two years to supplement my preaching income. Thebrethren here were only able to provide $100 per week in salary. The past two years have been difficult, not only financially, but in regardto time. In February, I reached the conclusion that the church herewould not grow without a full-time preacher. Since I had not been ableto obtain the support needed, I had almost decided to leave Evansville.The brethren convinced me to stay in Evansville and preach full-time. I have resigned from the corporation where I worked. The churchincreased their support to $150 per week. I am also receiving $200 a month outside support and trying to locate additional support. I ammarried and have three children (ages 2, 4, and 9). My wife does notwork outside the home since our nine year old is multiple handicapped and requires a great deal of special care at home. If you are passingthis way, please stop and worship with us. Our meetinghouse islocated at 2345 E. Riverside Dr., my home phone is (812) 477-9433.

(Editor's Note: Brother Padfield is a dedicated worker who has sacrificed much in the years he has been preaching. He is neededwhere he is and deserves adequate support.)

WILSON ADAMS, P. O. Box 185, Gambrills, MD 21054—The Wildercroft church has invited Phillip Mullins of Tampa, Florida tocome and work with us in a two-preacher arrangement. Phillip is 26years old and is married to the former Lori Comer (whose father,Harold, preaches in Columbia, TN). We are anxious for their comingand look forward to a good relationship together. The Washington,

D.C. area is one of the fastest growing major metropolitan areas in the country. And just the Maryland suburbs of the city have a 1990projected population of nearly 1.5 million. Most of the people coming in do not have roots here and as a result are not already entrenched in some religious denomination. We feel the opportunity for growth istremendous. Seeing that, the elders have challenged the church tostretch itself and meet the urgent need before us. We have begun several new projects as well as new means to advertise and reach the people. We plan, with God's approval and help, to succeed.

When traveling to Washington, please come and visit with us.There are several reasonably priced motels nearby including two Red Roof Inns, two Knights Inns, two Days Inns, and a Motel 6. We would be happy to provide you with any information we could if notified farenough in advance. In an area where brethren are few and farbetween it is a pleasure to report that the Wildercroft church is doing well. We pray that the Lord will continue to open doors for us.

TOMMY L. McCLURE, 3311 Longview Rd., Antioch, CA 94509—Harry Lewis will be meeting Jack Langford in debate here in Antiochin December of this year if all goes as planned. Langford says there isno such thing now as water baptism - all spiritual baptism. His position is akin to that of the Quakers. Last Sunday he said on hisradio program that the position he advocates (baptism of the Great Commission is Holy Spirit baptism) was fully discussed and proven bythe great scholar James W. Dale. This arouses my curiosity and I amdoing all within my power to learn of this Dale and obtain his books.If any of your readers can obtain his source material we wouldappreciate hearing from you as it will help Harry and me to betterprepare to meet him. We think Dale was a Quaker or closely akin tothem. Some readers in the Pennsylvania area might be able to help.

WAYNE S. WALKER, 310 Hayes St., Dayton, OH 45410—The lastfour months here have been wonderful. Two have been baptized intoChrist and one confessed faults. Had an excellent meeting withWayne Chappell of Florence, Alabama. Craig Meyer of Madison,Wisconsin will speak to the adult class during our VBS. This fall I amto be at Mansfield, Ohio, Sumter, SC and Hamilton, OH.

RECENT DEATHS FRANKIE WILLIS—We are saddened to report the death of Frankie Willis, beloved wife of Lewis Willis, preacher at Brown St. in Akron,Ohio and known to a host of brethren across the land for his preachingand writing. Several months ago she was found to have severaladvanced malignant tumors and was in and out of the hospital fortreatment. She passed away at their home in Akron in the evening ofJune 9. Funeral services were conducted on June 15 at Brown St. with Don Willis, Cecil Willis, Bill Feist and George Lemasters conductingthe service in which there was congregational singing. A large crowdwas present. We join a large number of brethren in expressing oursympathies and best wishes to Lewis and their three children, both now and for the future.

W. A. GANN, JR.—This good brother of Wichita Falls, Texas passedaway on March 11,1988 at the age of 61. He did much preaching and greatly influenced five sons in their work of preaching the gospel. Hewas a singer and encouraged others to develop this ability. Their homewas host to hundreds of guests, including those stationed at SheppardAir Force Base, visiting preachers and brethren from across thecountry and members of the Floral Heights church in Wichita Falls where he was a member. Glen Seaton of Wichita Falls and David Bonner of Lawton, Oklahoma conducted services.

POETS CORNER

A DADDY'S PRAYER

Oh, Father, how we loved that little guy.For such a little while we had him here.We trust that in the great, glad by-and-byWe'll be with You, and him, too, over there.

Chorus:We're thankful that, when he could stay no more,You kindly sent for him and took him in.He is with You. You love him, too.Dear God, take care of him.

He was so innocent. Our Lord said he And other youngsters are in sinlessness,And such as all of us must come to be,And imitate their blessed gentleness.

All children's angels always see your face. The Saviour wants us, too, to share His joy.In His eternal kingdom, by Your grace,And be with You, and Jesus, and our boy.

Oliver Watts

Box 895

Craig, CO 81626

PREACHER NEEDED VALPARAISO, INDIANA — The Vale Park church has 36 members and an attendance of 60. We need a full-time preacher. We can provide partial support. We plan to build soon. If interested call Robert Hewlett (219) 464-3413.

PREACHER AVAILABLE

Experienced evangelist desires to relocate with stable congregation. References furnished upon request. Keith Storment, Gibson City, Illinois. Phone (217) 784-5916.

EDITORIAL LEFT-OVERSST. PAUL'S HAS A LARGE BAPTISTRY

While in Rome recently, we walked through the huge St. Paul's Outside the Walls, second only to St. Peter's at the Vatican City. Wesaw various tourist groups listening to guides who spoke in differentlanguages. Roberto Tondelli was our guide and he took us into an areawhere the tourists were not going to see a baptistery as large as aswimming pool. This was a part of the old structure of the building which dates to the third century. It would have been possible forseveral people to be baptized at the same time with various onesadministering it. Roberto asked a priest why they had such a largefacility for baptisms since sprinkling is the usual practice of theCatholic Church. He said, "Well, you see, in the early church, theypracticed immersion." When Roberto asked why that was not done now, he said "The church has to move with the times and it is not convenient now." So, now we know.

FORO APPIA

On Paul's trip to Rome he came to Appii Forum where he was met by brethren from Rome who came about 25 miles to wait for him at the site of this ancient market and public square. We saw the placerecently. The area is still covered with the original stones (it was alarge area) but now there is a building on part of the area which has been standing for 300 years and which houses a cheese factory. When I expressed my surprise that the Catholic Church had not erected a monastery or cathedral on the location, Rudolfo Berdini explained it."That is something Biblical." Oh, I see!

THE DANVILLE SPECIALTRAINING CLASSES: Steve Wolfgang, 385 E. Lexington Ave., Danville, KY 40422

The Danville church will begin the 13th year of classes the dayafter Labor Day, 1988. These classes are offered free of charge toanyone wishing to attend them. The classes meet Monday throughFriday from 9 AM to noon and will continue until Memorial Day, 1989.The teachers are Kelly Ellis, a long-time elder in the Danville Church,and Steve Wolfgang, the local preacher.

Classes this year will include Old Testament Survey, SermonPreparation and Delivery, Book of Acts, New Testament Epistles,Gospel of John, New Testament Church, Book of Revelation, and more.

Students who stay for the entire two-year curriculum receive instruction in every book of the Bible as well as other relevant studiessuch as Bible Geography, Church History, Denominational Doctrines, etc. Students are financially responsible only for their ownliving expense and textbooks; a church library is available to those unable to afford textbooks. Students are occasionally able to preach atvarious churches in the area.

More than 70 students have participated in these classes since thebeginning in 1976, and most of them are now preaching in more thana dozen states and. several foreign countries. Classes will begin thisyear on September 6 and continue through the end of May, 1989. If you are interested, know someone who is, or need further information, call or write the Danville church at 385 East Lexington, KY 40422; (606) 236-4204 or 236-8506.

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

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