CAN WE ATTAIN UNITY?

All religious bodies, preachers and teachers claimto be advocates of unity among the believers in God.Many plans and movements have been initiated toachieve unity among these religious groups. Some oftheir efforts have spawned even more discord and party spirit than the unity they seek. The religiousworld is dreadfully divided over many issues. Evenwith the Lord's church there are parties who banishall efforts toward the unity of God's people taught inthe New Testament.

"With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring tokeep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph.

4: 2, 3).

The term "denomination" indicates division. It means to name, the act of naming, a designating byname. It means a part of the whole, separated and named to distinguish it from the other parts. A quarter is a denomination of a dollar, so are dimes, nickelsand a penny. Denominations refer to different religious bodies, claiming to be different parts of thechurch Jesus Christ built, all called by differentnames to distinguish them from one another. As longas these denominations hold their differing doctrinesand their names to separate one from the other, Bibleunity is impossible.

Some brethren are worried about the world classifying them as a denomination. It is probably becauseof what they teach and practice. When one holds outthe hand of fellowship to some denominational group, in or out of the church, he is showing some endorsement of denominationalism. The question is: How faris he going, and why does he stop where he does? Somebrethren endorse, coddle and protect false teachersand false brethren, and then wonder why unity is notattained. Some will say, "I do not want to drive him further from the church and the Lord." He is alreadyaway, and he will never be restored except by thetruth, the gospel of Christ (John 8: 32; Rom. 1: 16).

Division is condemned by the Holy Spirit. "Now Ibeseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which yehave learned; and avoid them" (Rom. 16: 17). "Now Ibeseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord JesusChrist, that ye all speak the same thing, and thatthere be no divisions among you; but that ye beperfectly joined together in the same mind and in thesame judgment" (1 Cor. 1: 10). By the questions: "IsChrist divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were yebaptized in the name of Paul?" (1 Cor. 1: 13), theapostle shows the absurdity of division growing out ofthe doctrine of Christ.

Unity is a part of the doctrine of Christ. He prayedthat those who believe on him should be one in the same sense that Christ and the Father are one (John

17: 20, 21). We are to endeavor (struggle, strive) toKEEP THE UNITY of the Spirit. To keep the unitysignifies that we have it in the word of God. We musttry (test) the spirits to know whether they are of God or man. "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try thespirits whether they are of God: because many falseprophets are gone out into the world" (1 John 4: 1).

In spite of these statements by the Holy Spirit andthe efforts of godly men and women, there are somehindrances that stand in the way of true unity. I shallmention only two.

1. Lack of knowledge. Some people will acceptunity as a principle endorsed in words of scripture,but because they do not know what the New Testament teaches on the subject, they are involved indivision while claiming to accomplish unity amongdisciples. Ignorance of what unity means leads someto draw conclusions from partial evidence and prejudice, and then demand that all others accept their conclusions. The idea that there are saved in all churches is not reached by studying the word of God.Ignorance of the nature and mission of the church of ourLord has caused much division, and it is the veryfoundation upon which denominations are built today.

2. Loyalty to men. Paul warned of false teacherswithin the church who would lead others away from thetruth. "For I know this, that after my departing shallgrievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing theflock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them"(Acts 20: 29, 30). Jesus gave a like warning: "Beware offalse prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing,but inwardly they are ravening wolves" (Matt. 7: 15).

Loyalty is first based upon human wisdom andimportance. Just because a certain man has a degreefrom some college of reputation, or because he is wellknown throughout the nation, it does not follow that heis right in his preaching. Human wisdom tends to elevate the man and decrease the importance of God'sword. Loyalty to men causes many to accept just aboutany doctrine they preach, whether it is taught in theNew Testament or not. This hinders true unity.

THE OPEN SEWER

What would you do if you had an open sewer flowinginto your house? It is bad enough to have an overflowingseptic tank in the back yard with the terrible odor it produces. Such emergencies prompt us to take swiftremedial action. After all, the quality of our lives is atstake. The health hazard to our families must not be tolerated.

But wait a minute! Do you have a television set inyour house? Perhaps two or three? Have you paid muchattention to what seeps into your house through thatinfluential box? Oh, I know there are some things whichare informative and entertaining in a harmless way.But even a recent TV GUIDE carried a lead article raising the question about the outbreak of dirty language, "HAS TV GONE TOO FAR?" Consider the following which this open sewer is dumping into your home:

(1) Profanity. This started several years ago with afour letter word now and then. At the time it was shocking to hear those words blaring right out in thedens and livingrooms of our houses, words we would notpermit our children to use, nor any of our guests. Littleis ever said to honor or glorify God, but plenty is said intaking his name in vain. There are parents who areChristians, including some preachers, who see nothingwrong with renting movies to watch on VCR which are liberally sprinkled with profanity and these are sometimes shown to the whole family as good entertainmentfor a family night at home with a "good" movie. "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt..." (Col.

4: 6).

(2) Coarse speech. The recent article in TV Guide spelled out many of the words and phrases being commonly used on prime time shows this year. One six-year- old girl uses a word or phase which is clearly vulgar inorigin and has little girls and boys all over the country repeating this phrase. I have heard it from the children and grandchildren of Christians. I could not print in thispaper some of the terms being used over and over insitcoms on prime time TV. The writers and producersare bolder this year than ever before. Would you allow afriend, fellow-worker, neighbor, or even relative to comeinto your home and talk that way before your wife andchildren? "keep thy heart with all diligence" (Prov. 4: 23). (3) Gore. Do you realize how many buckets of bloodyour children will see shed on TV before they ever leave the nest? Under the guise of "realism" murder and torture scenes are getting gorier and gorier. (If no suchword exists, I hereby invent it). Rape, strangling, smoth-

ering, assaulting with blunt objects, mutilations, stabbings and shootings are common fare. Paul said to think on things that are "lovely" (Phil. 4: 8).

(4) Hedonism. The gratification of natural desireswithout any moral "hangups" spews into our homes day and night. Disrobing, breathless love scenes, adultery inabundance, fornication, homosexuality and incest arefrequently brought into our homes through the magic oftelevision. The story line on many shows raises confusion as to right and wrong. Often, what the Bible would clearly condemn, is presented in such a light that goodis called evil and evil is called good. (5) Humanism. What values are portrayed are oftenpresented from a humanistic base. What man wants, likes or what appears to serve his own interest hasbecome the standard for behavior. Anyone who insistson adherence to a divine law is presented as a hypocriteor an incompetent. Family roles, as presented in theword of God, are portrayed with role reversals. TheCosby Show is one of the greatest offenders in thisregard. It is funny, cleverly done, but the message is loudand clear. "It is not in man that walks to direct his steps"(Jer. 10: 23).

Parents would do well to watch Sesame Street and the cartoons their children are watching. Recently,while a granddaughter was here visiting, we were appalled at the humanistic preaching being done to children in some of the cartoons. Liberal doses of evolution are assaulting their minds almost daily.Biblical family values are consistently being undermined in our own homes, and then we wonder what is happening to the family. That box in the corner might bea part of what is happening to it! Whatever happened tothe shows where a family consisted of a husband and wife (not married before) with their own offspring. Nowwe have single-parent sitcoms galore complete with ex-husbands and ex-wives, his children, her children and their children. Children in a stable family who watchsuch drivel are likely to get the idea that they are out oftouch with life, or that such aberrations in family lifeought to be expected. Divorce with all its evil by-products comes to be viewed as the norm, not the exception.

What Can You Do About It?

(1) Be very selective. Think ahead about what youwill watch. If you are surprised and it heads downhill,cut if off. Do not be a jellyfish in exercising control overit with your family. (2) Find useful alternatives. Teach your childrenthe joy of reading good books. Rediscover it yourself. Play games together. Encourage children to use theirimagination in play. (3) If you are offended by a program, note the sponsors and write to them. They are sensitive toconsumer good-will. A recent boycott of Burger King forsponsoring programs with an anti-religious bias and those that were excessively violent, brought a promisefrom that company to cease sponsoring such shows. TVwill be out of business without sponsors and sponsors do not want public ill-will. Write the network which carriesthe sewage. Write the local affiliate. (4) Revive family hospitality. Invite that new couple which just started worshipping where you do.

Pop some popcorn. Make some fudge. Settle down andread a chapter in the Bible and have prayer together.Learn the act of entertaining yourselves.

Folks, we have to do something to stop that opensewer from overflowing in our living rooms. Otherwise,we will become so immune to it that we won't even smell the stink!

GOD CONDEMNS SIN IN THE FLESH Divine Message: For what the law could not do in that itwas weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. (Rom.

8: 3-4)

We all accept the affirmation that God condemned sin in the flesh. His condemnation is stated in His law and is clear and objective. I am not certain, however, that weall understand the ORIGIN of God's expectation and its real source. 'The righteous requirement of the law" didnot originate with the law itself... it originated in thecharacter of God. It would certainly be enough for Godto say it. God's saying it in His law makes anythingrighteous. But morality is not first and foremost a matter of law. It is a matter of character... the character of God in whose image we are made. It is therefore a righteous requirement of God that our character made in His image be based upon his standard ofmorality.

Furthermore, Paul set forth the SOURCE of one's own personal attitude toward morality. It is determinedby that upon which one sets his mind. "For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the thingsof the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit,the things of the Spirit" (Rom. 8: 5). What one wishes todo, he will do. What he sets his mind to do, he will accomplish. "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts againstthe Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish (Gal. 5: 16-17).

In his book, In the Presence of Mine Enemies, Howard Rutledge, a U. S. Air Force pilot who was shotdown over North Viet Nam during the early stages of the war, tells of his thoughts during several miserable years, hundreds of arduous days, and a seeming eternity of hours when life seemed so intolerable in the hands of the Viet Cong. He said, "During those longer periods ofenforced reflection it became so much easier to separatethe important from the trivial, the worthwhile from thewaste. For example, in the past, I usually worked orplayed hard on Sundays and had no time for church. Foryears Phyllis had encouraged me to join the family atchurch. She never nagged or scolded—she just kepthoping. But I was too busy, too preoccupied, to spend oneor two short hours a week thinking about the really important things. Now the sights and sounds and smells of death were all around me. My hunger for spiritualfood soon outdid my hunger for a steak. Now I wanted toknow about that part of me that will never die. Now Iwanted to talk about God and Christ and the church. But in Heartbreak (the name POWs gave their prisoncamp) solitary confinement, there was no preacher, noSunday-school teacher, no Bible, no hymn book, no community of believers to guide and sustain me. I had completely neglected the spiritual dimension of my life. It took prison to show me how empty life is without God" (quoted by Gordon MacDonald, Ordering Your Private World, p. 115).

Next, Paul informs us that there are deadly serious CONSEQUENCES of following the flesh. He says, "Forto be carnally minded is death, but to be spirituallyminded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind isenmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God,nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (Rom. 8: 6-8). "

The world says that our fears of sin and evil arechildish, like the child who fears the alligator under thebed who will not hang his arm off the bed because thealligator might bite it off. The child's fears are obviouslyunfounded. Larry Crabb in his best seller, Inside Out, (page 30) responds to the world's claim by saying, "Butthere really is something wrong in our world. Reality isnot what we want it to be. We sense that something isbadly twisted in our world because it is." We are notdealing with an imaginary alligator. We are dealingwith the reality of prostitution, aids, homosexuality,pornography, murder, theft, embezzlement, lying,cheating, fornication, etc. We had best do all we can toprotect ourselves and our families. We had best prepareourselves and our families to fight real enemies.

Paul said that "the works of the flesh are evident.., and those who practice such things will not inherit thekingdom of God" (Gal. 5: 19-21). We can only deal withthose realities by changing (with God's help) our character. And we do that by recognizing and favoring thereality of spiritual life. "The fruit of the Spirit is love. joy,peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness, self control. Against such there is no law.And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let usalso walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited,provoking one another, envying one another. (Gal. 5: 2226).

My friends, I am afraid we preachers are not warning people of sin as we should. "Just As I AM," does not meanwe can REMAIN "Just As I Have Been. "

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Finally the apostle informs us of the wonderful BLESSINGS which result from following the Spirit."But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeedthe Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. And if Christ isin you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit islife because of righteousness" (Rom. 8: 9-10).

God provides life, real life, to those who follow Him.We must notice, however, that this is not just a matterof DOING good. All of these passages suggest that wemust BECOME good... that is, we must become spiritual. I want to improve, not just in what I do, but in whatI AM as a person. I know many persons who do wonderful deeds of kindness and illustrate patterns of behaviorI would do well to emulate. But the list of persons ismuch shorter whose character qualities evidence a trulygiving, compassionate, noble spirit. I RESPECT thosewho do good. I truly ADMIRE those who are good throughout.

Do you see what I mean? Let me illustrate. I want togive my wife everything I can that is good for her and Iwant to treat her with great kindness and respect. ButI know that a lot of guys could give her more and probably treat her better from physical points of view. Iwant her to know that I want to give her somethingmore. I want her to feel that I am giving her all the deepresources of my being, my loving, my caring, my sharing... everything within me. She is not going to get thatfrom any other man. So, Sweetie, just don't look! God wants that from each of us and it is that, ultimately, thathe rewards with such wonderful blessings.

THE LOVE OF GOD —

ROMANS 8 - NO. (2)

THE HOLY SPIRIT — OUR GUIDE — VS. 5-14 "For they that are after the flesh do mind the thingsof the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit thethings of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded isdeath; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for itis not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so bethat the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any manhave not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And ifChrist be in you, the body is dead because of sin; butthe Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwellin you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shallalso quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors,not in the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if you liveafter the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spiritdo mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For asmany as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sonsof God. "

In these verses we see the love of God manifested toward us through the Holy Spirit who is our spiritualguide. God, in His infinite knowledge, knew how desperately man needs a guide from earth to heaven, and in Hisinfinite love has provided such for both saint and sinner.We have already learned from the first four verses ofthis chapter that the freedom enjoyed by those "in Christ" depends upon their walking "not after the flesh,but after the Spirit." In verses five through fourteen,Paul shows what it is to "walk after the flesh" and to "walk after the Spirit. "

Wisdom demands that, first of all, we give somethought to our need for such a guide. Subjectivism seems to be the rule of the day. The prefix "sub" in "subjectivism" (as elsewhere) involves the idea of thatwhich is "within" or "under," e. g., a submarine — thatwhich is "within" or "under" water. Hence, by subjectivism, I mean the disposition to be guided bythat from "within." All men need to realize that, ofthemselves, they do not know the way to heaven — itsimply is not in man: "O Lord, I know that the way ofman is not in himself: it is not man that walketh to direct his steps" (Jer. 10: 23). All men need to realize that theyneed guidance that is from without, over, above, and superior to anything they possess. Therefore, his guide must be objective — not subjective. That guidance comes to us from the Holy Spirit through the word Hehas "revealed to the holy apostles and prophets" (Eph.

3: 5). In our text Paul urges us to follow this guide.

Led By The Spirit

Paul makes it plain that those who "walk after the flesh... mind the things of the flesh," and those who"walk after the Spirit..." mind "the things of the Spirit"(vs. 4, 5). When children mind their parents, they obeytheir parents. When one minds the things of the Spirit,he does what the Spirit says. To act otherwise is to walkafter the flesh — it is "to be carnally minded" (v. 6).Man's spirit is governed by one of two forces — theflesh or the Spirit. To which he yields accounts for hisactions. Such tells the story of whether he is carnallyminded or spiritually minded. The former involvesyielding to the desires, appetites, and impulses of the flesh—all the propensities thereof. The latter involveslistening to the Holy Spirit as He speaks through Hisinspired word and being led thereby (Eph. 3: 5; 6: 17;Heb. 4: 12; Rev. 2: 7, 11, 17, 29; 3: 6, 13, 22). Walkingafter the Spirit is pleasing unto God, but walkingafter the flesh—being carnally minded—is enmity against God. The two are incompatible—whollyirreconcilable! This is what Paul meant when he said "Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for itis not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be"(v. 7). In other words, man cannot be carnally mindedand spiritually minded at the same time. He must choose between the two. Jesus put it this way: "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one,and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon" (Matt. 6: 24).

Power of Choice

Unfortunately, some have understood verse seven toteach a cardinal tenet of Calvinism, namely, Hereditary Total Depravity. This doctrine affirms that man is born into this world having inherited Adam's sin so thathe is wholly incapacitated to do any thing good until and unless he is operated on directly and mysteriously fromon high. Such operation is usually attributed to theHoly Spirit and is often called an "experience of grace."According to this theory, prior to this operation man hasno power of choice — no freedom of will.

From a historical point of view, this doctrine had itsorigin in the latter part of the fourth and the forepart ofthe fifth centuries with Augustine, a prominent theologian being the prime promoter. It is interesting to observe that among the "church fathers," who wrotebefore 325 A. D., that unanimity prevailed on thismatter of man's free will. While an exception now and then might be found in the field of religion, the "churchfathers" referred to them as heretics.

Opposing Augustine's view was one named Pelagious of Britain who was a strong believer in man's free will. His concept is succinctly expressed by himself inthe following words: "If a man should, he can." However, his influence was over shadowed by the moreprominent theologian, Augustine. As a consequence much of the religious world became saturated with hisconcept which was later popularized even more as a cardinal tenet of Calvinism. This doctrine not only robsman of his power of choice, but also takes from him hisaccountability — all of which contravenes the following very plain passage of Scripture: "For we must allappear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to thathe hath done, whether it be good or bad" (2 Cor. 5: 10). Itshould also be noticed that throughout the whole contextof verse seven of our text that it is clearly implied thatman is responsible for whether he follows after the fleshor after the Spirit. In the final analysis, it is up to him—not God. Paul is our example: "But I keep under my body,and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, whenI have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway"(1 Cor. 9: 27).

In the last verses of our text, Paul talks about ourbeing in the Spirit, God dwelling in us, and our havingthe Spirit of Christ—all of which is tantamount to ourbeing led by the Holy Spirit. He then brings our text to aclose by giving us assurance that "as many as are led bythe Spirit of God, they are the sons of God" (v. 14).

Let us thank God for His great love in providing uswith this spiritual guide which man so desperately needsin his journey from time to eternity.

As seen earlier in this study, marriage is precious inthe sight of the Lord and must be held in honor among all. Marriage per se—that is, whatever men want to callmarriage — is not here endorsed by God in Heb. 13: 4.The apostle did not write an unqualified statement, designed to cover every relationship that people want toinstitute. The hortatory statement encourages honorable conduct on the part of all who contemplate andenter marriage; it implies conditions upon which marriage can be had in honor.

Permanence

The very best preparation that can be made by peopleeligible before God to marry is to determine to staymarried. God's will is that people marry for life. God hates putting away (Mai. 2: 16). He further decrees thatno one separate (sunder) what God has joined together.(Matt. 19: 6). In that God joins people in marriage, itmust follow that only He can set the conditions uponwhich he joins and severs them. Laws of civil government have no effect on joining and severing by the Lord.This is not encouragement to any to disregard civil lawconforming to God's will, but to remember the superiority of divine law. Only God's law says what people'sactions should be when civil law fails to reflect God's will.

Keeping the covenant in marrying another is a matter of simple honor—honoring one's word pledged toanother. Before marrying and after marrying, it wouldbehoove all married people to remember the seriousnessof marriage and of keeping one's word. The principle ofhonesty, even to the hurt of oneself, must be appreciated (Psm. 15: 4).

Eligibility

The teaching of the New Testament shows that not allare eligible before God to marry (Matt. 5: 32; 19: 9;Rom. 7: 1-4). In the view of civil governments, anydivorced person (with divorce decree) may marry again;but God, who instituted and controls marriageaccording to His will, does not so view the matter. HisWord authorizes only three classes of people to marry:

(1) people never married (Gen. 2: 22-25), (2) peoplewhose spouses have died (Rom. 7: 2-3), and (3) those who have had fornication committed against them (Matt. 19: 9). These alone have God's authorization to marry: apart from divine authority to such effect, noone would either have right to marry or know of suchright. Eligibility is never determined on the basis of civil law, for civil law does not reflect the divine will. Civillaw is an expedient useful to people in the forming andterminating of marriages, but

its use does not necessarily force God to recognize allactions recognized by governments of men.

Submission

Even marriages begun with God's approval by peopleeligible before Him and determined to remain marriedto each other sometimes end because one or both partiesfail to maintain the spirit of submission to the other.Paul's teaching respecting wives and husbands is included in a section dealing with submission (Eph. 5: 2133). Paul developed and applied the attitude of submission to the behavior of the wife, who should love, respect,and submit to her husband, and to the husband, whoought to love, cherish, and nourish his wife as Christ didthe church. In both instances, there is submission to theother manifested in the actions enjoined. Even thehusband must submit to his wife in his deferring to herneeds, requests, and wishes, and he will do if he loves heraccording to the love of Christ for the church.

It is tragic to have people prepare to marry, begintheir marriages according to God's will, and even continue them for a time in an honorable state, and thenlater suffer a dishonorable end through divorce. Divorce always says that someone sinned; sometimes it saysthat both parties sinned. The only honorable end to amarriage is death. In summary, all marriages fail because of selfish people. Selfish people are unwilling tomake sacrifices necessary for marriages to survive. Areyou willing to sacrifice for your partner? Have you contributed to the unnecessary end of your marriage? Are you trying to maintain your marriage in an honorable state? Hebrews 13: 4 exhorts you to do so.

GOING ON TO PERFECTION QUESTION: What does the statement in Heb.

6: 1, "leaving the principles of the doctrine ofChrist, let us go on unto perfection," mean? Also,comment on "not laying again the foundation ofrepentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, etc. in vv. 1-2.

ANSWER: "Leaving" means to "forsake, to putaway, let alone, disregard, put off." It indicates totaldetachment. The phrase about the "first principles ofthe doctrine of Christ" does not mean the principles ofthe gospel of Christ, such as the resurrection of Jesus,faith, repentance and baptism as taught in the gospel.We are not to abandon or detach ourselves from them.

The "principles of the doctrine of Christ" are the teachings about Christ in the Old Testament, namely,the shadows, types, symbols and prophecies. Theymust leave the pictures of Christ and go on to ChristHimself in order to be perfect. They must abandon Judaism and proceed to perfection in the gospel.

The recipients of the Hebrew letter needed to betaught again "The first principles of the oracles of God"(Heb. 5: 12). They needed someone to show them again the pictures of the Old Testament of its ordinances, ceremonies, and sacrifices. Babies need pictures in order to comprehend. They also must learn the alpha-bet. These types and figures (picturesand alphabet) foreshadowed Christ, but they could notrecognize Him unless they understood the word-pictures. Hence, they must have someone to teachthem again the "first principles," that is, the meaningof the Old Testament figures and symbols. The book ofHebrews endeavors to lead them on to perfection.

Next the writer presents six foundational elementsnot to be laid again — repentance from dead works,faith toward God, etc. It is my persuasion that these are fundamentals of Judaism rather than Christianity. Some of them are relevant to Christianity, but noneare exclusively Christian.

Repentance from dead works. In addition to this passage, "dead works" are mentioned in Heb. 9: 14.These were the sins that remained on the conscience after the Levitical ceremonies were unable to cleanse through animal blood (Heb. 10: 2). They are "dead works" because they belong to the realm of spiritualdeath as the result of sin. Those under the Old Covenant needed to repent of these sins.

Faith toward God. The Jews believed in God (Jn.

14: 1). But they also needed to believe in Christ (Jn. 14:1) in order to become Christians. Faith toward our Lord was preached by Paul to Jews and Gentiles (Acts 20:21). "Faith toward God" was characteristic of the old Mosaical system, and, hence, a foundational element ofJudaism.

Doctrine of baptisms. These "baptisms" are Jewishwashings or cleansing rites. Hebrews 9: 10 has "washings" rather than "baptisms," but both are from the sameGreek word—baptismos. According to Trench, this word means, "ceremonial washing or lustration... while by baptisma we understand baptism in our Christian senseof the word. "

Laying on of hands. Fundamental to the Jewish religion was the imposition of hands, repeatedly prescribed in the Levitical ritual. Priests (Lev. 4: 4), elders (v.15), rulers (v. 24) and every common person (Lev. 1: 4; 3:2, 8, 13; 4: 29, 33) were to lay hands on their sacrifices.

The laying on of hands was important in the consecration of priests (Exod. 29: 10, 15, 19; Lev. 8: 14, 18, 22,27, 28). This practice, being a part of the Old Covenant,was annulled at the cross and was not to be laid again,but rather forsaken.

Resurrection of the dead. This fact is taught in theOld Testament (Job 19: 25-27; Dan. 12: 2; Psa. 17: 15).It was commonly believed by all Jews (Acts 24: 14-15; 26:6-8), except the Sadducees (Acts 23: 6-8). Jesus enlarged upon this doctrine and brought life and immortality to light (2 Tim. 1: 10).

Eternal judgment. The final judgment was known back in the Old Testament era (Jude 14-15; Mai. 3: 16; Dan. 12: 1-2). Adam Clarke commented, "The doctrinesalso of the resurrection of the dead and of eternal judgment were both Jewish, but were only partiallyrevealed and then referred to the gospel. "

When the author of Hebrews says we are to "leave" or "abandon" these things, it is not the understanding of them that is to be disregarded, but rather an attachmentto the Mosaical economy as an ongoing religion.

Many hold the view that "the principles of the doctrine of Christ" in Heb. 6: 1-2 are the basics of the gospel and that the six elements enumerated are New Testament fundamentals rather than Mosaical. They could be right,but it seems to me the context, as well as some of the six elements, favor the preceding position that is espoused.

"PLAY IT SAFE"

Job was blameless, upright, fearing God, and turningaway from evil. God classed him with Noah and Danielas models of righteousness (Eze. 14: 14). James callsattention to his exemplary patience (Jas. 5: 11).Surely there is much we can learn from this greatpatriarch. Focus with me on one principle by which helived.

Job had seven sons. "And his sons used to go and holda feast in the house of each one on his day, and theywould send and invite their three sisters to eat with them. And it came about, when the days of feasting had completed their cycle, that Job would send and consecrate them, rising up early in the morning and offeringburnt offerings according to the number of them all; forJob said, 'Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts. ' Thus Job did continually" (Job 1: 4,5).

The regularity of these feasts is uncertain. Somethink "on his day" implies that the sons took turns everyday hosting these feasts, thus making this a weeklycycle. Since "his day" in chapter three refers to Job'sbirthday, others think these were birthday celebrations.Be that as it may, when the feasting was over, Job, inkeeping with the priestly function of a father under thepatriarchal era, offered burnt offerings on behalf of hissons. He did not know that they had done wrong, butsacrificed "just in case." And here is our principle: Job played it safe where God is concerned.

Displeasing God is too great a matter to take chanceswith. The stakes are eternal. God has plainly revealed what he expects of us. Yet in our applications of His will to our lives, we sometimes prefer going out on a limb toplaying it safe.

Some want to do things that do not have God's expressed approval. They reason, "God did not say notto." No, but He did not say to, either, which means youare risking His displeasure by going ahead. The verypurpose of revelation is so that we can know the mind ofGod instead of acting by supposition (1 Cor. 2: 9-13).That revelation warns us against going beyond what iswritten (1 Cor. 4: 6). Still, many are willing to takechances with God's word. Some insist on substituting forwhat God has specified. Others categorize their petprojects as good works, with which they cannot imagineGod will be displeased. I fear that some brethren arebasing their views on divorce and remarriage on speculative inferences stead of plain statements of Scripture.Job teaches us better. His example says play it safewhere God is concerned.

Playing it safe prohibits us from seeing how close tosin we can get without crossing over. All of us must drawthe line between right and wrong. God sometimes tellsus exactly where to mark it. On other matters He givesus principles which we must apply. In such cases it is agood idea to draw your line with a margin for safety.That means we will reject, not accept, marginal language, clothing whose modesty is doubtful, and questionable forms of recreation. If in doubt, don't do it. Playit safe. Instead of seeing how close to sin you can get,"abhor what is evil; cling to what is good" (Rom. 12: 9b).

Now reverse that application. Christians who are always concerned about minimum requirements — "How many services must I attend?" "How much do Ihave to give?" — have surely not yet discovered the joy of serving the Lord. Nor have they learned Job's principle of playing it safe. Only the most ardent risk-takerwould want to stand in judgment having aimed nohigher than the least he could get by with.

No one needs to learn Job's principle of playing it safeany more than the individual who is putting off obeyingthe gospel. Perhaps you, like Felix, are looking for that"convenient season." Friend, it will not come. There is noeasy time to repent. Meanwhile, you are taking a greatchance in assuming you will have future opportunities.Life is "a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away" (Jas. 4: 14). You do not know the time ofthe Lord's coming. Besides, there is the danger that asyou grow older the hardness which prevents you fromobeying now will stiffen, causing you to lose all interest(Ecc. 12: 1). Now is the day of salvation.

SMOKING

Is there anything wrong with smoking? While mostwould agree that is it a bad thing, can we really say it isa sin? It is not uncommon to see women, as well as men,smoking. In fact, there are a number of men and womenwho claim to be Christians who smoke.

In the last few years, the American people havedeveloped a greater health consciousness. Consequently, many have quit smoking. Restrictions havebeen established for smoking in public.

Our real concern in this article is to see that smokingis a sin.

It is Harmful to the Body

1. Smoking harms the body. Quotes could becompounded that establish that smoking harms the body. However, just a few will suffice here.

The British Royal College Of Physicians stated,"cigarette smoking is now as important a cause of deathas the great past epidemics of typhoid, cholera and tuberculosis. "

The Harvard Medical School Health Letter (Vol. III, No. 6, April 1978) speaking of lung cancer said, "Thegood news is that we know the cause of at least 80% ofthe cases of this leading cancer killer — cigarettes. "

The American Lung Association said, "Cigarettesmoking is a major cause of emphysema, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, heart disease... Just one cigarettespeeds up your heart beat, increases your blood pressure, upsets the flow of blood and air in your lungs,causes a drop in the skin temperature of your fingersand toes.

2. It is a sin to deliberately harm the body.Smoking is wrong for the same reason "doing" drugs iswrong — it damages the body.

While in a context of speaking of the sin of fornication,Paul addressed the problem of the abuse of the body and whether it is our body to do with what we want anyway."What? know ye know that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and yeare not your own? For ye are bought with a price:therefore glorify God in your body and your spirit, which are God's (1 Cor. 6: 19-20).

It is Addictive and Enslaves The User

1. Smoking is addictive. The smokers themselves supply the evidence of this point. When a smoker says,"I've tried, but I can't quit." he is admitting that he isaddicted. Sometimes one does not realize how addicted he is until he quits. When one can't go thirty minutes without a cigarette, he no doubt is hooked on smoking.

2. Addiction is a sin. Smoking is not wrong becauseit is habit. There are many habits that we have developed that are not sin. Even bad habits are not necessarily sin. Smoking is wrong because it is addicting.

Paul wrote, "All things are lawful unto me, but allthings are not expedient: all things are lawful for me,but I will not be brought under the power of any" (1 Cor.

6: 12). Weymouth's translation says, "... to nothing will I become enslaved. " Addiction violates the principle of temperance (selfcontrol). It is a command of God to develop temperanceand continue to grow in it (2 Pet. 1: 5-l0). When a man (orwoman) can't sever himself from his cigarette, he doesnot have the self-control God requires.

It Affects Other People

Smoking not only affects the one who is smoking, butit is also irritating and harmful to those who are around.Reports now suggest that the smoke coming off theburning end of the cigarette is just as harmful (if not more so) than the smoke inhaled by the smoker.

The family of the person who smokes has to constantly breathe his smoke. Little children raised in thiscloud of smoke have to inhale poisoned air.

There are others affected as well. The smell of cigarette smoke gets into the clothes, hair, car and house ofthose with whom we come in contact.

I can testify of the aggravation caused by those whosmoke. A few years ago I was having some voice problems. So, I thought it would be helpful to attend aseminar on voice care at one of the universities in Louisville. During a break, I stepped out into a smallfoyer (that was filled with the smoke from one smokersitting in the corner) to call my wife. I was only in thefoyer for two minutes or less. However, before I could getout the smoke had caused me to lose my voice. It was ironic that that was the very thing I was trying to learn how to prevent.

Jesus taught us to care more for others than that. Hesaid, "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would thatmen should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this isthe law and the prophets" (Matt. 7-12). Paul said, "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also onthe things of others" (Phil. 2: 4).

If you don't care about your own body, please take others into consideration.

You Can Quit

We have established that smoking is a sin. Since thatis true, then we conclude that quitting is not impossible.You can do it. You must first admit that it is wrong.Then, you must determine to quit.

(This author has a tract entitled "Smoking" published by Faith and Facts Press. It is available through Religious Supply Center. )

THE FIRST AND GREAT COMMANDMENT "Jesus said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. ' This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself. ' On these two commandments hang all the Law and theProphets." (Matt. 22: 37-40).

The priority that Jesus gives the first commandmentindicates that the mission of Christ and His cause is a spiritual one (Matt. 1: 21; 20: 28; Luke 19: 10). Jesusdid not come to start a denomination or a revolution; He did not leave heaven to promote the social status of men.He did not directly intrude into the problems of poverty, government, international affairs, economicquestions, or secular education. It is a fact that requires little argumentation that His ministry wasprimarily concerned with people's spiritual welfare and eternal salvation.

When one fellow called on the Lord to settle a disputeover an inheritance, Jesus said, "Man, who made Me ajudge or an arbitrator over you?" He then proceeded towarn against covetousness (Luke 12: 13-15).

The social gospel is based upon a reversal of the two great laws that Jesus referred to in the above text. Men have inverted the order. They have made the body moreimportant than the soul. Having done this, they haveexchanged the gospel of Christ for a gospel that has asits goal social improvement rather than salvation. Theyhave promoted a gospel that treats the symptoms of thedisease rather than the disease itself. As news analysis,Paul Harvey, has commented, "Jesus never seemed tobe concerned about getting people out of the slums. But He walked the squalid streets day by day trying to get the slums out of the people." The fact is, if we can get the slums out of the people, they'll clean up their slums.

The source of the social gospel is that men no longerbelieve in the authority of the Bible, or in God, or in thesoul. They believe that the greatest good they can accomplish is to provide people with a better life now.

Perhaps we need to emphasize that man's first dutyis to God, and his second duty is to man. Here are someapplications of the principle that I invite the readers toconsider.

Some of God's requirements are strictly religious in nature. They pertain solely to the God -man relationship. Such is true of the first four of the TenCommandments (Exodus 20). The commands to have noother gods; to make no graven image; to not take the name of God in vain; and to keep the Sabbath holy werereligious laws. Many other laws in the Old Testament sofar as the sacrifices, festivals, foods, and other matterswere religious requirements. When the Jew under thelaw of Moses transgressed such laws, he sinned directlyagainst God. Except for the religious influence he may have had on his family or neighbors, his sin was notagainst man. He could have been a good person socially;a good parent, neighbor, husband, employer; and broken all those laws.

This principle is true today. There are many requirements in the New Testament which are strictly religious. To believe in God and Christ, to repent, be baptized; to sing praises, take the Lord's supper, contribute to the church's work, assemble; all of these pertain to ourvertical relationship with God. Many violate all such laws and are considered good men in the social andmoral sense. They may be accommodating neighbors,loving parents, and productive citizens. They are justnot interested in religion, or maybe they just have their own ideas about religion.

Other requirements are social or moral in nature. Many of God's commands and doctrines pertain to the horizontal man to man relationship. These, ofcourse, also involve our relationship with God since thisis part of His divine will. The last six of the Ten Commandments fall into this category: to honor parents;refrain from murder; adultery; theft; perjury' and covetousness; all of these are in the realm of our relationshipwith our fellowmen.

Such remains true under the new covenant, for theseand other moral requirements are legislated therein.When one breaks these laws, he sins not only againstGod, but against his neighbor. Governments have civil laws that concern these kinds of matters. If one is a transgressor of the social—moral laws, he is not usuallyconsidered a good man in the community.

Put the emphasis where the Lord put it. Both of these classes of laws are essential, but let's not lose sightof where Jesus placed the emphasis. He said the firstand great commandment is to love God. Men tend to givepriority to those laws that are social in nature. If onedoes not kill, steal, and carouse with other men's wives,he's a fine fellow. But in reality, if he has not submitted to the Lord and the gospel, he has not obeyed the firstand great commandment.

It may be that the command to love God is called thefirst and great commandment because it really includesthe second: to love neighbor as self. 1 John 5: 3 teaches usthat the love of God is to keep His commandments. Thiswould include both categories of His commandments.We are advised in 1 John 4: 20, 21 that it is notpossible to love God if we do not love our brother.

When one is guilty of not helping a brother in need; orof backbiting and whispering about a brother; or of beingjealous, envious, or bitter; the real problem is this: Sucha one does not love God!

Some applications: We must conclude that one cannot obey the religious requirements, but ignore the moral-social requirements, and be acceptable to God.Jesus described those who were very scrupulous overreligious laws, but tried to circumvent their social obligations to their parents, as hypocrites (Mark 7: 6-13).

But, by the same token, if one keeps the moral laws,but ignores the religious responsibilities, he is not righteither. The same God that gave the one gave the other.Both are essential. Just being a good moral person is notsufficient to save a person.

A recognition of the order of priorities in our textwould solve many problems relative to institutionalismand the work of the church. On the one hand, thechurch, as well as the individual Christian, has certainbenevolent responsibilities. These would fall into thesocial or moral classification. On the other hand, Godhas revealed a divine pattern regarding the organization and work of the church. Such is religious in nature.Some have voiced the opinion that we need to get thebenevolent work done and not worry about the N. T.pattern. It appears that the emphasis is being misplaced.

Of course the basic error here is the assumption thatwe must ignore one thing or the other. Some of uswonder why we cannot do God's work in God's way!

Many further applications could be drawn. But thecentral lesson in all this is that we need to be concerned about keeping all the laws of God, both the religious and the moral.

DOCTRINAL WEATHER PATTERNS

Those whose lives are affected by the weather havelearned to recognize the weather patterns in theirparticular geographic area. And, while the Bible is nota textbook on meteorology, there are some references toweather patterns within its pages. Jesus recognizedsuch patterns with respect to the sky (Mt. 16: 1, 2), and Solomon wrote about patterns for the wind (Eccl. 1: 6).

The apostle Paul says that the organizational structure/mission of the church is designed to protect usagainst "every wind of doctrine" (Eph. 4: 11-14), and thiswould certainly include that "wind of doctrine" which tells us there is no church, no organization, no work,and no mission.

But patterns have a way of establishing themselvesfor good or for bad, in spite of those who claim there are no patterns. Even those who scoff at the idea of Biblepatterns find themselves following a pattern in theirefforts to minimize the truth and maximize their false winds of doctrine. And, while the Bible gives abundantwarnings and descriptions pertaining to those who initiate or fan the winds of false doctrine, we can also turnto history and our own experiences to verify such patterns.

In the early 1950's, two preachers in the Ohio Valleyentered the first stages of this doctrinal weather patternwith regards to the terms "church" and "kingdom." Whilesome Baptists and Jehovah's Witnesses had made sucha distinction earlier, and at least one other preacher hadheld a similar position, the winds of this particulartheory had not caused much of a rustle in the church.

Of course, there had been a distinction made between the church and the kingdom by various proponents of thepre-millennial theory, but this new wind was blowing a different tune.

This new twist to the church/kingdom distinctionadvocation that the church was established during the personal ministry of Christ, the kingdom came on theDay of Pentecost, and that Jesus returned the secondtime in A. D. 70 at the destruction of Jerusalem.

The first step in the pattern was to teach this newdoctrine privately, because one of the champions of thistheory admitted that brethren were not yet well educated enough to be taught publicly. But, when some of usbegan to warn of this new "wind of doctrine," we wereaccused of misrepresenting those who were men of considerable influence and reputation among the brethren.

Gradually, as the brethren became more "educated"by private tutoring, the winds became stronger and morepublic, until the champions of this doctrine caused open schism in the body of Christ, established and nurturedtheir own congregations, held at least one public debate,and published a book detailing their dangerous and"damnable heresies" (cf. 2 Pet. 2: 1-3).

These doctrinal weather patterns became even moreevident in the Ed Fudge/Carl Ketcherside connection ofthe 1970's, mainly because the scope and influence of thecontroversy and its participants were greater. Besidesthe main characters on the stage at this time, there wereseveral younger preachers in the wings, in the front row,or as one portrayed himself, on a journey toward Jesus.

The same doctrinal weather patterns began to emerge. First, there was the private indoctrination, littletrial balloons sent up in sermons or articles, or cunninglydevised questions which accomplished the same purposeas a statement, yet could not be used as evidence thatsomebody was teaching something.

Then, as concerned brethren began to raise stormwarnings, there were the usual claims and charges ofmisunderstanding, poorly-worded positions, characterassassination, and even crucifixion. One defender of those in or loitering around the Ketcherside camp evenadmitted that one of the central figures in the controversy was "nebulous" in describing his position, but stillaccused others of either misunderstanding or misrepresenting his position.

"Herein is a marvelous thing"—some of these brethren had college degrees, and some had done graduatework, but were supposedly incapable of stating theirposition clearly enough to avoid being misunderstood.Any of us may make an off-hand statement or referencein passing that could stand some further clarification or editing, but when an otherwise capable writer orspeaker addresses a particular subject of his own choosing, and still can't express himself clearly enoughto be understood, there is something wrong, and the fault doesn't lie with the hearer or the reader. That person either doesn't want to be understood clearly, orelse needs to go back and take a basic course in plain English.

Another "wind of doctrine" is blowing over the brotherhood and it surely sounds like somebody is questioning the deity/divinity of Christ while he was upon earth. Again, there are the plain statements that noone could misunderstand, nebulous statements thatcould mean anything (or nothing), and inferences andquestions that are left for the reader to answer ordecide. Then come the denials or claims of misunderstanding and misrepresentation and other pieces ofthe doctrinal weather pattern.

The philosophy of those who want to advocate somenew thing or resurrect some old denominational doctrine seems to be: throw your hat in the door, samplethe waters of brotherhood reaction, send up a trialballoon, then advance or retreat depending on the nature of the opposition.

I have purposely omitted names with regard to thechurch/kingdom controversy of the 1950's, becausethat particular incident was more localized, and hasabout run its course as far as influence is concerned (Ihope). There was no question about what Carl Ketcherside advocated in the 1970's, though his earlierpositions were couched in the same ambiguity as otherwinds of false doctrine. Some of his converts were not as forthright as their teacher, and still aren't.

But these more recent winds blowing strange thingsabout divorce/remarriage and the deity of Christ havenot yet reached their full gale force, and some brethrenhad better take a second look at where they are in thisdoctrinal weather pattern before they make shipwreckconcerning the faith.

We would not leave the impression that everyonewho becomes entangled in such patterns fits the"sleight of men and cunning craftiness" label of Ephesians 4: 14. Sometimes a position forces us to follow aparticular pattern which we would not intentionally embrace under more rational circumstances.

And, it is possible to be caught up in an "I am of Paul;and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas" situation (1 Cor. 1:12), "be puffed up for one against another" (1 Cor. 4: 6), or be led away by the dissimulation of those who do fall into such errors (Gal. 2: 13).

At any rate, we need to examine ourselves (2 Cor.

13: 5), and make certain that we are following a pattern that originates from spiritual Mt. Sinai (cf.Heb. 8: 5), and not a pattern which finds its origins in "every wind of doctrine. "

WHERE JOHN LENNON MISSED IT

On October 9, Yoko Ono spoke before the UnitedNations and a recording of John Lennon's IMAGINE wasbroadcast to 130 countries over 1000 radio stations to over 1 billion people. The Armed Forces network beamedit to 80 more countries. While one may admire Lennon's ability, right-thinking people must disdain his atheisticcommunism. Tom Brokaw (of NBC) told us that Lennonbegan his rebellion against authority when he was 10years old. The peace he longed for will never come through the philosophy he advocated.

"IMAGINE There's No Heaven, It's easy if you try." Lennon wanted us to believe Jesus was lying by promising us heaven. This would mean Jesus was not the son ofGod. Jesus taught us to live morally and righteously thatwe might spend eternity in the place he has gone toprepare and where he now reigns (Jn. 14: 1-3).

"No Hell Below Us, Above us only sky." As an act offriendship, Jesus warned us against hell. "And I say unto you my friends,... fear him who is able to destroy bothsoul and body in hell" (Lk. 12: 4, 5: Mt. 10: 28). Not many believe in hell because it hampers their lifestyle.Lennon taught and practiced self-indulgence. Jesus taught self-denial and called us to a higher and noblerlife of faith in Jehovah God who holds the future. If Jesus was right about hell then Lennon was no friendto man.

"IMAGINE All The People, Living for today." CharlesSmith, former president of the American Association forthe Advancement of Atheism (4A Society) said, "happiness here and now should be the motive of our conduct." Neither Smith nor Lennon believed in a hereafter — no heaven or hell. Just do what will make you happy NOW. For over two decades a large segment of society has been doing that. And when we look at the AIDS plague, otherepidemics of VD, the abortions, unwanted and unloved children, drug addicts, suicides, etc., we are caused to ask,"Are we having fun yet?"

"IMAGINE... No religion too." Eliminating Jesus andhis teaching about heaven and hell does not eliminatereligion. It exchanges one religion for another. From areligion of self-denial to a religion of self-indulgence.Lennon's religion of self-indulgence makes self into a god.The worship of self is the most corrupt religion a man canhave.

"IMAGINE All The People, Living life in peace." If you can imagine this from a life of self-indulgence you have

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too big an imagination. Lennon admitted advocatingdrug use (self-indulgence) in some of his songs. The drugculture has brought us anything but peace. We haveseen its blight on America's most precious natural resource — her youth. It has ruined the health of many. Ithas caused many to turn to a life of crime, prostitution,etc. It has caused some to turn away from life to suicide.Lennon suffered the consequences of his own philosophy. One of his fans, who was a drug user, shot and killed the rock star. And if there is no God, who can sayhe did wrong?

Christians deplore both the crime and the philosophythat led to it (no God, self-indulgence).

IMAGINE No Possessions... People sharing all theworld." Christians of the first century shared theirpossessions with their brethren by choice, out of love, asJesus taught (Acts 2: 44, 45; 4: 32; Jn. 13: 34, 35).But Communism tried to force people to work according to their ability and receive according totheir needs (no choice, without love). The work ethicwas destroyed and many now live in poverty.

It would help if the multi-millionaires like Lennonand many other advocates of this philosophy would lead the way instead of pointing the way. Lennon, JaneFonda, etc. retained their millions while making a tokencontribution now and then. Communist leaders lived lives of luxury while the people starved. They wanteveryone else to give up their possessions but theyhaven't shown us how it's done.

"You May Say I'm A Dreamer..." Yes, because whatLennon dreamed (communism) became a nightmare that didn't work. Atheistic communism is not the answer to man's plight. The reason we could never have thepeace of which Lennon (Lenin?) dreamed is because he eliminated the Prince of Peace who gave us the highestmoral principles ever known to man. It is not becauseChristianity was tried and found difficult, but because it was found difficult and not tried. The fact that the cooperation of the U. N., all the radio and TV stationsand 210 countries could be brought together should tellus that there are many who are still dreaming of communism.

Almost everyone can identify with John Lennon'slonging to 'live to peace" when "the world will be as one."Can we not see where Lennon and others have gonewrong? It isn't hard to Imagine.

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

GEORGIA DEAN COPE

GEORGIA DEAN COPE, beloved wife of James R. Cope, completed her earthly journey on December 3. Funeral services were conducted on December 6 at Hutchinson Auditorium on the campus of Florida College with Bob Owen, Colly Caldwell and Earl Kimbrough conducting services. She was a gracious lady who loved the Lord, her husbandand children and the people of God. She was a personal blessing to the life of this editor. The Copes have unselfishly given of themselves all their lives to help other people. Young people they influenced for goodare now scattered over the globe. Our hearts go out to brother Cope inhis loss, and yet we rejoice for her that she is at rest from the illnessshe suffered. You may reach James R. Cope at 301 Greencastle, Temple Terrace, FL 33617.

WILLIAM C. SEXTON, 4400 N. W. Gleason, Kansas City, MO64151—October 14, 1990 was an historic day for the Roan Ridge congregation in Kansas City. Three men (Ray Harris, Bill Sexton andKenneth Young) were appointed to serve as elders of the congregation.April 16 was a critical day in my life. I had open heart surgery, had 4by-passes and spent 21 days in the hospital. I am now doing fine.Thanks for all the prayers, cards, letters and phone calls brethren. Ina few weeks I was back in the pulpit and able to resume my usualwork. The bill exceeded $70, 000. In the last three years my insurance company has paid out about $170, 000 on hospital and doctor bills. Iwould suggest to any preacher who is tempted to get along withouthospitalization that you think again.

I'm in my 6th year with Roan Ridge. Bill Crews was here in a goodmeeting in June. When in Kansas City, worship with us.

EDGAR J. DYE, 800 Green Oak Lane, Pine Bluff, AR 71602— Contrary to persistent public rumor I have NOT retired, am NOTretired and DO NOT—repeat, DO NOT—plan to retire. I have changed my primary place of labor, but have NOT retired. After a

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total of 18 years labor with the brethren in Pine Bluff, 4 years with the6th Ave. church and 14 years with the W. 28th Ave. church, I am nowlaboring with the church at Grady, Arkansas about 20 miles southeastof Pine Bluff on Highway 65 South. I will continue to live in Pine Bluffat the above address while working full time with the brethren inGrady.

JACK GILLILAND, San Bernardino, CA—We moved from Taft, Texas to begin work December 1 with the Mt. View church in SanBernardino, CA.

NORMAN E. Webb, 3402 Reign St., Melbourne, FL 32934—TheEau Gallie congregation in Melbourne has recently completed a new auditorium that will seat about 225. This has been planned severalyears and we are thankful to see it realized. I have been working withthe church here for 2 years. We have been blessed with 20 baptismsand several have placed membership with us. Attendance is about

100. The Melbourne/Palm Bay area is growing rapidly. We inviteanyone visiting this area to meet with us.

WILLIAM O'NEAL, Route 7, Box 26, Russell Springs, KY 42642— Dorval McClister will begin work with the church at Jamestown, Kentucky on January 1, 1991. He has been with the Burbank, Illinois congregation for the past 21 years. Since he wasborn and reared in Adair County, KY, it is like coming home to himand his wife, Jean. Everyone in the Jamestown congregation is sohappy about his accepting work here.

BOB L. ROSS (Baptist), P. O. Box 66, Pasadena, TX 77501— I note the passing of A. C. GRIDER in the October issue (page 232). Ifirst met Bro. Grider in Annandale, Virginia in 1973 where I was ina debate with Floyd Chappelear. As I had no one to serve as mymoderator, I proposed that Bro. Grider, who was to serve for Floyd,was also acceptable to me and could serve as the mutual moderator,which he did. I called only one point of order during the debate,regarding a chart which was "new material" in a last speech of the evening, and Bro. Grider upheld my point, even though we weredivided over the issues in debate. I developed an immediate fondnessfor him, and it seemed to me that he took a liking to me. Since our first meeting, we have had a few letters between us, and I have alwaysenjoyed his correspondence. He once invited me to come and debatewith him for a month! Despite our differences, I could not help but like him, and I am sure he will be missed by all who knew him.

JIM DEASON, Rt. 1, Box 153, Culleoka, TN 38451—In October I was in a meeting at Carriage Dr. in Beckley, WV where Weldon Warnock is doing a fine work. One was baptized. Then, I went to Pound, VA for my sixth meeting there where Leonard Salyers hasdone such good work for some 13 years. One was baptized here.Health problems have slowed him down some the last two years, butthe fruit of his labor can be seen everywhere.

ROBERT BOLTON, 504 Goodwin Dr., Richardson, TX 75081— After working with the College Park church for almost 17 years, bymutual agreement with the elders, I am restructuring my work as a gospel preacher. As many of you know, for several years I have beenattempting to persuade the brethren to get another preacher. As a result, it has been decided to engage some mature man to take up the work of a local preacher here. I will continue to be fully supported and financially underwritten by College Park, but will be relieved of theburdens of local work. Thus, I will be free to increase my schedule ofgospel meetings, especially with smaller churches that might befinancially restricted. Also, I will be available for Sunday appointment preaching in the immediate area of North Central Texas. Brethren, I do not desire to retire, but simply to rearrange my workin the kingdom of God. My hope is that I will be able to conduct ten totwelve meetings a year as well as do a good deal of appointmentpreaching where needed. Should any congregation, anywhere, desiremy service in such an endeavor, I would be most delighted to hear from them as soon as possible, that I might complete my schedule for the next three years. I may be contacted at the above address or phone

(214) 234-0296.

W. BRADENTON CHURCH RE-LOCATES

The church which has met at West Bradenton, Florida since 1911, has sold the property at 161910th Ave. W. On September 2, 1990 webegan meeting in a meeting room at DAYS INN MOTEL, 15061st St.

W. (Hwy. 41) in Bradenton. Services are at 9 and 10 A. M. and 5 P.

M. on Sundays and 7: 30 on Wednesdays. All correspondence shouldbe addressed to: Bradenton Church of Christ, P. O. Box 10932, Braden-ton, FL 34282. Phone (813) 746-0305. We plan to re-locate atanother site as soon as possible.

A. A. GRANKE, JR, 1 Cherokee St., Sumter, SC 29150—As soon as support can be arranged, my wife, Cindy, and I plan to move toMillsboro, Delaware where I will do the work of an evangelist.Millsboro is situated near the center of Delmarva peninsula, between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. To our knowledge the saints there comprise the only faithful church on the entire 190-milelong peninsula. The nearest sound churches are more than 100 milesaway in Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, D. C. areas. The church began in 1987 with the family of Tim and Connie Fannin. Fouradults they have taught have recently obeyed the gospel and they are studying with others. I am 46 years old and have been preaching since 1970. Personal evangelism is the kind of work to which I am bestsuited. I was born and reared in Delaware and I know the people ofthat area. I will be glad to put churches which are interested in helpingsupport me in contact with congregations which have supported mywork in South Carolina and with other references. My phone numberis (803) 773-0828.

FRED A. SHEWMAKER, 1101 S. W. Dorchester St., Fort St. Lucie, FL 34983—Since our last report on the work in Fort Pierce, Florida,there have been several significant developments. We have converteda garage into three nice class rooms. We remodeled the assembly area,installed a baptistery, tore out the restrooms and built new, larger ones. In January the church assumed support which two otherchurches had supplied for the preacher, and plan in Jan, 1991 toassume that supplied by two other congregations and a part of thatsupplied by the remaining supporting church. We have had 11 baptisms, one restored and 10 have been identified with us. We nowpublish a bulletin, "The Fortifier." Grover Stevens and Eugene Fordwere here in meeting in 1990. Hoyt H. Houchen will be here Feb. 1015, 1991 for a gospel meeting. If you are thinking of moving to Florida,or visiting this state, we invite you to consider the Treasure Coast andthe Fort Pierce Church.

GLENDON MCCLURE, P. O. Box 1413, Antioch, CA 94509—BobbyWitherington, now of Panama City, Florida was recently with us in agospel meeting. We continue to struggle because our number is small,but we press on. We wish to issue a plea to "come over to" Antioch, CAand help us. We would like to interest Christians to come here who love, live and teach the truth; those who oppose worldly living and false doctrine, including false teaching on divorce and remarriage. Weneed people who are grounded and settled, who will not forsake theassembling and who can be depended on. We need people who love the lost. If you are that kind of Christian, then "COME OVER AND HELPUS. "

PREACHER NEEDED

CAMERON, OHIO—The church here is seeking a full time preacher. Cameron is located about 15 miles from New Martinsville, West Virginia and about the same distance from Woodsfield, Ohio.The average attendance is about 40 people. Outside support will be required. We can offer $600 per month support. Contact: Bill Gorrell, P. O. Box 67, Woodsfield, OH 43793 or call (614) 472-5141.

ROCK SPRINGS, WYOMING—The church which meets at 90 Second St., Rock Springs, WY 82901, is in need of a fulltime preacherof the gospel. There are about 50 in attendance on Sunday mornings.The editor of STS preached there recently and was impressed with thepotential for good. Rock Springs is a town of about 12, 000 located on I-80 in the southern part of Wyoming. Some outside support would beneeded. Those interested may contact Al Hasley, 525 Wilkes Dr.,Green River, WY 82935. Phone (307) 875-6669.

FROM AROUND THE WORLD

NORWAY—The church in Bergen has bought a building in which tomeet. They will have the first floor of a building at Steinkjellergate 9.This is located one block from the famous "Bryggen" (harbor front). Itis near several of the large hotels. Though the structure is 150 yearsold, it has recently undergone complete renovation. They could usesome help from individuals in the purchasing of some equipment(tables, lighting, chairs for assembly area and classrooms, table forthe Lord's Supper). They will be able to meet the payments from theirown contributions. Write to: Terrell Bunting, Bronndalen 89, 5071Loddefjord, Norway.

AROUND EUROPE—STEVE WALLACE of Ramstein, Germanyreports on recent trips to various places to preach and encourage the brethren. He has made two trips to Budapest, one alone and one withDenny Diehl of Elgin, IL. Two were baptized and many Bibles andpieces of literature were handed out. Lynn Trapp from Crane, Texasspent about 3 weeks in Budapest in July. During that time he baptized15 people. Derek Chambers and Harry Rice plan to go there in October. Denny Diehl and Steve Wallace also stopped in Prague,Czechoslovakia to gather information for brethren planning to movethere. They handed out literature. The Czechs swarmed around thetable until every piece of literature was gone. John Iguma, one of the original converts in Budapest, has now moved to Vienna, Austria and has already baptized 3 there. Derek and Harry also plan to visit there.Tom Earp, Jeff Young and Bill Bynum are now in Prague. As soon asthey can find housing, their families will join them.

INDIA REPORT

JOHN HUMPHRIES, 8705 Wooded Glen Road, Louisville, KY 40220—Jerry Parks and I completed safely around trip to India for thepurpose of preaching and teaching the gospel of Christ. We were goneabout six weeks in September and October. We had Bible classes forpreachers and any others who wanted to attend at several locationsin various districts in the state of Andhra Pradesh, South India. We presented various lessons on authority, the church and its work,apostacy and history of the church, the plan of salvation, etc. We had prepared workbooks that we handed out to the brethren who attended the classes. We also did a lot of preaching in many villages meetingwith many of the churches to encourage the members.

As you may remember, this past summer Andhra Pradesh had asevere storm that destroyed many villages and killed several thousand people. It was what we would call a hurricane with 150 mile perhour winds. This storm hit the Krishna Delta where many of ourbrethren live. They were devastated. Homes were blown away. Cropsand animals were destroyed. Many of them lost everything. A numberof them were killed. After the storm, because of the water problemsand dead animals, various diseases spread. Malaria, choleras, typhoid and other medical problems caused heavy loss of life.

The response of brethren here was heart-warming. Several thousand dollars in help to the needy saints was sent and also carried byus to the suffering brethren in India. Money was given for food,clothing, shelter and medicine. We have pictures of many of the placesand brethren who were helped. We were able to purchase Bibles formany who lost theirs.

We also had 8 tracts, written by several of us who go to India,printed in the Telegu language. We printed 10, 000 copies of each tract.The Taylorsville Road church (Louisville, KY) made most of thatpossible. Also, some song books in Telegu were printed. Pekin andSilver St. In New Albany (Indiana) had sent money to pay for tractsand song books.

Jerry and I watered where Indian preachers had planted. Webaptized 54. These has been taught by Indian brethren and wereready to respond to the gospel.

India is in great difficulty right now as a nation. There is religiousconflict over a "sacred" temple site presently occupied by a MoslemMosque. The Hindus want the property back in order to build a templethere and the Moslems are threatening "Holy war" if the Hindus try to build there. It has resulted in much bloodshed over the past yearand a half and no end is in sight. Conflict over jobs based on quotasinstead of merit has led to riots and bloodshed. Hyderabad (where wewere) was shut down for days at a time. Buses did not run, stores didnot open, and schools closed down because of the violence.

I will not go into other problems, but just wanted all to realize thatwe were not making a pleasure trip. I had a close call one night whenpreaching in a suburb of Secunderabad. Some Hindus were objecting to the Christians meeting there and came with knives and clubs tostop the meeting. Several brethren were beaten and the brethrenrushed me away from the place (Acts 17: 13, 14).

Though Jerry and I split up to cover more places, we still were notable to visit all the brethren. I have been going to India for the past 14years and see many new churches as a result of the gospel work. I amplanning to return to India next fall.

ITALY—Francesco Fosci of Latina reports three baptisms there inOctober. He also has started a new radio program on Sunday mornings.

Sandro Corazza of Rome is losing a sizable amount of supportwhich places him and the work at Via Sannio in a precarious situation.Several years ago this brother gave up a good job, took his retirementfunds and purchased a small print shop to use in preparing andprinting material in Italian to help further the work. He is now 66years old and past the time when he could find other employment. His wife has had serious physical problems.

Also, Stefano Corazza, who works with Roberto Tondelli in establishing a new work in another section of Rome, has lost a large amountof support. All of the men there face difficulties because of thefluctuations in the value of the dollar in the foreign exchange.

SPAIN—Efrain Perez has just started the second year of a preachertraining program at the Badalona congregation (Barcelona). Attendance recently has averaged 42 with a high of 55 in services. Two morehave been baptized and one restored.

VENEZUELA AND COLUMBIA, SOUTH AMERICA—Carlos Capelli of Buenos Aires, Argentina reports on a preaching trip toVenezuela and Columbia during which four were baptized and onerestored. He says the brethren in Venezuela need Bible literature inSpanish. Ruben C. Amador of Houston, Texas was with the churches at Jose C. Paz and Boulogne in Argentina for gospel meetings inOctober. Much good was done.

Ruben C. Amador makes this comment about false reports on thework in Venezuela. "Since beginning our work in Venezuela throughthe invitation of the sound church in Barinas, distorted reports havecome from the liberal camp. A much circulated paper, THE LATINAMERICAN CRIER, published monthly by the Western ChristianFoundation, Inc. in Wichita Falls, Texas, contains a monthly reportwritten by Bob Brown, missionary in Venezuela. Every other reportcontains false information about the sound work of good faithfulbrethren. These reports demonstrate a lack of love for truth andfairness. Contrary to these reports, the work in Barinas continues and is by far the strongest church in all Venezuela. "

SOUTH AFRICA—Paul Williams' last two reports mention ninebaptisms, four confessions of wrong and two withdrawals. Paul islosing $550 a month support.(EDITOR'S NOTE: It is sad to learn that several good men in foreignfields are losing significant amounts of support at a time when somuch good is being done and so many doors are being opened. There are often good reasons why some congregations have to reduce theirhelp at certain times but we pray that others will see the need and takeup the slack. The fields are white unto harvest. CWA)

IN THE NEWS THIS MONTH

BAPTISMS S21 RESTORATIONS (Taken from bulletins and papers received by the editor)