PURGE OUT THE OLDLEAVEN

There is a definite quality about leaven that causedthe Holy Spirit to use it in connection with the invasion of false teaching into the body of Divine Truth.Literally leaven is sour dough in a high state offermentation mixed with new dough to prepare forbaking. It was forbidden in the house of the Jewsduring the seven days of Passover, as a reminder ofthe haste with which they left Egypt (Deut. 16: 3), Hooffering by fire was to be made unto the Lord withleaven (Lev. 2: 11).

In the New Testament the idea of leaven was used to illustrate the effect of teaching, especially falsedoctrine. Since its fermenting quality indicated the effect upon new dough, the corrupting quality of errorupon truth is the comparison. It also indicated corrupt practices as in the case of the fornicator in 1Corinthians 5: 6, 7.

In Matthew 16: 6-12 Jesus warned the disciples to"Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees." Although the doctrines ofthese two religions differed widely, the same admonition was given regarding both. It makes no difference what the nature of the false doctrine is, we mustbeware of all of them. The disciples thought Jesus wastalking about the fact that they had brought no bread,but he explained: "Then understood they how that hebade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of thedoctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. "

There are some outstanding comparisons between the working of error and the working of leaven in bread. These are the points indicated in the state-ments just read from the word of God: 1) Leaven works silently and secretly. 2) It spreads by contact. 3) It affects the whole lump. 4) It changes every particle with which it comes in contact into its own kind. 5) It can only be destroyed by purging it out of the lump; no part of it can be permitted to remain or it will begin its work over again. 6) It takes only a "little" to do the job. The Lord gave a perfect illustration of the working of false teachers in the body of his disciples.

Paul told the Corinthians what to do about the

leaven working among them: "Purge out therefore the old

leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are un

leavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for

us" (1 Cor. 5: 7). He warns: "A little leaven leaveneth

the whole lump" (Gal. 5: 9). We must oppose sin in any

form and to every degree in the church or suffer the whole

body to be affected and destroyed by error. We had

better learn this lesson well if we want to remain the

peculiar people of God.

Since Jesus used the term "leaven" to describe the

false and hypocritical teaching of the Pharisees and

Sadducees, it is important to learn what this meant to the

people to whom he spoke. These religious leaders came

from the descendants of the twelve sons of Jacob who were

delivered from Egyptian bondage and led by Moses to the

mount where the law was given to Moses for the people.

The law prescribed in detail the worship, priesthood,

personal behavior and duties to God and their

fellowman. The use of unleaven bread and the rejection

of all leaven during the week of Passover was well known

by every descendant of those to whom the law was

delivered.

The Passover was instituted in Egypt before the

children of Israel were delivered from bondage. The

blood of the slain lamb without blemish was to be put on

the side posts of the door and the upper door post. The

first born of all in Egypt would die that night where

the blood was not on the door posts. This feast of

Passover was to be observed every year to the end of the

Jewish dispensation. "And this day shall be unto you

for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your generations; ye shall keep ita feast by an ordinance for ever" (Exodus 12: 14).

One important thing about this feast that was to beobserved with strictest care was that no "leavened" bread was to be used during the seven days of thePassover. The law said all leaven was to be put out ofthe house for the seven days. No one was to eat anyleaven. Any one who did eat leavened bread was cut offfrom Israel (Exodus 12: 15). Even strangers were cut off if they ate any leaven (Exodus 12: 19).

For seven days they were to eat unleavened bread."Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days; andthere shall no leavened bread be seen with thee, neither shall there be leaven seen with thee in all thyquarters" (Exodus 13: 7).

The apostle Paul described the church at Corinth asbeing unleavened, and therefore, they should put awaythe leaven of immorality: the man among them who was guilty of adultery. This is what the Holy Spiritsaid: "Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that alittle leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge outtherefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, asye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover issacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, notwith old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice andwickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerityand truth" (1 Cor. 5: 6-8).

Jesus used the word "leaven" to refer to the "doc

trine" of the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the hypoc

risy of the Pharisees (Matt. 16: 6-12). The doctrine of

the Pharisees produced vain worship because it was a

doctrine based upon the "commandments of men." The

doctrines of men are all doctrines that are not of God.

The doctrine of God—the Father, Son and Holy

Spirit—is one; the doctrines of men are all that men

have developed throughout the ages. They are all alike

in that they reject and pervert the doctrine of God.

Paul said no other gospel was to be received becausethere was no other from Christ. "But though we, or anangel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto youthan that which we have preached unto you, let him beaccursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If anyman preach any other gospel unto you than that yehave received, let him be accursed" (Gal. 1: 8, 9).

The apostle John said: "If there come any unto you,and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into yourhouse, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddethhim God speed is partaker of his evil deeds" (2 John 10,11). Anyone who gives sanction or encouragement tothose who teach any false doctrine, are as guilty as the false teacher. John said so!

The application of the instruction of Jesus regarding the leaven of false doctrines of men must be made todayas it was in the time Jesus made the statements. All leaven must be put away, out of the house. No one can partake of that leaven under any circumstances.

Page 3

"ONE NATION UNDER GOD"

This year over 2, 000 churches of Christ (some reportshave suggested 3, 000) worked together in a nationalcampaign called "One Nation Under God". The elders ofthe Sycamore church in Cookeville, TN have "acceptedoversight" of this project (Update brochure). The whole plan is the brainchild of Horace Burks a business manand deacon at Sycamore. He now serves as nationalchairman of the campaign.

Here is how this project works. Over 2, 000 churchesof Christ (and a few denominational churches) have sentmoney to the Sycamore church. I say they have sent it

— actually, some churches have pledged large sums ofmoney over a period of years. The Sycamore church andits elders have overseen the mailing of 102 millionbrochures into every home in the nation. This claims tobe the largest mailing in U. S. history.

This mailing was preceded by a full page ad in the July 91 issue of Reader's Digest. The brochures were to be received between the first of July and the end ofAugust. Many of these churches planned gospel meetings to be going on about the same time in July. Theupdate literature sent out by Sycamore stated thatresponses that came in to the campaign headquarterswould be sent to the "mission churches. "

What started out as a 17 million dollar project wasreduced to 10 million. I wondered if they just couldn't raise the other 7 million or if they almost wasted 7million dollars. Supposedly, a million is coming out oftwo counties in north Alabama.

The plea for support says, "Perhaps for the first andonly time in our lifetime, will our entire nation have anopportunity to receive the Gospel."

Future Plans

"One Nation Under God" did not end with the national mailing in July of this year. That was phase one.Phase two is scheduled to start in 1992. It will involve mailing brochures to homes in Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean and Eastern Europe. There are other stagesthat continue on until the turn of the century (Centraland South America in 1995, Europe in 1997, Africa in1999). The final phase should begin about 2001 and cover Asia.

A Violation Of Local Church Autonomy

In the New Testament each local congregation wasindependent and autonomous. Elders were ordained inevery church (Acts 14: 23). Their rule and oversight waslimited to the local church where they were appointedelders. Peter instructed the elders to "Shepherd the

flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers..."

(1 Pet. 5: 2, emphasis mine DVR). There is no authority

for the elders of one church to oversee the work of any

other church.

The "One Nation Under God" project violates localchurch autonomy. The Sycamore church is overseeingthe work of over 2, 000 churches. The Christian Chronicle (Feb. 91) stated that Bill Johnson, coordinator for the campaign, said that those who have becomeinvolved have done so because they see One NationUnder God as "an opportunity to evangelize their community, and in actuality, the entire nation, withouthaving to devise a plan for doing so themselves. "

If 2, 000 or more churches can turn part of their

work of evangelism over to Sycamore, then why can't

they turn all of their work of evangelism over to them.

Then, why not all of their other work? Where does it all

stop? If Sycamore can oversee some of the money of

these churches, why not all of the money?

The Sycamore elders have become brotherhood elders. All of the contributing churches are functioning (atleast in this work) under the oversight of one church.They have formed a universal organization — a collectivity of churches. They have a universal treasury fromwhich to function. All of this is foreign to the pages of theNew Testament.

No Authority

The thing wrong with this sponsoring church arrangement is that there is no Bible authority for it. Paulsaid that we must do all things in the name of JesusChrist (Col. 3: 17). John wrote that those who go onwardand do not abide in the doctrine of Christ do not have God (2 Jno. 9). We had better make sure that we can findbook, chapter and verse for a practice before we engage in it.

When God is silent on a matter that does not give uspermission to act. Rather, it is a prohibition to act.Consider Heb. 7: 14 where Jesus was said to be of the tribe of Levi "of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood." Thus, Jesus could not be a priest onearth because God had not spoken on the matter. Godhad only authorized it for the Levites.

There is no Bible authority for the elders of one church to oversee the work of even one other church, notto mention over 2, 000 churches. If it is authorized,where is the passage?

There is no Bible authority for one church to sendmoney to another church to preach the gospel. If it isscriptural, where is the verse?

Parallel To The Missionary Society

Those who have supported the "One Nation UnderGod" project have opposed the missionary society.However, the sponsoring church is parallel to the missionary society. Every argument that can be made tojustify the arrangement at Cookeville, TN can be used tojustify the missionary society. Every objection to the missionary society can also be made against the sponsoring church.

Are We Opposed To Cooperation?

Not at all! When each church is working independently under the oversight of its own elders, each church is cooperating with the others to accomplish the sameend — spreading the gospel. All of the churches do nothave to be joined together in a universal structure or puttheir money in the same pot or under one eldership to cooperate. Let me clarify that with an illustration fromRaymond Harville. When three farmers plow a fieldwith each man having a mule and a turning plow, these men are cooperating to accomplish the same goal — plowing the field. Even though they are cooperating,each mule is working independent of the others. Now,suppose that with double trees and single trees they tie all three mules together to the same plow. There are still cooperating, but each mule has lost his independence.Two of the farmers have surrendered control to other. In one case the mules are functioning concurrently and inthe other they are working jointly or collectively.

No one opposes cooperation. What I do oppose is localchurches functioning collectively under the oversight ofone eldership. One is in the Bible, the other is not.

During the early days of the church, there was aninfluence of philosophers who denied the actual humanity of our Lord and others who denied his Deity. To denyeither is blasphemous. Evidently, these heretics weresome of whom John wrote in his first epistle (1 John

2: 18-ff). It is sad when such characters can have aninfluence with some disciples so that the faith of theinnocent can be destroyed by men who have lost theirlove for the truth of the Almighty.

I have been closely following the controversy in periodicals published by conservative brethren regardingthe Deity of Christ and have tried to digest what theyare saying. Some have been pressed that they havedenied the Deity of Christ. This position has been denied! Then, I read where they say that Jesus did notdivest himself of his Deity, but he "emptied himself ofthose powers and attributes to become man" (WayneGreeson, Faith & Facts, October, 1990, p. 78).

When the position that Jesus emptied himself of theattributes of Deity is expressed, I have noticed thatmany writing on this issue make the same approach towhat they are saying by turning to Philippians 2: 6-8 andimplying that their doctrine is actually taught by theapostle Paul. But how do they prove their proof-text teaches such an idea? They go to other passages to provetheir application of the controverted passage. This wandering through a maze of arguments is confusing tomany by turning attention away from the passage whichis supposed to prove their position.

What is the issue under consideration? Wayne Greeson explains that the issue is: "Do the scriptures teachthat Christ possessed all the powers of God in the flesh?"He then affirms that the Word became flesh and "he emptied himself of certain of the attributes of God" (See Faith & Facts, October, 1990, p. 78). So really, the wholecontroversy must focus upon Philippians 2: 6-8. Let meinvite you to turn to the text and analyze what isactually taught.

The Philippian epistle was written at a time whenPaul was in prison at Rome and perilous times wereconfronting the saints of God. The reality of persecution and apostasy of saints prompted the inspired apostle toexhort the Philippians to maintain their faith regardless of the extent of their suffering. In the second chapter, the apostle urges them to be like-minded,having the same love, being of one accord and mind.Nothing should be done through strife, but in all humility and without any ambition of superiority ofone over the other, but to esteem other better than themselves.

With this setting, Paul then writes, "Let this mind bein you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in theform of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness ofmen: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbledhimself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Philippians 2: 5-8). Let us look at thepassage to see if the claim of some is actually taughttherein.

"Who being in the form of God." The presentparticiple, being, "implies His pre-existent Deity, previous to His Birth and His continued Deity afterwards"(Expository Diet., Vine). The declaration of the unchangeable one is the same person who is "yesterdaytoday and forever" (Hebrews 13: 8). The expression ofPaul is a similar affirmation as found in Exodus (3: 14),when Jesus applied the same to Himself (John 8: 58), and also indicated by John (Revelation 1: 4). All of these expressions show the pre-existent state prior to the moment and a continuance after the fact.

Before the Word became flesh (John 1: 14), He was inthe form of God. The word form (from morphe) is definedby Thayer, "the form by which a person or thing strikesthe vision; the external appearance" (Lexicon, Thayer,

p. 418). In heaven the Word bore the form of Deity withall of His attributes, power and splendor. Is it possiblefor the human mind to grasp the idea of Deity and at the same time able to express it in the language of men? Thehuman mind can only come forth with a minimal ofunderstanding of His Being of the highest degree ofomnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence and glory.The form here referred to must have been somethingbefore he became a man, or before he took upon him theform of a servant... He himself speaks of the glory whichhe had with the Father before the world was" (AlbertBarnes, Philippians 2, pp. 169-170).

"Thought it not robbery to be equal with God."The word robbery (arpagmos) is an interesting word andespecially so in this text. It means "a thing seized or tobe seized, booty, (Lexicon, Thayer, p. 74). Thayer adds "athing... to be retained, Phil 2: 6" (ibid). The import of thistruth is Christ in reality was in the form of God, but Hedid not jealously seek to retain His equality with God,but was willing to divest Himself so as to appear to sinful man.

"But made himself of no reputation." The King James Version translates the word keno in our text, "ofno reputation." Most of the translations of my referenceuse the word empty rather than reputation. Thayertells us the word meant "to empty, make empty" (Lexicon, Thayer, 344). He further comments, "he laid asidequality with or the form of God (said of Christ), Phil 2: 7"(ibid). There was something of vast importance which our Lord was willing to give up, or empty Himself, so asto become a sacrifice for sinful man. The context tells us of what He emptied himself. It was not His Deity norany of the attributes of Deity, but He divested himself ofthe form of God. This was in order to appear to man, notin the form of God, but in the appearance of man, in the form of a servant. Some of the liberal commentators express the idea of Jesus divesting himself of His

Deity (See William Barclay, Philippians, p. 45). I believeAlbrecht Oepke expresses the truth on the matter."What is meant is that the heavenly Christ did notselfishly exploit His divine form and mode of being, but by His own decision emptied Himself of it or laid it by,taking the form of a servant by becoming man" (Kittle,Vol. 3, p. 661).

"And took upon him the form of a servant, andwas made in the likeness of men." The word took (laubano) means to "take in order to wear, i. e. to put on" (Lexicon, Thayer, p. 370). Our Lord laubano, i. e. He "puton" flesh of men. His being was in the form of a servant.His mission was to perform the work of a servant andwas regarded as such. By so doing, He descended to thelowest condition of humility, without a place to lay Hishead, and regarded as the lowest of any of the humanfamily. He was defamed. False charges were brought against Him. He was rudely assailed. Men spat uponHim, smiting with their hands. Sport was made of Himas a means of entertainment. But, as a lamb, He opened not His mouth and went to the slaughter. However,nothing in all of the Word of God reveals that theattributes of Deity were divested, or emptied, when our Lord took on the form of man! To those who think that Philippians 2: 6-8 teaches that Christ emptied Himself of His Deity, will you please take the controverted passage and give us an exegesis which convincedyou to believe such an idea?

"And being found in fashion as a man." The incarnation of Christ was a man in "form, bearing,language, action, mode of life, wants and their satisfaction, etc, in general the state and relations of a human being, so that in the entire mode of His appearance Hemade Himself known and was recognized as a man"(Philippians Epistle, H. A. W. Meyer, p. 77). EmptyingHimself of the form of God and existing as a man with all of the attributes of a human, and at the same time possessed all of the attributes of Deity, provision wasmade for the only acceptable sacrifice for the salvation of man.

"He humbled himself, and became obedient."

Christ humbled Himself, not to appropriate the dignity nor the appearance of an earthly sovereign before amaterialistic people, rather that the demands of God's law might be fulfilled, in order that man might beredeemed. Jesus, our mediator, redeemer and saviourobeyed His own law in the giving of Himself as the onlyoffering which could be made. Christ humbled Himself as He allowed lawless men to nail Him to the cross,abusing Him as they regarded Him, not as a man, but asa worm (Psalms 22: 6-ff) — and they killed Him!

And, I read where some have said, "Jesus was a man.He had given up, limited, surrendered, abdicated, ordivested the privileges, prerogatives, and powers of thedivine Son of God. While on this earth, he lived as a man,not a superman" (John Welch, Faith & Facts, October,1990). No, reader friend, Jesus was not just an ordinaryman, a guy like you and me! Jesus Christ, indeed the Sonof God, "in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godheadbodily" (Colossians 2: 9).(From The Discerner, August 1991 originally in the Preceptor).

The foregoing article by brother McDonald expresses my own views on Phil. 2. Since I am unableright now to do my normal work at my desk (whilerecovering from back surgery), I wanted this to appear.

Brother John Welch in the last issue of FAITH AND FACTS has challenged for a debate in Louisville andhas left the churches and preachers of this city under a cloud. It is his contention that the issue of the Deity ofChrist is linked to the questions of "continual cleansing" and whether or not man "has to sin." The otherpreachers in Louisville can speak for themselves, but Ido not believe there is a single one who would link these matters together.

I want to go on record that I believe brother JohnWelch and some other writers in FAITH AND FACTS have taught error on the nature of Christ. I do notbelieve that when he came to earth, he divested himselfof the attributes of Deity. It is foolish to say one believesin the Deity of Christ and then start subtracting fromhim those attributes which make him divine. Others have already offered to publicly discuss the issue of theDeity of Christ with John Welch. I will add my own name to the list. I will debate him on the following propositions, provided honorable and equitablecircumstances can be arranged:

RESOLVED: The Scriptures teach while Jesus wason earth, he possessed the attributes of Deity.

Connie W. Adams, affirms; John Welch, denies.

RESOLVED: The Scriptures teach that when Jesuscame to earth he divested himself of the attributes of Deity and was just an ordinary man.

John Welch, affirms; Connie W. Adams, denies.

We have seen issues come and go but it is the studiedconviction of this writer that no more serious issue has arisen in my lifetime than this one. The nature of Christis central to everything I believe about him and all I doin his service. It is directly linked to my salvation. Weshall see what we shall see.

HOW DO I KNOW WHAT MY PRIORITIES ARE?

The young man who came to the Lord asking what

good thing he should do to have eternal life probably

would have said that spiritual concerns were his highest

priority. But when he was told to sell what he had, give

to the poor, and follow Jesus, "he went away sorrowful,

for he had great possessions" (Mt. 19: 22). What he may

have said about his values indicated one thing. His

actions indicated another.

If we are not constantly careful, our list of prioritiescan become disordered. At such times, being honestenough to face the truth about the situation is not easy.When anyone asks what is most important to us, the tempting thing is to answer in terms of what we knowshould be most important. Because we think we are moving more or less in the direction of putting firstthings first ("I plan to pray and study my Bible more justas soon as I can get my schedule under control, etc., etc.,etc. "), we may think that gives us the right to say thatspiritual concerns are our top priority right now. But the Lord does not judge what our priorities are by listeningto our theories. He looks at our practice. And if we do notsomehow gather our courage and look, as He does, atwhat means the most to us in actual fact — and repentaccordingly — eternity holds no hope for us. Before it istoo late to make any changes, we need to be askingourselves some blunt questions about what our prioritiesreally are.

What would others say our priorities are? Others

may not know us as well as we know ourselves, but they

are often more objective about what they do know. The

neighbor who lives next door could probably sum up in a

word or two what we are really about. Perhaps more than

anybody, our children are able to cut through our preach

ments and tell what actually matters most to us in the

rough and tumble of daily living.

What do we think about? Our true priorities are thethings our minds are drawn to when they are "in neutral." When activities and obligations do not require us tobe thinking about anything in particular, our thoughtsare attracted, like filings to a magnet, to our real enthusiasms. The person who finds that he meditates on Godonly when he forces himself to do so is lying if he says thespiritual life is his overriding concern.

What do we talk about? The conversations we

engage in arise quite naturally out of the things that are on our minds. If we have to admit that we rarely talkabout the Lord except in connection with the services ofthe church, that ought to tell us something. And even ifwe do sometimes talk about spiritual matters, if ouracquaintances would have to say that our conversation gravitates more naturally and enthusiastically toward other things, then there is serious doubt whetherour ultimate priorities are really spiritual.

How do we spend our time? Hardly anybody hasas much "spare" time as he would like. But all of us havesome, and the way we spend it displays our priorities. Ihave known families, for example, who "vacationed" bytraveling to gospel meetings or Bible lectureships atcongregations in distant states. Judging from their useof time that was theirs to do with as they pleased, onewould tend to believe such folks if they said they lovedthe Lord more than anything. On the other hand, I haveknown folks who all their working lives complained thatthey did not have as much time as they wanted to do the Lord's work — and then spent virtually all of theirretirement years in personal leisure, with perhaps lesstime devoted to the Lord than before! The fact is, the waywe spend our time speaks loudly regarding our values.

How do we spend our money? Suppose a Bibleclass teacher recommended a $25 reference book that would help us in our study of the Scriptures, but we saidwe could not afford it. Suppose a preacher recommended a $15 a year periodical that would help us grow spiritually, but we said it cost too much. If it was known that wesometimes spent that much on sporting events and recreational activities, that it was not unusual for uswithin a month to spend that much eating out, that wewould not object to spending that much on decorative home furnishing, etc., could anyone take seriously ourclaim that the Lord is our uppermost concern?

What "gives" when we face a conflict of priorities? Of the many conflicts involving priorities,perhaps none are more annoying than "scheduling"conflicts. Unable to be two places at the same time, wevery often have to sacrifice one activity for another.When that happens, if we subordinate the things of theLord to worldly activities, we give the lie to our professed priorities. In the matter of sports, to take a familiarexample, if we can manage it such that our Softballleague and the services of the church hardly ever conflict, that is all well and good, but it says relatively littleabout our priorities. When the occasional conflict doesarise, that is when we make a statement about our priorities. The same is true of work. If, in order to makeoccasional business trips, we have been willing to violate our commitment to assemble with the brethren (wehave likely persuaded ourselves that we "had no choice"but to go—without even telling our boss that we wishedto be excused), we may try to make it look as if we chose between one thing that was "optional" and another thatwas not. But, in truth, we have simply demonstratedwhich of our various priorities we are willing to makethe bigger sacrifice for. Indeed, it is when prioritiescollide that we learn the most about ourselves, ourvalues, and whether the Lord reigns within us or not.How then do I know — in all honesty — what my

priorities are? By looking at what I am, in fact, doing with my life. Paul wrote, "To whom you present yourselves salves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom youobey, whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness" (Rom. 6: 16). At least one thing would seem to be clear: I cannot pour the first and the best of what I aminto pursuing what has euphemistically been called the American Dream and still turn around and say I love theLord with all my heart. I cannot go "all out" for one thingand then truthfully claim that something else is moreimportant. Jesus said, "No one can serve two masters... You cannot serve God and mammon" (Mt. 6: 24). Where my priorities are, there will my energy and enthusiasmbe also.

MULES IN "HAWSE" HARNESS

Mammy, the indomitable slave in Margaret Mitchell's literary masterpiece, Gone With the Wind, had these pointed words of rebuke for her young mistress:

"... Miss Scarlett, lissen ter me. You ain' nuthin' but a mule in hawse harness. You kin polish a mule's feets an' shine his hide an' put brass all over his harness an'hitch him ter a fine cah'ige. But he a mule jes' de same. He doan fool nobody. An' you is jes' de same. You got silk dresses an' de mills an' de sto' an' de money, an' you give yo' self airs lak a fine hawse, but you a mule jes' de same. An' you ain' foolin' nobody needer. An' dat Butler man, he come of good stock and he all slicked up lak a race hawse, but he a mule in hawse harness, jes' lak you. "

Wouldn't you agree that there are a lot of mules inhawse harness around today? Some of our nationalleaders fit that portrayal. They exhibit a lot of glitter.They manufacture a lot of smooth talk. But they showlittle concern for the true welfare of the nation. Solomon said, "Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who will be admonished no more"(Eccl. 4: 13); and, "I have seen servants on horses,while princes walk on the ground like servants" (10: 7).

I have known of some church bosses who were nothing but mules in hawse harness. Some of thesewere self appointed, and some were recognized aselders of a congregation. But "bosses" best describesboth their attitude toward the church and the relationship they sustain to it. They will have their way or bust.They are lords over God's heritage and the worst sortof examples to the flock (1 Peter 5: 3). They are cast inthe mold of Diotrephes, who "loves to have the preeminence" (3 John 9).

Some preachers are mules in hawse harness. Theyare like the Pharisees who were meticulous about the external things of the law (which they should have been), paying their tithes of mint and anise and cummin, and yet neglecting the weightier matters of justice and mercy and faith (Matt. 23: 23). They strain out the gnats (which seems to be a prudent exercise), butthey swallow the camel, hump and all.

These lords of the pulpit and printed word surveythe brotherhood terrain faithfully to see if something issaid that they might possibly take issue with. Theygive no quarter. They show no mercy. They are defenders of the faith, and pity him who dares to questiontheir methods.

They are not invincible. But they often fit the description that Andrew Jackson gave of an opponent: He saidthat fighting the man was like wrestling a pig. You bothget dirty, but the pig likes it.

These champions often leave a local church bruised,broken, and divided by their diatribes, tirades and polemics; and the community amused at the incongruity of one who knew it all and was aware of so little. They are "jes' mules in hawse harness. "

Many women fit the description that Mammy gave ofMiss Scarlet. Even some in the church. They are muchlike the women whom Isaiah described. The Living Bibleparaphrases: "Next, he will judge the haughty Jewishwomen, who mince along, noses in the air, tinklingbracelets on their ankles, with wanton eyes that roveamong the crowds to catch the glances of the men... theLord will strip away their artful beauty and their ornaments, their necklaces and bracelets and veils... theirscarves and ankle chains, headbands, earrings, and perfumes, their rings and jewels, and party clothes and negligees and capes and ornate combs and purses; theirmirrors, lovely lingerie, beautiful dresses and veils..."

(3: 18-23).

Not that most of those things are wrong in themselves.But those women were like those of whom Solomon had spoken: "As a ring of gold in a swine's snout, so is a lovelywoman who lacks discretion" (Proverbs 11: 22). A girl canwear her gold, diamonds, and expensive clothes; her falseeyelashes, mascara, and beautifully coifrured hair. Buther true beauty will not exceed her standard of righteousness and morality. Without such, she's "jes' a mule in hawse harness. "

Let's look beyond the brass harness, and the spit and polish and take note of the critter that's prancing about.

Let's not be followed by mules in hawse harness.

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THE SPIRIT OF THE LAW

Those who take liberties with God's revelation sometimes justify their practices by saying that while theyare perhaps not adhering to the letter of the law, theyare keeping it in spirit. By "the spirit of the law" theymean its general intent. They often brand those of uswho insist on doing exactly what God has said, no moreand no less, as legalists. Do we need to loosen up a bit?Is the spirit of obedience sufficient to please God?

The Letter and the Spirit

Paul contrasted the letter and the spirit in 2 Cor. 3.He said the letter kills but the spirit gives life. Does thatmean doing the gist of what God says results in life, butfollowing Him more closely sounds the death knell?Besides being illogical, such an interpretation ignoresPaul's context. By the letter and the spirit (or Spirit), hemeant the old and new covenants. The old was a ministry of death, of condemnation: it had no means of takingaway sin. The new is a covenant of life, of righteousness,thanks to Jesus' atonement. Therefore it is clearlysuperior and far more glorious. Yet some at Corinthwere stubbornly clinging to the letter, the inferior covenant, whose glory had faded. This was Paul's point. Tomake this general vs. exact obedience is to insert acompletely foreign idea into the text.

Romans 2: 27-29 presents the same contrast with a different emphasis. The Jews gloried in their uniquerelation to God, their superior law from God, and circumcision, the sign of these things. But they madesuch poor use of their advantages that they were reallyno better off then the Gentiles. The value of circumcision was contingent on keeping the covenant it represented.To fail to obey it was to become as one uncircumcised, asone outside the covenant. Conversely, some Gentiles did a better job of keeping the covenant than the Jews did!That led Paul to conclude, "He is not a Jew who is one outwardly; neither is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. But he is a Jew who is one inwardly;and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men,but from God." As William Barclay ably put it, "To be areal Jew is not a matter of pedigree but of character. "

The contrast is made a third time in Rom. 7: 6. "But now we have been released from the law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve innewness of Spirit [or spirit] and not in oldness of theletter." Like a woman whose husband has died, the Jews are dead to the law of Moses through the body of Christand free to remarry. Christ is the groom. When joined toHim we can bear fruit unto God. As in the earlier comparisons, the letter and the spirit stand for the oldand new covenants. There is no hint of ballpark vs.precise obedience. In fact, Paul went on to explain thatone of the great benefits of the old law was that it precisely defined right and wrong. The problem wasthat it had no means to remedy violations of it.

An Illustration

Having looked at the passages which make the letter/spirit distinction, let us now consider an O. T. incidentwhich demonstrates God's thinking about obedience.

God assigned King Saul the task of punishing theAmalekites for ambushing His people when they wereon the way to Mt. Sinai. His instructions were explicit:"Now go and strike Amalek and utterly destroy all thathe has, and do not spare him; but put to death both manand woman, ox and sheep, camel and donkey" (1 Sam.

15: 3). Saul amassed a great army and immediately wentinto battle, winning a decisive victory. The generalintent of punishing Amalek was accomplished. However, Saul spared Agag and the best of the animals.

Saul met Samuel on the way home from his conquestand greeted him readily. "Blessed are you of the Lord! Ihave carried out the command of the Lord!"

When Samuel pointed to the animals Saul was bringing back as evidence that God's will was not done. Saulexplained that these were for sacrifice, but all else wasutterly destroyed. Samuel was not impressed. Again hechallenged Saul: "Why then did you not obey the voice ofthe Lord... ?"

"I did obey the voice of the Lord, and went on themission on which the Lord sent me, and have broughtback Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. "Saul felt good about his standing with the Lord. Hewas confident that he had obeyed, that following thespirit of God's command was sufficient. Samuel was equally confident that it was not. Which was right? LetGod answer. "I regret that I have made Saul king, for hehas turned back from following Me, and has not carried out My commands" (v. 11). Through Samuel, He went onto accuse Saul of rebellion and insubordination.

Conclusion

God did not reveal Himself so that we would have some ballpark idea of what he expects of us. The HolySpirit directed the very words of Scripture to assure usa precise account of God's mind (1 Cor. 2: 12f). Who arewe to dismiss the details of His requirements as nonessential, or to substitute for what He has specified under the guise of keeping the spirit of the law? If thespirit of the law is to do what God wills, what better wayis there to show that spirit than to do precisely what He says?

THE QUEST FOR THINGS

This is a true story. The names have been omitted, notso much to protect the innocent, but to tell this accountin a more objective way.

In a major southern city there was a fine family. Thefather and mother were both Christians with two fine small children. They all attended faithfully at a nearbychurch of Christ. They were a big asset to the church.They were all happy and the church was happy withthem.

Things changed. He decided to take an early morningpaper route in addition to his nine to five job. This wasthe beginning of sorrows. To get up in the wee hours inorder to deliver his papers he had to go to bed very earlyand family life was interrupted in the evenings. On Sundays the delivery was very time-consuming due tothe size of the paper. He started getting home too late to get ready to go to services so he sent the family onwithout him and he attended the evening service.

Things changed again. She decided to help out ontheir bills by taking a job also. She needed some new clothes and another car. This necessitated the need for a maid to come in and take care of the children. So in order to make more money it cost more and more to livethus increasing the need for more and more money. The rat-race was on.

The family life began to disintegrate. They hardlysaw each other except to wave at each other in passing.Then the children became more and more unruly and would obey only the maid. They wondered why theyloved the maid more than themselves. Well, the maidwas there. That's why.

They became irritable and edgy and had quite a fewfamily spats. Church attendance was relegated to thebackground in spite of the urgency of the elders for themto be faithful. Others from the church went to see them to encourage them to once again take their proper place in the congregation. All of this did not avail.

Finally, thank the Lord, they became so tired thatthey could hardly make it from day to day. Then, like theprodigal son they came to their senses. Once more theywould allow the elders to help them figure things out.Here's what happened.

He quit the paper route. She quit her job. They soldthe second car. They discharged the maid. They got their family back. They decided to live within their means onhis salary, maintain a proper family life, regain theirchildren, and came before the Lord and the church asking forgiveness for their covetousness and resultingunfaithfulness. They cried for joy when they came forward and brethren cried with them. This case turned out all right in the end.

I am thinking now of many other cases here andthere. It is evident that some are making the samemistakes as those we have mentioned. They are on a tread mill which gets faster and faster. Some cases havealready resulted in a broken home and leaving the Lordand His people. Others will soon be there as well. Unlessthey heed the Word of God and the advice of faithfulbrethren.

Some of the most enriching times of our lives werewhen Wilma and I had less of this world's goods. That's when the family really has to pull together. That's when the family is truly close. That's when we learn truly what happiness and contentment is all about.

Let's now hear from the Scriptures on this. Hebrews

13: 5 says, "... be content with such things as ye have..."Proverbs 15: 16, "Better is little with the fear of the Lordthan great treasure and trouble therewith. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is then a stalled ox and hatred therewith." Again in Proverbs 17: 1, "Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full ofsacrifices with strife. "

Less is better than more if more leads you away fromthe God of Heaven and the family goes down the drain.I plead with the young families to heed the warning. Wewho are now older can see where you are heading. Willyou take heed?

WHAT ARE YOU WILLING TO GIVE UP?

"Again the kingdom of heaven is like a merchantseeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it"(Matt. 13: 45, 46). Jesus used this man to demonstrate that when something is of supremeimportance to us we're willing to give up anything toattain it. This certainly should be our attitude towardthe kingdom of God.

One does not become a Christian and remain faithful without sacrifices. It's important that before you makethe commitment to live for Christ that you "calculate thecost" (Luke 14: 28) of that commitment. Jesus said,"Whoever does not carry his own cross and come afterMe cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14: 23). Is goingto

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heaven the most important goal in your life? What are you willing to give up to go to heaven?

ARE YOU WILLING TO GIVE UP YOUR PAST SINFUL CONDUCT? The Corinthians had to give uptheir sin (1 Cor. 6: 9-11). The idolater had to give up hisidolatry, the adulterer his adultery, and the thief hisstealing, in order to obey the gospel and have his sinsforgiven. I am amazed at the fact that some seem tothink that they can obey the gospel and continue to livejust like they had before. People seem reluctant to giveup their immoral dancing, their immodest dress, theircorrupt language, and their social drinking. But give itup you must if you want to please God! If going to heaven is the most important goal of your life you'll be glad tomake this sacrifice however difficult it may be.

ARE YOU WILLING TO GIVE UP SOME OF YOUR FRIENDSHIPS AND FAMILY TIES? Jesus taught thatthis is sometimes necessary (Matt. 10: 36) and continuedto say, "He who loves father or mother more than Me isnot worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter morethan Me is not worthy of Me" (Matt. 10: 37). One young man I know took a stand for the truth years ago and he remains in isolation from his father till this day.Some are counted as dead by their families becauseof their acceptance of the gospel. Are you willing tomake that sacrifice? Is going to heaven that importantto you? It ought to be!

ARE YOU WILLING TO GIVE UP SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE? Sometimes that decision on whether or not to give up social acceptance is not altogether yours. If youmake the determination to leave a life of sin and live godly there are some who "are surprised that you do notrun with them into the same excess of dissipation, and they malign you" (1 Pet. 4: 4). Past friends and acquaintances sometimes become uncomfortable with your newlifestyle and will feel betrayed because you have chosento no longer live in the ways that they continue. Theybegin to avoid you. But such is sometimes the price offollowing the paths of righteousness. Whether or not weare socially accepted means little compared with the importance of going to heaven. If we must sacrifice suchto go to heaven then so be it!

ARE YOU WILLING TO GIVE UP MATERIAL POSSESSIONS? Speaking to the Hebrews, the writersaid, "you... accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a betterpossession..." (Heb. 10: 34). They obviously believedthat going to heaven was important enough to give uptheir material possessions if necessary, and they did!How-ever, we live in such a materialistic age that I fearmore would be like the rich young ruler (Matt. 19: 1622) then these Hebrews. The time that is needed todevelop ourselves and our families spiritually is often sacrificed on the altar of materialism. The extra car or bigger house, to many, are more important than going to heaven and helping others to get there. But itshould not be so! "For what does it profit a man to gainthe whole world and forfeit his soul" (Mark 8: 36)? On the day of our death the make or model of our car andthe number of bedrooms in our house will make no difference at all. However, whether or not we made heaven the most

important goal of our lives will make a great deal ofdifference. No material thing in this world is worth theloss of even one soul. If you miss heaven, then you've justmissed everything!

What is the most important thing in your life? Whereis your time, talents, energies, and resources beingspent? I hope, and the Bible teaches, that your mostimportant goal should be heaven. Is it?

PULPIT AND PICK-UP MINISTERS

A few years back I received an unusual request toperform a marriage ceremony. Prospective brides andgrooms have been known to be irrational at times, but this particular request was still a bit unusual.

First, the couple waited until the night before thewedding to call the preacher. All other arrangementshad been made, and they knew that they would need apreacher, but they still put it off until the last minute. I had made other arrangements, and could not grant the request on such short notice.

When I told them I could not meet their deadline, theyasked, "Well, do you know any other preacher who hasa pick-up truck?"

Then I found out why they wanted me for the ceremony — I owned a pick-up. It seems that they wantedsomeone to haul their wedding presents from the reception to the house, and they lived on a side road that wasmore receptive to pick-ups than to automobiles. Besides,a pick-up had more cargo volume than the trunk of a car.I suggested another preacher who had a 4-wheel driveBronco, and I guess the couple got married. I neverheard.

The moral of this little episode is not that preachersare above lending a helping hand, or even a pick-uptruck if he has one, but that some folks have somestrange notions about the official functions of preachers.

Some brethren use the term "pulpit minister" in aderogatory way, indicating that some preachers follow a sectarian pattern in the performance of their duties, asopposed to a Bible pattern. I guess one would have to beblind, ignorant, or both, to deny that such situations do exist.

But on the other hand, just because a preacher spendsa good deal of time behind a stand, or in an area designated as a pulpit, does not necessarily prove that he subscribes to ministerial functions of a sectarian nature.

First, there is nothing wrong with standing or on apulpit while preaching. The people built one for Ezra(Neh. 8: 4). When a preacher is situated where he can see, and be seen by, the audience, it makes more sense than sitting or standing out in the audience or in the back of the house.

Second, a preacher can still be called a minister, andperform the duties inherent in that term, without subscribing to some sectarian practice or theology (1Tim. 4: 6). Further, he can preach to all who are inneed of the gospel message, including weak or strongchurch members (2 Tim. 4: 1-5; Titus 2: 1-15). Most ofthe New Testament is addressed to those who are Christians, and after the apostles had baptizedpenitent believers, those converts were to be taughtfurther (Mt. 28: 19, 20). Paul, Barnabas, Mark, andSilas went back and exhorted brethren in the churches even after elders had been appointed (Acts14-15).

Therefore, while I am not going to endorse doctrinesand practices of sectarian origin, neither am I going to be intimidated by the just-as-sectarian idea that a preacher cannot "locate" with a congregation andpreach to an audience which contains members of thechurch. A few preachers have been born in the objectivemood and kickitive case, weaned on sour grapes, whileprofessing to be "free spirits" and accusing their brethren of being in bondage. Often, the very ones who accuseothers of being judgmental, sectarian, and bond servants, are themselves guilty of that which they condemn (2 Pet. 2: 19).

In all this, preachers still need to keep themselvesfree from any situation which would tend to compromise their effectiveness and independence as good ministers of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 9: 19). And brethrenneed to refrain from expecting the preacher to do hiswork, as well as the work of elders, deacons, and half thecongregation. If he is going to hold down four jobs, heshould be paid for doing four jobs—now, and in eternity.

Under the best of conditions, preaching is a stressfulactivity. The very brethren who heap more stress uponhim will sagely remark at his nervous breakdown orfuneral, "It's a shame. He should have taken better care of himself. "

For years I owned both an automobile and a pick-up truck. For the past few years, I have driven only pickups, and have no desire or plans to own another automobile. I enjoy the convenience of a pick-up for my own personal use, and delight in using it to help a brother orfriend.

And, I have preached in all shapes and sizes ofpulpits from Canada to Florida, and to the PhilippinesIslands and back. Brethren who know me also know that the gospel I preach is not for sale or compromise,and love me for it.

But if some strangers out there somewhere thinkthat they can take advantage of a preacher just becausehe stands behind a pulpit or sits behind the wheel of apick-up, they need to be educated in no uncertain terms.

GOOD SAMARITANS FOR FLORIDA COLLEGE

They all showed up the same day and all except one left about the same time two weeks later. They camefrom "all over" in response to a genuine need of FloridaCollege. Some were experts in carpentry, some in painting, some in general maintenance. All of them are activeand well-along-in-years citizens in heaven's kingdom.They paid their own expenses to come from several statesto be "Good Samaritans" in behalf of the young people who attend Florida College and to lend a helping hand toan already overworked year-round maintenance crew ofFlorida College. Some of them had sent their childrenhere and grandchildren of some have been or are now enrolled.

The men who responded to our new President's request are the following: Gene Compton, Baytown, Texas;Willard Derryberry, Spring Hill, Tennessee; Jack Dugger, Nashville, Tennessee; Jeff Haselden, Sr., Lugoff,South Carolina; and Don Roberts, Brentwood, Tennessee.

Any person who has spent even a short time on the campus of Florida College is aware of various on-the-spotneeds of this school. Some of these needs are obvious at a casual glance but to the carpenter, painter, plumber orgeneral maintenance worker, that which needs attention immediately becomes an "eyesore." FortunatelyFlorida College is rich in such "friends of youth. "

Our new president, "Colly" Caldwell, is well acquainted with many men who qualify as "friends" to hundreds of young men and women who have come hereas students and left as graduates. Some have sent theirown children and others have sent their dollars or become "overnight" parents to students and teachers visiting their areas in recruiting students, traveling with thechorus, debate, or athletic teams. Many who have neverbeen on campus are among the most loyal supporters theCollege has.

So what did Colly do in his first few days as President of Florida College? The answer: He called on men whocould carpenter, plumb, paint and pray to come for a few days in August to work with their heads and handsbecause their hearts were known to be identified with what the College has done for their own children and seeks to do for their grandchildren! Most of these men Ihave known firsthand for some 30 years or longer andone was a classmate 57 years ago.

With their own heads and hands these men have attended to physical needs on the Florida College campus which have gone unattended for many years

— not because none was aware of these needs but because there were already a dozen needs ahead and crying for attention. These men have given more thanmoney. They have given themselves! Yes, their time,their expertise, their energies, but most and best of all — themselves! This is the spirit that has madeFlorida College possible and will keep it going as long as there is need for the type education this schooloffers.

Only one other man has been officially connectedwith Florida College longer than I and none otherknows better than I the thousand-and-one thingsneeded to "make the old mare go!" When I see men myage willing to give their time, money, energies, andexpertise as these men who have been here for the pasttwo weeks have given, I know that there must behundreds of others alive who thank God that their own sons and daughters were able to drink from thesame fount of which they drank decades ago.

With the resignation of brother Lloyd Copelandfrom the Board of Directors at its last annual meeting,not one of the original Board members remains. Yet allpresent Board members I have known many years.There is not one of their number I do not trust implicitly regarding both character and his soundness "in the faith once delivered to the saints." Practically allof them are alumni or sent their children here. This Directorate made no mistake in its choice of Colly Caldwell to be the new President of the College,successor to Bob F. Owen, who served well for nine years.

The response of aging brethren of many talents toColly's invitation to come and assist mentally andphysically is evident that those who have knownFlorida College through the years believe it deservestheir sweat as well as their dollars and tears. That God may bless you richly with students and finances essential to Florida College's continuing progress is theprayer and hope of your friend and brother, James R.Cope.

Preachers depending on outside support are pleading for help. Without immediate relief many will have to stoppreaching. Our economic recession is hitting them veryhard. This is especially true overseas. An American preacher in Japan lost $2000. 00 per month. In the first 15 days of January, one not-very-large congregation received22 desperate appeals from preachers who had lost support. That number may be unusually large... but notmuch, and the situation is common.

I am also experiencing this while trying to raise fundsfor my March 1991 preaching trip to the Philippines.Faithful brethren there have appealed for me to come helpin their work. Many churches have replied they are unable. Their letters read, "We have lost members, and ourcontribution is down," or "We are fully committed andcannot help anyone else," or, "The recession caused manyof our members to cut their contributions. "

U. S. brethren are retrenching. Nowhere is this moreso than in churches supporting preachers besides theirlocal men. Church contributions are dwindling asmembers reduce their giving. In time of lowered incomes,this seems only proper. We regret sincerely the hardshipwe cause those who depend on our support. However, we believe it is beyond our control.

Nothing could be father from the truth.

I have a fair knowledge of life beyond our shores. I spent five military duty tours overseas, and later made fivepreaching visits to the Philippines. Even in recession, ourstandard of living and prosperity still far surpass every other nation on the top side of God's earth! We have dupedourselves into believing yesterdays' luxuries are today'snecessities. We wallow in things. We take for granted we need refrigerators, stoves, freezers, TVs, electricity,VCRs, inside plumbing and all this means, telephones, airconditioning, dishwashers, and many other conveniencesunavailable until recently.

In sharp contrast, I have been in the homes of manyFilipino saints who have NONE of those. These brethrenwould give all they have just for running water in theirhomes. What we call "poverty level," they consider undreamed of wealth. Brethren, 50 years will get most of us.One hundred will get us all. Then it will not matterwhether we had a new car every three years, one or two TVs and VCRs, wore silk or cotton socks or went barefooted, ate steak, hamburgers, or went hungry. Only onething will count. That is what John wrote in Revelation

2: 10.

This is more than a matter of perspective. By "retrenching" and reducing our giving to maintain ourstandard of living, we jeopardize spreading the gospelby preferring our conveniences above others' salvation. Putting our "gimmies" ahead of the needs of Christiansmaking great sacrifices to preach the gospel elsewhere,we slow the spread of God's Word. We also undermine our own salvation. Read James 2: 14-26.

Brethren, please don't quit supporting preachers because "times are hard." Don't let spreading of thegospel stop because we want to maintain our "standard of living." We don't know how exceedingly well off we are materially, even in the midst of "recession," nor howdesperately others need our help.

I am happy to be a soul winner because more thananyone else in the church I, and thousands of others likeme, insure that the church of the Lord will continue toexist in our communities.

No matter how great or polished a speaker may be,the churches of America today will cease to exist if weare to depend solely upon the effect of pulpit preachingwithin the four walls of our meetinghouses.

Little is known about Andrew, Simon Peter's brother,but that he heard John the baptist identify Jesus ofNazareth as the "Lamb of God," and went immediatelyto tell his brother (John 1: 41).

Philip achieved early notoriety by searching outNathaniel and telling him, "We have found Him, ofwhom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote,Jesus of Nazareth..." (John 1: 45).

Jesus commissioned the twelve apostles and sentthem out to preach only to the lost sheep of the house ofIsrael (Matthew 10: 1-15). He later sent out seventy (Luke 10: 1). After His death and resurrection He expanded the commission — "Go into all the world andpreach the gospel to all creation" (Mark 16: 15). Thislatter plan was mapped out at the Ascension when Hesaid, "You shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, andin all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest partof the earth" (Acts 1: 8).

The apostles worked from house to house, and thenumber of the disciples was increasing daily (Acts 2:46-47; 5: 32). The apostles thought it improper to neglect the word of God, but rather used their time in prayer andthe ministry of the word (Acts 6: 2-4), "and the word ofGod kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly" (Acts 6: 7).

Even those who were scattered by violent persecution went about preaching the word, and people "were beingbaptized, men and women alike" (Acts 8: 4, 12).

Although the church of the first century grew by greatadditions, and proceeded further even to multiplications, the people did not beat a path to the doorway of the apostles. Rather, the apostles and others had to carrythe gospel to the people. They were like salesmen for theLord, presenting the message of the gospel to the people,and "asking for the order." People had to be persuaded with reasoning about righteousness, self-control and judgment to come (Acts 24: 25). Not every one obeyed,just as not all obey the Lord today. Learning to acceptrejection is necessary for salesmen and soul winners! When one person declines, it is necessary to go on to thenext one. Good and honest-hearted people like theeunuch, Cornelius, Lydia and the Philippian jailor arewaiting eagerly for an opportunity to obey the gospel,but we need soul winners to teach and persuade them.

There is a growing spirit of professionalism on thepart of some of our preachers by which they deem itimproper to go out to win souls. They feel rather that they should do the studying, and the members shouldbring others to them. Even some elders see themselvesserving only in an "advisory capacity." Such attitudeslead to the death of the local church. Soul winners must carry the banner forward, for only soul winners canblaze the trail which leads to growth and expansion inthe kingdom of Christ.

Soul winners save souls from death, and cover amultitude of sins (James 5: 19-20).

As a soul winner you can do more to insure that thechurch will be here for your children and grandchildrenthan anyone else. Soul winning fills the pews. Standingin the forefront of the battle for truth sharpens ourskills, strengthens our personal resolve to do right, andexposes our weaknesses like nothing else will or can.

"I want to be a soul winner for Jesus every day; Hedoes so much for me!"

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

TOMMY THORNHILL SR. — I have been laboring with the MacDill Ave. Church of Christ, 5008 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa, FL 33611 since August 15, 1990. The attendance has increased and so has the contribution. There have been 8 baptisms and 3 restorations. Thischurch is the closest congregation to MacDill Air Force Base. If anyreaders have relatives or friends that you would like me to contact. Iwill be glad to do so. The spirit is good and the brethren are determined to grow stronger. You can contact me at the above address, or telephone (813) 837-2384 (office) or (813) 837-5225 (home). I mightadd, this is my second time to work with this church. I labored withthem from Sept. 1964-Sept. 1966, before I moved to Bergen, Norwayfor five years. Let us hear from you.

FROM AROUND THE WORLD PHILIPPINES — Dominador J. Neniel, 9404 Magpet, Cotabatoreports ten restorations, four baptisms and two preachers to come outof the liberal group.

Body C. Gumpad, P. O. Box 808, Tuguegarao, Cagayan — Perhapsyou have heard about the continuous eruption of the volcano in the province of Zambales. By God's help we are not directly hurt here inour area. We thank you for your prayers for us. Four volcanoes locatedhere in the province of Cagayan (Mt. Didicas) are also showing abnormality and might also erupt. If this happens, great tidal wavesare expected. May God continue to protect his people.

The effort at Tuguegarao continues to prosper. We had four baptisms in June. However, we have lost ten due to transfer. We alsolost a young couple who went back to the Devil. We had 59 in attendance last Sunday (July 7, 1991) with P328. ($12. 61)collection.

The dry cough of our little boy, Teddy, (two months old) has turnedinto a whooping cough, besides that he has Allergic Bronchitis and Allergic Rhinitis. We hope he will be cured soon.

William R. Lagan, Sr. — I don't know if there is a church of Christ in Samar, a neighboring province of Leyte and Bicol. Since I have beena member of the church, I have not heard of a single church of Christin Samar. Samar is the birthplace of my wife. Since there are somerelatives there (that we taught last year), my wife and I are willing togo there. I have seven languages to speak and preach, so I believe I cando the work of an evangelist in that area.

Samar is a place where many rebels are, such as the New People's Army and Communist Party, in the Philippines. This is the primecause why many are afraid to go there. Please help us.

SOUTH AFRICA— Paul K. Williams, P. O. Box 324, Eshowe 3815

— On the second Tuesday night of the meeting David Ngonyamapreached at Mapumulo, he introduced six young women who had beenbaptized that day. Several of the young boys at Mapumulo who were baptized last year are not attending. Whether we can restore them Ido not know.

Gladys Wells (81 years old) of Sacramento CA arrived in Johannesburg on July 14. Each morning Tressa Mithethwa (18 years old)comes to the house where Gladys tutors her in Braille. It will not belong until she will be able to read well enough to read the Bible inBraille. We are to put her on the plane for London Aug. 5.

Ray Votaw, Box 801, Springs 1560 — Brother Michael Mabenaasked me if I would accompany him and others to Phola Village in theWitbank Highveld area for some preaching. As it turned out the preacher for the local "liberal" church met with us with most of his members. He wanted to speak and the Phola brethren gave himpermission. He told them he knew all about me and how I had divided the church there and "carried away" some members. Brother Alfred Mogani stood up and went back some 20 years and related how thatbrother "Vote" had first brought the gospel to that area. With a vividremembrance of people and dates he mentioned those who had beenconverted through the years by me and the preachers I had introducedin the area. Then he related how that just a few years ago apostatebrethren from Withwatersrand (Benoni) came out and tried to disruptthe faithful church there. Although I enjoyed the activities there, it was through tear filled eyes that I drove back to Springs whilethinking about all the sunshine which had recently gone out of ourlives through the deaths of 2 daughters in the past year. What I'm trying to say, brethren is, Yes, I cry a lot these days. I get so tired I hurt.Many times I feel almost overcome with depression. But my workcontinues.

I have been urged by the white church in Port Elizabeth to comedown in a couple of weeks for 2 or 3 days and evenings of "open forum."The church there is split into 5 or 6 different groups (Institutional),Christian church and Crossroaders).

I received a message from brethren in the independent black stateof Venda — way up on the Zimbabwe border — to come and do someteaching. I still plan to work with and through the local black (Kwa-Thema) church in strengthening other black churches in both urban areas and homeland villages. We especially want to be active in thetribal state of Lebowa.

I realize that some of you have probably planned your budgetswith the view in mind of my returning soon. In fact, I have already lost$200 per month. We would like for you to keep us in mind as you make your plans for the future.

ITALY — Rodolfo Berdini, Via G. Perego, 58 H, 00144 Rome — Ourcongregation in Aprilia meets twice during the week, on Tuesday andThursdays for Bible Studies, and on Sundays for Bible classes andworship. In June I was invited by the Pomezia church to lecture about Mary. The lesson was well received, not only by brethren, but also bythe non-Christians.

The Pontino local paper published several articles which I wrote onvarious Biblical subjects. I still marvel of what a good possibility wehave to preach through a local paper.

Francesco Fosci, Via G. Leopardi, 5, 04011 Aprilia — In Latina Church the things are doing fine. Now we are studying about the devil's personality and in which way he is "seeking whom he may devour." In this way we will be able to fight against every error. LastSunday there was 15 of us in attendance to worship. My radio programis continuing on Sunday morning. This is heard in many cities:Lantina, Aprilia, Cisterna, Nettuno, Anzio, Velletri and so on. We are receiving some phone calls from our telphonic secretary, but every one of them without result. I was invited by Pomezia Church (whereRoberto Tondelli preaches) to preach about the Jehovah's Witnesses doctrines.

EASTERN EUROPE — Gary Ogden, 803 W. Maloney St., PlantCity, FL 33566 — In June 1991 brethren Harry ("Buddy") Payne, Jr.,Gary Ogden, Joe Rose, Lonnie Fritz, and David Teel spent three weekson a "soil testing" mission in several Eastern European countries. Wespent some time with the New work in Praque, Czechoslovakia. Atleast six have been baptized in the last few months. That work is goingwell, but the American preachers are leaving by the first of the yearand we need someone to go and take up their work.

From Prague, we spent a couple of days in Brno, Czech, and found conditions ripe for the gospel. Dale Smelser is now going down to Brnofrom Prague and doing some follow-up teaching. After that, our itinerary included Budapest, Hungary; Bucharest, Romania; Sofia,Bulgaria and Belgrade, Yugoslavia. In each city we handed out Biblesand correspondence courses, talked with people on the streets and invited them to Bible studies back at the hotel in the evening. Wedistributed 1200 Bibles in English and various languages and studied with 60 people, some of them more then once.

We are convinced that there is indeed an open door of opportunity in these countries and that we must take advantage now. The denominations and our institutional brethren are going in by thedroves. We must increase our efforts to spread the simple message ofthe gospel to a truth-starved people. If you would like more information about the work and what you can do, call Buddy Payne (813) 9889426 or Gary Odgen (813) 752-2227.

SOUTH AMERICA— Fernando Venegas P., Casilla# 122 C. C.,5500 Mendoza, Argentina — The work in Mendoza continues tomarch steadily forward. We have between six to ten visitors in attendance for most of our services. This is due to many factors. TheChristians here have been sharing their faith with others. Our radio program, which has been off the air for nearly six months, still brings us some searching for the truth. It has been nearly three weeks since one visitor, Liliana Bermudez, in her late twenties,was baptized into Christ.

MEXICO — Ray Madrigal, 165 Hillington Drive, Paducah, KY 42001

— During the weeks of July 28 -August 4, 1 had the opportunity topreach a series of Gospel Meetings in Guadalajara, Mexico. The series was unique in that special classes were arranged for the young peopleon the subjects of atheism, denominationalism, authority, evidence,courtship, marriage and divorce. Young people from all over the country (Monterrey, Matamoros, Linares, etc. ) traveled to Guadalajara to participate in these classes. In many cases, they had to endure a 21-hour bus ride one way. Many had to take a week off(without pay) in order to attend. Typical housing arrangementsincluded 10 or more people sharing a single bathroom and blankets onthe floor for sleeping. The state of the church in Mexico is full of hopeand prosperity. Much of this spiritual strength can be attributed to thework of Apolos Rodrigues, the local preacher in Guadalajara. On thefinal night of the meeting, four were baptized into Jesus Christ.

DEATHS DORVAL L. McCLISTER, who labored in the Chicago area for32 years as a preacher of the gospel, left this life on July 22, 1991, atthe age of 62. He labored with the church in Crestwood, IL for 10 yearsand with God's people in Burbank, IL for 22 years. In January of thisyear he moved to Jamestown, KY to work with the brethren there. OnApril 5 dad was diagnosed as having an inoperable brain tumor. After hisdiagnosis he was not able to preach again due to the aggressive natureof his illness, the effects of the radiation and chemotherapy.

The funeral was held in Colombia, KY, just a few miles from wheredad was raised. He was buried on July 25 in the McClister familycemetery in his home town of Fairplay, KY. Melvin Curry, a longtimefriend of our family, and who first encouraged dad to take up the workof preaching the gospel, preached the funeral. Our family was well-comforted by several brethren in the Lord. To them all we express oursincerest appreciation. — David McClister, 7845 Cottonwood, Lenexa, KS 66216.

SPECIAL SERIES AT ANNANDALE, VA

The Annandale church of Christ is planning a special series ofstudies designed to "equip the saints" for the work of the ministry. Thedates are Oct. 28-Nov. 1, 1991. There will be four sessions each morning.

At the 9: 00 a. m. hour the theme will be "Starting From Scratch

— Building A New Work." Mon.: "Picking a place" — DavidBrewer. Tues.: "Door knocking" — Alan Williamson. Wed.: "StartingClasses" — David Brewer. Thurs.: "Discouragements" — Alan Williamson. Fri.: "Set in order" — Ron Roark.

At the 10. 00 a. m. hour Ney Rieber will speak each day on"Prison Efforts — Bible Correspondence Courses — Use Of Tracts."

At the 11: 00 a. m. hour the theme will be "The Church In The

Twentieth Century." Mon.: "Using TV" — Rick Russell. Tues.: "Using

Computers" — Tim Stringer. Wed.: "Using Newspapers" — Floyd

Chapelear. Thurs.: "Newsletter." Fri.: "Ethnic Diversity" — Sam

Turrentine.

At noon hour Floyd Chappelear with address the theme: "How toTeach The Bible In The Class Setting. "On Saturday (Nov. 2) there will be a special four hour class (9:00 a. m. to 1: 00 p. m. ) on song leading taught by Alan Malone.

If you are interested in attending and want a place to stay contactDerrick Proctor, 4731 Hersand Ct., Dale City, VA 22193 or call (703)680-3420.

NEW WORK IN LAKE CHARLES, LA

A new conservative church has been established in Lake Charles, LA. We began meeting Sunday, Aug. 4. We are meeting, temporarily,in the Kinder Care Learning Center at 4630 Nelson Road, across the street from the new Wal-Mart Store, located on the corner of McNeese and Nelson Road.

There were 12 present for our first morning worship service and 13present for the evening service. Our mid-week services will be conducted on Thursday evenings at 7: 00 p. m.

If you know of any contacts we can make in the Lake Charles area,please write to: Kenneth R. Hoyle, P. O. Box 6414, Lake Charles, LA70606. If you are traveling in this area, we would be happy to have youvisit with us.

SAINTS IN STURGIS, MS SUFFER FOR CHRIST

AN UPDATE BOBBY HOLMES, 219 Timothy Trail, Duncanville, TX 75137, RON HALBROOK, 654 Gray St., West Columbia, TX 77486 — As wepointed out earlier, when the Sturgis building was constructed about1984, these brethren were put under the oversight of the Lee Blvd.church. The Sturgis brethren learned the truth about the autonomyof the church and requested in early 1988 that their treasury and deed be turned over to them, in keeping with the scriptures.

The Lee Blvd church relinquished Sturgis' treasury, but retained the deed to Strugis' property, though they offered to sell Sturgis theproperty for $35, 000. When additional efforts were made in late 1990 to persuade Lee Blvd. to give the Sturgis deed to the Sturgis brethren,the deed was transferred instead to a third church: the Hwy. 82 churchin Starksville. The Hwy 82 church planned to sell the property andevict the Sturgis brethren. When the Sturgis church asked for help inresolving this injustice, brother Thomas D. Keenum, Sr. of Booneville, MS recommended that Sturgis offer $17, 000 to Hwy. 82 to settle for the property.

The Hwy 82 church agreed to sell the Sturgis church building tothe Sturgis church for $17, 000 but set a deadline of May 1991 toreceive the money. Brother Keenum told Hwy. 82 that more timewould be needed to raise the money, and understood that Hwy. 82accepted this arrangement. Appeals for individual help in raising the

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money began appearing during June and July 1991 in gospel paperspublished by faithful brethren. The response has been good. As this"update" is being prepared in mid-July, well over $3, 000 has beenreceived.

The Highway 82 church notified the Sturgis brethren to vacate theSturgis church building because it has been sold to a denominationalgroup for $19, 000! Furthermore, Hwy. 82 says they have alreadyspend the money on a building program for themselves!

Rather than take the Lee Blvd. and Hwy 82 churches to court,brother Keenum urged the Strugis brethren to suffer the wrong and let the final accounting be made at the Judgment Bar of God, He had urged them to find another piece of land to purchase, offered to provideany needed legal services free to secure a clear deed, and promised tolocate brethren who will donate their labor to construct a new meetingplace. He estimates that a modest building could be put up for about$20, 000, including the land and materials.

These brethren are already searching for a new piece of property.Error and liberalism have no ethics. Let us unite our hearts in prayeron their behalf. Let those who have the ability to send $5, $25, $50,$100, or whatever we can to the Strugis Church of Christ Building Fund, P. O. Box 418, Booneville, MS 38829.

PREACHERS NEEDED CLEVELAND, TENNESSEE — The Hwy. 64 church of Christ atCleveland, TN is seeking a full-time evangelist. Cleveland is located 30 miles north of Chattanooga. The church is small (35 members) andhas great potential for growth in a city of 29, 000. Some outside supportwill be required. If interested call Larry Butler (615) 479-9483, BillWoodall (615) 339-0094, Robert Callahan (615) 479-8892 or JohnStiner (615) 334-9664.

OGDEN, UTAH — The church in Ogden needs a preacher to work with them. Being small in number, they need a man who hasretirement income, social security or who can raise outside supportThey have a house, pay utilities and health insurance. If interested, write to Church of Christ, 910 23rd St., Ogden, UT 84401 or call (801)394-1397, or call Mike Umphrey (801) 399-6363.

LAKE CITY, FLORIDA—The Lakeview congregation in Lake City,FL is in need of a full-time evangelist. We are self-supporting. Please address all correspondence to Lakeview Church of Christ, P. O Box34, Lake City, FL 32056-0034, or contact Vernon Crawford (904) 7522829 or Harold Taylor (904) 752-2476.

MERCED, CALIFORNIA — The 20th St. church in Merced, CA islooking for a full-time preacher. Attendance averages 50. Located inthe center of the San Joanquin Valley 60 miles north of Fresno and 120miles south of Sacramento. If interested call the elders: Wes Cox (209)722-5440 or Dean Gibson (209) 722-7967.

PREACHER AVAILABLE JOHN D. BERLIN, 3558 Concerto Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45241 — After nearly five years with the church in Evendale, OH we arelooking to relocate. I have been preaching for 18 years. Please call ifyou are interested (513) 563-7439.

IN THE NEWS THIS MONTH

BAPTISMS 369RESTORATIONS 40(Taken from bulletins and papersreceived by the editor)