THEY KNEW NOT WHY THEY CAMETOGETHER

By the authority of Jesus Christ saints all over theworld come together upon the first day of the week tobreak bread, and to engage in other expressions oftheir praise and adoration unto God in spirit and truth (Acts 2: 42; 20: 7; 1 Cor. 11: 17-34). In variouslocalities churches assemble for worship and edification each Lord's day, and at other appointed times between Lord's days. In many cases some of those people who come together do not have any real understanding why they have assembled. Some assemble to fulfill a duty to the church; some to criticize and find fault;some to sleep; and some come to play; some come because they like the preacher. The reasons for the assembly of the saints are clearly taught in the wordof God.

An assembly of citizens in Ephesus resulted from acomplaint by Demetrius, a silversmith who madesilver shrines for Diana, the goddess of the Ephesians.He called together the workmen of the same occupation as that of himself and proposed a solution. "For acertain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, whichmade silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gainunto the craftsmen, whom he called together with theworkmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye knowthat by this craft we have our wealth. Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almostthroughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded andturned away much people, saying that they be nogods, which are made with hands: so that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also thatthe temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed,whom all Asia and the world worshippeth" (Acts 19:24-27).

The whole city of Ephesus was said to have beenfilled with confusion. "Some therefore cried one thing,and some another: for the assembly was confused: and the more part knew not wherefore they were cometogether" (Acts 19: 32). Most of those in the assemblydid not know why they were there.

This reference to an assembly did not refer to thechurch meeting, but was a mob created by Demetriuswho was concerned about losing his trade. The circumstances of this assembly may be much like that of the church in many places today. In almost any assemblyof any size there are those who "knew not whereforethey were come together. "

Some people use the assembly of the saints as a place to make friends and acquaintances for businesspurposes and to plan socials for the coming week. Thishour of public assembly for worship and edification issometimes used to promote picnics, parties, showers,etc. One would think the singing and praying are secondary matters.

Some think they come to the assembly to accommodate the preacher and elders. It is as if they viewedthemselves as clients, doing a great favor to the preacher by coming. If the preacher speaks too plainlyof their sins, they threaten to quit coming to the assembly, and sometimes they do. They are doing him aservice by coming, they think.

Some come to the assembly to be seen: to show off' their new clothes. These use the assembly as a timeand place to impress others with appearance, and viefor popularity with the group. They do not know thereal reason for the assembly.

Some make their plans to rest and even get a nap forthe afternoon activities when they come to the assembly of the church. No higher purpose for the assemblyoccurs to them.

Why do we meet together on the first day of theweek? It certainly is not for the above reasons. We areauthorized to assemble to "break bread" (Acts 20: 7).

We must not forsake the assembling of ourselves together to exhort and provoke one another unto goodworks (Heb. 10: 25). We will say that the church assembles on the first day of the week to worship the Lordand to teach and exhort one another—to edify the bodyin love.

Worship consists of singing: teaching and admonishing one another; praying: the church prayed together inan assembly for Peter (Acts 12: 5, 12); preaching:Paul preached to the disciples assembled on the firstday of the week (Acts 20: 7); breaking of bread:eating the Lord's supper in memory of his death (Acts

20: 7; 1 Cor. 11: 20-34); and giving of our prosperity to the work of the Lord (1 Cor. 16: 1, 2; 9: 14; 2 Cor. 11: 8).The combination of all these expressions of worshipinclude nothing more than worship to God and edifying the church. Other matters should be left outof the assembly on the first day of the week. We hearfar too much about profit and pleasure and far too littleabout the word of the Lord.

Prepare your hearts and lives to meet with the saintsof like mind on the first day of the week to get the mostfrom the worship to God at that time. If you come withthe right heart and for the right purpose, you will beblessed beyond your expectation.

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OUR GLORY AND JOY

Why do faithful men preach the gospel? Is it an egotrip in which men delight in the large audiences theyhave addressed, the well-known churches they haveserved, the honors heaped upon them, and whether ornot their names are "household words" in a large brotherhood? Is it to glory in the vanquished foes in and out of the church when issues, serious and otherwise, createtensions?

Paul said "For though I preach the gospel, I havenothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woeis unto me, if I preach not the gospel" (1 Cor. 9: 16).Of his own countrymen he said "My hearts desire andprayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved" (Rom. 10: 1-2). To the Romans he said "As much as in meis, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are atRome also" (Rom. 1: 14-15).

But no passage better expresses the motivation of thefaithful preacher of the gospel than his statement to the new converts at Thessalonica. "For what is our hope, orjoy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presenceof our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy" (1 Thes. 2: 19-20). Earlier in that chapter he wrote of his work among them marked by courage,fidelity to the Lord and his word, unselfishness, gentleness as a nurse with her children and understanding asa father with his own, and all to the end that "ye wouldwalk worthy of God." His overriding ambition was topresent them blameless before the Lord at his coming.

Such men do their work because they love the souls ofall people. They are willing to "spend and be spent," togo to the ends of the earth, if possible, for them, to snatchsome out of the fire. They are willing to work whethersupported by the church, or by the labors of their own hands so they can continue the work of telling the old,old story of Jesus and his love. They delight in teachingthose, who like the Thessalonians of old, receive it "notas the word of man, but as it is in truth, the word of God"(1 Thes. 2: 13). To teach these receptive souls, see thembaptized into Christ, and then to see their joy andeagerness to learn and grow—that is their glory and joy.Then to watch as they mature into strong Christians,able to digest the meat of the word, and see them takeplaces of responsibility and leadership among the saintsof God — that is their glory and joy. To see them handleadversity with faith and courage — that is their gloryand joy. That glory and joy cannot be put into a check from the treasurer. It does not come from brotherhood adulation or tributes of praise from the famous. It is the sustenance of devoted servants of God the world around,whether breaking fresh ground in eastern Europe, amidthe poverty of India or the Philippines, in China where every Bible study session poses the threat of arrest, imprisonment, or possible execution, or in the heartland ofthe USA where general apathy toward spiritual interests makes the hungering soul the more unique.

If it is the "glory and joy" of the faithful to see earnestsouls preparing well for the presence of the Lord, it isalso the greatest sorrow to see the work destroyed. Paulwrote of this when he said "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now ifany man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because itshall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall sufferloss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire" (1Cor. 3: 11-15).

While there is no joy to compare with seeing honestpeople obey the truth and then grow in grace andknowledge, neither is there any sorrow to compare withseeing once eager young Christians growing weak orfalling away altogether. Thank God the teacher will notlose his reward because the student turns out to be "wood, hay or stubble." One of the greatest joys of my lifewas to baptize a young man in Norway in February,1958, the first fruits of the gospel in that land. It was aglory and joy to see him lead in public prayer for the first time, then later hear his first attempts to preach thegospel. Ah our ship left port that night in September,1959 headed to New York, this young man stood on the dock with a small band of disciples and I commented tomy wife that this young man would "stand until thejudgment." But I was wrong. What had been a glory and joy turned to bitter tears and disappointment for theHarrises who remained along with the Pierces, and forme, when this young man left the truth and disturbed the faith of others. That ache continues to the presenthour. What preacher of the gospel, having labored foronly a few years, cannot identify with this case and multiply accounts from his own work?

It would help all preachers of the word to reassesstheir motives for preaching against the background ofthese statements from Paul which we have noticed. It would equally help Christians in their relationship withthose men who preach among them to realize that trueservants of the Lord are doing this for YOU. YOU aretruly their glory and joy. Whether or not they everbecome famous, ever write a book, ever have a publicdebate, ever speak on a lectureship to a large audience,or ever preach outside their own county, does not reallymatter to them as long as YOU are growing in yourservice to God so that you may be presented to Christ athis coming. That is what makes such men endurehardness as good soldiers of Christ.

Think about it brethren. When you are tempted to quit, or you think you are not being fairly treated, or thatyou are not appreciated, or that you could make a lotmore money in business, or... well, whatever, please ask yourself, What is my glory and joy? Am I doing this sothat others might "walk worthy of God"?

There is a wonderful phrase in the apostle Peter's instructions to married Christians which speaks of their"being heirs together of the grace of life" (1 Pet. 3: 7). If she lets her beauty center in the gentle and quiet spirit, thehidden person of the heart which trusts in God, as shemaintains moral purity and follows the leadership of herhusband in the home; and if he gives honor to her, understanding her needs; their prayers will not be hindered and they will be "heirs together of the grace of life. "

The ultimate "grace of life" inherited by the children of God is, of course, that undeserved eternal blessing ofthe life beyond. There is, in addition, for those who loveand pray and share and care as Jim and Georgia Deane Cope have these past forty-six years a certain shared"grace of life" upon this earth. God caused Solomon to write: "He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord" (Prov. 18: 22).

We share sadness today, but through our tears wesmile and feel a profound sense of joy that she was partof our lives. We also cannot help but be happy as we lookby faith at the wonderful experiences she has nowentered. And we feel an excited sense of encouragementin the memory of all the wonderful experiences shebrought into our lives by the grace of the good Providence of God. In all of those ways, she would not like forthis to be an unseemly or unhappy time for us.

All of us will always remember Georgia Deane asamong the most graceful and beautiful women we everknew. The bright colors in her clothing, the radiant glowin her eyes, the captivating smile that brightened herentire face, and the charm of her expressions (both facialand verbal) were inescapable... they drew us to her likethe brilliant light of the sun or the fragrant aroma of a rose in full bloom.

But like the woman described by Peter, her realbeauty to us was not the outward appearance. Shepossessed all that and more; and as she added years, sheadded grace and charm. Age seemed only to enhance herbeauty and the calm and quiet spirit which accepted change with dignity and poise only added to our picturesof her beauty and made her appearance even morepleasant to all of us. Where her beauty was really found,however, and it was always so, was in her character... the kind of character that God has blessed with the "grace of life. "

To me, and I think to most of you, the beauty inGeorgia Deane's life centers in two great qualities. First,her understanding of who she is. Sister Cope committed her life to Christ and first and foremost she wanted to be a Christian. She saw herself simply as that... no more,no less, and in that fact she seemed always to be herself.She was equally at home with those of us who have littleas with those who walk with kings... and she wantedus to be so... to be ourselves before God and men. She entertained very important people with grace andcharm, but she loved to be with those important peoplewith whom she could share a taco and talk about familyand church. I never knew her to seek any kind ofrecognition for herself. She simply served others—ALLothers often at great cost to her own personal needs,when it was easy and when it was not.

And that brings us to say that her beauty is also found in our knowledge that the guiding principle applying allthe beliefs and values in this woman was one articulated by her Lord when he said the "greatest among you shall be your servant. "Truly she was as giving a person as Ihave ever known. Even in dying she put others beforeherself. Perhaps especially in dying, she showed her lovein how much she cared that her loved ones were all okay.I wish all of you could know as we know that to end thesuffering of these last days was her wish for Jim andConnie and Sissy much more than for herself.

And she was thankful: a gratitude that was articulated almost unbelievably to me when she said that God was blessing her by her illness in letting her experiencethe love her family and friends showered upon her invisits and cards and beautiful flowers and words. That was an experience she saw as a great gift given by the Lord.

One time a man asked Jesus, "Who is my neighbor?"I cannot imagine Georgia Deane asking that question.First of all, she considered everyone who contacted herto be important to her and a part of her life. She sewedup the students' ripped clothes, she made little meringue "Connie Kisses" by the thousands, she fed andcared for the brethren... because others were important.But beyond that, I think Georgia Deane would neverhave made that statement because she thought more interms of "family" than "neighbors." The church is herfamily. The people, all the people, here at the College areher family. Her friends are "family" to her.

Of course, she has her own immediate family which she literally served until the moment she left us and whoin many ways she will continue to serve through all shehas already done. She came out of a wonderful Tennessee family of Christians. Her grandfather McFarlandwas an elder in the Donalson church near Nashville and her grandmother was a fine Christian named GeorgiaEllen. Her mother was named Naomi after that wonderful mother in the Bible and her father, Charles Combs,was a dear man who walked along the streets of TempleTerrace greeting us in his own way. Georgia Deane andSissy gave themselves to their father's care as long as hewas with us. Her sister, Sissy, who is here today was almost her twin... a year and day separated their birthdays, but there was not a year and a day separating theirlove and devotion to one another as the dearest and closest of sisters.

Isn't God's Providence wonderful. Let me tell you a story. When Georgia Deane's parents married, theywent to Texas on their honeymoon and never returnedto Tennessee. Brother Combs worked in Galveston for the old Wells Fargo company until 1941 when his job moved the family to Dallas. It was there in the summerof 1944 that Jim Cope came to the Preston Road church for a meeting. On the opening day, he met the youngwoman who would be his bride for life. He had preachedfor four years on a regular basis at Donalson where hergrandfather McFarland now in his nineties had servedas an elder, but he had never seen Georgia Deane, exceptperhaps in a family picture or two, until now. During thenext two weeks she heard him preach every evening,spent almost every moment during the daytime hours inhis presence (at his insistence we might add) and beforehe returned to Tennessee she had promised to becomehis wife.

Can anyone doubt her loyalty and dedication to Jim? 'The heart of her husband safely trusts in her. "

She has been in his love and she bore his children. She has been his friend and confidant and she never violated his trust or broke his confidence. She has been his helper, intellectually and emotionally and he has always been proud to have her at his side. They read theBible together, they prayed together, we know they haveshared and we trust they will share the "grace of life" together.

She has been his homemaker in the truest and fullest sense of all that that means. She has cared for so many in their home. She has literally fed thousands. She didit for Jim and she gave all that from her love... and it was not easy to do. A private, quiet life would have fit herpersonal desires much more.

Jim could well have written the words of that beautiful song we often hear on the radio: "It must have been cold there in my shadow; you always walked a step behind; I was the one with all the glory; while you were the one with all the strength; I never once heard you complain." And had he written these words, he would have gone on to say, "It might haveappeared to go unnoticed, but I've got it all here inmy heart; Did you ever know that you're my hero,and everything I'd like to be? I can fly higher thanan eagle, cause you are the wind beneath mywings. "

And her children, they call her blessed. She gave somuch to them without regard for herself... beginning inthe labor which brought them forth. When Jim had to begone to find help for this school or to preach the gospelof Christ, she took the support of his work and the family as her mission in life, and she cared for Connie and Cathy and "Butch" and nurtured them and loved themand their mates, Mike and John and Jenny, unselfishly.Her touch was gentle and comforting. Her voice waspleasing. Her nature was sympathetic. She was fulfilled as a wife and mother. She loved her grandchildren andher new great-granddaughter. She certainly wanted toshare the "grace of life" with them.

I do not believe that love ceases when one moves to be with the Lord. Jesus spoke of the concern of one who hadpassed into the spirit realm for his five brothers on earth. Be that as it may, I know our love for GeorgiaDeane did not suddenly stop when she went away. Shewill always be there in Jim's heart, and in the hearts ofher family, in mine and Lynda's, and in all of yours. Andshe would want us to love one another as well so we can share the "grace of life" with her.

I want to close with some verses from God's word. The Bible passages I find myself wanting to read today arenot the passages that speak of death and mourning. Ithink Georgia Deane might like for us we read one likethis: "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honorone another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal,but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Sharewith God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not beproud but associate with people of low position. Do not beconceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do right in the eyes of everyone" (Rom. 12: 10-17).

As we pray for God to comfort Jim and this wonderfulfamily, let's pray also for God to bless Georgia Dean'sextended family, all of us, with the same spirit she hadso that we might practice the words we have read in ourlives as she did so that we all may share the "grace of life" together with Georgia Deane.

"For the God of Israel says that He hates divorce"(Malachi 2: 16).

One of the greatest tragedies to face this countrytoday is the breakdown of the family unit. With nearly50 percent of all marriages ending in divorce, the firststep to solving the problem is to recognize that there isa problem. Furthermore, members of the Lord's church must not bury their heads in the sand and ignore thesame problem within the church. Many Christians arelearning more from the world than they are from God and consequently are ending their marriages also.

Everyone needs to take a serious look at what ishappening. I fear that these matters are being taken too lightly. We have a tendency to think, "it can't happen tome." We have probably all thought that about a familythat now have divorced. We then sit back and wonder with complete amazement, "How? Why?" Actually we know how and why; I just don't understand how or whyChristians let such things happen. It is a real problemthat needs to be addressed and seriously thought about,because with the breakdown of the family comes even a more serious problem: the rejection of God and Hiswill.

Divorce is a tragedy for several reasons. Consider acouple.

1. It shows a disregard for God and His word. Anytime a divorce takes place, there is sin involved bysomeone. And how often do we see those who getdivorced completely fall away afterwards? People are entering marriage these days with the concept thatthey can get a divorce if things just don't work out. Marriage is held in contempt by those who advocate "trying each other out" by living together first. Peopleare entering first marriages with pre-nuptial agreements, just in case they might need a divorce (this is notto suggest that all such agreements are wrong; just the ones that do it with a view toward divorce). Otherssubstitute the vows "until death do us part" with "untilthe love between us dies." Such attitudes are geared fordivorce in the first place. We should not be surprisedthey are so common.

Yet, the tragedy so close to home is that Christiansalso show disregard for their vows to each other.Members of Christ's body, including elders, deacons,and preachers are leaving their families and rejecting the will of Almighty God. Instead of letting our lightsshine and holding fast the word of life (Phil. 2: 15-16), we are giving non-Christians opportunities to blasphemeChrist. It ought not to be so! "Marriage is honorableamong all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge" (Heb. 13: 4) How many souls will be lost to the cause of infidelity or the abandonmentof responsibility?

2. Divorce has a deep effect on many people. It embraces a large circle of people. The divorcing couplecannot rightly say that they are the only ones involved.There are the friends, the church, the family, and mosttragically, the children. Sometimes families that seemedto be pillars get divorced and the effects on the church areastounding. Churches can be torn apart, the very heartof their activity and encouragement ripped out when a family whose example is so strong breaks up. Some losetheir faith, and others might think, "if they can't do it,how can I?" It can become a serious stumbling block to many.

But perhaps the most affected and least thought of inthese situations are the children. Divorce is somethingthat will have a dramatic impact on the rest of their lives.It's not like a beat up toy that they can toss away andforget about. While still at home they will be juggledbetween parents, trying to learn how to deal with instability both physically and emotionally. They will be tornin their feelings, desperately wanting to have theirparents together, yet thinking that they must make achoice between them (even though such may not benecessary, the feeling is still there).

Once gone from home, the child still feels the pressurethat comes from a torn family. They may have a family of their own now and it becomes difficult to "share" their own children with the parents that they feel had let themdown. It is said that "time heals all wounds," but this isa wound that will forever change their outlook on life. Itcould very well be the thing that drives them from God.Though this does not justify their actions, it reminds usthat "whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone werehung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depthof the sea... woe to that man by whom the offense comes!" (Matt. 18: 6-7). How tragic when it is the parents who become such a factor in driving their children away fromthe Lord! Parents, do not underestimate your influenceon your children!

With all of my heart I wish I knew how to properlyimpress upon Christians how important marriage is andhow terrible divorce is. Brethren, "Marriage, Divorce,and remarriage" is more than an academic issue. It is astunning reality that is sweeping this country and ruining more people than we can imagine. Some will knowwhat I'm talking about. Others might think I'm analarmist. But if that's what it takes to wake us up, let mesound the alarm loud and clear! Souls are going to be lostover it. And believe me, it can happen to you, whether youwant to believe that or not. "Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall" (1 Cor. 10: 12). Your realization of this will help prevent it happening to you.

"FIRE IN THE HOLE!"

Originally, "Fire in the hole!" was the warning crywhich accompanied the use of dynamite or nitro inmining and petroleum operations. Gradually, it hasbecome a generic warning for any impending danger.

The thought of fire conjures up the worst possiblescenario in a building, on board a ship or plane, or justabout anywhere else. Even the use of explosives or a backfire for the purpose of quenching or controlling anexisting fire is a delicate procedure fraught with riskand danger.

And when it comes to preachers, the cry of "Fire in thehole!" would tempt some of us to enter a burning building to rescue our sermon outlines. This story is about apreacher who lost not only his sermon outlines, but mostof his other possessions in a destroying fire. But beforewe hear about him, how would you other preachers andbrethren (especially brethren), react in the face of sucha real or threatening loss?

Like most young preachers, I had to wrestle with thereal or perceived value of sermon outlines in my earlierpreaching days. In my first meeting, I thought I had enough outlines for a two-week meeting, but found outthe last day that my last outline was merely a summary of things I had already preached. A record snowstormclosed the meeting, and I doubt that the Lord sent thatstorm just for my benefit, but I sure did appreciate it.And I don't even like snow.

Older preachers advised me to get some sermonoutline books, and loaned or gave me some of their own.I even went to the Gospel Advocate store in Nashvilleand bought a joke book, "Snappy Stories That PreachersTell," thinking it would give me some needed or expected(in the eyes of the brethren), illustrations to spice up mysermon outlines. What a waste of time.

At one point in my preaching days, I accepted theresponsibility of speaking on a daily radio program, onlyhad two "radio sermons," and had already used one ofthem on the same station before I took on that monumental task. I bought and read a book of 50 radio sermons delivered by a famous preacher, and couldn't use a single one of them. What another waste of time.

When preachers would get together, especially younger preachers, the first question somebody askedwas, "Have you found any new sermon outlines lately?"Some even engaged in a chain letter-type practice inorder to get some new outlines. I broke that chain realquick.

While readily admitting that I have received helpfrom other sources as to sermon content and outlines, Ican truthfully say that most of my sermons have resulted from long hours of study and meditation spent inthe greatest sermon outline book of the ages—the Bible.And the longer I preach, the more time I spend arranging my sermon subjects and outlines in quotation markswhich enclose some Bible statement or principle. I maydepart from that format on rare occasions to deal withsome contemporary problem by design or by request, butI still try not to let the tail wag the dog.

I personally believe that every preacher should havesome plan, some outline in mind, whether written orunwritten, when he stands before an audience of judgment-bound souls. They have prepared to hear him, andthe least he can do is make some preparation on his own part.

And even in any emergency, the Bible is full of thebest sermon outlines we can find. Stephen gives us oneon the seed of Abraham (Acts 7), and Paul used a similarone at Antioch of Pisidia (Acts 13). If a preacher can'tpreach the outline on "The Mystery of Godliness" (1 Tim.

3: 16), he couldn't preach one from Pulpit Helps either.

One older preacher said that we should use oursermon outlines once, then throw them in the trash can,thereby disciplining ourselves to study the next time we address the same subject. This may be an extremeformula, but it makes a point.

Some of our best outlines, like the Gettysburg Address, have been written on the backs of old envelopes,grocery bags, dinner napkins, sales slips, or any remnant of papyrus which we could bum from our wife'spurse. And some church bulletins which rely on the"Selected"/"Anonymous" format could be more useful ifthey would provide a blank space for store lists orsermon outlines.

Written and preserved outlines can provide a valuable source for future use in classes, publication, andeven for posterity. I have sermon outlines which I haven't used for years, and probably never will useagain. But I don't aim to throw them in the trash can or set fire to them. But neither will I allow them to lull me into a metal state of lethargy and slothfulness, nordeceive me into thinking that they would bring a premium bid at an auction.

Ordinarily, I would not mention the name of thepreacher who lost most of his possessions and sermonoutlines in a fire, but in this case I make an exception,not just to verify my story, but because I want him toknow that we appreciate his years of service in theLord's vineyard.

Larry Hayes is not well known, as preachers go. Butbesides preaching in meetings and other labors in thisarea, he worked with one congregation for 17 years. AndI can assure you that the loss of sermon outlines in a firehas not affected the quality of Larry's preaching.

Some folks resort to arson in order to collect insurance or to punish some enemy, or maybe just to get ridof some old structure that has served its purpose andbecome an eyesore in the community. So I am not advocating that either preachers or the brethren (espedaily the brethren), set fire to the preacher's outlines in order to infuse some new life into the pulpit.

But "Fire in the hole!" wouldn't necessarily heraldthe end of the world even if we did lose a few sermon outlines, and may even be a blessing in disguise if wecould salvage the preacher.

"NONE RETURN AGAIN"

During a recent family reading of Proverbs 2 wepaused to consider verse 19. Wisdom says in reference to an adulteress, "None who go to her return again, nordo they reach the paths of life." What does it mean,none return again?

Most expositors take it as stating a general rule. "Itis very rare that any who are caught in this snare of thedevil recover themselves, so much is the heart hardened, and the mind blinded, by the deceitfulness of thissin. Having once lost their hold of the paths of life, theyknow not how to take hold of them again, but are perfectly besotted and bewitched with those base lusts" (Matthew Henry).

Sadly this observation is true. The unbridled lustwhich leads one to adultery will likely lead him there again and again. One so naive as to fall for the adulteress' flattering words (e. g., she "understands him" as hiswife does not) is apt to repeat his folly. Witness thenumber of people who are in their third or fourthmarriages, or those who have quit bothering withmarriage and just cohabit with one "lover" after another. I confess that I do not understand why anyone,even those who disregard God's law, would seek a marriage partner among adulterers. They have provedunfaithful to their vows once. Is there reason to think they will not do so again?

I do not mean to rule out forgiveness, by God or man."No one gets so far into sin that God will not receive himback if he makes the proper amends. But the dangerand rule is that a patron of the kind of life described above will continue therein to the end of life" (E. M.Zerr).

Now consider another sense in which the statement,"None who go to her return again," is true. And in thissense it is not a general rule, but an absolute certainty.

No man who becomes involved in adultery will everbe the same again. He cannot return to where he was.He can be forgiven by God. He can be forgiven by hismate. He can even be forgiven by the spouse of hispartner in adultery. But things can never be quite theway they were.

The implicit trust his mate placed in him has been broken. The special intimate relationship between husband and wife has been violated. The painful memory ofthe act remains in the consciences of all involved, try asthey may to remove it. The feelings of guilt are still there.To the extent the sin is known to others the reputation isdamaged. If those involved are Christians the Lord's holyname is reproached. If they have children who know of the affair the confidence of those little ones is shaken. Time will aid in healing these wounds, but it cannot completely erase them.

Some mates elect to put the adulterer away. If they sochoose, he/she loses the privilege of a God-approved marriage (Mt. 5: 31, 31; 19: 9), despite what men may say about the matter. His only options are to remain singleor be reconciled to his mate (1 Cor. 7: 11).

Before you become involved in this or any sin, take timeto sit down and count the cost. Do not be dazzled by theenticing array in which Satan clothes sin. Look at what isinside. Look at the price you must pay. Look at where you will be after the momentary pleasure is past. Are youentering a place from which there is no return?

"The one who commits adultery with a woman islacking sense; he who would destroy himself does it.Wounds and disgrace he will find, and his reproach willnot be blotted out" (Pro. 6: 32, 33).

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CHRIST, MAN, AND SIN

Following are some questions that have troubled brethren in recent times over the nature of Christ, man,and sin. While admitting that this is an over simplification of a complex subject we have attempted to answereach question from the Scriptures. We hope this will behelpful to the Bible student who doesn't have the time orresources for an in-depth study.

1. HAVE ALL MEN SINNED? Answer: Yes (Rom. 6: 23; 1 Kgs. 8: 46).
2. DOES MAN HAVE TO SIN? Answer: No (1Cor. 10: 13).

3. WILL MAN SIN? Answer: Yes (1 Jn. 1: 8, 10).

1. HOW DOES MAN SIN? Answer: By transgressing God's law (1 Jn. 3: 4). He may sin byomission (leaving undone what God said to do, Mt. 25:41-46) or by commission (doing something God said notto do, Rom. 13: 8, 9).
2. WHY WILL MAN SIN? Answer: Because of the weakness of the flesh (Mt. 26: 41; Rom. 8: 1-4; 6: 19; Heb. 5: 2).
3. DOESN'T THIS MEAN MAN HAS TO SIN? Answer: No, not in the sense of being forced or compelled to sin. It means he sins because he is not as strongagainst temptation as he ought to be. It doesn't absolve him of responsibility (Js. 1: 14, 15).
4. DOES THE FACT THAT THE BIBLE TEACHES MAN WILL SIN, MAKE GOD RESPONSIBLE FOR IT? Answer: No, no more thanthe fact Jesus knew Judas would sin meant he caused it (Mt. 26: 20-24). It just means he knew itahead of time. Man still has a choice.
5. WAS ANYONE WHO SINNED GIVEN TIME TO REPENT? Answer: Yes (Rev. 2: 21).
6. WHEN I REPENT TOWARD GOD MUST I SPE-CIFICALLY NAME EACH SIN FOR WHICH I AM REPENTING? Answer: No scripture says so.Jesus did not teach it in the model prayer (Mt. 6:9f) nor was anyone condemned for not doing so. Toprevent misunderstandings (thus causing confusion)there will be times when we will need to do so before men since they cannot read our hearts.
7. DO THE SCRIPTURES TEACH THAT THE BLOOD OF CHRIST CONTINUES TO CLEANSE ME EVEN AS I SIN AND BEFORE I REPENT AND CONFESS? Answer: No, we are forgiven if we confess (1 Jn. 1: 7-9). Simon was not forgiven even as he sinned before he repented and confessed, though hehad entered a blood relationship with Christ whenhe was baptized (Acts 8: 13f).

1. WILL GOD EXTEND MERCY TO ANY WHO ARE GUILTY OF SIN WHEY THEY DIE (SUCH ASCURSING AND THEN GETTING KILLED IMMEDIATELY IN A CAR WRECK)? Answer: The Scripturesimply mercy at the judgment (Js. 2: 13; Mt. 25: 31 -46; andpossibly Mt. 5: 7). One should not take comfort in sin from this. On what basis or criterion God will extend mercy, only He knows. In our finite minds we may not understand how He can have perfect justice and yetextend mercy. We should have enough faith in Him to believe that He is a just God and He will do right. "O thedepth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways pasttracing out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? orwho hath been his counselor?" (Rom. 11: 33, 34).
2. WAS JESUS SUBJECT TO THE SAME TEMPTATIONS THAT WE ARE? Answer: Yes (Heb. 4; 15).
3. WAS JESUS JUST AN ORDINARY MAN WHILE ON THE EARTH? Answer: No. The word justmeans "only." Jesus had two natures. He possessedhumanity and deity (Phil. 2: 5-8; Heb. 1: 6-8; Mk. 2: 5-7; Col. 2: 9).
4. CAN A MAN SO LIVE (SINLESSLY PERFECT)AS NOT TO NEED THE BLOOD OF CHRIST? Answer: Suppose one were to arise among us today and confessthat I have lived to the full potential of my ability and taken advantage of every opportunity to do good. I have not left undone anything God commanded me to do. Norhave I violated any of the prohibitions He has made. Ihave lived without sinning." What would Jesus say tohim? You are a liar and self-deceived! You have made me out to be a liar and my word is not in you." Jesus has said it won't happen (1 Jn. 1: 8, 10; 1 Kgs, 8: 46) because of the "weakness of the flesh" (Mt. 26: 41; Rom. 6: 19; 8: 3; Heb.

5: 2). To say man can so live as not to need the blood ofChrist is to say he can earn his salvation on meritorious works and place God in debt to him. It is to say thatChrist died in vain for that person.

1. SINCE ALL HAVE SINNED AND WILL SIN DUE TO THE WEAKNESS OF THE FLESH, SHOULDWE LOWER THE STANDARD FROM TRYING TO ALWAYS DO THE RIGHT THING? Answer: No. Scripture tells us that all sin (Ec. 7: 20; 1 Kgs. 8: 46; 1 Jn. 1: 810; Rom. 3: 23) but it never hints that the standardshould be lowered. It should ever remain our goal, even ifwe stumble.
2. IS IT PROFITABLE FOR US TO STUDY SUCH A SUBJECT AS THIS? Answer: If a subject is dealt with inScripture, then it is profitable (2 Tim. 3: 16, 17). What maybe unprofitable is the amount of time and space we give toa matter. Am I treating this as a weightier matter than Godwould want me to? Does it merit volumes and reams? Whyshould we become obsessed in theorizing over something Inspiration says won't happen (that one of us might live sinlessly perfect)? It is not merely "remote" or "unlikely" to happen. The Bible teaches it won't. EVERY man will need the blood of Christ. To uphold a theory wemay feel forced to take an indefensible position, such as:

(1) that we are forgiven by the blood of Christ even aswe sin; (2) that Jesus was divested of his divinity and godhood and was just an

ordinary man; or (3) that we can be saved on the basis ofmerit and not need the blood of Christ.

To uphold cherished views of cherished men we areoften tempted to brand each other with prejudicialnames, hold allegiance to a man more highly that weought regardless of the absurd things he might say,become unethical in our journalism, and divide. Is thatprofitable?

BROKEN BODY OF CHRIST

QUESTION: Would you comment on I Cor. 11: 24,specifically the word "broken." Is it proper to speak of the broken body of Christ? Many versions omit this word.

ANSWER: Quoting from vv. 23-24, Paul wrote concerning Jesus' institution of the Lord's Supper, "That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayedtook bread: And when he had given thanks, he brake it,and said, Take, eat: this is my body which is broken foryou: this do in remembrance of me. "

"Broken" appears in the King James Version which isbased on the Textus Receptus, meaning the received text of the 16th century. But its genuineness is widely disputed. It is absent in the best manuscripts and omitted in the most modern translations of the Bible.

However, inserting "broken" into the text does no injustice to the passage if we understand it to meangiven or sacrificed in death. This is precisely what Luke's record states. Jesus said, "This is my body which isgiven for you" (Lk. 22: 19). In Paul's account, Jesussaid, "this is my body, which is (broken) for you." Theword "broken" may logically be supplied or inserted bythe context, preferably italicized or in parenthesis. Thebody of Jesus was for us as a sacrifice. Hence, it wasbroken.

"Given" is from the Greek word didomenon, nom. sing. neut. part. pres. pass, of didomi, which means in Lk. 22: 19, "give up, sacrifice" (Arndt-Gingrich, p. 192).The word "broken" is from the Greek word klomenon,nom. sing. neut. part. pres. pass, of klao. Moulton says of klaso, "with figurative reference to the violent death of Christ, 1 Cor. 11: 24" (p. 232). Thayer states, "shattered, as it were, by a violent death, 1 Cor. 11: 24" (p.348).

True, Jesus' body was pierced (Jn. 19: 34), but his bodywas not broken, that is, in the sense we use the word inour vernacular. The Bible plainly states, "A bone of himshall not be broken" (Psa. 34: 20; Jn. 19: 36). The word"broken" in Jn. 19: 36 is from suntribo (shattered, crushed), a different word than the one in 1 Cor. 11: 24.Therefore, when we break or separate into parts the bread of the Lord's Table and say, "This (the broken bread) represents the broken body of our Lord," we failto understand the broken body of Jesus Christ. Indeed,the bread represents the body of Christ that was given or sacrificed for us, but breaking the bread into parts isnot a symbolic picture of Jesus' body being fractured. Asalready pointed out, Jesus' body was not broken. Breaking or separating the bread has no symbolic significance.Breaking the bread was (is) for distribution or to eat thebread (cf. Acts 2: 42; 20: 7; 1 Cor. 10: 16).

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOB

Our title presumes upon the understanding that Job was not a man living in the gospel age, he was an OldTestament patriarch who lived hundreds of years beforeChrist. However, since the Bible is the unfolding ofGod's eternal purpose, human redemption, we mustrecognize that every book of that sacred volume is incomplement to this purpose. Within the Old Testamentthere are types and shadows which look to the New Testament for the anti-type and substance. Sometimesthese references are glaring, sometimes they are subtle,but in either case there is the ultimate pointing to JesusChrist, the savior of the world. Within the Book of Job weare treated, for the most part, to the subtle inquisitiveness, pleading and longing, the questioning that findsanswer only in Christ. While we are attentive to Job's questions we are more intent on the answers from Jesus.

Generally speaking the book of Job addresses the problem of human suffering, ever present and a fact tobe recognized and dealt with. "And in my dream I stoodwith an angel on one of the balconies of heaven. And theangel allowed me to lean over and listen. But I could notbear to hear. Sounds of pain came up to me: the cries ofwidows, children in agony, strong men wounded and mutilated, the burden of the bereaved, the lonely, thebewildered, the frightened. Men crushed women beneath their feet, and starved little children, and huntedtheir brothers into poverty and unemployment and disease. Even women hurt one another with cruel deeds and malicious words. There were pains of body and mind and soul which no one on earth could understand and no one could cure. The world seemed full of sorrow and pain, and the sound of it all came up to heaven until mysoul was sick." (Leslie D. Weatherford, Why Do Men Suffer? page 11).

Admittedly, the above quote comes across bleak andpessimistic, yet expressing truths not to be denied. Thesources of human suffering are varied. There is nature,the elements, disease, pestilence and the like. Fromman himself suffering is traceable to greed, lust, wars,cruelty, as we meditate upon the attitudes toward others generally prevalent. Then we must not ignore self inrespect to the violation of law, moral and spiritual. Theproblem of suffering? How can God, all wise, absolutely good, tolerate such as the heritage of all men, good andbad? To answer, "such is God's will" while expressive oftruth generally, does not either adequately or specifically explain.

Suffering in the case of Job recognizes Satan as itssource and origin. In Job the struggle of piety, faith andresignation to God's hand with despair, adversity andgloom are presented with the overriding conclusion,suffering may be unexplainable. Thus one must bow and say, "I do not understand yet I believe and trust in myGod." While suffering is the abiding thrust of the book noreal solution is herein afforded to the problem. It iscertainly impossible to crystallize into a brief statementthe book of Job. Nevertheless it is of inestimable value and in the introduction to this series we approach itsimply as the Book of Job, the story of a man whose nameis Job.

Within this central fact, Job the man, we becomeaware that he is related to both God and Satan, suggesting initially that both God and Satan had an interest inhim. He is related to other human beings, his wife,family and a group of friends along with numerous acquaintenances referred to, but who quickly pass acrossthe stage of his life. Most importantly we see Job withinthe consciousness of his own personality. All thingsretire from him until he is alone. Here we concentrate our study, Job within his own personality, Job as a person.

Although we hear the voices of the philosophers, wepay little attention. Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar and finally Elihu offer words which must pale before more profoundmatters. Job answers his critics, even refutes their philosophy in personal application. We do not consider thisnearly so important as the cries and inquiries fromwithin the man as he seeks for and asks for some answers. The book of Job is an unanswered agony. Thereare no answers till we find them in Jesus, here we haveanswer to the agonizing cries of Job.

First, see the man Job as he is revealed in verse 1. Twowords describe him, two phrases tell the secret of hisbeing, what he was. He was "perfect and upright,"complete and straight, if you will. Could any highercompliment be paid? This however does not touch onrelationship to God. It has to do with human relationships. The secret of his completeness is in the fact he wasone "that feared God," he was religious. He "eschewed evil," he turned down evil, this is his moral quality. Hereis a man with an upward outlook from which he haslearned to deal with the things by which he is surrounded. We suggest in this connection that morality isever rooted in religion, there can be no true moralitywithout religion. God ratifies that estimate of Job and amplifies, "there is none like him in all the earth" (v. 8).Here we have a man of integrity, uprightness, havingrelationship with God, and turning away from evil.What a beautiful character, how easily we are attractedto him.

We are able to watch this man in the realm of the physical, mental and spiritual. He is seen visited bySatan, this resulting in overwhelming calamities. Thereason for which is not found in the man himself. This was the mistake of the three friends and it is sometimes our own as we search for the why. Job is stripped of everything which man naturally depends upon, wealth,children, health and even loses the partnership and support of his wife. The process runs on, his friendsforsake him, even though they spend seven days insilence with him and offer three cycles of speeches byway of explanation of his predicament, they finally turnfrom Job.

Now consider his mentality, his personal consciousness. Rooted within was a conviction of integrity, thiswas assailed and misunderstood by his friends. Presently he lost the sense of greatness of his own personality and is heard to say "naked came I out of my mother's womb and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave,and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name ofthe Lord" (1: 21). This seems to reflect the idea, I am stillhere, no matter what. However, he lost this and cursedthe day he was born. And not only so, he lost his senseof God as just. Our man, physically stripped, mentallymisunderstood, therefore spiritually groping after a solution as to why God was thus dealing with him. Thus,Job faces the perplexing question of suffering which isnot the result of the sin of the sufferer.

Job presents a man in the majestic loneliness of hisown being. It is in this that we must be impressed withthe reality that man in the final analysis is in a one onone relationship with God. But hear the mental cries of our man. Rising from the center of his personality,stripped and lonely, he cries out of need, inquiry andeven challenge. Cries to which the book gives no answer.Then we turn to the New Testament and see Jesus, whobegan earthly life without wealth, went through lifedevoid of things others depend on and before we arethrough with him we find he has answered every question Job has asked, supplied every need that Job revealed. And so it is with every man.

EXHORTING PEOPLE TO OBEY

Over the last few years I have observed a trend thathas become troubling to me. It seems that in manysermons that I hear there is very little emphasis placedupon exhorting people to obey the gospel and extending the invitation for them to obey immediately. In one lesson I heard an excellent exposition of an Old Testament passage that was designed to stir our hearts (andit stirred mine) but the teacher closed his otherwisesplendid lesson suddenly by saying only, "If we can helpyou in any way just come to the front while we stand andsing." No mention was made of the plan of salvation, noexhortation was given for those in the audience needing to obey to do so, no pleading with the hearts of lostpeople that were there and needing to respond.

When Paul taught the unbelieving Philippian Jailorhe exhorted him to "Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved, you and your household" (Acts 16: 31).Paul taught him the urgency of the Lord's plan and heobeyed "that very hour of the night" (Acts 16: 33). OnPentecost Peter preached a soul stirring message and tothose believing Jews he commanded, "Repent, and leteach of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ forthe forgiveness of your sins..." (Acts 2: 38). "and withmany other words he solemnly testified and exhortedthem..." (Acts 2: 40). The success of this kind of preaching is evident.

It appears to me that preaching a good lessonand then virtually extending no invitation is like a hunter taking aim on his target only to find out when hepulled the trigger that he had loaded his gun withblanks. Really, it's not even taking good aim.

Have we lost our faith in the power of the gospel? Dowe no longer believe that it can touch the hearts of lostmen and women, boys and girls? Do we feel that thestory of Jesus has lost its appeal? Do we feel that wehave repeated the invitation so much that senses havebecome dull? Could it be that we have offered so manyinvitations to which no one has responded that now wehave come to expect no one to respond? Is this why we have come to spend less time and emphasis on exhorting people to obey the gospel? Is this why the songleader sometimes only leads the first and last verses ofan invitation hymn? Is this why so few do obey thegospel? I hope these questions challenge your thinkingand tug at your heart.

The gospel has not lost its power! When sown in goodand honest hearts it will bear fruit. God has promised that it would and so it will. But let those of us who preachand teach fulfill our responsibility. Let us not only tellthe story and teach the commands, let us exhort those we love to obey.

On November 3, 1990, Emrold Aaron Dicus, affectionately known as "Dike," finished his journey in time. Hisfuneral service was conducted on November 7, 1990 at the building of the Lorain Avenue church in Cleveland,Ohio. The building was filled with his family, brethren,business associates and friends. Interment was at Sunset Memorial Park. Ed Holcomb and I spoke at his funeral. ' Dike was the oldest son of the last A. W. Dicus. His father was widely known as a preacher, educator andsongwriter. Much of A. W.'s preaching was done in hishome state of Indiana. He was an administrator with Florida College in its early days, and he was the inventorof the automobile turn signal indicator. But, A. W. wasprobably best known as a songwriter. He wrote severalsongs but the best-known are probably OUR GOD. HE ISALIVE and LORD, I BELIEVE. Several of his songs weresung at Dike's funeral.

Dike was baptized by the well-known Indiana preacher, J. C. Roady, at the age of 12. He was baptized at the Lincoln Street church in Bloomington, Indiana. He was a Christian for 65 years.

Dike had two younger brothers, David of Chattanooga, TN., and James of Agoura, CA. When A. W.died, Dike more or less picked up the mantle of leadership and exerted strong direction for the family. His father had stressed education to his sons, and theylistened.

Dike graduated from Purdue University in 1936 witha degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was somethingof a "throw back" to an earlier time. He was a full-time Gospel preacher who supported himself. Most of the preachers of the generation before him were farmers who preached. (It is probably more accurate to say that theirfamilies were farmers and they were preachers. ) Dikewas an engineer who preached.

He had many titles at Anvil Industries in Cleveland.He was Engineer, Chief Engineer, Vice President incharge of Engineering, President, Corporate Vice President and a Director of Anvil Industries. He retired in 1980, though he continued as a consultant to the Corporation until his death. I said in his eulogy, "I suspect hedid more preaching than any other Mechanical Engineerin history! Or, did he do more Mechanical Engineering than any other preacher in history?"

When he and Martha moved to Cleveland, they attended the West Side church. During that time, he did alot of "fill-in" preaching. When the church meeting atWarren Road and Detroit Avenue was established, he

began "full-time" work as their preacher. That congre

gation is now known as the Lorain Avenue church and

Dike was the only preacher they have ever had. His

work with Lorain Avenue covered a span of approxi

mately 43 years. He never received full support for

his preaching work with the church. Only in the last

few years did he accept any support, and that was only

after the church insisted that he do so.

Not only did he preach for the congregation, but for

the last several years of his life he served as an Elder

of the church. He is held in highest regard by brethren

throughout this region for his service to God and His

people. Only a man of such strength could have

successfully carried the burdens of husband and

father, a secular job, preaching and serving as an elder

at the same time. He was a truly unique individual. In

his "spare time" he pursued his hobbies of raising

flowers and cabinet making. With his "much patience"

he almost hand-made two Grandfather clocks, several

tables, a cradle for his grandchildren and many toys.

He and Martha (Hewett) were married in her par

ents' home in Marion, Indiana on June 11, 1939. They

celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary with a

host of their family and friends on June 11, 1989. For

over 51 years they exemplified what God intended

marriage to be. The "home" was one of his favorite

subjects. His mission was to keep the home intact,

sacred and full of love. Building on that foundation, he

knew the church would maintain its purity and har

mony. Some of his greatest preaching was on the

Home.

Dike and Martha had two children, John and

Debbie (Mrs. Ervin Jones), both of whom live with

their families in Cleveland and attend the Lorain

Avenue church. John is now one of her Elders. They

were proud of their children and grandchildren,

Christopher, Lisa, Sarah and Rachel.

His concern for the cause in Northeast Ohio was

genuine. He had spent his life promoting Christ and

His church. He constantly urged preachers to "stick

with the basics" and "fight digression." He knew how

and when to be firm. He was esteemed very highly in

love for his work's sake (1 Thess. 5: 13).

At his funeral I said, "When I pillowed my head last

Saturday evening after learning of Dike's death, it

occurred to me that our world is a lonelier, sadder,

poorer place now that he is gone. It is now time for

those of his generation who have served God so faith

fully, to go home. A. C. Grider is gone! Harry Pickup,

Sr. is gone! And, E. A. Dicus is gone! May God help us. "

If you would like to communicate with Martha and

the children, you can contact them at: 4641 West

210th Street, Fairview Park, Ohio 44126 - (216) 331

6362. We express our deepest sympathy to this good

family.—Lewis Willis

I'm sure we're all familiar with the old saying thatsomething is "easier said than it is done." No doubt thissaying is true, for it is much easier to talk about somethingand to recognize that the thing ought to be done, than it isto actually get busy and do it. It is much easier to see ourown faults than it is to correct those faults, yet this isexactly what God requires of us. Its much easier to say"well, that's just the way I am," thinking that this excusesus, than to accept responsibility for my faults and correctthem.

I understand what God says about being longsuffering,or patient as we use the word today. I know for example that God is the ultimate example of such longsufferingjust as He is of love. Peter wrote: "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but islongsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any shouldperish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter

3: 9). Peter was writing about the return of the Lord, andthat His failure to return up to that time did not mean thatHe would not come, only that God was longsuffering withus. Well, He has been longsuffering with us for just lessthan 2000 years now, and He continues to be patientdesiring our salvation. I know also that He expects me tobe patient with others, just as He is patient with me (1Thess. 5: 14). But, to tell you the truth, this is so mucheasier said than it is done.

I take no pride in the fact that I am not very patient. Infact, when it is pointed out that I need to be more patientI become annoyed, not because it isn't true, but because Ialready know the truth of the accusation. The only alternatives I can see are either to just give up trying to dobetter and go on in my impatient ways, or to continue making a diligent effort to do better next time than I did today.And, because I want more than anything in this world togo to heaven when that great day comes, I will continue trying to do better.

Being longsuffering or patient may not be a natural human reaction, but it is something that can be learnedand adopted. In Colossians 3 Paul wrote about the need forthose Christians to put away from their lives the old sinsthey had lived in and put on a new character. In verse 12he wrote: "Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy andbeloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind,meekness, longsuffering." There's that word again. Patience is something I can develop if I want to and amwilling to work at it. In Galatians 5, when Paul contrastedthe works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit he wrote: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance:against such there is no law" (Gal. 5: 22-23). The fruitof the Spirit is that which is produced in the life of aperson who allows himself to be led by the Spirit of Godthrough the revealed word. If I am not developing"longsuffer-ing,." then it must be that to some degree,and for some reason, I am not spending enough timestudying the word of God, and making properapplication of it on my own life. Further, when Paulwrote to the Corinthians about the nature of love he wrote: "Charity suffereth long, and is kind" (1 Cor. 13:4). If I am not patient with others, does this mean that Idon't have as much love for others (neighbors, enemies,etc. ) as I should?

Brethren, these are not fun things to think about.Most of the time we really don't want to see all our faults, and especially we don't want to have someonepoint out all these faults to us. But they are seriousenough that we had better start opening our eyes andtrying to put on the "new man" or character that Godwants us to have. Maybe this seems like such a smallthing compared to murder or fornication or some otherhighly visible sin, but the truth is that unless we open our eyes and our hearts to see the way we really are we will not grow and mature as He desires. And we maysoon start excusing these other things too.

Here are some suggestions that may help us tochange the things that are lacking in our lives. First weneed to really SEE ourselves as God sees us:; all our sinsand all our shortcomings. I think sometimes that we Christians actually feel somewhat superior to otherswhen in reality we are as much sinners as anybody else,but now we have been forgiven through the blood of the Lamb. This doesn't make us any better, only veryblessed. Then comes the next step: correcting the thingthat is wrong. I believe praying about the problem is very helpful; recognizing that I need God's help to bemore open to my sins and my shortcomings; praying that I may have the right spirit to make whatever changesare necessary. And, when I have sinned, confessing mysin, repenting of it and praying that God will forgive me,and He will. And third there is the determination to fight against my weaknesses or shortcoming so that Imay be more the man (or woman) that God wants me tobe. Sometimes you just have to eat a little "humble pie"and admit that you need to be more patient, or that youneed greater self-control, or that you need more compassion for the lost, or that you need more commitment inyour life to live for the one who died for you. As Isuggested in the beginning, this is much "easier saidthan done," but IT MUST BE DONE! When you startcounting the cost of following Jesus remember to countit both ways; the cost to you in this life if you do followHim in everything, and the cost to you in eternity if youdon't. And while it may be "easier said than done," ITCAN BE DONE.

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

DUDLEY ROSS SPEARS, 1609 Parkside Dr., Bowling Green, KY 42101—(Editor's note: In the December issue of STS I had a short piece entitled "Extreme Positions" in which I took exception to the lastparagraph of an article brother Spears had sent. It was my view that the statement dealt with left the writer open to the charge of aconsequence which I believed to be faulty and which I did not believebrother Spears would accept. We are glad to print the following fromhim).

Thanks for the offer, I think I will take you up. I hope to add nothingto any issue that drives people farther apart. I read my article again

— and again. Your statement says, "But the conclusion was drawn inthe last paragraph that when Jesus was tempted, only the outer manwas involved while the inner man remained untouched." There is nothing at all about His temptation in the article. I didn't even use the word tempt, tempted, or temptation.

How could someone press what I said to a conclusion that only theoutward man sins, that the inward man is untouched? The questionof Jesus' temptation, whether He could or could not have sinned, is anentirely different issue than His nature as God and man. There maybe a relation but they are different aspects of His nature. I was dealingwith his being — not his conduct or ability.

I think that someone has to press very hard to come to theconclusion, from what I wrote, that only the outer man sins and the inner man remains secure and cannot sin. I certainly do not believethis Calvinistic concept of the nature of man.

RALPH SMART, P. O. Box 56, Milbridge, Maine 04658—We arebeginning a new work in Calais, Maine, a city of some 5, 000. A coupleof Christians have moved there. They have been driving 1 1/2 hoursone way to Milbridge. Bruce Hudson, of Bangor, and I, will try to helpthis new work. We will conduct services in Riverview, New Brunswick(Canada) in the mornings and in Calais later in the day.

TONY MAUCK, 1040 Meadowland, Beaumont, TX 77706—ThePinecrest church in Beaumont, TX has moved to its new facility onDowlen Road in Beaumont which will more adequately serve ourneeds in the future. The Dowlen Road church has Joe Sheffield, JasonRiley and Max Dawson as evangelists, and 16 faithful men serve asdeacons. Our membership of 250 is excited about our new work. Ournew mailing address and phone number is as follows: 3060 DowlenRoad, Beaumont, TX 77706. Phone (409) 1996.

KEVIN SULC, 2314 E. Hundred Rd., Chester, VA 23821—An opportunity has opened to begin a sound work in Anderson, Indiana, a cityof 60, 000, located an hour northeast of Indianapolis, just off I-69.Anderson is the largest populated area in Indiana with no faithfulcongregation. We will be working with Alan Jones and family in thiseffort. Alan is already involved in evangelistic work at the Indiana Reformatory in Pendleton which is south of Anderson. A few monthsago, he moved to Anderson to be nearer his work. Not only has thisincreased his effectiveness in the work at the prison, it has created theopportunity for the work in Anderson itself. I will assist in the workat the prison and also plan to attempt some evangelism at AndersonUniversity. We would like to also reach out to other towns/cities inMadison County (pop. 160, 000). Most of the faithful Christians in thecounty are members of the church at Alexandria. We also have somecontacts with some caught up in institutionalism. I stand in need ofsome support for this effort. I will gladly supply references of individuals and churches who know me. I will need monthly support plusmoving expenses. If you cannot help, you could assist me by letting others who might be able to help, know of this need. Please call me formore information about this. (804) 452-0458.(Editor's note: I have known Kevin Sulc all his life. His father served as an elder of the Rivermont, VA church for several years, along withmy own father. Kevin has had several years experience in preaching the gospel, most recently at Rivermont, VA, his home congregation,where he had done very good work. )

BILLY ASHWORTH, Rt. 3, Box 215, Columbia, TN 38401—As ofDecember 31, 1990, 1 terminated my work with the Hillview church in Nashville, TN, ending a total of nine and a half years thatLois and I have spent with this good church. During those years welearned to love and appreciate the brethren there. We were wonderfully treated by them. Such fellowship with faithful saints ofGod make preaching the gospel much easier, more enjoyable and satisfying.

We look forward to placing membership and working with theCollegeview church in Columbia where Jim Deason is doing anexcellent work. We hope to be involved in their teaching program. The church is young but growing in numbers and enthusiasm. Plans callfor an expansion of the building to accommodate the growth. I will alsocontinue preaching the gospel over Radio WAKM, Franklin, TN, the same station over which I began preaching in March, 1955. The church at Hillview have paid for this program each Sunday morning from 7: 05-7: 30, at 950-AM. I will continue preaching in gospelmeet-ings, as well as by appointment. I am not "quitting preaching" as long as the Lord spares my life. If I may be of help to anyone in thisway, you may write me at the above address, or call (615) 388-8355.

JOHN AND ANNA COPELAND, 580 Maddox Lane, Powell, WY 82435—We regret that we are no longer holding services in Powell,WY. We have tried to get the work started here but have been unable to succeed. We met strong opposition from the liberal church. We thank the brethren who stopped and worshipped with us whentraveling. It meant so very much to us and encouraged us to remainfaithful to the Lord. We are trying to sell our property and move southto be nearer our daughter who is ill and needs our help.

MARSHALL MILBURN SEWELL

Marshall Milburn Sewell, who served 35 years as an elder of theSt. James, Missouri church, passed away on September 4, 1990 at the age of 73. He obeyed the gospel while a teenager and became a memberof the Oak Grove church which still meets for worship. On May 31,1938 he was married to Martha Elizabeth Spurgeon. Two childrenwere born to this union: Norman Eugene Sewell, gospel preacher ofHarrison, AR and Sharon Ann Sewell of the home in Rolla. Funeral services were conducted on September 7 from the Atkisson-Swinford Funeral Chapel in Rolla by Larry Morris and Luther W. Martin.Burial was in Oak Grove Cemetery. —Submitted by Luther W. Martin

OLEN HOLDERBY, 4265 Lakeshore Bid #18, Lakeport, CA 95453

(707) 263-3682—All readers please take note of our new address.After living and laboring in Fresno, CA for 13 years, we have movedto work with the small group of brethren meeting in Lakeport, CA.Most of my support comes from outside in this effort. In addition of thelocal work, the last year found us in gospel meetings in Oroville, CA.St. Louis, MO, Tahlequah, OK, Long Island, NY and Lincoln, NE. In October Connie W. Adams was in Lakeport in a good meeting. We have high hopes for this area and solicit your prayers to that end.

LESLIE DIESTELKAMP, 1730 W. Galena Blvd., #102W, Aurora, IL 60506—I began to know brother Joy Notarte in my work with hisfather in 1974 and 1976-77. Since then I have had numerous reportsfrom American brethren, all of whom recommend him highly. Hisfather was one of the greatest preachers in that country—the Philippines—and his three sons have carried on the great work since theirfather's death. Joy deserves some help, for economic conditions thereare very difficult and the people with whom he works in various placesare very, very poor. I wish I could help Joy myself but cannot now, butI do commend him to whomever might be able to help in the good workhe does. Write to me for his address and information about him.

NEY RIEBER, 613 Zion Church Road, Sanford, NC 27330—The prison work continues to be profitable. Since my last report there havebeen three more baptized at Polk Youth Center. The chaplain continues to be an obstruction, but the inmates I come into contact with recognize his tactics and this creates a sympathetic dispositiontowards me which he does not realize.

PREACHERS NEEDED BAYSIDE, NEW YORK — The Bayside church, which is located inthe north-eastern part of Queensborough of New York City, is seeking a full-time preacher. The membership is nine with a few visitors onSunday mornings. Outside support will be needed, although we will be able to supply some. Please contact Albert Dickson, 65-12 Utopia Pkwy, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365; phone (718) 445-2773 for moreinformation.

EL TORO, CALIFORNIA—The church here is looking for a full timepreacher. The congregation has approximately 35 members and anaverage attendance on Sunday morning of 45-55. We can provide fullsupport. Please contact: Saddleback Valley Church of Christ, 22600B Lambert St. Suite 810, El Toro, CA 92630; or phone Andy Anderson

(714) 380-1206 or Walt Halagarda (714) 768-8518.

PETER MCPHERSON, Bancroft, Ontario, Canada — We moved back to Bancroft about four years ago to labor where we had earlierspent seven years of work, baptizing nearly 100 people during thattime. Many of these were elderly at the time they obeyed the gospel and many have gone to their reward. We presently have about 40 inattendance counting children and some visitors. Two were baptized inOctober. A new family of Christians is moving here in February. SinceI did not have adequate support when we returned here, I worked inreal estate and did quite well until the market went dead. The churchhere is able to supply $150 a week and I have $150 a month fromelsewhere. I would like to devote full time to this work and could use some help to that end. I am known to Norman Midgette, Mike Willis,

J. T. Smith, Brian Sullivan, Sewell Hall and a host of other preachingbrethren.

FROM AROUND THE WORLD ITALY—Francesco Fosci reports from Latina that on Nov. 16 anotherman was baptized after studying for four months... Stefano Corazzareports that they lost the location they had rented in trying to launchthe new work in Rome, but have now found a better one. The dollar is now being exchanged at the rate it was 10 years ago while the cost ofliving is rising. For instance, meat costs $8 to $12 a pound, turkey $5 a lb., chicken $3. 65 a lb., milk is $5. 50 a gallon, fresh fish $12. 50 a lb.,gasoline is $5. 60 per gallon. While Stefano has replaced some of the support he has lost, he is still far short of what is needed.

SOUTH AFRICA—From Pinetown Doug and Sheila Bauer reporttheir plans to visit among individuals and churches in the USA withwhom they have been in contact for a number of years. They are financing their own trip and would like to meet with any who are interested in the work they are doing. They are leaving South Africaon January 31 and can be contacted c/o O. Fred Liggin Jr., 934 Robinson Ave., Barberton, Ohio 44203.

ECUADOR, SOUTH AMERICA—Ruben C. Amador of Houston, Texas reports on his visit to Ecuador and Brazil. Three were baptized in Ambato, Ecuador. Attendance there runs 50-60. There are also area churches in San Andres, Rio Verde and Ambatillo. He then reports the

following: "There is a power struggle among the liberal preachers inEcuador. I was given a copy of a bulletin circulating along theEcuatorian Christians. Enrique Romero, the preacher for the Guayaquil church in Quito, names himself as the 'director' of nearlyall of the churches in Ecuador. He claims that Louis McBride, a 'missionary' with whom he is having the power struggle, is the 'direction' of just two churches in Ecuador. "Romero claims to receivesupport from a church in Niceville, Florida for his personal use and"for the work in many congregations." This Romero also claims tocontrol one congregation which is sound in the faith.

MONEY WITHOUT WORKING

We have seen a number of unabashed scams over the years butrecently came across one which surely takes the prize. An outfit inBrooklyn, NY has sent out a brochure advertising a kit to help youmake money without working. It boasts "This new multilevel moneymaking idea will make miracles happen. We have combined two fastmoving principles for making big money without working too hard forit... This program was created for the millions of people who want tostop working, and start having some fun in their lives." They are selling vitamins and they assure us that by starting off with $2 sentto this company in Brooklyn we can end up with $93, 312 a month. Ofcourse, a kit with 25 newsletters which you must send out will cost you$20 (Not to mention postage) and you can get additional kits at increased prices, of course. All of which reminds me of what Paul said"If a man will not work, neither should he eat. "

NO LAW

Ray Downen of Joplin, Missouri, a member of the ChristianChurch, publishes a newsletter called VIEWPOINT. He delivershimself recently on the question of authority for musical instrumentsin worship and decries those who "make laws where God made none."Hear him: "God gave no law of authority, no law of silence, and no lawagainst the use of instrumental music in His praise. Men have noright, in His name, to make laws they think God should have made!"Well now, since Paul said "Where there is no law, there is notransgression" we can expect this gentleman to place his approval oninfant baptism, animal sacrifice, prayers to Mary and a host of otherthings on which the word of God is silent. The Hebrew writer arguedthat Christ could not be a priest on earth since he was of the tribe ofJudah "of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood" (Heb. 7: 14). Silence was prohibitive there, was it not?

A MERRY HEART — GOOD MEDICINE

Tom Icard, my late brother-in-law was a man with a tremendoussense of humor. His merry heart was good medicine to all who knewhim. His wife, my sister Glenda Icard, has written a summary of theirlife together for the family to keep and I asked her if I could lift an itemor two once in awhile for this column. She readily agreed. When Tomand Glenda first married, they rented an apartment in a large housein Hillsboro, Ohio, then owned by Lloyd Barker who lived in the otherpart of the house. Glenda wrote "One day he (Tom) locked Lloyd in the attic with the statement that he could come out when he agreed tolower the rent. Then Tom ran downstairs to see if Gwen wanted anything out of Lloyd before letting him out. About that time Lloydappeared at the kitchen door. Tom told everyone that Lloyd was sotight he would jump off the roof before agreeing to lower the rent."Well, sorry about that Lloyd, but that was too good to keep.

FLIES AND BALD SPOTS

"Early in his work at Tomlinson Run (PA), one Sunday Tom (whosehair was thinning and who had a little bald spot on top of his head) wasbeing pestered by a fly. When the fly finally landed on his bald spot.Tom stopped and said 'I don't mind his landing. It's just when he skidsthat it bothers me. ' The audience broke into laughter and Tomproceeded with his sermon.

CHURCH OF CHRIST HOSPITALS

For many years now, our institutional brethren have operatedchurch-supported hospitals in other countries. Why they have notmade a push for them in this country is a mystery to me, unless theyare afraid that their folks will not stand still for it yet. Every year, Ireceive a brochure advertising a "Medical Evangelism Seminar." One was conducted in Dallas, Texas January 4 and 5, 1991. This one washosted by African Christian Hospitals Foundation. The schedule lists a section from 1: 30-3: 00 P. M. dubbed "Reports on Medical Worksof Churches of Christ" and (counting the 4: 45-5: 30 session) thereare eight different hospitals or clinics mentioned. There is the Chimala Mission Hospital in East Africa; Clinica Christiana inGuatemala; Nigerian Christian Hospital; Ghana Mission Clinic; Predisan, Honduras; one in Mexico; a medical clinic in Tegucigalpa, Honduras; and a report on the Haiti Medical Evangelism Campaigns.These activities are not reported as the works of individuals but as"Medical Works of Churches of Christ." Hospitals are good places forthe sick to go and Christians have as much right to operate them (orwork in them) as anyone else, but it is not the mission of thechurch of the Lord to organize, operate or fund them. To argue forthem as a means of evangelism is to land smack in the middle of thesocial gospel which argues that we must minister to the "wholeman. "

SAID WHAT NOW?

In the October-December, 1990 IN WORD AND DOCTRINE,Curtis A. Cates reports on four speeches delivered at Missouri Streetin West Memphis, Arkansas April 20-21, 1990 by Rubel Shelly. Shellyused to be fairly conservative but has ended up out in left field. He isone of those who has been holding hands with the Christian Churchfolks more recently. Cates reports that he ridiculed "the old pathsmentality." He belittled our imitating the pattern for the church of thefirst century. Said he "I reject pattern theology." He further said toimitate the church of the first century is an "eccentricity, a foolishthing to do." He also ridiculed the sermons great men have preachedfor years on "Marks of the True Church." He also said "The church isnot the kingdom of God." "The kingdom did not come on Pentecost,whereas the church did." Once men hunger for fellowship with the forces of error, and once they lose their faith in the old Jerusalemgospel there is no telling what they will think up to say next.

EDITOR'S MEETING SCHEDULE—1991

March— Dowlen Rd., Beaumont, Texas (3-8)Danville, Kentucky (17-22) Caneyville, Kentucky (24-29) April—

E. Central, Tulsa, Oklahoma (7-12)Holly St., Denver, Colorado (21-26)May— Harrodsburg, Kentucky (5-10) Jordan, Ontario (19-26)June— Jonesboro, Tennessee (3-9)Huntington Beach, California (23-28)

July— Yakima, Washington (7-12) Sunnyside, WA (14-19) Lawrenceburg, Kentucky (28-Aug. 2)

August— Sycamore, Gravel Switch, KY (5-11)Sept. — Taylorsville Rd., Louisville, KY (8-13)Beatrice, Nebraska (23-29)Oct. — Campbellsville, KY (7-13)Plainfield, Indiana (20-25)Nov. — Spencer, Indiana (4-10)Mesa, Arizona (17-22)

It is likely that two or three more meetings may be added to thislist though details are too indefinite now to include them here. Wewould be glad to greet any of our readers who might be in any of these areas.

IN THE NEWS THIS MONTH

BAPTISMS 232 RESTORATIONS 68 (Taken from bulletins and papers received by the editor)