Volume XXXIII June 1992 Number 6

The Heart and Lip Service

The piercing question of Paul in Galatians 4: 16 is in order: "Am I therefore become your enemy,because I tell you the truth?" Why do we foolishly andcarelessly allow ourselves to be carried away fromthe truth in our daily lives? Why do we talk aboutdoing better, and promise both ourselves and the brethren that we will repent of indifference and get towork in the kingdom of Christ, but never make thechange? Why do we hear more and more brethrenexpress alarm because they are not able to pray andto study the word of God as they once did?

The answers to these questions may be found inour own hearts where our real goals and desires reside.An individual needs to be urged to do more serioussoul searching with special emphasis on his spiritualand moral concepts. We need to really "Examine your-selves, whether ye be in the faith; prove yourown selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" (1 Cor.

13: 5).

Jesus told the Pharisees of their hypocrisy and referred to the prophecy of Esaias, which he applied tothem in Matthew 15: 8, 9: "This people draweth nighunto me with their mouth, and honoureth me withtheir lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vainthey do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Matt. 15: 8, 9). Of course, theywere offended after they heard this (vs. 12), but Jesus said to his disciples: "Let them alone: they be blindleaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, bothshall fall into the ditch" (verse 14).

One could say, "Look what we are doing, we drawnigh unto God with our singing, praying and preachingthe word, and in addition, we praise and honor God with our lips and promise to serve Him. What morecould one ask?" Every word of this could have been saidby those hypocritical Pharisees to whom Christ spoke.The problem was not that they did not give vocal; praiseand lip service, but the real and only problem was thatthe heart was far away, and in fact not involved at all in their professed praise to God.

I could follow the typical line of many prayers whichwe hear today: "Father, we thank thee for this wonderful opportunity to meet here and worship thee in spiritand truth, " when in fact I could care less whether I ampresent upon the occasion or not. And the "wonderfulopportunity to meet here" is really a painful burden I wish I could avoid, and I do doge the "opportunity" every time I can. I could also sing loud the words of the song: "My Jesus, if ever I loved thee, tis now, " and not give a single thought to Jesus, love, or time. This lippraise and verbal honor is the cold, lifeless, formalism that now enshrouds churches all across the land. Because the lifeless body does nothing more than lippraise and promise, the commandments of men are brought into play to try to pump some life or activityinto an otherwise cold, dead body of people.

Back to some of the questions at the beginning of thisarticle which we should be asking ourselves. We mustrealize that without heart action, the lip and handservice is nothing. While all responsible people havethe capacity to see, hear, and understand with theirhearts, by comparison, not many of them use the heart in praising God. The heart becomes dull of hearing,gross and calloused so that what is seen and heard doesnot effect any change in the thinking, believing, andobeying from the heart.

The heart hardened by the practice of sin explainswhy the preaching of the gospel in the most persuasivemanner produces little more than blank stares, vague promises, and a few attempts at lip service. We mustbring heart worship to God if we expect it to be accepted.

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"QUOTE

"Too often we enjoy the comfort ofopinion without the discomfort ofthought.—John F. Kennedy

UNQUOTE"

At The Beginning

When Peter recounted the events at the house of Cornelius before his Jewish brethren, he said "And as Ibegan to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, as on us atthe beginning" (Acts 11: 15). This caused Peter to remember the words of Jesus who taught the apostles that Johnbaptized with water "but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit" (v. 16). Since there was the same outpouringof the Spirit when the gospel began with the Gentilesthat had occurred at the beginning of the gospel with theJews, Peter concluded that he should not withstand Godand the Jewish brethren concluded "Then hath God granted to the Gentiles repentance unto life" (vv. 17-18).

Pentecost, when the Spirit fell upon the apostles,empowering them to speak with other tongues andproclaim the gospel of salvation, was indeed the beginning. The events of that day of Pentecost reported in Acts2 were the hub of the Bible. Prior to that day, all sacredhistory pointed to it. When it was done, the sacredwriters and inspired preachers would always look backto it as "the beginning. "

God's Eternal Purpose

The momentous events of that day brought to realitythe plan of God which he purposed in his mind before the world began (Eph. 3: 9-11). This was the plan God had chosen and predetermined "according to the good pleasure of his will" (Eph. 1: 4-5). What occurred was neitheraccidental nor incidental. The whole course of human history moved steadily toward that day.

Patriarchs and Prophets

What God purposed in his own mind for the salvationof the human family was announced first to the patriarchs. The seed of woman would come to bruise Satan's head (Gen. 3: 15). The seed of Abraham would come to"bless all nations" (Gen. 12: 1-3). 'The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet,until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering ofthe people be" (Gen. 49: 10).

What was announced dimly to the patriarchs wasenlarged upon by the prophets. Nathan announced toDavid who was disappointed that he would not bepermitted to build the temple, "I will set up thy seed afterthee... and I will establish his kingdom. He shall buildan house for my name, and I will establish the throne ofhis kingdom forever" (2 Sam. 7: 12-13). David spoke of the "day of his power" when his seed would sit at the right hand of God and rule in the midst of his enemies, where he would be priest while he ruled (Psa. 110: 1-4).Isaiah foresaw the establishment of God's government unto which all nations would flow, "For out of Zion shallgo forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem" (Isa. 2: 2-3). Daniel prophesied of four great kingdoms, the fourth being the Roman Empire and declared"In the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set upa kingdom which shall never be destroyed" (Dan. 2: 44).He further foretold the ascension of Christ when he saw visions in the night, "And behold one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancientof days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given unto him dominion, and glory, and akingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion,which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed" (Dan. 7: 13-14).

When Peter began to speak on that Pentecost day, hesaid "This is that spoken of by the prophet Joel" (Acts

2: 16) and followed by identifying the events of the daywith what David had spoken prophetically (vv. 25-31).

The Preparatory Work of John

John the baptizer was the voice of one crying in thewilderness "Prepare ye the way of the Lord" (Mt. 3: 1-3). John was not "that Light, but was sent to bear witnessof that Light" (Jno. 1: 8). John promised "He shall baptizewith the Holy Spirit" (Mt. 3: 11).

The Preliminary Work of Christ

"After that John was put in prison, Jesus came intoGalilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, andsaying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God isat hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel" (Mk. 1: 14-15).He promised that his kingdom would come in the lifetime of some who heard his voice and that it would come "with power" (Mk. 9: 1). He said just before ascendingthat "ye shall receive power after the Holy Spirit hascome upon you" (Acts 1: 8).

The Beginning

When that first Pentecost after Jesus arose from the dead and ascended to his Father did, indeed, come, thestage was set for the divine plan of the ages to be set inmotion. Jerusalem was the right place. The anticipatedpower of the Holy Spirit came upon these apostles "as a rushing mighty wind" (Acts 2: 2). They were "all filledwith the Holy Spirit and began to speak with othertongues as the Spirit gave them utterance" (v. 4). AsPeter lifted up his voice, along with the eleven others,there was the beginning of the work of that gospel whichJesus said they should preach in all the world. They werenot to begin this work until the "promise of the Father"came upon them as they "tarried at Jerusalem" (Lk.

24: 47-49).

Here was the beginning of the work of human redemption which would bruise Satan's head, bless all nationsthrough the seed of Abraham, set in motion the "day ofhis power" establish the kingdom, and set the captivesfree as they turned to that truth which alone can makemen free.

Pentecost, then, was the beginning of the gospel age, the inauguration of the new covenant (Heb. 8: 8) nowthat the testator had died (Heb. 9: 15-17). Here was the beginning of the church. From this day forward "theLord added to the church daily those that were beingsaved" (Acts 2: 47). Any church which began at any othertime, place or under other circumstances than these, cannot claim to be the Lord's. Here was the beginning ofgospel preaching. Here was the announcement of theresurrection, coronation, and blessed reign of him who isat the right hand of God, exalted (Acts 2: 33) and who nowis declared to be "both Lord and Christ" (v. 36). Here forthe first time, heart-stricken sinners were told to "repent and be baptized... for the remission of sins, and yeshall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (v. 38). Assurance was given that this promise was not only to themand to their children, but those afar off (Gentiles).

Gentiles — Why that's where we came in, wasn't it? When Peter defended his work among the Gentiles at the house of Cornelius, he said "the Holy Spirit fell onthem, as on us AT THE BEGINNING. " So, you see,without understanding the significance of what took place on that Pentecost day, we are at a loss to understand the rest of the Bible. The patriarchy, the law, theprophets, John, the preaching and miracles of Christ —all these pointed to Pentecost. The conversions in the book of Acts, the instructions in the epistles and thereassurances of the book of Revelation cannot fully beappreciated without understanding what took place "atthe beginning. "

It is precisely at this point that the whole denominational world stumbles. Without a clear understanding ofthis, one cannot rightly divide the covenants. They donot know when one law ended and another began. Theydo not know nor preach what the apostles preached onPentecost and from that day forward. Theirs is "anothergospel. " They understand neither the universal nor the local body of the saved. Unless gospel preachers periodically call their hearers back to what happened "at the beginning" we shall lose our sense of identity and destiny. Have you heard much preaching lately on whathappened "at the beginning"?

A Nation Flounders

The irony is overwhelming and it is cause for sorrowto watch a nation as it struggles and flounders to solve the AIDS crisis without teaching morality. The countryhas been blindfolded, bound, gagged, and had its handstied by censoring itself against teaching morality. Thishas been done by those who have no morals and want anew world order. It is done under the guise that thenation would be violating its own constitution which says "government shall make no laws respecting anestablishment of religion. " It does no good to point outthat the framers of the Constitution were seeking toavoid establishing an official state church (as had beenthe case in England). These perverse ones act as thoughthe Constitution requires hostility toward belief in aCreator, the Bible and its standard of morality. But theyare liars.

There is a difference between freedom and a "free-forall. " Freedoms have their limitations. A "free-for-all" does not. The late Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote,"freedom of speech does not grant one the right to holler'Fire!' in a crowded theater" (1919). Governments havethe right to make laws which are in the best interest ofits citizens, and often have.

As the problem of AIDS increases, especially amongthe young, more and more are abandoning the call for"safe sex" and are calling for abstinence. It is too late forthousands, but on what basis? On the harm that is caused to others in society. That puts us back toadvocating morality, the very thing the humanists can'tstand.

Where are the advocates of "free love" who were so vocal in the 60's, 70's, and 80's? Those who interpretedfreedom to mean a "free-for-all" in every sort of indulgence? Those who defended obscenity, pornography and what goes on between "consenting adults?" These werethe humanists who argued "no restrictions" and gainedthe upper hand in the media, entertainment, and positions of authority. They were the ones who mocked theBible and morality and censored them from the schoolroom while replacing them with the animalistic doctrine of organic evolution, sex education (minus morality),and values "clarification. "

The nation's problems have grown in proportion to the success of the humanists and their front organizations. Their defense of immorality and success in gettinglaws against sodomy and adultery struck down was onthe basis that what goes on between consenting adults isa "victimless crime. " What they said was "personal andprivate between consenting adults" has become extremely public and a social scourge to the life and soul ofman. Many of these were highly educated but not perceptive at all about the future. They lived for the "here and now. " Wisdom had departed from the "wise. " Howwrong they were! They now struggle to patch up the mess their philosophy has made without teaching morality! They are walking an impossible tight rope. It is a mixed up world.

The advocates of filth have tried to present themselves as "angels of light" (2 Cor. 11: 13-15) by avoidingthe uncomplimentary and unfavorable name, "atheists. " These pseudo-intellectuals present themselveswith such dignified terms as the American Civil Liberties Union, People for the American Way, Humanists, Feminists, etc. What little good these organizations have done is greatly overshadowed by theharm they have caused with their anti-God, anti-familydoctrine. There is no denying their success. They haveinfiltrated religion as we see major denominationsunable to decide whether homosexuality is a sin. Theyhave infiltrated the media and we are bombarded with TV programs filled with adultery, lesbianism, incest,obscenities, etc. The music industry is overrun with raw sex.

Rape and Pornography

Sex crimes are on the increase. Yesterday's newspaper reported that rape was up 59% in 1991 (over1990). This can be traced to the philosophies of humanists who defend pornography. To say it politely,the humanists are naive not to note that most rapistshave been con-noisseurs of porno, all the way from Ted Bundy to Jeffery Dahmer. What enters the eye and earhas a way of lodging in the brain. It eventuallymanifests itself in what we say and do. The wise mansaid it like this: "As he thinketh in his heart, so is he"(Prov. 23: 7). They could have known if they had onlylistened.

Rape and Evolution

The reason humanists want man classified as an animal is because they know animals are amoral (notgoverned by moral standards). If he is merely an animal,why should we be shocked when he behaves like one? Ifthe rapist is a product of evolution, a chance arrangement of molecules, how can he be blamed? He is simplyfollowing his evolutionary inclination of the "survival ofthe fittest. "

Rape and Feminism

The popular doctrine of feminism is interwoven withhumanism. Take it from one rabid feminist. "Feminism is the best form of humanism that I know" (actress JodieFoster, AP, 2/12/92). Feminists are part of the problemof rape. With their heads in the sand they argue that lustfor sex has nothing to do with it, for it is an act of violence.In many cases it is both. To agree that it is a sexual act would violate their unisex philosophy and unwillingnessto admit there are real and basic differences between men and woman. Those differences will remain till the end of time.

Rape is always wrong and never justified. The rapistshould be punished to the full extent of the law. Where feminists are wrong is in failing to admit a basic difference. Man are more easily and quickly stimulated bysight than are women. This is why nearly all pornography is purchased by men. It is why most rapists aremen. It is why harlots dress a certain way to attract men(Prov. 7: 10). It is why Jesus said "everyone that lookethon a woman to lust after her hath committed adulterywith her already in his heart" (Mt. 5: 28).

A woman may be raped who is totally innocent andcontributed nothing to the process. A man may have hispassions inflamed through pornography and he ventshis lust by raping the next woman in sight, though shemay be decently attired.

On the other hand, the man who rapes a woman who tempted, teased, tormented and tantalized him by lascivious behavior and clothing, is still guilty of rape, butshe is not guiltless. Whether the law ever recognizes itor not, she was a stumblingblock. No rapist is justified

— not one. But her behavior may be an important partof the extenuating circumstances. If feminists really are sincere in wanting to understand why rape has taken such a dramatic increase, they need to look at the totalpicture. As long as they deny that there are majordifferences between the sexes the rape rate will continue to increase and they will continue to be shockedand bewildered. Instead of making war on the Bible,they should be making war against evolution, pornography, fashion designers, and feminism. Humanists wantto deny the consequences of humanism, but it liessquarely at their feet.

Males are responsible for exercising self-control.There are situations which test and try them and makeit difficult to maintain that control. This is why theyshould stay away from pornography, nightclubs (wherelasciviousness is rampant), public gatherings that arenotorious for near nudity (such as mixed swimming).They must control the music they listen to and whatthey watch on television. This is not too high a price topay when one considers the salvation of his soul.

What Can The Christian Do?

PRAY. Pray for strength against temptation. There is some truth in the maxim that "the Lord helps thosewho help themselves. " He wants us to pray for strengthagainst sexual temptation, but He also expects us toavoid pornography.

PRAY FOR RULERS. What was once the "cream of the crop" has become the "scum of the slop. " Homosexuals, adulterers, thieves, and liars have gotten elected tohigh office. Some of them sit on extremely importantcommittees that shape the direction of the nation in thearea of morals. God still rules in the kingdom of men.Ask Him to give us good men of high morals and worthyof honor.

PRAY FOR BOLDNESS. Speak out! There is adearth of backbone among some officials who lackcourage to stand for principles rather than policy andpolitics. When Christians by peaceful and lawful means

speak out, they are "points of light. " This concept credited to our president actually comes from the Bible(Phil. 2: 15, 16; Mt. 5: 14-16). I fear we have becomeweakened and intimidated. The "fight" has been taken out of us. Here is an area where we cannot afford to "go withthe flow. " We must not blend with society. I have always thought of myself as an optimist, but unlessChristians and congre-gations become more militant weare in for some hard times ahead. We must fight fair(strive lawfully), but we must fight (I Tim. 6: 12).

We have the answer to some of the world's most serious problems. If we don't speak out, who will? If we don't do it now, when will we?

No Repentance — No Regret

There is a time and place for repentance and regret.Repentance is a change of mind. It involves sorrow forsin. Regret entails a feeling of sorrow or disappointmentor grief. We may regret that we have done something.Yet, on the other hand we may regret not doing somethings.

Every person has done and will do things for which helater repented. When we realized that we had sinned weturned to God in repentance. We all have done thingsthat we also regretted — even things that did not involvesin.

On the other side of the coin there are many thingsthat are proper and right for which there will be norepentance and no regret. In fact, we are glad we didthose things. If there were to be any regrets at all it wouldbe in not doing those things that we should be doing. Or,we may regret that we didn't do those things sooner.

Let's consider some things that I never will repent ofor regret. Don't misunderstand, if someone can show thatany of these are wrong, I most certainly would repent.

I'll Never Regret That I Obeyed The Gospel In My Youth

Our youth is a time that we should be serving the Lord(Ecc. 12: 1). It is not a time that we must sow our wild oats.I obeyed the gospel when I was fourteen. I never have, and I don't think I ever will regret that I did. I have neverlooked back and wished that I had waited a few years.

I don't regret it because that is when I became a Christian, a follower of Christ (Acts 11: 26). That is whenI obtained the remission of sins (Acts 3: 19). That is when I obtained the hope of going to heaven when I die (Rev.

22: 14). Obeying in my youth gave me more years to growand mature as a child of God.

Many, on the other hand, have looked back and regretted that they didn't obey the gospel sooner. I havewitnessed some who were middle-aged and older whofinally submitted in obedience. On several of thoseoccasion the remark was made, "I only wish I had donethis years ago.. "

I'll Never Regret Maintaining Moral Purity

God demands moral purity. The command is to abstain from or flee sexual immorality (1 Thess. 4: 3; 1 Cor.

6: 18). God expects that of all. It was not intended for thisto be a characteristic of only a few strange people.

I have never known of any one who entered marriage and looked back and regretted that they didn't experi-ment with fornication. Have you ever known of anyone who repented that they maintainedtheir virginity until marriage?

I have never known of anyone who regretted thatthey didn't have any extra-marital affair. Have youever witnessed repentance and confession of maritalfaith-fullness?

The reason we have not known of this is that true joy in this intimate relationship comes only withinmar-riage (Prov. 5: 15-17; Heb. 13: 4; 1 Cor. 7: 2-4).

In contrast many live to regret and even repent ofnot maintaining this purity. They live with the shame, disgrace, dishonor and a cloud brought on bytheir sin (Prov. 6: 27, 33). Fornication leaves scars that may never be removed. Countless times we have heard the state-ment, "I wish we had waited" or "It wasn't worth the price I had to pay. "

Ill Never Regret Spending Time WithMy Children

There are a number of Bible principles that suggestthat time must be spent with our children, not onlyteaching them, but just bonding and playing with them(Eph. 6: 4; Col. 3: 21). We must use our time properlyand carefully (Eph. 5: 16). Timothy's mother and grand-mother spent a lot of time with Timothy (2 Tim.

3: 15).

The time we spend with our children will never bea waste of time. It might involve playing ring-aroundthe-roses, building a sand castle, throwing a ball, watching television, playing with dolls or trucks, taking them to a movie, to a ball game or treat them to acook-out in the park. Yes, there are 101 other important things that must be done. But, those things will have to wait because the children will not.One day we will wake up to an empty house with nolittle one to feed and get off to school - no one who needs help with homework -no one who begs for a snack — noone who makes a mess in their room -no one whose clothes need washing—no one who keeps you up at nightwith a fever—no one begging you to play with them.Then it will be a little late to try to spend a little timewith them.

This time we spend with them now, while they are still at home, is helping mold them into what they oughtto be. I have never regretted that I have spent time withmy children. No matter what was left undone because ofit, I have never looked back and wished I had spent less time.

There are many parents who have looked back only toregret that they didn't spend more time. When theirchildren are grown, it is too late. They now realize thechildren were more important than a career. The sadpart is they can't go back and do this job over.

Ill Never Regret That I Spend Time In DailyPrayer And Bible Study

God's people pray often (1 Thess. 5: 17; Psa. 55: 1617; Dan. 6: 10). They also study from the word frequently (Acts 17: 11). To do both takes time.

No matter how much time I take every day to pray andstudy, I have never regretted that I took the time to doso. I have never wished that I had prayed less. I havenever felt disappointed that I studied as much as I did.

However, there have been days that I regretted thatI didn't pray and study more.

There are many other things that are proper andright that I will never regret doing such as: going toservices, using an opportunity to teach others or takingmy stand for truth. Just do what the Lord tells you to doand you'll never regret doing it.

A Time To Laugh

"... there is a time to weep and a time to laugh" (Eccl.

3: 4).

The story is that a brother approached Ed Harrellafter one of his inimitable sermons and said, "I don't think the pulpit is any place for humor. " Ed smiled andreplied, "Well, I do. "

Certainly humor may be overdone in the pulpit, aspathos may also be. But it's difficult to discern why somewould totally restrain a basic human emotion frombeing manifested in preaching. A few years ago I wasprivileged to hear Irvin Lee and Granville Tyler preachback to back in an all-day meeting at Nixon's Chapel, arural Alabama church. Brother Lee preached for over anhour, which he did not often do. Brother Tyler alsopreached longer than usual on the special topic he hadbeen assigned. Yet the time passed so quickly as theselessons were delivered with finesse. The reason was easy to ascertain. Both lessons were underscored withhomey illustrations and anecdotes, some humorous, some sad, but all to the point. If it is wrong to entertainan audience when you preach, both stood condemned.But they not only entertained, they provided a greatdeal more edification than I have heard in many a drierattempt.

A publication of the American Medical Associationobserves: "Scientists have been studying the effect oflaughter on human beings and have found, among other things, that laughter has a profound and instantaneouseffect on virtually every important organ in the human body. Laughter reduces health-sapping tensions and relaxes the tissues, as well as exercising the most vitalorgans. It is found that laughter, even when forced,results in a beneficial effect on us both mentally andphysically. "

Norman Cousins has publicized his laughter therapyin a couple of books. He credits regular laughter withbringing healing to his body which was diagnosed asterminally ill. He says he watched regularly the oldcomedy movie classics and T. V. sit corns, and laughed uproariously. (Make sure it's the old ones. We'd probably all be terminal cases if we depended on the newones).

Laughter, of course, like everything, can be abusedand misused. To "laugh at the plight of the innocent"(Job. 9: 23), or at the misfortune of others (Psalm 80: 6) is

cruel. To laugh at things holy (Gen. 18: 12-15) isdestruc-tive. To laugh and mock at sin (Prov. 14: 9) isfoolish. To laugh at someone because of his dress, speech,age, color, mistakes, or any other reason is arrogant.

Though Jesus was called a man of sorrows, acquaintedwith grief, He also had a sense of humor. Elton Truebloodwrote an intriguing book called The Humor of Jesus. While I don't find humor in all the references that Trueblood did, one cannot escape the fact that many ofthe Lord's illustrations were funny and were intended tobe. The thought of one trying to remove a speak from the eye of another while a stick of timber protruded from hisown eye; or straining out a gnat and then drinking downa camel, is ludicrous. And doubtlessly it brought bellylaughs to those who heard these analogies who were not objects of the attack.

The book of Proverbs teaches us that "A merry heartmakes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow ofthe heart the spirit is broken... All the days of the afflicted are evil, but he who is of a merry heart hasa continual feast... A merry heart does good like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones"

(15: 13, 15; 17: 22).By the way, have you heard the one about...

Joint Efforts Result in Conversion

Naaman was caption of the Syrian army, a war hero.He was also a leper. His story is told in 2 Kings 5.

In Naaman's day Syria made frequent border raidsagainst Israel. During one of those raids a young maidenwas taken captive who later became Naaman's wife's servant. She told her mistress about the prophet Elisha,whom she was sure could cure Naaman's leprosy.

Leprosy was among the most dreaded diseases inBible times. It begins with brownish-red spots on theskin which turn into hardened modules, and in timebecame ulcers. As the disease progresses the musclesand nerves are affected, resulting in deformity andparalysis. Naturally, one with leprosy would seize anyopportunity to be healed. Naaman was no exception.Laden with extravagant gifts, he proceeded to Elisha's house, thinking the prophet would come out to him andceremoniously cleanse him. Instead Elijah sent a messenger to him, instructing him to go wash in the Jordanseven times.

Naaman reacted angrily. This procedure was illogical and humiliating. He might have returned home withoutcomplying had not his servants intervened. They wiselypointed out to him that he was prepared to do some greatthing to be healed, so why not do something as simple asdipping himself in a river? Naaman reconsidered,obeyed, and his flesh was restored to a childlike purity.

This account illustrates several important lessonsand is an oft-used sermon text. I want to make just onepoint from it: Naaman's cleansing resulted from thecombined efforts of several people. The Israelite maideninitiated the process by telling him help was available through Elijah. Then Elijah, through a messenger, toldNaaman what God required of him. Finally his ownservants played the vital role of encouraging him to obeywhen he resisted. Each of these contributions was equally essential to Naaman's cleansing. Without any ofthem he would have gone to his grave a leper.

Those lost in sin need to be washed in Jesus' blood. Every effort at helping them is valuable; none should bedemeaned. And there is something you can do. Some are like Elijah, who can effectively explain what God requires. Perhaps more of us are capable of this phase thanwe realize. But if you cannot be an Elijah you can be anIsraelite maiden, telling others that cleansing is available and putting them in contact with an Elijah. Ormaybe you are a good Naaman's servant, encouragingothers to do what they know is right. Barnabas was a"Son of Encouragement"; we need more like him. Someplant, others water. These efforts come together, andGod gives the increase (1 Cor. 3: 6).

Look at this lesson in action. Mary, a sister in thechurch here at Palmetto, has an uncle who lives inIndiana. He is bedfast, breathing though a trachea tubeconnected to an oxygen tank. She had been talking tohim about the gospel, and he was about to decide to obey.Mary asked me for help. I contacted a preacher in histown. He and another brother visited uncle Carter and did some additional teaching. Mary encouraged himfurther when he hesitated. And last week he was immersed into Christ in his bathtub. Now he is working ona way to get to the assembly and take his Catholic familywith him.

Friend, every effort, whether large or small, counts.Your own conversion was likely the culmination ofcombined efforts of people who loved your soul. Now dowhat you can, unto God's glory.

"David Did It"

It is nothing short of disrespect for the dead, as longas David has been in his sepulcher, for folks to continueblaming him for their religious error. And in doing so,they also show disrespect for the New Will and Testament of Christ (Heb. 9: 15-17).

The advocates of instrumental music in the worship ofthe church have always attempted to implicate David intheir false doctrine and practice. "David used instruments, and so can we. "

Then, they jump from David and the Old Testament dispensation, all the way over the New Testament dispensation and the church-age into heaven, and attempt to justify their mechanical instruments of music byperverting the symbolic and figurative language ofRevelation. And this exercise in religious gymnastics isa tacit admission that they cannot find New Testamentauthority for using their pianos, guitars, and drums inthe worship of the church.

One of the first things brother Homer Hailey emphasized in his classes on Revelation is that you cannotallow symbolic language, whether found in Daniel orRevelation, to interpret plain, literal declarations ofrevealed truth found elsewhere in the Bible. I think it is high time that brethren begin to make some of thesebasic applications for establishing Bible authority onceagain.

The first time I personally heard anyone try to use David as an excuse for "plural marriages" was back inthe 1930's, and the occasion was a handwritten debatebetween two Baptist preachers. And my father was oneof the participants in the debate. The preacher whoattempted to use David and Bathsheba as justificationfor divorce/remarriage on grounds other than fornication, clearly held an indefensible position. And that wasevident even to those of us who were still very young andhad very little knowledge of the Bible.

Incidentally, neither of those Baptist preachers believed in instrumental music, so the one who used Mt.

19: 1-9 as his text for divorce/remarriage did not put himself in an inconsistent position, at least on that subject. (But some years later when I challenged one ofthose same Baptist preachers for New Testament authority to wear the name "Baptist, " he could not find thatauthority.

David — It was David himself who pointed us to Christ's authority when he said, "the Lord said unto myLord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool" (Ps. 110: 1; Mt. 22: 44).

Ezekiel —The prophet Ezekiel told of the time whenthe earthly throne of David would be superseded by thespiritual reign of Christ on his throne (Ezek. 21: 25-27).

God — On the mount of transfiguration, God clearly,once and for all, exalted the authority of Christ over the Mosaic dispensation (Mt. 17: 1-5). And this was in directagreement with the prophecy of Moses himself (Acts 3:22, 23).

Peter — On the day of Pentecost, the apostle Peterdeclared that David's sepulcher was still with them andthat Christ had been raised up to sit on David's throne (Acts 2: 25-36).

Paul — In rebuking the Galatians for their attemptsat justification by the law of Moses, Paul said, "Christ isbecome of no effect unto you, whosoever of you arejustified by the law; ye are fallen from grace" (Gal. 5: 4).

God "suffered" people in times past to do many thingswhich did not meet with his approval, but he did so"because of the hardness of your hearts" (Mt. 19: 8).

God suffered Israel to have a king, but it was never hiswill that such earthly kings should exist (Hos. 13: 11).God allowed some of these kings to exist, and evenblessed them in some ways, in spite of the fact that manyof them still condoned the sins of Jeroboam and his golden calves (cf. 2 Ki. 10: 29).

So the fact that God allowed (or "suffered") David to doa thing was no basis for authority even under the old law,much less under the law of Christ.

We are going to be judged by Christ's word, and thatjudgment will include both saints and aliens (Jno. 12: 48; Acts 17: 21; 1 Pet. 4: 17, 18). Notice that God willjudge the "world" in righteousness, and that includesthe alien sinner, judged by the righteousness of God asrevealed in the gospel (Rom. 1: 17; 2: 16).

"And the times of this ignorance God winked at; butnow commandeth all men every where to repent" (Acts

17: 30). And notice the "now" as contrasted to times past.

That is why Jesus took time and pains to contrast histeaching with that of Moses on a number of subjects (Mt.5), including the matter of fornication, divorce, andremarriage (5: 31, 32; 19: 9). But in spite of this,brethren still attempt to circumvent the teaching andauthority of Christ by reverting to the Mosaic dispensation and saying "David did it, " or going evenfarther back to the patriarchal dispensation and attempting to justify a doctrine/practice in this dispensation by "universal moral law. "

And like the sectarians who concede that they have noNew Testament authority when they try the long jumpfrom Moses to heaven, brethren who place so muchemphasis on David and "moral law" are conceding that they are not comfortable with their position when confined to the New Testament.

It is one thing to use the examples of the Old Testament as they were intended to be used (Rom. 15: 4; 1 Cor.

10: 11), but quite another when we make the "tail wag the dog" and base our main arguments on David and the "moral law.:

And if some brethren still deny that they are usingDavid, Moses, or Abraham for authority on the subject ofmarriage or on any other subject, then I have only onesentence left to write.

It is time they began acting, talking, and writing likethey believe what they claim to believe.

The title of this study comes from a statement of the apostle Paul in his second letter to the Corinthians, andit sounds like one of those statements that can't possiblybe true. How can it be that when I am weak, then I am strong? Taken in its context, this statement is not onlyunderstandable, but it is also logical and reasonable.

One of the problems most of us have had in our youthis thinking that we know all the answers. There is something about youth that often refuses to acknowledge how little we know, how weak we are, and howmuch we need the help of others. One of the dangers ofthis period of our lives is that we may fail to see thedanger and be swept away in it. In Paul's first letter to the Corinthians he told of some of the sins of the Jews and told the Corinthian brethren: "Now all these thingshappened unto them as examples, and they were writtenfor our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages havecome. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall" (1 Cor. 10: 11-12). It is when I am least aware of the danger, and when I think that I am at my strongestthat I am indeed in the greatest danger of all.

In the passage suggested by the title of this study Paulwas concerned about some apparently physical problem,something he called "a thorn in the flesh. " What ever theproblem was it was such that Paul truly wanted relieffrom it and prayed three times that God would removeit from him (2 Cor. 12: 7-8). But the following verses showthat God's way is not always our way. Paul wrote: "And he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for Mystrength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore mostgladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that thepower of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I takepleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I amweak, then I am strong" (2 Cor. 12: 9-10). I don't believePaul was literally saying that he enjoyed infirmities andreproaches and persecutions or distresses. But he tookpleasure in them, because when he acknowledged that he was powerless over these things, and trusted in God to see him through, then he was strong.

The wiser we think we are, and the stronger we feel,the less we feel the need of the gospel, and of God's care day by day. One of the problems Paul described in thefirst letter to the Corinthians was that so many thoughtof the gospel as foolishness. With their human wisdomthey could not seem to grasp the simplicity of the gospel,or how salvation could be in the shed blood of Jesus, or why God would send Jesus to die in the first place, oreven why they needed Him. Paul wrote: "Because thefoolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your callingbrethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh,not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But Godhath chosen the foolish things of the world to confoundthe wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of theworld to confound the things which are mighty;; and base things of the world, and things which are despised,hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bringto nought things that are: that no flesh should glory inhis presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus who ofGod is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: (1 Cor. 1: 25-30). God's way is not the same as that of men, and only when werecognize how weak and frail we are and how much weneed Him do we willingly accept His strength, and Hisway. This is the reason that so few of the Jews acceptedJesus when He came, because they thought of themselves as righteous and good, not weak and sinful and inneed of His grace.

HOW DOES THIS HELP ME? It helps me to knowthat God knows of the struggles and trials in my life andthat He cares. David wrote: "But I am poor and needy;yet the Lord thinketh upon me" (Psa. 40: 17). And earlierDavid wrote: "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seedbegging bread" (Psalm 37: 25).

It helps me to know that even though God alreadyknows how weak I am, He wants me to cast my cares onHim, He wants me to acknowledge my need of Him andmy trust in Him. It helps me to know that He will hearmy cry for help. Peter wrote: "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt youin due time: casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you" (1 Peter 5: 6-7). And John wrote: "And this is theconfidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thingaccording to his will, he heareth us: and if we know thathe hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we havethe petitions that we desired of him" (1 John 5: 14-15).

And it helps me to know that no matter how muchI may fail, and how often others in this life may fail us, that God will not fail. In the letter to the Hebrews wefind this statement: "Let your conversation be without covet-ousness; and be content with such things as yehave: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, norforsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is myhelper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me"(Heb. 13: 5-6).

None of this means that God will remove all our problems any more than He removed Paul's "thorn in the flesh. " Nor does it mean that God will overlook my sins.I must still confess my sins (1 John 1: 9), and repent and pray for forgiveness (Acts 8: 22). But it does mean that in

(Continued in next column)

Some churches of Christ participate in a workingrelationship known as the sponsoring church arrangement. One might rightfully ask, "What is a sponsoringchurch?" A sponsoring church is a local church that hasdecided to take upon itself a work that is much largerthan it could afford to do by itself. Then, this self-appointed sponsoring church solicits money from othercongregations so that they can accomplish the taskwhich they have embarked upon.

After the work has been decided upon a large amount of money is spent to raise the amount that has beenestimated in order to carry out this project. The mail isused along with professional promoters for the purposeof raising money from other churches of Christ in the area or even the nation. These churches are urged tosend money to the sponsoring church so that it can carryout this "great" work they have decided to do.

A few examples of this type of arrangement are: 1) the Memorial Drive church of Christ in Houston, Texas whosponsor a work in South Africa, 2) the Forrest Parkchurch of Christ in Valdosta, Georgia who operate a massive project in Central America called the PanamaMissions, 3) the Sycamore church of Christ in Cookeville, Tennessee who sponsor the One Nation Under Godcampaign which is designed to send a brochure intoevery home in America and eventually throughout theworld. These projects undertaken by these self-appointed sponsoring churches are much larger than theycould do on their own.

Origin — God or Man?

Where did the sponsoring church originate? Did ithave it's beginning in the mind of God or the mind ofman? Since all truth has been delivered, then if thesponsoring church originated in the mind of God we willbe able to turn and put our finger on the passage orpassages that teach about this arrangement (John

16: 13; Jude 3). There is NO Bible passage that evenhints of such an arrangement. Do not take the word ofthis writer; search the Scriptures for yourself and see ifGod's word reveals such an arrangement.

In order to be fair and give those who support sponsoring churches the benefit of the doubt, a call was made toJeff Smith, a local preacher who supports the sponsoringchurch arrangement, and he was asked if such an

spite of our weakness we can indeed be strong whenwe recognize the source of our blessings and the onewho truly cares for all His people.

arrangement could be found in the New Testament. Hestated that God's word was silent concerning the sponsoring church. He stated further that no scripture existed that referred to a sponsoring church. In defense ofthis arrangement he said that the sponsoring churchwas not forbidden in the New Testament. There were various other attempts made to justify this practicewhich we will examine, but this shows that those involved in the very act of promoting this know that thereis no sponsoring church found in the Scriptures.

The origin of the gospel which the apostle Paulpreached was Jesus Christ (Gal. 1: 12). We are commanded to teach the gospel of Christ (Mk. 16: 15). Howcan we teach the gospel of Christ and teach people toparticipate in sponsoring church arrangements? Wecannot do it by God's authority, because it came fromman and not from God.

Too Big and Too Small

The sponsoring church is bigger than the local churchwhich we can read about in the New Testament and it is smaller than the universal church which we can also read about in the New Testament. Brother Smith was asked if this was an accurate description of a sponsoringchurch and he agreed. The sponsoring church is anorganization that is not found in God's word. This is one of the arguments that some of those in these sponsoringchurches used to use against the denominations of men.They should apply this same teaching to their own invention.

Why is it wrong for the Baptist churches to form anassociation to carry out their work and it is not wrong forthe churches of Christ? Changing the name does not change the structure of the organization and the organizational structure cannot be found in the NewTesta-ment.

There is a form of cooperation found in the NewTestament. Two or more churches sent money to a gospelpreacher to support him in the work of preaching thegospel (2 Cor. 11: 8-9). However, the New Testamentis silent when it comes to local churches funnelingtheir money through one church to preach the gospel toall the world. One is in the New Testament and the other is not!

Remember brethren, an argument based upon the silence of the scriptures will allow instrumental music,sprinkling for baptism, infant baptism, denominationalnames and associations, the worship of Mary, and any other practice that man can dream up. Had this argument any validity with God, Nadab and Abihu wouldcertainly have been spared from His wrath (Lev. 10: 1-2)."For whatsoever things were written aforetime werewritten for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope" (Rom. 15: 4).We had better learn the lessons of the past.

Christianity is a positive religion. We are to do whatGod teaches, like God teaches and leave off everythingelse (Matt. 7: 21; Gal. 1: 6-9).

Is God's Organization Sufficient?

Individual Christians and local churches spread thegospel into all the world during the first century (Col.

1: 6, 23). God's way worked then and it is being workednow by faithful churches of Christ.

Those who promote and support the sponsoringchurch arrangement claim that this is a more effective and efficient way for doing the Lord's work in the twentieth century. In other words, they are saying that Goddid not give us the best organization possible for carrying out His will. Who can believe it?

Many examples could be given to show the ineffectiveness and inefficiency of the sponsoring church arrangement. However consider this, God loves all men andwants all to come to repentance (Jn. 3: 16; 2 Pet. 3: 9).Certainly, God is going to provide the very best way toreach mankind with the gospel. God did not provide inany way whatsoever for the sponsoring church; therefore, the sponsoring church is not the best way possibleto reach the lost, nor is it the right way to reach the lost.

In our next article we will examine more of the reasons given for supporting the sponsoring church.

Retiring From The Lord's Work

I think now and then about something that happenedseveral years ago when my good friend Chuck Durhamaccompanied me on a preaching trip to Dominica, the beautiful little Island in the Caribbean where Ernest Roberts lives and works as an evangelist. An islanderwith whom we were visiting was asking Chuck about hisfamily back in the States. When he asked what Chuck's father's occupation was, Chuck replied that he was a retired farmer. We noticed a puzzled look on the individual's face, and suddenly realized that, on an island where those who eke out an agricultural livelihood simply workuntil they die, the expression "retired farmer" must haveseemed a contradiction in terms. To the man with whom we were talking, this crazy idea of a farmer just arbitrarily ceasing to work, although still physically and mentally capable of working, probably confirmed what he had always been led to believe about Americans: thatwe are an effete, self-indulgent bunch of people.

It is easy for us to forget that the concept of "retirement" from one's life's work is for the most part apeculiarity of industrialized nations and is not at all thenorm in the wider world. With this notion, as with manyothers, it is hard to keep in mind that ideas that aresecond-nature to us are not necessarily a part of the way most of the people in the world think even today, not tomention most people throughout history. What we assume is the "norm" may be nothing more than a curiouslittle exception in terms of the total history of mankind—and a worrisome exception at that, in the opinion ofthose whose customs are the norm.

What is worse, we tend to take aspects of our American culture and lifestyle and read these back into theNew Testament. When we make judgments about howwe ought to engage in the Lord's work, we often exerciseour judgment in ways that nobody would ever do if hewere not looking at the New Testament through thetinted lenses of the American way of life. Our assumptions about what is wise and good and expedient wouldoften look ridiculous from the vantage point of the vastmajority of mankind. To take but a simple example, anAmerican's assumptions about how long a sermonshould last would be humorous to many of the Lord'speople in the rest of the world. We wrongfully assumethat "the way it is" for us is the way it has to be, the way it ought to be, etc. In reality, though, our customs arenothing more than that: customs. Some of these mayhappen to be good—but others may not be so good.

To me, it seems as clear as can be that our view ofwhat is "reasonable" in regard to serving the Lord overa lifetime is influenced by our peculiar American customs regarding retirement from our secular vocations.In societies where there is no such thing as retirementfrom one's work, the thought of "retiring" from the Lord's work would hardly enter anyone's mind. But most of us have been conditioned since childhood to think that the way life ought to unfold is something lifethis: one works as hard as he can early in life so thatwhen he gets to his sixties, if not before, he can ceasewhat he has been doing for a living and basically do what he wants to for the rest of his life. As suggested above, the concept of doing that may sound soft to people in lessaffluent societies, but there is nothing inherently wrongwith the custom. There is, however, much wrong withthe idea that we can at some point arbitrarily lay asideour responsibilities in the Lord's work and basically do what we want to for the rest of our lives.

Now obviously, the strength and vigor of youth passesaway long before most of us die. The time comes when wesimply cannot, either physically or mentally, do in the Lord's work what we once could. Not only that, it is alsotrue that as we mature the nature of what we can do best in the Lord's work changes. The contribution weare able to make as senior citizens in the kingdom is notthe same contribution we were able to make in youth.(Frankly it is often a much more important kind of service that age and wisdom allow us to offer). I am notsuggesting here that anyone should make a fool ofhimself trying to continue doing what he is no longercapable of doing, nor am I denying that the nature of ourwork in the Lord changes over time. I am suggesting that there is nothing scriptural about the concept ofarbitrarily ceasing to do any significant work in theLord's service, as if having "done our part" it is nowsomeone else's turn to work while we "enjoy" the yearswe have left to us.

But I have seen it happen time and again. Just whenfolks are able to be of the very best service, they quit.Seasoned men and women—able to lend much-needed maturity to our evangelism, edification, and benevolence—decide that their retirement plans do not allowroom for much responsibility in the Lord. Elders leavetheir post of duty and move off to the Sunshine State.Married couples, often part of the irreplaceable backbone of their congregations, retire and move "back home" to some situation where they are not needednearly so badly. People who complain throughout their "working" lives about having too little time for the Lord's work, suddenly find that the pleasures of travel, etc. leave little time for spiritual work during their retirement years. Grandmothers (who can literally "love itinto them") decide they will no longer teach God's word to children's classes. On and on the story goes, makingit appear (at least in some cases) that we did not trulyenjoy working in the Lord's service anyway. Is it possiblethat we were only putting in time until we could satisfyourselves that we had done enough, at which point weimmediately moved on to what we had really beenwanting to do all along?

I know that as the years wear on we get tired. TheLord's work is hard work, and the years take their toll.But keeping on working, even when we are tired, isplainly a part of what it is going to take to get to heaven. Paul urged, "And let us not grow weary while doing good,for in due season we should reap if we do not lose heart" (Gal. 6: 9). And the Lord Himself said to the brethren inSmyrna, "Be faithful until death, and I will give you acrown of life" (Rev. 2: 10). It makes little difference whether the text should read "until" or "unto" death. The person who would go so far as to die for the Lord is not going to retire from the Lord's work until he does die, whenever that is.

Would it not do us all great good to read the Hebrewletter thoughtfully from time to time? There the writersaid, "And we desire that each one of you show the samediligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises: (Heb. 6; 11, 12). And there we are warned, "Since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it" (Heb. 4: 1).Whether that fellow in Dominica could envision anysuch thing as a retired farmer, the notion of a retiredservant of the Lord ought to be unimaginable to any of us.

The Bible teaches that local churches are to evangelize (1 Thess. 1: 8) and practice benevolence (2 Cor. 9: 1).The Bible also teaches that churches may cooperate inthese works (2 Cor. 11: 8; 1 Cor. 16: 1). The extent towhich churches may cooperate has been an issue ofcontroversy among brethren. May churches cooperate through a centralized agency (the sponsoring church), oris cooperation limited to independent action? It is myview that the latter position is correct.

To prove the sponsoring church position, cooperationin benevolence and evangelism have been paralleled. Itis argued that since a church may send money directly toother churches in benevolence, the same holds true forevangelism. Therefore, churches may send money tocongregations like the Sycamore church in Cookeville,TN, for the purpose of supporting evangelism (the "OneNation Under God" program). It is the purpose of thisarticle to show that church cooperation in benevolencecannot be paralleled to church cooperation in evangelism.

The New Testament does teach that churches maysend directly to other churches in order to meet a benevolent need. Churches just did not decide to sendmoney to other churches for no reason. Money was sentwhen the membership of a congregation was threatenedby poverty, as were the saints in Judea (Acts 11: 29). Ifthere had been no need, no money would have been sent.Such is the nature of benevolence. It is precisely becausebenevolent cooperation is need-based that it cannot becompared to sponsoring church arrangements. Such arrangements are not based on need, or at least genuineneeds.

Sponsoring churches "need" money from other churches only in the sense that they have decided toenact a program which they cannot fund on their own.This contrived "destitution" is not parallel to the examples of church-to-church benevolent care in the NT.Let me illustrate with benevolent work in a local church. A congregation does not distribute money to its membersfor no reason. Churches give their members aid onlywhen those members are in need (see 1 Timothy 5: 3-16).But suppose that a member where you worship decided they wanted a Porche sports car, and became impoverished in their attempt to get it. Does that person qualifyfor benevolent care since they are in "need"? Obviouslynot, because their need is contrived. Or, to more accurately illustrate this point, suppose a member where youworship announced that they felt it was their duty to

feed every person in your county, and demanded thatthe church pick up the tab by relieving the poverty theyexperience when they embark upon this costly venture.Is that a true need or a concocted one? Clearly such doesnot fall within the scope of church benevolence.

Now, since according to our institutional brethrenwhat's true for the individual is true for the church, let's apply these principles to church cooperation. If a churchdecides to perform a work which it knows it cannot fundby itself, it has no more right to receive money from otherchurches any more than an individual saint shouldreceive money from his local church when he does the same thing on an individual scale. Both are contrivedneeds, not the type of need with which NT teaching onbenevolence is concerned. For this reason, the patternfor church cooperation in benevolence cannot be compared to church cooperation in evangelism.

When will we learn that God does not expect Christians or churches to do more than they have the abilityto do. God does not expect me to feed every hungryperson in Montgomery County, and He does not expectOak Hill to mail a pamphlet to every house in America.God expects us, individually and congregationally, to doonly what we have the ability to do. And in the final analysis, whether that means we contribute much orlittle, God is more pleased with the two mites of the widow than He is with the great gifts of the wealthy.

As a nation we are a mobile people. According to someestimates as many as 20% of the population of thiscountry will move in a year's time. Some of these moveswill be within the same city but many will be out of townand out of state moves. Big companies and corporationsmove their employees about due to promotions, relocations, mergers and what ever. Frequently when peopleretire they move to warmer areas of the country or toareas where life is at a slower pace. Undoubtedly thereare a number of faithful Christians involved in such moves and transfers.

With such moves there are many adjustments thathave to be made. Getting located in a suitable area, finding schools for children, finding doctors and dentists, locating other services that will be needed and forfaithful Christians a congregation of faithful discipleswith whom to meet and worship. Many cities and townsmay not offer one a choice. In fact in some places to meet with a faithful church a family may have to travel anumber of miles or start a congregation in their home. Inplaces where there is a choice of congregations whatdetermines that choice? How close it is to the new home? the largest group where one is least needed and can getlost in the crowd and bury any talent one has?, or is itwith concern for where one can be the greatest help tothe cause of Christ?

Shouldn't our attitude be "I want to be a worker for the Lord and meet and worship where my presence, talents,abilities and means are most needed"? Why would a goodsong leader be content to warm the pew where there arealready a half dozen or more good song leaders while atanother congregation, across town or maybe even nearerbut smaller, there may be a desperate need for one goodsong leader? The same with teachers and others who canhave a good part in the work and be an encouragementwhere encouragement is so greatly needed. When youmove or are transferred won't you give some thought tothis? What about where you are now? Is there a small faithful church not too far away where your presence and help is much more needed?

Training Up A Child

by Gwendolyn M. Webb

With the Bible as her main source and from the vantage point of parental experience, the writer has produced a book godly parents can use in meet-ing the challenge of parental guidance. She helps parents learn how to rear their children with genuine love,concern and common sense. She shows that with love and through discipline and establishment of good habits, children can be brought up to be well adjusted, well behaved, loving, motivated and self-sufficient.

Hardbook 357 pages Cloth $18. 95 Paper $10. 95 (plus postage) ORDER FROM: Religious Supply Center

THE NEWS LETTER REPORTS

"... They rehearsed all that God had done with them... " — Acts 14: 27

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

NEW WORK IN FAIRMONT, WEST VIRGINIARICK CLELLAND, Rt. 1, Box 144-A, Rivesville, WV 26588 — In December, 1991 a new congregation, known as the Eastside church ofChrist began in Fairmont, WV. Some had been driving 30 miles northto Morgantown and others 30 miles south to Clarksburg to worship.We began meeting in the home of Bill and Ruby Wright. Due to growthwe have now acquired a rented meeting place at 934 East Park Ave.with parking available in the rear of Brown's Lumber Company. Webegan meeting in the new location April 19, 1992. Attendance hasbeen in the 20's with a high of 37. Our first gospel meeting will be heldMay 4-7 with J. Wiley Adams preaching. When in the area, pleasecome and worship with us.

FRED E. ENGLAND, 23 Trumball Dr., Wallingford, CT 06492 —

The church here now meets in a small building we purchased at1213 Old Colony Road, Route 71 in Wallingford. The work began withtwo, soon became six and now the church has 19. This is a transient area. If all who had worked and worshipped here over the last 19 yearswere here now we would number about 80. We are encouraged sinceour move in to more permanent quarters by the interest of neighbors.We have been having some regularly to visit with us. To find us whenyou visit rustic, historic New England, take I-91 to Exit 15; turnwest (toward Cheshire) to Route 150 and turn right. Go north about 1/2 mile and turn left onto Route 71. We are about one mile onthe left. We meet on Sundays at 10 and 11 A. M. and 5: 30 P. M. andon Wednesdays at 7: 30 P. M.

77TH ANNIVERSARY

STEVE HUDGINS, 2922 S. E. 7th St., Ocala, Florida 32671 — On April 25 my parents, the H. H. Hudginses, celebrated their 77thwedding anniversary. If Daddy makes it to August 15 he will be 99 years old and mother is 96. Their home has been the place forpreachers to stay during meetings for many years in Moultrie,Georgia. The first preacher I remember staying with us was C. R.Nichol about 1923. He baptized my mother along with two others atthat time.

(Editor's note: I am one of many preachers who shared the hospitality of the Hudgins household. When the church in Moultriewent liberal, they faithfully carried on and the church met for a timein their home. What a remarkable thing to celebrate 77 years together. Pour of their five children are living. Steve is a faithful gospel preacher in Ocala, Florida. The Hudgins family has contributedmuch to the cause of Christ through the years. CWA)

FRED A. SHEWMAKER, 1101 S. W. Dorchester St., Port St. Lucie,FL 34983 — The church in Ft. Pierce has made considerable progressduring the last several months. In May, 1991 the church assumed total support for the local preacher. Men of the congregation arespeaking here once a month. Two brethren are preaching elsewhere once a month. Another brother did so until health problems forced him to stop. In January, 1992 we began providing regular support to onepreacher in the Philippines and to another in Maine. We recentlydistributed 8, 000 flyers offering a Bible correspondence course and have for use a video home study course. Jack Hobby of Titusville, FLwill preach in our next meeting July 12-17.

RECONCILIATION IN HAWAII Dan Lister, Thad McCall and Ed Sheline report that a newcongregation was started on the island of Oahu as a result of errorbeing taught and practiced on the subject of divorce and remarriage. However in July 1991 the preacher who taught this left the Leeward congregation and attended for awhile with the institutional church at Keeaumoku and Dominis in downtown Honolulu. Recently, also, asister involved in an adulterous relationship left the Leeward congregation. The brethren there have decided to seek a preacher who willteach the truth on the divorce and remarriage issue. A good spiritprevails and an open examination of scripture is now under way. Asa result of these developments, those who left the Leeward congregation have now returned. The reconciliation and progress are due to adesire to study God's will and a determination to submit to it, rather than a toleration of error and its effects. Please pray for the Leewardchurch that truth may be upheld and the unity of the Spirit may be theresult.

RICHARD BOONE, 2590 County Hwy, 45, Hayden, AL 35079 — Iam trying to locate a copy of Edward J. Young's commentary on Isaiah.It is a three-volume set. If you have this and would like to sell it, would you please contact me. You may write to the above address or call 205657-5809.

CHARLES M. (CHARLIE) CAMPBELL 1905-1992

The 65 year preaching career of Charlie Campbell came to an end on March 31, 1992, when he left this life. He was 87 years old. His wifeof 57 years preceded him in death.

Brother Campbell was born in Ft. Worth, Texas. He lived the last28 years of his life in Akron, Ohio. He started preaching in Nashville, Tennessee in the 1920s and served in ten congregations in five states.He moved to Akron in 1945 and worked with the Brown Street church for the next eight years.

He devoted his life to the study and teaching of God's word. All who heard him will remember him as an outstanding speaker with a powerful voice which remained with him to the end of this life. In hisspeech he reminded me of Roy Cogdill. Charlie became well known inthis part of the country because of his stand against institutionalismin the 50s and 60s.

His funeral was conducted by his friend, Hubert Showalter. Thechapel was filled with brethren and friends. Brother Showalter spokeof how brother Charlie had followed the example of Paul. He wasconverted like Paul, preached the same gospel, would not compromisetruth and was faithful to the Lord. This aged veteran of the gospelcarried a heavy burden in his last years because of failing health.Brother Showalter closed his eulogy with these words: "You and Imourn his passing, but if he could speak to us now he would no doubt say with Jesus, "Weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for yourchildren'" (Lk. 23: 28). Lewis Willis 491 E. Woodsdale Akron, OH 44301

FROM AROUND THE WORLD ROMANIA — Wendell Watts of Anderson, Alabama has just returned from a three month's stay in Bucharest, Romania. He said"Although I am 65 years old and have been preaching about 35 years,this was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The peopleof Romania are eager to learn and several have obeyed the gospel.There is an urgent need for someone to go to Bucharest to stay at leasta year. David Teel and his family need help in the work. Please haveanyone interested in the work to contact me. Phone 205-247-1335.

HUNGARY—Richard Copeland reports from Budapest that ten new people came for a study using film strips. The last time they used themeight came and three actually finished the series. A number of privatestudies continue with varying interest. They have made the decisionto stay another year in the work there.

ARGENTINA — Carlos Capelli was with the Mercedes church in March with three baptized. At Jose C. Paz congregation there was a gospel meeting in March with Joe Soto of Sequin, Texas. Between April 27 and May 18th he spent one week preaching in Ambato, Ecuador and two weeks in Bogota, Columbia.

PHILIPPINES — WALLACE H. LITTLE writes: "In the past Ihave published a listing of Filipino preachers with biographical and preaching experience and other voluntary data for the use of American brethren who might desire it. Having just returned, I havemassively updated and expanded it. It has entries on more than 750.

These include data gained from personal knowledge plus whatthese men have supplied. Americans interested in the work thereand who they think might benefit from this information, pleasephone me at 904-244-7903.

RODRIGO DIEGO reports on preaching efforts along with JuanitoBalbin in the area around Makilala (Mindanao) and reports 16 baptized.

JUANITO P. BALBIN reports from Davao City and also mentionsthe work in connection with brother Diego. Assisting them in thiswork was Balbin's eldest son, Dudley Ross. They started a new workin Bulakanon, Makilala, Cotabato where six were baptized in February. On March 5-6 a preacher's lectureship was held in New Matina. On March 19-20 Balbin spoke on the eldership in Tambobong churchin the Bagiou District of Davao City. After several lengthy study sessions, he assisted them in appointing three elders and four deacons. He reports that Mindanao has suffered a severe drought destroying crops and creating much need. Some brethren are hungryand others need medicines which they cannot afford. His address is:Juanito P. Balbin, Cor. Sandawa, MacArthur Hiway, 8000 Davao City, Philippines

RICARDO DELA CRUZ, Balite Lagao, Gen. Santos City, Philippines 9500, also reports on severe drought conditions in South Cotabao where he lives. He mentions need in two congregations in Gen. Santos City, 3 in Municipality of Malongon, one in Banga and onein Domagil, Norala all in South Cotabato.

(Editor's note: I have known brother Dela Cruz for over twentyyears and though we have exchanged many letters over those years, Ido not recall his ever asking for anything. He has proved to be aquiet, dedicated worker who goes about his work without complaint.When some men cry "wolf their past record is such that you do not takethem too seriously. But when good men, such as brethren Balbin and Dela Cruz, bring such a situation to my attention, I take them seriously. CWA).

PREACHERS NEEDED JONESBOROUGH, TENNESSEE — The church which meets at 1025 Depot St. will be needing a full time preacher as of Nov. 1, 1992. Being a small congregation with an average attendance of about 40,some support may be needed. Those interested may write to: Churchof Christ, 1025 Depot St., Jonesborough, TN 37659 or contact DallasHensley (615-257-6502, Donnie Clouse (615-753-3540, or Bud Kent(615-753-8391).

ST. CLOUD, FLORIDA — The church in St. Cloud is looking for apreacher. Attendance averages 20-30 per week. We can provide $600per month support. For information call I. G. Maynard (407-892-4187or Bill Hart (407-892-1105).

BEDFORD, OHIO—(Cleveland area)—The church which meets at515 Columbus Rd. needs a preacher about August 1st. We own a houseand can provide full support. Please submit background, referencesand, if possible, an audio tape of sermon. For information contact theelders: Gerald Paugh (216-255-5493), Joseph Stano (216-232-8286),or Dough Warton (216-248-8495).

CUMBERLAND, KENTUCKY — The Poor Fork church near Cumberland, KY needs a preacher. Contact R. B. Browning, 304 RiverRd., Cumberland, KY. Call 606-589-2868.

CARLISLE, PENNSYLVANIA — The Walnut Bottom church in south central PA needs a full time preacher. There are about 30 members who can supply $300 support weekly. Those interested should contact Garry Adams (717-423-6707 or Gerry Smith (717-7763653) in the evenings. You may write: Walnut Bottom Road Churchof Christ, 2637 Walnut Bottom Road, Carlisle, PA 17013.

GLADESVILLE, WEST VIRGINIA — The church in Gladesville needs a full time preacher. Attendance averages about 20. We have ahouse and can supply a small amount toward support, so most of thesupport will have to come from outside. We are only interested in asound man. Those interested please contact Dean D. Brewer Sr.,Route 1, Box 193, Independence, WV 26374 (304-864-6721) or Dixon

L. Summers (304-864-6738).

Page 17

WERE THEY JUST YOUNG PEOPLE? For a long time I have been asked a question after returning fromgospel meetings which disturbs me. In reporting now and then that somany were baptized, someone will nearly always ask, "Were they justyoung people?" What is the point of that question if not to minimizesuch baptisms as opposed to those who are older at the time they obeythe truth? Very frankly, over the last few years I have seen fewer and fewer young people obey the gospel and other men who preach in agood many meetings report the same concern. In congregations wherethere is a whole back row of high school students which have notobeyed the Lord, there are anxious parents who would give all theyown if "just their" son or daughter, who is about ready to graduatefrom high school, would obey the Lord. In many places brethren arenot saving their own. You know, Noah preached for 120 years andsaved none except his family. But Peter said he was "a preacher ofrighteousness" (2 Pet. 2: 5). It is refreshing to me to find young peoplewith tender hearts and who are willing to stand up and confess the name of the Lord and obey him in baptism.

CORRECTION TO INDEX BOUND VOLUME 31-32

USING THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT — Ken GreenFinal reply to Dudley Ross Spears................................................ 31First and Great Commandment, The.............................................299Greased Pole, A..........................................................................415Have You Not Read This Scripture? .............................................343Mules in "Hawse" Harness...........................................................512Nothing Shall Offend Them ..........................................................196Rejoinder to Dudley Ross Spears ................................................. 7Search for Truth, The...................................................................462Trip to Hong Kong, India, and England, A ....................................394What Job Didn't Know That We Do ..............................................222

THINGS MOST CERTAINLY BELIEVED — Julian R. Snell

Gospel According to Job, The.......................................................322 Gospel According to Job, The — "My Witness and My Redeemer". 396 Gospel According to Job, The — "Job Makes Two Discoveries"......464Gospel According to Job, The —The Cry for a Daysman................349 Gospel According to Job, The — Job Questions Life.......................371Gospel According to Job, The — "Where is God?" ........................416 Refusing to Retire........................................................................199

IN THE NEWS THIS MONTH

BAPTISMS 223

RESTORATIONS 70

(Taken from bulletins and papers received by the

editor)