Volume XXXIII September 1992 Number 9

The Consequences ofProcrastination

The term "procrastinate" is defined: "to put offdoing something until a future time" - "to defer,postpone. " And of course, the word "consequences"simply means that which follows or results from a certain course or action.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions,someone has said. One of the easiest things to do is toplan and promise to do what is right and good, butwhen the time comes to fulfill the plan, somethingalways happens and we do not get it done. Almosteveryone intends to do right, straighten up and repent before he dies, but we always want to wait untiltomorrow or some future convenient time.

The young people feel they must "sow their wildoats, " because "we live but once. " The middle-agedthink they must work and make all the money theycan while they are in their productive years, becausethe time will come when they cannot do so. "We mustmake hay while the sun shines, you know. " The agedthink they must enjoy a few years of retirement andfun before they settle down to seriously practicingreligion. The cycle continues with every generationand every segment of our society. But we do not reckon with the fact that there is a judgment to whichevery one of us must give an account. This judgmentis based upon our language (Matt. 12: 34), upon ourdeeds done in the body (2 Cor. 5: 10), and upon ourworks (Rev. 20: 12).

The normal and almost natural schemes devised by

man to defer his responsible and religious conductto some future time while he imbibes the pleasures ofsin for a season are all totally absurd. Men and womendie at all ages, and many of them suddenly. Eventuallyall of us die (Heb. 9: 27). When death overtakes one atany age, his activity on earth ceases, and his intendedgood is never done. The Lord said, "Watch, therefore,for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein theSon of man cometh (Matt. 25; 13).

In Luke 12, Jesus spoke a parable stating that a certain rich man increased abundantly from his labors.He planned to pull down his barns and to build greaterones. And having filled these new barns, he would sayto himself: "And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hastmuch goods laid up for many years; take thine ease,eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thoufool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: thenwhose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God" (Luke 12: 19-21).

The man in this parable made a number of fatal mistakes, one of which was to defer or ignore hispresent duty to God while he made all provisions for hispresent and future physical needs.

The apostle Paul was called before Felix and Drusillabecause they wanted to "hear him concerning the faithin Christ. " As the apostle reasoned of righteousness,temperance, and judgment to come, Felix reacted bytrembling, no doubt at the realization of the consequences he must pay if he continued to pursue hispresent course of life. But in this he responded: "Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, Iwill call for thee" (Acts 24: 25). Three important factsare to be noted in this verse: Felix listened and understood what Paul said. He understood his course of life was out of harmony with what Paul preached and understood the consequences if he continued, thus hetrembled. Finally, he gave the indication that at some"convenient season" he would hear again with a viewto changing his life. All evidence indicated that Felixdid what most people do today: he procrastinated untilit was too late.

The plans to ignore the will of God in one's course oflife, with the built-in plan to someday repent andreform, always results in leaving this life without God.

More Premillennial Compromises

For a long time I have been telling brethren that thepremillennial church of Christ and their preachers aredenominational in attitude and practice. An article inthe June, 1992 WORD AND WORK edited by Alex V.Wilson, documents that beyond doubt. For the benefit ofreaders in other parts of the country, Louisville was,and yet is, the center of strength for the premillennial churches of Christ. R. H. Boll, who brought this heresyinto churches of Christ lived here, preached for the Portland Avenue church where Alex V. Wilson now preaches, and edited WORD AND WORK from this city.There are yet 26 premillennial churches of Christ withina 40 mile radius of Louisville, a few of them fairly large.

They continue to operate Portland Christian School,publish WORD AND WORK, conduct a radio programcalled "Words of Life" and the news column in WORD AND WORK continually reports activities which theysupport in several locations over this country and inJapan, Nigeria and the Philippines. They announce andsupport various denominational dispensationalists whocome to town to lecture on prophecy, "the rapture" andrelated themes.

In February, 1991 we had a nine hour extendeddiscussion with them with five men of the persuasionand with Gene Frost, Paul Earnhart, John Humphries,Guy Roberson and the writer. This was well attendedand demonstrated clearly the wide gap between usdoctrinally.

Now, Alex V. Wilson announces the following:

"Next October, a gifted preacher, John Guest, willhold a city-wide evangelistic crusade in Louisville. Sothe churches in our city have been asked to cooperate inbacking this effort.

"Leaders in our congregation checked and verifiedthat John Guest believes firmly in the authority of the bible, the deity of Christ, salvation by God's gracethrough Christ's redeeming death and triumphant resurrection, and the necessity for sinners to be converted.From all reports the evangelist has also proved himselfto be a man of moral and financial integrity. So weweighed the pros and cons of supporting this crusade.After prayerful thought and discussion, we decided toparticipate as a church, though of course it is up to eachindividual member as to what he or she will do. "

What is interesting about this is that John Guest is an Episcopalian, an Englishman now living in Pennsylvania. In addition to what he is said to believe, it could beadded that he also believes in and practices infantbaptism. If you think joining hands in support of denominational preachers who teach and practice error onthe subject of baptism, is something new with thesefolks, you are simply mistaken.

Alex V. Wilson was concerned for putting this inhistorical perspective and so went back to 1956 to thetime when Billy Graham, a Baptist who does not teachbaptism for the remission of sins, came to Louisville fora crusade. Premillennial churches of Christ endorsed his campaign. Some of the brethren in this area boughta half-page ad in the COURIER-JOURNAL, a dailynewspaper, to oppose the Graham crusade and to point out from scripture the error of his teaching. This greatlyembarrassed the premillennial folks. R. H. Boll had dieda few months before and E. L. Jorgenson was the neweditor of WORD AND WORK and speaker on the radioprogram, "Words of Life. " Here is Jorgenson's editorial note before printing the text of his radio address onOctober 20, 1956.

"The Graham evangelistic crusade in this city is nowhistory. One "Church of Christ" bought costly space inthe Courier-Journal (our largest daily) to attack theteaching of the evangelist through the public press. Theintention was good, no doubt, but the judgment used (aswe see it) was bad. The display had many scriptures, alltrue of course, and many of them well applied; butresentment rose high-that this was done at the openingof the crusade! On every hand members of our freeChurches of Christ (for they too wear Christ's dear name) were being asked if they approved the attack, orif those churches were connected with, or representedby, the advertisement. Accordingly, On October 20, asthe first half of E. L. Jorgenson's regular radio addresson the "Words of Life" radio program the following scriptwas read, and a copy was sent to Mr. Graham. -E. L.

J. "

The following is the first part of this script and tellsmuch about the lack of conviction of these who borrowed their millennial speculations from the sectarian worldin the first place.

"Just now, and for one more week, our city, or ratherthe evangelical churches of our city, are engaged in agreat union effort to bring the unsaved amongst us to a definite decision for Christ.

"It is indeed a thrilling sight, and a heart-warmingexperience 'to those that love the Lord' to see the new coliseum at the Fair Grounds filled to overflowing; rankupon rank, thousands on thousands; a veritable sea offaces, all upturned to the man who comes out to speakfor God; to speak of faith and repentance; to call thesinful to repentance and surrender, and to call us all toa new and deeper dedication to the person and service of Jesus Christ the Lord.

"The famous evangelist is, of course, a baptizedbeliever-immersed, as he told us; and that he preachesthe news of the gospel there can be no doubt-that is, ifthe gospel is what Paul says it is in 1 Cor. 15: 3-5: namely,'that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried; and that he hath been raised on the third day according to the scriptures; and that heappeared to Cephas', etc. You see, 'the gospel' is not what we do; it's what He did; it's not what we havedone; it's what He has done for us... This gospel, thankGod, we hear, in the union evangelistic meetings, andwe do greatly rejoice to hear it. "

In the remainder of his speech he argued that itwould be best to have Graham do his work and then perhaps later he and his brethren could expound theway more accurately to these new converts. He addedthis near the end of the speech.

"What then, Shall we oppose the whole crusade?Shall we resort to half-page advertisements, to throwcold water on the effort although we know that thousands whom we could never reach will hear, out there,the great fundamentals of faith, repentance, decisionfor Christ, and confession of Christ - preached in mightypower? No, 'we have not so learned Christ. ' In that sort of opposition, you may just 'include me out. ' "

No wonder the editor of WORD AND WORK went back to the precedent from E. L. Jorgenson for supporting false teachers. Billy Graham does not believe orpreach baptism for the remission of sins. In fact, baptism, period, is conspicuously absent from his messages.Now comes an Episcopalian who baptizes babies anddenies the essentially of immersion to preach a denominational message which will deceive the hearts of allwho come to hear him. He will say some true things, buthe will not preach the whole counsel of God. If he did,then the premillennial churches of Christ would not support him. If he taught the truth on prophecy andfulfillment, on the nature of the present reign of Christin his kingdom they would not support him. This is whathappens when people leave the simplicity of the word ofGod and become enamored of the intoxicating wines ofdenominational speculations.

This is a good time to sound a warning to a risinggeneration of preachers some of whom are overly impressed with the verbal and printed oratory of populardenominational preachers who are either charismatic,Calvinistic or dispensationally oriented. Those who donot understand the basic nature of man, the distinctiveness of the church revealed in the Bible, the gospel planof salvation and the basic rules of Biblical interpretationare not safe teachers. They may say some good things invery compelling and exciting ways, but they are just notsafe teachers. Preachers, look over your libraries. Fromwhat well are you drinking to satisfy your thirst forknowledge of the mind of God and for materials that willenhance your ability to "preach the word in season andout of season. " "Buy the truth and sell it not" (Prov.

23: 23).

Uncertain Sounds

In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul says "things without lifegiving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they have adistinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what ispiped or harped? For if the trumpet give an uncertainsound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?"

In context, Paul is showing that in the exercise ofspiritual gifts, unless "ye utter by the tongue words easyto be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken?For ye shall speak into the air. " Paul is showing that inorder for them to be effective their speech must bedistinct. If there is no difference in their speech, it is asif they "speak into the air. "

We understand this principle even today in mostthings. Why do we know when in the woods we are aboutto step on a rattlesnake? The sound of the rattling of thesnake is very distinct from the song of the bird.

Strange Sounds

When we hear a strange sound, one of the first thingswe want to do is to identify its source. A strange soundon the surface usually says trouble is not far away. Astrange sound does not mean all is well.

Paul told the young preacher, Timothy, "continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hastbeen assured of knowing of whom thou hast learned them" (2 Tim. 3: 14). Timothy had both heard andlearned from the apostle Paul (2 Tim. 2: 2). Those thingsthat he heard of Paul, he was to teach to others. Whathe had not heard and learned from Paul or the Scriptures, he was not to teach.

However, in the day of Paul and Timothy, there werestrange sounds being heard. (1) Some said the resurrection was already past (2 Tim. 2: 18). (2) Others said therewas no resurrection, (1 Cor. 15: 12). (3) There were thosethat said, "Except ye be circumcised after the manner ofMoses, ye cannot be saved" (Acts 15: 1). (4) And therewere still others who said "Jesus Christ is not come in the flesh" (1 John 4: 3). Much of the New Testament waswritten to combat these and other errors that were being taught.

Strange Sounds Today

All of the strange sound did not cease in Paul's day.Today we are hearing sounds just as strange as thosementioned above.

Over the last several years, there are men whom thepeople of God have respected and properly honored inlove for their work and who have stood in the front of many a battle. Today, some of them are giving out someuncertain sounds. What they are preaching and/orwriting is as uncertain a sound as the resurrection ispast. There was a time when anything they wrote wasread with great care and much appreciation. Today it isdifferent. To see where they are going to preach or seetheir name on an article makes one hold his breath until he sees what they have said. There was a time when there was never any question about the soundthat they would give forth. Today one wonders untilthey finish speaking or until one finishes their article. Often what they say is "sound speech" (Titus 2: 8). Butthen there is that sermon or article that gives forth anuncertain sound.

There are other preachers whose sound is not uncertain - it is the certain sound of error, without anyquestion. Whether they know it or not, what they are saving is the same thing the denominational world hassaid for years, and many times they are saying it in thevery language that the denominational world has used.Error is error, whether preached from a denominationalpulpit or a pulpit among brethren. Error is not sanctified and made holy because it is preached in a buildingwhere the church of Christ meets.

If a man is not going to preach the truth, he shouldquit preaching and get out of the way of those that willpreach the word of God, without addition, subtraction or substitution.

I Am Who I Am

It was a climatic moment when God appeared toMoses and commissioned him to lead His people out ofEgypt. Moses first asked, "Who am I that I should go toPharaoh" (Exodus 3: 11). God said, "I will certainly bewith you" (verse 12).

Moses then said, "Who are You?" "Then Moses said toGod, 'Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel andsay to them, "The God of your fathers has sent me toyou, " and they say to me, "What is His name?" what shall I say to them?' "

Moses knew God. He was not an unbeliever. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was part of the heritagethat he had learned from his Hebrew parents. But heneeded to know more.

"And God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM. ' And He said, Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, "I AMhas sent me to you"'" (verse 14).

This divine name has been transliterated into the English as "Jehovah" or "Yahweh. " We find a number ofcomparable descriptions of our God in the New Testament (Hebrews 13: 8; Revelation 1: 8; and Hebrews 11:6 where "He is" is the third person equivalent of "I AM."

But in this study I shall direct your attention to seven occasions in the book of John where Jesus identified Himself as "I AM. " We need to perceive that He whohung upon the cross is He who spoke from the burningbush. Such cannot help but give us a deeper sense of thedeity and majesty of our Lord.

John 4: 26: "Jesus said to her, 'I who speak to you amHe. '" He was addressing the Samaritan woman at the well. She had engaged the Lord in conversation inresponse to His request for a drink of water, and had quickly found herself in a deep spiritual dialogue. Wishing, perhaps, to postpone a personal decision, she said, " 'I know that Messiah is coming' (who is called Christ).When He comes, He will tell us all things. ' " It was at this point that Jesus identified Himself as "I AM. "

The Pronoun "He" is not in the original text as isindicated by the italics in the KJV and NKJB. The verse might be rendered, "The One speaking to you is I AM. "Here was a word of instruction to a heart honest and good.

John 6: 20: "But He said to them, 'It is I; do not be afraid. '" The disciples were exhausted with toiland anxiety when they saw a figure walking upon thesea. But Jesus spoke to them the exhortation that gracedHis

lips so often: "Fear not. "

The passage might be translated, "Be not afraid. IAM. " Here was a word of power to these tremblingdisciples.

John 8: 24: "... for if you do not believe that I amHe, you will die in your sins. " Again the pronoun"He" is italicized. It does not appear in the Greektext. Jesus quite literally said, "If you do not believe that I AM... "

He was here speaking to Pharisees. They werereligious folks who really did not know God becausethey thought religion was merely a matter of doingexternals. They were looking for the Messiah, but did not recognize Him when He stood before them (verse13).

Here was a word of rebuke to hard hearted unbelievers.

John 8: 28: "Then Jesus said to them, 'When you liftup the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He... ' " Or, "... then you will know that I AM... " He was speaking to the same unbelieving crowd and he foretoldthat they would be responsible for "lifting Him up, " orcrucifying Him. The cross would become the proof ofHis deity.

But how could this be? Likely many hundreds ofthousands had been crucified. There was nothing uniqueabout that. Oh, but the distinctive feature in Christ'scrucifixion was that death could not hold Him. He was the only One to come down from the cross and live again.

John 8: 58: "Jesus said to them, "Most assuredly,I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM. ' " This is the only reference which is clearly stated by the English.

Abraham died about 1800 B. C. We are not left to speculate as to the reaction of the Jews who heard thesewords: "Then they took up stones to throw at Him... "(verse 59). They understood the import of what He said.Four hundred years before Moses had been addressedfrom the burning bush, "I AM!" And four thousandyears before, and four trillion years before, Jesus proclaimed, "I AM. "

John 13: 19: "Now I tell you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I amHe. " In this scene of the last supper, Jesus declaredthat the Scripture would presently be fulfilled. Whenthat happened, they would know, He stated, that "IAM. "

John 18: 4-8: "Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, Whom are you seeking?' They answered Him, 'Jesus of Nazareth. ' Jesus said to them, 'I am He'.. Then - when He said to them 'I am He, ' -they drew back and fell to the ground. Then Heasked them again Whom are you seeking?' And they said, 'Jesus of Nazareth. ' Jesus answered, 'I have told you that I am He. '"

Three times in this text Jesus said "I AM. " Once more before Israel crucified Him, He let them knowthat they were arresting "I AM. "

I think that we will not come closer to recognizing theLord Jesus in all His glory then when we truly begin tocomprehend the significance of these statements.

Who Is Jesus That I ShouldFollow Him?

The importance of following, obeying, or submitting toanyone, or thing, depends on who or what is making arequest or demand of us. Does what we are asked tosubmit ourselves to have the right, power, or ability toseek our submission and fulfill the promises made?

People are invited and urged, in the Bible, by evangelists and individual followers of Jesus to believe in and follow Him. Jesus, himself, said "Come unto me, all yethat labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest"(Matt. 11: 28). An affirmative response on our part depends on who he is and his ability to do what he says.

Who Is Jesus?

This question was often raised by the people whenJesus was on earth. When Jesus made his triumphalentry to Jerusalem, with people crying "Blessed is hethat commeth in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in thehighest... all the city was moved, saying 'who is this'?" (Matt. 21: 6-10). In the city, Jesus cleansed the Temple,healed the blind and lame (12-14), and was asked by thechief priests and elders "By what authority doest thouthese things? Who gave thee this authority?" (23-27).

When Jesus healed a man possessed with a devil,blind and dumb, the people were amazed and said "Is notthis the son of David? (Matt. 12: 23). The people wererightly identifying him with the promised seed of David(Acts. 2: 29-36).

Jesus was not just an ordinary man, like had appearedat various times before, gained a following, but came tonought (Acts 5: 34-41).

When Jesus asked his chosen disciples 'Whom do men say that I the son of man am?" They replied, "Some saythat thou art John the Baptist (Herod thought this Matt. 14: 2); Some Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one ofthe prophets" (Matt. 16: 3-14). These, however, werewrong about who Jesus was. When Jesus put the question directly to His chosen disciples Peter rightly answered "Thou art the Christ, the son of the living God"(Matt. 16: 16).

Historically, there was a man by the name of Jesus,who was born, lived, attracted a lot of attention, wascrucified, buried, and disappeared mysteriously fromthe tomb in the place and time frame of the New Testament. This is vividly confirmed in history. But, today, as in that day, many are confused, and at a loss to explainwho he REALLY was.

Jesus Claimed To Be Deity

When Jesus healed the impotent man at the pool ofBethesda on the Sabbath day, and was criticized, Hesaid "My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. " The Jews then sought to kill him, saying: "He not only hadbroken the Sabbath, but said also that God was hisFather, making himself equal with God. " Jesus continued to affirm his deity saying, "What things so ever He(God-Father) doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.... For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneththem; even so the Son quickeneth whom He will. " Hefurther said the Father "hath committed all judgmentunto the Son: That all men should honor the Son, evenas they honor the Father" (Jno. 5: 17-23).

In verse 33 Jesus mentioned John the Baptist's witness of him. "The next day John seeth Jesus comingunto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world... I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same saidunto me, upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he whichbaptizeth with the Holy Spirit. And I saw, and bearrecord that this is the Son of God" (Jno. 1: 15-34).

Further Evidence That Jesus Is "Son of God"

Prophecy of Jesus and it's fulfillment is proof that He

was, indeed, the Son of God.

Prophecy Fulfillment

Born of a virgin - Isa. 7: 14 Lk. 1: 26-35

Place of birth -Mic. 5: 2 Lk. 2; l-6

Heal -Isa. 53: 4 Mt. 8: 17

Mocked-scourged -Isa. 50: 10 Mt. 27: 27-31

Hands/feet pierced -Ps. 22: 16 Lk. 23: 33

Gall and vinegar - Ps. 69: 29 Mt. 27: 33

Garments divided -Ps. 22: 18 Jno. 19: 23

No bones broken -Ps. 34: 20 Jno. 19: 36

Be raised -Ps. 16: 10 Acts 2: 23-28

The teaching of Jesus (Mt. 7: 28-29; Jno. 7: 46).His compassion and mercy (Acts 10: 38), and character(Jno. 8: 46; 1 Pet. 2; 22) all show there was more toJesus than common man. His many miracles were suchthat brought from men the exclamation "Only Godcould do such" -"Surely this was the Son of God. "

God In The Flesh

When Mary, betrothed bride of Joseph, was found with child of the Holy Spirit (Lk. 1: 30-35), the angel appeared to Joseph and explained the situation, andsaid "Thou shalt call his name Jesus; for he shall savehis people from their sins" (Matt. 1: 21). It was furtherrevealed that all this fulfilled the prophecy (Isa. 7: 14)that said "Behold a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel,which being interpreted is, GOD WITH US" (Matt. 1:19-23).

Paul listed as the first point in the "Mystery ofGodliness, " "God was manifest in the flesh" (1 Tim.

3: 16). John wrote that the Word that "was in the beginning, and by whom all things were made, was withGod and was God... and was made flesh and dwelt

among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory of the onlybegotten of the Father), full of grace and truth" (Jno. 1: 14).

Much has been written of late about the deity andhumanity of Jesus. Many fine things have been written on both the deity and humanity of Christ, but afterreading an abundance of material written, every writerhas declared a belief in the fact Jesus was both God and man while on earth. If anyone denies this, he would begoing against the passages already mentioned in thisarticle that affirm Jesus, on earth, was "God manifest inthe flesh, " and all miracles of Jesus that were performedto convince people that He was "The Christ, the Son ofthe living God" (Jno. 20: 30-31). On the other hand, if oneclaimed Jesus, on earth, was not completely human, but had an advantage over us when he suffered or wastempted, this would be in conflict with Heb. 2: 17-18 ".. . Behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that hemight be a merciful and faithful high priest in thingspertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins ofthe people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted"; "For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities; but was in all pointstempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Heb. 4: 15-16).See also, Phil. 2: 7.

Who was Jesus while on earth? He was "God manifested in the flesh. " He proved to people here on earththat he was the Son of God by his works, like, miracles,death on the cross and resurrection. He is now glorified,sitting on the right hand of God in heaven, reigning overhis people (church-kingdom).

If Jesus was and is all he claimed and proved himselfto be, then believing in, coming to, and submitting to Hiswill is man's only hope for salvation and eternal glory(Matt. 7: 21; Heb. 5: 8-9; Rev. 22: 14). This is why all should follow Him. He is, indeed, Bread of Life.

"A Sore Evil"

According to Solomon, several things can come underthe heading of "a sore evil" (cf. Eccl. 5: 13ff).

In our time, I would like for us to consider the soreevil of religious division. Not just division in general,but a particular type of division.

We can never expect unity among denominationalchurches. The very term personifies division and confusion (Mk. 3: 25; 1 Cor. 14: 33). The entire tree of denominationalism is corrupt, from the tap root upward (Mt.

12: 33; Jas. 3: 11, 12).

As fast as some form of union (not unity), is achievedin human mergers, some resist the merger and maintain their former identity, or start new churches. Aslong as human organizations employ human methods,the system does not solve the problem of division, but rather begets it.

Unity can, and should, prevail among God's people(Jno. 17: 20, 21; Eph. 4: 1-6). But, it seems that every two or three generations, a spirit of apostasy and digression destroys the peace and unity of even God'speople (Judges 2: 10). This evil spirit of division existed in Paul's day (1 Cor. 3: 3; 2 Thes. 2: 3), andcontinues to exist in our time. Such division not only causes some of God's people to be lost, but it gives the enemy occasion to blaspheme and obscures the identity of "the way of truth" (Rom. 2: 24; 2 Pet. 2: 1,2).

But, let us suppose that some could seek and find the truth in spite of the major differences that separated thepeople of God (e. g., Sadducees/Pharisees, instrumental/non-instrumental, institutional/non-institutional, and liberal/conservative).

To further complicate matters, and as if denominationalism and major divisions among God's people werenot enough, some seem determined to splinter thesealready sore divisions into even more confusing andcontradictory choices.

The liberal/institutional brethren have their ownproblems along this line, and none of us have muchroom to gloat or rejoice over division in the ranks ofothers.

However, I'm concerned more about those splintergroups among conservative brethren, for in this realmonly can I hope to have some degree of influence forgood. The more liberal brethren quit listening to theLord and to me a long time ago, or else they wouldn't be where they are now.

Recently, while I was grieving over a senseless, seemingly unnecessary "split" among conservative brethrenin a particular community, I was amazed and depressedto realize how many other such divisions would fall intothe same category. And this application pertains only tothose cases which would fall within the scope of myknowledge. I'm sure there are others.

What is even more incongruous is the fact that mostof these splintered groups are not financially or spiritually able to support themselves. They were not even ableto do that before they split, and are now "in debt" evendeeper.

Brethren, it is high time for us to stop subsidizingstrife, vain glory, and senseless bickering. It is also timefor some of those splinter groups to reorganize under the appropriate chapter of spiritual and financial bankruptcy, and learn responsibility.

Don't misunderstand me. I have worked with, andencouraged small congregations which were establishedbecause of doctrinal differences with liberal brethren. I think my record will bear out this statement, or else Iwould not even attempt to press the point and adviseothers. (See "Procrastination On The Plains, " eitheralready published, or soon to be published, in STS. )

Some of these small congregations have divided simply because of selfishness, a desire for preeminence, orpersonal disagreements over the most trivial of opinionsand issues. Sometimes the problem revolves around a preacher who either does not have enough wisdom orenough love for the cause of Christ to prevent schism inthe body of Christ.

As I said before, the number of such congregations isso prevalent and includes so many geographical areas, that it would be folly to accuse me of having one particular congregation in mind. But if the shoe fits, wear it; ifit pinches too much, change shoes.

The sore evil of the whole thing is that we have a difficult time converting people to the truth, given the conditions of the religious world in general. Now, even ifwe succeed in baptizing someone, where shall we advisethem to assemble, worship, and discharge their collective duties as Christians?

It was Solomon who talked about these "sore evils," and the vanity and vexation of spirit which comesbecause of the seemingly incongruous offerings of life under the sun.

And, it will take the combined wisdom of Solomon,and one "greater than Solomon" (Mt. 12: 42), to solve some of the problems which brethren have created.

I just pray that we can get the matter resolved beforethe head of the church comes back to claim his bride (Eph. 5: 25-27; Rev. 19: 7).

In the letter to the Hebrews we find this admonition,"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith withoutwavering; (for he is faithful that promised; )" (Heb.

10: 23). The reason I am to "hold fast" is that God isfaithful, He can be depended on. Perhaps each of usneeds to ask the question, "Can God count on me. ?"

Many passages clearly show this aspect of God, that He is faithful. In Hebrews chapter 11, as the writerdescribed the faith of Sarah he wrote: "Through faith also Sarah herself received strength to conceive seed,and was delivered of a child when she was past age,because she judged him faithful who had promised:(Heb. 11: 11). Sarah counted God as trustworthy and dependable; He would keep His promise to her.

Many of us count 1 Corinthians 10: 13 as among our favorites because of the wonderful promisescontained in it. Paul wrote to the Corinthians to warn them about sin by first showing them some of themistakes made by the Jews. Then he warned them,"Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are writ-ten for our admonition,upon whom the ends of the world are come. Whereforelet him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" (1 Cor. 10: 11-12). Then he gives God's promise."There hath no temptation taken you but such as iscommon to man: but God is faithful, who will not sufferyou to be tempted above that ye are able; but will withthe temptation also make a way to escape, that ye maybe able to bear it. " Why does this promise mean somuch to us? Because God is faithful! We know from the record of God's dealings with the Jews that he didindeed always keep His word. And thus we know that hewill keep His promises to us as well. There will alwaysbe a way of escape from temptation so that we are not overcome. When we sin it is because we give in totemptation, not because God has failed us.

Further, in the first letter of John we learn of God's gracious provision for those who walk in the light, forChristians. He promises that "if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another,and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin" (1 John 1: 7). Then in verse 9 he writes: "If weconfess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. " Thefact that Jesus' blood continues to cleanse those who walk in the light and who confess their sins is of greatencouragement to every Christian. How awful life would be if we had no hope of forgiveness when we fail to live as God expects. But God is faithful; we can count on Him to do just what he promises.

Again in the Hebrew letter we find another promiseshowing God's care for His people. "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with suchthings as ye have: for he that said, I will never leavethee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall dounto me" (Heb. 13: 5-6).

But the question remains, "Can God count on me?" InHebrews 10 where we began this study the writer listsseveral things expected of those who have been forgiventhrough Jesus' blood, and who count Him as our HighPriest. In verse 22 we read: "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith. " Have you everheard someone say, "I don't feel close to God'? When we don't feel close to God whose fault is it? The instruction given here and in James chapter 4 is "Draw nigh to God,and he will draw nigh to you" (v. 8). How much effort do we give to drawing closer to God? Can God count on you?

Again the Hebrew writer encourages: "Let us holdfast the profession of our faith without wavering" (Heb.

10: 23). Later in the chapter he wrote: "Cast not awaytherefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, afterye have done the will of God, ye might receive thepromise" (v. 35-36). Its easy to become discouraged and want to give up because God's schedule isn't our schedule; but the instruction is to hold fast.

Further the Hebrew writer said: "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works"(Heb. 10: 24). We who have been redeemed are expectedto help and encourage each other. We may do this in partby spending time together socially, preferring one another to friends who are of the world. But partly we dothis by the time we spend together in worship and study of God's word. Perhaps this is why the very next versereads: "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting oneanother: and so much the more, as ye see the dayapproaching" (Heb. 10: 25). Christians who don't seem towant to worship and study with other Christians havemissed the point of these verses; that we can count onGod and that he expects to be able to count on us as well.CAN GOD COUNT ON YOU?

How do we know if God can count on us? The answer is given simply in Luke chapter 12. Jesus had taught aparable about servants being watchful for the coming oftheir master. When Peter asked about it Jesus said: "Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom hislord shall make ruler over his household, to give themtheir portion of meat in due season? Blessed is thatservant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find sodoing" (Lk. 12: 42-43). God counts us faithful in the doingof His will, now. We have no need to look for some "goodthing" like the rich young ruler by which we may earnour salvation; it isn't obtained that way. Instead He asksthat we be found, "always abounding in the work of the Lord, that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Cor.

15: 58). God is faithful? Are you?

Jesus commanded the apostles, as recorded in Mark

16: 15, 16, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospelto every creature. He that believeth and is baptizedshall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. "In Hebrews 4: 12 we read: "For the word of God is livingand powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword,piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and ofjoints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughtsand intents of the heart. "

Paul writing to the saints at Rome said: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of Godunto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jewfirst, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written,The just shall live by faith" (Rom. 1: 16, 17). Gal. 2: 20:"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer Iwho live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I nowlive in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, wholoved me and gave Himself for me. " The apostle Peterwrote: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through theresurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead... " (1 Pet. 1:3).

The reader must be impressed with the repetitive useof the word LIVING in the title of the article which is reflected in the passages of Scripture cited. We do notpreach a dead message from a "dead God. " The foolishrevival of the old cliché by Altizer: "God is dead, " is notonly blatantly false, but also nonsensical since there isno such thing as dead deity! Only a LIVING GOD couldreveal a LIVING message to produce a LIVING faithand a LIVING hope!

It is important to notice the command: "Go ye into allthe world and PREACH the gospel to every creature. "This passage contains what is called The Great Commission in contradistinction to the Limited Commission which Jesus gave to the twelve and seventy and limitedthem to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel" (Matt. 10: 6;Lk. 10). The Twelve were to preach, "The Kingdom ofheaven is at hand" (Mt. 10: 7). The Seventy were topreach, "The Kingdom of God is come nigh unto you" (Lk. 10: 11). Of course, the message was the same in bothinstances.

But after Pentecost, when the apostles were to "gointo all the world and preach the gospel to every creature, " the message was "This Jesus hath God raised up,whereof we all are witnesses... Therefore let all the

house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath madethat same Jesus, whom ye crucified, both Lord andChrist. " (Acts 2: 32, 36) J. W. McGarvey, in his commentary of Acts of Apostles, commented on verse 36:"He had made him Lord by causing him to sit on God's own throne, to rule over angels and men; and he madehim Christ by causing him to sit on the throne ofDavid according to the promise. "

Here we find the apostles beginning to carry out the Great Commission as Jesus directed them in Acts 1: 8;". .. ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem,and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. " The message was NOT ofa "coming kingdom" but of the kingdom of God's having come with Jesus, the crucified and resurrected Savior, sitting enthroned on the universal throne ofdominion-the KING over His Kingdom!

At this point, I want to make it clear that I believe theBible not only tells us WHAT to preach, but HOW topreach the message. The sermon preached by the apostlePeter as recorded in Acts 2: 14-40, is the finest exampleone can find of the scriptural way to preach. The arrangement of the sermon, the cogent arguments hemade in response to the critics who scoffed: "These menare full of new wine: are unexcelled. Peter appealed tothe prophets of the Old Testament and said: "This is thatwhich was spoken by the prophet Joel;... " He gaveprophecy after prophecy of these Jews who knew thembut failed to understand them, and said: "Him (Jesus ofNazareth)... ye have taken, and by wicked hands havecrucified and slain:... " (Acts 2: 23). Peter was speaking by inspiration of the Holy Spirit the gospelof Christ, God's power to save. He responded to thecarping critics, identifying of whom he was speakingand why. He had not been trained in "audience psychology" how to speak so kindly no one would knowof whom or what he was saying. He never heard thewarning by weak, compromising people, "That kind ofpreaching will run people off. " He had no fear of losing his job as "minister of the gospel" in Jerusalem, but hedid fear losing his soul in hell by failing to do what the Lord commanded him to do. He preached for convictionof his audience-not to please them but to save them.

One finds Peter preaching as Paul later commandedTimothy to do: "Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season: reprove, (convince, NKJ) rebuke, exhortwith all long-suffering and doctrine" (2 Tim. 4: 2). Today one hears such warnings as: "You are too negative.Preach Positive. " That is the psychology of the worldwhich lives and breathes the positive approach -negativesare out. I do not think Paul meant to advise Timothy topreach two negative sermons for every positive one, buttwo of the three instructions given above were negative. The apostle Peter used these principles on Pentecost-hereproved, rebuked and exhorted the Jews and convinced them of their heinous crime of having crucifiedand slain their promised Messiah. Listen as he challenged his audience: "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that sameJesus, whom ye crucified, both Lord and Christ" (Acts2; 36). The result: "Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Theywere convicted by the Gospel, God's power to save as delivered by a powerful preacher!

Peter did not "run all his audience off' for we know that after Peter told them to "Repent and be baptizedevery one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for theremission of sins... " that "they that gladly received hisword were baptized; and the same day there were addedunto them about three thousand souls. " How many "ranoff' because they did not like the sermon, I do not know.But I do know that about three thousand obeyed thegospel the first time they heard it preached by thispowerful preacher. But if Peter had been a modern day"Gospel preacher" who is more concerned with givingthe people what they want to hear instead of what theyMUST hear to be saved, the ones who stayed andapplauded him would have gone away lost.

The gospel of Christ is God's power to save. Men havedeveloped awesome weapons capable of destroying thisworld with all living beings and things in it. Man hasalso manufactured chemical weapons capable of destroying eight times the entire inhabitants of this world.But man cannot produce anything or anybody capable ofsaving himself from sin! Only the God who made us inHis own image can do that. "For God so loved the worldthat he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoeverbelieveth in him should not perish, but have everlastinglife" (John 3: 16).

God revealed the message (the Gospel) to men whowere inspired by the Holy Spirit who spoke it and wroteit down for mankind that we might know what we mustdo to be saved. The message is God's power to save. Butit must be preached to lost, perishing humanity. Lyingdormant on the pages of the Bible, the gospel will notsave. Faithful preachers of the gospel must preach it(herald it abroad/proclaim it). The gospel is God's power to save. To preach it powerfully is man's part in salvation. I realize that each of us has different dispositions/temperament, but I personally believe the powerful gospel deserves powerful preaching. We need to standforth with the Sword of the Spirit and preach with allboldness and plainness of speech, persuading men without favor of friend or fear or foe (Acts 4; 29, 31; 2 Cor. 3:12; 2 Cor. 5: 11).

For a preacher in the church of Christ to attempt towrite an article on Baptist Church Baptism is, in theeyes of many, suspect. Does he have an axe to grind?Can he/Will he be fair? This article is being presented in concern... concern for souls. If the teachings of the Baptist Church (the book from which I shall quote waspublished by The American Baptist Publishing Society)are correct then I do not understand the New Testament; on the other hand, if I am teaching the truth thenBaptists are wrong, still lost, still in their sins.

It is possible, and I fully realize this, that manyBaptists do NOT believe what the Baptist Churchteaches. I would appreciate hearing from members ofthe Baptist Church (Yea or Nay). This article is sentforth in love... love for God and for souls. If youdisagree with what is presented let me know. Dearreader, it does no good to get angry. I am not angry... Iam concerned. If you disagree, disagree in love; deal with the passages presented and with the argumentsmade.

Baptist Dogma

Chapter III of The Standard Manual For BaptistChurches by Edward T. Hiscox is entitled "Church Ordinances, " and deals with Baptism and the Lord'sSupper. Following this short chapter there is a series ofeight notes to more fully explain the Baptist concept ofthese two subjects. "NOTE 8. - Baptism is not essentialto salvation, for our churches utterly repudiate thedogma of 'baptismal regeneration'; but it is essential toobedience, since Christ has commanded it. It is alsoessential to a public confession of Christ before theworld, and to membership in the church which is hisbody. And no true lover of his Lord will refuse these actsof obedience and tokens of affection" (pp. 20-21). Thisstatement is NOT something I would make up. Honest,I wouldn't do that. To me, this statement is shocking.We will, the Lord willing take a closer look at thisstatement a little later.

What Saith The New Testament?

When Nicodemus asked Jesus concerning being "bornanew (again -KJV), " Jesus said, "Verily, verily, I sayunto thee, Except one be born of water and the Spirit, hecannot enter into the kingdom of God" (John 3: 5). Beingborn of water is, as a study of the New testament shows,water baptism (see Mark 16: 16; Acts 2: 38; 22: 16; Romans 6: 3-4; etc. ). The apostle Peter, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, tells us that baptism"doth now save you" (1 Peter 3: 20-21).

The Hiscox Statement Conclusion

"Baptism is not essential to salvation, for ourchurches utterly repudiate the dogma of 'baptismal regeneration'... " We have already shown that Jesus (John 3: 3-5), Ananias (Acts 22: 16) and Peter(Acts 2: 38; 1 Peter 3: 20-21) placed baptism before being saved, remission of sins, and the washing away ofsins. The second phrase seems to place authority todecide doctrine in the hands of the church (".... for ourchurches... "). Not so! The church is to follow the teaching of the Christ... and not to decide/determinedoctrine. I'm not sure what Mr. Hiscox had in mind when he wrote of "baptismal regeneration. " If he meansthe same thing as do Lutherans ("Therefore we believein baptismal regeneration, that is, that children whoare born in sin are reborn in baptism" -SENIOR CATECHISM, Luther's Small Catechism in Question and Answer Form by J. A. Dell, page 176) Iwould join hands with Mr. Hiscox in not believing insuch. If, on the other hand, he is saying that baptismhas nothing to do with regeneration ("2. a spiritualrebirth or conversion"-Webster) we must cry out, "Notso! Not so! Remember John 3: 33-5. Also consider that we are "baptized into Christ" (Galatians 3: 27) where weare "a new creation" (2 Corinthians 5: 17).

"... but it (baptism) is essential to obedience,since Christ has commanded it. " Dear reader, thisis SHOCKING. Baptism, we are told, is not essential tosalvation but is essential to obedience. That is, any wayyou cut it, teaching salvation without obedience, butJesus "became unto all them that obey him the authorof eternal salvation" (Hebrews 5: 9). Baptist Friend,which of these two do you believe? Mr. Hiscox? The Hebrew writer? Which?

"It is also essential to a public confession ofChrist before the world, and to membership inthe church which is his body. " Mr. Hiscox is teaching salvation without a public confession of Christ, butthe rulers in Christ's day on earth were condemnedbecause they refused to confess Him (John 12: 41-42).Read and consider 1 John 4: 2-3. Mr. Hiscox also teaches that one can have salvation without being a member ofthe church, without being a member of the body ofChrist (Ephesians 1: 22-23). Shocking! Mr. Hiscox wouldhave individuals saved outside of the church, outside ofthe body of Christ, outside of Christ. Baptist Friend, doyou so believe?

"And no true lover of his Lord will refuse these acts of obedience and tokens of affection. " Mr. Hiscox teaches salvation without baptism, but without baptism one is "no true lover of his Lord, " therefore onecan (according to Mr. Hiscox and Baptist Church Doctrine) be saved without being a "true lover of his Lord. " Yet Paul wrote: "If any man loveth not the Lord, let himbe anathema" (1 Corinthians 16: 22). "Ananthema" means "devoted to destruction. " Baptist reader, doyou believe that the man who is "no true lover of HisLord" is saved? Do you believe Mr. Hiscox and BaptistChurch Doctrine? Or do you believe that "no true loverof his Lord" is anathema? Do you believe Paul and theHoly Spirit? Which? It can't be both.

In writing an article like this I realize that I openmyself up to being disliked... perhaps even hated. But I also know that love has prompted this article, "And I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If Ilove you more abundantly, am I loved the less" (2Corinthians 12: 15)?

Through the generosity of many, another preaching trip to the Philippines, has been accomplished. BrotherJohn Humphries was my traveling companion againthis year. Brother Humphries and I have been workingtogether on such preaching trips since 1986. I could not ask for a better co-laborer in the gospel. John is a veteran of many trips overseas and knows what he isdoing. His teaching is rich and powerful and he is anencouragement everywhere he goes. We enjoy our timetogether but because we can accomplish more by goingin different directions, we actually spend very littletime together. We simply touch base with one another from time to time to make sure that all is well.

With each trip overseas to the Philippines and other3rd world countries, it seems to get more and moredifficult and takes longer to recuperate. But with eachtrip, I can see more and more the value of such effortsand especially the need to continue making such trips.I feel confident that we are becoming well adopted to the ways and needs and problems of the Filipino brethren.Each year we meet and become better acquainted withmore and more of the brethren. Each year we haveopportunity to work with and stay in the homes of thosewho are striving to preach Christ in that difficult partof the world. Most of the brethren seem comfortable when we're in their presence. The novelty and tensionof an American in their midst seems to have subsided. The brethren seem more at ease and willing to concentrate as we conduct Bible classes and give advice intrying to help them solve problems that exist betweenbrethren.

We spent the 1st week together conducting classes atbrother Ben Cruz's house in Manila. The national elections which were underway when we arrived, keptus from doing any real traveling till after May 11th.While at Manila, John taught a series of lessons on thebook of Daniel and I presented a series of lessons on the7 churches of Asia.

On May 12th John continued his studies in Manilawhile I traveled by bus to Hagonoy for a visit with theAgulto family. Two were baptized there. Then the nextday I traveled by bus to Tarlac (the Mt. Pinatubo area)where I had an opportunity to conduct classes morning,noon, and evening in the home of brother DominadorArcega at San Felipe. I spent one week there and 7 morewere baptized. I also had opportunity to visit withbrethren in 5 other congregations while staying in thehome of brother Arcega.

After my stay in Tarlac District I returned to Manilaand traveled with brother Ben Cruz to Pampanga District. Ben had converted a man shortly before that timewho was from that village. The man returned to his homeplace and told the others about the pure gospel of Christ.When we arrived, the entire village was eagerly waitingour arrival. Included in that number was a denominational preacher who questioned me for hours after I hadfinished preaching about the one true church. Consequently, he and a number of the others in the village werebaptized when brother Humphries returned to that location the following week. Stories like that make the tripworthwhile, no matter how many discomforts one mustendure.

On May 21st I made a quick trip to Olongapo (SubicBay) to follow up and verify some relief efforts for the Mt. Pinatubo victims. By this time brother Humphries had departed for a one week stay in Malaysia (Borneo) to visitwith several newly established congregations. Early onthe morning of May 23rd, I flew to Davao City on theIsland of Mindanao in the southern most part of thePhilippines. While there, I stayed in the homes of brotherJuanito Balbin and with brother Joy Notarte. While inthat area I traveled to at least 9 remote congregationstraversing difficult mountain terrain through Mt. Apo,Davao Del Sur and Digos areas. These trips were made inJoy Notarte's Volkswagon "Bug"

On May 27th I was joined by brother Humphries and we traveled in a Jeepney owned by brother Manibog toKidapawan in North Cotabato. Halfway there the drive shaft fell apart and we were stranded till we could hitcha ride on another jeepney. We finally arrived at the homeof brother Manibog. The next day we visited 5 congregations before returning by Jeepney to Davao. ' On May29th we traveled by boat to Samal Island and preachedand visited brethren for several hours before returning to the home of brother Notarte to pack for our returnflight to Manila.

We arrived in Manila just in time to participate in thewedding of Teresa Cruz who was marrying a young manshe personally converted from Catholicism.

In all, there were 25 baptisms that took place while wewere on this trip. Many Bible classes for preachers andother interested people were conducted. Several disputeswere settled and we were able to provide some muchneeded financial help to needy saints. That included buying food for drought victims, buying eye glasses,medicine, clothing, as well as repairing fishing boats andother equipment so brethren could once again start making a living. The drought victims living in the Davao DelSur area have been especially hard hit and are sufferinggreatly. Their crops are a disaster and they have had to eat the rice that was needed for replanting. Now many are not only suffering from the lack of food and water, but alsosuffering from disease and sickness that always followsfrom such a severe drought. They are desperately in needof food and medicine and have no money to purchase suchnecessities. Filipino brethren from other areas are tryingto help, but they need much more. I would be happy to giveyou the names and addresses of those to contact if youcould help.

Once again, I express my appreciation to allthose who make such trips possible. If I can supply you with more information about any of these matters, I would be happy to do so.

"Gossip" is idle talk or rumors about others. The word can also be applied to the person who initiates orrepeats idle talk.

Many jokes are made about gossip. Some seem to view gossip as a harmless exercise - an annoyance or nuisance at worst.

Christians should realize that gossip (Slander,tale bearing, being a busy body) is sinful and carrieswith it the potential of much heartache and devastation. The sinfulness and seriousness of gossip is clearly illus-trated by its effects which arelisted in a number of scriptures. Jesus made this point by comparing our words to fruit from a tree:

"Either make the tree good, and his fruit good: orelse make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: forthe tree is known by his fruit.

O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil,speak good things? For out of the abundance of theheart the mouth speaketh" (Matthew 12: 33-34).

What is gossip's fruit?

1. Gossip makes a fool of the one who practices it. ". .. he that uttereth slander is a fool: (Proverbs

10: 18).

2. Gossip causes deep wounds.

"The words of a tale bearer are as wounds, andthey go down into the innermost parts of the belly"(Proverbs 26: 22).

3. Gossip will separate close friends.

"A forward man soweth strife: and a whisperseparateth chief friends" (Proverbs 16: 28).

4. Gossip brings shame upon the one who spreads it. "Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself;and

disclose not a secret to another: lest he that heareth it put thee to shame and thine infamy turn not away" (Prov-erbs 25: 9-10).

If you are tempted to gossip, work on purifyingyour heart (evil speech proceeds from the heart,Matthew 15: 18-20). Increase your love for others,and learn to use your speech "to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers"

(Ephesians 4: 29).

Do you read

Do you pray to God youreveryday? (Daniel 6: 10, 13) Bible

everyday?(Acts 17: 11)

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

GROVER STEVENS is now working with the Overland church inLawrenceburg, Kentucky. A new auditorium has been completed with the older one converted into classrooms. A new record of 121 gatheredrecently and one was baptized. Jim Ward of San Antonio, Texas wasthere recently in a very good meeting with record attendance.

TOM WHEELER, Rt. 6, Box 393H, Florence, AL 35633 - Mildred and 1 are enjoying being a part of the River Bend church which meetsa few miles northwest of Florence. Our work here is peaceful andpleasant. Danny Graham was with us in a meeting in May in which,seven were baptized. Mike Waters will be here in September (13-18) ina meeting. I was in a meeting in May in Galena, Indiana. When in thisarea, please come by and worship with us.

MIKE MILES, 1200 Handel Dr., Virginia Beach, VA 23454 - The Tidewater church is finally moving into its permanent meeting place,on August 9, 1992. Our location is 217 Taxus Street in Chesapeake, Virginia. Form I-64 take Battlefield Blvd. south to Kepsville Road, thenleft to Dupont Street, then right to Taxus Street. The building is on thatcorner. We number about 90 at present. If you have family or friends inthe area please let us know. My number is 804-427-9677.

DAN WALTERS DROWNED I recently learned of the tragic death of brother Dan Walters. While onvacation (his first in many years, due to the small size of the church heworked with) in Florida, he drowned in the Gulf waters above Spring Hill. His son was rescued from the undertow and survived. Dan had written for various periodicals and had engaged in several written discussions. I had a copy of his manuscript on the Revelation and foundit to be an interesting work. His widow, Anna and son are in need of theprayers of God's people as they decide how to continue their liveswithout this fine soldier of Christ. Submitted by Ralph Walker, Concord, NC. (Editor's note: Sister Walters sent us a note also about this tragic news.Services were conducted on June 20, 1992 at the Wise Funeral Home chapel in Bonham, Texas by Darrell Tubb and Earl Dale. He was buried in Moores Chapel Cemetery in Fannin County, Texas. Our hearts go outto Anna and her family. )

PASADENA, TEXAS - The June 24, 1992 bulletin from Southside in Pasadena reports 14 baptized and 10 restored there just recently.

DEBATE IN GULFPORT, MSKevin Campbell is to meet Bobby Sparks on Greenville, Texas in adebate September 21, 22, 24 and 25, 1992. The debate will take placein Central Missionary Baptist Church's building at 7: 30 nightly.Proposi-tions the first two nights concern the essentiality of waterbaptism for salvation. The last two nights deal with whether or not achild of God can so sin as to be lost eternally. For further details callKevin Campbell at 601-831-4357.

B. G. ECHOLS, 7 Ridgewood Ave., Glen Ridge, NJ 07028 -Duringthe first six months of 1992 we had four adults baptized and eight identified with the church in East Orange, N. J. Most of those identifiedcame from nearby liberal churches.

DAVID MCCLISTER, 6025 Monrovia, Shawnee, Kansas 66216 In June Rick Billingsley of Middleburg, Florida and I spent 17 daysworking in Newfoundland, Canada. Rick's brother, Dennis, is stationed at the U. S. Naval facility at Argentia. He and his family were interestedin establishing a congregation there and we went to help. Two werebaptized and we found a place in the small town of Placentia, New found-land (which is only a few miles from the Naval base) where theChristians can meet on a regular basis. We found many who werewilling to study with us and left some studies still in progress. Dennisis following up on these and we expect to hear of more baptisms soon. Dennis will be leaving there in October, 1993. Rick and 1 are alreadyplanning to return next summer for more personal evangelism. Ourgoal is a congregation of native people that can stand with or without families present from the base (the base is scheduled to close in 1997).A start has been made and the potential is good for future growth. Agood man is needed to work permanently in this area. Dennis will helpto find support for the right man to come. If you are interested, pleasecall Dennis Billingsley (709) 227-2820.

DIVISION HEALED In January, 1990 a situation that is all too common among brethrenoccurred in the congregation that meets on Fairmont Blvd. in Rapid City, South Dakota. The congregation was split asunder due, regrettably to circumstances that Paul so capably describes in Gal. 5: 20-21. Seemingly the only way to control the situation was to put distancebetween some brethren, thus some separated and began anothercongregation. Also, all too often, the story ends at this point withdivision continuing to exist between brethren, even though they all claim to love God and desire to worship him eternally "together" aroundthe great white throne. To God's glory, however, the brethren in RapidCity were not satisfied to ignore this division of the Lord's body. They remembered Abraham's admonition to Lot in Gen. 13: 8: "Please let there be no strife between you and me, for we are brothers. " They alsoremembered Paul's warning to the Corinthians to have "no divisions"but to be of "the same mind and in the same judgment" (1 Cor. 1: 10). After considerable prayer, study, meditation, encouragement, andmost important, the grace of God, the brethren in Rapid City have beenreconciled to God and to each other. Almost two and a half years afterthe division, the brethren stood tall on their convictions and musteredthe courage to say "I have sinned, forgive me. " Now there is once againone body of loving saints in Rapid City who assemble at 1302 E.Fairmont Blvd.

MARIETTA, OHIO UPDATE - The congregation meeting at 324Fourth Street in Marietta began with 11 members present on. January 1, 1991. Highest attendance to date has been 38 with an average now of 23. Our numbers are consistent on Sunday and Wednesday evening.We have been helped by many brethren in various ways with most ofour encouragement coming from brethren in the Ohio Valley. Severalfrom liberal churches have attended and indicated willingness to studywith us. We are searching for property we can afford. Lots are veryexpensive. A number have helped in teaching and preaching includingsome of our own number. The support and encouragement we havereceived has far outweighed the efforts of some here to discredit and discourage us. Our mailing address is P. O. Box 44, Marietta, OH 45750.

J. O. GABBARD, 49 Gabbard Rd., Roundhill, KY 42275-9522 - At the age of 71, I will fulfill a longtime dream by enrolling in FloridaCollege August 24, 1992 to study some things I have wanted to probeinto for many years. Though I have a bachelor's degree from a state university, I look forward to some study in Greek, Hebrew and advanced Bible courses. So with a little help from some good friends, including David Key, Earl Robertson, Connie W. Adams, James P.Needham, I have been able to tie up loose ends and look forward to going back to college to study with good, dedicated teachers.

NEW CONGREGATION

CHURCH OF CHRIST, P. O. Box 1332, Noblesville, IN 46060 - On May 3, 1992 a new congregation began meeting in Noblesville, Indiana.We now meet at 1010 South Third. H. L. Collett is the preacher.Beginning with 22 we have grown to an average attendance of about 40.We had a meeting June 14-19 with several area preachers. These wereMike Hale, Mo Hafley, Wayne Chappel, Galen Miller, Boyd Sellers andRon Daly. Visitors, saints and local people supported the meeting.Average attendance was 48 with a high of 73. We are working at peace to spread the gospel. H. L. Collett is in need of some additional support.His phone number is 317-773-8864.

PREACHERS NEEDED HODGENVILLE, KENTUCKY - The church here needs a gospelpreacher. Attendance averages 65-70. Those interested may call AlParker (502) 358-9336, or Jim Bickford (502) 358-4088.

GULFPORT, MISSISSIPPI - The Morris Road church needs a scripturally qualified preacher to work with them. They can provide$850 per month support. For further information please contact MikeVickery (601) 875-2084 or (601) 392-4757.

HERMISTON, OREGON - The church in Hermiston is looking for a sound gospel preacher. A man on retirement or social security ispreferred. We have some additional support. Contact Ray Gossett (503)567-0741.

CHARLESTON, WEST VIRGINIA - The church meeting at 873 Oakwood Road needs a preacher. The building is conveniently locatedoff three interstate highways and a major corridor highway. Good areafor schools. We are a small congregation but will be able to assure fullsupport. Contact Henry Williams (304) 727-2466 or Paul Stewart (304)345-2391.

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY -The Oak Grove congregation, 9203 Thixton Lane, Louisville, KY 40291 desires a full time preacher.Average attendance is 55. Residence and income of approximately$1700 per month can be furnished by the congregation. For furtherinformation please call Russell Smith at (502) 968-0059 after 6 P. M. orsend written inquiries to 9503 Slayton Court, Louisville, KY 40229.

ALBANY, OREGON - The Oak Street church in Albany needs apreacher sometime in the first quarter of 1993. There are about 50members with a normal attendance of 70 on Sundays. We have all age groups. We are located on the western side of Oregon 30 miles south ofSalem and 50 miles north of Eugene. We are about an hour from thePacific Ocean on the west and one hour from the Cascade Mts. on the east. The city of Albany has about 30, 000. To our east is Lebanon with15, 000 and Corvallis to our west with 40, 000. There are several "liberal" groups around us. Those interested may contact Chuck Carroll, 1175 11th Ave. S. W., Albany, OR 97321.

FROM AROUND THE WORLD

CANADA- ROY DIESTELKAMP reports from St. Catherines, Ontario

that four were recently baptized there. Chuck Bartlett has now moved to Jordan, Ontario to work with the church there. An effort is planned for the fall to begin a sound work in Buffalo, New York. A strong family is moving there, the man being a school teacher who canalso preach. Two families who live in Buffalo have been worshipping in St.Catherines.

ITALY - Randy Harshbarger and James Johnson of Mt. Pleasant,Texas and Robert Harkrider of Orlando, Florida recently visited thework in London and then spent some time in Italy. Brother Johnson isone of the elders at Southside in Mt. Pleasant where Randy Harshbargerpreaches. The specific purpose of their trip was to visit with Valerio Marchi and family in Udine, Italy since the church there has beenhelping to support him in the work for several years. The church in Udine now has 23 members and average attendance of 35. It is composed mostly of younger people but at least two men are workingtoward being elders someday. The church there pays $1, 000 per month rent for a meeting place downtown. To buy is out of the question. Theyalso help $700 per month with brother Marchi's support. They arediligent in their efforts. Five times in ten years they have gone door todoor in this city of 90, 000. Brother Harshbarger also attached a letterabout the urgent need of Francesco Fosci at Latina to replace thesupport he is losing. We had a notice about this recently in STS. Randymade this closing appeal: "Doors are opening in Eastern Europe and weneed to send men willing to go. Yet, the men in Italy are there to stay. They speak the language. They speak the language. They know thework. They are dedicated. Help if you can. " For further information,contact Randy Harshbarger, P. O. Box 242, Mt. Pleasant, TX 754560242.

ITALY - Roberto Tondelli recently reported on renewed efforts of theRoman Catholic Church to restrict teaching contrary to the Catholicfaith. In a national daily paper dated June 8, 1992, a Mr. Ratzinger who is head of the Doctrine of Faith Congregation, a Catholic institution also known as the "Holy Office" published the following: (1) "from now on whoever writes articles about the pope or the Catholic Churchcan run the risk of being denounced and brought before a court if theecclesiastical authority considers those articles offensive to the Catholic faith; (2) the Vatican intends to control and to restrict theamount of religious information in the media; (3) "God's people' (Catholics) and Catholic paper sellers should not sell or distribute publication s that are contrary to Catholic faith. "

CZECHOSLOVAKIA -Al Diestelkamp reports that another 17 havebeen added to Christ during the last six months and three new congregations have been established. In Prague the past few monthsthere are about 35 in attendance. 45 were present one Sunday morningin May. There are usually several adult visitors. The Jeff Youngs andBill Bynums have returned to the states. The David Hartsells andWayne Fanchers will go to Prague to work with Mike Morrow, CharlieBrackett and Steven Baxley. There is a need for workers in four othercities where there are now Christians living.

GERMANY - Steve Wallace reports one baptized and one restored atBitburg and Stuttgart.

CHILE -Carlos A. Capelli of Buenos Aires, Argentina was in Chile fortwenty days in June working with five congregations. Four were baptized. There was a full house for meetings in Santiago where thebrethren meet in a new building. It is not finished but they are able to use it.

SOUTH AFRICA - Dan Huddleston has recently made four trips toVenda to encourage brethren there. The last trip was with Al Payne ofTexas and they spent a month. There are 15 congregations in Venda.Twelve baptisms were reported in the last few weeks.

PHILIPPINES -Alfonso S. Catalon and Rubin C. Gumansing of Siay,Zamboanga del Sur report that in May 11 were baptized, 10 restoredand three placed membership from public and private teaching efforts.They also wrote of the prolonged drought which has left many brethrenin dire circumstances. We have heard from many brethren in Mindanao about this.

Bert G. Enostacion is now back to his full-time work after recovering from a near fatal accident while he was in a gospel meeting in Ilocos

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Norte. He expresses gratitude for the prayers and support given him and his family in this time. Work among college students has resultedin five baptisms. Wayne Mariano, a young man in his late 20's, is working with him in la Union in preaching.Dominador D. Arcega writes that seven were obedient to the gospelwhile Jerry Parks of East Alton, Illinois was there for preaching in May.

ADVICE OR DIVINE INSTRUCTION?

It is often said in sermons that Jesus, Paul or Peter "advised" certain things to be done. "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" was not a simple recommendation, it was a divine mandate.Did Peter on Pentecost simply "advise" his hearers to "repent and bebaptized" or did he give divine commandment? Was Paul giving Timothy "advice" when he said "Preach the word" or was he setting forth divine instruction on the work of an evangelist? In our current usageof language advice can be accepted or rejected. The same cannot be saidfor divine revelation. Could it be that one reason our hearers make no response to the preaching they hear is that they do not understand theimperative nature of the message? Let's speak less of inspired mengiving advice and more of "thus saith the Lord. "

**********RESPECTFUL BEHAVIOUR IN PUBLIC WORSHIP

The age of accountability is not easy to identify. But one thing is

certain: those old enough to be accountable are also old enough tostay awake during a gospel sermon, old enough not to whisper andtalk in the public assembly and old enough not to have to run in andout to the water fountain or rest room repeatedly. They ought to be old enough to stand and sing with the rest when the congregation is asked to do so. They ought to be old enough to know better than to engagein shoving matches, or general horse play while the almighty is being worshipped. And they should be mature enough not to knock olderpeople down as they dart here and there in a crowd after dismissal.One veteran preacher stopped once during his sermon and said "If brother Tom and brother Bill will stop frogging each other on the arm, Iwill go ahead with my sermon. " Nuff said!

**********NEW CHRISTIANS

It is refreshing to observe the excitement of new Christians. Like thefirst time my friend, Bob Darnell, served at the Lord's table and earnestly related "what they did to my Lord. " You see, he was convertedfrom Judaism. And isn't it a breath of fresh air to hear a new Christian pray and simply pour out his heart to the Lord before he learns to reciteall the phrases that older Christians seem to drift into using. And doesit not thrill you to catch the awe and excitement of one who is so happyto be freed from that heavy load of sin and to walk in the company ofChristians. Have you lost the "joy of your salvation"?

IN THE NEWS THIS MONTH

BAPTISMS 372

RESTORATIONS 111

(Taken from bulletins and papers received by the editor)