THE TENTH CHAPTER OF ACTS
Our study is directed to another of the great conversions ofthe Acts of the Apostles, the conversion of Cornelius. All ofthese studies are important because man must be converted to be saved. The word "conversion" means to change a thingor person into something else. Religiously speaking, conversion is the changing of the sinner by means of obedienceto the child of God. The method and means of conversion are set forth in these examples of inspired preachers. The thingsthat they told men and women to do then to be convertedand receive remission of their sins are exactly what we oughtto do today that we, too, may be children of God. Cornelius is one of the greatest characters in all the Word of God. Letus study his conversion. Listen to the reading of the first twoverses of the tenth chapter:
"There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, A devout man and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway."
Verse one tells us who Cornelius was politically. He wasa soldier in the Roman army, a centurion. The term usuallydenoted a captain over a hundred, but the constant reorganization of the Roman army causes some uncertainty asto the office. In any event he was a man of importance andpower in the army of occupation then in Palestine.
The second verse tells us who he was morally and spiritually. Notice the marks of his character:
- He was a devout man.
- He was a God fearing man.
- He gave much alms to the poor.
- He prayed to God alway.
Now, if morality would save, and all that is necessary inorder to go to heaven is to be a good, honest, fair, andpraying individual, Cornelius would have been in need ofnothing more. Let us emphasize this again. If mere moralityalone would save, Cornelius was already saved and was inneed of nothing. But the God of heaven did not regard himas a saved man. He had to HEAR, BELIEVE and OBEY the Gospel just as in the other cases in Acts. He, a good man, had to do exactly the same thing as the wicked Pentecostians.
THE MIRACLES
Now let me suggest that there are three miracles connected with the conversion of Cornelius, and yet none ofthese miracles saved him. Let us study them one by one.
Miracle Number One
VISIT OF THE ANGEL: While Cornelius prayed, anangel appeared to him saying: "Thy prayers and thine almsare gone up for a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa, and fetch one Simon, who is surnamed Peter: . . .who shall speak unto thee words, whereby thou shalt besaved, thou and all thy house" (Acts 10:4, 5; 11:14). Theonly thing the angel told him was where and for whom tosend to learn what to do to be saved. As per his instructions, Cornelius started three men for Peter immediately.
Notice now that he was not told that he was saved, or that the visit of the angel was a Christian experience that he could relate as a proof of a new birth. Nothing of this kind occurred. As a matter of fact just the opposite tookplace. Peter was to tell him WORDS whereby he and allhis house SHALL BE SAVED. It was necessary to sendfor Peter because Cornelius had to hear, believe and obeythe Gospel. Now give attention to the second miracle:
Miracle Number Two
PETER'S VISION: About noon the following day Peterwent upon the housetop to pray. Here he "fell into a trance"and saw a vision of a great sheet with a menagerie of allkinds of animals, and heard a voice saying: "Rise, Peter; kill and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common and unclean." The voice replied;"What God hath cleansed, make not thou common." This Peter interprets to mean: "God showed that I should notcall any man common or unclean" (Acts 10:28).
While Peter yet wondered what the vision meant, thethree men whom Cornelius had sent arrived and called for him. Then the Spirit said unto him: "Arise and get theedown, and go with them, nothing doubting: for I have sentthem." What was the purpose in all this? Unquestionably,it was to convince Peter that he should go and preach tothe Gentiles. At any rate, this is the way he understood it;hence, he sets out, taking with him six of his Jewish brethren.
Thus we see that these two miracles had but a single purpose, that of bringing the preacher to the sinner that the Gospel might be the power of God unto salvation. Here isthe record on the power of the Gospel, Romans 1:16.
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth:to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
Let me emphasize another point. In the conversion of theeunuch the miracle or the appearance of divine guidancecame not to the man out of Christ, but to the preacher. Theangel of the Lord told Philip to arise and go into Gaza. Thuswe see that it is the preaching of Christ, the Gospel ofChrist, that is God's power to save.
Before we study the third miracle let us notice anotherthing about the character of Cornelius. He was the right kind of parent and kinsman. Hear verse twenty-four:
"And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. AndCornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends."
Consider the problems of juvenile delinquency in ourtime. It has been pointed out by the best writers and thinkers among us that juvenile delinquency is nothing morethan parent delinquency. It is a failure on the part of theparents to guide, teach and pray with their children. Cornelius was not such a man. He was interested in the spiritualwelfare of his house, and of his loved ones. He called them all together to hear the words of the Apostle who was tocome to him. Now give attention to the third miracle:
Miracle Number Three
DECENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: As soon as Peter arrived at the house of Cornelius he explained that it washitherto an unlawful thing for a Jew to go unto one ofanother nation; but since God had shown him that he should not "call any man common or unclean," he asks: "Thereforewith what intent ye sent for me?" Cornelius explains the visitof the angel, then adds: "Now therefore are we all herepresent before God, to hear all things that are commandedthee of the Lord." You never have any trouble in telling people of this sort what to do to be saved.
Without further delay, Peter began his sermon on the life, the work, the death, the resurrection, and the office of Christ, concluding with these words: "To him bear all the prophetswitness, that through his name every one that believeth on him shall receive remission of sins." Note that he did not say, "every one that believeth on him has remission of sins;"but, "shall receive remission of sins."
"While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them that heard the word. And they of the circumcision that believed were amazed, as many as came withPeter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out thegift of the Holy Spirit. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, can anyman forbid the water, that these should not be baptized,who have received the Holy Spirit as well as we? And hecommanded them to be baptized in the name of JesusChrist."
Now remember that Peter was to tell them words whereby they could be saved and he commanded them to be baptizedin water.
Now what was the purpose of the falling of the HolySpirit? It was not to give faith. Peter settles this in Acts 15:7,saying: "God made choice among you, that by my mouththe Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel, and believe." It was not to save them. They were saved in doingwhat Peter told them to do, Acts 11:14. Let Peter answer the question: "As I began to speak (hence, before he hadyet told them what to do), the Holy Spirit fell on them, even as on us at the beginning. And I remembered the word ofthe Lord, how he said, John indeed baptized with water:but ye shall be baptized in the Holy Spirit. If then Godgave unto them the like gift as he did also unto "us, when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God? And when they (the Jerusalem church)heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God,saying. Then to the Gentiles also hath God granted repentance unto life." The sole purpose of the Holy Spirit baptism in this instance was to convince the unbelieving Jews that the Gentiles were entitled to the blessings of the gospel.
THE NEW TESTAMENT PLAN OF SALVATION
H. E. Phillips
Most every careful thinking person at some time in his life thinks about his eternal destiny. This is a very important subject. It is not enough just to think about salvation; one must learn what to do and do it.
No greater question has ever been asked concerning theindividual than the question, "WHAT MUST I DO TO BESAVED?" The answer to this question has needlessly causeda great amount of religious confusion in the present century.Is this because the Bible is not clear in giving an answer? Oris it because preachers and religious leaders have ignored some clear passages on the subject or have misapplied them?It cannot be that the Bible is not clear on the matter because that is one of its main themes. The Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, presents four major themes: man is a sinner andcan do nothing by himself to procure his salvation; God loves man and desires his salvation; God gave His Son to die thatman's sins might be remitted; man must do something in obedience to God to obtain this salvation provided for him. Howcould such an important matter be treated vaguely in theNew Testament? It claims to be our only guide (II Tim,3:16, 17), and must be rightly divided to learn the truth(II Tim. 2:15).
It is clearly evident from the Bible that salvation cannotcome purely by law. The Jews were given a law which could not give salvation because none could keep it perfectly. Jamessays if one keeps the whole law, yet offends in one point, heis guilty of all (James 2:10). To be saved by the law onemust keep it perfectly, but no Jew could do that (Rom. 3:23).
It is likewise evident that man could not work out a formula without law that would give him remission of sins. TheGentiles were without this law given to the Jews, and they
July, 1961
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were no better off (Rom. 2:14; 11:32). Since neither theGentiles without the law nor the Jews with the law could obtain forgiveness for a single sin committed, some plan must be provided by God through which this salvation could beobtained. This is what we call the Gospel Plan of Salvation.
THE PLAN OF SALVATION AS TAUGHT IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
The first thing an honest seeker for truth must do is todivide the Bible as it should be. We should not go to the partthat tells of Noah's salvation from the flood to learn what God wants us to do. That would be failing to rightly dividethe Bible. What God demanded of Noah, Moses, Abraham, or any other person living under former dispensations is notwhat he commands of men today. One section deals with men before the death and resurrection of Christ and the other with men since that time. A serious mistake made by many religious leaders and teachers is to fail to distinguish betweenthe Law of Moses and the Gospel of Christ. Since we arelooking for the salvation that could not be produced by the Law, we must find the answer in some section of the Bible other than the Law of Moses. That leaves the New Testament in which to find the answer.
I. PLANS NOT TAUGHT IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
Everyone knows that there are several systems of salvation taught by religious denominations today, some of them conflicting widely. Men are required to do various things in aneffort to reach forgiveness of sins, some of them differing sowidely as to be incongruous. Shall we say that God is the author of such confusion? Certainly not (I Cor. 14:33). Godhas one single plan of salvation, and to be saved every man must submit to it.
These systems of salvation fall into two classes: (1) Salvation by Faith Only. (2) Salvation by Works Only. It isimpossible for both of these to be true at the same time.Neither of them may be true, or one may be true, but bothcannot be true.
1. Faith Only Salvation
The majority of Protestant denominations hold to this planin one form or another. They differ somewhat as to the process of this system, but they are generally agreed that salvation is by "faith only". The process of reasoning in formulating the plan is simple: find a passage that attributes salvation to faith and then conclude that salvation requires nothing more. Then explain out every other passage that may attribute salvation to any other condition.
They use many proof texts which have one of two thingsin common: they either have to do with matters under theLaw of Moses, or else speak of the entire plan under the term "Faith" in contrast to the Law of Moses. The principletexts are: Luke 7:50; John 3:16, 36; 5:24; Acts 16:30; Rom. 5:1; 9:30-33; Eph. 2:1, and others of similar import.None of these passages are denied, nor do we deny thateveryone is saved by faith. But it is entirely different whensomeone adds the word ONLY to the proposition. Not one ofthese passages teach that one is saved by FAITH ONLY.There is a big difference. We are saved by the blood of Christ, but not by the BLOOD ONLY. If that were true faith could not enter. Faith Only means nothing except faith. Thatwould eliminate repentance, prayer and other things they require the sinner to do to be forgiven.
Not only does the New Testament not teach the doctrineof salvation by faith only, it condemns it in no uncertainterms. In the epistle of James we have an inspired argumentto this very end. In verse 14 of the 2nd chapter we find thesewords: "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?" Now he is stating the very proposition— "can a faith without works of any kind save a man?" In verse 17: "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say,Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thoubelievest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." He clearly states that faith withoutworks is dead. Will a dead faith save anyone? If so, the devils have nothing to fear in eternity, for they go that far. It willdo no good to say that this is "historical" faith, for there isnot one single hint anywhere in the Bible of such a thing.The difference in saving faith and all other kinds is that one works in obedience and the other does not. Whatever one calls it, any faith alone is dead and will not save.
But James goes on to prove from the history of Abrahamthat the faith that blessed him was one that obeyed. Thereis not a single example anywli3re in the Old or New Testament that shows a man was blessed until his faith obeyedGod. That is the difference in "faith only" and a "live faith."In verse 24 James says: "Ye see then how that by works aman is justified, and not by FAITH ONLY." This is the only place in all the Bible where the words "faith only" are together. This teaches that one is NOT saved by faith only.
There are some Scriptures that thoroughly destroy the system of salvation by faith only. In John 12:42, 43 we read: "Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many BELIEVED on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confesshim, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: for theyloved the praise of men more than the praise of God." Hereare some who believed on Christ, and the same writer said in chapter 3:36 that "he that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life . . ." Were they saved? They were if faith only saves.But the obvious meaning of this passage is that some amongthe chief rulers believed as others who were saved but did not go on to confess him because of fear. Jesus said those whowould not confess him before men would be lost (Matt.10:32, 33).
In Acts 2:38 the people who heard Peter and the apostleswere "pricked in their hearts," which is the same as believing. Peter did not tell them to believe when they asked what todo, and the reason is that he knew they already believed. Hetold them what more they must do in addition to just believing— "repent and be baptized." This proves somethingmore than belief.
In Acts 16:30 Paul told the jailor to believe on the Lordand he would be saved. Then he preached Christ that hemight believe. After the jailor was baptized he brought theminto his house and set meat before them, "and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house" (verse 34). His believing included his obedience and was not "faith only."
The plan of salvation taught in the New Testament was nota plan of "faith only." It included something in addition tofaith but based upon it.
2. Works Only Salvation
This position is the opposite extreme of faith only salvation.It was the principle idea practiced by Catholics and includedin many denominational practices later. One strange thing isthat most of the religious bodies who teach the doctrine of"faith only" actually practice the doctrine of "works only." Adenial of this is expected but the evidence is top strong todeny.
Works Only means salvation that results by works of somesort without faith. The majority of religious bodies today practice infant baptism, and their creeds show that they believe in infant damnation or original sin. If one believes an infant is born in sin and lost, he must be consistent to have some plan by which the infant can be saved. Baptism upon thefaith of his parents is used for this purpose. God does not save us on the faith of others. If an infant is saved from original sinby baptism without faith— and no infant can believe— then is it not by works without faith? Every practice of infant baptism tells of a salvation by works without faith. But Paul says "for whatsoever is not of faith is sin" (Rom. 14:23). Again,"But without faith it is impossible to please him . . ." (Heb.11:6).
(Continued Next Issue)
In many Bibles the date 4004 B.C. is found in the marginof Genesis 1. Bishop Usher, an Anglican bishop worked outthis chronology of the Scriptures and published the resultsin 1654. By 1701 his dates were published in the margins ofmany of the Bibles printed. These dates were arrived at byconsidering, primarily, Genesis 5 and 11. Bishop Usherproduced this chronology on the basis of the father-son relationships and assumed that these were complete. This can easily be shown to be a false assumption for the term son issometimes used to mean "decedent" instead of son. In Matt. 1 Jesus Christ is said to be, "the son of David, the son of Abraham". Jesus was actually the son of neither in the generally accepted usage of the word but was the decedent ofboth. In the same chapter of Matthew, three names areomitted between Joram and Ozias (Ussiah) in verse eight.Those omitted are Ahaziah (II Kings 8:25), Joash (II Kings11:2), and Amaziah (II Kings 14:1).
Again, there is evidence that the father-son relationship isincomplete in the Genesis record. In Luke 3:36 Cainan is said to be the son of Arphaxad while Genesis 11:12 says that Arphaxad "began Salah" and omits Cainan altogether. Lukegave the genealogy of Christ by inspiration as did Moses inGenesis. Who would condemn either of these inspired writers? Who would say that every generation is mentioned ineither or both accounts? Compare the genealogy of Ezra 7:3fand I Chron. 6:6-10. Here you notice the omission of sixnames between Meraioth and Azariah in Ezra's record.
These instances will serve to show that abridgment ofgenealogical records is common in the Bible. The point is toindicate that man may make mistakes relative to the Bibleas well as in the field of science. If we contend the earth had its beginning in 4004 B.C., based on the strength of Bishop Usher's evidence with its observable weak points, we canhardly condemn others for their beliefs though they possesslike weaknesses. In all things we need to be careful lest webase our beliefs on opinions and guesses rather than truth andon man instead of the Word of God.
BIBLE ANSWERS TO BIBLE QUESTIONS
E. L. Flannery Is
Baptism for Remission of Sins?
False teachers, trying to annul God's command of baptism,will quote passages which are stressing faith and do not mention baptism. They then reach the conclusion that God's command can be set aside. Some "proof-texts" they use are John 3:16, 18, 36; 5:24; 6:40, 47. Not one of these passages mention baptism, yet they stress the essentiality of faith to salvation. But neither do these passages mention repentance, and yet those opposing baptism for remission of sins say onecannot be saved without repentance. But if these passagesprove salvation without baptism they prove salvation without repentance. But this is too much for them. They want one ofGod's commands to the exclusion of the other.
Who Put Baptism Between the Sinner and the Saviour?
Jesus chose this act of faith, baptism, as the point of pardonto the sinner. It was to be preceded by hearing and believingthe gospel, by repenting of one's sins. "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved," said Christ (Mark 16:16). Doesnot that put baptism before salvation? To the penitent believers on Pentecost seeking release from their sins Peter commanded, "Repent and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins . . ." (Acts2:38). Did not Peter put baptism before the remission of sins of the sinners? Saul of Tarsus was told, "And now, why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thysins . . ." (Acts 22:16). Where does that place baptism, before or after his sins were washed away? A man withoutprejudice or preconceived notions can readily see where God placed baptism in the scheme of redemption.
Love Is Important
To eliminate baptism in the new birth some quote I John4:7-8, "And everyone that loveth is born of God . . ." Thus they would sweep away any and every other teaching. Butin this same letter John wrote, "By this we know that we lovethe children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God that we keep hiscommandments ..." (I John 5:2-3). No one is saved until he does what God tells him to do to be saved; until he proveshis love by obedience to God's will. And illustrations ofgourds, etc., do not change God's commands one bit! (If you held a man's body under water several days it would decay,too! Baptism is not for a cleansing of the body, but to purifythe soul by obeying God (I Pet 3:21). The scriptures abundantly teach that water baptism is essential to salvation. This I affirm.
"THE SPONSORING CHURCH"
NO. 3
Thomas C O'Neal, Jasper, Ala.
In the first two articles of this series, it was shown what the 'sponsoring church' is. Briefly, it is a church that 'sponsors'a work and other churches contribute to it, thus workingthru this 'sponsoring church.' Two examples were shown of the 'sponsoring church' arrangement. These are not the onlyones in operation; others could be cited. These two are South5th and Highland in Abilene, Texas, which puts on the'Herald of Truth,' and the 10th and Gladstone church, Frederick, Okla.
In this article, we propose to show why the 'sponsoringchurch' arrangement is unscriptural. There are many validobjections that can be made against the 'sponsoring church',however, if we can find just one valid and scriptural objection, that alone will prove the purpose of this article.
There are many passages of scripture in the New Testament that we could use to accomplish our purpose here.However, we will limit our use to just two; (1) Acts 20:28; (2) I Pet. 5:1-3. First, let us notice the organization or government of the local congregation. The N.T. reveals a plurality of elders and deacons over each congregation, withtheir duty limited to the congregation or flock in which they are members, Acts 14:23, Acts 20:28, Phil. 1:1, I Pet. 5:1-3. Acts 20:28 reads thusly, "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghosthath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." Their obligation before God is to "the flock, over the which the Holy Ghosthath made them overseers." Notice that the divine record does not say, "the flocks" but rather "the flock." Their oversight is limited to the congregation in which the Holy Spirit has made them overseers. They have oversight by divineauthority in no other congregation. If you can, imagine ashepherd overseeing a flock over on some distant hill that hecould not see. How can one oversee that which he cannot see? It would be like overhearing a conversation that you did nothear!
Just what are elders of a congregation to oversee? They areto oversee the work (Eph. 4:12) that a congregation does,to discipline its own members when they become unruly, tooversee the worship of the congregation, to oversee the resources contributed by her members. The Philippian church"communicated" with Paul as he preached the gospel with the funds contributed by her members, Phil. 1:5; 2:25-30; 4:15-20. The brethren in Antioch sent the relief to the elders of the Judean congregation, Acts 11:27-30, understandingthat the elders were over the work of the church.
How does the 'sponsoring church' violate these passagesof scripture? These verses are violated in that in most cases the resource of one congregation are turned over to the 'sponsoring church' to oversee. However, it would not necessarilybe limited to the resources of a congregation, it could be theworship of the congregation or some other function. The argument has been made and is being made that the thing thatmakes the 'sponsoring church' scriptural is the fact that thecontributions are made to her on a voluntary basis or willingly. You and I may lose $5 either by someone taking it awayfrom us by force or by willingly giving it to someone. Ineither case we have lost $5. A congregation may lose her autonomy (right to govern herself) either by some congregation taking her autonomy away from her by force or she maywillingly give her autonomy away, but in either case, shehas lost her autonomy! If a congregation has $100 taken fromher by force, she has lost her autonomy of $100 to the 'sponsoring church.' If she gives willingly $100 to a 'sponsoringchurch', he has lost her autonomy over that $100 to a'sponsoring church.' She can no longer oversee that $100 because she no longer can see it!
Peter said, I Pet. 5:1-3, "The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you,taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly;not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind, Neither as beinglords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock."
The "feeding" and the "oversight" is to the "flock of Godamong you." This does not permit the "feeding" and overseeing a flock 2,000 miles across the country that the 'sponsoring church' elders don't know, have never seen, and don'tin many cases know anything about the congregation except that they sent so much money and it was from a certainplace.
When elders from some congregation come into town representing some church and begin begging elders to turn over$100 a month or whatever amount it may be, brethren should tell them in no uncertain terms to go home and if they want "their project" to go over with a big bang, just to dig downinto their own pockets and pay for it.
The idea of one church 'sponsoring' a work and otherchurches working through that 'sponsoring church" in accomplishment of that work, is something that is foreign to theWord of God.
I read in an Associated Press report from New York thatthe Jehovah's Witnesses have another version of the Bible ready for sale. They have printed a million copies and havebeen at work on the new translation for the last twelve years.After all is said and done, they have the most direct approach to the matter of making their doctrine and the Bible agree.They just change the Bible. This will be the third time theyhave tried to take the scriptures into their own hands andremove the word "hell" and other matters from its sacred pages. The sad thing about it all is that hundreds of peoplewill be mislead by this false doctrine. There is a hell and the word of God clearly teaches the doctrine of the final endof the wicked. See such passages as, Matt. 5:22, 29, 30;Matt. 10:28; Matt. 18:9; Mark 9:43, 45 and Luke 12:5. As in the last translation, the "scholars" chose to remain anonymous. There is little to marvel about in this for such careless handling of the text would not be done by men who signedtheir names to their work.
THE NATIONAL BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION
The following news story was copied from the religiouspage of the Tampa Tribune on Saturday, June 24th. It isquoted in its entirety as follows:
Dr. Benton B. Miller will be a guest speaker tomor
row in the pulpit of the Peninsular Christian Church. He
will be heard at the 11 a.m. service.
Dr. Miller is area representative of the National
Benevolent Association affiliated with the church. The
association provides for the care of children and the
aged. He has served in the post in the southeastern area
of the United States since 1954. His work specifically
concerns the home for children in Atlanta and the home
for the aged in Jacksonville."
Our institutional brethren should try this on "for size."They have long argued that the Bible does not tell us HOW and hence any method is all right. If this is true what aboutthe NATIONAL BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION? Without doubt, there are many brethren who would have no objection. They, like the "Christian" church, give the 11 O'clockservice over to the institutions to beat their drums and plead their causes while the gospel is forgotten.
ANOTHER PREACHER LOST
The march away from the church of the Lord continueswith the deflection of John Brinn from the faith. Brother Brinn is a former teacher at Freed Hardeman College and foryears a well known preacher in Calloway County in WesternKentucky. The loss of men like Brinn is the result of the liberal thinking of our time. When brethren loose their respect for the authority of the scriptures there is little to hold them inthe "old paths." It is regrettable that the men who point thesethings out have to suffer persecution. In the first issue of this paper I called attention to the loss of Pat Hardeman andasked the question, "Will he be the last?" The answer is clear. Men like Hardeman and Brinn are just the first ofscores to follow. Brethren, we need to move back to the Bible and a complete and unqualified respect for its authoritybefore it is too late. Brethren need to stop fighting thepreachers and elders that cry for chapter and verse in all wedo and start holding up their hands.
ALL THINGS ACCORDING TO THE PATTERN
R. A. Ginn, Trussville, Ala.
". . . who serve that which is a copy and shadow of theheavenly things, even as Moses is warned of God when he isabout to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern that was showed thee in the mount" (Heb. 8:5).
God's plans have always been executed according to adefinite "pattern". A "pattern" is that plan in "conformity towhich a thing must be made" (Thayer). Thus, God gavedefinite specifications to Noah for the building of the ark, and to Moses for the formation of the tabernacle. The church is a copy of that tabernacle, and it is also fashioned after a definite pattern from the Lord. Many serious problems existamong our brethren today because some have inadvertently left the pattern given for the church of Christ in the realms ofand organization. We should remember that it is entirely possible for us to continue to stress the pattern of obediencerequired of sinners in becoming Christians while we minimize the importance of maintaining the pattern in our work in thechurch. One pattern, however, is no more vital than theother. ". . . for there is no respect of persons with God" (Rom.2:11). We should be able to solve every problem in the church merely by determining what the pattern of work is, and then by applying that pattern to all questions forhave arisen among us. Hence, a lesson in the authority forchurch activity is basically needed today. This chart may behelpful in deciding just how the church has authority for anyactivity:
All authority in the New Testament originates with God. Christ recognized that authority as a pattern for his own life.He came to do the Father's will, not his own (John 4:34).His teaching was not his but the Father's (John 12:49, 50).Even his own rights as he labored among men were determined by the supreme authority of God.
Jesus was given all authority by his Father (Matt. 28:18).The church may therefore act only when he orders it, for he must remain pre-eminent in everything (Col. 1:18). Every act of the individual or the church is necessarily limited towhat may be done in his name— by his authority. "And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of theLord Jesus. . ." (Col. 3:17).
The apostles were in turn given authority by Jesus (Matt.8:18). Their authority was complete in every way— "whatsoever" they bound and loosed would be respected by heaven.This, of course, was possible because they received theSpirit's guidance (John 14:26; 16:13). Our duty to Godtoday is confined to their apostolic orders found in the"binding and loosing" among New Testament congregations. Their decisions settled the serious problems confronting thechurch in the first century (Acts 15), and their teaching provides the only basis for such solutions today.
The authority that was imparted to the apostles was transposed to the inspired Word which they wrote to churchesand individuals. Hence, Paul stated that one who ignores itsteaching in any respect is not worthy of fellowship in thechurch (II Thess. 3:14). He wrote the Corinthians that theymust learn "not to go beyond the things that are written"(I Cor. 4:6). The revealed word is the only means we havetoday to know the "things of God" (I Cor. 2:11-13). Therefore, ALL RELIGIOUS ACTIVITY MUST BE BASED UPON THE AUTHORITY OF GOSPEL TEACHING IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. Any practice not based on suchauthority stands condemned despite the widest acceptance bythe brotherhood of believers!
The seriousness of neglecting the Bible pattern for everychurch activity is stressed in Matthew 7:21-23, where some are condemned for not having done God's will but are workers of iniquity (the condition of One who is without law).Even their "good works" are condemned because they hadbeen without authority. The church, then, is never justifiedin doing some "good work" that is not first authorized in theScriptures! No departure from that authority can be considered small when we consider that the small beginning ofapostasy mentioned by Paul in II Thess. 2:7 eventually resulted in the monster of Catholicism. We cannot be "too strict" in abiding in the pattern given for the church and itsactivity.
The New Testament pattern for the church is complete.It is a "perfect law" (James 1:25) and lacks nothing. It renders' the obedient man complete (II Timothy 3:16, 17). Ifindividuals must follow that pattern to be complete, thenit is a complete pattern for the individual. If individuals haveduties that must be performed through the church, then thepattern must likewise be complete for the church activity of the individual. This perfect law of the New Testament governs every phase of the Lord's church: its name, doctrine andworship, as well as its organization and the work to be performed through that organization. This pattern is uniform forevery church now as it was in the first century (I Cor. 4:17).It is true that God has made some provisions in his patternfor the church for human judgment to be exercised, but ineach such case it is not in determining what the pattern is, but how to apply that pattern to each individual matter ofchurch activity that may arise.
There are three ways in which all authority must be established. The pattern for the church today must be revealed to us in one or more of these avenues:
(1) By direct statements and commands. For instance, inMatthew 26:26, 27 Jesus gave authority for eating the breadand drinking the cup of the Lord's Supper in plain instructions to his disciples. (2) By approved examples. In Acts 20:7 the church ate the Supper we are commanded to eat on the first day of theweek. There is nowhere any direct command given to eaton the first day, but Paul's participation in this service provesthat eating on the first day carries the divine approval of God. No other suggestion of the Supper being eaten on another day can be found, thus participation by the church onany other day would be totally without authority. Approvedexamples form as good authority for church activity as anyother kind.
(3) By necessary inference. Things are often necessary towhat is recorded, though not specified. The church was notin existence before the feast of Pentecost (Acts 2), but wasin existence afterward. It is necessary to the record that thechurch was established on that occasion.
Whatever authority is given to the church by any of thesemethods, that authority is in the form of either general authority or specific authority. General authority is such as tomake necessary the supplying of details in order to execute the law commanded or taught. Specific authority, on theother hand, excludes all other things of the same class or kindin the execution of the command. Some instruction is general with respect to some matters, while specific in regard to others. For example, the church is instructed in I Timothy5 to care for certain widows. Such authority is general insofaras how (what means and methods) the local church shall supply such care. This same instruction is specific, however, with reference to the organization that executes this responsibility. It is through the church that this care shall be provided. Other organizations are excluded from this directresponsibility in this particular work which rightly belongsto the church itself.
We must have Bible authority for ALL the church is to do.If any practice is not authorized in one of these three ways byeither general or specific instruction, the abandonment ofsuch activity is long overdue! When God has given somethings in specific instruction for the church to observe, there is no other way for the church to perform them! Let us ever abide only in that which is authorized to do.
THE SIN OF BACKBITING
Earl Fly, Orlando, Florida
In listing the ungodly acts of a reprobate mind, the apostle Paul lists "whisperers, backbiters" among them, saying thatthose who practice such things are "worthy of death" (Rom.1:28-32). These two sins usually go together because thebackbiter is secretive in his whispered "confidential" reportsto secluded hearers. He usually refrains from backbiting in a crowd for fear of rejection and rebuke, but waits until alimited number is present to begin his destructive work.
Backbiting is a grievous sin with irreparable harmful results. The "bitten" one usually knows nothing about it, and even if and when he learns about it, there is usually no opportunity to clarify distorted reports, unfair criticisms or false statements. It is a sad but true fact that some hearers are deceived thereby, and consequently lower their esteem andconfidence in the "bitten" person. They unjustly condemnwithout investigation, adopting the principle in practice thata man is guilty as reported until proved innocent, and grantno opportunity to the condemned one to defend himself. This is contrary to the laws of man and God, which teach that oneshould be considered innocent until proved guilty.
Backbiting may be motivated by many things. In this article I will discuss a few possible causes as follows.
1. Jealousy or envy. A few years ago I knew a preacher who constantly engaged in backbiting other preachers, seemingly because he was jealous of whatever abilities and accomplishments they possessed. He possibly thought that hecould increase his own by criticising theirs. Some evidentlyhave the false idea that one can build up his own reputation,prestige and influence by destructive backbiting criticisms ofothers. Such an one is deceived, for a good reputation and respected influence can only come from humbly being anddoing good in the sight of man and God.
- Attempt to justify self. If one is innocent and justifiedit is not needful nor right to backbite others to prove it. If oneis guilty he must repent and reform to be justified; backbitingsimply increases his guilt.
- Offended by a real or imagined offense. In such a case the scriptural procedure is to go to the alleged offender tosettle it (Matt. 18:15-17). Backbiting will never remove the alleged offense. It only makes matters worse.
- To advance false doctrine. Sometimes an undercover agent for Satan will circulate false reports in an effort to destroy the influence of one who stands for truth, so that errormay have free course without effective opposition. Many people, sad to say, judge a message by the messenger's reputation, as reported by his enemies. The apostle Paul had manyslanderous reports spread concerning him by backbiting falsebrethren and other enemies of Christ. It was necessary thathe expose such reports that the truth not be hindered (II Cor.etc.).
- Disagreement on doctrine and/or opinion. Some resortto backbiting when one does not agree with them on a doctrine, opinion or practice. But truth does not depend uponsuch a carnal weapon. If a doctrine, opinion or practice cannot be substantiated by the Bible, it cannot be substantiated by any means. Only those who are fearful of their doctrinesand practices will seek to eliminate investigation by backbiting the investigator.
- Resentful of preacher. Many brethren who will not endure sound doctrine in "great plainness of speech" become resentful of one who thusly preaches, and seek to undermine his work and destroy his influence by secretive backbiting,making false charges and unfair criticisms, perhaps hopingto replace him with a compromiser who will "scratch itching ears" by speaking only "smooth things." In many cases thebackbiting continues after the preacher has gone in an effortto further destroy his influence.
- Dislike for an individual. Some dislike an individual because of a contradiction of personal tastes. They do not like the way he looks, combs his hair, wears his clothes, whathe does or does not do, et cetera. Hence the destructive backbiters begin their evil work. They need to realize that it isnone of their business how he looks and conducts his personal life, so long as he obeys God, and that they are busybodies, meddlers, backbiters and sometimes liars, all of which are condemned by God (II Thess. 3:11; I Peter 4:15; Rev.21:8).
Backbiting may be motivated by other things but whatever the cause it is still sinful. It cannot be justified by any meansand the guilty are "worthy of death." It is the carnal weaponof a coward who does not have the courage of heart, conviction by God's word, nor the sincere desire to deal honorably and openly with matters, and is more interested in destroyingthe person than helping him. He does not love man nor God.
Love for God and man will not allow one to backbite, nor does it permit condemnation without sufficient investigationto determine facts. It does not behave itself unseemly, takes not account of evil, believes all things (I Cor. 13:4-7). It is not suspicious and does not attribute evil motives to nor putthe worst construction on the acts of others. It will not believe a critical damaging report against a brother until compelled to do so by the most irrefutable evidence. Love rejectsand rebukes the backbiter.
Let us not be deceived by backbiters, nor be guilty of thesin ourselves. If we become the objects of the backbiter'swork, let us not render evil for evil. And since our true friends will not believe damaging reports without investigation and discussions with us, since true Christians will reject backbiters, and since our enemies would not believe the truth if we told them, it is not always needful to follow the backbiter's trail correcting false reports, even if it were possibleto do so.
Let us always seek to please God in our decisions and activities, being guided by his word, using our best judgmentin matters of opinion after fervent prayer, investigation andconsideration of facts and factors regarding a particular situation. If men then misinterpret, misunderstand and misrepresent in backbiting, let them answer to God, but let us continue to serve God in all good conscience.
HAMARTANO, "I SIN"— NO. 8
Folly and hamartia are equated in the LXX: "As a dog becometh odious when he returneth to his vomit; so is a fool for his wickedness, when he returneth to his sin (hamartian)."In this place hamartia represents the Hebrew 'iwweleth which indicates culpable ignorance of God, and so, Godlessness.
The familiar Old Testament thought of folly as sin and wisdom as piety is further reflected in the LXX use of hamartia: "Death meeteth the uninstructed, and a fool dieth by sins(en hamartiais)," Prov. 24:9. Here, again, hamartia representsa Hebrew term for "ignorance."
We must not, therefore, overlook the LXX usage of theverb hamartano and the noun hamartia. It is in the LXX that the verb and the noun first come to have the moral and religious quality which they lacked both in the classical writings and in the Greek of common speech.
"I GO A FISHING"
Wilbur Hunt, Palmetto, Fla.
The last chapter of John is an account of Christ's showingHimself to seven disciples the third time. What lessons canbe learned from it, especially from the viewpoint of being asoul winner for Christ or a fisher of men?
The first lesson is that of dependence upon Christ if one is going to be fruitful in "catching" people for Christ. Theseven disciples, under Peter's leadership, decided to do somefishing, but "that night they caught nothing". This suggeststhe utter failure of being a fisher of men apart from Christ.
How would this take place? There is, first of all, beingout of Christ and not one of His followers, and being unknown to Christ as seen in Matthew 7:21-23. Here Christ told some people to depart from Him because He did notknow them and they were workers of iniquity or were doersof unlawful things in spite of their claim that they hadprophesied in His name, cast out devils, and done many wonderful works. The second is not doing things by His authority,but trusting in human efforts and wisdom and believing that the end justifies the means. A Christian can have good intentions as to being a soul winner, but goes about it in thewrong way, and with zeal without knowledge, good judgment and timing, and so on. The result is that God is not glorified and pleased, and one is unfruitful or unrewarded as to results of his efforts to teach the Truth and bring othersto Christ.
The next morning, Christ appeared and, after asking "have ye any meat?" and receiving a negative answer, told them to"cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find".The result was a multitude of fishes. This clearly teaches thelesson of doing what God says in the way He wants it donein order to receive abundant results in regard to "catching"people and spiritual things in general. A few minutes later, aseveryone headed towards land, "Jesus saith unto them, Bringof the fish which ye have now caught". Certainly Christwants to take care of our needs and to help us, but it isnecessary to co-operate with Him first and to rely upon Him as well as to do all that is humanly possible to bring others to Christ.
After breakfast, Peter was restored to Christ's confidence and was told to follow Christ. Apply this to being a soul winner for Christ, there is, first of all, loving Christ and spiritualthings more than earthly things, and putting the kingdom ofGod first in one's life. The second point is that of eachChristian being concerned with whether he is followingChrist as he should rather than being concerned about whathappens to someone else. In other words, a Christian shouldwork out his "own salvation with fear and trembling" andkeep his body or himself under subjection" lest that by anymeans, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway" (Phil. 2:12; I Cor. 9:27). Following Christ is anindividual matter, not congregational in nature or dependentupon what someone else will do or not do. It all depends onindividual faithfulness. Christianity is selfishness in this sense only, but this does not make void the Christian's duty to doall he can to bring others to Christ and to their personal orindividual realization of their duty to God. The right, kind oflife will help a Christian to be a better soul winner or afisher of men than he would be otherwise. In view of these things, let us strive to follow Christ so as to please God andHim better, and to help to save others as well as ourselves.
LET'S GO FISHING FOR MEN
by Homer Hailey
An extraordinary book on personal work. The authordeveloped this work over a period of more than fifteenyears. This cloth bound book of about 200 pages contains twelve practical lessons on how to do personal work and sixteen lesson outlines on fundamental subjects, including: "The Promise Fulfilled," "The TwoCovenants," "The Holy Spirit," "The Sabbath And TheLord's Day," "Second Coming Of Christ," and "EternalLife; Eternal Punishment.'
Price -$2.50
IS IT RIGHT?
Is it light to spend $10.00 to bring worldly pleasures to us, and spend $1.00 to carry the gospel to the lost? Is it right to worship and serve the devil six days a week, and try to worship God one hour on Sundays ? ? Is it right to talk about loving God with all the heart, and at the same time try to destroy your brother in Christ?
Is it right to use every excuse known to avoid public-worship to God, and use everything to promote personal gain and pleasure ?
". . . THEY REHEARSED ALL THAT GOD HAD DONE WITH THEM . . ."— Acts 14:27
SAM BINKLEY, JR. is moving from Portsmouth, Ohiowhere he has been with the Harding Avenue church to theEastside church in Athens, Ala. . . . EARL FLY of the Holden Heights church in Orlando preached in a meeting at Umatilla, Florida early in June. . . . JAMES R. COPE of Tampa,Fla. preached in a meeting at Westvue church in Murfreesboro, Tenn. June 18-23. RICHARD WEAVER is the preacher with this congregation-----HOMER HAILEY of Tampa, Fla. was in a gospel meeting with the First Street church inLawrenceburg, Tenn , June 4-11.
There will be a series of gospel lessons presented at theAzalea Park church in Orlando, Fla. July 17-23, with different speakers each night. Make your plans to attend if youlive in that area ----DENNIS REED of Birmingham, Ala.was in a meeting in New Bern, N.C. in May. . . . BOBBYTHOMPSON of the North Miami church was in a meetingwith the church in Coral Gables, Fla. in May. . . . LUTHER BLACKMAN was in a meeting at West End in Franklin,Tenn., June 12-21....JOHN GERRARD was in a meeting at the new El Bethel congregation, three miles west of Shebyville, Tenn., June 12-18....BEN McGUKEN preached in agospel meeting at St. Marys, Ga., June 11-18. . . . CLAUDE WILSFORD of the East Hill church in Pensacola, Fla. preached in a tent meeting in the Montclair area May 21-31. . . . FRANK INGRAM, formerly of the West Hill congregation in Pensacola, will move to Springfield, Mo. soon to begin work there. Brother Ingram is a fine gospel preacher wholoves the truth.
FRANKLIN T. PUCKETT of Dyersburg, Tenn. will be ina gospel meeting at St. James, Mo., July 2-11. Services are at
7:45 each evening. All in that area should hear him. EUGENE BRITNELL preached in a good meeting at Preston Road in Louisville, Ky. in early May. A. C. GRIDER is thepreacher with this congregation....DAVID CLAYPOOL was in a meeting at Winchester, Ohio in May. . . . N. L.EVANS of Texarkana, Texas was in a meeting with the Burnett Avenue church in Louisville, Ky. .. . A. C. GRIDER was in a meeting at Walton's Chapel, Macon County, Tenn.,June 26 to July 5 ----DONALD TOWNSLEY preached in ameeting at South End, Louisville, May 21-28. . . . W. C.HINTON, JR. was in a meeting and vacation Bible school inNew Blaine, Ark. May 29-June 13....WESLEY JONES wasin a meeting at Smiths Grove, Ky. June 4-11. . . . HOMERHAILEY was in a meeting at Spring and Blaine church in St. Louis, Mo., June 12-21....BILLY SHELTON was in a meeting at Smith Springs June 4-11....W. C. SAWYER ofPark and 13th Street church in Bowling Green, Ky. will moveto work with the Harding Avenue church in Portsmouth,Ohio about the first of August.
The 10th Avenue church in Bradenton presented a series of sermons on the theme: "The Church, The Manifold Wisdom of God" May 15 through 21. Different speakerswere assigned various subjects on this theme. H. E. Phillips ofTampa: "Establishment of the Church, The Manifold Wisdom of God"; James R. Cope of Tampa: "Responsibilities ofMembership"; James Needham of St. Petersburg: "Growthand Development of the Church Through Evangelism"; Earl Fly of Orlando: "Development of Organization and Work ofthe Church"; R. L. LaCoste of Clearwater: "The Apostasy of the Church"; Thomas G. Butler of Lakeland: "Reformation and Restoration of the Church"; Oaks Gowen of Bradenton: "The Worship of the Church" and James P. Miller ofTampa: "The Bride Beyond Compare." Oaks Gowen is thefaithful preacher with this good congregation.
The church in Largo, Florida sends the following announcement: Brother T. E. Akin, Jr. has resigned his workas evangelist with the church at Largo, effective September3, 1961. Anyone desiring to do the work of an evangelisthere may address all inquiries and information to the church of Christ, P. O. Box 80, Largo, Florida."
GRIDER-WOODS DEBATE
A. C. Grider and Guy N. Woods will discuss benevolentinstitutions and the Herald of Truth, July 10-14 in theGottschalk Junior High School auditorium, 4615 TaylorBoulevard, Louisville, Ky. The first three nights Grider willaffirm the unscripturalness of churches building and maintaining Benevolent Organizations. The last two nights Woodswill affirm the scripturalness of the Herald of Truth.
JAMES P. MILLER co-editor of SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES will preach in a meeting with the church inTompkinsville, Kentucky where ROSS SPEARS laborsJuly 23-30. He will be engaged in a similar effort with the church at Farmington, Kentucky beginning August 613). JAMES SHOCKLEY preaches for the Farming-ton congregation. All are invited to hear him in these gospel meetings.
MARRIED
Congratulations and best wishes from all readers ofSEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES go out to Tom O'Neal and SueBates who were married at Jasper, Alabama on Mondayevening, June 12th. Brother O'Neal is a fine gospel preacherand a regular contributor to this paper. They will live inJasper where brother O'Neal preaches for the McArthurHeight congregation.
A gospel meeting was conducted in Orange City, Florida, June 26-July 1 with different speakers each night. Thespeakers and their subjects were: MARSHALL E. PATTON,"Authority of Christianity"; EARL FLY, "The Old and NewTestaments"; HAROLD DOWDY, "Worship of The Churchof Christ"; JERRY BELCHICK, "Salvation by Faith"; MAURICE JACKSON, "What Is The Church of Christ?"; MORRIS RUBY, "Bible Baptism." Services were held in theLibrary building located on U. S. Highway 17. This is anew congregation.
JAMES HAHN was in a meeting at Mt. Washington, Ky., June 12-17 ----JAMES R. COPE will be with the Preston Highway church in Louisville, Ky. August 3-11. . . . HOMER HAILEY was in a meeting in Louisville, Ky. with the Wendell Avenue church, June 25-July 2....ROBERT WELCHwill be in a meeting at Oak Grove, Ky. June 29-July 7. ... LESLIE E. SLOAN of Palmetto, Fla. will be with the church in Shepherdsville, Ky. in a meeting July 30-August 9. ... EARL FLY of Orlando, Florida will be at Center Hill church, near Alachua, Fla. August 27-September 5.... CONWAY SKINNER was at Mt. Dora, Fla. in a meeting June 11-18. . . . ROBERT J. LaCOSTE of Clearwater, Florida was in BigCliffty, Ky. in a gospel meeting June 21-July 2.
GROVER STEVENS of St. Louis, Mo. will begin workwith the Wendell Avenue church in Louisville, Ky. the first of September. . . . BUDDY MEYER is preaching for thechurch at St. Cloud, Fla. during the month of June. . . . ROBERT JACKSON preached in a meeting at Academy Street inDickson, Tenn ___HAROLD HOWARD preached at Coles-burg with 8 additions. . . . OLAN KERN is moving to Charlotte, Tenn. from Berea, Ohio.
NEW CONGREGATION
Bro. Guy McDaniel along with six other brethren begana new congregation in the El Bethel community about 3miles west of Shelbyville, Tennessee. This new work beganApril 23rd with evening services being held in a garagebuilding. This building is situated on a piece of property comprising 2 acres. This has been purchased by a mortgage loanfor $5,000.00. The building is being renovated and will bequite suitable for assembly.
CHURCH LEADERSHIP FREE
Brother A. W. Dicus has written a book entitled Church Leadership which he offers to those who will send him their names and addresses. "I will be glad to furnish, (GRATIS), copies of CHURCH LEADERSHIP to any and all desiring such, if they will mail me their name and address." — A. W. Dicus, 212 Woodbine Avenue, Tampa 10, Florida.
JAMES E. GUNN, evangelist with the Azalea Park churchof Christ in Orlando, Fla., announces a gospel meeting tobegin there July 17-23, 7:30 each night. The speakers will be MARSHALL PATTON, EARL FLY, JERRY BELCHICK, all of Orlando, and JIMMY TUTEN of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
The congregation at Antioch, in Thonotosassa, Florida,where Charles E. Murray, preaches, reports that three have been restored, and five baptized, since the beginning of the year.
J. R. MILLER PASSES
On June 14, brother J. R. Miller suddenly passedfrom this life in Hazel, Ky. He was the father of James
P. Miller, co-editor of SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES. Brother Miller was born in Calloway County, Ky. in1875. He was a member of the first graduating classin about 1898 after the Old Potter Bible College ofBowling Green, Ky. had become Wester State College. He obeyed the gospel when a young school teacher inKentucky, and was a Christian over 60 years. He served as an elder in the church at Hazel, Ky. for many years.His funeral was held in Hazel, June 16, 1961. We extend our sympathy to his wife and sons: James P. Millerof Tampa, Fla. and Robert O. Miller of Murray, Ky.
SCRIPTURAL ELDERS AND DEACONS
'A Study of Church Organization" by
H. E. Phillips
A book every elder, deacon, preacher and Christian should read in the light of God's word. Issues revolving around "Church Organization" are
ever present with us. • ' Eighteen chapters dealing in detail with the organization of the church, qualifications and duties of elders and deacons, and duties of the church toward them. •
• A complete scriptural index in the back of the book plus references to standard works in the text. Chapters discuss: "The Nature of Church Organization"; Perverted Organizations in the Church"; "The Scripturally Organized Church"; "No Elder Theory";
"The Relationship— Apostles, Elders, Preachers"; "The Eldership and Apostasy"; "The Authority of the Eldership"; "Scriptural Appellations of the Oversight of the Church"; "Attitudes Toward Qualifications of Elders and the Consequences", "The Qualifications of An Elder"; "The Duties of the Eldership"; "Duties of the Church Toward the Elders"; "Ordaining of Elders"; "The Office of Deacon"; "The Qualifications of Deacons"; "Duties of Deacons and the Church"; "Concerning Wives of Officers of the Church"; "Questions and Answers".
Cloth bound — $3.75
BOOK-MILLER DEBATE
"Instrumental Music In Worship"
Morris Butler Book of the Christian Church and James Parker Miller of the church of Christ discussed the question of instrumental music in the worship in the Howard High School auditorium in Orlando, Florida, March 15, 16, 17, 1955. Large crowds heard every session of this debate. It is one of the finest in print. This book is the debate exactly as it was presented by Book and Miller.
Cloth bound -$2.50
HOW TO PREPARE AN EXPOSITORY SERMON
By Harold E. Knott
Deals with the method of exposition. Combines in an excellent way the art of expounding the Scriptures and the necessity of making the Scripture message directly applicable to living issues. 138 pgs.
Price -$1.75
HARPER MINION POCKET REFERENCE BIBLE
"King James Version"
This slender and flexible Bible is just the thing for preachers. Printed on fine grade opaque India paper and bound in top quality genuine leather or Mo-rocco.
Over ofunder geld edges, center column references, concordance and maps — $8.50 2217x— Black hand-grained Morocco, half-
A thorough scriptural
Slips easily into suit-coat pocket or handbag. It has center-column ref-erences, concordance and maps. All the information a large Bible has but so handy and light for carrying with you. 2215x— Genuine leather, half-circuit, red
circuit, leather-lined to edge, gold edges, center column references. Con-cordance, Maps — $13.50
Size: 4-3/4" x 6-7/8" x 9/16"
WHAT IS THE CHURCH OF CHRIST?
fay H. E. Phillips
This 24 page booklet is designed to help "strangers to the covenant of promise" have a better understanding of what the church of Christ really is, and how it differs from present denominationalism. It is divided into three parts: "The Church in the Days of the Apostles"; "Denominationalism of Today"; "The Church of Christ To-day". An excellent book to hand to your denominational friends.
Paper bound — $ .25
SERMONS BY PICKUP
"Twelve Full Length Sermons"
This series of sermons present Harry Pickup, Sr. at his best.
They were delivered in the church building at Clearwater, Florida on February 25 through March 6, 1952. They were recorded and written in this book just as he delivered them. These sermons include-"The Battlegrounds of Those Who Build"; "The Spirit of Christ"; "What the Church Needs"; "Seeing the Difference"; "Heaven and Who Will Go There"; "The Judgment Day"; "Spiritual Heart Trouble"; "Questions and Answers"; "Old Fashion Religion"; "Individual Responsibility"; "Christian Education"; and "Giving: Some Things God Says".
Cloth bound — $3.00