THE POWER OF GOSPEL PAPERS
James P. Miller
Many brethren have never understood the power
of Gospel papers. This is hard to understand in the
light of history. The restoration was sparked in
America by the power of the printed page. The
following is a part of a letter written to Alexander
Campbell and the Christian Baptist in 1827 on the
14th day of October by a brother in Clinton County,
Ohio. It is a wonderful example of the influence of
a gospel paper. The situation has not changed i
the 137 years that have passed."For a number of years I labored for the good of my fellow mortals without the least doubting of the propriety of the ground I hadassumed. I at length heard of A. Campbell, hidebates with Walker and M'Calla; and somehow I conceived a strong dislike both for the man and the course he was pursuing, withouknowing any thing certain of either. At lengthsome numbers of the Christian Baptist fell in my way. I read them, and felt desirous to read more; and found from that time (thoughnot a subscriber) I have been a constant reader of the Christian Baptist. Yes, and this same Christian Baptist has stripped me of m'call,' my ambassadorship, etc. and has taught me that the treasure which the apostles had in earthen vessels I have in the Bible; and, in aword, has left me simply adisciple and a laborer in the vineyard in common with all others, according to our several abilities. Your essays on 'the ancient order of things,' have carriedsuch conviction to my mind that I am ashamed I never understood the matter before. But I. like you, can make 'the mists of the river Nile,' an apology for my former ignorance in this case; but I am glad they have 'ascended the top of the mountains,' and I am now, with some others, engaged in teaching the nece
ity of areturn to Jerusalem; and while thus engaged
have occasionally to hear that Alexander Campbell has 'denied faith, and is worse than an infidel;' that he has denied the 'operation of the Spirit,' the 'divine call to preach,' etc. and that from men too, who bear the Christian name and are viewed as teachers in Israel. Notwithstanding this, my whole soul is awake to investigation, and I feel determined never to be chased from the field by the scoffs of the
Rabbies and them who wish to do them
homage."
Look at the facts revealed in this letter. (1) This man was not a subscriber to the paper. (2) He wasentrenched in sectarianism. (3) He was prejudicedagainst the truth. None of these factors have changed in our day. When several thousand papers are mailed to subscribers all over the world theyconstitute only what is called the "primary readers." There are thousands of others to whom the paper is given who make up a great host of "secondary readers." The first letter we received, when brother Phillips and I began the publication of SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES was from a man who found a sheet torn from one of the first i
ues in the waste basket of the down town post office in Tampa. Little did Campbell know that somewhere in the frontier state of Ohio copies of the Christian Baptist would fall into the hands of the writer of this letter. This story with the Christian Baptist could be repeated over and over by any student of the restoration. The story of the lives of Campbell, Stone, Smith andBenjamin Franklin are filled with them.
The printed page has a way of overcoming prejudice. The writer plainly states that he thoughtvery little of the truth before reading the paper. It is hard to argue with truth when it is in black andwhite. Personalities do not enter into such an investigation. It is there either to accept or reject. It can be thrown down in anger and read again after such anger is gone. It can be mocked and it does not return in kind. It can even be cursed but will never retaliate. How well the Lord knew this lesson when he chose the New Testament to reveal his truth. Thousands have thrown the Bible down in disgustonly to have its truths trouble their minds until they came to study again. When printed the truth is there to be used or misused, understood ormisunderstood, to be believed or doubted but the fact r emains it is there for all to see.
The writer was lost in sectarianism. No man can charge that this truth has been changed or altered.The condition of the writer of over a hundred years ago is the condition of the world today. This mantells how he was zealous for the cause he thoughtto be true. How he was ordained and preached with all the power he possessed. How the creeds of menhave blinded the minds of the people. The preachers of other years attacked these creeds with mighty power. This preaching spelled the conversion of tens of thousands to the "old paths." We need thesame zeal today with the same truth and fight thbattle with all our strength.
OBJECTIONS CONSIDERED
Some will say, "people do not read now as theydid then." Nothing could be further from the truth. There have been more books and papers printed in the last 15 years than had been printed before in the entire history of the world. This seems unbelievable but it is true. More people all over the world are reading and can read than at any other time in theworld's history. In America we are compulsivereaders. We read everything and even though we dnot realize it almost every man and woman spends several hours every week reading. No, it will not doto say that people do not read.
Others tell us people are not reading the rightmaterial. How true this is but this is the very point.They need to have the right things to read. The men who sacrifice to publish gospel papers are doing althey can to overcome this tragedy. THEY NEEDYOUR HELP. It is not enough to sit back and saythe world is reading "trash" and do nothing. If you can find a paper you have confidence in and one that stands for the truth you need to become its friend. Mr. W. as he signed himself in the letter toCampbell and as Campbell addressed him in hisreply, had contact with a friend of the old Christian Baptist. Some one thought enough of the paper and the truth it contained to pass it on to this man. If every man and woman who receives this copy oSEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES would just read it and pass it on to some one else twenty thousand people would read the paper.
WE HEAR THE STORY
With every i
ue there is a separate story to tell. A preacher learns the truth as Mr. W. did in thelong ago. A small congregation is turned fromliberalism. A fallen brother is encouraged to stand for the Lord again. A young man in the service farfrom home has scriptural food in a foreign landMany times these reports are too personal to beprinted but we hear the story. Hundreds write in toencourage us and to say, "you are doing a goodwork." In our travels brethren by the thousands say,"I am going to subscribe," or "I am going to send in a list of by kin and friends who need the paper," and many times they do, but in far more cases, pen,list and check never seem to get together and the paper is crucified on the cross of good intentions. Why not turn good intentions into good deeds and SEND IN A LIST THIS MONTH? The Mr. W.'s all over the world are waiting for you.
A CHALLENGE
Occasionally we receive notes from "critics" who have allowed their imagination to run wild, anthey make all sorts of unfounded charges. Usually we file them in "drawer 13" and forget them, bubecause of the challenge in this one we print it and make a reply. This one comes from Thomas G.Tucker, Box 206, Waynetown, Ind.
Aug. 14, 1964Dear Brethren:
When you send me one verse in the New
Testament mentioning the "church Treasury"
or a verse telling what it can be used for or a
verse telling what it can't be used for or one
verse showing where any amount was ever
taken out for any purpose I will renew and send
9 other subscriptions. Until you can produce I
will contend you people are backing any of your
charges against orphan homes. As yet I have
never seen one article in your paper that would
caus (sic) one to want to help orphans. Why
Yours truly, s/
Thomas G. Tucker
On the back side of this letter he wrote: "I challenge you to answer me— can't you write a letter??? Better start 'searching the scriptures' for the church treasury, holy money, etc. Sounds like
'holy water to me' and all in the same verse. Are you up to it? I don't think so, just full of gr ipes, etc."
** *
Now since brother Tucker promises to "renew and send 9 other subscriptions" for one verse "showing" anything about the church treasury, I shall be looking for them in the next mail. Or maybe he is like the Seventh-day Adventists whopromise a large amount of money for a scripture for observing Sun
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A large number have received this paper through the generosity of a friend or relative. Some of these who have not agreed with our efforts have renewed when their subscription expired. This is certainly a commendable spirit on their part to be willing to study with us the word of God on questionable matters of current i
ue today. We do not in any sense construe your subscription as an endorsement of either the policy of this paper or the subject matter taught. We do commend you
for being willing to study all the evidence on any question to ascertain the truth. If for no other reason you should be informed as to what "we teach" on the issues of the day. Any man or woman who refuses to at least study religious subjects is following the same course as the Pharisees who closed their eyes and stopped their ears to the teaching of the Lord. Do not allow prejudice to deprive you of "searching" for the truth. Please use the form below in renewing your subscription for another year.
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LIST OF SUBSCRIPTIONS
day as the Lord's day; they reject every passag
that so teaches and demand a verse that "says" in
exact words what they call for. But since brother
Tucker asks for "one verse SHOWING where an
amount was ever taken out for any purpose," I shall
give him the verses and look for the promised
subscriptions. It will help all those who read it.
A "treasury" is a place where treasure is laid upand preserved. "And Jesus sat over against thetreasury, and beheld how the people cast money intothe treasury: and many that were rich cast inmuch" (Mark 12:41). Here was a treasury into which the Israelites cast money. This giving was authorized under the law, and it was money placedin a treasury. After the church was established on Pentecost a need for physical essentials arose andsome relief was needed. "Neither was there anamong them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and broughtthe prices of the things that were sold, and laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need ...having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet" (Acts 4:34,37)
Here we have something of value sold, and the
money brought and placed at the apostles' feet. "At
the apostle's feet" means at their disposal — to be
used by their dir ection for the r elief of those in
need. Money was obtained by selling possessions and
lands, and then it was put into one place: "at the
apostles' feet" and was used for relief of the needy
saints. If this isn't a treasury, what does it lack? It
constituted a treasury when Jesus watched the Jews
cast their money into one place.
In Acts 5 Ananias and Sapphira sold a possession,but they kept back a part of the pr ice (money) andlaid only a part "at the apostles' feet." Their sin was in attempting to deceive by profession to giveit all when they only gave a part of it. Peter said they had "lied to the Holy Ghost" (verse 3). "Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power ?" ( ver se 4).Now before it was sold it belonged to Ananias andSapphira. After the possession was sold, the price was still in their power: it still belonged to themto do as they wished. But when they gave a part of the price it was no longer in their power. This moneywas laid at the apostles' feet where the prices of other lands and houses had been placed. "At the apostles' feet" was the treasury of these earlyChristians. Until it was put there it was the possession of those who had sold the lands andhouses.
Paul said: "Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of thweek let every one of you lay by him in store, asGod hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come" (I Cor. 16:1,2). Here is the time (first day of the week), the place (gather ing) treasury(by him in store). If this does not constitute a treasury, there never has been a treasury anywhere in any sense of the word. The word treasury signifies a treasure (money) put by itself in store. I wonder if brother Tucker never read these verses before. I wonder if he knows what a treasury is. "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let himgive; not grudgingly, or of nece
ity: for God lovetha cheerful giver" (II Cor. 9:7). Since every man is to give as he purposeth in his heart, into what does
he give? To whom does he give it? If "every man"
is to give, where does the money go? The collection
of this money into one place separates it from the
part he does not give. What is this collection of
money given by Christians called? If it is not a
treasury, what is it? Not only do we have this money identified apart
from that which is still possessed by the giver, walso have necessary conclusions in the use of funds that proves the church had a treasury. Paul said he took "wages" from other churches to do service tothe Corinthians (II Cor. 11:8). Where did thechurches get the "wages" to give to Paul ? Paul also said he had the "power" or right to be supported in material things by the church when he preached to them (I Cor. 9). "Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live ofthe gospel" (I Cor. 9:14). This refers to his sowing spiritual things and reaping carnal things (verse 11). Now where did the churches get these material things to pay "wages" to the preacher Paul? If not out of the treasury of members of these churches,given on the first day of the week, where did the
money come from?
This is by no means all the proof that could begiven from the New Testament that churches had funds given by Christians into a treasury to be used in those things authorized in the New Testament bycommand, approved example and necessary conclusions. Brother Tucker cannot deny that theearly church had funds contributed on the first daof the week to be used in relieving the needysaints and in supporting the preaching of the gospel.His only escape from renewing his own subscription and sending in 9 others is to quibbleover the fact that "church treasury" is not mentionedin these words. But we could dispose of the Bible for the word does not appear in the English translation.
He speaks of "holy money" and says it sounds like"holy water to me." I do not know of anyone whused the term "holy money," do you? Brother Tucker, suppose you stick to what you read inSearching The Scriptures when directing criticism to me. I have said nothing about "holy money" o"holy water." If by "holy" one means set apart to be used in service to God, then, of course, monegiven on the first day of the week is "set apart" to be used as the apostles directed in the New Testament. But it does not become sacred and holin and of itself; it is just like all other money iand of itself. Its USE is what makes it "sanctified."
I have shown where a "treasury" is authorized inthe New Testament, and that it was to be used forrelieving needy saints and in supporting the preaching of the gospel. You claim never to have seen an article in the paper that would cause one to want to help orphans. T his indicates that youread very little of what we write. If you will geback i
ues and read them, you will find a number of articles encouraging Christians to assist orphans and widows, and all men to the extent of their ability. Of course, you will not find churches encouraged to contribute to human societies for any purpose because such is not authorized in the NewTestament.
QUESTION: Does Romans 7:14-19 refer to Paul's own experience in trying to live the Christian life? If not, to what does the conflict within him refer?
— B.O. ANSWER: The passage referred to in the above
question reads as follows:"For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would
not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Nowthen it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in myflesh), dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do" (Rom. 7:14-19). While the above verses, bythemselves and at first glance, appear to refer to the Chr istian's conflict within in his efforts to live righteously, a more careful examination of the context demands a negative answer. Yet, it must be admitted that the conflict referred to by Paul andthe "Christian's conflict" are so nearly related that a ver y discer ning eye is necessar y to see the difference. By the expression "Christian's conflict" I simply mean the conflict between the 'flesh" and the "spirit" within one who is a Christian. Paul definitely refers to this in Gal. 5:17 and Rom. 8:13,14.
However, the context shows that in Rom. 7 Paul is discu
ing an individual's relationship to righteousness under the law of Moses. His arguments are designed primarily to show why men could not attain righteousness under the law and is,therefore, dependent upon something else. In verse 7 Paul begins the use of the personal pronoun "I". However, what he says of himself was equally true of every man under the law seeking righteousness. Hence, the personal pronoun "I" personifies such. If one will read the seventh chapter of Romans thinking of the pronoun "I" as representing man ingeneral under the law, truth will become more clear. In verses 14-23 he shows why man could not attainrighteousness under the law. This can be answered br iefly by simply saying that man could not keethe law perfectly. Since sin is a transgression of the law (I John 3:4), and since "it is not possible thathe blood of bulls and of goats should take awaysins" (Heb. 10:4), it remained for a better covenantto accomplish what the law could not (Rom. 8:3)However, Paul in the above mentioned verses goes further and shows why man could not keep the lawperfectly. In verse 23 he refers to another law inhis members, and in verse 20 he refers to sin thatdwells in him, and in verse 14 he declares that he is carnal and in bondage to sin. This was true of every man under the law. Man could not attain righteousness by the "law in his members" (v. 23),for no matter how much he desired it he knew not how to find it (v. 18). It is as the prophet said: "O Lord, I know that the way of man is not inhimself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps" (Jer. 10:23). Those who yield to the "law itheir members" are clearly depicted in Rom. 1:21
32. Therefore, there is no hope for righteousness by
this law. It not only leads away from God, but it is
also a force within man so strong that man in all his
efforts to subdue it he still comes short. It is this
"law in his members" that accounts for man's
inability to attain righteousness — either by
himself or by the law of Moses. Hence, the
despairing cry of verse 24: "O wretched man that I
am! who shall deliver me from the body of this
death?" What is the answer? What is man's onl
hope? The answer follows in verse 25: "I thank God through Jesus Chr ist our Lord."
The conflict pictured in Rom. 7:14-19 is that which exist between the man under the law seekingrighteousness and the "law in his members." While the Christian experiences a conflict within like this,he, nevertheless, is not without hope. Though"carnal," he is not "sold under sin" (v. 14)— He is not in bondage to sin! Why? Paul answers in thenext chapter when he says, "For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death" (the "law in his
members"). This law of the Spirit has in it
sufficient grace— even though it is conditional —
to cover man's shortcomings. All men apart from
Christ, no matter how much they seek and desire
righteousness, cannot but cry out in the language of
verse 24: "0 wretched man that I am! who shall
deliver me from the body of this death?"
Thanks be unto God for Paul's victory cry: "I
T hank God through Jesus Chr ist our Lord ... For
the law of the Spir it of life in Chr ist Jesus hath
made me free from the law of sin and death"
(Rom. 7:25; 8:2).
"Keep up the good work. We appreciate it." —
Kent Harrell, Camden, S. C.
"Enjoy the paper very much." — Ted Beever,Ontario, Calif.
"Your fine paper has meant so much to me inthe past several years to help me to take a stand for the truth, and not be carried away in digression as many of the congregations of the Lord's peoplein this section. All the articles are good, and are worth the price of the paper, especially the on
"God's All-Seeing Eye' by brother Ingram.
suggest you increase the price and do more teaching
through this medium. May God bless you in his
service." — H. Er nest Shoaf, Concord, N. C.
"Judging from the copy of Searching The
Scriptures that you sent to me, I am sure that I
will benefit from reading it in the future." — Don
Brown, Gardena, Calif."Having missed your paper now for several i
ues,impresses upon me more than ever how much I do
enjoy, and profit, from it. May God bless your efforts
for truth." — Conway Skinner, Beaufort, S. C."I look forward to each copy of Searching The
Scriptures; you brethren are giving us some goo
le
ons, true to the Book." — J. G. Savage, Lewis
ville, Texas."People in our area continue to enjoy Searchin
The Scriptures." — Jimmy Tuten, Jr., St. Louis, Mo"I appreciate the good work you brethren are
doing." — E. Paul Price, Borger, Texas.
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to send it to all my friends and loved ones. Keep it
up." — Mrs. R. F. Harper, Lakeland, Fla.
"VOCAL MUSIC"
During my debate with Mr. Albert Garner, hchallenged me to find a scripture which said, "Vocal music." He said, "When you find it, you will fininstrumental music in the same verse." This is typical of the weak kind of argumentation one canexpect from a Baptist preacher. I tried to impress Mr. Garner with the fact that vocal music was inferred in the command to sing. I gave a long list of scriptures which said "sing." He countered with the fact that none of them said vocal music. This he thought was a powerful argument
When pressed, he admitted that the expression "sing" meant vocal music but he said, "It still doesn't say vocal music." This drew some laughter from the audience. If a certain word in the New Testament expresses certain facts, it isn't necessaryfor the Lord to state those facts! For example:the word baptize means to inundate, immerse, plunge etc. It would be ridiculous to say "Yes, but the Bibledoesn't say to immerse." If Dr. Garner had a discussion with a Methodist preacher, he wouldpo
ibly use the same logic(?) on Garner that he tried to use on me. The Methodist might say, "Yes, I understand that the word baptism is used a number of times in the New Testament but where is the scripture that says immerse?" He could say, "When you find immerse, you will find sprinkle in the same ver se." Mr. Garner would explain thabaptism means to immerse as he could give hiproof.
It is true that "vocal music" as such is not found in the New Testament. The word sing is found anumber of times. Webster says the word sing means, "To produce musical tones by means of thehuman voice." T hus the command to sing meansvocal music. I told Dr. Garner that if he could find sing and "play" in the New T estament that Icertainly wouldn't demand that he find "Instrumental Music." I told him if he could find the word "play,"I would grant him the instrument! He never didfind it.
Dr. Garner's "Long Suit" on the music question is his psalms argument. He insists that Psalms is not part of the law. He goes to Luke 24:44 where it says, "That all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the Prophets,and in the Psalms, concerning me." He feels that he has made a point in separating the three. Aftethis he goes to Psalms 150 where he finds a harp,trumpet, organ and timbrel. And presto! He hasinstrumental music authorized in the New Testament. Dr. Garner will readily admit that theLaw of Moses has been nailed to the cro
. His theory is that Psalms was no part of that law. It is therefore imperative that one show his affirmation to be false. This is a very simple process. On a chart, Ihad two scriptures which I gave Dr. Garner no little trouble. One was Jno. 10:34, "Is it not written in your law, I said, ye are Gods?" The other wasJno. 15:25 "That is written in their law, they hatedme without a cause." I had written with these two passages Psa. 82.6, "I have said, Ye are Gods." and Psa. 69:4, "They that hate me without a cause." On my chart, I showed that the passages in John hadto come from Psalms because the words were the same. In the first 5 out of 5 and in the second 6 out of 6. I insisted that every word lessened the likelihood of a mistaken identity. Mr. Garner, inorder to evade the impact of this argument said,"The passages in John came from Exodus 22:28 and Numbers 14:11." I showed by means of a chart that Garner's so called reference scriptures had onlyone word out of thirteen and three out of thirtythree in the last one! .1 also insisted that anyonwho could count would know that the passages which said YOUR LAW and THEIR LAW (referring to the Law of Moses) came from PSALMS and not Numbers or Exodus. Thus with this proved Garner and his colleagues must admitthat Psalms was nailed to the cross with the rest of the law.
It is true that instrumental music may be foundin the Law of Moses. But, gentle reader, this was the part of an abrogated age. If one clings to instrumental music he must, in order to beconsistent, also use incense, animal sacrifices andthe levitical priesthood. If not, why not?
THE TRIBUNE ARTICLE
AN EXPLANATION, THE ATTEMPT ATCORRECTION AND CLARIFICATION,AND T HE BACKGROUND
Jack Hobby, Tampa, Florida
In Monday morning's Tampa Tribune (Sept. 28),there appeared an article by Dr. Adiel Moncrief,editor of the religious section of that paper, underthe heading "Simplicity Keys Wor ship in thChurches of Christ." In addition to some statements concerning the church, there appeared in the article a picture of me and some biographical information.
With all due respect to Dr. Moncrief, neither the
information concerning me nor that concerning th
church was free from error and misrepresentation.
It all began when I contacted his office (as I was
advised to do by the Tribune switchboard operator)
regarding a news article for our gospel meeting (Sept. 20-27). As the journalist and I talked, and
he learned that I was new in Tampa, he suggested
that I submit some biographical information that
he might run it in a "Faith Profile" article.
In compliance with his request (which I thought
afforded a good opportunity for free and altogether
beneficial publicity), I submitted some information
concer ning my background. Not one word did I
write about the history of the Lord's church, for
such was not requested: I submitted purely
biographical information, for the reason that it
and it only was requested.
When the article came out on the 28th, itcontained considerable information about "churches of Christ," none of which had come from me. It had come from a book Dr. Moncrief keeps in his desk: a book, unfortunately, containing some erroneous statements concerning the church. One of the most glaring errors was the statement that "The denominational headquarters (of churches of Christ, JH) is in Nashville, Tenn." While the article plainly pointed out that gospel preachers are notreferred to as "Reverend," I was referred to in the article as "pastor."
The following is my reply to the article:
"I would like it to be known that the information concerning the church of Christ which appeared in the September 28 i
ue of theTribune, under the heading, "Simplicity KeysWorship in the Churches of Christ," was notwr itten by nor was it obtained from me.
"While I feel that the information contained in the article was conveyed in all good faith by thenewspaper reporter from a source he believed tobe reliable, still certain statements were made which were neither accurate nor representative of theconvictions of the members of the church of Christ.
"First, there is no denominational headquarters
of the church of Christ. There is no earthly
headquarters of any kind. The church of Christ does
not seek to be, and is not, a denomination. Each
congregation, with the organization authorized in
the scriptures, is autonomous. Above and beyond the
organization of the local congregation, there is no
earthly organization among churches of Christ
patterned after the New Testament.
"Preachers in the church of Christ, besides not
being called "Reverend," are not called "pastor," either. They are simply preachers, ministers,evangelists. These words are not considered titles,but simply a scriptural description of the work gospel preachers do. No title of any kind is worn.
"I sincerely thank the Tribune for printing this
correction and clarification, and also for its kind
and favorable intentions in the article of
September 28."
The above statement of mine was taken personally
to Dr. Moncrief early Monday afternoon (the da
the article under discussion appeared in print).
I respectfully requested that my statement be
printed as it was, in full. Dr. Moncrief would make
no such commitment. When I stated that if space
was a problem, I would pay for having my
statement printed verbatim. He replied, "No, it's
not that." But still, he never committed himself to
doing as I requested — even at my own expense, if
necessary.
Dr. Moncrief did say that he would print acorrection of some kind in Saturday's paper (Oct. 3).
One of the most regrettable features about this whole thing is that during the week prior to ourmeeting, we of this congregation "door-to-doored" some 1,000 written invitations to the meeting;included in the written invitation was the followingstatement: "We of the church of Christ are notand do not seek to be, a denomination amondenominations. It is our aim to be the product of the word of God, the Bible. The church which Jesuspromised He'd build (Matt. 16:18), and which Hdid build and saved persons were added to in NewTestament times (Acts 2:47), which church wasgoverned by the divinely inspired word of God, is the very institution we strive to be: the church youread about in the Bible." How confusing the newspaper article must have been to the recipients of our written invitations which were personally presented.
Having sought and obtained the counsel ofseveral able brethren, we have decided to sit tigh(as far as further action goes) until Saturday's paper with its statement of correction appears. Certainly we hope the statement will be adequate. But if it is not, I assure you that I will do everything within my power to keep working to thend of a completely satisfactory statement of correction and clarification through the newspaper.
Bro. Phillips has graciously offered space i"Searching the Scriptures" which we appreciate and are utilizing.
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PREMILLENNIALISM (No. 9)
Connie W. Adams, Orlando, Florida
The thread from which the entire web of Premillennialism has been spun, is the statement in Rev. 20:4 that "they live and reignedwith Christ a thousand years." Speculators have ignored the context of the chapter in determiningwho "they" are, have insisted that this reign is material, having its seat in Jerusalem with Christ on David's literal throne, and that the thousand years mentioned must be taken literally. Surely,Revelation 20 is difficult as is the whole book. For that reason none should assume a "know-it-all" attitude about it. Yet, when some r ead into thepassage mor e than is ther e, and build a theor ywhich is at var iance with plain truth taught throughout the Bible, then I must respectfully begto differ. I have two simple objectives in this article: (1) to show that the essentials of the premillennial theory are absent from the verypassage where they must begin; and (2) to present briefly an analysis of the chapter which is consistent with the context of the rest of the book,and with the rest of the Bible. Any view which is inconsistent with both, is, of nece
ity, wrong
What the Passage Does Not Teach. It is argued that this passage teaches the return of Christ tothis earth where he will set up his kingdom, reign inJerusalem on David's throne for one thousand literal year s. But notice that the passage (1) does not mention the second coming of Christ, (2) does notmention a bodily resurrection, (3) does not mention a reign on earth, (4) does not mention a literal throne, (5) does not mention Jerusalem or Palestine,
(6) does not mention us, and (7) does not mentionChrist on earth. It is strange that any teacher can see all these things in a passage where none of them are mentioned. The essentials of the theory are missing from the very passage where we wouldcertainly expect to find them, if indeed, they couldbe found anywhere.
The Context of Revelation. The safest procedure in studying any hard chapter is to cast it against the background of the general context of the bookwhere it is located. This book was addressed to the seven churches of Asia (1:1). Because of the position of these Christians among pagan people and persecutors, the truths were largely set forth insymbolic language. Rev. 1:1 says he "signified it byhis angel unto his servant John." To "signify" means to reveal in signs or symbols. This manner of presentation served to instruct those addressed asthey understood the symbols, while at the same time concealing from their pagan persecutors truths which, if understood by them would have resulted in intensified persecutions against the church. The work concerned things John "saw," things which"are" and things to be "hereafter." "Hereafter" wasqualified by the word "shortly." In light of this,any view of the book which extends over an endless time the events and circumstances described is necessarily doubtful. Its general purpose was to set forth in symbolism the struggles and triumph of the early church in conflict with the Jewish and Romanpersecuting powers. The persecutors are presented under the figures of beasts having many heads,hor ns, toes and tails. T he persecutions are signified under the figures of famine, pestilence and the pouring out of vials of wrath upon theearth in the form of wars and disasters. These forces were unleashed against the church as the climax to the age long struggle between the Lord and Satan, between light and darkness. As Godpreserved a seed unto himself through the OldTestament in spite of all the devil could do, as Christ prevailed over his temptations and in theexercise of power over Satan's domain saw him "as lightning fall from heaven," as even the portals of hell with all the deeply laid schemes of the Satanic forces could not prevail against the building of thchurch, even so, the church would emergetriumphant over all the stratagems of Satan. Through the complexity of the symbolism we cansee practical encouragement for us all. We may bespurred on by the same spirit which motivated the martyrs to give their all. As we see the truth prevailing over all enemies, we learn "the patience of the saints." We are reminded once more that righteousness will win in the final analysis.
Literal or Figurative? Millennialists want to make the one thousand years of the passage literal andcastigate anyone who would "spiritualize" prophesy. Yet they are forced to accept other terms in thepassage as figurative or symbolic. T he angel, thkey, the bottomless pit and the great chain in his hand are obviously symbols to represent the exercise of divine power in restricting Satan and his forces. Even so the thousand years must be understood as a figure for fullne
or completene
. "T he cattle on a thousand hills" are said to belong to thLord. One day with the Lord is "as a thousand years." The Lord remembers his own unto a "thousand generations." Does the Lord own thecattle only on one thousand literal hills, while therest are not his ? There are about twenty figures of speech in Rev. 19 and 20. Why single out the onthousand years and literalize that while "spiritualizing" the rest of it?
The Binding of Satan. Jesus discussed enteringSatan's palace, binding him and spoiling his goods in Mt. 12:29. This he said with reference to his own power over Satan in casting out demons. Christ was the seed of woman who came to bruise Satan's head (Gen. 3:15; I John 3:8). While Satan once heldthe power of death (Heb. 2:14-15) Jesus now has the key of death and hades. It is therefore no smallwonder that he should be able to bind Satan and his forces for a length of time from inflicting persecutions upon the church. As the gospel waspreached and obeyed, its influences were felt in thevery centers of world power. The Lord bound Satan as he brought to an end the Jewish and paganpersecutions which hindered the church. Then what is meant by his being "loosed a littleseason"? This shows that the persecutions woulddiminish and alternately revive. The bringing on of more persecu
tions after the church had flourished for a time is
pictured as Satan being loosed. Note this parallel
with thanks to the fine material of Foy E. Wallace,
Jr. along this line:
Rev. 17:8,11
That seems to me the view most consistent with the
| Beast was | Is not | Yet is |
| Satan Persecutions | Rev. 20 Bound Ceased (1000 years) | Loosed Resumed |
context of the book.
The Souls on Thrones. Who were these souls on thrones who lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years? They were the souls of the martyrs for the cause of truth. John said "I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus." These were the ones on thrones, and the ones who shared in the "first resurrection." In Rev. 6:911 these souls were under the altar, sacrificed,dejected, their cause apparently despised. They cried "How long, Oh Lord ?" before he would avengetheir blood. The visions of persecutors and persecutions continue until in chapter twenty these souls have been raised from under the altar to thrones. Satan's persecutions wrought through evil world powers has ended. Their cause now flourishes. It is raised from sacrifice to triumph. The first resurrection is the resurrection of their cause. Of Israel in Babylon God said "I will open your graves ...ye shall live" (Ezek. 37:1-14). Again, he said of those in captivity "the dead men shall live... theyshall rise" (Isa. 26:13-19). Some try to make this "first resurrection" refer to the new birth when we are made new creatures in Christ. But that ignores the context of the book, plus the fact that verse 4 plainly identifies the martyrs. They livand reign with Christ as his cause lives and hisreign continues. One scholar said the blood of the martyrs was the seed of the church. The cause in which they died was to survive them and to soar to new heights of beauty, power and influence.
The Rest of the Dead lived not until the thousand years was ended (v. 5). This shows that the passagedoes not deal with a general situation. The lesson of it is the triumph of the church over persecutions.
The Final Judgment. Having shown how Godwould bring the church through her trials, John then turns to show that at the final judgment thLord's people will be ushered into heaven where they will celebrate their victory forever while the wicked will be lost in the same place designed for the eternal punishment of Satan and his angels.
John was enabled to look beyond the struggles,the Jewish and pagan oppressors with all their unleashed fury, to see the radiance of the triumphant bride of Christ, with these hindrances removed, sounding forth the gospel invitation tthe world. 'And the Spirit and the bride say, Come.And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely" (Rev. 22:17).
The premillennialists have frightened some awayfrom a close study of this passage. T hat is unfortunate. The passage does not teach what they argue, nor does any other passage. If they cannotsustain it in Rev. 20, then they cannot sustain it at all, and that is exactly the case. It is my prayer that these articles have served to strengthen those who read them in standing for the truth against the false system of Premillennialism, and that thehave contributed in some way to a clearer understanding of some of the difficult passageswhich, necessarily, we had to consider in the
process.
CHURCHES SELLING SERVICES
Tom Bunting, Miami, Fla.
I'm certain that you are able to recall the 'church dinner s' and pie supper s the denominations had and occasionally still have. I'm also sure that you can remember that faithful members of the Lord's church objected to this practice on the ground that the finances of the church were to be raised by thfree-will offerings as we are instructed in I Cor. 16:1,2 and II Cor. 9:7. It is difficult, if not impo
ible, to see how some churches of Christ can feel themselves consistent in objecting to a supper forwhich the people have to pay and at the same time they are charging people for an encampment, or arts and crafts.
I must first point out that none of these things should be included in the work of the church. They are not the work of the church according to thescriptures. One would be hard pressed, to say the least, to find a scripture authorizing the church towork in the fields of entertainment or education.
Nevertheless, we do have churches practicingthese things and I presume that they think it is the work of the church. Yet, when the announcements come from these churches we find them charging forthese as the denominations that charge for their suppers. Two examples of churches of Christ charging for their services: (1) "...........church of Christannounces a wonderful work at Owaissa Bauer State Park. A Christian Camp for wholesome associations,wonderful recreation including sports, crafts, hiking, nature study, etc. (are any of these the work of the church?— T.B.) ...and spiritual activities of Bible study, choral work and worship." Then on the inside of the folder is an application blank that is to be filled out and mailed to the church of Christ. $12.50 is the camp fee for the week, $2.50 of this amount is for application fee." (2) Our second example ochurches selling services comes in the form of information about a church kindergarten. This school has both a tuition and registration fee.
Now, br ethren, if these things belong to thchurch and are part of the work of the church, whydon't the expenses come from the treasury? If youcan charge a registration fee for the school and anapplication fee for the camp to cover materials, then why, by the same token, couldn't you charge aquarter per person for the Lord's Supper just tocover the expense of materials ? Also rent the seats in the auditorium to cover wear and tear? What is the difference ?
Shall we just go along with these things or shall we stand for the truth??
Two reasons prohibiting a church from participating in such activities as these: (1)Entertainment and education are not the work of the church. (2) The work of the church is to befinanced by freewill offering of the members. Not by selling its services.
BIG NEWS!Roland A. Warren, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
As we have been expecting, this past week (week of August 16, 1964) came notice of the opening ofLauderdale Manor Church of Christ Kindergarten And Nursery School,
This is a new industry for our "liberal progressive brethren" who brand us as "Anti," "Orphan haters," etc. And, we will have to admit that we are somewhat primitive in our thinking and "contending for the faith once delivered to the saints" (Jude 3), but we are at a loss to understand how our "modern progressive brethren" can take (I Cor. 16:1,2) and put the church in business competing with other similar industry. I have always understood that the church is to receive its funds by a freewill offering.
Brother Royster E. Moss, preacher of Lauderdale Manor Church of Christ, tells me that this industry is separate from the church, however he is Director of the School and checks for tuition, etc., are to be made out to the church, and all profits will go to thechurch.
Anyone who can "swallow" this can swallow just about anything including the mechanical instrument in the worship service. The instrument is about the only thing left now that divides the "liberal element" of the church and the Christian Church, and I predict it is coming next. In fact, some of the churches of the "liberal element" have already bought instruments to be used in weddings and funerals and other "special occasions."
However, when considered in the light of theScriptures, all industry now being supported andsubsidized by the "liberal element" of the church falls into the same category. And, I agree with brother Batsell Barrett Baxter that "all must stand or fall together."
I suppose it won't be long until the "liberal element" of the church will become ashamed of the name they are now wearing, or become ashamed of being so closely associated (?) with us "antis" and such narrow minded folks, and will decide to call themselves by a new name. I predict that history will repeat itself and the same thing that happenedover 100 years ago will happen again. Furthermore, I believe this would help the Cause of Christ forsome who are now asleep will wake up.
". . . THEY REHEARSED ALL THAT GOD HAD DONE WITH THEM . . ."— Acts 14:27
Please send us your news reports, especiallyannouncements-of gospel meetings to be conducted. This is a good way to advertise the meetings, but we cannot do it unless we receive the information in time to get it in the issue just preceding your meeting. Of course, results of meetings are also of interest. Send your reports at least a month before you want themto appear. We will appreciate this cooperation.
A NEW CONGREGATION IN TAMPA
"Dear brethren,
"This letter is to announce the establishment of a congregation in the Del Rio Estates section ofTampa. This is a fast-growing area in Northwest Tampa. The center of the area is about 50th Street and East Sligh Ave.
"We will be meeting in the Robles E lementar ySchool on East Sligh Ave. for the first three months, at least.... We cordially invite any br ethr en whomay live in this area or who are interested inworking with us in this effort for any reason tomeet with us. Our regular services are: Sunday — 9
A.M. for Bible Study; 10 A.M. for Worship and 6
P.M. for Evening Services. Our Mid-week services
will be at 7:30 P.M. on Wednesdays"We earnestly request the prayers of faithful
brethren everywhere that our efforts will result
in the glorification of God, the spread of the kingdomof Christ and the salvation of the souls of men."
Your brethren in Christ, 
/
EVERETT C. MANN
ROBIN L. WILLIS VESTER
CLARK J. DEWEY PETERS
WILLIAM B. MILLER
CLINTON THOMAS
This was the main portion of a letter sent to the
churches in TampaThe work is progressing beyond expectations. For the two Lord's day services there have been an
average of 30 in attendance in the morning an
29 in the evening, with an increase over the first service.
Brother Everett Mann is preaching for this newly established Del Rio church of Christ.
Conway Skinner, Beaufort, S. C. — I have just completed a good meeting in Vernon, Florida, a small town just fifty miles north of Panama City. The church is only one and a half years old, and the work was started by brother L. L. Applegate. He is in need of support, and is very deserving.. He is sacrificing to the extent that they live in a house without hot water, poor heating facilities, norefrigeration, and all because of their love for the truth. He urgently needs at least $50 additional help per month. He is now 73 years of age, anhas spent much of his life with such small, and new, works as
this one in Vernon. Please come to his aid, if
po
ible. Too, for brethren seeking a place to
retire, numerous ones are finding this area
attractive. If interested, please contact brother L. L.
Applegate, Cottonwood, Fla.
Bryan Vinson of Longview, Texas was in a meeting at University church in Tampa, Flawhere Clinton Hamilton, preaches, October 11-18 ... Harris Dark was with the Franklin Road church in Nashville, Tenn., October 4-11. David Claypool is the local preacher . . . Martin Lemon of Franklin, Tenn.was in a gospel meeting at Joseph Avenue church in Nashville, Tenn. which closed October 4 ... Rufus
R. Clifford of Nashville, Tenn. was in a gospel meeting at 77th Street in Birmingham, Ala. whicclosed October 18 ... J. T. Smith preached in ameeting at the church in Wauchula, Fla., October 18-25. He recently moved to Wauchula to labor with the church there . .. Granville Tyler will be with the West Bradenton, Florida church November 8-15. Hugh Davis preaches at West Bradenton . . . Robert Jackson of Nashville, Tenn. was in a meeting witthe Hueytown church in Birmingham, Ala. whicclosed October 13. He was with the Seminole church in Tampa, Fla. the last week of October. James P. Miller preaches at Seminole.
James R. Cope of Tampa, Fla. will be the speaker in a gospel meeting with the Expressway church and James Needham in Louisville, Ky., December 2-9 . . . James P. Needham was in a good meeting withthe Southside church in Owensboro, Ky. in October,and also with the Peabody church in Memphis, Tenn. He will begin at Newbern, Tenn. with Jesse M. Kelley, November 2 ... E. B. Kuykendall of Athens,Ala. was in a meeting in October with the South Fayetteville church in Fayetteville, Tenn ... Herschel E. Patton of Lawrenceburg, Tenn. was with the Perry Heights church in Donelson, Tenn., whicclosed October 25 ... Paul Keller of Lubbock, Texas was with the Washington Ave. church in Russellville,Ala. the middle of October . . . Jere Frost of Birmingham, Ala. began a meeting with the East Florence, Ala. church on October 18.
J. R. Snell of Laurel, Mi
, was in a meeting at7th Street church in Meridian,-Mi
, where A. C.Grider preaches in October . . . Bill Lewis was in ameeting at West Main Street in Woodbury, Tenn,October 25 — November 3. Howard See is the preacher at Woodbury . . . Dave Bradford of the Westvue church in Murfreesboro, Tenn. was in agospel meeting at Shelbyville Mills church in Shelbyville, Tenn., October 4-11... Roy E. Cogdill of CanogaPark, Calif, was with William E. Wallace and theBelmont Avenue church in Indianapolis, Ind.October 5-13 . . . Floyd Thompson of Santa AnaCalif, was in a meeting with the Tenth and Francis Streets church in Oklahoma City, Okla., Sept. 27Oct. 4. James W. Adams is the regular preacher.
Leo Rogol will be with the North Miami Ave.church November 8-15. Bobby K. Thompson is the regular evangelist at North Miami Avenue. Connie W. Adams of Orlando, Fla. was with the ParkBoulevard church in Louisville, Ky., October 4-11. Grover Stevens is the local preacher... James P. Miller of T ampa, Fla. will be at Par Ave. inOrlando, Fla. in a meeting Nov. 1-8. Marshall E. Patton is the local evangelist at Par Ave. . . . Richard Weaver of Pinson, Ala. was at East Albertville, Ala.in a gospel meeting October 19-25 . . . Farris J. Smith was with Dennis Reed and the Berney Points church, Birmingham, Ala., Nov .1-8 . . . Herschel Patton will be at Pinson, Ala. in a meeting, Nov. 8-14. Richard Weaver is the local evangelist... Frank Smith was at Fair-view in Birmingham, Ala., Oct25-Nov. 1. Charles E. Bland of Houston, Mi
, willbe in a meeting at Huffman church in Birmingham,Ala., Nov. 15-20. Frank L. Smith is the local evangelist. . . Jim Ward of Orlando, Fla. was with Morris Norman and the Plant City, Fla. church October 5-11... William R. Lambert of Cookeville,Tenn. was in a gospel meeting with Edwin Hayes andthe Palmetto, Fla. church, October 4-14.
John Iverson of Port Arthur, Texas preached in a meeting at Kirkland, Ill., Oct. 7-14 . . . QuentinMcCay of Birmingham, Ala. preached in a meeting at Eau Gallie which closed Oct. 4... Marshall E. Patton preached in a gospel meeting with thGlenwood Hills church in Atlanta, Ga., beginninOct. 4. J. Ed Nowlin is the local evangelist at Glenwood Hills ... Don Bassett of Tampa, Fla. was with Claude Wilsford and the East Hill church in Pensacola, Fla., beginning Oct. 25 ... S. Leonard Tyler of Pine Bluff, Ark. was in a meeting witEugene Britnell and the Arch Street church in Little Rock, Ark., Oct. 26-Nov. 1... R. L. Craig ofLometa, Texas was the speaker in a meeting witthe Floral Heights church in Wichita Falls, Texas,Oct. 10-25. Joe D. Scarborough is the local preacher at Floral Heights.
E. Paul Price, Borger, Texas — Oliver Murrayconducted a good gospel meeting with the Franklin and Juniper church September 20-27. There were two baptisms and eleven restorations. Two morehave been restored since the meeting. The church here is at peace and loves the truth dearly. In the first eleven months of our work here there have been sixty-five answering the invitation. Along withthis we have completed a building program badding on to the old building. I am to be with thechurch in Tucumcari, New Mexico October 25-Nov. 1. Jesse G. Jenkins is the faithful preacher there. When this way, worship with us.
Choice L. Bryant, McMinnivlle, Oregon — Luther Blackmon of Pasadena, Texas will be preaching in aprotracted meeting October 26-Nov. 1 in McMinnville, Oregon. The church meets at 210 Lincoln St. in McMinnville where I am now the preacher.
Jimmy Tuten, Jr., St. Louis, Mo. — During theweek of September 14-20 I preached in a meeting forthe East Harrisburg church in Harrisburg, Penn. lady (71 years of age) was baptized, having been member of the United Church of Christ prior tothis. Also, during the meeting, a fine couple declared their stand against institutionalism by identifyingthemselves with the small, but strong Harrisburg
church. They did this, knowing that reprisals would
come from institutional brethren in the area.
This was a unique meeting in many ways. Namely,the faithfulness with which the members supported their meeting. Attendance exceeded by far all expectations, this being the result of visitors from as far as East Orange and Lafayette, New Jersey. There were also visitors from Glenn Burnie and Annapolis, Maryland. The three loyal churches supported the meeting well
It will be of interest to the readers of Searching
The Scriptures to know that there are only fou
churches in East Pennsylvania opposing
institutionalism. These are small, with only two full
time preachers. The two preachers, John Humphries,
Harrisburg, Penn. and Bill Echols, Shippensburg,
Penn., are still in need of additional support. They
are needed in this field and are worthy. Beginning
January, 1965, brother Echols will need $387.00 per
month for he and his family of five children. It has
been suggested that different congregations migh
be able to send him a month's support in lump sum.
Pass the information concerning this need to the
church where you worship. These two families have
made many sacrifices to work in the Northeast. Let's
not let them down.
GOSPEL MEETING
FOREST HILLS CHURCH OF CHRIST
1011 W. Linebaugh Ave.Tampa, Florida
November 1-8, 1964
LUTHER G. ROBERTS OF SALEM, OREGON WILL SPEAK EACH EVENING AT 7:30
J. T. Smith, Wauchula, Fla.— I began work with the church in Wauchula, Florida the first of March,1964. To date, we have had 12 responses to theinvitation, four for baptism (three of them Baptists)and eight to confess sins. We have also had theunpleasant task of having to discipline two members. One was teaching false doctrine, and thother was unfaithful. T he br ethren here say thathere is more harmony in the congregation nowthan there has been in 10 years. We trust that God will continue to bless us in this effort, and thatyou will pray for us. I am to begin a series of gospel meetings with the church of Christ inPunta Gorda, Florida, November 9-18. Danny Tarnisthe faithful preacher there.
J. G. Savage, Lewisville, Texas — Our new
meeting house in Lewisville will be ready for
occupancy within the next two weeks. We are
moving from a busy thoroughfare to a new location
less than a mile from our present location where we
will have plenty of parking area and a building of
sufficient size to take care of our present as well as
future needs for many years to come. Oscar Ellison
of Springfield, Mi
ouri, who has done the
preaching in several gospel meetings for us, will b
with us in another like effort beginning October 25 through November 1.
W. C. Hinton, Jr., 5-90 Nakamura-cho, Nakamur a-ku, Nagoya-shi, Japan — Two young folk were baptized in my recent meeting with the Osaka church. In the three-day-meeting with the Osaka church, a young man and a young girl expressed their belief in the Lord Jesus Christ and were immediately baptized into covenant relationshipwith our Lord. We were very thankful for this success in the Lord.
Don Brown, Gardena, Calif. — Two young menobeyed the gospel here last Lord's day (Sept. 20). Brother Gilbert Copeland, the faithful gospel preacher for the Montebello church, did the preaching in a special series of gospel meetings here October 25 to November 1.
Ted Beever, Ontario, Calif. — The Ontario congregation has taken on the support of another man full time. Brother Walter Hudson, who willwork with the congregation meeting at 6819Roman Road, Palm Springs, Calif.
Henry Gilbert, Miami, Fla. — Stanley J. Lovett,preacher for the Central church in Beaumont, Texas,will preach in a gospel meeting with the SeventAvenue church in Miami, Florida, October 25-30. Roy E. Cogdill will be at Seventh Avenue followingthe lectures at Florida College in 1965.
L. L. Applegate, Cottondale, Fla. — The church
in Beaumont, S. C. sent Conway Skinner to hold our
meeting in Vernon, Fla., Oct. 2-9. The meeting was
well attended and the church edified. He has
promised to return in the spring of next year for
another meeting. The pure seed was sown, God will
give the increase. Remember us (8 souls) in your
prayers.
Kent Harrell, Camden, S. C. — Lloyd Barker,evangelist for the Highland Street church in Hammond, Indiana, will preach in a gospel meetingin Camden, S. C, October 25-November 1.
Ronald A. Warren, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. — Three
wer e baptized r ecently at Northside chur ch of
Christ, 912 N.W. 19th St., Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
where I am now preaching. When in Ft. Lauderdale
visit with us.
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THE NEW TESTAMENT COMMENTARYby William HendriksenTHE GOSPEL OF JOHN, 505 pages ................ $ 6.95
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A NEED FOR KNOWLEDGE
Robert J. LaCoste, Glendale, Ariz.
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge..." (Hosea 4:6). These were the words used bHosea, God's prophet, during the days of UzziahJotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, andin the days of Jeroboam, king of Israel; to describe the degenerate condition of a people who had filled their lives with spiritual adultery and had forsaken the way of God. Time, after time, they were punished by God for their evil deeds; but to noadvantage.
Paul said in Romans 15:4; I Cor. 10:11, that these things happened unto them for ensamples, and were written for our learning or admonition. Why do wnot learn from our own mistakes and the mistakes of others? The history of the Jews is replete witincidents from which we should take warning.Numbers 25 reveals the death of many because idolatry and evil a
ociations with the people oMoab, others were destroyed by serpents because they dared to tempt God (Num. 21). Twenty-three thousand died in one day in the wilderness because of fornication according to I Cor. 10:8, and all who murmured against God's way were destroyed by thedestroyer. From this one would think the univer se would be so much the wiser! But listen to what Jesus said thousands of years later: "Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life,and they are they which testify of me, And ye willnot come to me, that ye might have life" (John 5:3940). The majority of the Jews rejected Jesus because they had no knowledge of the scriptures that prophesied of His coming. T hose who didknow, believed on Him, but for fear of losing therespect and prestige of their office in the synagogue;would not confess that He was the promised Messiah (John 12:42).
Multitudes today have little oar no knowledge of what the Lord demands from them in spiritual matters or in their moral affairs. Young people inan ever increasing number continue to defy their parents, the laws of the state, and even the law of common decency. Property is wantonly destroyed,human life is abused and taken away without theleast provocation on the part of the innocent, and an attitude of disrespect for all authority prevails. On a recent trip to Colorado, just four miles from where we selected to rest for the night, a youngboy in his teens murdered his parents because they"wouldn't buy him a car." A few days later in Wyoming, another young lad forced his way into a locked room of a certain hotel, and raped andmurdered a girl of twelve after killing her younger sister also while the parents were down in the lobby.His statement: "I just don't know why I did it"!
But, ARE THEY WHOLLY TO BLAME? Notwhile indifferent parents are failing to impress their children while they are young and their minds are tender as to the importance of Bible study andthe importance of respect for authority. The importance of having a thorough knowledge oGod and His way for man. Not while indifferent parents spend all their time at clubs, parties, etc., and leave their children to make their own way. Is it any wonder that during a recent test given to college-bound students in a Massachusetts public school that such a lack of knowledge was displayed! Somthought Sodom and Gomorrah were lovers, that the gospels were written by Mark, Luther and John,that Eve as created from an apple, and that thestories by which Jesus taught were called parodies. This lack of knowledge is not limited to Massachusetts, or any one city or state, but is commonplace across the country. The reason is evident: THE BIBLE IS A FORGOTTEN BOOK IN TOO MANY HOMES! — Ignorance of the scriptures has always brought disastrous results in every age of man. Must we be punished like our forefathers? God said, "... because thou hast rejectedknowledge, I will also reject thee ..." (Hosea 4:6).
When Chr istian par ents began to neglect thevarious services of the church, they deprive their children of the knowledge they need to correctly serve God. They too become the object of Satan'desires; for they soon forget how to use the "sword of the Spirit." Listen to the apostle Peter as he teaches, "ye therefore beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also being led away withthe error of the Wicked fall from your ownsteadfastne
. But grow in grace and in knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (II Peter 3:1718). How can ye grow accept ye learn, and how can ye learn accept ye-study? Let's resolve to do better from this day forward and begin TODAY tobuild-up a knowledge of God.
INSPIRATION OF THE SCRIPTURESMorris D. Norman, Plant City, Florida
Ever since before Christ, man has, for one reason or another, tried to discredit the Bible. There havebeen men who have given the energies of their lives to the effort of doing away with the divinauthorship of the Scriptures. This is nothing but theinfluence of Satan, attempting to soften, as much as po
ible, the effect of the word of God upon the lives of men. If God is not the author of the Bible, thenit is no more binding than the word of any man. If God only placed the thought in the mind of thewriter and then the man merely enlarged on thethought, we would then only be bound to theprinciple and not the letter of the law of Christ.
But the Bible declares verbal inspiration. Of theprophets of old Peter says, "that no prophecy is of private interpretation. For the Prophecies came not in old time by the will of the man; but holy men ofGod spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit" (II Peter 1:20,21). Peter further states that these prophets failed to grasp what they wrote as it pertained to our salvation (I Peter 1:10-12), whicfact would be against thought inspiration.
In the New Testament, the writers continually
claimed to be inspired. Peter declares that the gospel
was preached by the Holy Spirit (I Peter 1:12)
Paul states verbal inspiration in I Corinthians 2. In
verse 2 he states that his speech was "not with en
ticing words of men's wisdom, but in demonstration
of the Spirit and power." He further declares that
the Spirit searched the mind of God and revealed
His wisdom to the apostles in "words which the
Spirit searcheth" (9-13). In Galatians 1:11,12, Paul certifies that the gospel which he preached was byrevelation of Jesus Christ.
Occasionally, I encounter in commentaries, evethose written by my own brethren, that certainwr iter s of the New T estament must have gottetheir information from eye witnesses. Now, this may be true, as the 12 apostles were witnesses of the life of Chr ist, Mark as a companion of Peter and Paul, and Luke was a companion of Paul. Andit is likely that they got much information fromthese men, and God used these witnesses to declare these matters. But to say that this was what their writings were based on is to deny the inspiration of the Scriptures and lowers them to the work of mere historians. As Mark wrote his gospel he was inspired word for word, no matter how much information hemight have received from Paul or Peter; the same being true of Luke. If God had depended on man's memory and man's wisdom the Bible would havebeen full of human rather than divine wisdom. The Holy Spirit breathed (meaning of "inspired") intthose men, including that which was to be pertinent to all generation, and minutely selected the words that best declared the mind of God.
Let us be careful to give the Bible the reverence and respect due it. It is the "words of God," not just the thoughts of God expressed by man's selection of words.
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