THE "CHRIST LIKE SPIRIT"

H. E. Phillips

In this day of compromise and lack of conviction

(and there is plenty of it both in and out of th

church), we hear a great deal about "the spirit of

Christ." I have no desire to reflect upon the real

spirit of Christ as revealed in the New Testament,

but I do want to show the false and cowardly dodges

often made under the guise of "the spirit of Christ"

in an effort to keep from "standing" for the truth.

"But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spir it of God dwell in you. Now ifany man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his" (Rom. 8:9). The subject is the power or force by which one lives. By the "flesh" we mind thethings of the flesh; by the "Spir it" we mind thethings of the Spirit. Ver se 5 says: "For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh;but they that are after the Spirit the things of theSpirit." To have the Spir it of Chr ist in this passageis to be dead to sin and alive to the things of theSpirit, to follow or obey what the Spirit sent fromChrist teaches. This is in contrast to obeying "the things of the flesh."

In speaking of the attitude of Christ, which is

generally meant by "the Christ-like spirit," Paul

wrote: "Let this mind be in you, which was also in

Christ Jesus" (Phil. 2:5). This "mind" (state of

thought; what one has in mind; attitude) is shown

to mean obedience even unto death in the case of

Christ. The "spirit of Christ" and the "mind" of

Christ have to do with obedience to the word of God.

But this is not what denominational people an

liberal minded people in the church mean by the

"Christ-like spirit."

The "Christ-like spirit" to some means to be tolerant of everything; to allow almost any

situation to remain without opposing it. Is this the

attitude the Lord had toward sin? He drove out the

moneychangers from the temple and overthrew their

tables (Mark 11:15). He condemned the Pharisees

in the strongest po ible terms (Matt. 23). This was

the mind of Christ toward evil. One is most unlike

Christ to tolerate sin and error without rebuke.

"And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works

of darkness, but rather reprove them" (Eph. 5:11).

Would it be a "Christ-like spirit" to obey this

statement of inspiration.

To some the "Christ-like spirit" means to "let

me have my way about every thing." This has be-

WHY THE SUCCESS?

Searching the Scriptures was launched intothe field of religious journalism about six yearsago. Since that time the subscriptions havecome in at a rapid rate from all over theUnited States and abroad. This did not happenby accident. I feel that two major factors havecontributed to its acceptance. First, it givesthe brotherhood what they need — plainpositive Bible teaching. Second, two fine menare at the helm to guide this journalistic shipin the right direction. They are brethren H. E.Phillips and James P. Miller. Althoughsomewhat different in personality, they maketwo strong links in the chain of success. Both of these men have an unwavering faith inGod and his word and serve him diligentlwith both lip and life.

Then too, Tampa is a wonderful place tohave such a fine paper. With something overtwenty congregations, all of which are true to the book with the exception of two or three. This beautiful city is also the home of Florida College, which is doing excellent workin the field of education. I predict great thingsfor this paper. Why not join the long list of subscribers today? You will not regret it!

WARD HOGLAND

come the predominate attitude of denominationalism today. They DO NOT WANT TO ENGAGE INBATTLE! They do not want to have to "earnestlycontend for the faith" (Jude 3). They prefer to live by the "live and let live" rule. They are content to oppose nothing and promote everything on God's green earth that satisfies the lust and vanity of man.I have confidently said publicly and in pr int thatthe day of religious debates is about over. The false teachers who have engaged in one or more debates have lost their taste for it. T hey want to profess the "Christ-like spirit" and disassociate themselves from battle. The few who believe they are right willengage in one debate and then they lose their taste for it. But a greater controversialist never lived than Christ. He opposed spiritual wickedness in all forms and in all places. We are taught to "fight

the good fight of faith."

Perhaps the greatest charge of not having thespirit of Christ comes upon those who dare expose sin in all forms. This opposition comes from within the church as well as from outside. Some brethren who have no conviction except that one ought tobe baptized and be a "member of the church ofChrist" cry to high heaven when someone stands for New Testament truth. When sin and wickedness in high places are exposed, we are "fanatics"; whenthe one way of Christ is taught, we are "narrowminded"; when the religious errors of denominationalism are exposed, we are "bigots";when complete obedience to the gospel of Christ is taught, we are "legalists."

The spirit that desires to compromise truth with

error stands for nothing in doctrine, agrees with all

plans and doctrines of men, and promotes all sorts of

unauthorized projects in the name of religion. This

is the "antichrist spirit" rather than the "Christ

like spirit." The Spirit of Christ requires complete

obedience to all that the Spirit requires. The mind

of Christ requires complete submission to all that

Christ commands of us, even unto death. It means

to oppose error with the same force that Christ used.

It means to stand for something and against

something— stand for all truth and against all

error. It means to regard the New Testament as the

final and complete will of Christ, and to presume to

do nothing without his authority. If you want th

"Christ-like spirit," go to the New Testament and

there you will find it. Eternal happiness depends

upon "walking in the Spirit" (Rom. 8:6).

WORDS THAT DIVIDE US--No. 5

E LESIA: UNIVERSAL ASSEMBLY In several passages the noun ekklesia denotes

the universal assembly; that is, all of God's people

everywhere. This use is found in Matt. 16:18; Eph.

1:22, 23; Col. 1:18. Sectarian theologians assert

that this universal church, which is "invisible,"

contains all the truly "born again" children of God

and that the denominations in the sum total make

up this universal church. This sectarian concept

largely a product of the Reformation Movement, is

not even remotely suggested in the New Testament.

To the contrary, it is expressly condemned; that is,

the principle of it is clearly condemned. In I Cor.

1:11-13 Paul affirms that Christ is not divided.

This positively forbids the division of the body o

Christ into sects. But this is precisely what modern

denominationalism has attempted to do. GEOGRAPHICAL ASSEMBLY In Acts 9:31 (according to the best Greek text)

the noun ekklesia is used to denote the church in a

geographical area: Judea; Samaria; and Galilee. In

the KJV the text of Acts 9:31 has ekklesiai

(churches). This latter text would denote local

assemblies in Judea, Samaria, and Galilee.

If you have moved, or if you plan to movesoon, please notify us. Check your name and address and see if it is correct, and if not, letus know the correct address. It costs 10 cents for every copy returned because of change of address, and you miss that month's issue of the paper. Please notify us of your correct address.

UNASSEMBLED ASSEMBLY

Acts 8:3 seems to use the noun ekklesia in the sense of the assembly unassembled, or distributed in their homes. It is stated that Saul made havoc of the church by entering the homes of the Christians to do his damage. In some sense, then, Christians distributed in their homes still constitute the "church."

"CHRISTIAN"

Our English word "Christian" is used to convey

meanings that are in no way inherent in the Greek

word. Sometimes the United States is referred to as

a "Christian" nation. This simply means that this

country is composed largely of people who are

opposed to pagan practices. But people could voic

this opposition and still not be Christians in the

Bible sense of that word. Sometimes Old Testament

characters are said to be "Christians." This is

clearly erroneous, inasmuch as the term

"Christian" was not employed in Patriarchal and

Mosaic times. Sometimes, just any morally upright

person is said to be a "Christian."

When one studies the word "Christian" from the

New Testament standpoint, he is convinced that the

foregoing meanings that are often attached to that

word are without justification. According to Thayer,

"Christian" (Christianos) means "a Christian,

follower of Christ," Lexicon, p. 672. One who has

not obeyed Christ in being baptized into His body,

is not a Christian, Mark 16:16; Act 2:38; I Cor.

12:13.

DO SOMETHING NOW!

This religious paper must have your subscriptions to continue to do the good it has done in the past to encourage a search for eternal truth. Good intentions will not help, be a friend and co-worker with us by sending three subscriptions with your own renewal — all four for only $7.50. Do it now! If every subscriber will do this, we can give you the best religious journal for 1965 that we have ever produced. We need your help.

Think how much good you can do with $7.50 for a whole year! If you are unable to subscribe for any but yourself, send us five names and addresses of prospective subscribers to whom we may send sample copies. Every subscriber can do this. Do not delay attending to this matter.

* * * * *

SPECIAL CLUB OFFER TO JANUARY 31,1965

With every club of four subscriptions you will receive FREE a copy of Sermon Outlines by A. W. Dicus. This book contains 122 sermon outlines used by brother Dicus through the years. His interest in Searching The Scriptures and its circulation has caused him to graciously offer these fine outlines free with every club of four subscriptions. Get your free copy today.

? Please send my free copy of Sermon Outlines by A. W. Dicus with this club of subscriptions.

SURVEY COURSE IN CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE, Crawford 3.95— 3.16 HOW TO PREPARE A SERMON, Knott 1 75 — 1.40 HOW TO PREPARE AN EXPOSITORY SERMON, Knott 1 75 — 1 40 KINGDOM OF PROMISE AND PROPHECY, Whiteside 2 50— 2.00 DOCTRINAL DISCOURSES, Whiteside 2 50 __ 2 80 THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH, Cogdill 1.25 — 1.00 LIFE AND CUSTOMS IN JESUS' TIME, Gift 2 50— 2.00 AN OUTLINE OF BIBLE HISTORY, Dean 3.50— 2.80 CHRISTIAN MINISTER'S MANUAL 2 50 __ 2.00 WHAT'S WRONG WITH MODERN MARRIAGE? Phillips .75 — .60 A HARMONY OF SAMUEL, KINGS, AND

CHRONICLES, Crockett 3 50 — 2 80 THE EPISTLES OF PAUL, Conybeare 2 50 — 2 50 MACKNIGHT ON THE APOSTOLIC EPISTLES 8.50 __ 6.80 THE BOOK OF ACTS, Ralph G. Turnbull 2.75 __ 2 20 THE BOOK OF REVELATION, Merrill C. Tenney 2.75 — 2 20 THE EPISTLES TO THE GALATIONS AND THE

EPHESIANS, Andrew W. Blackwood 3.50— 2.80 COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF LUKE, F. L. Godet 9 95 — 7.96 COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW, H. Leo Boles 3.75 — 3.00

COMMENTARY ON MARK — C. E. W. Dorris 3.75 — 3.00 COMMENTARY ON LUKE, H. Leo Boles 3.75 __ 3.00 COMMENTARY ON JOHN, C. E. W. Dorris 3.75 — 3.00 COMMENTARY ON ACTS OF THE APOSTLES, H. Leo WHILE THEY

Boles 3.75 — 3.00 COMMENTARY ON ROMANS, Lipscomb & Shepherd 3 75 — 3.00LAST COMMENTARY ON FIRST CORINTHIANS, Lipscomb & Shepherd 3.75 — 3.0020% DISCOUNT ON ALL BOOKS LISTED BELOW COMMENTARY ON SECOND CORINTHIANS, GALATIANS, Lipscomb & Shepherd 3 75DURING THE MONTH OF DECEMBER, 1964 COMMENTARY ON EPHESIANS, PHILIPPIANS, COLOSSIANS, Lipscomb & Shepherd 3.75CASH OR MONEY ORDER MUST ACCOMPANY ORDER COMMENTARY ON THESSALONIANS, TIMOTHY, TITUS, (ADD 20 CENTS FOR POSTAGE ON EACH BOOK) PHILEMON, Lipscomb & Shepherd 3.75

RETAILSALE BOUND 1962, 1963 $ 5.00 — $ 4.00 CRUDEN'S COMPLETE CONCORDANCE 4.0 0 —

EDITION 2.95 — 2.36 COMMENTARY ON I & II THESSALONIANS, Kendriksen 4 50

DAVIS DICTIONARY OF THE BIBLE, J. D. Davis 5.95 — 4 76 COMMENTARY ON I & II TIMOTHY & TITUS,HITCHCOCK'S TOPICAL BIBLE AND CONCORDANCE 9.95 — 7.96 AN EXPOSITORY DICTIONARY OF NEW TESTAMENT

Hendriksen 6.00WORDS, W. E. Vine 11.95— 9.56 MORE THAN CONQUERORS (Revelation), Hendriksen 3.50

HALLEY'S BIBLE HANDBOOK . 3.9 5 — 3.16 COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW & MARK, J. W.BAKER'S BIBLE ATLAS 7.95 — 6.36 McGarvey 3.00A GREEK-ENGLISH LEXICON, Arndt & Gingrich 14.00 — 11.20 COMMENTARY ON ROMANS, Whiteside 3.00CRUDEN'S DICTIONARY OF BIBLE TERMS 3.5 0 — 2.80 WUEST'S WORD STUDIES ON ROMANS 3 25YOUNG'S ANALYTICAL CONCORDANCE 12.75— 10.20 COMMUNISM, IT'S FAITH AND FALLACIES, James

PEOPLE'S NEW TESTAMENT NOTES (One Volume),

D. Bales 3 9 5 — 3.16 Johnson 5.00 — 4.00

THE LIFE AND WORKS OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS . 6 95 — 5.56 PEOPLE'S NEW TESTAMENT NOTES (Two volumes),BIBLICAL HERMENEUTICS, Milton S. Terry 7 50 — 6.00 Johnson 6.00 — 4 80HISTORY OF INTERPRETATION, Farrar 6.9 5 — 5.56 LETTERS FROM PETER, Oberst 3.95 — 3.16WHY WE BELIEVE THE BIBLE, DeHoff 2.50— 2.00 ROMANS REALIZED, DeWelt 3.95— 3.16A HARMONY OF THE LIFE OF ST. PAUL, Goodwin 3.00 — 2.40 ACTS MADE ACTUAL, DeWelt 4.95 — 3.96

LARIMORE AND HIS BOYS, Srygley 3.50 — 2 80 PAUL'S LETTERS TO TIMOTHY & TITUS, DeWelt 3 95— 3.16

ALLEGED BIBLE CONTRADICTIONS EXPLAINED, DeHoff 3.9 5 — 3.16 THE FOURFOLD GOSPEL, J. W. McGarvey 3.75 — 3.00

SCRIPTURAL ELDERS & DEACONS, Phillips 3.75 — 3.00 COMMENTARY ON ACTS, J. W. McGarvey 3 75 — 3.O0

NOTES ON THE PARABLES OF OUR LORD, R. C. Trench 2.50 — 2.00 COMMENTARY ON ROMANS, Lard 3.75 — 3.00NOTES ON THE MIRACLES OF OUR LORD, R. C. Trench 2 50 — 2.00 COMMENTARY ON THESS , COR., GAL., ROMANS, HURLBUT'S STORY OF THE BIBLE (children) . 4.95 ___ 3.96 J. W. McGarvey 3.75 — 3.00FIFTY YEARS IN THE CHURCH OF ROME, Chiniquy 3.75 — 3.00 COMMENTARY ON HEBREWS, Milligan 3 75 — 3.00

INFALLIBILITY OF THE CHURCH, Salmon 3.95— 3.16 WHITTEN-LANIER DEBATE (class question) 2.00— 1.60THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS, REVISED, Pfeiffer 2.50 ___ 2.00 OTEY-BRINEY DEBATE (Societies & Music) 3.00— 2.40FOX'S BOOK OF MARTYRS 3.00 ___ 2.40 DEBATE ON ROMAN CATHOLICISM, Campbell &

THE BIBLE ON THE LIE HEREAFTER, Hendriksen . 3.9 5 — 3.16 Purcell 3.50 2.80THE GENESIS FLOOD, Morris & Whitcomb 6.95 — 5.56 THE CAMPBELL-RICE DEBATE ON BAPTISM 6.00 — 4 80CATHOLICISM AGAINST ITSELF, Lambert 4.50 — 3 60 PORTER-WATERS DEBATE ON THE CLASS QUESTION 3.50 — 2 80IF BROTHER PAUL WERE THERE, Edd Holt . 3.00 — 2.40 THE COGDILL-JACKSON DEBATE (Baptist) 2.00— 1.60

THE GOSPEL X-RAY, J. D Tant 2.50 ___ 2.00 CAMPBELL-OWEN DEBATE 3.50— 2.80SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISM RENOUNCED, Canright 3.50— 2.80 CROWE-KIERAN DEBATE (Catholicism) 3.00— 2.40

WALKING BY FAITH, Cogdill 2.50— 2.00 BALES-TELLER DEBATE (Atheism) 3.00— 2 40THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH, Srygley 3.25 ___ 2.60 BOOK-TELLER DEBATE (instrumental music) 2.50— 2.00

THE FIRST BAPTIST (by Baptist) S. E. Anderson 1.00— .80 WHERE IS THE SCRIPTURE? 1.00— .75FAITH IS THE VICTORY (by Baptist) Kazee 1.00 ___ .80 A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS (by Baptist)

Overby 1.00 — .80 SPEAKER'S BOOK OF ILLUSTRATIONS, Prochnow 2.9 5 — 2.36 MORMONISM EXPOSED, Hancock 2.25 ___ 1.80 HOW WE GOT THE BIBLE, Lightfoot 2.50 — 2.00 RESTORATION READINGS, Swinney (special) 2.0 0 — 1.00 WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE SO

OF GOD? (Debate notes) Miller 1.5 0 — 1.20 JESUS AND JONAH, J. W. McGarvey 1.50 ___ 1.20 INTO THE LIGHT OF CHRISTIANITY (Jehovah's

Witnesses) Wm Schnell 2.95 ___ 2.36 CHURCHES OF TODAY, Tomlinson 2.50 ___ 2.00 THE GREATEST WORK IN THE WORLD, White 3 9 5 — 3 16

BY WAY OF REMEMBRANCE

In his second letter to the saints, Peter calls to their attention some things they are prone to forget. The apostle knew that brethren have a short memory and many times fail to remember the ver y things that have to do with their salvation. He was concerned not only about their memory whilehe lived but even after his death. Here is his statement in verses 15 and 16.

"Moreover I will endeavor that ye may be able

after my decease to have these things always

in rememberance. For we have not followed

cunningly devised fables, when we made know

unto you the power and coming of our Lord

Jesus, but we wer e eyewitnesses of his

majesty." What he is saying is this: You remember that after all of the apostles are dead the word of God is still true. You remember that the Bible is the word of God and the rule by which you must walk. The truth does not change regardless of the time that maelapse and does not depend upon any man but uponthe God who gave it.How wonderful is this advise and how it is needed in every generation. The pa ing of one year or a thousand does not alter or change one line ofthe scriptures. In at least two of the cities of the south where sound brethren have continued to teach the truth on institutionalism and other departures from the faith offers are being made by liberal brethren to meet and talk over the things that divide us. This is welcome news by every faithful child of God. We have pled with many tears for open discu ion for almost a decade. The truth has nothing to fear from such meetings and they couldgo far in bringing all back to a better understandingof the will of Jehovah. There are, however, some things worthy of our remembrance.

WHAT WILL WE COMPROMISE?

I can remember years ago when the Witty-Murch Unity Movement was in full swing that this same problem arose. Brother Witty had written article after article and made speech after speech abouthe common roots and heritage we had with our digressive brethren. All of this was good and wouleven bring tears to the eyes of those who loved the Lord. The phrase "meet in the middle of the board," became a slogan, as I remember it, and several "unity meetings" were held. One of these in Detroit proved the undoing of the entire effort when ayoung preacher stood up and asked brother Wittthe direct question of what we were going tocompromise? Of course brother Witty replied tthe effect that we were not going to give up any othe positions we thought were right, and unless I have forgotten, Murch decided he was wasting his time. The young man went right to the heart of the prob

lem. What ar e we going to compromise? He hadever y r ight to be this dir ect and bold. Wer e wegoing to give up the truth on the societies or instrumental music? Were we giving up the great doctrine of the silence of scripture? To meet anwhere other than where we now stand means that we will have to change positions. We have the same problem today. We can meet and are willing to do so at any time under the proper conditions and for the right purposes. The question, however, is still with us as it was with them, is there any area in which we can compromise? I think that this question needs to be thoroughly explored by any group of brethren before any meetings are

conducted. THE BARRIER STILL PRESENT As desirable as unity and fellowship may be it

can never be obtained contrary to the will of GodThe things that divide us are still there and will bethere after a thousand or ten thousand meetings. The all-sufficiency of the church of the Lord, thesilence of scripture, the purpose of the church, auuthority for the spending of the Lord's money anthe nature of the kingdom as opposed to play halls and entertainment centers were real i ues five years ago and they have not vanished. T he pa ing of few year s does not change the truth. How happywe are that some of the heat and prejudices are gone. The hard things that were said in anger, and the charges that were intended to destroy are disappearing, and for this we are grateful, but thereal problem still exists. It will not be enough thave the attitude of brethren improve the practicof brethren together with their teaching must improve also. Unless our liberal brethren are aware of this, new bitterness will be added to the old.Brethren who have stood for the truth and suffered for it are not going to be content just to"kiss and make up." Teaching and practice will have to change also. It will be misleading to conduct any meeting with our brethren and leave the impression that we are seeking any compromise. We are notseeking compromise, but truth. In the interest oftruth we are always ready to meet and study, in theinterest of compromise we do not have one hour to

waste when souls are to be saved.

REASON CONSIDERED

No man can know the things of another. It is worthless to guess in regard to motives and purposes. All that any human being can do is take what is said as truth and spoken in good faithThere are some things, however, worthy oconsideration. At the time of the division great prejudice was aroused against brethren who were opposed to institutionalism. Many of the brethren in the liberal churches knew nothing of the problem and simply believed what they wer e told. In the year s that have passed these brethren have had contactwith faithful brethren and have had an opportunity to look into the problem. There can be little question that thousands of them over the land are asking institutional elders and leaders questions they can not answer. It is possible thatthis inquiry on the part of so many is a great factor in causing these men to seek some kind ofcompromise. I continue to marvel at the sudden departure of so many from the old paths. It is more and more evident that the few departed for the many without their consent and without a knowledge on their part of the nature of the division. Brethren, let us meet with all men of good faith to study the scripture and especially withthose who are our brethren, but let us do so with the full knowledge that the few years that have goneby have not changed the word of God for we have not "followed cunningly devised fables."

"I want to compliment you on the excellen

editorial in the September i ue of Searching T he

Scriptures on the subject: Are We Losing Our

Freedom? You did an excellent job, showing how we

are losing our freedom civil and spiritual. I wish

more members of the church would read it and take

heed thereof."— William C. Sutton, Englewood, Tenn.

"I wish for the paper continued success. Regards to you and Jim."— Ward Hogland, Greenville, Texas.

"I really believe this month's first page article

about the printed page." — Mrs. W. A. Carroll,

Tampa, Fla.

"May the Lord bless you in His work and may you

have a long life and good health."— Glenn L. Shaver,

Oak Lawn, Ill.

"Please renew my subscription to Searching The

Scriptures . . . The publication continues to be good.

I appreciate your work."— Maurice W. Jackson,

Titusville, Fla

"I think that you have one of the best

publications in our time. Also I believe your book

on Scriptural Elders And Deacons is the best and

most complete book on the subject that I have ever

read. Keep up the good work. May God continue to

bless you in his kingdom."— Harold F. Houchen,Ontario, Calif.

"I enjoy this paper ver y much. Wish I was able to send it to all my fr iends and loved ones. Keep it up"— Mrs. R. F. Harper, Lakeland, Fla

"I have been borrowing copies of Searching The Scriptures from a friend, B. G. Hope, and I would like to have my own subscription. It's a very worthwhile paper."— Dick Blackford, BowlingGreen, Ky.

"Enclosed please find a check for renewal of my

subscription to Searching The Scriptures. Keep u

the good work."— David B. Moses, Phoenix, Ariz.

"Keep up the good work with the paper. You and

brother Miller are certainly doing a good job with a

wonderful work. I know also that it is appreciated

by all God-loving, God-fearing people. It cannot help

but do good."— Leslie E. Sloan, Jasper, Ga.

"Your commendable efforts in Searching The

Scriptures are a valuable contribution to the work of

the Lord here and are especially encouraging t

those where the sound doctrine is not in the

majority. Our prayers for your continued

success."— Paul Alexander, Tampa, Fla.

"Your paper has been a great help to me in

understanding the Bible. Especially have I

profited by your articles on Premillennialism. I can

understand Matthew 24 much better now. I am

looking forward to your next article on Revelatio

20."— Mrs. Mable Woodrome, Pine Bluff, Ark

"I enjoy Searching The Scriptures and wish to

commend you and the others for giving the time and

effort to produce this excellent paper."— Derrel W. Shaw, Dumas, Texas.

"T he paper continues to get better."— Colin

Williamson, Jonesboro, Tenn"I take Searching The Scriptures and like it very

much."— Mrs. Vida C. Williams, Griffithsville,

W. Va.

"I'm enjoying the paper very much. Keep going!

It will continue to do good."— B. G. Hope, Bowling

Green, Ky.

"Keep up the good work in publishing th

Searching The Scriptures. Keep the writing on a high

level, and free from personalities and malice, as you

now are doing. Searching The Scriptures will do a

lot of good."— William H. Lewis, St. Petersburg,

Fla. "I continue to enjoy r eading the paper and you

and brother Phillips are to be commended for your

choice of articles, fairness in printing both sides of

any question, as well as your own writings. We trust

that Searching The Scriptures will continue to have

wide circulation." — RossSaunders, Lake Wales, Fla.

WHEN PAUL CHANGED

We are living in an age when it seems that it is the "Mark of the Beast" to admit a religious change. Guy N. Woods denies it; Foy E. Wallacedenies it! And yet all an intelligent person has to do is read their articles of the past. Both of these men nave used reams of paper expressing their former beliefs. It seems inconceivable for them to say, "We haven't changed on the present i ues." A man might get by with this if he hadn't written much. But these men have written far too much to successfully deny their change

But why is it so difficult for one to admit achange? Well, first it is pride! Many believe thaan admi ion of change is an indication of stupidity.In other words they want people to believe they haveall the answers and always have had. If changingone's views indicates stupidity, I plead guilty! have changed, at least to some degree on the orphani ue, Herald of Truth, sponsoring churches, elders and their qualifications and scores of other things,I must admit I will make as many changes as the Bible demands. T her e was a time when I didn't know what I really believed on some of these things. The reason was that I had not studied them as I should have. It is po ible for a person not to knowwhere he stands. He shouldn't stay in this condition too long. We have the Bible and all one needs to do is study what it says and forget what everyone says

When one changes he is in good company. The great apostle Paul changed. It is good to know thathe didn't deny it. When Paul and Barnabas got into an argument over John Mark they went their separate ways. Paul evidently didn't have too much confidence in the young preacher. From 2 Tim. 4:11,he evidently changed his view because he gave him a great recommendation. In 1 Tim. 1:13, Paul said,"And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hatenabled me, for that he counted me faithful, puttingme into the ministry; who was before a blasphemer,and a per secutor, and injur ious; but I obtainedmercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief." Yes,Paul admitted a change. He even admitted he was ignorant at one time. How many preachers of todaywill stand right up and say, "I have been ignorant about many things and have changed by views." It seems they are as scarce as hen's teeth! I am glathat a number of preachers have changed their views about the music hall meeting in Houston. It is refreshing to hear them say, "Yes the music hallmeeting was unscriptural and I wouldn't engage insuch again." Let us face facts— it was unscriptural!It is good to hear brethren say that the Montana Radio Program was unscr iptural. Yes, like Paul many of us did some of these things in ignorance. I have had the Music Hall Meeting thrown in mface for the last several years. It seems that everytime a liberal runs out of soap he digs up the Music Hall Meeting. Let us clear the air about such

unscriptural ventures of the past.Several years ago some brethren in the Ft. Smith,Arkansas area wanted to put me on a local television

station so I could preach the gospel. Other churches in the area wanted to cooperate. So the question was raised as to how we would do it. Some of us quoted Phil. 4:15,16, and 2 Cor 11:8 where the Bible teaches that churches send DIRECT to the preacher. I thought we had the solution to the problem. Just send the money to Ward Hogland and he will pay thebills and we will have the program. I had some misgivings about the procedure but, at first, couldn't see any violation. Several churches andindividuals in the area had offered help and were anxious to get started. Fortunately, before we had collected any money for the program the error of our plans hit me like a bolt out of the blue! We had misapplied Paul's statement. Paul never did collect a dime for anything except his WAGES or his NEEDS. I was about to become a "One man

sponsoring church."

I called the brethren together and we got thething stopped! One can see how easy it is to start an unscriptural project. It especially sounded gooto me because of PRIDE. I was going to be the "BigDuke" of the program, even to the collecting omoney. But gentle reader, my ego wasn't as important as the Word of God. Several years later while meeting Gordon Clements, a liberal, idebate he brought this matter up. He said, "The

only reason Hogland didn't get his television

program is that he couldn't get it off the ground."

I countered by saying, "No, Gordon you are wrong.

The thing liked to have gotten off of the ground,

even with me trying to slap it out of the air!"

Brethren, the easiest thing in the world is to start

an unscriptural project. Many folks think we are

jealous of the men who started sponsoring

churches and The Herald of Truth. But kind

reader, let me tell you that the easiest thing I ever

tried to do was to start an unscriptural project

The reason it was so easy is that the devil was

pushing me all the way and it was down hill!

Oh yes, I was about to forget. We did get the television program. The Park Hill congregation paid the bill and I did the preaching. The elders searched the scriptures to see if one church ever sent to another church to preach the gospel. They couldn't find even one scripture, so they paid the bill withoutbecoming a sponsoring church. If you have founthat scripture they could not find, please send it tome. I am still looking.

THE DIS-UNITY OF ROMAN CATHOLICISM

The Roman Catholic Church claims for herself,four marks or four claimed characteristics . . . they are; (1) Unity (2) Catholicity (3) Holiness and

(4) Apostolicity. Although she makes these claims or assertions, the mere making of them does not prove her contention. In fact, it is the purpose of this br ief article, to display Rome's actual DISUNITY. It is an easy matter to demonstrate.

"HOSTILE CATHOLIC FACTIONS CLASH IN BUENOS AIRES"

Such is a headline published in the May 16, 1956,

St. Louis Post-Dispatch, date-lined from Buenos

Aires. Suppose we copy the item in part:

"Argentine Catholics, divided into two hostile demonstrating groups, clashed last night in fronof Government House over whether the Roman Catholic Church shall have more or less influence in Argentine.

"About 4,000 men, women, students and children

carried banners and shouted rival slogans intended

to impress Provisional President Maj. Gen. Pedro E.

Arumburu and members of his government. They

demonstrated and scuffled for two hours until

dispersed by police using tear gas.

"University and high school students had

demanded the resignation of Education Minister

Atilio Dell'oro Maini, who is considered to be a

Catholic partisan in the Arumburu cabinet.

"Dell'oro Maini tendered his resignation, bu

church forces insisted Arumburu reject it. Those

opposing the Catholic influence, the overwhelming

majority being Catholic themselves, demanded tha

Arumburu accept it. Preferring not to lose the

support of either' group, Arumburu delayed making

a decision. The two groups marched on Government

House last night to force a decision."

From the foregoing news item, several facts become apparent: (1) This is another case of Roman Catholic DIS-UNITY. (2) This is still another instance of the Roman Church and her adherents,becoming involved in political intrigue. Obviously,if the Roman religio-politico Church were not so closely united with the Argentine Government, such "FORCING OF A DECISION" would not be po ible.

CATHOLICS DIFFER OVER WHEN THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH BEGAN

Since the beginning of the Roman influence over 'Christianity' was a very gradual process, requiring centuries to bring into being, Rome sometimes brags ... "You can't name the man who founded the Catholic Church ... but we CAN name the man who started the Lutheran Church, the Baptist Church or the Methodist Church .. . therefore, since you can'point out ONE man who started the Catholic Church .. . obviously, Christ must have started it."

So, for the sake of this study, we'll refrain from describing the evolutionary process that brought thRoman Religion into being. However, we will show the DIS-UNITY of the Roman Catholic Church on the subject as to WHEN she was allegedly begun byChrist.

A Catholic member with whom I have corresponded at length, attempted to set me straight upon the date of the establishment of Christ's church. This Catholic member insisted that Christ's church had its beginning at the institution of the Lord's Supper, at the Pa over feast whichoccurred just before Christ's betrayal.

In the book, "This Is The Faith, Catholic TheologyFor Laymen," its author-priest, Francis J. Ripley, states on page 122:

"It (The Catholic Church. L.W.M.) teaches

that Christ founded His Church immediatel

and directly. Before He ascended into heaven

He set up on earth a visible organization, with

a central authority and properly constituted

officials, each with definite functions to

perform."

Now, if the above claims were correct, then thchurch was in existence BEFORE Christ shed His blood and purchased the church. If Catholicism is content to stay with this statement as to the beginning of the alleged Catholic Chur ch, thencertainly IT is NOT Christ's blood-boughtinstitution.

The Catholic Dictionary, edited by Attwater, states: "PENTECOST. The feast on which is commemorated the visible coming-down of the Holy Ghost upon the Apostles and the establishment of the Church founded by our Lord on St. Peter . . ." (Page 377). Of course, we denthat the chur ch was 'founded upon St. Peter,' but wedo find it interesting that the Catholic DictionaryDISAGREES with the previously quoted Catholipublication as to the TIME WHEN THE CHURCHWAS ESTABLISHED! Both books carry nihiobstats and imprimaturs, of the Roman CatholicHierarchy, yet they teach DIFFERENT DATES as to the establishment of the Church. Po ibly theneed to convene a Council in or der to DEFI NE the exact date of the Catholic Church's beginning!

CATHOLICS DIFFER AS TO DATE OF PETER'S ALLEGEDLY BECOMING POPE!

A Catholic publication entitled: "The Truth AboutCatholics," written by a priest by the name of Joseph

B. Ward, claims that St. Peter became Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church in 33 A.D. (See pag28).

The Catholic Dictionary, edited by Attwater, ilisting the dates that various Popes served, states"The Bishops of Rome, Supreme Pontiffs of TheUniversal Church:

"There are some discrepancies in the lists of popes, owing to conflicting records and the uncertain status of certain pontiffs; the following is an attempt to record historical probabilities. Familynames, when known, are given in brackets, and thdate of accession follows. The dates up to the third century are extremely uncertain."St. Peter (Simon bar-Jona) ... after A.D. 43." We call the reader's attention to the following facts:

(1) The first Catholic source quoted gives Peter as Pope beginning in 33 A.D., while the second publication copied gives it as "AFTER 43 A.D."QUESTION: Which are we to accept? Which, IF EITHER, is correct? (2) The Catholic Dictionaryadmits that there are DISCREPANCIES IN THE LISTS OF POPES. (3) That there are CONFLICTING RECORDS. (4) That the STATUS OF CERTAIN PONTIFFS IS UNCERTAIN. (5That the list given is composed of "HISTORICAL PROBABILITIES." And, (6) Dates up to the third century are "EXTREMELY UNCERTAIN."

May we remind the reader, that the Bible'contains nothing concerning Peter ever being iRome, or being given a 'Papal Coronation.' However,this treatise is concerned only with the DIS-UNITY between Catholics themselves.

CONCLUSION

Numerous other instances of CATHOLIC DISUNITY, can be cited, but these should besufficient to demonstrate the actual status of the Roman Church. She began as a schism from theGreek Catholic Church, which in turn, was adeparture that gradually took place, from the original New Testament church, established by Christ, on theday of Pentecost, A.D. 33. Roman Catholicism is inno position to complain concerning those who leaveher communion, inasmuch as she is the r esult of a similar departure.

EVIDENCE OF CHURCH OF CHRIST HOSPITAL

During the David Lipscomb College lectures, I believe it was in 1960, Marshall Keeble prophesied that "we'll have Church of Christ Hospitals in the next few years." With Prophet Keeble on thplatform were A. C. Pullias, president of David Lipscomb College; B. C. Goodpasture, editor of theGospel Advocate; and Willard Collins, vice-president of David Lipscomb College

From time to time since Keeble made his prophecy there have been several indications that he was correct. The Christian Chronicle of May 241963, tells about "The church of Christ clinic in Seoul, Korea." Also in the same issue of the Chronicle is an article telling about plans for thebeginning of such a clinic in Trinidad with medicalmi ionaries. Other information may be had about this by looking in recent copies of the Firm Foundation and the Gospel Advocate

But the other day I received a brochure tellinabout a Hospital in Tanganyika, Africa. This

brochure was sent out by the 6th and Arlington church of Christ in Lawton, Oklahoma. There is noquestion about it, this is a full-fledged hospital. In fact, this brochure, which is as large as any daily newspaper, uses the word "hospital" over a dozen

times.

We are told that the "congreation (sic) of Park

Row, Arlington, Texas, and Sunset of Dallas, have

provided a fine new hospital building to care for

the desperately sick, but their funds are exhausted

and they cannot equip the hospital unless the

Christians of America supply $25,000 immediately."

This $25,000 is just "estimated needs" and anyon

knows that in the end this amount will not be

sufficient. Here is a list for what the $25,000 will be

spent: "40 hospital beds, mattresses, sheets and

mattress covers, 10 baby cots, mattresses, mattress

covers and sheets, bed pans, one operating tabl

for major surgery, one delivery table, laboratory

equipment and lab reagents, urinals, wash basins,

food trays, stature tables, mayo stands, equipmen

for operating packs, operating room lights,

emergency room lights and examination lamps,

kitchen equipment and laundry equipment,

Sterilization equipment, X-Ray machine."From a humanitarian view it is fine that Christians are willing to go to such a country an

help alleviate human suffering, considering tha

they could make thousands of dollars more each

year here in the states. To such, no Christian would

object. But there is no question but this is the

church doing this work. On the inside of this

brochure are many pictures of the diseased people

of that land — pictures just like the ones found in

many of the denominational brochures. It is claimed that this hospital "draws them to

hear the gospel taught at the Mission" and "T he

ministry of healing is an essential, integral part of

the gospel." No doubt many will think what a

wonderful thing this is as a means of getting

people to come hear the gospel. But the LORD said

the GOSPEL was the drawing and saving power.

Read John 6:44-45 and Rom. 1:16-17. It is strange

that the Apostle Paul did not know this, because if

one will take the time to read the book of Acts he

will not find Paul establishing a hospital anywhere

in order to get men to come hear the gospel. When

this kind of an approach is made, one may wel

expect to see many if not all of them that have

come to go away when they fail to receive material

benefits. Jesus said so, John 6:26. If some

denominational body wer e to set up an oper ation

such as this not very far removed from this one

and make this one look like a peanut operation, this

denomination would convert more people to it. Al

should know the reason — because these people are

coming only for material aid in most instances and

they think that if they do not listen to what is

being taught that they will fail to get any more

assistance. Also it is learned from this brochure that the

churches of Christ have "a Bible School conducted

for the training of preachers not far away." Here

again is the evidence that human institutions are

essential to the establishing the Lord's church in a

distant land. Yet, the Apostle Paul didn't start a

school in the places he went to preach. If brethren

could just be content to go preach the GOSPEL and establish CHURCHES instead of starting hospitals and schools, they would see more people brought tChr ist. But it is evident that our liber al br ethr en are bent on having all of these human institutions sapping money from God's churches and they do notintend to pay one bit of attention to anything thatmight be said from the Scriptures. They like themthey want them and THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE THEM REGARDLESS OF HOW MUCH THE CHURCH OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST IS DIVIDED OVER THEM. THEY LOVE THEIR OWN WISDOM MORE THAN THEY LOVE THE LORD'S CHURCH. The only consideration that they have for the church is that it is where the money comes from to support their human

institutions.

We have already pointed out that those who are

connected with the Gospel Advocate, Firm

Foundation, and David Lipscomb College endorse

this set up. But also in this brochure one of the

featured speakers on the Herald of Truth, George W.

Bailey, has a letter telling how much good is being

done with this hospital. What do the Highlan

elder s think of this hospital deal ? Will the Highland

elders seek to establish hospitals over this country in

order to get people in their hospitals and then turn

the Herald of Truth on for them to view and listen?

No doubt many will say that they do not go along

with this. T hey may not for a time. But this thing

has a way of taking hold little by little until one is

within the clutches of the social gospel of modernism

without knowing it or how he arrived there. It was

supposed to be an i ue over orphan homes, but then

it was the Herald of Truth, then church supported

youth camps, then B. B. Baxter brought in the

college to the church budget, then church

supported homes for unwed mothers were introduced

by the Lubbock, Texas, churches. At the rate

some are going it will not be long until we hav

instrumental music in services since some already

have choruses or choirs singing for them. If

brethren ever intend to come back down the road

they have traveled back to the Bible, NOW IS THE

HOUR FOR IT TO BE DONE.

NEW TESTAMENTS American Standard Version AT AN AMAZINGLY LOW COST

83 — Limp Binding, Black 'Pajco' levant grained cover, red edges. Ideal for the personal worker's purse or pocket Price $1.50

84 — Tan Hard Cover, durable Rexine cloth, white edges, square covers. Price $1.50

85 — Deluxe Genuine Leather, black, gold edges, silk marker, head bands. Price $4.50

FRANKLIN ROAD LECTURE SERIES

Delivered in Nashville, Term., October, 1959 All 11 volumes $2.00

(Due to conditions beyond our control brother Patton was not able to get his column to us by press time. In its stead this month we givethis fine article from his pen.— Editor)

IT CONTINUES

Centralized control and oversight by the elderships of congregations continues to manifest itself in various brotherhood projects. First oneeldership and then another assumes the oversight of a work (which is no more theirs than anyoneelse's — if so, "How come?") that demands the support, cooperation, and efforts of many churches in the area, state, or nation for its success. Thus,the work of many churches is directed by oneeldership — the power, energies, and resources of many are under the direction of one. This is in plainviolation of a fundamental New Testament principlewhich limits the oversight of elders to the congregation in which they serve as elders (Acts 20:28; I Pet. 5:2)

Elders are not overseers of any phase of the doctrine, worship, or work of other churches. If elders can oversee any phase of such, What per cent can they oversee? If they can oversee anyphase, Why not all phases? T hen, we would havall phases of the doctrine, worship, and work of all congregations under the oversight of one eldership! How far is this from Rome? Elders are not over an area, district, or diocese — they are not diocesan elders. Such is denominational to the core!

We may not have elderships now that are directing every phase of activity of churches in agiven area, but we do have elderships now that are directing a work that is not exclusively their own —no more theirs than any other church in the area

— in benevolence, edification, and evangelismSometimes the work is not even within the scope ofthe church's mission — purely secular and social. The CONCORD STREET church of this city is guilty ofsuch as it relates to the HERALD OF TRUTH program. Where is scriptural authority for such ? Someone ought to answer this and other questions submitted in this article — yes, someone ought to.! If brother Gentry Stults can answer, we will give hiequal space in the Par Proclaimer. Please understand, that we are simply interested in anhonest objective study of the i ue in the light othe Scriptures. Any spirit foreign to that of our Lord should be avoided by each of us. Surely, itcannot be wrong to press for such a study when thesouls of brethren are involved.

Furthermore, something else continues to manifest itself. Prejudice, loyalty to party, pride orvainglor y continue to cause many to turn a deaf ear to all objective study of such matters. Remember, Jesus said of some, "For this people'sheart is waxed

gro , and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, anshould understand with their heart, and should beconverted, and I should heal them" (Matt. 13:15)

Consider the following proposition carefully. It is

taken from the Gospel Advocate, December 20, 1934,

p. 1223, and was written by W. E. Brightwell (The

Gospel Advocate has long since ceased to print such

articles. Staff writer after staff writer who hold

these convictions have been given the ax.)

"I submit this proposition: Any individual Christian, or group of individuals, smaller than a local congregation; or any group ofindividuals or churches larger than a local church; or any individual church itself that begins thinking in terms of what the wholebrotherhood should do, and goes or sends somebody to the churches to see that they do it,and acts as an agent or agency through whichthe brotherhood does it, thereby constitutes itself a full-grown, blown-in-the-bottle fourteen-karat mi ionary society of the deepest dye! There is no way on earth to whitewash it. There is no city of refuge where he may hidfrom God's displeasure. To call it something

else, or to leave it unnamed, is a mere technical

dodge. It is not condemned because it is similar

to a mi ionary society, but because it

VIOLATES THE SAME FUNDAMENTAL

PRINCIPLE the society violates — namely, the

initiative and autonomy of the local

congregation."

FALSE NOTIONS REGARDING FELLOWSHIPJimmy Tuten, Jr., St. Louis, Mo.

The question of fellowship is admittedly a broad and difficult field of study. It is also a neglecte

field of study, the essentials of which are seldom

understood by many throughout the brotherhood.

Complications are multiplied by far-fetched positions

and attitudes regarding the question. These

positions tend to create more confusion in the

minds of those who do not grasp the rich meaning

of "fellowship" as taught in the New Testament.

There are at least two prevalent positions which

fall into this category. One espouses the idea that

fellowship is promoted by being together in a social

gathering, and that this encourages a genuine

feeling of "brotherness." This group boasts of their

"fellowship halls," their banqueting and merriment,

all of which are no part of that which is embraced

in the idea of "fellowship.The other position is that spear-headed by brother

Carl Ketcherside, of St. Louis. He and others of the same per suasion take the position that "God has more people than exists within the walls of an organization calling itself the Church of Christ," and they are concerned about these so-called "Christians in all the sects." Hence, "fellowship othe concerned," is an expression often seen in certain publications. The logical conclusion of such reasoning is that our Lord does not have one true church, and also, one could not maintain that there are not Christians in all denominations.

Fellowship would have to be extended to all believers regardless of the vast differences in doctrines and practices of the religious groups with whom these believers are affiliated.

THE "FELLOWSHIP OF THE CONCERNED" POSITION STATED

Back in 1958, the Mission Messenger, edited byCarl Ketcherside, took the position that we should not make anything "a test of fellowship which Godhas not made a condition of salvation." In April of 1961, this publication stated that we ought t"regard nothing as a test of fellowship which Gohas not made a condition of salvation." The full concept of these statements and the implications associated with them, are seen in certain statements which have come out of various "Unity Meetings" which have been conducted over the country. It is advocated that fellowship should be extended to alwho believe in the "person of Christ," regardless of church affiliation. It is also said that the only basis for disfellowshipping is the "denial of the person" (deity) of Christ. Forbearance with the denominations, while at the same time overlookingthe differences that divide us, is urged. The conclusion drawn is that "doctrine" does not constitute the basis for fellowship. The only basis is said to be belief sincerely and honestly held, regarding the person of Christ. In July of this year,this writer along with others, heard brother Ketcherside's speech before the "North American Christian Convention" in St. Louis, which was the 25th convention of this nature brought into being byChristian Churches. One of the key notes of theconvention was "Christians cannot afford the luxuryof division." In keeping with this, brother Ketcherside said something ought to be done to joltour "complacency so we can get on with the task ofhelping 'to unite the Christians in all of the sects.'" Obviously, this one reference is nothingshort of the denominational plea for compromise and tolerance with religious neighbors, based upon the conviction that there are Christians in allreligious organizations.

Perhaps the matter can be clarified by observing some other statements made by brother Ketcherside. He has said in times past, "I regard every sincere conscientious person on the face of the earth whobelieves in Jesus as the Son of God as God's child and my brother in prospect. He is God's childbecause he has been begotten by my Father . .." (Roy H. Lanier, "The Denver Unity Meeting," Firm Foundation, September 25, 1962, P. 612)

Brother Ketcherside styles himself as a "midwife"

striving to bring the so-called children of God to

the point of delivery. The sincere believer is said to

be in an embryonic state and is acceptable to God in

this condition even if the sincere believer dies

without being born into the family relationship. In trying to analyze this position, one runs into

several confusing aspects. We will notice one or

two in passing. The believer is said to be our

brother "in prospect." Prospect means "a view of

something distant, expectation." The idea is self

contradictory, for how can a sincere believer be a

brother in prospect and at the same time maintain a

status of fellowship? The Eunuch was a brother in

prospect after he confessed his faith in Jesus (Acts 8:36-37), but he was not in fact a brother in Christ, nor did he have fellowship with the body of Christ until he was baptized into it (Acts 8:38; I Cor. 12:13). Then again, it is urged that the sprinkled Methodist, the immersed Mormon or Baptist, regardless of the nature and purpose of their baptism, are to be accepted in fellowship (Ibid.October 9, 1962, P. 647), in spite of the fact thatthey are not "delivered," nor "in the family relationship." If such are children of God as a result of their sincere belief in the deity of Jesus, whbaptize them "for the remission of sins?" (Acts2:38). If they are God's children, then they are in the family relationship, and redemption is a realityto them (I Tim. 3:15; Gal. 3:28-29). This position forces us to cease trying to convert people like thMethodist and Baptist, for they are already children of God. If this position were true, fellowship wouldhave to be extended to all believers in all the

sects.

THE TRUTH REGARDING FELLOWSHIP

This writer is no authority on the question of"fellowship," nor does he profess to understand every detail of brother Ketcherside's position.However, it is not difficult to see the fallacy of his position as it relates to the question of "fellowship." Brother Ketcherside maintains that fellowship consists wholly of a relationship sustained with persons, hence, between individuals. Fellowship is said not to include the ideas embraced by the believer, nor relates to their practices, for fellowship is supposedly only a condition. Angood dictionary or Greek lexicon will bear out the fact that for the most part this is true (i.e., thafellowship does-embrace the idea of relationship).We err however, when we say that this is the onlymeaning attached to the word. Fellowship is not only an a ociation, a community, or relationshipbetween individuals, it is a "partnership, a joint, or active participation of something with others," or simply the mixing of one's self up in a thing (Cf. Bagster's Analytical Greek Lexicon, P. 235).Fellowship is used to denote a relationship topersons in I John 1:3; I Cor. 1:9; 2 Cor. 13:14 and Phil. 1:15. That it also involves a relationship tthings and ideas is seen in such passages as 1 Cor. 9:23; Rom. 11:17; Heb. 13:16 1 Jno. 1:3,6,7.Sometimes it involves participation in another man's sins (1 Tim. 5:22; 2 Jno. 11). The fact that fellowship involves a relationship between GodChrist, and fellow Christians is expressed in such terms as "fellow-heirs" and "fellow-citizens." However, the relationship (fellowship) created is the result of active participation in certain acts, orsimply mixing one's self up in the truth (knowledgeof truth). It is contingent upon certain conditions,and involves a continuous aspect descr ibed as walking "in the light, as he is in the light" (1 Jno. 1:6-7). Recreational activities and entertainment are no part of Biblical "fellowship." Neither is fellowship a completed condition brought about by a single act of simply believing and accepting the deityof Jesus. Fellowship is brought about and conditioned upon one's embracing Truth in contrast to error.

(Continued Next Month)

". . . THEY REHEARSED ALL THAT GOD HAD DONE WITH THEM . . ."— Acts 14:27

GARNER-GRIDER DEBATE

Albert Garner, Mi ionary Baptist, and A. C. Grider, will discuss four propositions of difference between them on January 18, 19, 21,22, 1965. The discu ion will be in the citauditorium in Wauchula, Florida located onMain Street. The propositions to be discussed will be:

"The Scriptures teach that water baptism isessential to the salvation of the alien sinner."

— A. C. Grider will affirm and Albert Garner will deny.

"The Scriptures teach that the alien sinner is saved at the point of faith in Chr ist before and without water baptism."— Albert Garner will affirm and A. C. Grider will deny

"The Scriptures teach that a child of Godcannot so sin as finally to be lost in hell." —Albert Garner will affirm and A. C. Grider will deny.

"The Scriptures teach that a child of Godmay so sin as to be finally lost in hell." — A. C. Grider will affirm and Albert Garner will deny

Remember the dates: January 18, 19, 2122, 1965. This will be Monday, Tuesday,Thursday and Friday of the third week inJanuar y.

TAPES TO BE AVAILABLE

According to agreements in this debate onlytwo recorders from each side will be permitted to make recordings of the debate. PhillipsPublications has obtained these rights and copies of the debate will be made available to all who want them. Professional equipment will be used and complete copies of each night's discu ion will be on one reel. New l 1/2 mil"Mylar" tape will be used and the discussion will be clear and can be played on any taperecorder. If interested, place your order earlyand you will receive your set a day or two after the debate. Orders will be filled as they are received. The price will be $3.00 per tape. The entire debate will be $12.00.

Order from

PHILLIPS PUBLICATIONS P. O. Box 17244 — Tampa, Florida 33612

Derrel W. Shaw, Dumas, T exas — A. C. Grider has just concluded a good meeting here (two restored, much interest). During his stay here someone from your area called him to arrange adebate with Dr. Albert Garner. I a ume you wilhave recordings of this for sale. (Yes, they will sell for $12.00 for the entire debate— Ed.)

report that I have had to move back to Lone Wolf

because of a decrease in the contributions at Gotebo.

This came about because some of the brethren

there rejected me because of the lessons on

immodest dress, gambling, smoking, etc. I shall

continue to drive back and forth on Sundays until

they ask me to quit (I pray that I am doing the

right thing) or until I find another congregation to

work with. If anyone knows of such, please contact

me. Larry Bunch, Box 385, Lone Wolf, Okla.

RIVERMONT CHURCH OF CHRIST

Chester, Virginia

Dear brethren:

A few months ago, the Rivermont church ofChrist warned the brotherhood concerning brother Thetus Prichard. He has written the church a letter stating that he wants us to forgive him and prayfor him. We have acknowledged his letter and havegranted him his desires.

/s/ J. W. Adams

Fred Young

Edward Sulc

L. L. Applegate, Vernon, Fla. — I baptized a fine

lady into Christ Lord's day, November 15. To God

we give the praise. The church of the Lord is

growing in Vernon. Worship with us when pa ing

this way.

Colin Williamson, Jonesboro, Tenn. — It appears that I will be involved in a public discu ion of some type the first of December. The present plans are for a two night discu ion with each speaker takingabout forty minutes and then answering questions from the audience. The dates are December 7 and 8. The first night on the benevolent question: Churches of Christ may contribute to Orphan Homes. This is not the proposition but brother R. O. Wilson of Mar yyille, T ennessee believes they can do so and I believe such is without authority. The secondnight will deal with the Herald Of Truth arrangement.

Ralph Dean, Warrenton, Mo. — I began a full

time work here in Warrenton the first Sunday o

August. We are a small church that is beginning

to grow. If you know of anyone in this area we

need to contact, please write to me: Box 243

Warrenton, Mo. We have just closed a good gospel

meeting with Jimmy Tuten doing the preaching.

Five were baptized and three were restored. The

attendance was good throughout the meeting.believe great good was done in this area. We are

meeting on the corner of East Flora and McKinley.

Worship with us when you are in our area. A warm

welcome awaits you.

Larry Bunch, Lone Wolf, Okla.— I wish to thank Glenn L. Shaver, Oak Lawn, 111. — We have moved brother Charles Beaty for his appeal in the October from Louisville to work with the Burbank Manor issue of Searching The Scriptures, but I regret to church here in Oak Lawn, Illinois (suburb of Chicago on Cciero Avenue or State Highway 50). We

moved the 15th of October and since we moved

there precious souls have been restored to their

first love and one baptized into Christ. I conducted

a ten day meeting in West Frankfort, Illinois

October 26 — November 4 and one young lady was

restored to her Lord and Master.

H. E. Phillips, Tampa, Fla. — Luther G. Roberts of Salem, Oregon did an excellent job in proclaimingthe pure and powerful gospel of Christ at Forest Hills congregation in Tampa during the week oNovember 1-8. He is a wonderful co-worker in the Lord's work, and it was my pleasure to be with him and enjoy his companionship during this week inNovember. We had some of the largest crowds wehave ever had at Forest Hills. One of the encouraging things was that many came agaiand again to hear this man of God proclaim thetruth. His work was well done.

L. L. Applegate, Cottondale, Fla. — T hank yofor printing articles sent to you by brother ConwaySkinner and myself. I received Searching The Scriptures today but a little mistake was made inboth in which I call your attention and ask you tplease correct same in the next i ue. On page 1Conway wrote: "If interested, please contact brother L. L. Applegate, Cottonwood, Fla." It should havebeen Cottondale, Florida. On page 12: "The church in Beaumont, S.C. sent Conway Skinner." It should have been Beaufort, S.C. T hanks againfor your help in this respect. I baptized a lady intChrist November 15th. This makes three added bbaptism this year.

Robert Jackson of Nashville, Term, was the

preacher in a very good meeting with James P.

Miller and the Seminole church in Tampa, Fla.

October 25-30. Brother Jackson is an outstanding

evangelist and is in demand all over the country

... Colin Williamson of Jonesboro, Tenn. was in a

meeting in Parkersburg, W.Va., October 18-28.

Three were baptized. Good attendance prevailed

throughout the meeting ... Rufus R. Clifford of the

Eastland church in Nashville, Tenn. was in a good

gospel meeting with Thomas Butler and the Lake

Wire church in Lakeland, Fla., November 1-8. Colin

Williamson was the speaker in a gospel meeting with

the Love Station church in Erwin, Tenn., November 15-22. Jack Batey directed the singing

Granville Tyler of Decatur, Ala. was with HugDavis and the West Bradenton, Fla. church in agospel meeting November 8-15. This is a goochurch and brother Tyler did his work well in this meeting. Marshall E. Patton of Par Avenue church in Orlando, Fla. was in a gospel meeting with theNorthside church in Lakeland, Fla., November 15-20. Glen Sheumaker is the local evangelist at North-side. James R. Cope of Temple Terrace, Fla. willpreach in a gospel meeting with the Expressway

church in Louisville, Ky. December 2-9. James P.

Needham is the good evangelist at Expressway

Earl Fly of Lawrenceburg, Tenn. closed a meeting

at Valley Station, Ky., November 22... Clinton

Hamilton of Temple Terrace, Fla. closed a meeting

at Liberty Road in Lexington, Ky., November 22 ...

B. G. Hope of Bowling Green, Ky. recently closed a meeting in Paragould, Ark. where he labored years ago ... Jere Frost of Birmingham, Ala. was the speaker in a gospel meeting with the Pine Hills church in Orlando, Fla. Connie W. Adams is the evangelist at Pine Hills. T his meeting was November 22-29 ... Leo Rogol was the preacher in a gospel meeting with Bobby K. T hompson and theNorth Miami Avenue church in Miami, Fla.,beginning November 8. This good church is atower for truth in the Miami area.

The Walnut Street church in Greenville ,Texas where Ward Hogland labors had a four nights meeting with different speakers each night,November 16-19. On Monday evening James W. Adams spoke on "A Christian In The Church." OnTuesday evening Robert F. Turner spoke on "WhatWas Established On Pentecost ?" On Wednesdaevening Yater Tant spoke on "What Must The Church Do To Be Saved?" And on Thursdayevening Harold Turner spoke on "A Prologue To T he Book Of John."

James P. Miller of Tampa, Fla. was with Marshall

E. Patton and the Par Avenue church in Orlando,Fla. in a meeting November 8-15 . .. Fred Liggindid the preaching in a meeting at South End inLouisville, Ky. which closed November 8 ... Charles

E. Bland was the speaker in a gospel meeting at theHuffman church in Birmingham, Ala., November 15-20. Frank L. Smith is the local evangelist. ..Charles A. Holt of Lufkin, Texas was the speaker in a series of gospel sermons at Lakeshore church inJacksonville, Fla., November 16-22. Oaks Gowen is the good preacher at Lakeshore. J. T. Smith of Wauchula, Fla. was in a gospel meeting with thPunta Gorda church in November. Roy E. Cogdilwas in a meeting with the Glen Park church inGary, Ind., November 23-29. E. Lacy Porter is the local preacher . . . Roy E. Cogdill will be in a meetingNovember 30-December 6 at Butler, Mo. Billy W. Moore preaches at Butler . . . Hoyt H. Houchen oAbilene, Texas was the speaker in a gospel meetingwith the Southside church in Greenville, Texas,November 2-8. Herman Sargent is the local preacher. ... S. Leonard Tyler of Pine Bluff, Ark. closed a meeting with the Arch Street church inLittle Rock, Ark., November 1. Eugene Britnell is the good preacher at Arch Street.

The South Laurel church in Laurel, Mi , hadifferent speakers for a meeting November 15-22. On Monday evening A. H. Payne spoke on "Cornelius— Acts 10-11." On Tuesday evening Robert Waldron spoke on "Why The Bible Is Our Authority." On Wednesday evening A. C. Grider spoke on "What Does God Want Us To Know?" OnThursday evening Robert Waldron spoke on "Individual Responsibility." On Friday evening A

H. Payne spoke on "The Signs And Facts Of Matthew

24-25." On Saturday evening A. C. Grider spoke on

"When Does God Save Us?" J. R. Snell is the

faithful evangelist with the South Laurel church.

The Downtown church in Lawrenceburg, Tenn.

where Herschel E. Patton labors had a series of

lectures November 16-21 dealing with various

problems now facing the church. The following men

and subjects were announced: Nov. 16 — Curtis E.

Flatt spoke on "Race Problems." Nov. 17 — S. L.

Edwards spoke on "Petty Problems In The Church."

Nov. 18 — Barney Keith spoke on "Problems Of

Youth."

Nov. 19 — B. G. Hope spoke on "Marital Problems."

Nov. 20 — Arvid McGuire spoke on "Institutional

Problems." Nov. 21— Ed Harrell spoke on "Social

Gospel Problems."

Irven Lee of Jasper, Ala. preached a series of sermons at the North Street church in Tampa, FlaNovember 8-15 which dealt with the responsibilitiesof each member of the family. Brother Lee is a verycapable pr eacher and is well informed on this subject.

A. C. Grider says: "I will debate W. L. Totty: 1. Twenty-five times on fair propositions with both of us obtaining endorsements from our brethren invarious places. 2. Twenty-five times on the idiotic prejudicial Garfield Heights propositions, me with endorsements in var ious places. 3. Twenty-five times on fair propositions him without endorsement and my brethren making arrangements in various places." W. L. Totty and A. C. Grider are to debate at Gar-field Heights in Indianapolis, Ind., December 3 and 4 on the proposition Totty proposed,announced in the last i ue of Searching T he Scr iptures.

Ross Saunders, Lake Wales, Fla. — The summer months were encouraging ones at Lake Wales. Five have been baptized into Christ, and two who had leftthe Lord, have been r eturned to their Saviour.Others are expected to obey soon. For these werejoice and ask the prayers of brethren everywhere that His cause may continue to progr ess.

Doyle Banta, Athens, Ala. — Last month (October) I was in a most enjoyable meeting with B.

G. Hope and the Twelfth Street church in BowlingGreen, Ky. We had large audiences, excelleninterest and two were baptized. The church there has taken a firm stand for the truth .1 was free to preach the whole truth on any subject. They haveinvited me to return again in 1969. B. G. Hope has been doing a good work there for fifteen years. Ithink the church in that area has a bright future. Our work at Sardis Springs is showing some improvement.

Evolutionists contend that there are a number of

organs in the body of man that are useless and are

slowly disappearing. These are called vestigial

organs. He contends that at one time these were

functional but during the process of evolution

have ceased to be useful to the organism and are

now in the process of disappearing. T his is another

assumption made and conclusion made in the

absence of proof. There is no real evidence upo

which to base such reasoning. It may be given with

the hope that it sounds so "reasonable and logical"

that no one will seriously question such

statements. It is quite po ible that the so-called

vestigial organs have functions that as yet are

undiscovered. This was the case with many of th

endocrine glands. It was thought for some time that these glands, thougobserved and described, had no function. Now weknow that their secretions are essential for life and normal body functioning. Also, seemingly useless organs may have functions that are taken over bother organs when they are removed. It is known that a blood vessel may be removed in parts of the body and those that are near will take up the loadand function of the one removed. We get alonwithout our tonsils and adenoids yet they produce some of the blood cells of our vascular system. We can get along with one lung or one kidney yet we are provided with two as a sort of margin ofsafety. This is true of many organs or structures in the body. The appendix has been long considered a useless organ to man. In recent years it has beenshown to be a source of antibody formation in some experimental animals. As we learn more about thebody and its workings we must shorten the list ofthese "useless organs." A list of vestigial organs may be a list of our lack of knowledge rather than a list of useless structures. It has been shown to be such in times past. Truly we are "fearfully an

wonderfully made."

A VISIT WITH A MOUNTAIN FAMILYColin Williamson, Jonesboro, Tenn.

It was my good fortune recently to be invited tvisit and "take a meal with" a family I had not met. This experience began one mid-afternoon with myleaving behind the site of my home in historic Jonesboro. The first part of my journey carried metoward the majestic blue shrouded mountains in which lies the Tennessee-North Carolina line. The outside air was crisp and coop and made welcome thelong soothing and warming rays of sunshine thatfiltered through the windows of my car. Every mileof the trip through this beautiful countryside keepsone in keen anticipation of the view over the next hill. The valleys show signs of the morning's frost,and the trees that line the rim of the hills are dotted with many colors, vivid against the deep blue sky,The creator, God Almighty, has gently touched ouland with Autumn.

The winding road soon brings me to an East Tennessee town where I shall join a Christian brother for the remainder of the trip. It is good to share the time in conversation concerning the Lord's Causewith this brother. We talk of principles, suggestions,

and ambitions that are a part of the Lord's Word and Work. His manner of speech suggest a deep devotionfor the Tr uth that will save. As this brother drives I am afforded the opportunity to look at the sights. The twisting road makes its way around and up, past lovely waterfalls, by huge boulders, over narrow bridges. The forest is alive with radiant colors. Black, Red, and Gold spring from the dark green background. No artist could fully capture the magnificent spectacle of the parade of Fall among thebeauties of a summer past. God surely lives. The creation shows forth his handiwork. Without belief in Him one cannot explain who told the trees to change their colors .Autumn has a likeness to man's stay upon this world. It matters not how exciting, itwill not last. The leaves will fall, the wind will blowand the cold winter months will soon be upon us.

This precious season that God has given reminds us

of the briefness of our stay. The bright leaves will

fall before the on-rush of winter and soon our deeds

will unfold before the Judgment Seat.

SOON we can go no more by automobile. The car is parked, a flashlight taken from the compartment,and we begin to walk. We proceed up a footpath that will guide us in time to a place of human abodeWith the crackling leaves underfoot and the ripplingof the river below, one is compelled to take several deep breaths of the pure air. It is good to be alive.The barking of dogs signal our arrival and we are promptly ushered into a most hospitable surrounding. We meet in turn, the wife, thchildren, the head of the house. In short time we all feel comfortable with each other around a wonderful meal of delicious food. The expressions that fill the conversation are a source of inspiration to me. "God was good to us this year," "T he potatoes are fine," "He blessed us with a goodgarden." "We are fortunate to have the hickory-nut tree. The squirrels beat us to most of them, buhave a few to take home with you." "The Lord is good to us here, when he sends the frost to the topof the mountain we know we have a week or ten days to get ready." When the children were afraid about the Nuclear weapons I told them God wouldprovide." Few sentences all night are without some reference to the one we serve. It is plain that his influence is felt in this home.

AT nine o'clock the Bibles are brought out. It is

explained that this time is set aside for a family

Bible study. We are asked to join as each in turn

reads from the chapter of the evening. The father

leads a discu ion of the principles in this reading

and relates time to the present. It is simple, devout,

sincere, Bible study. I feel honored when asked to

lead a closing prayer. Examples of the benefit to

these childr en of this kind of study is noted in

their conduct and conversation.

THE children retire and we continue in study of

spiritual matters. We talk of the present division.

We are all concerned about the Unity of our

brethren. We all sincerely want to do no more than

Divine Authority suggests ... The mid-night hour is

soon with us and we must begin the return journey.

The wife insists that we must take pears and apples

that she might share the blessings of God with

others. So, with a sack under the arm, and

flashlight to guide the footsteps we make the

descent. Our host, with his light, accompany us. As I

watch the flickering light upon the ground it reminds

me that God's Word is our spiritual light. On

mountain foot-path one is careful to step only where

the light shows the way. When we all learn to use

this same approach to the spir itual light, wal

only where the light shows the way, our problems

will begin to be solved. We now reach the car and

each in turn grasps our host in a firm handshake.

He invites us to come again and remarks, "My

God protect you on your trip home." The motor

is started and the lights show up once more this

stalwart man, with upraised hand I heard him say,

"May God go with you."

Could we not all give the Bible a prominent place

in our homes and among our family circles? Could

we not all try to give the Lord credit for his man

ble ings? More of "The Lord did this" and less of

"T his is what I did." Could we not all pr ay and study with our children? Could we not studytogether in our homes with those brethren whodiffer with us ? It can be done, for it has been done. It was done in a mountain home a few nights ago.

BINDING EXAMPLESRichard Blackford, Owensboro, Ky.

Recently, I attended a meeting in which the

preacher confused some in his audience with the

questions "When is an example binding?" and

"Where do we find authority for certain things?"

His constant reference to such things as one cup i

communion, Sunday school and division of classes,

taking communion in an upper room, and how we

are to travel when we "go into all the world," either

captivated or confused the peopleIn trying to clar ify what has been disguised, let us notice the first item mentioned. The communion

was established before the church was and before

Christ died. Therefore, the apostles did not

constitute a church when they used one cup. W

do find that the first church of Christ in existence

communed (Acts 2). This is an example for us if

we want to be just like the very first congregation.

However, there is no example of their using one cup.

But, suppose they did. What happened when a new

congregation began? Did they send the cup to th

other Christians each Sunday when they finished

with it ? Did those Christians in turn send it to other

new members? We can see that this would soon

become an impo ibility, but we know that God has

not commanded us to do anything impo ible.

Therefore, it is first lawful, and second expedient to

use more than one cup in communing, and impo ible to use just one as did early Christians, if they didAuthor ity for Sunday school and division ofclasses can be approached in a different manner. We know that the church is commanded to teach. Hence, if the church is commanded to teach then it has the right to set the time when it is gointo do its teaching whether on Sunday at 10 a.m.

or Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. We also note that

Christians are commanded to learn (II Pet. 3:18, I

Tim. 2:15). Learning is lawful and it is good

"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, an

doeth it not, to him it is sin" ( Jas. 4:17). Bible

authority for division of classes is found in Hebrews

5:12-14. Here we find that some need teachers to

learn the milk of the word and others for the meat

of the word. Thus, we see that it is first lawful, and

second expedient to have Sunday schools and

division of classes and illogical to use some other

method.

In the example that people worshipped and

communed in upper r ooms, let us note that the

going to an upper room was not a part of the

worship of the church. They had not yet begun to

worship when they were going up. The upper room

did nothing nor did it add anything to the worship

service.

T he room did not make a sound just as our lights in our buildings do not say a word (when they dbegin talking or making music, then will I say they are wrong). Lights (Acts 20:8) and the use of upper rooms are lawful and in many cases are expedient. However, these are not binding because

they are not the work or worship of the church. If

If so, under what realm do they fall: Evangelism

Edification, or Benevolence? They are expedients

of the command to assemble.

In "going into all the world to preach," we find examples of preachers using several ways to dothis (ship, chariot, letter, walking). Are these binding examples? I can see that if they had achoice from all of their methods available, that I do too. Again just as the institutional issue, thequestion is not "how" but "who" is to go. It would be impossible to go exactly as they did then, since weknow no details of their devices used. Thus, in thegeneric command "Go" it is lawful to go the way we choose, it is expedient to go in the method suitable to our needs and financial status, and improbable to go exactly as did the New Testament preachers.

Some brethren have said that in order for an example to be binding, that it must have a basiccommandment behind it. WHERE IS THE COMMANDMENT TO WORSHIP ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK? THERE IS AN EXAMPLE, BUT NO COMMAND BEHIND IT (Acts 20:7). If they want to say that is not a binding example,then why not say that no example is binding. And if they say that no example is binding, then they have said the church today doesn't have to be like the one Jesus built, which we read of in the New Testament.

Fellow preachers, let us cease destroying the faith of Christians in the Bible, and rekindle that faith

"which was once delivered unto the saints."

MONTHLY PLAN 36 SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR $5 PER MONTH Send 36 subscriptions to friends, members ofyour congregation, relatives or those you wantto help teach the truth. You may have a bundleof 36 sent to you to distribute as you please.Many congregations are using this plan todistribute to those who want it. Send us yourlist today. 36 for only $5 per month FOR YOUR NEEDS IN BIBLES. COMMENTARIES. REFERENCE BOOKS. TRACTS. SERMONS. SERMON OUTLINES. DEBATES. RESTORATION STUDIES. DICTIONARIES. CONCORDANCES. AND GENERAL SUPPLIES Order From PHILLIPS PUBLICATIONS P. O. Box 17244 Tampa, Florida 33612

HARPER CLEARBACK NEW TESTAMENT

TP61 x — Black genuine leather, limp........................................ $6.50

TP 65x— Black genuine leather, half-circuit, red under gold edges. $7.50

TP 66x— Black genuine leather, half-circuit, leather-lined to edge, redunder gold........................... $8.50

TP 67x--Black hand-grained morocco, half-circuit, leather-lined to edge,gold edges........................ $10.00