THE BRIGHTER DAYJas. P. Miller

From the beginning of time man has looked for the brighter day. Thousands in the church of the Lord who have had "rivers of waters run down their eyes", in the last f ew year s ar e not exception tothis truth. We have looked and longed for a brighter day for the blood-bought church of Christ. The signs of this new era are everywhere. It is true that theyare just now beginning to appear, but the important thing is that they are here and can be seen. I knowthat the readers of Searching the Scriptures are beginning to see them for they are writing every day to tell the good news.

RESPONSES TO THE GOSPEL

What brighter sign could we have than theresponses to the gospel that the first four months of 1964 have brought. E verywhere men and women are obeying the commands of God. In my own wor k I can see them. In the meeting with the Azalea Park congregation in Orlando, although it was just a five-day meeting, six responded to the invitation. InMiami with the North Miami Avenue church nine were baptized and five restored and BobbyThompson has baptized several others in the monththat followed. With the downtown congregation inLawrenceburg, Tenn., with Hershel Patton as helper eight were baptized and four restored. In both of these meetings many of these were grown men. Br other Marshall Patton is in a meeting here at Seminole as this is being written and in the first four days eight have been buried with their Lord. In a recent copy of the Preceptor edited by StanleyLovett, a single edition told of a score or more whohad been added to the body. All of this is a wonderful sign of a brighter day. The old ship of Zion is back in the channel and the sailing is smoother and the wind is full in the sails. If space would permit, a hundred examples could be given.

THE OHIO VALLEY

T hings are happening in the Ohio Valley that give great promise of a brighter day. Fred Dennis isjoining C. D. Plum and others in pointing out thedangers that are threatening to carry the church away. Others will follow their example and thousands of brethren in that great stronghold along the mighty Ohio River will see and heed the warnings. This has been for years one of the mostconservative sections of the brotherhood. They can not be carried away by a group of young men who havenever had a debate with a teacher of error, or havelost a night's sleep over the dangers to "Israel". Men like Fred Dennis have tremendous influence from Cincinnati to East Liverpool and the brethren will listen to his words of wisdom. Another sign of a brighter day.

BARRIERS FALLING

In one town in Tennessee the two congregations that are divided over current issues have made arrangements to exchange pulpits on two Tuesday and Thursday nights and let each of the preachers speak for one hour while both congregations study. What a wonderful sign of better things. How couldanything but good result from such a study? Just think of the possibilities. Two groups of brethren that have known each other for years, who at onetime stood together and who love the Lord comingand sitting down side by side and opening their NewT estaments to find the complete will of God. It is my hope and the hope of this paper that this series of gatherings in Newbern will become a light for brethren in a thousand towns and cities to see and that the good accomplished will be so evident thatnone can say it was not good to be there. Plans of similar nature are in the making in other places and will soon materialize. Remember this, where brethren have a wholesome attitude in regard to theword of God and the authority of Christ there isevery reason to believe that unity may again be theorder of the day.

THE CLEARING AIR

Who will deny that the air is at last clearing? Brother Batsell Baxter rendered a great service tothe brotherhood when in a series of sermons in Nashville a few weeks ago he stated the position of the liberal brethren clearly. There can be no doubtnow that a segment of the church openly endorses the support of the colleges out of the Lord's treasury Not only is the college included, but anyother institution of a similar nature. This is in black and white for all to see and carries the endorsement of David Lipscomb College and a great number ofbrethren everywhere. The Hillsboro congregation printed them in a large booklet and will send it toany who desire to know what they believe. As wrong as Baxter is he has cleared the air. A storm of protest followed this presentation. T he Firm Foundation took sharp issue with the idea that thechurch should keep up the college. Lesser papers like the Defender at Florence, Ala., followed suit and the cry of "never" is going forth. This to me is the sign of a brighter day. Brethren are not ready to buyfootball uniforms and bass drums with the Lord's money. Confidence has already been lost in some of these leaders and more is being lost every day. This is a sign of better things for this reason. Thousands of brethren simply followed the leader. They did notstudy the issues for themselves and relied on thepreachers and papers to show the way. As they loseconfidence in these men they will begin to study for themselves and this is all that God r equir es to knowthe truth on any subject.

DISCIPLINE

Congregation after congregation is trying topractice the teaching of the apostles in maintainingthe purity of the church. Who will deny that it was a failure to discipline false teachers and ungodlymembers that made much of the heartache of the last few years possible? How many times are we told to cast out the "old leaven", and how few times in the two decades past have we seen it put intopractice? I know that even though brethren willsometimes make mistakes, it is a sign of a brighter day when they are willing to save the erring childof God through scriptural discipline and as a result give the truth new meaning.

A WORD OF WARNING

While spiritual Z ion was so busy tr ying to solve inter nal pr oblems she did not take note of a changing climate on the part of the world as awhole. For several years there has been a cooling off period religiously. We have emerged therefore fr om our own pr oblems to f ace an even gr eater problem at least in size and that an indifferent world. America is too rich and fat to be concerned about its soul. Western Europe and other parts of the world have followed suit. The gospel will still save, but we are going to have to carry it to the sinner. For a while at least they ar e not coming f or it, wewill have to carr y it to them. T he quicker we adapt our thinking to this old view of the full r esponsibility of ever y child of God to be "light and salt" the quicker God's power will again expand thekingdom.

Yes, brethren, the signs of a brighter day are everywhere. Let us work and pray that we "maylift up our eyes", and not only see them but have apart in bringing them to full fruit.

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In view of the present drive to enroll "Christian Colleges" in the budgets of churches all over the land, I want to quote a few excerpts from the Tampa Tribune of Sunday, April 19, 1964 concer ning Florida College, Tampa, Florida. I believe this would be of interest to all those who oppose church supported colleges.

I would like to make it clear that I am in no wayconnected to this school and never have been. I am personally acquainted with the members of the board of directors and the administration of Florida College, but I have consulted none of them in these matters which are to follow, with the exception ofasking president Cope if he provided the information that appeared in the Tampa Tribune. He assured me that so far as he knew no member of the administration was contacted about the information given in the Tr ibune. Obviously, theinformation was taken from published records of the past concerning this college. To me it is a wonderful thing to publicly state one's convictions relative to any contr over sial subject to the extent that even non-Christians will understand his position.

Four separate articles appeared on pages 13-E and 14-E by staff writers of the Tribune. On page 13-E an article begins: "Early in 1942 a group of Florida businessmen began holding informal meetings over the state in an effort to promote interest among members of the Church of Christ throughout Florida to build a liberal arts collegesomewhere in a convenient location in Florida.

"On June 6, 1944, a statewide meeting was heldat Lakeland, a board of directors was selected and a finance committee was appointed. It was decidedthe school would be a privately operated, independent, co-educational school which would pr ovide a good mor al and spiritual envir onment f or students

who were serious about their college education.Under the chairmanship of C. Ed Owings, someone referred to the college as 'a friend to youth,' whichdesignation has r emained with the school thr ough the years that have followed."

The school officially opened its doors September 16, 1964 with L. R. Wilson its first president. Brother Wilson resigned early in 1949 and James

R. Cope, then an instructor at Freed-Hardeman College, succeeded him and has remained president since. Various other historical matters were presented concerning the facilities, the growth, the school's library, and the fact that it gained full accr editation in 1954. T he author also stated that daily Bible classes were taught to every student as a part of his education, and this is still thepractice.

The author of this article then says: "Every student has a daily Bible class, which is fully accredited and fully transferable on the same basis that other courses at Florida College transfer to other accredited colleges and universities. It should be pointed out here that this school is not a church-related or church-supported college. It receives nofunds from churches but does attempt in addition tothe accredited courses in Bible, to provide thestudent with a good moral and spiritualenvironment which is likewise designed to aid in the development of the whole man" (E mp. mine— H.E.P.).

T his author knew that Florida College was NOT a church-related or church-supported school. This is because of the publicly expressed and publishedpolicies of this school concerning this matter. It is exactly as it ought to be: a school and not a church organization.

On the same page another article appeared whichstated that the college expects to double its enrollment by 1970, which would make the enrollment between 600 and 700 students. T hen regarding the cost of college education, the author said: "Despite the rapid advance in cost of college education Florida College has tried to keepexpenses as low as possible. T uition, room and board for the average student now is about $1,400for two semesters. Profit-making industries of Florida College (which pay taxes as do all profit making industries) have through the years managed to keep the cost at Florida College to aminimum."

On page 14-E an article appeared which "EXPLAINS NAME CHANGE." "In 1944, twoyears before the college in Temple Terrace, north of Tampa, opened its doors it was officially designated Florida Christian College.

"On June 1, 1963, its name was shortened to Florida College. Many people ask why. T his is the college's explanation." He then explains from thecharter the intention of the founding men toprovide a private, non-tax supported institution wher e the Bible would be taught daily and the whole man developed.

"Because the name 'Christian' was attached to the college, many individuals, among them a large number of people interested in the college, got theimpr ession that this college was nothing mor e than a school which taught only Bible subjects. If these people had taken the time to look at a catalog, or even look a little closer at the advertisment, theywould have promptly learned that this college notonly teaches Bible courses, but more than a hundred other courses in almost every field of collegepreparation . . . Over a period of a number of years it soon became evident that there might be ageneral misunderstanding of the basic philosophyof the school and especially so in view of ourposition in the field of the 'Junior College." After much discussion, in the student body, in thefaculty, among the friends— and enemies— of the college, the Florida Christian College board of trustees decided to change the name to 'Florida College.'

"E very principle, every policy and every basicelement in the original philosophy of this school isexactly as stated by the first board that wrote the original charter."

Regarding the original position of the Board of directors relative to church support, it was stated by

L . R. Wilson when he was president. The TriumphOf Truth, published by L. R. Wilson of FloridaChristian College, March 20, 1946, on page 3 hesays: "We want all of our students to attend church services regularly, and to support the church, notonly with their presence but with their means andinfluence. We want them to realize that the church is of divine origin, and can never be replaced withany human institution. We want them to know thatthe school has its own work to do, and that it is not an adjunct or auxiliary to the church in any sense" (These lectures were delivered over Radio Station WFLA, Tampa, Florida).

Again, in the same paper of April.3, 1946, brother Wilson states "The Position And Purpose Of FloridaChristian College." He does so in the form of questions and answers. On page 1: "Q. If this is the kind of school it is, then why isn't it a church school?

A. Simply because Florida Christian College doesnot belong to any church. It belongs to all those individuals who have contributed to it in order to make it possible."

On page 3: "Q. But you do look to the church tosupport it, do you not? A. No, we do not ask the congregations to support it. Neither the faculty notthe members of the Board of Directors ask for contributions from the congregations. We are simply trying to present our work in the true light, and each and every individual who believes our efforts worthwhile is asked to support it in whatever way he can . . ."

Florida College is publicly committed to thescriptural policy of complete separation of thechurch and college. It is the present policy not toaccept funds from churches and not to meddle intothe affairs of churches anywhere. I can commendthis college to anyone desiring the finest in college'education. If this policy is reversed, I shall be oneof the first to speak out against it.

To all graduates of high school I recommend thatyou write to Harry W. Pickup, Public RelationsDirector, Florida College, Temple Terrace, Florida for information about enrolling at this college. It is a good one.

QUESTION: Please explain Acts 2:44, 45; 4:34,

35. Do these verses teach that communism or a socialistic arrangement existed in the early church ? I have been told that this is so but that it was a "trial arrangement" and was afterwards changed by the Holy Spirit through the apostles. If this be so, does the example of benevolence in Acts 6 constitute a pattern for the church today ?— J. P.

ANSWER: Neither the verses referred to above nor any other s in the Bible teach that communism or a socialistic arrangement prevailed in the early church. Furthermore, this was not a "trial arrangement." It was under the guidance of inspired men— the holy apostles. The Holy Spirit directed this and he makes no mistakes! The example of benevolence in Acts 6 is definitely a pattern for the church today!

The sense in which the Jerusalem church "had all things common" is made clear in Acts 4:32. T hey "were of one heart and of one soul." This is evidenced by what they said and did. They said that they did not count their possessions as their own (v.32). In other words, they were not selfish in their attitude toward their possessions but rather regarded them as something to be shared with abrother in need as long as they lasted. All shouldhave that attitude today and under similar circumstances do exactly as they did. Obser ve, however, that only the needy received and those with possessions did the giving. This giving called for sacrifice beyond what might be called normal duty.T hat all sold all they had and gave all into a common fund administered according to the needs of all iscontrar y to the facts r evealed.

As a general rule the faithful in the past have exposed the erroneous view that socialism prevailed in the early church. However, in recent years liberal brethren, in an effort to justify church support of human institutions and in a desperate effort to avoid the force of apostolic example, have contended that this was a communal arrangement void of true benevolence— hence, no pattern for today. E vidence of this contention is found in one of the speeches made by Guy N. Woods in his debate with Joe Cox in Miami. 6-9, 1959, on the benevolence of Acts 6: "L et me tell you this, friends, that was a situation out of which the whole church lived. That is not a benevolent situation there— I don't know why these brethren bring that up — in the true sense of the word. T hat was a communal arrangement. Is that a pattern for the church today? For all the brethren to sell all their property, bring their money and lay it down at the feet of the elders and let the elders disburse it out to every person, poor, rich, good, bad, other wise? Is that a pattern?

Well alright then, let's turn you over to the communist. He doesn't believe that. T hat's what the communists say. Yeah, that's right." From tape recording of Miami debate— Emphasis, M.E.P.)

Of course, brother Woods is wrong in his

implication that the money was laid at the feet of

the elders. It was "laid at the apostles' feet." This

means it was used at their direction. After all they

were given power to "bind" and "loose"— they are

judges (Matt. 16:19, 19:28). The elders have never

been given such power. Furthermore, the implication

that distribution was made to everyone is also

wrong. Again, the implication that distribution was

made to all alike is likewise wrong. The very best

answer that can be given to the above and to the

questions of our querist are the very words of Guy

N. Woods himself writing years before in the Annual Lesson Commentary of the Gospel Advocate Company— 1946:

"It is not surprising that in such a community the apostles were able with great power to give their witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, or that 'great grace was upon them all.' The manner in which provision wasmade for the needs of the people was that'neither was there among them any that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that wer e sold, and laid them at theapostles' feet: and distribution was made untoeach, according as any had need.' Among theheathen nations of antiquity, systematic provision for the wants of the poor was unknown; and even among the Jews, whose law made ample provisions for this unfortunate class, voluntary benevolence was greatly neglected. It was therefore a novel thing to see many per sons in a large communitywillingly selling their houses and lands in or der to supply the needs of the poor among them. It should be carefully noted that there was nothing compulsory about this practice; the disciplesgladly and voluntarily sold their possessions when they witnessed the needs of their less fortunate brethren. This is an example for allother congregations to follow for all time to come. It shows that true benevolence requires that we shall not let our brethren suffer for food or the other necessities of life, even if those of us who have houses and lands must sell them in order to have money with which to obtain for them what they need. This teaches us that it is our duty to shar e what we have with our brethren if they are in need, even down tothe last crust. The church in Antioch followed the worthy example of the Jerusalem church in this matter (Acts 11: 27-30).

"We are not to assume that a socialistic arrangement or communistic affair obtained inthe church in Jerusalem. This is sometimes claimed, but an examination of what really occurred will reveal that there was nothing done there which follows the pattern of such practices today. T he r ecor d r eveals that 'distribution was made unto each, according as any had need.' The basis upon which property was re

ceived was not communistic; i.e., that all should have the same amount, but according to thneed of the individual. If one were so fortunate as not to need the nece ities of life, ndistribution was made to him. Only the pooshared in the distribution of property and this was limited to the nece ities of life." (AnnualLesson Commentary 1946— All emphasis in above quotation mine— M.E.P.)

PREMILLENNIALISM (No. 5)THE NATURE OF THE KINGDOMConnie W. Adams, Orlando, Florida

One of the basic errors of Premillennialism is a misunderstanding of the true nature of the kingdomof Christ. This was the same mistake made by thJews who rejected Christ. They looked for a Messiah who would lead them nationally and who wouldestablish an earthly kingdom much like the glorious days of the reign of David and Solomon. R. H. Bolltaught that the "kingdom promise was national and since the Jews did not nationally repent, thkingdom promise was not fulfilled." (The Kingdomof God, p. 35). In the mind of the premillennialist, thekingdom prophecies are delayed in fulfillment until the second coming of Christ. The Bible teaches that the kingdom of Christ is spiritual, not carnal and we intend to establish that beyond all question in this article.

1. The Kingdom Restored Argument. It is generally taught by millennialists that the kingdomof Christ is to be the kingdom of Israel restored,the old kingdom of Saul, David and Solomon. When Israel demanded a king instead of judges,God said to Samuel "for they have not rejected thee,but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them" I Sam. 8:7). Their sin in asking a king"to be like the nations about them" is further seen in the statement "I gave thee a king in mine anger,and took him away in my wrath," (Hos. 13:10-11.)The kingdom of Israel was conceived in a presumptuous spirit and brought forth by a rebellious people who rejected God that he should "reign over them." It is the height of folly to speakof the glorious reign of Jesus our Lord as a restoration of a .system which angered God in its inception, and tried his patience to such degree that he poured out his wrath in destruction of that kingdom. Premillennialists are quick to counter bquoting Rom. 11:26 and arguing that all Israel, as a nation, shall be saved. Paul said "And so all Israel shall be saved." The key to this statement is in theword "so". It is an adverb describing manner. And"so" (in this manner) all Israel shall be saved. In that context Paul had shown how the unbelieving Jews were "broken off" and the believing Gentiles "grafted in". He proceeded to show that the Jews could be "grafted in again" if theyremained not still in unbelief. In that manner thewould be saved.

2. The Nature of the Kingdom of Christ FromProphecy. When Isaiah foretold the establishment of the Lord's house, he said, "all nations shall flow unto it." The manner in which they would "flow untoit" was shown in the statement "he will teach us of his .ways and we will walk in his paths." T hat would all begin when the "word of the Lord" would go forth "from Jerusalem." T hen he said "and theshall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift upsword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more" (Isa. 2:2-4). The ones who convert their weapons of destruction into domestic tools are the same ones who are taught God's ways and who walkin his paths. T he gospel was designed to save the Jew and Gentile alike. In Eph. 2 Paul taught thaChrist made peace in the one body. "For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us" (Eph.2:14). This passage in Isaiah does not teach a time of universal world peace. It describes the peaceful nature of the kingdom of Christ and those in itwho are taught his ways and walk in his paths.

Another passage perverted by the millennialists concerning the nature of the kingdom is Isa. 11:6-9. Rather than describing a time when literal wildbeasts shall frolic with domestic animals, the passage sets forth the peaceful nature of thecitizens of the kingdom of God. Verses 1-5 of that chapter deal with the righteous king. Verses 6-9 deal with the subjects of that king. The Bible often speaks of men under the figure of beasts. "And in that day will I make a covenant for them with thebeasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven, andwith the creeping things of the ground: and I willbreak the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely"(Hos. 2:18). God's covenants have not been made with the animal kingdom, but the human. When Isaiah foresaw the highway of holine , he said "no lionshall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go uthereon, it shall not be found there; but theredeemed shall walk there" (Isa. 35:8-10). "And I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land, anthey shall dwell safely in the wilderness, and sleepin the woods" (Ezek. 34:25). In Isa. 11:9 God made it clear that the peace he was describing was to exist in his "holy mountain." Zech. 8:3 and Isa. 2:2-3 identify his "holy mountain" with Jerusalem andwith his house which would be built when the law of the Lord would go forth from that place. All of that was fulfilled in the establishment of the church into which all nations flow and in which the members are taught to live at peace with all men, and to be at peace among themselves.

The peaceful and spiritual nature of the kingdomof Christ was indicated in the prophecy "behold, thyKing cometh unto thee: he is just, and havinsalvation; lowly, and r iding upon an a , and upon a colt the foal 'of an ass" (Zech. 9:9). But the premillennialists have something more spectacular in mind with reference to the glorious millenniumthey anticipate.

Prophecy identified the law of the cominkingdom as one that would be spiritual (Jer. 31:3134). This would be a law imprinted in the hearts of men. Under the old covenant a child was party tGod's covenant by fleshly birth and was taught so when he reached the age of understanding. Under the new covenant all are taught first and then come into the proper relationship with God (Heb. 8:6-13;Jno. 6:44-45). The conquest of Christ is not one inwhich men are made to tremble before an intimidating military power, but in which their minds are brought into captivity into Christ (II Cor. 10:3-4). On Pentecost it is said "when they heard this, they were picked in their hearts" (Acts2:37).

3. The Nature of the Kingdom as Viewed from the New Testament. Jesus said "T he kingdom of God cometh not with obser vation: Neither shall theysay, Lo here! or lo there! for, behold, the kingdomof God is within you" (Lk. 17:20-21). He further taught that the kingdom is entered by a birth ofwater and spirit (Jno. 3:3-5). Jesus disclaimed any pretensions of an earthly kingdom when he said toPilate "my kingdom is not of this world" ( Jno. 18:36-37). So, it is a kingdom not of this world, entered by a spiritual birth and which makes its abode not within certain geographical boundaries, but within the hearts of men. It is spiritual, and thmillennialists are gravely in error when they try tmake it anything else.

Paul said that now "he is a Jew that is one inwardly," and that the circumcision that availsnow is that of "the heart" (Rom. 2:28-29). Hfurther argued that under the gospel the children of Abraham are reckoned according to faith and noflesh (Gal. 3:7,9,29). Yet premillennialists teach Jews to continue in fleshly expectations. Man is not to glory in the flesh (I Cor. 1:29). "For flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God" (I Cor. 15:50). "For the kingdom of God is not meat anddrink" (Rom. 14:17)

The borders of the kingdom of Christ are not to be spread by material conquest. The sword used in the invasion of the world is the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Eph. 6:17). It is that sword which pricks the hearts of men, capturestheir minds and brings every thought into captivitunto the will of Christ. I debated a premillennialist who argued that in the millennium he and his religious partners were going to be the Lord's literal soldiers sent out to round up kings and rulers and bind them in fetter s and chains of iron. He said that at that time their area of operation would betransferred from the "arena of debate to that of military coercion." That carnalizes the kingdom oChrist to an extreme.

It never was the purpose of God to usher in thekingdom of his Son with blar ing trumpets, withgreat pomp and fanfare. Rather he came meek andlowly riding upon an a . He did not court the favor of the rulers, but turned to the poor and humbleHe taught that the way to greatness was throughhumility, thus he humbled himself and becameobedient unto death. The ambassadors he sent out were ordinary men equipped with the special guiddance of the Holy Spirit. Under that guidance themade known the law of the Lord, men learned itwalked in his paths, made their peace with God and thus with each other as they were born of the water and spir it, the kingdom came into them as theycame into it, and that kingdom which began as agrain of mustard seed has expanded through thecenturies so that the great throng which gathers about the gr eat white throne in eternity will bmade up of all nations, kindreds and tongues whogained their citizenship in the kingdom madwithout hands. Any effort to alter the nature ofthat kingdom to make it earthly, material and carnal, abuses the word of God and cheapens the gloriousarrangement God made for his own.

(The next article will deal withthe second coming of Christ)

The carbon 14 method is used in dating organic materials. This method is dependent on the measure of the amount of radioactive carbon found in the organic material that remains. By the effect ofcosmic ray? from outer space nitrogen is changedto carbon 14, which is radioactive carbon. This can be determined by weight, since the atomic weighis 14 while the atomic weight or ordinar y car bon is 12. Carbon combines with oxygen to form carbondioxide, which is used by plants in making food by a process of photosynthesis. T he food is then carried to the cells and ti ues of the plants. Some of this radioactive carbon joins the oxygen and is used in this process of food-making. When theorganism dies the carbon 14 ceases to enter theti ues and that which is pr esent begins to decay. The half life of carbon 14 is 5,568 years plus or minus 30 years. The amount of carbon 14 in the ti ues indicates the age of the organic matter. This method of dating is considered accurate up toabout 25,000 years. Beyond this time there is so little radioactivity remaining that this method is practically useless in dating. Some difficulties arise from this method of age determination. Nonradioactive carbon may diminish the radioactivity of materials and increase the apparent age. Also,physical and chemical processes may enrich theradioactive carbon content and thus cause a decrease in the apparent age of the material. There is still too little known of the biogeochemistry of carbon to count heavily on this method of dating without a great deal of reservation.

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SAVING SOULS

All childr en of God admit ther e is no gr eater work in all the world than the saving of lost men and women. I marvel however sometimes at how little attention we give to this the greatest work. It has never been easy to convert the lost. There are times in the history of the church when it is harder than at other times and this should also be admitted by all. It is also true that we are now in one of those indifferent periods that have characterized past history. To meet this indifference there are things we can do. Simple things that too many times are lost to sight as we seek to do the Lord's work. Let me suggest a few to the readers of the paper.

First, we need to know who the prospects for obedience to the gospel are. A list of them should be clearly in the mind of the entire congregation. It is not enough to just preach the truth in ageneral way and hope that someone will come andhear. I know and have heard many preachers say, "tell me who is in the audience and what are their needs." In this way real direction is given to theteaching of the gospel. This was the rule of theapostles from Pentecost to Agrippa. Instead of avoiding the error that is in the minds of men,meet it with the truth. I remember several years ago on the same night and in the same meeting two members of the church came to me before the service and stated that they had brought a denominational person with them. It happened that they were both of the same faith. One said, "Be careful and do not say anything that would be controversial," and the other said, "If you can teach in such a way that she will see she is wrong." We need to know the condition of the prospect and weneed to know above all who are lost and candidates for the salvation that is in Chr ist.

Secondly, the salvation of these men and womenneeds to be heavy on our heart. It is little wonderthat we find it hard to convert men and women when we who are saved are not too concerned. Preachers many times leave the impression that they would be glad to baptize anyone who will come but that it is not a matter that will disturb them either way. They hold meeting after meeting and perhaps preach goodsermons but fail to make the church; and the lost see and feel the great urgency of obedience. They fail to pray about the purpose of the gospel andfail to make the br ethren see the need to pray.Sermon after sermon goes by without a fer vent appeal to the lost. Not long ago a fine preacher inmany ways said this, "There are some preachers who can have baptisms and there are some whocannot, and I am in the latter group." Regardless of his sincer ity just think of what he has said. Ipreach God's power to save but I am not a preacher who can save the lost. The truth of thematter is this, with an attitude of this kind he will never be able to move men. He is not puttingenough emphasis on obedience. He is not talking about it in his lessons. Brethren are not being stirred to help in this great work.

Brethren, we need to know who the prospects are and need to preach and work for their salvation. We need to pour out not only the love of God in sending his son, but our love and concern for the lost. Then and only then will we be successful. Remember, weneed to teach, teach, teach, but we also need tofollow the example of Peter on Pentecost when inverse 40 of the 2nd chapter of Acts we find Luke record, "And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation."

THE BEGINNING OF SORROWS!George Pennock, Nigeria, West Africa

The latest plan of some of our "Where There Is No Pattern" brethren has gained wide publicity, and thus it is only fair that I say a word concerning it. For three years the brethren in Eastern Nigeria have shown little interest, or inclination to help with the work in the Mid-west, though geographically, it is closer to them than to us. Brethren Bill Hall,Aude McKee, Paul Earnhart, and others, labored much on behalf of this work. Many were the sacrifices— days spent going from house to house; nights spent in the street; poor food; long absences from home and family; the drain on financial resources, and the strain on the physical body. These were all borne cheerfully for the work's sake, butwhere were the Eastern brethren during this time? What contributions were they making to this vital work?

Now dramatically they proclaim they are going to Benin City. A question or two are certainly inorder. Why the sudden interest in Benin? Is the work there in greater need now than it was two orthree years ago? What do they hope to accomplish? Are there not cities in the East where there is a greater need ? Onitsha, Awke, Idah, Udi, Abakaliki, Makurdi and the eastern region capital of Enugu are virgin fields. It is evident that they are notgoing to establish the church! The church has been in Benin for some time, though they have not shown the slightest interest in it for four or five years. WHY THE SUDDEN INTEREST IN BENIN?

It is reported that they hope to start a "Bible" school, but this is certainly puzzling if it be true. Where will the students come from? Are there enough prospective students in the seven small Midwestern churches to make the establishment of a school desirable or necessary? Where will the money come from for such an undertaking— from individuals or churches?

The churches in the Mid-west have NOT invited them to come. Contrariwise, brethren in both Benin and Sapele have written them, urging them NOT to come; and pointing out to them the consequences that such a rash move could have. But still theyforge ahead with their plans! Have they noconcern for the peace and well being of thechurch? Pleas designed "to preserve the unity ofthe spirit in the bond of peace" have, so far, fallen on deaf ears. This may well be the beginning ofsorrows in Nigeria. I pray that I'm wrong, but onecannot help

but feel that dark and trying days are ahead. While praying that God in his mercy will deliver the cause throughout Nigeria from such a trial, we must prepare ourselves against such a day; for if we are called upon to bear this cro , we must beprepared to do our best. Pray that God will grant us wisdom and strength in that day

One zealous brother now in the U.S. raising funds, tells his audiences that he is coming to the "Western Region." The same report has been made in the press. There is little excuse for such inaccuracies! One of the brethren involved spent the past two years in Nigeria and should know better. Benin City, where brother Solomon Etuk is the faithfulgospel preacher, is their target, and it is NOT in the Western Region. Nigeria is politically divided intfour States or Regions: Northern, Eastern, Western and Mid-Western. Benin City is the capital of thMid-Western Region, and is NOT in the Western Region at all. What is the purpose of this inaccuracyand sudden activity? Only the Lord and these brethren involved really know.

ANSWERING ROMAN CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER ADVERTISING!!

One of the titles of the Knights of Columbus Advertising Series, is ... "NO . . . THE BIBLE IS NOT OUR SOLE GUIDE!" To this particular 'ad' we now give our attention, inasmuch as it contains a number of UNTRUE STATEMENTS, and UNSUBSTANTIATED ASSERTIONS.

However, in fairne , we should point out thTRUTHFULNESS of their title . . . i.e., "No . . . The Bible Is NOT Our (Catholic Church's) Sole Guide!" For the Roman Catholic Church has so manydifferent "guides" in religion, that many of her honest and sincere followers scarcely know where to turn. Actually, the Roman Catholic Church accepts seven additional Old Testament books that the ancient Hebrews to whom it was originally given,rejected as non-canonical. Next, we should mention the more than 2,400 Canon Laws, many of which are binding upon the "lay member" (A non-Biblical term) of the Roman Catholic Church. We wouldbe remiss in our dealing with this subject if wfailed to mention the many Papal E ncyclicals, whichcontain "infallible utterances" binding upon theconsciences of the total membership of the Western Church. Then, there are those decrees of the General Councils of the Roman Catholic Church,plus the instances when the Pope has specifically spoken ex cathedra, allegedly carrying with such an utterance, attendant infallibility

The first paragraph of the Catholic 'ad' asserts ". . . the Catholic Church is the Mother of the Bible." "This claim is about as accurate as to claim that "the John Birch Society wrote the United States Constitution."

The New Testament had been complete for five hundred years, before the bishop of Rome successfully took unto himself the title of "Universal Bishop" (606 A.D.). The New Testament had beencomplete for nine hundred and fifty years, whethe Eastern Churches and the Western Church "parted company" as a result of the growing claims and pretensions of the Bishop of Rome (1054 A.D.).The Old Testament had been completed nearly four hundred years before Christ, and the New Testament Christians were termed "noble" as a result of their study of it (Acts 17:11); they were told to "study" . . . "Handling accur ately theword of truth," (II Tim. 2:15) ; and, conclusively,the Apostle Paul wrote: " ... from childhood you haveknown the sacred writings which are able to give youthe wisdom that leads to salvation through faitwhich is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired byGod and profitable for teaching, for reproof, forcorrection, for training in righteousness; that thman of God may be adequate, equipped for everygood work" (II Tim. 3:15-17). Thus, inspiration itself testifies to the fact that SCRIPTURE adequately equips the student of it, for EVERY GOOD WORK. This leaves nothing to be desired or added, since the first century A.D

The second paragraph of the 'ad' states: "But we(Catholicism) do not agree with the modern theorythat the Bible is the one and only source of religious truth." Thus, Roman Catholics deny and reject theplain statement of the passage just given from thpen of the Apostle Paul. Note, please, that the 'ad'asserts that the idea of the Bible being the one andonly source of religious truth, is a "MODERN THEORY"! The Apostle John quoted Jesus as saying: "He who rejects Me, (Christ), and does notreceive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day"(John 12:48). Obviously, if we are going to bjudged upon the basis of Christ's teachings, thewe MUST respectfully study the New Testament,for IT ALONE contains the teachings of Christ, and quotations from Christ. Later in the same book (theGospel according to John), the Apostle testified ..."Many other signs therefore Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are notwritten in this book; but these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Chr ist, theSon of God; and that believing you may have life in His name" (John 20:30-31). Clearly, John states that although not everything Christ did inworking miracles has been told about in the NewTestament record, but "THESE HAVE BEEN WRITTEN" ... an adequate amount HAS BEEN RECORDED in order to accomplish the desired result of the salvation of souls.

CONCLUSION

Please consider these questions: (1) If the Roman Catholic Church gave the Bible to the world, whyis it not once mentioned therein? (2) IF the Bible is a "Roman Catholic Book" why did the RomaCatholic Church fail to materialize as we know' itfor at least FIVE HUNDRED YEARS AFTER THE NEW TESTAMENT WAS COMPLETED? (3) Ithe Bible was authored by Roman Catholics, whdoes it not mention (a) The Pope of Rome? (b)College of Cardinals? (c) Arch-bishops? (d)Ecumeni-

P

ge

cals? (e) Mass? (f) Convents? (g) Monasteries?

(h) Bodily Assumption of May? (i) The Immaculate Conception? (j) Papal Infallibility? And many, many other inventions and innovations ? Read Matt. 15:8-9.

THE PROGRESSION OF WORLDLINESS

"For everyone that doeth evil hateth the light,neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should bereproved" (John 3:20). But when the light is turned off and evil deeds go unreproved, when society lowers its moral standards and actually approves evil deeds, then they are boldly advocated andbrazenly practice. Many rejected and reproved sins of yesteryear are now approved and accepted by society, including many churches. This has served to corrupt the minds and morals of men with false moral standards, allowing them to sin without restraint or remorse. When sin becomes acceptable and respectable in general, when righteousness is regarded as being out of date, then worldliness is "on the march" with devastating results.

THE WORLD LEGALIZES SIN

Due to political pressures and widespread practices, governments have continually enactedlaws legalizing many sins to satisfy the demands of lustful society. Adultery is legalized almost universally by granting divorces and remarriages for every cause. Gambling in various forms is lawful throughout the world. The unholy, ungodly,shameful and sinful traffic in human misery ofmaking and selling intoxicating beverages has longbeen legalized on the flimsy grounds that it is better for society. But it is never better to legalize sin. Indeed, "the whole world lieth in wickedness" (I John 5:19). "T he lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life" are its guidingprinciples.

CHURCHES SEEK TO SCRIPTURALIZE SIN

The legalizing of sin has affected many churches. Their moral principles have so deteriorated thatthey now accept what they once condemned. T hey have sought through Councils and Conventions to "scripturalize" sin by voting official approval. This gives comfort to those who desire to fulfill fleshly lusts. The following examples illustrate the progression of worldliness into churches.

INTOXICATING BEVERAGES: It is an indisputable fact that the Roman Catholic,-church makes and sells liquor and wine. Beer is freely sold at many Catholic picnics on church grounds. The Protestant Episcopal Church endorsed social drinking at its Miami convention in 1958,(LOUISVILLE TIMES, Oct. 15, 1958). In the name of "tolerance" many others will no doubt follow.

ADULTERY has long been acceptable to many

churches, who say officially that one may divorce

and r emarr y f or many causes, other t han the oneBible cause of fornication. I have filed articles and creed statements from church authorities which seek to justify this sin. Will they also approve fornication ?

Recently, due to the or ganized demand of students, the Lutheran Church of Sweden said through its official church paper: "Premarital sexual relations should not be condemned as a sin so long as the people involved sincer ely planned tomarry." (NASHVILLE TENNESSEAN, April 26,1964). Thus they seek to modify Bible teaching and scripturalize the sin of fornication! Time and demands will no doubt remove their arbitrary restriction that the fornicators must plan to marry. Will we live to see ecclesiastical approval of legalized pr ostitution?

GAMBLI NG has long been appr oved, pr omoted and conducted by many chur ches. At a Catholicpicnic in Kentucky, I personally counted twenty-eight gambling booths, including a dice table, with nuns, a five year old boy and his mother, and multitudes gambling with the blessing of the priest who was on the scene. It is a lucrative source of income for these gambling churches.

LASCIVIOUSNESS is sanctioned by churches which promote and conduct dances, and who approve mixed bathing and scanty attir e in public places. At least one church endorses and practices nudism! Of cour se, they would say such is appr oved by God!

How much further can churches go than to allownudism, fornication, adultery, dancing, gamblingand liquor drinking? No wonder sin and crime is onthe rise among young people: the older "religious" folks are leading the way!

CONCLUSION

The corrupting influence of legalized and clergy appr oved sins has no doubt cr ept into chur ches of Christ. While some do not endorse these sins, neither will they pr each against them, thus giving comfort to the guilty. The failure to preach plainlyagainst worldliness in whatever form it takes results in spiritual ignorance, sinful practices, slumbering consciences and lost souls. Alr eady many youngpeople are asking why they should not dance, drink socially, publicly wear shorts, divorce and remarry, and engage in premarital sexual relations.

Worldliness is on a rampage without and withinthe church, endangering the souls of millions. It is a major issue which threatens the purity of the church in every generation. The sword of the Spirit, God's wor d, is our only weapon to combat itsprogression. "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thyvoice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgr essions. . ." is applicable in each gener ation (Isaiah 58:1). But we preachers must take heed toourselves, keeping our bodies under subjection, lest after we have preached to others, weourselves should be rejected (I Cor. 9:27). Let us all take heed lest we become entangled again in thepollutions of the world and overcome (II Pet. 2:2022). Let us deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, andlive soberly, righteously and godly in this present world (Tit. 2:12.)

THEY REHEARSED ALL THAT COD HAD DONE WITH "— Acts

THEM14:27

Please send us your news reports, especially announcements 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.

Owen H. T homas, Waynesville, Ohio— As of June 1, I will have completed 22 months work with thechurch here in Waynesville. During this time there have been 27 responses to the gospel, 16 baptizedand 11 restored. I am to begin work with theBellgreen church of Christ near Russellville, Ala.when I leave Waynesville. My new address will be:Route 8, Box 50, Russellville, Ala.

Luther Jones, Ashland City, Tenn.— If there are Christians in or around Ashland City, Tennessee who take a stand against liberalism in the church, please contact Luther Jones, 102 Adkisson, AshlandCity, T enn.

Ules G. Reid, Jr., Hartselle, Ala.— The Westview congregation in Hartselle will conduct a lecture series beginning May 27 through June 7. We willhave a different speaker each night with the entire meeting dealing with current problems facing thechurch. The building is located on Vaughn Bridge road. I will be with the Trussville church of Christ near Birmingham, Alabama in a gospel meetingbeginning May 10 thr ough May 15.

GOSPEL MEETINGS

W. C. Sawyer was with the new congregation inBowling Green, Ky.— the Eastside church of Christ, meeting temporarily in the Eleventh St. School— May 10-17 . . . Cecil Willis will preach in a meeting June 8-17 at Expressway congregation in Louisville, Ky. James P. Needham is the local evangelist. . .Ross Saunders was with the Central church in Louisville, Ky. April 27-May 6. J. F. Dancer was in a meeting at Preston Highway in the same city, May 10-17 .. . Ed Harrell will be with the Wendell Avenue church in Louisville, Ky., August 16-23. Frank Jamerson is the evangelist at Wendell Avenue.

Roy E . Cogdill will be in a gospel meeting withthe Berney Points church in Birmingham, Ala., June 8-14. Dennis L. Reed is the local evangelist. . . Gilbert Copeland was with Eugene Britnell andthe Arch St. church in Little Rock, Ark., May 3-10 . . . J. R. Snell of Laurel, Miss, was in a meeting beginning May 18 at Beaver Dam, Ky. ... A. C. Grider of Meridian, Miss, was with the Belmont Heights church in Tampa, Fla. in a meeting May 11

20 . . . Charles A. Holt of Wichita Falls, Texas waswith the Glen Park church in Gary, Ind., May 11-17 .. . Jack Hobby of Merritt Island was with the Pine Hillschurch in Orlando, Fla. where Connie W. Adams preaches, May 10— 17 . . . Bob F. Owen of T ampa, Fla. was with the Spring and Blaine church in St. Louis in a meeting which began May 3. JimmyTuten is the preacher . . . Homer Hailey of Tampa, Fla. was with Ferrell Jenkins and the West End church in Bowling Green, Ky., April 26-May 3.

B. G. Hope of the Twelfth Street church in Bowling Gr een, Ky. was with the Westvue church in Murfreesboro, Tenn. May 3-8. Dave Bradford is the local preacher . . . Louis Garrett of Tampa, Fla. was with the Huffman church in Birmingham, Ala. May 3-10 . . . Harris J. Dark preached on the work of the church May 5-9 at the Belshire church in Nashville, T enn . . . Luther Blackmon was the speaker in a meeting at the Belmont church in Indianapolis, Ind. where William Wallace preaches . .. Grover Stevens of Louisville, Ky. was in a gospel meeting at Fair view church in Birmingham, Ala., May 10-17. Earl Robertson is the local preacher.

C. L. Overturf of Tampa, Fla. was in a meeting with the Lakeshore church in Jacksonville, Fla. May 24-31. Oaks Gowen is the preacher at Lakeshore ... Ward Holland was with S. Leonard Tyler and the Pine Bluff church in a meeting April 19-26 . . . Robert L. McDonald of Tyler, Texas was in a meeting May 4-10 at the Floral Heights church in Wichita Falls, Texas where Joe D. Scarborough preaches.

Grover Stevens of the Park Boulevard church in Louisville, Ky. reports that Richard Weaver of Cull-man, Ala. preached in one of the best meetings in the history of the church in Louisville. There were 25 responses to the invitation of the gospel. 15baptized, 5 restored, and 5 placed membership.

EDITOR BUSY IN MEETINGS James P. Miller co-editor of Searching The Scriptures will speak in the following meetings in July and August. July 5-12 will find him with the church in Newbur n, T ennessee and Jesse Kelly . . . July 1926 with the Eastland church in Nashville where Rufus Clifford preaches and July 27-August 2 withthe sound brethren in Tompkinsville, Kentucky. Ross Spears preaches for the new congregation there. Brethren are asked to take note of these meetings and make your plans to be present.

GOSPEL MEETING

H. E. Phillips of Tampa will be in a gospel meeting with the West Hollywood, Florida church June 7-14. All in that area are invited to attend these ser vices.

L. L. Applegate, Cottondale, Fla.— Our work in Vernon, Florida is very encouraging, having started with three families about nine months ago. Pray for us.

Karl Diestelkamp, Milwaukee, Wise.— The West Allis church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin has rented a used church building at 1029 S. 58th Street and announces the times of services as follows: Sunday

— Bible study, 10:00 a.m.; Assembled worship,

11:00 a.m.; Evening worship, 6:30 p.m. Thursday—Bible study 7:30 p.m. We would appreciate receivingthe names of your relatives, friends, and contacts who live in the metropolitan Milwaukee area. Send any correspondence to Karl Diestelkamp who labors with this church, 3361 S. 98th St., Milwaukee 27Wisconsin.

Maurice W. Jackson, Jr., Titusville, Fla.— The church of Christ at Titusville recently completed a nine day gospel meeting. Marshall E. Patton of Orlando, Fla. did an excellent job of preaching thegospel. His le ons were of the very finest. Manycongregations throughout central Florida were represented from night to night. Good attendance and interest prevailed. One was baptized intoChrist. Two were baptized and two restored a couple of weeks prior to the meeting. Others are expected to obey the gospel within the near future.

Vernon R. Butler, Jacksonville, Fla.— Bennie Lee Fudge recently finished a great gospel meeting April 29 at the Orange Park church of Christ. One was baptized into Christ and two restored. This was agr eat meeting in many ways. T he gospel waspreached faithfully every day and night and thbrethren of this area were brought into closer fellowship with those of like precious faith. The church was greatly edified and much lasting good will come from the faithful preaching of brother Fudge.

J. W. L indsey is the preacher at Orange Park.

Connie W. Adams, Orlando, Fla.— I have just returned from a meeting with the Gingellvillecongregation near Pontiac, Michigan, in which onewas baptized and two restored. Faithful brethren will be glad to know that there are five congregations in the Detroit-Pontiac-Flint area which ar e walking in the "Old Paths." ( 1) WayneCentral meets at 35900 Palmer Rd., Wayne,Michigan. G. E. Dickinson is the preacher. His phonenumber is 721-1312. This is the largest of the five and has about 100 in attendance on Sunday morning. (2) The South Macomb church meets at 27718 Harper at 11 Mile Rd. in St. Clair Shores. Contact H. C. Palmer, 24705. Johnston, E. Detroit,Michigan, phone PR 3-1582. (3) The Romulus church meets at 9426 S. Wayne Rd., Romulus,Michigan. (4) The Flint church meets at 963 W. 12th St. Contact Ezekiel Gowin, 3032.E. Whittemore,Flint 7, Michigan, phone 843-1726. (5) The Gingellville congregation meets at 4193 Baldwin Rd., Pontiac, Michigan. Contact Flavil E. Wallace,761 E. Madison, Pontiac, Michigan. At present Jim Prestininizi is preaching, for the Gingellville congregation. He supports himself in business through the week, but is willing to work full-time in that area if adequate support can be raised, or would consider local work elsewhere. He is a faithful preacher, 29 years old, and may be contacted at25258 Campbell, Warren, Michigan. The Detroit area has been neglected. Only one of the five congregations listed has a full-time preacher. Who can help support men in that ar ea?

Ross Saunders, Lebanon, Ky.— The Lord willing,I shall have completed three and one-half years of very pleasant work at Lebanon, Kentucky, June 141964. These have been profitable years for the Lord in this area. I am profoundly grateful to the Lord for every opportunity he has afforded me while here,and I pr ay that he has been pleased with these efforts. The brethren here are wonderful, and have alove for the truth. By June 21, we shall have moved to Lake Wales, Florida, to begin work with that fine church. We shall follow the Hugh Davis familythere. We are looking forward to the work there and beseech your prayers that it may be a successful work. Our departure from Lebanon is one of a peaceful nature. We love these brethren very mucand appreciate their considerate and loving attitudtoward us. They are now seeking someone to fill the vacancy we shall leave. I can recommend this work to any sound man in the faith, who will preach the truth simply, plainly, and boldly. This congregation is sound in every way and any other kind ofpreaching would not fit their expectation. A manof God could not want to be treated more fairlythan these brethren have been with me. Interested parties may address their inquiries to: church ofChrist, Box 18, Lebanon, Kentucky.

GOSPEL MEETING Carroll W. Puckett, Montgomery, Ala.— The Gay

Meadows church of Christ, 2665 Fisk Road,

Montgomery, Alabama will conduct a gospel meeting

May 20 through 30. Sewell Hall of Birmingham,

Alabama will do the preaching.

V. C. McCormick, Sciotoville, Ohio— Aude McKee presented some excellent lessons from first to last in our gospel meeting April 6-12. All who heard were profited for having been present. The full effect ofsuch messages can not be harvested until the great day of the Lord. Four were baptized and one placemembership. I believe even the membership of this congregation attended better and more consistentlythan in times past. The edification and spiritual fellowship should encourage all in the work of the Lord.

James P. Miller, Tampa, Florida . . . The results of the May meeting with Marshall Patton of Orlando

as the preacher was 11 baptized and 1 restored. This was one of the finest meetings in the history of thSeminole congregation. Patton is one of the ablest preachers in the church today. His le ons are profound yet so simple all can understand. Cecil Bennett led the singing in a wonderful way . .The April meeting with the Downtown church inLawrenceburg, Tenn. resulted in 9 baptized and 4restored. Hershel Patton is the local preacher and is speaking on the radio every day. His work is makingitself felt in middle T ennessee. Earl Fly and the First Street church helped with the effort byattending almost every service. Bill Hall directed the singing and is one of the best. . . Don Bassett of Temple Terrace in Tampa baptized 5 in a Dade City meeting with Roland Lewis. This was a May series . .. J. T. Smith preached in a good meeting with thMacDill Avenue congregation in Tampa and 4 were added by baptism. Colin Williamson is the

local evangelist

SCRIPTURAL ELDERS AND DEACONS

H. E. Phillips

A thorough study of the qualifications, relationships, and work of elders, deaconsand the church.— 312 pages.

— $3.75

J. D. TANT, TEXAS PREACHER Yater Tant A biography of one of the great preachers of yesteryear. Contains some of the most pointed sayings and works of this Texas preacher. Every page will thrill you.— 479 pages.

— $4.00

TITLES AND SYMBOLS OF CHRIST

James Large Of unusual interest and usefulness to preachers and teachers. All titles and symbols of Christ are alphabetically listed for ready reference and use. There are two hundred and eighty titles and symbolsused.— 486 pages.

— $4.95

THINGS MOST SURELY BELIEVED Forrest D. Moyer Deals with Christian evidences. T hese sixteen

brief sermons state clearly the Christian's "reason for the hope" that is in him. Deals with God, Christ, the cross, sin and redemption, the church, heaven and hell.

Paper bound— $1.50

THAYER'S GREEK-ENGLISH LEXICON OF THE NEW TESTAMENT Henry Thayer

One of the most standard and reliable lexicons of the New Testament Greek in print.

— $8.95

COMMENTARY ON ROMANS David Lipscomb & J. W. Shepherd One of the most used commentaries in years

past. T he detailed table of contents and complete index enhance this volume's usefulness. — 292 pages.

— $3.50

SPEAKING FOR THE MASTER Batsell B. Baxter

A course in public speaking. Composed of 16 chapters to enable public speakers to become better speaker s and teacher s. Can be used for class study.

— $3.50

CHURCHES OF TODAY

L. G. Tomlinson A book covering many denominations, their

beliefs and practices with the New Testament teaching that refutes it.

— $2.50

OPENING THE BOOK OF THE SEVEN SEALS Ashley S. Johnson

For 60 years this book has been out of print. Twenty-two sermons— one on each chapter of the Book of Revelation.

— $3.95

COMMUNISM: ITS FAITH AND FALLACIES James D. Bales

A book of real value in knowing the dangersand threats of Communism to the work of the lord. T his book is well documented.

— $3.95

THE EPISTLES OF PAUL

W. J. Conybeare

This book embodies the translation of the

epistles of Paul together with notes and

comments.

— $2.50

FIFTY YEARS IN THE CHURCH OF ROME Charles Chinoquy

T his book was written by one who knows.He was for 25 years a priest in the RomanCatholic Church. The whole working of RomanCatholicism is exposed in this book filledwith human interest.

— $3.75

PAUL'S LETTERS TO

TIMOTHY AND TITUS Don DeWelt Use this book for personal study. The reader who wants to study the epistles for himself has a good help in this volume. Many expository sermon ideas for the preacher are found in this commentary.— 332 pages.

— $3.95

ROMANS REALIZED Don DeWelt

A textbook, a work book, a teaching manual, a commentary on this book of the New Testament. A help to the Bible teacher.— 269 pages.

— $3.95

HOW WE GOT THE BIBLE Neil R. Lighrfoot T his is a factual account of how the Bible

has been preserved and handed down to ourgeneration. Suitable for individual and groupstudy. Thirteen chapters of helpful information on the Bible.— 126 pages.

— $2.50

SERMONS BY McGARVEY

J. W. McGarvey

A well known book of sermons by thelamented J. W. McGarvey. T wenty-four fulllength sermons on important Bible subjects.—400 pages.

— $3.00

THE COGDILL-WOODS DEBATE Roy E. Cogdill & Guy N. Woods A debate in Birmingham, Alabama in 1957

on Orphan Homes and Herald Of Truth. — 389 pages.

— $4.00

THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS Charles F. Pfeiffer A revised and enlarged edition of theauthor's previously published popular bookby the same title. A study of the Dead Sea Scrolls, how they were discovered and their significance.— 119 pages.

— $2.50

WHY WE BELIEVE THE BIBLE

George W. DeHoff T his book shows the reasonable basis uponwhich the inspired word of God must beaccepted as final authority. Thirteen chapters of a carefully written book. It will strengthen your faith in the word of God.— 1 20 pages.

— $2.50

HITCHCOCK'S TOPICAL BIBLE AND CRUDEN'S CONCORDANCE Roswell D. Hitchcock

A book of unusual usefulness. The entire Bible arranged according to topics. T he

result

is an encyclopedic reference book for finding

thousands of effort.	topics with	minimum	time and
			— $9.95

"All who love truth will enjoy reading this paper."— Ralph R. Givens, Oceanside, Calif."I enjoy reading the paper and wish I could send it to others."— Sadie Kilburn.

"I enjoy reading this magazine very much andappreciate its conservative outlook."— Wallace H. Little, Mesa, Ariz.

"I enjoy reading Searching The Scriptures verymuch because it is true to the book. Keep up thgood work."— W. G. Hurst, Louisville, Ky

"Please renew my subscription for another year. I have gained much knowledge from your wonderful paper."— Florence Jedlicka, Hialeah, Fla

"Let's continue to demand a thus saith the Lord for all we teach that God of heaven might continueto be glorified to the end."— H. W. Renau, Phillips,Texas

"I enjoy Searching The Scriptures and commendyou and your staff for your stand for the truth."—Oliver E. Newby, Memphis, Tenn.

"Since I subscribed to Searching The Scriptures last summer I have learned to appreciate your work very much. It has been a source of encouragementto me to stand in the 'Old Paths.' The goodaccomplished by your effort is immeasurable, and,thus, the value of the paper makes it worth every sacrifice on your part and mine to get it into as many hands as po ible. In the future I shall makeevery effort to introduce the work to my brethren,and, as I am able, I shall make it possible for some to receive the paper by subscribing for them. Maythe Lord continue to bless you, and rest assured that your 'work of faith and labor of love' is not in vain in the Lord."— Walton Weaver, Quitman,Ark.

"I believe Searching The Scriptures is the best—and the only paper willing to print both sides of any subject. Any man or group of men who ar e not willing to do this either know that they are wrong, or they are afraid to have it tested. May our Good Lord give you strength and courage to continue on and on."— W. L. Foshee, BowlingGreen, Ky.

"Keep the paper coming, we like it up here."—Karl Diestelkamp, Milwaukee, Wise.

"We continue to enjoy Searching The Scriptures. Your good work is truly appreciated. May God continue to shower His ble ings upon you."— Maurice W. Jackson, Jr., Titusville, Fla

"The paper, Searching The Scriptures, is anexceptionally good paper. The recent changes have been for the better."— Claude M. Wilsford,Pensa-cola, Fla

"I continue to enjoy Searching The Scriptures. It is among the best literature I receive. Keep uthe good work."— Ross Saunders, Lebanon, Ky

"Searching The Scriptures is one of the best I've seen and is doing much to hold back digression. Have received it for two years now and had it sent to others. I enjoy it very much. May God bless youin the good work."— Maggie Orton, Lawrenceburg,Tenn.

"I appreciate the good work you are doing witSearching The Scriptures. The paper seems to be

finer with each i ue."— E. Paul Price, Borger, Tex.

"I thoroughly appreciate the fine job you brethren

are doing through your paper. Keep up the fine

work."— A. P. Brown, Jr., Houston, Texas.

The danger which we will study together in this article is one that faced the Lord's church several years ago. About 20 or 25 years ago there were efforts made to show that it was scriptural fochurches of Christ to contribute to the support of the colleges operated by the brethren. It was aknown fact that if and when this was proved, thesupport from churches would be forth coming. Whilelittle has been said in public about this in recent years, let no one think that nothing was being donabout it.

When opposition was voiced several years ago tochurch supported colleges, those in favor of it saw their "sugar stick" with which to get the approval of many. There were a few benevolent institutions in existence at the time. Some reasoned that if the church could contribute out of her treasury to" one human institution, then she could contribute to two human institutions. With this idea, church support of benevolent institutions was drummed up to tune never heard before. More benevolent institutions were started, calling upon churches to support them. As this began to take firm root inthe minds of some, the idea of church support of colleges again began to be advocated.

One who has been used by his brethren in some debates affirmed this proposition along with churchsupport of benevolent institution and the "Herald of Truth." Here is the proposition: "It is Scripturally right for churches to contribute moneyfrom the church treasuries to support what is commonly called a Bible College in its work." This is the first proposition affirmed by W. T. Totty in The Indianapolis Debate.

Of recent date, brother Batsell Barrett Baxter had gone on record as saying that church supportof the colleges is scriptural. Here are some quotations from a tract by brother Baxter entitled, "Questions and I ues Of The Day."

"If Christian schools are needed and can be used by the church to train its young, does this not establish a strong implication that thechurch might have some responsibility instarting such schools and causing them to beavailable when young people have need for them? If Christian schools are needed to train leaders for the church, does this not implthat the church needs to help get the schools ready to provide such training?" (Page 27.)

"David Lipscomb and James A. Harding, inestablishing the Nashville Bible School in 1891,held this view, for they solicited funds from congregations all over Tennessee and surrounding states. These contributions were the means of starting this Christian school, iwhich the Bible has been taught for more than seventy years to every student every daalong with such other subjects as are neededto prepare young Christians for their places in life. This is

the time-honored position held by our brethren,though in recent years it has been forgotten by many. I know of no reason to abandon the solid ground of this historic position." (Page 27.)"Actually, the church has depended upothese schools for many years to play a major role in the training of preachers, elders, teachers, and others. Is it not right that the church should provide the funds for the training of its own leaders?" (Page 29.)

"Some who are agreed that the church cancontribute to an orphans' home are not convinced that the church can contribute to a Christian school. It is difficult to see a significant difference so far as principle is concerned. The orphans' home and the Christian school must stand or fall together." (Page 29.

"It is my conviction that the schools needto be dependent upon the churches, for their financial life blood in order for the schools to remain permanently loyal to the goals andprinciples which the Bible teaches." (Page30.)"The above paragraphs have been written to

show that it is scriptural for such contributions to be made ... " (Page 31.) Brother Baxter is head of the Bible department at David Lipscomb College; he is one of the featured speakers on the 'Herald of Truth'; he is one of the staff writers for the Gospel Advocate. T he editor of the GospelAdvocate, brother B. C. Good-pasture, is an elder of the church where brother Baxter preaches. Brother Baxter says in a letter that the elders approve of the position taken by him in thetract.

Already, three college presidents have declared themselves in public to be committed to theproposition that churches can support the colleges. These college presidents are Rex A. Turner,President of Alabama Christian College; H. ADixon, President of Freed-Hardeman College; anAthens Clay Pullias, President of David Lipscomb College.

Brethren, watch! The time is here when adetermined effort is going to be made for church support of the colleges north of the Florida border.Brother Baxter says this proposition is a "timehonored" and "historic position"; but let brother Baxter give the SCRIPTURE which would give the"SCRIPTURAL POSITION". .Until he does, we willcontinue to oppose church contributions to colleges.

"WHAT IS AN ANTI?"

J. Frank Ingram, Blue Ash, Ohio

Is it good ? Is it bad ? Is it a freak ? Is it a disease of some sort or what? Presently, the word "anti" is being used quite often by members of the church in reference to some of their own brethren, in theLord, without knowing what the word means or implies, rightfully or wrongfully. In this short article, I hope to help the thinking of those who are uninformed or confused.

The word, "anti" means against or opposed to something. Consequently every Christian must be"anti-division", "anti-instrumental music", "anti-sin", "anti-innovations", i.e. additions, subtractions to the word of the Lord, the work and worship oGod's people etc. Jesus was opposed to manythings among the people of his day and his word constantly strikes out against many things that ought not to be. One might say, in an unkind manner, "he was just another "anti". The Lord ordained the church a spiritual institution and she continued that way for many years. Today, manhave turned congregations into nothing more than a social club; buildings into entertainment houses which were built with the Lord's money for thepurpose of worship and the teaching of God's word. Buildings which are equipped with completelyfurnished kitchens, dining tables, recreation halls (shuffle board courts, ping pong tables and thelike). For one to object to such doings, he is called an "anti", and should be glad he is. Many preachers (so-called) in the church are indicating they are "anti-gospel" preaching. While they are so liberal in other areas, they are substituting story tellinle ons for gospel le ons. I am glad to report I am "anti" against this sort of thing in the pulpit. Many still need to be told what to do to be saved throughthe use of God's word. It alone is sufficient (2 Tim. 3:16, 17; Psa. 19:7).

There are many preachers today who are no more than politicians, promoters, and pastors over picnics, parties, pageants, popular pleasures and to givendorsement (approval) of every scheme and idewhich comes along from the flock. We should beable to see that men like this are similar to the prophets of Baal when they ought to be like Elijahof old and more recently like evangelists of the New Testament.

There are many people, some sincere, some who are not, in the church today who have taken theword "anti" and are using it in the way of Satan to destroy the reputation and influence of goochurches, faithful elders, and sound preachers. Just to say a man is an "anti" doesn't prove a thinunless what he teaches and practices is unscriptural.Those who use this term to mark those who oppose them, seek to blind the minds of others as did thePharisees of old, through prejudice. Remember that Jesus was more of an "anti" than anyone else could hope to be. Christ needs living and active voices now, to cry out against these departures and innovations in our times. There are many who are doing this and more are coming. Friends, this word "anti" is a prejudicial term designed to blindthe uninformed.

The church of Christ which meets regularly at 4667 Cooper Rd. in Blue Ash, Ohio is an "anti" chur ch, as in many ar eas, only in the sense westand squarely against every innovation and departure from the Bible. We are "anti" everything the Lord is "anti" or against. But ifthe term is used to imply we are "anti" (against)the work of the Lord in teaching God's word to:the end of edifying the church etc., or benevolence it is false and it is like wise true with those who are called "anti" elsewhere. We will, as we have, teacGod's word, exercise benevolence, BUT in a wawhich IS in harmony with God's law.

With the love of God from a pure heart (1 Cor. 13) we must be firm in the proclamation of God's truth to have a firm body of Christians. We can nolonger dilly dally around with error and those who arise amongst us teaching error. I plead with yodear readers, to consider the above and when yohave strong convictions, you will realize that sin among the brethren cannot be overlooked anymore than those of denominationalism. If we go to heavenwe'll have to be an "anti." Oh Lord, help us to hold forth the truth and stand firmly against error of all kinds. Amen.

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CHURCHMorris D. Norman, Plant City, Florida

In Matthew 16:16 Peter confessed, "T hou art the Christ, the Son of the living God". Christ then made the solemn promise that upon this rock, thathe was the Son of God, He would build His church. By giving the keys of the kingdom to the apostles,He would build His church by them, or by authorityinvested in them to preach the gospel. "From that time forth began Jesus to show His disciples hothat He must go into Jerusalem, and suffer manthings of the elders and chief priests and scribes,and be killed, and be raised again the third day(Matt. 16:21). His church could not be built untilthese things were accomplished.

Paul addresses his first Corinthian letter to "the church of God which is at Corinth" (1 Cor. 1:2). In1 Cor. 3:9 he says, "Ye are God's building". So the church which Christ promised to build was in existence at Corinth. It was established when Paul laid the foundation, and "no other foundation can any man lay than that which is laid which isJesus Christ" (1 Cor. 3:10, 11). Paul laid thefoundation by preaching "Christ and Him crucified" (1 Cor. 2:2) ; by declaring the gospel,which is the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (1 Cor. 15:1-4). The church at Corinth could not have existed except on these gospelfacts; Jesus Christ, the crucified Lord being thefoundation.

Paul preached the same gospel at Ephesus (Eph.1:13). It was based upon the fact that God raised up Christ from the dead to be head of the church (Eph. 1:20-23). The Ephesians were a part of thechurch, being made alive with Christ when theywere raised up (Eph. 2:5, 6) ; being reconciled inone body by the cross and made nigh by the bloodof Chr ist (Eph. 2:13, 16). Upon this basis they were the household of God; built upon thefoundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone; they being the"building" being "built" for the habitation of God(Eph. 2:19-22)

Hence the church at Ephesus was established bthe preaching of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, just as the church at Corinth had beenand just as every other church of the Lord in angiven community will come into existence, yea, eventhe first chur ch of the Lord's people that ever existed.

After the resurrection, Christ opened the understanding of the apostles in that it was wr itten in the scr iptures and that it behooved theChrist to suffer and to rise the third day, and thatrepentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name beginning at Jerusalem. They were to be witnesses of these things after theyhad received power (Lk. 24:44-49). On Pentecost the power

came (Acts 2:1-4), and Peter, for the first time, preached Jesus as the Christ, using the keys of thekingdom, the authority invested in him through thecoming of the Holy Spir it, as the Lord had promised. He preached the same gospel thaPaul preached at Corinth and Ephesus; the deathburial and resurrection of the Lord (Acts 2:23,24, 32). For the first time repentance and remi ion of sins was preached in the name of the Lord (Acts 2:38), and for the first time men and women were added to the church (Acts 2:47).

This pinpoints the time and place of the establishment of the church as well as the fulfillment of the kingdom prophecies that we have used so often and so effectively. There could be nochurch of the Lord until He died for our sins, was raised and exalted to the right hand of God ifulfillment of the eternal purpose of God (Eph.3:10). Hence the church was not established in thedays of Abraham, or of Moses, or of John thebaptist, or during the personal ministry of Christ simply because the foundation could not be laidbefore the accomplishing of the death, burial andresurrection of Christ; and it was not laid until these things were accomplished and preached. Conclusion: the church of the Lord was first established on the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ when the foundation was first laid as recorded in Acts 2.

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