STS Dec 1969

Volume 10 December, 1969 Number 12

"NOW IS THE TIME..."

Larry Ray Hafley

"Now is the time for all good men to come to theaid of their party" is a famous quotation that ever ybeginning typist has practiced at one time or another. However, there is "more truth than poetryinvolved in the statement, for some brethren are taking it literally. There are sects of every hue anddye, and brethren, who are eager to "take a stand" lest they be labeled as "middle of the roaders," are quickly and carele ly coming to the aid of their respective parties.

The word "heresies" in Galatians 5:20 is variouslytranslated as "sects," "dissensions," and "party spirit." Thayer says it means "that which is chosen,a chosen course of thought and action; hence one's chosen opinion varying from the true exposition ofthe Christian faith." Those who attempt to force their "chosen opinion" upon others are frequentlymistaken as men who are mightily, meticulouslycontending for the faith, while in reality they armotivated by strife, jealousy, and pride. Such people may have an air of scholarship that masks their true character of partisanship. They have an insatiable craving for controversy, a wrangling phobiaand wherever they go they are followed by quarrels, questions, and endless disputing. "These are theywho make separations, sensual, having not theSpirit" (Jude 19).

The sectarian loves his party more than the unityof God's family. He has a popularity rating amonghis party which he must protect, therefore, he wil"make the rounds" of those of "like factious faith" and persuade them in essence that "Now is the time for all good (sound) men to come to the aid of their (our) party." Perhaps the pungent pen of R. L.Whiteside best describes such an one:

"A factious man, or a heretic is a man who stirs

up a faction or adheres to a faction. The

factious man may offer any number of excuses

for his actions, but selfishness is at the

bottom of it. ... The more time he has the

more trouble he will make. He is the sort of

man who CAN-VASSES THE

MEMBERSHIP, misrepresents matters, pretends great devotion, GETS THE MEMBERS TO SIGN PETITIONS and documents, with the sole design to carr y a point.('Fire' the preacher or the elders.) He will filothers with the same spirit; and as he proceeds he becomes mor e and mor e unr eliable in his statements." (Emphasis mine — LRH) What,though, are the symptoms that sire sec-tarianism and promote partyism?

If, whenever one begins to talk to a brother, he must "feel him out" to see if he agrees with his viewpoint on a certain "i ue," he is (whether consciously or unconsciously) seeking another amen to his opinion. This is one of the first, fatal steps toward becoming outright, downright factious!

These are but a few of the characteristics that spawn schisms. Those who possess one of the traits will inevitably acquire the others that breed radicalism, partyism, and sectarianism. All concerned Christians must beware of the danger of becomingopinionated party pushers — "they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God" (Gal.5:19-21). We should carefully, scrupulously avoiadamant, alienating attitudes toward those with whom we may disagree. As brother Paul would admonish, "Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded,having the same love, being of one accord, of onmind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory ; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than ourselves" (Phil. 2:2,3).

"THE LIVING VOICE"

Pre-recorded TAPES

BARR-HOGLAND DEBATE

Vernon L. Barr & Ward Hogland Greenville, Texas March 25-29, 1968

Reel 1— "The scriptures teach that the alien sinner must be baptized in water for his sins to be forgiven." Hogland affirms — Barr denies Reel 2— "The scriptures teach that alien sinners are saved at thepoint of faith before and without water baptism." Barr affirms — Hogland denies Reel 3— "The scriptures teach that it is impossible for a child ofGod to so sin as to be finally lost in hell." Barr affirms — Hogland denies

Reel 4— "The scriptures teach that it is possible for a child of God to so sin as to be finally lost in hell." Hogland affirms — Barr denies

FOUR REELS-$16.00

HOLCOMB-SMITH DEBATE

J. W. Holcomb & J. T. Smith Neon, Kentucky June 5-7, 1969

Reel 1— "The scriptures teach that when the church comes together for the purpose of having Bible classes, women may teachsome of the classes."

Smith affirms — Holcomb denies Reel 2— "The scriptures teach that when the church comes togetherfor the purpose of having Bible classes, only men may teach the classes." Holcomb affirms — Smith denies Reel 3— "The artificial head covering of I Corinthians 11 is binding today on women who are Christians." Holcomb affirms — Smith denies Reel 4— "The artificial head covering of I Corinthians 11 is not binding today on women who are Christians." Smith affirms — Holcomb denies

FOUR REELS-$16.00

MARTIN-WILSON DEBATE

S. O. Martin, Seventh Day Adventist John W. Wilson, Christian Needles, California October 1 -4, 1956

REELS 1 & 2 — "The Lord's Day to be kept by Christians today" REELS 3 & 4 — "The Sabbath Day is to be kept by Christians today"

FOUR REELS-$16.00

LION-WILSON DEBATE

Don Lion, Unitarian Gordon Wilson, Christian Sunnyvale, California November 2 & 3, 1962

REEL 1 — "Divine origin of the Bible"REEL 2 — "Human and Evolutionary origin of the Bible"

TWO REELS -$8.00

AFTER TEN YEARS

With this i ue we close ten years of publishingSearching The Scriptures. In one way it seems like a long time, but from another point of view it seems but a few months. Many friends have been made and a few enemies. The labor has been hard, the funds short, the hours long, but many friends and brethren have stood close by to encourage and help in whatever way they could. Above all the merciful and loving Father in heaven has provided the opportunitand ability to continue without interruption fothese ten wonderful years. Whether I shall remain another ten years, I do not know. But should it be the good pleasure of the God of heaven that we continue this effort another ten years, I pray that shall be able to crowd into them twice as much as in the past ten.

As we prepare to embark upon the eleventh year in "Searching The Scriptures" with you who read this journal, we shall continue to strive to accomplish the same goal we have had from the beginning:to get people to study the word of God to find the truth. We try to cover a wide range of studies andpresent them in such a way that anyone can understand. We urge people to not only subscribe to this journal, but to study it in the light of divine truth. Itis the truth that will make men fr ee ( John 8:32) .

The only way that truth can be obtained is by a diligent study of the word of God. Too few people putforth the effort to learn the truth, and even less will obey it when they learn it.

Janie Ward, one of the faithful young ladies who helps with the publication of this paper, wrote the following in an effort to call attention to the need for individual effort in studying the word of God:

"Is there a part of your day set aside to studythe word of God? You should get to know theauthor of the Bible by spending some of your time reading his word. As Searching The Scrip-tures comes into your home, do not be contentjust to glance hurriedly through it, but read itcarefully and compare with the word of God.Perhaps some light will be shed upon some passage that you have never before understood. This paper is published for people who are in-terested in spiritual growth. The best part ofreading Searching The Scr iptures is the timewhen your mind is filled with spiritual things. These are rare moments in our busy world. While you enjoy reading the articles from the pen of the different writers, why not make itpo ible for others to have this opportunity?You have a responsibility to help teach others the word of God, and this is a good way to helpdo it. Do not let a lapse of memory be the cause of your subscription expiring. Renew now!"

Several able men have been enlisted to prepare studies on a regular basis. Articles from other good men will appear from time to time. It has been made clear that I do not intend to edit articles in the sense of changing the wording and rewriting them. If an article is not suitable or is too long, it will be returned with suggestions that will make it suitable for this publication. I have also stated before that we do not intend to publish articles that have beenwritten in other papers. The only exception will benews items and reports of special significance

I reiterate again that I am not obligated to be in agreement with all that one may write in this paper. I accept the responsibility for publishing the articles, and will try to understand what each says, butI will not be obliged to defend what another has written. If, in my judgment, an article will afford some opportunity to learn something of truth and is designed to edify, I will publish it as space is available. Personal battles can be fought upon another battleground. I do not intend to provide the arena for preacher conflicts over opinions and personal feelings. If error is involved and the word of Godperverted to support a false doctrine, we shall noshr ink from using the sword of the Spir it with allthe force we possess. And we shall not fear to identify the error and those involved. T his will alwaysbe done in love for the truth and the souls of lost men. I welcome any helpful criticism and suggestions. I do not promise to accept every one, but I will listen and learn as we all grow together in the graceand knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Please send your renewal today. Even better, send a club of four for only $10.00. Thank you for your prayers, your encouragement and your subscriptions.

A CRAVING FOR FELLOWSHIP

It is a well known fact that the brotherhood is going through an era of craving fellowship. Papers come to my desk flooded with articles pleading witbrethren to have fellowship. The Firm Foundation, a religious journal out of Austin, Texas, tells of a meeting between brethren we commonly call "liberals" and "Ultra-liberals." This meeting brought together men like Reuel Lemmons and members of the conservative wing of the First Christian church. There have been meetings between "Conservatives" and "Liberals" to try to solve problems among us. For years Jimmie Lovell, editor of Action, a paper published on the West coast has plead for unityCarl Ketcherside and Leroy Garrett both plead founity. B. C. Goodpasture of the Gospel Advocatewants unity. Ward Hogland wants unity. H. E. Phillips, editor of Searching the Scriptures, pleads for unity. Yater Tant, of the Guardian wants unity.Stanley Lovett of the Preceptor and Cecil Willis of the Truth Magazine both plead for unity. Am I opposed to meeting brethren with whom I disagree? Certainly not! Am I opposed to writing on unityThat would be foolish. But what about this dream? Where has it led? What has it accomplished? Personally, I believe that much of the work on fellowship and unity has been in vain. If you build a house,you don't start with the roof; you start with the foundation. The same is true in regard to the subject of fellowship. When I think of unity, I also think of what an older preacher told me several years ago. I was working with this problem and he said,"Ward, you cannot put a square peg in a round hole." It took a little while for it to soak in, but I got themessage. I believe that older preacher was right.Brethren can't shove their honest convictions under the table and worship and work together as thoughnothing is wrong. Until they obey Paul and begin to speak the same thing and become of the same mind and judgment, their work on fellowship is vain.

Paul said, "Now I beseech you, brethren, by thname of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions amonyou; but that ye be perfectly joined together in thesame mind and in the same judgment" (I Cor. 1:10).The church at Corinth had a number of problems. They did not see alike and many of them were wrong.This false teaching had broken fellowship and wouldhave lead to an open split (separation) if it had notbeen corrected. Technically, the church was already split even though they were meeting under the same roof! If this false teaching had not been corrected by Paul, there is no doubt that the congregation would have split up and gone their various waysHowever, fortunately the matter was corrected andfellowship was restored to this congregation. Weshould all get a lesson from Corinth. If brethren do not SPEAK the same things, will they worship together long? I don't think so. If brethren are not of the same mind will they work for a common cause? You know the answer.

It seems that some brethren have such a cravingfor fellowship they feel brethren should forget about their conviction on church cooperation, instrumental music, mi ionary societies, the cup question, Premillennialism, etc. They feel these things should beshoved under the table. But will it work? Certainlynot. T his would be like playing cards out of twodecks. One would never know what to expect next.It is my firm conviction that we need to emulatePaul and discuss the problem and not the result of the problem. Of course, when we discuss the problem,fellowship becomes a related subject. When Paulwrote Corinth, fellowship was a side i ue to the real problem. The problem at Corinth was wearing human names and being baptized in the name of preachersinstead of Christ. This disrupted fellowship and it was not restored UNTIL they all began to speak the same thing and became of the same mind and thesame judgment. Brethren, I still believe this is the only solution to our problem. I believe too much emphasis has been put on FELLOWSHIP and notenough on the CAUSE of division. I do not believe the Bible teaches one group that baptism is necessar y to salvation and another group that it isn't.

I do not believe the Bible teaches one group obrethren that Herald of Truth is scriptural and another group that it isn't. Paul didn't say, "Now some of you in Corinth can wear my name and another group may wear Peter's name for after all we can't all see alike." The problem had to be solved. I believe the Bible solves all of our problems. If it doesn't we might as well throw it in a trash can! May I saythat I believe it solves them in away we can all speakthe SAME thing, just like brother Paul said. Our problems are not solved when one group of brethren say it is scriptural to support colleges, hospitals,orphan homes etc. and another group says such isnot scriptural. To say the Bible teaches both sides of this question would make mockery both out of theBible and fellowship

Gentle reader, I crave fellowship, but I do nobelieve it will come until we solve our problems. I also believe they will be solved one at a time. Peopledo not go into digression all at one time, and I doubt that they will be brought back any different. Yes,let us all work for fellowship but let us follow Paul's instruction on how to attain it. If we refuse Bible instruction I fear that our big dreams of fellowshipwill turn out to be a long nightmare.

SHALL WE PUT CHRIST IN

CHRISTMAS OR IN CHRISTIANS?

(Note: I would like to devote my space this month to the following article which was written several years ago by my brother, Charlie, who now preaches for the Centerview church near Russellville, Alabama. I believe that our readers will find the article

interesting and timely. E.B.)

"Put Christ back in Christmas." This is a sayingthat reigns supreme at this season of the year. Borrowing this phrase, I would like to admonish, "PuChrist back in Christians." The contrast between these two sayings is readily seen. The superiorityof the latter is equally as readily seen. To put Christ in Christmas, a holiday which the Bible does notauthorize, is to put the Messiah in a thing; to puthim in Christians is to place him in persons. To placethe Saviour in Christmas is to confine Him to a day;to clothe Him in Christians is to grant Him the freedom of a life. In the former, Christ is but an annual visitor, in the latter he is a permanent resident. We need to honor the advent of Christ not just on a day,but daily! Instead of having an annual day as a holiday for Christ, let us make every day a holy-day for Him. Rather than striving to let our Christmas lights shine so that the world can see Christ in Christmas,let us let our Christian lights shine so that the world may see Christ in Christians! Paul told the Philippian Christians, "ye are seen as lights in the world" (Phil. 2:15)

"Christ in Christians" is our hope of glory, no"Chr ist in Chr istmas." Again the apostle said,"Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col. 1:27). Healso said, "I have been crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Chr ist liveth in me"(Gal. 2:20). "For me to live is Christ" (Phil. 1:21)

From these scriptures we can see that our hope ofglory rests not alone in the fact that Christ was born, but rather that he abides in our lives. His advent into the world is of no significant benefit unless he is permitted to make an advent in our lives. Thus it is no marvel that Christ himself said, "Ye must be born again" (John 3:3-5). This new birth embraces an entering into Christ and He into us. This entitles us to wear the name Christian, that is, a follower of Christ. But the responsibilities do not end here — in fact, they only begin here. The admonition then is to "walk worthily of the calling wherewith you havbeen called." The new convert, having adopted thname "Christian" is to realize that just as the word Christ is clothed in the word Christian, even so the Saviour Christ abides in the saved Christian. The Christian now makes it his supreme aim to be "wellpleasing to Christ." This is the incumbent responsibility upon all professing Christ. Unfortunately, alwho make this profession do not live it. Consequently, Paul speaks of those who profess that theyknow God but in works deny Him (Titus 1:16). This makes it necessary for us to plead that Christ be putback in Christians.

Advancing the theme "Put Christ Back in Christians" even further, people often point to the profound influence Christ has had on the entire world. This influence is readily seen when we contemplatethat time itself is reckoned from his birth! The

B. C. and A. D. seen in ever y date is truly a virtue to the sublime influence of Christ on the world. Advancing further our theme, "Put Christ Back in Christians," I would like to say that there is an additional B. C. and A. D. in the life of a Christian. There is the time Before Conversion and the time After Dedication. Too many professed Christians make nodistinction between these two vastly different times. Consequently, they try to "bring over" their Before Conversion behaviour to their After Dedication lives. To the extent that such is accomplished, tthat same extent Christ is expelled. Just as it is utterly impossible to reckon time in our era withthe letters B. C, even so it is equally impo ible for Christians to live in the Before Conversion of their lives. Because many are not living faithful to thAfter Dedication years, Christ has fled. Thus the timeliness of our theme, "Put Chr ist Back in Christians."

THE NEWS LETTER REPORTS

".. .They rehearsed all that God had done with them..." — Acts 14:27

Charles F. House, P. O. Box 1031, Douglas, Ariz. 85607 — Santos Gomez, P. O. Box 344, Tecate, Calif.92080, is in need of support. If you have supportavailable, please send it direct to him. Several other faithful, experienced gospel preachers are in need of support, including a preacher recently converted from the liberal church. Write for details if interested and we can supply the names and addresses and you may contact them directly.

E. Warren Needham, 3090 Trezvant St., Memphis,Tenn. 38127 — I am moving to work with the Trezvant Street church in Memphis, Tenn., October 27,1969. My home address is 1871 Coventry St., Memphis, Tenn. 38127. I have been with the Mill Street church in Leitchfield, Ky. for nearly four years.

Hugh W. Davis, 310 Little Road, Marietta, Ga.30060 — After meeting in the old Y. M. C. A. Building for three years, the church in Marietta, Georgiahas now moved into its own new meeting house located at 2651 Power Ferry Road in Southeast Marietta. Those traveling on Interstate 75 should takethe Dobbins AFB-Lockheed exit, then go east toPowers Ferry Road. Turn left and look for the church on right. It is only 1 1/2 miles from the Interstate exit.

Leo Rogol, Rt. 4, Box 12-D, Greensburg, Ky. 42743

— Larry DeVore, of South Bend, Indiana, preachedin a gospel meeting at the Greensburg church ofChrist, October 27 -November 2. J. H. French, 8480 Steleta Dr., West Chester, Ohio45069 — The church at 4667 Cooper Road, Blue Ash,Ohio is in need of a preacher as of now. Write to:Church of Christ, 4667 Cooper Road, Blue Ash, Ohio45242, or call me at (513) 777-6042.

NEW PUBLICATION

A new paper called Facts For Faith enters uponthe field of journalism in January of 1970. Gordon Wilson is the editor and the subscr iption will b$2.00 per year. You may subscribe by sending your check with your name and address to: 3451 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego, Calif. 92117. The emphasis of this paper will be on Evidences. Studies in this field are sorely needed in our day. Send your subscription today.

Mike Rogacs, P. O. Box 264, Lilbourn, Mo. 63862

— After nineteen months laboring with the saints in Lilbourn, Mo., I will be moving to begin work with the Southside church in Fort Smith, Arkansas on December 1. Please address all correspondence to: 1408 Cavanough Road, Fort Smith, Ark.

Hoyt H. Houchen, 12528 E. Alaska Place, Aurora,Colorado — October 13th marked our first year's work with the Boston Street church, 1297 Boston Street, Aurora, Colorado. Our first year has been pleasant and we believe profitable for the Lord. We had a total of 54 responses, 15 of these by baptism.

My meeting schedule for 1969 is now completedMeetings this year were at Northeast, Gainesville,Florida; Santa Barbara, California; Clarksville, Indiana ; Central, Pampa, Texas; and North Park, Abilene, Texas where we formerly labored for six years. These were all enjoyable meetings and I am lookingforward to my 1970 schedule.

We are now in the process of remodeling our building at Boston Street. In addition to my support, thechurch here is assisting in the support of Herbert Fraser at Fort Collins, Colorado; Karl Diestelkamp at Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Ron Houchen at Colorado Springs, Colorado.

We are looking forward to our second year's work with this church. When in this vicinity we shall behappy for you to worship with us at Boston Street.

Otis Jordan, 714 N. Calhoun, Perry, Fla. 32347 —I preached for the young congregation of God's people in N. Fort Myers, Fla. Oct. 5-12. We had goodattendance with above 70 average each night. Oneyoung man was baptized into Christ. Brother DannyTarn is the regular preacher there. On Nov. 2-9 I preached for the small church in Greenville, Fla. Oneyoung lady was restored and one was baptized. Brother Jim Poppell is the regular preacher. Wewere happy to be a part of these meetings. It is rewarding to see the results of labors. It gives us added determination and zeal.

Frank Raisin, 963 W. 12th St., Flint, Mich. 48502

— We ar e a small group of Chr istians in FlintMich., who are in need of a sound gospel preacher. We are few in number and until recently were able to support a man full time. But due to the fact that several families have moved back south and some have fallen away, we are not now able to support aman alone. Our attendance is from 20 to 25 and the contribution about $120.00 per week. We are all factory workers, with backgrounds of the south. There are only five faithful congregations in the entire state, with three full time preachers. The need isgreat. We will be grateful for support in this work. We can give references from several good preachers who have been here in meetings.

Gale Cummings, P.O. Box 955, Altus, Okla. — The Lord's church here in Altus continues to enjoy His ble ings. We now number 32 members and recentlyenjoyed having 65 present for Sunday morning worship. When traveling through S.W. Oklahoma, stopand worship with us.

William C. Sexton, 2804 Lafayette, St. Joseph,Mo. 64507 — We continue to push forward in theTenth and Lincoln congregation in St. Joseph. John Iverson from Deer Park, Texas preached in a meeting April 20-27. The preaching was the finest, and attendance was good. We had one family to be identified with us after being restored. We have a meeting scheduled with brother Billy Moore from Butler for October 13-19. Brother John Iverson and I are to assist the congregation which formerly met a120 So. Leanord Road in Sioux City, Iowa, but nohave a new building and I do not know their present address. This work is to be September 7-14. We will be working during the day studying and contactinpeople and preaching at night. If in this area contact Carl E. Emery, 2541 So. Helen in Sioux CityIowa; phone: 712-276-8808.

I preached in a meeting August 3-9 at Solgohachia, Ark. This is about eight miles north of Morrilton. We had good attendance and met a number of brethren in the area. I was delighted to find several small congregations in the area dedicated to the propagation of the gospel of Christ. This is in the heart of "Liberal-Country," but we found some menready and willing to stand for the truth. Haden Maihand taught a class on singing before the services. Jim Maihand is preaching for this congregation part of the time. August 10 I preached for thecongregation in Etna, Ark., a few miles south ofOzark. Anyone in these areas is encouraged tmeet with them.

BAPTIST EXPLOSIONS

Olen Holderby,

San Pablo, Calif.

The small but dedicated group of Christians meeting in the Veteran's Hall in Atwater, California were much encouraged by the recent debate conducted there. On August 18, 19, 20, 21, brother VoydBallard met A. A. Harris, a Mi ionary Baptist, onthe general question of the origin of the church. The first two nights Mr. Harris affirmed the church to have begun during the personal ministry of Christ. The last two nights brother Ballard affirmed thatthe church was begun on the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ. I moderated for brother Ballard and a Mr. Harless and a Mr. Wright moderated for Mr. Harris. No objections could be raised to Mr. Harris' general conduct.

In many ways I suppose we could call this just "another Baptist debate." However, a few highlights may be of interest. On the first night Mr. Harris read some thirty-four passages of scriptures,with little comment, and called these thirty-four arguments. With one minute left in his first speechhe referred to a chart on which he had listed thirteen different things which the disciples had before Pentecost; at the end of which he had a question: "What did the disciples receive on Pentecost that they did not have before, that made them achurch?" He asked brother Ballard to list his answers to this question. Brother Ballard did not take up every passage individually that Harris had read,but merely pointed out that most of these passagestalk about the same thing: the soon-to-come kingdom. Before Mr. Harris could apply these to an existing kingdom, he needed to prove the kingdomestablished during that time. Anyone reading the Bogard-Smith Debate will find a list of the passages used by Harris, and almost in the same order, and some of the same comments.

In his second speech Mr. Harris insisted that thepromise in John 16-13 was to an institution, and heinsisted that Jesus was praying for an institution in John 17. Mr. Harris admitted in this speech that the Holy Spirit was not a Comforter until Pentecost and that the great commi ion did not begin until Pentecost. He also referred to Judas as an apostate. Helater tried to alter this by saying he "can fall fromgrace, but not out of grace." In anticipation of this line of argument, brother Ballard had prepared twcharts answered well the claims of Mr. Harris. One chart showed what was actually preached concerning the kingdom before Pentecost. The other chart showed what was not had or could not be done before Pentecost. In this second speech Mr. Harris introduced Matthew 16:18, with the usual Baptist application or "embellish" for the meaning of "will build."

On the second night Mr. Harris offered nothinnew in the way or arguments. However, during this speech was to begin a long list of misrepresentations of both the scriptures and brother Ballard. Brother Ballard had objected to his use of Matthew 16:18 on the words "will build." On the second night Harris read from T hayer on the present tense of the word and his comments about the continual growth of the church, passing over the part Thayer had to sayabout the future tense of the word. Brother Ballard had arranged on the board the Greek word for "will build" and merely revealed it when he walked to the platform. When he asked Mr. Harris if this was the right word, he nodded, yes. Brother Ballard then read what Thayer said about the future tense of the word — "to found."

Hebrew 9:16,17 gave Mr. Harris a great deal of trouble concerning the time that the will of Christ should become effective. Of course, Mr. Harris contended that Christ administered his own will while on earth, and beginning on Pentecost the Holy Spirit continued to administer Christ's will.

On the third night brother Ballard presented onlythree arguments. His first was on Matthew 16:18.His second and third arguments were charts on Mark 9:1 and Isaiah 2:2,4. Mr. Harris did little with the two charts, but insisted that Joel 2 and Isaiah 2 both referred to a kingdom yet in the future, thousand years reign of Christ on earth. He insisted that the "mountain" in Isaiah 2 referred to the government or reign of Christ on earth. The fact that this had him placing the foundation in "Zion" and the church in Galilee didn't seem to disturb him. In his last speech, when brother Ballard would have nofurther reply, he returned to Matthew 16:18 andasserted that Thayer was right on the present tense of the word, wrong about the future tense on Matthew 16:18, and right about the continual growth of the church.

As might be expected Mr. Harris introduced Campbell. Brother Ballard offered to deny, in publicdebate, that Campbell started the church of Christ,but refused to otherwise be led onto the subject.

PLACING MEMBERSHIP

James Denison, Tampa, Fla.

The word "church" in our English Bibles is trans

lated from the Greek word "ekklesia". This word is

also translated as "assembly" in Acts 19:32, 39, and

41; Acts 7:38, R. V.; and as "congregation" in Heb.

2:12, R. V., as well as an alternate reading in Mt.

18:17, R. V.

In relation to Christians, the word "church" isgiven two different applications in the New Testament. (1) The totality of all the saved (redeemed, saints, etc.) of the whole world. Such usage is found in Mt. 16:18, Eph. 1:22, Col. 1:18. We generally speak of this usage as the "universal church". (2) A group of Chr istians who have united together towork and worship as a single unit. Such usage ifound in Acts 20:28,1 Cor. 1:2, Gal. 1:13,1 Thes. 1:1. We usually speak of this as the "local church".

In Acts 14:23, and Phil. 1:1, we find that the "local

church" is given a plurality of elders whose task is:

(1) to "oversee" (Acts 20:28, I Peter 5:2) ; literally,

"to look over — or after — a flock". (2) To "feed (or

tend) the flock" (Acts 20:28,1 Peter 5:2). (3) Teach

ing (I Tim. 3:2). (4) Protect (Tit. 1:9). (5) "Rule"

(I Tim. 5:17, Heb. 13:17); literally, "To stand be

fore" or "To be at the head as leader". (6) To be an

example, or pattern (I Peter 5:3). (7) To watch

after, and give an account to God for, souls in their

charge (Heb. 13:17)

If elders adequately perform their God-given tasks,

and discharge their responsibilities to the flock, they

must know who are members of the "local flock —

church", which they oversee. This necessitates what

is generally called "being identified" or "placing mem

bership". By this process the elders know that you

are not "just a visitor" but that you intend to "work

and worship" as a member of that congregation, and to be under their oversight

The scriptures indicate that Christians should be

not only a part of the "universal church", but also a

part of a "local church". When Paul arrived at Jeru

salem, he endeavored to "join himself" to the dis

ciples there (Acts 9:26). Paul and Barnabas later

became "identified" with the church at Antioch (Acts

11:26, 13:1).

Though it is conceivable that conditions may exist,

where for a time one is a member only of the "uni

versal church" (Acts 8:35-39), he should, as soon as

po ible, become "identified" with a "local church",

as did Paul and Barnabas (Phil. 4:9). If there is not

a faithful congregation of the Lord's people meeting

in that area, he should begin one. Thus, the idea that

one can be a member of a "local church" where he has

not worshipped for weeks, months, and sometimes

years, is denominational in origin and unscriptural in concept.

Some, to avoid responsibilities and discipline wilbecome "floating members"; just visiting around from place to place, never "identifying" with any one congregation. If these people become needful of discipline, and are approached by the elders of any of the congregations where they attend, their immediate reply is; "but, we're not members of your congregation!" Therefore, to eliminate this, when we move to another town, or permanently sever our connection with a congregation, we should find another faithful

congregation of the Lord's people and "join" our

selves to them; settle down and go to work.

Also, we should not lightly sever our connection with one congregation and "place membership" witanother. Naturally, if we move from one town tanother, it becomes essential that we do so at once.Sometime we may deem it necessary to become partof another "local church" within the same general area where we have previously worked and worshipped because: (1) We feel it necessary for ourown spiritual growth. (2) We feel that such will enable us to be more effective and useful for the Lord.

(3) There are unscriptural doctrines and/or practices

in the former congregation which we are unable to

correct. However; let us be sure that we can sub

stantiate our claim of such. (4) There is such a strong

difference of opinion as to the advisability — not

scripturalness — of a particular work or activity that

we feel it is better for peace and harmony that we

work and worship elsewhere (Acts 15:36-41). If this

is the reason, when at all po ible, we should "for

bear" with one another (Eph. 4:2). (5) We have been

unscripturally and unjustifiable "withdrawn" from

and are unable to get the mistake corrected. This

sometimes happens. But let's be positive it is they

that are wrong, and not us! Also, that we have done ALL in our power to rectify the error!

When we leave one congregation and become"joined" to another, we should be ENTIRELY POSI

TIVE that our motives are honest and justifiable. It

should never be done: (1) To put pressure on the

former congregation to honor our particular whim.

(2) Because the truth has been preached and our toes

thereby stepped on. (3) To escape discipline or re

sponsibilities. (4) Through jealousy and envy be

cause we have been passed over for some particular

work. If it be for such reasons as these, we will soon be dissatisfied with the new congregation!

When one "identifies" himself with a congregation, he should be admitted into the fellowship othat "local church". If there seems any reason todoubt or question his previous faithfulne , the elders should exert every effort po ible to satisfy themselves that this person is faithful and not in need ofrestoration. If it is found that he has not been faithful, or transferred membership to escape needed discipline, then the church should institute disciplinary action against this new member just as they woulagainst any other. Likewise, if we seek to sever our connection with one congregation that we may b"joined" to a religious body in error, the elders have

no course open but to begin disciplinary procedure.

OUTLINES OF FLORIDA COLLEGE LECTURES 1968

Detailed outlines of each speech delivered at the 1968 Florida College Lectures.

Price: $2.00

SPIRITUAL UNBALANCE — A LURING SOFT WIND

Jimmy Tuten, Jr.

The closing portion of Acts records the Apostle

Paul's journey from Caesarea to Rome (27 :l-28:16).

Lenski's .commentary on the book appropriately

states: "Luke's account of the voyage to Rome i

considered a masterpiece, which throws more light

on seafaring matters of that time than any other

description" (P. 1061)

Though the voyage began under favourable conditions with a leading westerly wind, it shortly thereafter became a succession of accidents and delaydue to the storm and dangers over a two month period. The journey culminated in a hopele shipwreck.

After transferring to an Alexandrian wheat ship

at Myra (Acts 27:6), the voyage took Paul from

island to island north of Rhodes and then to the

south to Crete. They finally made their way to Fair

Havens to the east of Cape Matala (27:7-8).

During this period the Mediterranean was always

stormy and dangerous ( 27:9). While at Fair

Havens on the island of Crete, considerable

discu ion took place as to whether the ship should

stay in the little port or press on to Phenice,

harbor to the west on Crete (27:12). The decision

was made to move on and when a moderate south

wind filled the sails, the ship weighed anchor. All

went well until a northeastern wind known as

"Euraquilo" unleashed its fury. Many dark and

fearful days followed until the ship was finally

broken up on the coast of Malta far to the West.

The Soft South Wind

The "moderate south wind" is a fitting illustration of how many souls are led to their destruction inspiritual matters. Time and time again Satan hasused the "soft south winds" of modernism and liberalism to deceive and entice individuals to make a definite beginning down the road of sin and destruction. God only knows the number who in the past have been led from the sound mooring of His Word into the uncertain and perilous sea of destruction by

its gentle breezes. All seems well at first, but alas,

there comes a stern reality resulting in the ship

wreck of one's faith (II Tim. 4:10; I Tim. 1:19).

Five Verbs Applied

It has been pointed out that there are five verbs

in Acts 27 which describe the ill-fated ship in its

several stages of trouble. These verbs will be used

to demonstrate how the spiritual man travels the

route to a state of spiritual unbalance; how he is led

to err greatly by the lure of the "soft wind" of

Satan's wiles.

1. "LOOSING THENCE" (Acts 27:13). The dis

cernment of things religious with respect to what is

bound, what is loosed, what is good or evil, is essen

tial to the spiritual well being of the Christian. The

lack of just proportion is often demonstrated by

one's attitude toward doctrinal matters. Thinking

in terms of broad-mindedness and toleration regard

ing those who are in error soon brings' one to the

point where they advocate that there are Chris

tians in all sects. Therefore, the conclusion that God has more people than exist within the walls of an organization calling itself the church of Christ is the inevitable conclusion. This "loosing thence" in one's attitude toward the church of our Lord begins with a loosing of mind regarding the New T estament. More and more preachers are giving lip service to the Scriptures as the final and last plea imatters of faith and practice, while at the same time displaying alarming, liberal tendencies. The August i ue (1967) of Sentinel of Truth claimed that the New Testament (English translations thereof) is not the holy scriptures, and that more are led away from God than are led to him by it (P. 10). Conclusions such as this falls into the same modernistic camp asthe one that advocates that we ought to cease our efforts to be in accord regarding our interpretation of scripture (I Cor. 1:19-21; I Thess. 5:21). Such gentle breezes are subtle instruments of Satan. This luring soft wind leads to loose, soft preaching where emphasis is on edifying morally, commitment to or emphasis upon Christ rather than to the plan of salvation or the church. No one denies that there is a need to emphasize the Lord more, but when the so-called "emphasis Christ" movement labels the "oldway" of preaching the gospel of Christ as "legalism"and the proponents thereof as "partisans," then wesee it for what it really is — liberalism and modernism budding forth. There is sufficient evidence available along this line among some preaching brethren to give cause for alarm. Our brethren had better

wake up and recognize its ugly reality!

2. "WAS CAUGHT" (Acts 27:15). When one isloosed from God's standard of right and wrong thereis an attachment to something "new" in concept. In this whirl of excitement human reason becomes the standard of authority, old concepts are shackles of yesteryear and the one thus caught up feels that forthe first time Christ's spirit is really manifested. Love for everyone and mistaken humbleness leads to politeness in which little is specifically condemned.T he loose idea that if we take it easy with the denominations and those in error among our own brethren we will keep the door of communication open and really demonstrate our Christ centered lives is a demonstration of how gullible some brethren are. Was Paul manifesting the spir it of Chr ist when he condemned Peter and then recorded the incident for all mankind in generations to come? (Gal. 2:11). Was he closing the door of communication when he withstood the "false brethren" who were sent to spy ouhis liberty? (Gal. 2:4-5). To fail to take a stand is compromise (Matt. 12:30). Familiarity with those in error leads to joint participation in things that are contrary to God's word. "Faith in Christ" will become the sole basis for fellowship for immersed individuals regardless of whether they are Baptists,Methodists, or whatever. "They have sown the wind,and they shall reap the whirlwind" of denominational fraternization and concept

3. "WERE DRIVEN" (Acts 27:17). As the Ad

ramyttium ship was driven by the tempestuous

wind so biblically-loose minded brethren are driven

by the storm of passion for their new found

position. Not realizing that "emphasis Christ"

movements borders modernism and sincerely

believing that they stand on the rock which is Christ,

they denounce their breth-ren (usually not in the

spir it of Chr ist) who speak out against their liberal tendencies, charging thewith being guilty of Pharisaic biblical literalism (an expression which is supposed to mean that we havebeen so busy keeping the form of New Testament that we have forgotten the spirit of it). "Such legalism stymies the church in its work and engenders strife and quarrels regarding insignificant detail methods," we are told. At this point the true pictureof the modernistic attitude toward the Bible comes

to the forefront.

Having passed from the gentle breeze of liberal

tendencies to the storm of modernism, individuals

are bold in denouncing the church as refusing fellow

ship and cooperation with other religious bodies.

They would have us believe that it is a sin to bind

where God has bound (II Jno. 9), and to be no more

broad-minded than the Scriptures (Matt. 7:21). The

charge that we are more concerned with our inter

pretations than with loyalty to Christ is false! Don't

think for a moment that the "meek, humble" liberal

istic brother does not have his guns pointed toward

and his ammunition discharged in our dir ection.

Only by being informed can we defend the truth

(II Tim. 2:15)

4. "LIGHTENED" (Acts 27:18). Those described in the foregoing remarks have been relieved of their convictions based on the all-sufficiency and completeness of the New Testament. Broad-mindedness and pious brother liness leads to the assumption that a special status has been achieved. "Independent" (oris it "idealistic"?) in thinking leads to an air of superiority. Others who have not attained this status, or disagree with them are viewed as second-rate. Being lightened of sound conviction, hooked on the sectarian "Christ-centered" philosophy, and allowinhuman reason to be supreme, the spiritually unbalanced conclude that Bible passages have meaninonly when they fit the critical mind. "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit,after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ" (Col. 2:8)

5. "BROKEN" (Acts 27:41). Broken on the rocksof destruction! Those who in any way reject the inspiration of the New Testament in order to harmonize it with some phase of modern thought; those who strive to make the methods and results of modern thinking the norm for judging the claims of religious tradition, and those who in any way reject the Bible as the standard of authority come under the headingof a modernist. Those who do not realize that we ought to be as exclusive as the New T estament allows, i.e., as broad and as narrow as that taught inthe Bible (Matt. 6:13-14), are restless and dissatisfied. Having made shipwreck of their faith and come under the captivity of Satan (II Tim. 2:24-26), they are not satisfied with the fences which the Lord has built and do not want to be confined exclusively toGod's Word. Because we stress the authority of Jesus Christ (Jno. 12:48; Lk. 6:46; Col. 3:17), we are accused of authoritarianism. The spiritually unbalanced person who insists on loosing where God has not loosed is really not "Christ centered." AcceptingJesus means we must be submi ive to His will both in things which are great and things that are small (Matt. 7:21-23; Lk. 6:46)

Those who shipwreck their faith on the rocks of modernism and liberalism, will suffer the consequences. There will be a storm of destruction and a

day of reckoning (Gal. 6:7-8; Rom. 14:12; II Cor.

5:10).

Conclusion

The concern of each Christian should be to please God rather than follow some phase of partyismwithin the church. We must constantly seek for truth, for certainly none of us have achieved theultimate. There are truly various stages of growtand development among us (I Cor. 3:1-3; Heb. 5:1114). We must remain willing to study with brethren who are seeking for truth, but who may not havefound all of it and are willing to accept it when theyfind it. However, we must not endorse that whichdoes not constitute truth. We must not abandon the Bible as our standard of authority simply because there is some aspect of diversity among us. It is important that we try to agree in those things essential to our salvation and have one mind as to the ideal (I Cor. 1:10-12). We all need a closer walk with the Lord, but we do not need to abandon the church of our Lord or His word to have closer communion with God. God help us to avoid the "luring soft wind" which is leading many into the storm of destructive modernism. Remember that Satan does not draw us with chafing, heavy ropes, but with slippery, silken cords. We are not ignorant of his devices (II Cor. 2:11).

6316 Pernod

St. Louis, Mo. 63139

AN EXPOSITORY DICTIONARYOF NEW TESTAMENT WORDS

W. E. Vine

This standard work which originally appeared in four volumes is now available in one volume. An essential book for every serious student of the New Testament.

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INDEX FOR

Page

Answers For Our Hope — Marshall E. Patton

Apostles

Brethren, Christian Church

Church, Sponsoring No. 1

Church, Sponsoring No. 2

Firstborn, Church of

Habakkuk 3:3

Hebrews

Hebrews 10:25

Hebrews 10:26

Johnson, B. W.

Matthew 24, Signs of

Matthew 28:19-20

Mormon?, Book Of

New Heavens And A New Earth

Questions On The Four Accounts

Romans 8:2 Evolution, Theistic No. 3 105 Figurative, Genesis 1 and 2 — Literal Or No 1 194 Figurative, Genesis 1 and 2 — Literal Or No. 2 209 Figurative, Genesis 1 and 2 — Literal Or No. 3 226 Figurative?, The "Days" Of Creation (Gen 1 And 2)

Literal Or No 1 246 Figurative?, The "Days" Of Creation (Gen 1 And 2)

334 Literal Or No 2 256

366 Figurative?, The "Days" Of Creation (Gen 1 And 2)

107 Literal Or No. 3 271 174 Selection, Natural No 1 287 7 Selection, Natural No 2 305 46 Selection, Natural No. 3 321 27 Selection, Natural No. 4 339

240 Selection, Natural No. 5 351 72 Terms, A Definition Of The No. 1 14 350 Terms, A Definition Of The No 2 25 120 Terms, A Definition Of The No 3 50 318 Terms, A Definition Of The No. 4 64

222 Terms, A Definition Of The No 5 73

270

I Marvel — James P. Miller208 Change?, Does The Gospel Need A189 Congregations, Atlanta, Georgia

Arrows Of Truth For Denominational Error— Ward Hogland Religion, What Is Happening To

6 176 57

Jesus Christ —

92 75 11

138 24 Luther W. Martin 254

Affirm?, Would YouAlike, They All CryApostolic Examples, The Power Of No. 3Apostolic Examples, The Power Of No. 4Argumentation, PsychologicalBookkeeper, Fear Of Destroying TheCincinnati, A Trip ToDifference, The Garner — BarrFaith, At The Point OfFellowship, A Craving ForNoah, NarrowParks, Playing In Two BallPleasure, It Is The Father's GoodRebuke, A Letter OfRocks And StocksTestimony, ConflictingUnity, A Plan For"Ye Should Have Hearkened Unto Me"

Bible Lands And Customs — Melvin D. Curry Crescent, The Fertile Customs, Bible Lands And Palestine, Natural Divisions Of Promise, The land Of

223 Prescriptions From The Great Physician —

371 Dr. W. P. McElwain32 Alcohol, Effects Of48 Control, Self

253 Health — A Legitimate Concern319 Smoking192 Time, Health Problems Of Our

142

77 Reviewing The Doctrines Of Catholicism —382 Answer, A Catholic Question — And Its

1 27 Answers Given, Roman Catholic Question — And The 146 341 Brethren, Mary's Other Children Christ's— 214 289 Button, Button, Button, Who's Got The 32 242 Catholic, Reply To An Angry Roman 229 8 Cursing, Out Of The Same Mouth — Blessing And 130 354 De Sanctified11, Catholic "Saints" 286 93 Freedom, Roman Catholicism — The Foe Of 193 104 Hallucinations, Papal 89 Marriage Contract, The Roman Catholic 12 272 'Mediatrix'? , Mary — A 309 237 Moon, The Mountains Of The 370 Propaganda, Century-Old Catholic 43335 That Non-Catholics May Know 108

324

T. G. O'Neal

1 John 3.9Righteousness, To Fulfill AllRomans 5.13Romans 10: 11-16

Editorials — H. E. PhillipsAfter Ten Years Charles A Holt, An Open Letter To Concern, Voices Of Corrected, Some Errors Covering, Woman's Curry, Melvin D. Day, Worldly Tendencies Of The No 1 Day, Worldly Tendencies Of The No. 2 Day, Worldly Tendencies Of The No 3 Day, Worldly Tendencies Of The No. 4 Heart, A Change Of letters To The Editor Letters To The Editor Persons, Respect Of Preacher?, So You Want A

Signs Of The Times —

World, The Old Testament259 Difficult And Perverted Passages — Roy E. Cogdill

Again, Madison Is Marching 368

58 95 80 9

380

2 348 1 88 152 236

70 86 102 118 332

38 300 316 Allen, Jimmy 34 Denominations, Joining Up With The 112 Christ, The Nashville Denominational Church Of No. 1 257 Christ, The Nashville Denominational Church Of No 2 273 Christ, The Nashville Denominational Church Of No. 3 288 Christ, The Nashville Denominational Church Of No. 4 307 Christ, The Nashville Denominational Church Of No 5 322 Christ, The Nashville Denominational Church Of No. 6 338 Christian Church, Church Cooperates With 128 Church, Ira North's Denominational 247 March,' Pat Boone Is 'On The 355 Pharisee, Following The Bible Will Make One A 88 Sectarians, Gospel Preachers Join The 41 Sign, A Lighted Dollar 198

Using The Sword Of The Spirit — Eugene BritnellBattle, The Nature Of The 47 Christ In Christmas Or Christians', Shall We Put 383 Covenant, The Coke Of The 302 Mr. Daab?, What Is Wrong With 274 Introduction 13 Lord, The Army Of The

A "Discussion With H. E. 96 Meeting House, Eating In The No 1 124 Meeting House, Eating In The No 2 140 Meeting House, Eating In The No 3 182 Organized, How The Church 338 Return?, Shall The Prodigals 81 "Review," Reviewing The 27 Soldier, The Christian Is A 27 Sprinkled, Baptized, Christened 367 Standard, Judged By The Wrong 353 That," "Who Said 207 Them!, Thank God, They Told 230

Preachers, "Great" And "Little"284 Report — Charles Holt's Report On

Phillips" Searching The Scriptures Truth?, What Is Word, The Power

Evolution Or Creation? — Paul Foutz "By Faith," Creation' Or Evolution' Both Accepted No 1 "By Faith," Creation? Or Evolution' Both Accepted No 2 "By Faith," Creation? Or Evolution' Both Accepted No 3 Evolution, Theistic No. 2

55 268 220 172

122 139 177 97

Teaching To Teach — Jimmy Tuten Jr.

Fulfillment, The Appointment For Study Preparation And

Obstacles, Overcoming No 1		133
Obstacles, Overcoming No 2		145
Articles, Concluding Remarks Relative T o	'T eaching T o T each	199

Word Studies In The Greek New Testament — E. V. Srygley, Jr.

Common, (Koines) Holy, (Hagios) God Forbid, No 1 Cod Forbid, ' No 2

44 God Forbid, ' No 3 God Forbid,1 No 4 Perfect (Teleios) Reliable?, Are Luke And Acts Historically No 1 Reliable?, Are Luke And Acts Historically No 2

Word Studies In The Hebrew Old Testament —

AnathemaFool No 1Fool No 2Fool No 3Holy No 1Holy No 2JehovahProverb Mashal Parable AndRedeem And RedeemerWashings

Adams, Connie W.

Branches, The Vine And TheBrethren, Unity Among

Adams, J. Wiley

Order, Decently And In

Alexander, Donald M.

Righteousness, Hunger And Thirst After

Anonymous

Plea, A Preacher's

Bollard, Voyd N.

Believe, T his IBelieve, T his I(Heb 11:1), ThisI Believe

Barnett, Maurice

Translation The Jehovah's Witness Translation, The Jehovah's Witness (No 2) Witnesses, Crises Among The Jehovah's

Block, Joseph Lee

336 323 8

59 113 303 191 217

Harold Taber 61 1 25 137 173 84 112 190 262 12 29

21 53

224

179

290

227 305 291

311 356 375

Holderby, Olen90Yourselves, Examine No 1 210 "Yourselves,1 Examine No 2 225 'Yourselves, Examine No 3 258

Hutto, Hiram

I Corinthians 11:1-16 155

Jenkins, Ferrell

James 2:2, T he Synagogue In 135

Knight, Rhymer H.Listen!, Stop!, Look!, 332 Scriptures, Searching The 117

LaCoste, Robert J.

Pardon, How Many Laws Of 325

Lee, Oven Advice, Commencement 299 Danger, Awake T o T he 219 Dog, The Tail And The 187 Generation, This Permi ive 149

McCristion, Bill

T heophilus 70

Miller, James P.

Papers, One Hundred Years Of Religious 204

Mott. L. A. Jr.

James 2 10-11, The Nature Of Law As Set Forth In 315 Jesus, Negative Arguments On Baptism The Baptism Of 372 Treason, Do Not Call Treason What They Call 349 War?, No More 335

Needham, James P.

I Corinthians 11: 2 -16 A Study Of 162

Nowlin, J. Edward

Column Ketcherside's 'Fifth 320 Ketcherside, The Contemporary No 1 44 Ketcherside, The Contemporary No 2 60

Ozment, Harry E.

John 3 16 — T he Gr eatest Work Of God 310I John 4 7 10 — T he Wonderful Love Of God 293

Phillips, H. E.

Britnell, Eugene, Introduction To 206 I Corinthians 1:1-1 6, A Study Of 151 Faith?, What Is 251 God Is 203 Hogland, Ward, Introduction To 4 O'Neal, Thomas G., Introduction To 75 Only?, Salvation By Faith 235 Martin, Luther W., Introduction To 42 Patton, Marshall E., Introduction To 174 Read?, What Do You 1 Rich?, Would You Like To Be 363 Srygley, Edgar V Jr., Introduction T o 26

Sexton. William C.

Discipline, Divine 171Watchfulness Salvation Requires 113

Smith, J. T.

Birth, Holy Spirit In The New 279 Doctrine, Charles Holt Won't Defend His 183 Inspiration, The Holy Spirit And Verbal 255 Spirit, The Holy 243 Spirit The Holy No 4 304

Tanner, Michael A.

Preach?, Should I 265

Tant, Jefferson David

Florida A Letter To My Brethren In 352Letter T o T he Editor 3

Tuten, Jimmy Jr.

Spiritual Unbalance — A Luring Soft Wind 387

Wilson, John W.

Yourselves, ' A Reply T o Examine 261

Witherington, Bobby

Past, A Voice From T he 69

HAVE YOU RENEWED YOUR SUBSCRIPTION?DO IT TODAY!

Christ, Why I Became A Christian, A Member Of The Church Of

No 1233 Christ, Why I Became A Christian, A Member Of The Church Of

No 2263 Christ, Why I Became A Christian, A Member Of The Church Of

No 3279 Christ, Why I Became A Christian, A Member Of The Church Of

No 4291 Christ, Why I Became A Christian, A Member Of The

Church OfNo 5

Cogdill. Roy E.

Truth Handling Aright The Word Of

Denison, James L. Authority, Wanted Bible Paradise, E volution And Birds Of Membership, Placing Tongues

DeVore, Larry R.

Cisterns, Broken

Dugger, Jack L.

Hopkinsville, Opportunity

Duncan, Billy

Faith, Repentance Before

Fudge, EdwardContext, A T ext In Man, Son Of Supper, The Lord's

Givens, Donald R.

T hankfulne

Hafley, Larry Ray Liberalism, Beachheads Of Peter, Paul's Rebuke Of Time, Now Is The

304

153

143 101 386 369

372

331 294 37

347

267 283 379

THE MISUSE OF SCRIPTURES

William C. Sexton

Most every scripture has at one time or another been misused by some one to advance an idea contrary to the will of God. Perhaps some of us havemis-used a passage now and then to advance an idea not in the Spirit's mind when he revealed and recorded it.

Certain scriptures have been employed to advancedoctrines foreign to the will of God. One that stands out in my mind is John 3:16. This passage is quotedtime after time to prove the idea that one is saved AT THE POINT OF FAITH. This passage teaches no such thing! T he statement made by Jesus contains a gr eat message, one ver y dear to the heart of every believer. It affirms the fact, extent, and purpose of God's love. "God so loved the world, thathe gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Three points are made, and each of themis important: (1) God's love for man is demonstrated

— he gave his only Son, for man; (2) His purpose:

that man might be saved from destruction; the an

nouncement of the availability of salvation to all

(3) The method of obtaining — through faith.This passage has been quoted as though it taught

that the moment a person believes he is saved, he

has salvation, the remi ion of his sin. Many labor

long and hard to establish this idea in the minds of

men and women, and some who have heard such

preaching so often accept it as teaching just that.

The scriptures do teach that salvation is available to all. Faith is the means by which such must be obtained. Yet no passage teaches that a person is saved the moment he believes! I have often heard the following pa ages presented to establish thatpoint: Jn. 5:24; Acts 16:30-31; Rom. 5:1. All ofthese teach that faith is necessar y to salvation, andis the means by which it is obtained, but none othem teach that one is saved at the point of faith orby faith ONLY!

When one follows the directions given him by God,

he is saved at the point God designates; when hi

faith will not cause him to follow the directions to

the point where God designates that he is saved, then

he is NOT SAVED and will perish. Notice the point

God designates as the saved position: He must repent

after he believes (Acts 2:36-38; 17:30-31) ; he must

also confess with the mouth (Matt. 10:32-33; Rom.

10:9-10) ; he must also be baptized in water for the

remi ion of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Gal. 3:26-27;

Rom. 6:3-4). Some who had faith were not courag

eous enough to confe , therefore, they were not

saved (Jn. 12:42-43). Only when one is led by fait

through these steps to be baptized is he a child of

God by faith. Notice this in Gal. 3:26-27. You cannot

escape the fact that ONLY those who are baptized

into Christ are children of God by faith

When these facts are pointed out to one, and hecontinues to insist that a person is saved before and without baptism, he ceases to be honest, and his prejudice will cause him to be lost in a hell prepared for the devil and his angels (Cf. Matt. 25:41-46; II Thess. 2:10-12). One can see the truth, but I understand from experience if you have been taught for a long time this untruth, it is hard to accept. But one must accept the truth if he is to be freed from his

sins, and be saved by the blood of Christ. The alternative: Tribulation and anguish (Rom. 2:6-10)

In the same manner some brethren today are misusing a passage of scripture to promote an idea contrary to the New Testament, in the same manner and to the same extent as denominational preachers do John 3:16. That passage is James 1:27. That verse says: "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." Like John 3:16, this passage hathree points, and they are significant. These points are: (1) That there is a religion which is pure andundefiled, this is in contrast to the "vain" religionof the preceding verse; (2) That part of this pure religion is visiting two classes of people when they are afflicted — fatherless and widows; (3) a part of that pure religion is keeping oneself unspotted fromthe world.

Preachers have said that God is HERE chargingthe CHURCH with taking care of the widows andorphans. Quickly then they add, "But the church cannot care for the needy, thus the CHURCH must build and maintain institutions to do this." They affirm that if you think this passage is teaching something other than this, you are prejudiced and care not for the "poor orphans" and are "making laws where God made none." But if one will be honest with himself, he can see the truth. This passage is teachin

that CHRISTIANS are to care for widows and the

fatherless when they are afflicted, to keep them

selves from being contaminated from the world, and

that this constitutes pure and undefiled religion

Only when one has been INDOCTRINATED with

the idea, and wishes to substantiate it by scriptures,

will he ever see anything close to the institutional

idea in this passage. The one who is to "visit the

fatherless and widows" is to keep HIMSELF un

spotted from the world.

Why will men labor so hard to sustain a position so obviously unscriptural? I suggest the following:(1) Because such a position appeals to men as being progressive and standing for a worthy position. Also once something is started and approved by influential men, others like to be identified with it. (2Once a position is taken by certain men it is verydifficult for them to turn back. Such would imply thatthey are imperfect. (3) Many just don't like to begoverned by the scriptures, and feel that to abide so close to the written word suggests that one is "out of date." Back of all this is the working of thedevil. He plants in the mind that spirit of disobedience.

Examples comparable to these are found fromGenesis to Revelation. Why did Eve turn awayThe food was good, pleasant, and provided wisdom, so she reasoned (Gen. 3:6). Nadab and Abihu had no real reason to take "strange fire" (Lev. 10:1-3).There is no real reason for men to leave a PERFECT LAW OF LIBERTY, to go onward from the doctrineof Christ (James 1:25; III John 9), yet many say,"Lord", but do not what He says (Matt. 7:21-23; Lk. 6:46)

The affirmation is plain that if one will not be sat

isfied with the TRUTH, but finds pleasure in unright

eousness, he can be satisfied with something, but he

will sure be "damned" (II Thess. 2:11-12).

THE MISUSE OF SCRIPTURES

William C. Sexton

Most every scripture has at one time or another

been misused by some one to advance an idea con

trary to the will of God. Perhaps some of us have

mis-used a passage now and then to advance an idea

not in the Spirit's mind when he revealed and re

corded it.

Certain scriptures have been employed to advance

doctrines foreign to the will of God. One that stands

out in my mind is John 3:16. This passage is quoted

time after time to prove the idea that one is saved

AT THE POINT OF FAITH. This passage teaches

no such thing! T he statement made by Jesus con

tains a great message, one very dear to the heart

of every believer. It affirms the fact, extent, and

purpose of God's love. "God so loved the world, that

he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever be

lieveth in him should not perish, but have everlast

ing life." Three points are made, and each of them

is important: (1) God's love for man is demonstrated

— he gave his only Son, for man; (2) His purpose: that man might be saved from destruction; the announcement of the availability of salvation to all;

(3) The method of obtaining — through faith.This passage has been quoted as though it taught

that the moment a person believes he is saved, h

has salvation, the remi ion of his sin. Many labo

long and hard to establish this idea in the minds of

men and women, and some who have heard such

preaching so often accept it as teaching just that.

The scriptures do teach that salvation is available

to all. Faith is the means by which such must be

obtained. Yet no passage teaches that a person is

saved the moment he believes! I have often heard

the following passages presented to establish that

point: Jn. 5:24; Acts 16:30-31; Rom. 5:1. All of

these teach that faith is necessary to salvation, and

is the means by which it is obtained, but none o

them teach that one is saved at the point of faith or

by faith ONLY!

When one follows the directions given him by God,he is saved at the point God designates; when hifaith will not cause him to follow the directions to the point where God designates that he is saved, then he is NOT SAVED and will perish. Notice the pointGod designates as the saved position: He must repent after he believes (Acts 2:36-38; 17:30-31) ; he must also confess with the mouth (Matt. 10:32-33; Rom. 10:9-10) ; he must also be baptized in water for the Remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Gal. 3:26-27;Rom. 6:3-4). Some who had faith were not courageous enough to confe , therefore, they were notsaved (Jn. 12:42-43). Only when one is led by faith through these steps to be baptized is he a child ofGod by faith. Notice this in Gal. 3:26-27. You cannot escape the fact that ONLY those who are baptizedinto Christ are children of God by faith

When these facts are pointed out to one, and h

continues to insist that a person is saved before and

without baptism, he ceases to be honest, and his pre

judice will cause him to be lost in a hell prepared for

the devil and his angels (Cf. Matt. 25:41-46; II

Thess. 2:10-12). One can see the truth, but I under

stand from experience if you have been taught for a

long time this untruth, it is hard to accept. But one must accept the truth if he is to be freed from his

sins, and be saved by the blood of Christ. The alter

native: Tribulation and anguish (Rom. 2:6-10).

In the same manner some brethren today are misusing a passage of scripture to promote an idea contrary to the New Testament, in the same manner and to the same extent as denominational preachers do John 3:16. That passage is James 1:27. That verse says: "Pure religion and undefiled before God andthe Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspottedfrom the world." Like John 3:16, this passage hathree points, and they are significant. These points are: (1) That there is a religion which is pure andundefiled, this is in contrast to the "vain" religionof the preceding verse; (2) That part of this pure religion is visiting two classes of people when they are afflicted — fatherless and widows; (3) a part of that pure religion is keeping oneself unspotted fromthe world.

Only when one has been INDOCTRINATED with the idea, and wishes to substantiate it by scriptures,will he ever see anything close to the institutional idea in this passage. The one who is to "visit thefatherless and widows" is to keep HIMSELF unspotted from the world.

Why will men labor so hard to sustain a position

so obviously unscriptural? I suggest the following:

(1) Because such a position appeals to men as being

progressive and standing for a worthy position. Also

once something is started and approved by influ

ential men, others like to be identified with it. (2)

Once a position is taken by certain men it is very

difficult for them to turn back. Such would imply that

they are imperfect. (3) Many just don't like to be

gover ned by the scr iptures, and feel that to abide

so close to the written word suggests that one is

"out of date." Back of all this is the working of the

devil. He plants in the mind that spirit of disobedi

ence.

Examples comparable to these are found fromGenesis to Revelation. Why did E ve turn awayThe food was good, pleasant, and provided wisdom, so she reasoned (Gen. 3:6). Nadab and Abihu had no real reason to take "strange fire" (Lev. 10:1-3).There is no real reason for men to leave a PERFECT LAW OF LIBERTY, to go onward from the doctrine of Christ (James 1:25; III John 9), yet many say,"Lord", but do not what He says (Matt. 7:21-23 ; Lk. 6:46)

The affirmation is plain that if one will not be sat

isfied with the TRUTH, but finds pleasure in unright

eousness, he can be satisfied with something, but he

will sure be "damned" (II Thess. 2:11-12).

PLEASE CHECK YOUR EXPIRATION DATE AND SEND YOUR RENEWAL TODAY

TWENTY-FOURTH ANNUAL LECTURE PROGRAM OF FLORIDA COLLEGE

Hutchinson Memorial Auditorium, Temple Terrace, Florida

January 26 - 29, 1970

THEME: "FAITH FACES THE FUTURE"

MONDAY, JANUARY 26

7:30-8:30 p.m. "THE NEW FREEDOM" ................................................................Ed Harrell8:30-9:30 p.m. "LAW AND LIBERTY" ............................................................... Roy Cogdill

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27

9:00-9:45 a.m. "CHRIST LIVETH IN ME" .....................................................Luther Martin

9:55-10:40 a.m. "WAYS THAT WORK" ..........................................................Earl Robertson 10:50-11:35 a.m. "DIFFICULT PASSAGES" ......................................................W. L. Wharton 11:45-12:30 p.m. "ATTITUDES TOWARD SCRIPTURE — AND CONSEQUENCES"

Homer Hailey

AFTERNOON — COLLEGE PLAY

7:30-8:30 p.m. "WHAT EDUCATION IS DOING TO CHRISTIAN YOUTH" .... Louis Garrett

8:30-9:30 p.m. "LAW AND MORALITY".........................................................LaGarde Smith

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28

9:00-9:45 a.m. "CHRIST LIVETH IN ME"..................................................... Luther Martin

9:55 -10:40 a.m. "WAYS THAT WORK"............................................................Earl Robertson 10:50-11:35 a.m. "DIFFICULT PASSAGES"....................................................... W. L. Wharton 11:45-12:30 p.m. "ATTITUDES TOWARD SCRIPTURE — AND CONSEQUENCES"

Homer Hailey AFTERNOON — SINGING - VARIOUS LEADERS 8:30-9:30 p.m.

"LET US RISE UP AND BUILD"........................................................................James P. Miller

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29

9:00-9:45 a.m. "CHRIST LIVETH IN ME"..................................................... Luther Martin

9:55 -10:40 a.m. "WAYS THAT WORK" ............................................................Earl Robertson

10:50 - 11:35 a.m. "DIFFICULT PASSAGES".......................................................W. L. Wharton

11:45-12:30 p.m. "ATTITUDES TOWARD SCRIPTURE — AND CONSEQUENCES" Homer Hailey

AFTERNOON — BALL GAME

7:30 - 8:30 p.m. "GOD BLESS AMERICA".............The Honorable Dick Greco, Mayor of Tampa 8:30-9:30 p.m. CHORUS