BEACHHEADS OF LIBERALISM
Larry Ray Hafley
Webster defines a beachhead as "a position on abeach secured by an invading force and used to land troops for further operations inland against theenemy." Beachheads precede bastions. It is manifestly easier to rout the seed than to uproot the plant,therefore, a study which reveals the beachhead mayavoid the nece
ity of attempting to scale an entrenched bulwark. This is assuredly true concerningboth physical and spiritual combat. Thus, soldiers of Christ need to be capable of identifying a beachhead in embryo before it blo
oms into an adult bastion.
The purpose of this article is to "mark" the beachheads of liberalism regarding the work of the church. No minute matter is being examined, for liberalism has infidelity as its root and absolute, abject apostasy as its destiny. No "alarmist" attitude has begottethis undertaking, but the knowledge that "to be forewarned is to be forearmed" has prompted this effort. One who warns of trouble does not necessarily stir strife. If so, it would make Jesus, Paul, Peter, and John "strife stirrers." Jesus said, "Beware of false prophets." (Matt. 17:5). Paul said, "For I know this that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you" (Acts 20:29). Peter said, "But there were false prophets among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you" (II Pet. 2:1). John said, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try thespirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world." (I Jn. 4:1)
Unscriptural thoughts and actions are the children of improper attitudes toward the Scriptures in general and the authority thereof in particular. A refusal to hear or discuss an issue with an open mind leads to the adoration and propagation of error. Prejudice never serves the cause of truth to ultimate advantage. It stifles judgment, rejects or perverts fact,and irrationally suppresses information and self-ignorance with arrogance. The Proverb author said,"He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, itis folly and shame unto him." (Prov. 18:13). Untold numbers of brethren have been blinded to the truth by the blight of a closed mind. Investigation beforeacceptation or condemnation will prevent "ruination." Error fears inventory; truth demands it. "For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God" (John 3:20,21)
Another improper attitude, or beachhead of liberalism, is the refusal to require Bible authority. There is a prevailing idea among many that the church does not have nor need scriptural ordination for all that it would do. This is the purest presumption, the rankest rebellion. If any principle or practice can beestablished by human will and design, then anythingcan be. To establish one tradition not of God is to approve them all, and if this be true then we may aswell join the Catholics and be done with it! Stillthough, the clarion call of the Spirit of God defies the devices of man and repudiates his repugnant provisions (Prov. 14:12; Jer. 10:23; Isa. 55:8,9). Alteachers of the word of God need to emphasize notonly the need for but also the application of scriptural authority. To fail to do so will adversely affect the church. God has left a pattern of sound words which are complete in every detail of life and godliness. Let us apply it in all avenues, areas, and aspects of our service to King Jesus.
A failure to respect the silence of the scriptures has restrained sound waves of truth from the ears of potential righteousness. Troublemakers in the first century, like those of the present, "subverted souls" by not observing the law of silence (Acts 15:24). "Itdoesn't say not to" will authorize everything froinstrumental music and infant baptism to the counting of beads and communion on "Good Friday." The perils of walking outside the voice of God must beinstilled and installed in the heart of every disciple.The error of Nadab and Abihu, (Lev. 10:1,2) and the disobedience of Saul (I Sam. 15) should be taughtto the mind and to the attitude of every saint. Unless and until a Christian recognizes and realizes his responsibility to walk solely by the direction of theSpirit via the truth, he is a fountain of danger, asource of digression.
Another beachhead or foothold of liberalism is the exaltation of a man or sect of men. When admiration becomes adoration then truth is sure to be raped by partiality and partyism. To be a devoted friend, "lover of good men," (Titus 1:8) is desirable but topermit friendship or kinship to determine one's position is detestable. The desire to be accepted in one's social circle which consists of Christians is a natural one, however, the way of truth is not paved with the interpretation of friends nor with the expectation of popularity. In the last analysis, only you can determine whether 'tis nobler, grander, and wiser to be a pawn of men or a servant of the King of men.
The desire for that which is "big" is a beachhead for unscriptural congregational entanglements. The seemingly insatiable craving to "make the church known" or "give us a national image" is a sick attempt to "make us a king. . . like all the nations" I Sam. 8:5). Those who seek to "project our glorious brotherhood to the world" are gospel perverts not gospel preachers. Their intentions may appear to be Bible based, but the chief idea is to promote another centrally controlled project which has a "visionary" eldership to "assume" oversight of the initial "venture." No opposition to the church being well known exists, but when this is attained by social opportunism rather than by plain gospel preaching then theeternally purposed church is overshadowed by theimagination of men. All such affronts must be cast down, not compromised; there is no alternative (II Cor. 13:5).
Let every church do its own work under its own organization and resources. Preach the truth, edify yourselves with the same, care for your needy saints, and God will be glorified. Cast off delusions of congregational grandeur. Refuse to be led by emotion-charged slogans and professional, institutional pro-motors. You do not have to contribute to any human agency whether it be a college or benevolent society to please God. That this affirmation is true is manifest because no New Testament church did either of the above, and they certainly glorified their Author.
The initial inroads, the beachheads of liberalism are legion, but allow this brief survey to concludewith the hope that souls may consider its cancerous course and avoid its pitiable plight.
Larry Ray Hafley 602 W. Lee St. Piano, Ill. 60545 To produce a neat, well-balanced and profitable religious journal such as Searching The Scriptures
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CHURCHES OF CHRIST
by H. E.
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Several wrote about the mistake in the March i
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ue and the ending of brother O'Neal's article will appear at the end of this editorial.
Ordinarily we would attempt no explanation anjust accept the blame for the error. But because twoarticles are involved and several have written about the matter, we wish to make the apology and correction. For the past seven or eight months I have notbeen able to do the proof reading myself (which I have done since the paper began) and some errors escaped my attention until the paper came from the press. As I made up the March i
ue for the printers I was working on page 15 at 3 a.m. and nearly exhausted, I did not discover that I had not concludedO'Neal's article until the paper came from the pre
. It was too late to do anything but apologize tbrother O'Neal and brother Block, and I now do so publicly. The April i
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QUESTION — I would like a run down on the following verses and their true meaning: Isa. 65:17-20;66:22-24; Rev. 21:1; II Pet. 3:13, 14. Is there to be a new heavens and a new earth after this one has passed away, wherein dwelleth righteousness ? —
J.M.H.
ANSWER — The answer to the above question must be affirmative — Yes! There will be "new
heavens and a new earth" after this one has been
di
olved, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Peter says
so in II Pet. 3:10-14. He says that we look for it be
cause our Lord has promised it. Just as surely as our
"Lord is not slack concerning his promise" (II Pet.
3:9), just that surely it will come to pa
. However,
just where and what this shall be are matters on
which a great deal of controversy prevails. In fact
many fanciful theories have been propagated
through the misuse of the references cited above.
The faithful Christian, however, will be careful not
to accept speculative theories, but rather that for
which he has Bible proof.
It does not necessarily follow that because the ex
pression "new heavens and a new earth" appears in
all of the references submitted by our querist that
the same thing is referred to in each instance. In
fact, a careful study of the expression shows it to
have a literal and figurative meaning. The context
and all else revealed determines its use and meaning.
In Gen. 2:1 reference is made to God's work which is
detailed in the preceding chapter. The "heavens"
included the atmosphere that immediately envelops
the earth or the "firmament" and the region of the
sun, moon, and stars. This was part of and necessary
to the dwelling place which God prepared for man
i.e., the earth itself. In this instance the words
"heavens" and "earth" go together and identify th
dwelling place which God prepared for man.
In Isa. 65:17-20; 66:22-24 we find a description o
the conditions, circumstances, and environment of
God's people after their restoration from Babylon to
their home land. In all these matters the change from
the former to the latter was to be so great that the
prophet spoke of it as "new heavens and a new
earth." Obviously, the expression here is figurative
and not literal. It is descriptive of the new order that
prevailed after their restoration in contrast to the
old order while in exile in Babylon
In Revelation 21:1 we find the expression used
again in a figurative sense. This is obvious from the
context. It is descriptive of a new order prevailing
for God's people after emerging from battle, suffer
ing, sacrifice, and bitter oppression. The vision that
follows involving the "holy city, new Jerusalem,
coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a
bride adorned for her husband," is descriptive of the
victorious church. Old conditions, enemies, and pow
ers have been destroyed. Now she appears trium
phant and in glory. Whereas she was persecuted
and oppressed, now she appears in beauty, "as a
bride adorned for her husband," and as an object of
admiration. The place from which she makes her
appearance is heaven — signifying, beyond doubt
her true identity. Indeed, she is of God!
In II Pet. 3:14, 15 the context deals with what will
actually happen when Jesus comes. T he "heavens
and the earth, which are now," are to be di
olved.
God's people will then have a new dwelling place
This is that for which we look — even "new heavens
and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness."
This is a direct reference to heaven — the eternal
abode of the righteous
In II Pet. 3:5-7 a contrast is drawn between the
"heavens and the earth," which "were of old" and
the "heavens and the earth, which are now." The
"world" of the former was destroyed by the flood.
Since the word world" often refers to the people on earth (Cf. Matt. 5:14: John 3:16; II Cor. 5:19), conclude that in this instance it refers to the Antediluvians who per ished in the flood. T he "heavens and the earth" which "were of old" must be identical with that of Gen. 2:1. T he "heavens and the earth,which are now" refer to the same since the flood,hence, the literal dwelling place of man. Peter points out that these — not the world thereof, as before, butthe heavens, and the earth themselves — are "reserved unto fire against the day of judgment andperdition of ungodly men." T his day of judgmenwill be when the Lord comes (v. 10). At that time "the, heavens shall pass away with a great noise, andthe elements shall melt with fer vent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up" (v. 10). "All these things," says Peter, "shall be di
olved" (v. 11). This does not leave room for the idea of some that the "new heavens and the new earth" for which we "look" and "wherein dwelleth righteousness" will be the old, literal "heavens andearth" renovated by fire. The context shows that the literal "heavens and earth" shall be "di
olved." For this reason we look for a new dwelling place — the abode of the righteous after Jesus comes again,even heaven itself! Just because the word "earth" appears in the expression identifying the abode othe r ighteous does not necessarily mean the literal earth is involved. Remember, according to its use elsewhere, the expression simply signifies a new order of things or a new dwelling place for God's people. This dwelling place for the righteous, aftethe coming of Jesus, the Bible calls heaven.
THE "DAYS" OF CREATION (GEN. 1 AND 2) — LITERAL OR FIGURATIVE? (NO. 3)
In the two previous articles we have stressed thewell known rule and law of hermeneutics and insisted that "day", in Gen. 1 and 2, must be accepted in its ordinary, normal usage, unless something in the context shows it must mean something else. We haveshown that the "days" were tied together and identified by evening and morning", with its "darkness and light." These were Hebrew expressions denoting"solar" days. Note for example Dan. 8:14 where the ASV mentions 2300 EVENINGS AND MORNINGS
while in the A.V. notice the footnote on the word
"days." All "days" in Gen. 1 and 2, just as in Gen. 7
and 8, must be regarded in this normal sense. Only 2
passages show plainly by the context something else
is meant and the context sots forth that meaning
These are Gen. 1:4-5 and 2:4, discussed in the two
previous articles. Each creation day is associated
with a numeral (one through six) and this is never
done, scholars say, unless an ordinary day is meant.
Then, God's "work" of creative activity is made the
basis for, and definitely tied to, Israel's six days of
"work" followed by a day of "rest" they (like God)
ceased from their labors. (Exod. 20:8-11)
In this paper we want to conclude this specific studyby considering three other arguments to show the"days" of Creation were "days" as we know them,and COULD NOT HAVE BEEN AGES OF MILLIONS OF YEARS EACH. (1) On the third day GodCREATED the vegetable kingdom (Gen. 1:10-13)grass, herbs, fruit trees. But we all know this realm needs sunlight or sunshine (the experience a few years ago with the natural grass in Houston's Astrodome proved that) but, according to the evolutionist's "theory", the next "age" or "eon" the lights were set in the firmament of heaven to GIVE LIGHT ON THE EARTH (Gen. 1:14-15) and the sun was set in the heaven to rule the day and TO GIVELIGHT UPON THE EARTH (vs. 16-17). This all happened on the FOURTH day (vs. 19). How did the grass and plant world survive this age of millions of years with NO LIGHT being shed on the earth ? We have already asked, based on Gen. 1:15-16, how couldthe plant world survive 1/2 an age or eon while it was dark and then 1/2 an age while it was light ? Both of these activities made up the cycle of each one of the Genesis days. Half of it was darkness. Half of "an eon" had no light, if this day-age theory is true! Before proceeding to the next point and because of the problem some pose and the quibble they make"there couldn't be a CYCLE, or earth revolution and a solar day before the 4th day when the sun and moon were set to regulate such". It would be well to, always remember that should we grant this (although DIVINE POWER COULD CAUSE AND COULD REGULATE ANYTHING AS HE SAW FIT UNTIL "NATURAL LAW", BY HIS POWER, WAS INITIATED) , IF THE 4TH, 5TH AND 6TH WERE DAYS OF ORDINARY LENGTH THEN THERE IS NO ROOM FOR EVOLUTION SINCE ALL ANIMALS AND MAN WERE CREATED ON THE 5TH AND 6TH DAYS! Since the theory of evolution is the ONLY REASON, that the first three days were infinitely long periods such as ages. Moreover ALL of the 6 days were described in the same way and tied together just the same. And if the first 3 days were "ages", while the last four were regulated by the sun and were "solar" days we are still faced with the
problem considered under No. (1)
(2) Plants, as noted, were all created on the 3rd day, while the animal creation was created the 5th and 6th. This includes insects, birds, etc. So here we have TWO "AGES", from the time all plant life came intobeing, before ANY of the animal world was created. But, for several reasons, admitted by all, plant lifecan not live or survive without the animal world. We are told in God's "law" of checks and balances how insects and birds destroy certain things to makepo
ible the survival of the plants and trees. We also know how some plants reproduce by the work and assistance of the animal world. They could not continue to live without such and COULDN'T SURVIVE A SHORT SPAN OF TIME, MUCH LESS 2 "AGES" OF MILLIONS OF YEARS EACH. It is interestingto read how the pollination of a flower takes place,and how the flower is fertilized by pollen beinPLACED on the stigma to produce the sperm cells necessary to fertilize the cells in the ovary. Now no other PLANT did this "PLACING" — the plants depended upon the "birds and bees", of the animal realm, to do this and NO PLANTS, depending on this method, could have survived and would exist todayhad it been necessar y to wait through long ages (FAR BEYOND THEIR LIFE EXPECTANCY) fothe animal world to appear.
(3) Adam, the first spirit-endowed creature, cameinto being on the 6th day (1:31). This was the crowning work of God's creation and according to the narrative he was the last created. So, consider this action as L ATE on the 6th day as you desir e, heWAS created on the 6th day. He lived throughout the7th day (and there is no rule to make this day anything but exactly the same as were the other 6 days. Israel's rest was made as an analogy to it (Exod. 20)where "day" is put for "day" in all of the seven. But Adam lived far beyond that 7th day. He had afull life for 930 years (Gen. 5:5). How did Adam livethrough the 7th day, if it were an age of millions of years and yet live to be only 930 years of age?
(Note: We may later discuss other things relating toGen. 1 and 2 (chaos — gap — reconstruction view,Creation Day -Revelatory view, "Two conflicting accounts of creation" ?) but next month we shall begin,and continue for a good many months, the seven basic arguments used to prove Evolution. We shall examine them and deal with them thoroughly. P.F.)
THE FERTILE CRESCENT
The flow of Old Testament history from the geographical point of view may briefly be described asthe migration of the Hebrew people from Babylon tEgypt and their final settlement in Palestine. Such a statement by itself, of course, is an oversimplification, because throughout the entire span of Israel's history the nation engaged in communication, commerce, cultural exchange and conflict with nearly every important political power of the ancient Near East. Most of the events recorded in the Old Testament, none the le
, are confined to the lands of theFertile Crescent. In fact, it is not until one studies the New Testament that his geographical and historical perspective must broaden westward to include some of the lands and nations of Europe.
1. The Land of the Five Seas
One geographical factor contributing to the unique situation of the Fertile Crescent is the mass of salt water which compresses the two continents of Eurasia and Africa into this "land of the Five Seas." Look at the map in figure two (last month's issue) and locate the Persian Gulf, the Caspian Sea, the BlacSea, the Mediterranean (called the "Great Sea" inthe Bible), and the Red Sea. Although these bodies of water naturally hindered close physical ties between Asia, Africa, and Europe, they became thchannels of extensive maritime trade among thancients several thousand years B.C.
2. The Land of Mighty Mountains
The mountains are another contributing factor. Picture the center of these mountains, the Ararat range of the Old Testament (Genesis 8:4), whichare situated between the Caspian and the Black Seas, as the hub of a huge wagon wheel. Several mountain ranges extend from this hub in all directions like narrow spokes. The Caspian range skirts the southern end of the Caspian Sea. Just east of the Tigris-E uphrates valley, running parallel to it, lies the Zagros chain. The Taurus range reaches westward into Asia Minor, hugging close to the northern shore of the Mediterranean. Finally, there is the Lebanon chain which extends down through Palestine andalong the eastern shore of the Mediterranean as far as the Gulf of Suez between Sinai and Egypt
Thus, the mountain chains form an almost impenetrable dome above the Fertile Crescent. Travel through them is channeled into narrow passes, likthe Cilician Gates which cut through the Taurus range above the ancient city of Tarsus. This meansthat trade and travel in ancient times was restricted almost entirely to the Fertile Crescent. It is no accident that famous cities of the Old Testament were located along these major trade routes.
3. The Land of Sun and Sand
The third contributing factor is the dreadful desert which lies to the south. The desert region stretches across the country between the Euphrates and theJordan Rivers and southward into Arabia. Along thenorthern edge of the Arabian Desert is a fringe of grasslands, scanty because of meager winter rains. When the rain fails, the nomads enter the Fertile Crescent to find pasture for their animals, causing conflict with other tribes already established there. Who has not read, for instance, of the invasion of the Midianites during the period of the Judges? T hese people came out of the desert region like locusts to feed upon the green fields and pastures of Palestine, so God used them to punish Israel because of sin (Judges 6-8). The continual transition from the desert to the fruitful and productive lands by thnomads somewhat tells the history of the Fertile Crescent, which was drenched with blood from these countless wars.
It is difficult to appreciate the beauty of Palestine unless one compares it with the barren waste lands that lie all around it. Palestine was indeed "a land flowing with milk and honey" to the Israelites whohad spent forty dreadful years in the desert.
THE NASHVILLE DENOMINATIONALCHURCH OF CHRIST
I continue this month with a review of the sermon preached by brother John McRay on May 12, 1968, at the Otter Cr eek Road chur ch in Nashville, T enn. In last month's article we called attention to his attitude toward the Bible. This is the real trouble for all he has said reveals an unsound attitude toward the Book.
Next he says, "We have restored, brethren, agreat deal of the New Testament church, ... In church government, I think we have what theapostles left behind. In Acts 14:23 they went everywhere appointing elders in every church. This is the residual government that they left behind them. Inlater years, the church in Philippi (Phil. 1:1) was governed by elders and deacons."
Now I wonder where McRay learned that deaconsever governed the New Testament church, The verse says, "Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:" T his was anaddr ess with the deacons included, but no indicationthat the deacons ever ruled in the affairs of the Lord.
Who did rule in the church in New Testament days? I Tim. 3:1 and 5 shows that bishops were to rule or take care of the house of God. In I Peter 5:1-4 we learn that the elders were to take "the oversight thereof" and in Acts 20:28 we learn that elders were the overseers of the church. Nowhere in the New Testament does one read of the deacons being rulers, overseers or care takers of the church. If so, in what New T estament passage?
Where is the idea of deacons ruling in the church coming from? The answer is from denominationalism. The Baptist denomination has no elders to rule; instead the deacons rule. It appears that McRay has been in too close association with the Baptist and notin enough association with the Word of God. If deacons rule in the church where McRay preaches, whatdifference is there on this point and in the Baptist church ?
Next, McRay says, "But we have not r estor ed theentirety of the New Testament church in just theway it was practiced in the first century. I am notsure that in all instances we would restore it; inmany instances we cannot restore it." Then he goeson to list some things that have not been restored about the New Testament church. But before I notice what those things ar e, notice with me his statement "we have not restored the entirety of the New Testament church in just the way it was practiced in the first century." Now what is it that we need to restore that has not been restored? Is the plan of salvation taught by faithful gospel preachers today not theplan of salvation as taught by the apostles and prophets along with the evangelists in the first century ? If not, what part are we failing to preach that theypreached ? Is the worship of the church today not like the worship of New Testament churches? If not, what items of worship did they have that we havefailed to practice. How does the twentieth century church of the New Testament differ in church government from the first century church? What work are we doing now that first century New Testament churches did not do ? Did they not preach the gospel, edify her saints and minister to her needy? Whatmor e do we need than this? I want to know what there was about the first church that we do not have today?
T hen some items ar e mentioned which he thinks probably could not be restored among which are (1) elders with a miraculous measure of the Spirit, (2)women who pray and prophesy, (3) evangelist toadminister discipline, (4) gifts of the spirit such asthose mentioned in the first part of I Cor. 12, (5) anevangelist to appoint elders, (6) the concern for the needy, and he then says, "And so we could go on andon this morning telling about the things that characterized the first century church that are not a part of this church today. Much of this, as I have said, we could not restore. Some of this we could restore." What I would like to have McRay tell us is which of the above items we can and cannot r estor e. True, the miraculous age of the church passed away (I Cor. 13:8-10). Aside from the miraculous age with things that were not to be a part of the church forever, what is there that we today do not have that the first century Christians had? He says of I Cor. 14:26-33,"Now we have not restored that type of first-century worship. It is the nearest thing to pattern in any one example in the New Testament that we can find ofhow the early church wor shipped. Yet, we have nottried to restore that element of the pattern of first centur y wor ship." Does he think we should tr y torestore this miraculous part of first century worship ? If not, does he say we "have not r estor ed that type of first-century worship?" If we are not suppose to restor e that kind, why complain because we have not?If we could, and did, we would be doing that we had no business doing.
Another thing he says, "We have not r estor ed thegreat concern on the part of the early church for the widows and the orphans of which we r ead in I T im. 5." Where does I Tim. 5 mention orphans? In whatver se?
He says, "We do not have the pr esence and 'the spirit' of the apostle Paul to enable us to deliver such a person to Satan for the destruction of the flesh (I Cor. 5:4)." When a congregation today has the same kind of a case as Corinth had and they do with itwhat Corinth did, how come they do not have thespirit of Paul with them? Paul was absent in bodyand pr esent in spir it at Corinth when they deliver ed such a person to Satan. Why would not Paul be absent in body and present in spirit today when achurch was doing the will of God as commanded bythe apostle Paul?
WHAT IS WRONG WITH MR. DAAB?
An article in the Arkansas Democrat (March 9,1969) reported that Mr. Roland E. Daab of Columbia, Illinois has attended Sunday school for 2,600 consecutive Sundays, or fifty years of perfect attendance.
What's wrong with Mr. Daab? Is he never sick? Does he have no relatives to visit or who visit him on Sunday? Does he ever take a vacation?
This man may be wrong in his religion, I don't know, but he is certainly zealous and consistent — and that's mor e than can be said of many who know the truth. Evidently he practices his religion. The primary reason who he attends regularly is that hewants to!
A major problem in many churches is absenteeism. As the Lord's day approaches, members pack up andride off in all directions. The church must operate with those who are left and get by the best it can.
I am concerned about our attitude toward the L or d's day. T he only day of the week which belongsto the Lord in a peculiar way is the day many feel is theirs to use as they please. If we have many more wars, presidents, heroes and other special occasionsto celebrate, this nation will soon become one giantholiday. It is disgusting to r ealize that our Congr ess had nothing better to do than move four more holidays to the week end so that people could celebrate and run around even more. No doubt this was the result of the pressure applied by certain selfish interests who profit by the travel and entertainment of people. I know one thing; it won't help the L or d's church. And I read recently where someone proposed having two "week ends" in ever week. Many of ourpeople ar e guilty of the idolatr y of which Paul wr ote when he said, "Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, the people sat down to eatand drink, and rose up to play" (I Cor. 10:7).
Frequent visits and forsaking the classes and services of the home congregation have a bad influence in many ways. For one thing, it gives children a distorted sense of values. What parent would think of having a child attend a different school each week ? How could the child ever get an education? T he publicschools would not tolerate such a practice. But whensuch is done with reference to the Bible classes, itsays to the child that secular education is more important than spiritual education.
Absenteeism hinders Bible class work. With manyabsent to return to class next week, the teacher is faced with a frustrating problem. He or she must begin wher e the class ended last week, knowing that those who wer e absent have missed an important link in the chain of thought, or else burden and hinder the rest of the class by a lot of review and repetition. No wonder we know so little about the Bible!
Some who claim to be Christians — members of the body of Christ — are often guilty of wilfully absenting themselves from the services of the church on the Lord's day. It may be that they do not understand the number of sins involved and duties neglected when they f ail to attend.
When you forsake the worship service on theLord's day, the following sins are usually involved:
- You disobey the command of the Lord to assemble for worship (Heb. 10:25).
- You fail to meet your appointment with theLord (Matt. 18:20).
- You disobey the command to take the L or d's supper upon the first day of the week (Acts 20:7).
- You fail to give as you have been prospered (those who wilfully forsake don't send their contribution— I Cor. 16:2).
5. You neglect your spiritual development (Heb.
5:12-14).
- You fail to assist the church in its great mission of saving the world
- You fail to engage in other items of acceptable wor ship ( John 4:24) .
- You fail to stay prepared to meet Christ should he come or should you die without r epenting (Matt. 24:44).
- You may lead others astray by the influence you have over their lives (Matt. 5:13-16).
- You "crucify the Son of God afresh, and puthim to an open shame" (Heb. 6:6).
- You count the blood of the covenant wher ewith you were sanctified an unholy thing (Heb. 10:29).(Note how this verse is connected with verse 25.) The fruit of the vine in the Lord's supper is called the "blood of the covenant" in Matthew 26:28.
- You may be on the r oad to complete apostasy as described by Peter when he said, "For if afterthey have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and over come, the latter end is wor se with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not tohave known the way righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them" (II Peter 2:20-21).
If all members would obey the commandmentfound in Hebrews 10:25, they would become stronger in the service of the Lord and the church would function much more efficiently and effectively.
Yes, the Lord's church could use members like Mr. Daab.
BOUND
Bound in beautiful Fabricord covering, navy blue, printed in gold A companion volume to previously bound volumes of Searching The Scriptures.
$7.50
THE NEWS LETTER REPORTS
"... They rehearsed all that God had done with them... " — Acts 14:27
JAMES P. MILLER TO KENTUCKY
James P. Miller, co-editor of Searching The Scriptures, began wor k with the 12th Str eet chur ch inBowling Green, Kentucky the first Lord's day in May. After sixteen years with the Seminole church inT ampa, Florida, brother and sister Miller return totheir native Kentucky to serve the Master. They will be missed in the T ampa ar ea and thr oughout thesoutheast.
Brother Miller and I have been engaged in thiswork for over ten years, beginning with the "Southeast Newsletter " in 1958 and bringing into being Searching The Scriptures in January, 1960. In debates, lectur es, meetings, writing and in per sonal labors for the Lord we have had a unique and closerelationship. We have shared joys and sorrows, problems and success. We have traveled many milestogether in preaching the gospel of Christ. We havestudied together, prayed together and labored together, and in all this there has not been one unkind or harsh word between us. My love and respect for Jim is well known to all who know both of us. I value his counsel, appreciate his labor in the kingdom, and love him as a brother in the Lord.
I pray that both Jim and Bobbie may have manyyears upon the earth to serve the Lord. I pray thattheir work with the 12th Street congregation inBowling Green, Kentucky will be successful and pleasing in the eyes of the Lord. This is the only kind of success that is worth the snap of your finger. Brother Miller will continue to work for the success of Searching The Scriptures thr oughout Kentucky and the nation.
H. E . Phillips
CHURCHES RECONCILED IN CINCINNATI
(James P. Miller — We are glad to publish this report and know that it is a fine step in the right dir ection. I knew after my meeting in Blue Ash inFebruary that better things are in store for the churches in greater Cincinnati).
The Blue Ash church, 4667 Cooper Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45242 and the Pisgah church, Rt. 42 atDimmick Road, Pisgah, Ohio 45069, met together and on February 23, 1969 published a statement of reconciliation, signed by five brethren of each congregation. The following is a part of the statement:
On this day the brethren of the Blue Ash church and the brethren of the Pisgah church met in jointsession to resolve differences of several years standing between the two congr egations. Recognizing that in times of stress and disagreement, brethren's emotions often overrule good judgment and that sin is easily and often committed on both sides of a controversy, we have met to clear our conscience before God and before man. We recognize further that such sinsare often difficult to define. Accordingly, we of the two aforementioned congregations do hereby solemnly
declar e that whatever sins we as congr egations or
individuals have committed we ar e sincer ely sorr y
for and ask our brethren and our heavenly Father to
forgive us. With this statement we further make
known to our neighboring churches and all concerned
that all differences separating us as brethren have
been fully resolved and we are now in full fellowship
in Christ our Lord.
The Blue Ash church, 4667 Cooper Road, Cincin
nati, Ohio and the Evendale church, Glendale-Milford
Road, Cincinnati, Ohio published a statement March
2, 1969 just as the one above. We r ejoice that peace
again reigns among these brethren involved.
Giles M. Painter, Newton, N. C.— We would like to report a new work that began, March 2, 1969 inNewton, N. C. with thirteen Christians and a total attendance of nineteen. It is our desire to walk in the old paths, free from the innovations of men to earnestly contend for the faith. Any interest, helps, etc., contact the Newton Church of Christ, Rt. 2, Box 117A, Newton, N. C, phone 704— 464-8476. Visit with us when in the ar ea.
The Church of Christ, 536 N. poplar, Montebello, Calif. 90640 will send the Words of Life to any manor woman in the Armed Forces. The Words of Life is a weekly bulletin-type paper published by brother James E. Cooper that deals with "First Principles." Those desiring to take advantage of this offer should write to the church.
Joe F. Nelson, 1093-B Dewey Road, Key West, Fla. 33040 — We would like to make br ethr en awar e of the Lord's people who meet at 22 Shore Drive on Big Coppitt Key, Florida. This is the only congregation that we know of this side of Perrine, Florida thatstands for the truth. Our attendance averages 26each Lord's day. Worship with us when in the Keys.
Larry R. Devore, P. O. Box 5, New Carlisle, Ohio 45344 — Brother Fred A Shewmaker from Wilmington, Ohio, pr eached in a meeting at Funston Avenuechurch, March 3-9. One confessed sins during the meeting and two have been baptized since themeeting.
The Southeast congregation, Portland, Oregon — We ar e happy to r eport that thr ee have been baptized at Yale, Ill., and six baptized at Hildalgo, Ill. throughthe efforts in two meetings of Robert J. LaCoste.
Robert J. LaCoste of Southeast church, P. O. Box06326 Portland, Or egon 97206, is moving to wor k with the church at Globe, Arizona. The Southeast congregation is accepting applications for an evangelist. Phone: 1-503-771-9518.
Gale Cummings, Altus, Oklahoma — The church her e will appr eciate you letting your r eader s know that Foy W. Layton, preacher for the Westside congregation in Irving, Texas, will be with the Southeast
church in Altus, Oklahoma in a Gospel Meeting May5-11. He will also be with the 19th & Calla Avenue church in Frederick, Oklahoma from the 12th thru the 15th of May. Bro. John Wilson is the preacher for this church. Both of these congregations would like the names of any men of families moving intothis area as a result of a recent change of commandof an Air Force unit from Tinker AFB to Altus AFB. Please notify John Wilson, P. O. Box 1070, Frederick,
Okla. or Gale Cummings, Box 955, Altus.
Grant B. Caldwell, 4313 32nd Ave., Kenosha, Wise.53140 — During the past eight months, we have been associated with the church in Kenosha, Wise. The Lord's people here have proven without any doubtthat they are willing to withstand all trials andcontinually march forward in the cause of the Master. During our time here some five people have beenrestored. We have continued hope of growth anddevelopment both spiritually and numerically.
Ben Puterbaugh, 2797 Russell St., Portage, Ind. —
I am writing in behalf of the congregation here at
Portage, Indiana. They are in need of acquiring a
man to begin working with them starting this summer.
This summer will complete three years of myworking with them, and I will be moving to CottageGrove, Oregon
The congregation here has been averaging about
60 over the past few months, but as the area popu
lation is increasing steadily, there is much oppor
tunity for growth. The brethren are "sound" and
some are very able and willing workers.
Financially, they are able to provide $120 per
week at the present time, and thus it would be neces
sary for most individuals to raise some outside sup
port.
If anyone is interested they can write to: Church of Christ, 2797 Russell Street, Portage, Indiana 46368.
Voyd N. Ballard, 6801 No. 6th Ave., Glendale, Ari
zona 85301 — The work goes well here at 60th Avenue
in Glendale. We just closed a good meeting with Bro.
Choice L. Bryant of Fresno, California doing the
preaching. We had good crowds every night and Bro.
Bryant did an outstanding job. He preaches the
gospel in its fullness and completene
.One was baptized during the meeting, and we had one restored a few days before the meeting.
Clark C. Buzbee, P. O. Box 278, York, Ala. 36925
— For the past two and one-half years I have beenworking with the Lord's people in York, Alabama.We have also had a part in the work at Boligee. Sixhave been baptized, and thirteen of the Lord's peoplehave been restored. The Lord willing, my family andI will be moving to Moultrie, Georgia this summer. I will be working with the Central church there. The church here in York will be needing a man. He willneed outside support, but the church here owns their building and they have a nice, large three bedroom,two bath home they can provide in addition to about $50.00 per month in salary. Anyone interested maywrite me or George Fletcher, York, Alabama 36925.
Vestal Chaffin, 4204 Sunflower Avenue, Louisville,Ky. 40216. Don Bassett, of Memphis, Tenn., will bwith the Shively church in a gospel meeting, April 25th through May 2nd. Our work here moves alongvery well. Two have been baptized recently. Whenyou are in the Louisville area, visit with us.
SASSERS RETURNING TO NIGERIA
Yes, brethren it is true, my wife and I and our four children, Whit, Jimona, Tami and Jori Lyn, havdecided to return to Nigeria to enter once again intothe work that we learned to love so well while we were there two years, 1964-1966.
We had not intended to return so soon, but brotherJames Link, the brother that had been preparing togo, was unable to do so because of the condition of his wife after an auto accident.
We looked around, high and low, for a man to take his place, but was unable to find anyone else to go.So, with brother Wayne Payne coming home this summer, and with our longing to return to Nigeria anyway, and with the desperate need for at least two white brethren to be there together at all times, wmade up our minds to go
Well, now brethren, since you know why my familyand I are going to Nigeria, it is left up to you to see to it that we get there, are supported well whilethere, and have working funds to work with whilethere. I am not ashamed or embarrassed to ask yobrethren to help financially in this great effort at this time. On the contrary, I am happy to be able to ask. For I know that you need to be involved in such efforts as this for your own good and I know fromexperience that you will not let me and this effort down. You will be more than happy to have an opportunity to help preach the gospel where it is received so well. Where the fruits are so many fold
Brethren, I am an experienced man that has served his Lord in Nigeria before. A man that ismature in age and mind. I love the Nigerian peopleand know how to work with them. I was with brother George Pennock in the work over there before andwill be privileged to be a fellow worker with himagain this time, the Lord willing
I am now engaged in a good work here at Griffith, Indiana. The brethren are paying me a gooliveable wage, I am living in a nice brick house. I am enjoying the work with these good brethren here. So you see, I am not running from anything or anybody, but I feel that I need to go to a work where I am needed even more and where not many brethren want to go.
Brethren, here are the needs, and how they canbe met by you, and when they should be met: We will need travel funds both ways before we leave the States. We will need a car for transportation while we are there. We will need monthly living support. We will need rent money and working funds.
Any individual or congregation that will help, cansend to any of these needs. We plan to leave in September 1969. Our time for raising the necessaryfunds is ver y limited. Please do not hold back ordelay your sending to this need. Delay is a killer ofprecious time and a cause of concern on the part of those trying to go to do this work. Please heed this call now. If there is any congregation that thinks
they may be able to take care of my support or rent money by themselves, please contact me right away.My address is: James W. Sasser, 630 East Ash Place,Griffith, Indiana 46319. My telephone number is: area code 219, 923-3819. Make all checks payable tJames W. Sasser and send them to the above address. Thank you in advance brethren for your liberal help. Yours in His Service. Jim Sasser.
HARKRIDER REPORT FROM SIDNEY
February 12, 1969
"The best laid plans o' mice and men gang aft agley." This familiar line from the pen of the Scottish poet Burns rings in my mind as I begin this report. Three months ago we had the "best laid plan" to move 300 miles to Gunnedah to a
ist the brethren in preaching the gospel in that city as well as in Armidale and Inverell. However, this was not to be, for we soon learned we were to be the parents of our fourth child next July. Arline has been considerably ill with "morning sickness" combined with a low blood sugar complaint similar to the conditionshe experienced the full nine months with Amy, our youngest child. My concern for her well-being has necessitated the change in our plans. After much serious consideration we decided to remain in Sydney until next December in order to keep the homesurroundings as stable and familiar as po
ible during the next few months. The Lord willing, we shall return to the U.S. by the end of 1969.
We have moved, however, to a different residence as the owners of the house we rented the last 20 months are returning from America. Our new address is 18 Koorabel Ave. Gymea, N.S.W. 2227; Australia ; telephone 525-4597. All correspondents please note the mailing address:
From: To: (effective now)23 Milba Road P.O. Box 52 Caringbah, N.S.W. 2229 Caringbah, N.S.W. 2229Australia Australia
When ther e is so much work to be done in so many places, as the case is in Australia, it is difficult to know where to go and what to do first. Weconstantly pray for the Lord's wisdom and divineguidance that His will be done. Much wor k is before us in the Sydney area, and our time will notbe ill spent by remaining. Our reasons for having made plans to move to Gunnedah had been prompted by the need in that ar ea and out of joythat the work in Sydney was soundly begun. Jim E ver ett was r emaining to devote full time to thework, and Phil Morr, of Romulus, Michigan, watentatively planning to move to this ar ea in JulyThese facts have not changed, and even though weare now also staying there is plenty of work for us all. Jim and I have been extending ourselves assisting as many other congregations as we po
ibly canin fact, all six male members of the Pork Hackinchurch have been called on to teach and preach asboth Jim and I frequently are away at the same time. One of us is in Wollongong (50 miles south) everSunday and Wednesday nights, and one is in Newcastle (100 miles north) every fourth Sunday, combined with occasional trips to Gunnedah, Armidale,and Inverell area. In addition, we have a
isted other congr egations by conducting gospel meetings asoften as po
ible. For example, Jim will be preachingin meetings the whole month of March, and I will be gone two or three weeks in April, the L ord willing
I wish I knew what could be said or done to encourage other faithful men to come labor in Australia for the next 3 to 5 years. At least seven different areas (some involve more than one congregation) are asking for faithful men to come help, andit would be difficult to say which place was in greatest need, for they are all worthy works. This is onlythe minimum number needed as many, many cities in Australia have no known congregation existing.Could you, dear Reader, or do you know of some faithful man who would give a few months of his life preaching the glorious gospel to lost souls in this country of Australia? "The harvest truly is great,but the laborers are few" (Luke 10:2).
ONE BAPTISED IN JANUARY: Summer school holidays combined with the Christmas season makethe months of December and January the slowest of the year so far as studies with aliens is concerned. However, we all rejoiced to assist Mrs. Wiseman obey her Lord in baptism on January 22nd. She is agood friend to Mrs. Tucker, who was baptized a year ago. and through this influence Mrs. Wiseman willingly studied the Scriptures and responded in sincere obedience. Our number increased too by the movof Max and Cathie Burgin and four children to Sydney. This family seems to be sound in the faith and will be a boost to the work. Presently we are distributing 5.000 copies of the current i
ue of "DoingTruth", and we pray that through this printed pagenew contacts may be taught the truth. The Port Hacking church now numbers 18 members (6 Americans, 12 Australians), and combined with our children we have a total of 29 meeting together
We are thrilled to report that the renovations to the building ar e almost completed, and within thnext week or two we will begin meeting in the auditorium which should comfortably seat 60 peopleWhen this work is finished we will send a picture and a complete report to those who so generously helpemake this po
ible.
In closing, please accept my sincere appreciation to all who have a
isted us in this work through your prayers, contributions, and personal letters. Andmost of all, we give thanks to God for the church inHueytown, Alabama which has so faithfully had fellowship in the work both by sending my full monthly salary and by constantly supplying moral and spiritual encour agement
"Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified, even as it is with you" (II Thessalonians 3:1).
— Robert Har krider
Robert A. Bolton, 610 E. LaDeney Dr., Ontario,Calif. — I am half-way through my 4th year witthe good church in Ontario, California which averages more than $2,000 per month in direct supportof preachers at home and away. In 1968 there were 8 baptized, 7 restored, and 10 identified. Meetings in Ontario in 1969 will be with H. Osby Weaver, Apri7-13 and W. L. Wharton, Jr., September 8-14.
February 3-14 I was with the 5th Avenue & 12th
Street church in Yuma. Arizona in a singing school and gospel meeting. My meeting schedule for the rest of 1969 is as follows: Northside in Tucson, Arizona, April 14-20; Market Street in Salem, Oregon, April 27-May 4; and in California, at Studebaker Road in Long Beach, May 12-18; Palm Springs in November, and Apple Valley at a time yet to bedecided.
When in Southern California, visit with us in Ontario — only 35 miles from downtown Los Angeles on Inter-State # 10.
SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES continues to be among the best papers I receive. I would certainly like to find someone who would sell me Bound Volume 1 & 2 for my files.
Leo Rogol. Rt. 4 Box 12D, Greensburg, Ky. — Brother Paul C. Keller, of Moundsville. W. Virginia, preached in a meeting at the Greensburg church of Christ March 17-23. One was baptized during this meeting.
Since moving to Greensburg, we have had threebaptisms and four restorations. The work is progressing very well and more good is being accomplished all along. I began my work here the first week of August, 1968.
James L. Denison, 3402 Henderson Boulevard,
Tampa, Fla. 33609. May 5, 1969. "On April 4, Colin
Williamson of Ocala, Fla., closed a meeting for us at
Henderson Blv'd with one baptism. Since that time
we have had three other baptisms. On May 2, I con
cluded a meeting with the Westside congregation in
Tallahassee, Fla., with one baptism. My next meeting
will be with the Gap Road congregation in Bates
ville, Ark., late this summer."
M. E. Patton — I have recently been with theThomas Blvd. church in Port Arthur, Texas (Mar. 30-Apr. 6) which resulted in four baptisms. DonGivens has recently moved there from California to work as evangelist. He is well received and is off to a fine start with this good church. April 14-20 I waswith the University Heights church in Lexington, Ky., which resulted in fifteen baptisms. Robert Craw-ley is the efficient, highly esteemed, and faithful evangelist here. This church is showing a great deal of zeal and knowledge in the Lord's work. I go next to Spring and Blaine in St. Louis, Mo. — May 4-11. After this I will be home for most of the summer
before my next meeting. Ferrell Jenkins of Tampa,
Fla. will be with us at Weatherly Heights in Hunts
ville, Ala. June 1-8.
Donald R. Givens, 4349 Vassar, Port Arthur, Tex. 77640: We have had ten baptisms at the T homas Blvd. congregation in the past six weeks. Four ofthese were baptized during a meeting with brotherMarshall Patton. Bro. Patton did an excellent job ofpreaching the powerful gospel. Any congregation will benefit greatly by calling on him for a meeting. We continue to enjoy the work at Thomas Blvd.; and the congregation is blessed with three fine elders and a good spirit prevails. When in southeast Texas, visit with us.
HOLY SPIRIT IN THE NEW BIRTH
J. T. Smith, Dayton, Ohio 45410
The denominational world "thrives" on talkingabout the New Birth, conversion, and their beingsaved as a result of a direct operation of the HolySpirit. Usually those who tell you about their receiving "it" (instead of Him) will tell you that it is unexplainable, that they consider it "better felt than told."
Many times those who talk about the Holy Spirit and conversion will cite John 3:3-8 in an effort to try to show the mystery of the new birth. It is certainly a mis-nomer to refer to the new birth as conversion. For even though there can be no Scriptural conversion without the new birth, the new birth can certainly take place without true conversion following. We will explain this in our next article. However, just here, we want to continue our thought of the Holy Spirit in the new birth.
Jesus said we are "born of water and of the Spirit." Almost every Bible scholar, without exception, will tell you that the word "water" in John 3:5 is a reference to baptism in water. In fact, most reference Bibles will cite Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; I Pet.
3:21 as references to look up on the word "water" in John 3:5. "But," someone says, "read about theSpirit and the mystery of it." "It is like the wind." "It is better felt than told." Stop and consider forjust a moment what Jesus is saying about the Spirit. He is simply saying that when folks are baptized in harmony with the Scriptures, their sins are washedaway by the blood of the Lamb (Rev. 1:5; cf. Acts 22:16) and you can see no outward change at thetime the Spirit removes our sins or operates on us. Paul explains it by saying that God operates on us
— that he quickens or makes us alive spir itually when we are baptized (Col. 2:12-13). Hence, beingborn of water and of the Spirit puts one in the position of "being led by the Spirit" that we might beconverted to Christ.
Next month, we will talk about the word "conversion" and "being led by the Spirit."
WHY I BECAME A CHRISTIAN, A MEMBER
OF THE CHURCH OF CHRISTPART NO. 3
Joseph Lee Block
In 1943 we arrived in New York and settled in Flushing, L.I. My wife attended the church services in the Manhattan church of Christ (at that time atrue church). I went with my wife a few times and then found myself wanting to go. We met some wonderful people there and they accepted me for what I was, never asking me any questions. Nevertheless, I told them that I was of Jewish Faith. I was still attending the services at the synagogue three times a day, 7 days a week, and also attending the services from time to time at the church of Christ.
After a few months of attending the church of Christ services, I found myself asking Ed Couch,who was the preacher there, some questions. Ed re
minded me of Rabbi Springer, a kind, lovable andpatient man. He was well liked by the congregation. I told Ed Couch the way I was brought up and also asked him a few things about the Christian religion. The answers he gave were simple, but he told me to study the Holy Bible if I wanted to learn more. I did this. I began studying the Bible and found things that I could not understand. I went to Ed with everything that was troubling me and he always found time for me. He was a very patient man. I took a copy of the Holy Scriptures from the Jewish translation and found at that time that they varied in my mind too much.
One day E d asked me what I was looking for. I told him that I did not know, but that I did believethat there were some things missing in my life and I was going to find them one way or the other. He did say that the answer to all our problems was in the Bible, and for me to study more and more. Hetold me something else: not to rush things"; whatever I was seeking I would- find. To me I was too anxious to find the answer quick because I was introuble. He told me to take it easy, but I thought in my mind that he had what he was looking for, so it was all r ight for him to talk that way, but I soon found out that we are all looking for something.
Some of the folks from the Manhattan church lived in Flushing, Bayside, Great Neck, Little Neck and various communities in the area, decided to get a building in Flushing so the folks from these areas would not have to travel very far in winter. A building was found in Flushing and the folks all got together to help this church get started. I was happythat they permitted me to assist them in getting this church started. They worked very hard andnever thought of themselves. As they were working I was asking questions and they never got too busy to answer me. I owe a lot to them and most of the hard work was done by Ed Couch.(continued)
