PAUL'S REBUKE OF PETER

Larry Ray Hafley

In the sacred narrative of Galatians 2:11-21, we

find Paul's rebuke of Peter for his hypocritical

action toward the Gentiles. A kind, scathing, de

served denunciation confronted the impetuous, fiery

Apostle directly and publicly (Gal. 2:11,14). He who

"was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles"

(II Cor. 11:5), manifested the tenacious moral, phy

sical, and spiritual courage that ever sustained

his faith when he came "eyeball to eyeball" with the

proclaimer of the gospel of the circumcision.

WAS THE REBUKE DESERVED?

Let the Spirit of God answer the query. "... he (Peter) was to be blamed" (Gal. 2:11). That settles it, but what facts caused this untenable, self -condemned position?

Peter knew "that it is an unlawful thing for a manthat is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one ofanother nation; (Gentile) but God hath shewed methat I should not call any man (Gentile) common ounclean" (Acts 10:28). By means of "a certainvessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to theearth: "Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creepingthings, and fowls of the air" (Acts 10:11,12), Peter had been conclusively shown "that God is no respecter of persons" (Acts 10:34). Hence, as requested,(Acts 10:48) Peter ate with the uncircumcised andsuccessfully sustained his behavior before a "Jewish Board of Inquiry" (Act 11:2-18). There is, said therecorded Pentecost preacher, "no difference" between the Jew and Gentile (Acts 15:9,11). Therefore, Paul's severe censure was most appropriate;Peter received "his dues."

WHY WHEN HE KNEW BETTER?

As has been adequately proven, Peter's sin wanot born of ignorance. He lived, and r ightly so,"after the manner of Gentiles," (Gal. 2:14) but heceased doing so "fearing them which were of thecircumcision" (Gal. 2:12). His hypocritical, insincere actions were occasioned by the fear of man.

It is a characteristic of men in all ages to be moved

by the thought of what others will think if they obey

God. Had Peter continued his course of fear his

doom would have been irrevocably sealed (Rev.

21:8). cf. John 12:42,42; 9:18-23.

RESULTS OF PETER'S HYPOCRISY

1. Others were led astray, even Barnabas (Gal. 2:

13). Sin's potency is cruel enough in one person, but

as occurs so often, its lair is enlarged in one so as

to ensnare others.

It can be inferred that some were "carried away"

because of Peter's influence. All disciples need to be

ever aware of this pitfall. What Alexander Campbell

or J. W. McGarvey believed is not inherently impor

tant. How David Lipscomb stood on any i ue does

not determine Divine truth. We cannot afford to be

led by any man be he Foy E. Wallace or Roy E. Cog-

dill. Christ is the captain of our salvation, and those

who have contracted "infectious preacheritis" need

to set their affections on things above.

2. The doctrine of Christ, had Peter's course goneunchecked, would have been rendered ineffectual in

the eyes of many potential subjects. The gospel

claimed that all men are in sin subject to sanctifica

tion and oneness in Christ without fleshly distinction,

but Peter's behavior appeared to void this sublime

reality. It seemed that the law (circumcision) was

necessary to support a weakness in the gospel and

that the Gentiles had no hope of true sonship. Who

would want to accept an important message in which

its executors, the apostles, had no confidence?

3. Furthermore, the body of Christ would havesuffered an unalterable rend with "Jewish churches of Christ" leaning on the crutch of the law while the relegated Gentile churches wallowed in an indirect justification. Thus Christ's statement of "one fold and one shepherd" would have become an unfullfilled dream, a failure. The world could not believe that God sent Jesus when the administrators, directed by the Spir it, "proved" the failure of the pr o-mise in Christ by the gospel by their living division (Jn. 17:21). We could but exclaim in the throes of eternal oblivion, "O wretched men that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death." The answer would forever resound and reverberate,"There is no hope, and there will never be one. We

are condemned!"

Page 2 __________________________________________________________________________________________________

BUT THE REFRESHING BLESSED TRUTH

"... a man is not justified by the works of the law,

but by the faith of Jesus Christ" (Gal. 2:16). "For

ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ

Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into

Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor

Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither

male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

And if ye be Christ's then are ye Abraham's seed,

and heirs according to the promise" (Gal. 3:26-29).

"Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift" (II

Cor. 9:15).

Larry Ray Hafley602 W. Lee Street Piano, Illinois 60545

FLORIDA STATE SALES TAX

Beginning at once, please add 4% sales tax on all subscriptions, books and tape or der s sold in the state of Florida.

"GREAT" AND "LITTLE" PREACHERS

In this i ue is an article under the heading: "Preacher's Plea" by one who wished to remain anonymous. He did not sign the article or the note attached. I usually give little attention to such articles and letters, but because of some of the material inthis one that suggests some dangers among preachers and churches I have published it.

While I do not agree in all respects with the "pro

blems" of preachers who labor with small congrega

tions, or with the "causes" of these situations as set

forth in this article, it does show up some conditions

that are very real and dangerous. I deplore and decry

the attitudes and practices of many preachers among

us. We need but to look casually at the developin

"clergy" within denominationalism to see where we

are headed if these attitudes are not changed. The

average "clergyman" — call him Pastor, Doctor,

Reverend, Priest, Rabbi: they are all the same — is

much more interested in political, social and economic

"justice" than in teaching people the way of the

___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Page 3

Lord. There was not much political, social and economic justice under the Roman rulers during thfirst century, but this did not keep the apostles andevangelists of the first century from preaching Christ and His kingdom to all men. I know of no action of the apostles or the early church, recorded in the New Testament, on behalf of social or economic injustice. They were interested in preaching the word of recon

ciliation. That is the work of an evangelist.

Most of those who read this journal strongly op

pose the attitudes and practices of the modern clergy.

But nearly all of us know that the very liberal

preachers and digressive "Churches of Christ" are

about as far out as those of denominationalism. Their

interest is not in proclaiming the word of God. They

indulge themselves in entertainment, social problems

and activity, and in developing a busine -type en

terprise out of the church. All this grows out of at

titudes toward the word of God and toward each other.

One disgraceful attitude among preachers of thegospel is the "big" and "little" classification that both preachers and churches have adopted. Jealousy anenvy lie at the root of this attitude. Discounting thephysical aspect, I know of but one scriptural definition to such a cla ification. "He that is least among you all, the same shall be great" (Luke 9:48). This statement resulted from a dispute among the disciples who should be greatest. The mother of Zebedee's children came to Jesus with the request that her two

sons be granted to sit, "the one on thy right hand,

and the other on the left, in thy kingdom" (Matt.

20:21). The other ten arose in indignation against

the two because of their ambition for greatne : to

sit on the right and on the left hand in the kingdom.

Jesus answered the question about who was the

greatest by saying, "... but whosoever will be grea

among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever

will be chief among you, let him be your servant"

(Matt. 20:26,27).

But who will be least in the kingdom? "Whosoever

therefore shall break one of these least command

ments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the

least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall

do and teach them, the same shall be called great in

the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 5:19). This measure

ment of greatness is directly opposite to the stand

ards of the world. The "big" or "great" preachers of our times are

those with the highest academic degree, the most polished speaker, the most widely advertised ascampaign promoters, acclaimed editors and authors,college presidents and professors, promoters and directors of "church-related" institutions of all kinds,and the noted debaters and lecturers of this age. I am not saying that men with these qualities ar e not sound preachers of the gospel. Some are! But are any of these essential to being "great" preachers by

God's standard?

I have the series of books published by Biblical

Research Press in Abilene, Texas called "Great

Preachers of Today". In these books of sermons the

Preface in each tells of the accomplishments of the

author that distinguished him as a "great preacher".

The standard used is that by which the world mea

sures greatness, at least this is where" the emphasis

lies.

It has come to the point that one of these "great" preachers has simply to pronounce a decree on some i ue and many churches and "little" preachers bow to his will and accept his pronouncement as the law of God. I am not willing to rest the destiny of my soul upon the "interpretation" and "exposition" of theword of God by any "great" preacher by man's standard, no matter what his reputation is. I know thatevery man is subject to error and no man is infallible. I measure his preaching by the word of God, and so far as I am concerned the only "great" or "big" preacher is that man who "shall do and teach" the very least commandments of God; and the "least" or "little" preacher is the man who "shall break one of these commandments, and shall teach men so." No matter what accomplishments one has acquired bman's standard, if he does not teach and practice the truth he is a "little" preacher. If he preaches the truth and practices it he is a "big" preacher, even if he has not acquired one of the before mentioned qualities.

The attitude of peddling influence and trading fothe best salary by some preachers of the gospel is disgusting. That man who is more interested in ameeting with a "big and influential" church that will pay him a handsome sum for his labors than he is in preaching the pure gospel to save souls, does not deserve the distinction as a preacher of the gospel.And that congregation which trades for the popular preacher who has the most influence across the nation, and seeks to enhance her own standing amongbrethren by the "big" preacher's influence is not interested in glorifying God. This does not mean thatevery congregation securing a nationally knownpreacher for a meeting or for regular work is wrong.It all depends upon the attitude of both preacher and congregation toward the standard of "greatness" in the kingdom of God.

There is another side to the coin. The attitude of

"little" preachers, as some describe themselves, is

no better than the "big" preachers among men. The

rich have always been inclined to oppress the poor,

and the poor have always charged the rich with being

greedy, dishonest and cruel. As a blanket statement

this is not true. But the tendency is always there. In

the same sense the "big" preachers are inclined to

dominate the "little" preachers and churches, an

the "little" preachers charge the "big" preachers

with unholy motives and sinful practices. As a

blanket statement this is no more true than the case

of the rich and poor.

Since the Lord said the great in the kingdom are those who do and teach the very least of God's commandments, and the least are those who break one of the least of God's commandments and teach men so (Matt. 5:19), we should be interested in no other measurement of greatne .

Some spend their lives studying the word of God

They have worked hard to serve the Lord and to

preach the gospel without compromise. Because of

their hard work and long years of service they hav

become widely known and respected for their work's

sake. They are great preachers by God's standard.

But many others are too lazy to study, too indiffer

ent to develop their own abilities, and too interested

in "something for nothing" to acquire a reputation

among brethren as a faithful and hard working

preacher of the gospel. Some of these expect larger

Page 4

and better taught congregations to employ them at a high salar y when they have not qualified themselves by reason of time and hard study. Why should a novice or a lazy young man looking for a "shortcut", expect an equal responsibility with a mature, hard working man who has equipped himself for the work ? This is about as sensible as the college student demanding an equal voice in the curriculum and administration of a college with the president, dean

and professors.

A young man must study and work hard and in

time he will be one of those "big" preachers by God's

standard. To me a young preacher is a gem. If he

loves the truth, works hard to serve the Lord, keeps

the right attitude toward the word of God and his

brethren in the Lord, he will develop into a bright

jewel with real greatness in the sight of God. I love

and respect these young men who want to preach the

gospel of Christ. I will gladly help and encourage

them in every way to develop their full capacity to

become truly great preachers of the word.

"The Living Voice"

TAPES

of the

LECTURE PROGRAM OF FLORIDA COLL EGE

January 23-26, 1967 "The Living God And The Living Word"

Recorded on new 1 1/2 mil Mylar tape of good quality. This new weather resistant tape, recorded on both sidesat 3 3/4 i.p.s. can be played on any recorder using a 7"reel.

ANY TWO LECTURES ON ONE TAPE

Make Your Choice

The Inspired Word ....................................... Jere Frost The Word— Mental And PhysicalHealth ............................... Dr. William McElwain God of Cr eation vs the "god" of

Materialism ................................ David Harkrider Modern Theology and God ..................... . Hiram HuttoThe Spiritual House and Spiritual Sacrifices .. Tom ButlerThe Living God in the Psalms ................ Homer HaileyThe Living Word and Living Things........... Melvin Curry The Profitable Word (I I Timothy 3) ........ Granville TylerGod of Revelation vs the "gods" of

Inspiration __ ......... ___ ............... O. C. Birdwell Modern Theology and the Miraculous .... Paul WilliamsThe Living Past ...................................... James HodgesThe Coming God-King in the Psalms.........Homer HaileyThe Word of His Power........................... Curtis E. Flatt God of Pr ovidence vs the "god" of

Indifference _____....................... Hershel Patton Modern Theology and

Dispensationalism...................... William WallaceReminiscing With McGarvey .............. Henry S. FicklinThe Living God and Prayer __ ........ ____ Billy MurrellThe Final Word ____ ................ ____ Robert Jackson

ANY TWO SPEECHES ON ONE TAPE — $4.00 ENTIRE SERIES — 9 TAPES — $32.00

CATHOLIC "SAINTS" — DE-SANCTIFIED!!

For centuries, the Roman Catholic Church has en

gaged in the custom of elevating certain of their

deceased members to the position of "saints". They

have apparently failed to note that the New Testa

ment refers to all the faithful Christians as saints.

Note, please, Paul's introduction to the Philippian

Epistle: "Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ

Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in

Philippi, including the overseers and deacons."

To the Ephesians, Paul wrote: "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are at Ephesus, and who are faithful in Christ Jesus."

In his First Corinthian Epistle, Paul wrote: "to

the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who

have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by call

ing, with all who in every place call upon the name of

our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:. . . "

There are many more scriptures that could be

cited, but these suffice to prove the New Testament

practice.

Catholicism's False Procedure

For several centuries, Catholicism selects certain of her faithful. . . those who have supposedly beenworkers of miracles during their life-time . . . and elevates them to the status of "saints" . . . they are said to be "canonized", or "beatified". If they are canonized, this is accomplished by a papal decree, and is obligatory and universal. Beatification, however, is local or regional and is not binding upon allCatholics. Consequently, the Catholic chain of importance would place "canonization" above "beatification".

There have been literally hundreds and hundreds of alleged "saints" venerated, "prayed to", and"prayed through", by Catholicism down through the years. Now, however, in 1969 A.D., the Vatican has recently "de-moted" or removed some forty "saints" from the approved list... among them being "St.Christopher" who is allegedly the 'patron saint oftravelers'. This poses a problem for those Catholic "Church Goods" merchants who have been peddling"St. Christopher Medals" and "Christ of the Highways, Careful Driver Companion" sets. These are described as "Miraculous Medals" in the Catalogues.

The Catholic Dictionary On "St. Christopher"

"Nothing is certainly known about St. Christopher, but the eastern story of the ferryman carrying the child Jesus is known throughout the world; east

Page 5

and west also share the belief that he who looks on

an image of him shall not that day suffer harm;

'After you have seen Christopher you go safely.'. . .

The belief is perpetuated in the adoption of St.

Christopher as a patron by motorists ..." (Page 95,

A Catholic Dictionary, by Attwater.)

Some people carry a rabbit's foot, others a buckeye ... still others merely glance at an image of a probably non-existent person, formerly called a"Saint" by Catholicism. Each of these practices is rank superstition .. . but because it has been practiced by some in the name of religion, is it anywonder that many thinking people reject such a religion ?

Conclusion

Such practices as described in this treatise are completely foreign to the teaching of the New Testament. The fact that the Roman Church is changing so drastically in the last decade is due to the increase in educational standards and achievement by many of her subjects in many parts of the world, especially in the United States. This factor alone will continue to bring about great changes within the ranks of Roman Catholicism for years to come, if God wills that time shall continue.

ARGUMENTS ADVANCED IN PROOF OF EVOLUTION NATURAL SELECTION (No. 1)

Although the evolutionary theory has been suggested and discussed all the way back to the days of ancient Greece and her philosophers, and even though the doctrine of Natural Selection was first suggested by W. C. Wells in 1831 and enlarged upon by Patrick Matthews in 1831, it remained for Chas. Darwin along with Alfred Wallace to suggest NATURAL SELECTION as the mechanism that brought aboutevolution. In 1858 Wallace wrote Darwin, enclosing an essay, asking him to read it and then forward it to Lyell. Darwin found, almost in his own terms, the theory of species origin by means of NATURAL SELECTION. He almost yielded to Wallace the honor of being the first man to announce the theory but at the urging of his friend Joseph Hooker the two papers were presented to the Linnean Society in London July 1, 1858. Darwin then hastened to complete his book ON THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES BY MEANS OF NATURAL SELECTION and it was published in November 1859. Darwin's book and ideas were well received by many scientists and by a large segment of the public. Darwin was acclaimed as setting forth the process by which evolution, from the lower and simple to the higher and complex, took place. (See popular Evolutionary Textbook, B S C S (Yellow), pp. 594-595). This same book sets forth what was involved in the idea: "(1) the presence of individual,hereditary variation; (2) the tendency to increase in numbers; (3) the struggle for survival (or competition for the needs of life) ; and (4) a difference in the contribution that different types of individuals make to succeeding generations. This whole process, and especially the struggle for survival and the difference in rate of reproduction between the 'winners' and the 'losers' of the struggle, DARWIN CALLEDNATURAL SELECTION" (p. 590-591). Darwin's own words are: "The preservation of favorable individual differences and variations, and the destruction of those which are injurious, I have called NATURAL SELECTION or the Survival of the Fittest." ORIGIN OF SPECIES p. 58. This textbook (BSCS), highly acclaimed by the evolutionists, says "Charles Darwin, ON THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES BY MEANS OF NATURAL SELECTION proposed the first well-established mechanism for evolution — NATURAL SELECTION" (p. 601). Darwin believed that for

evolution to occur two sets of conditions were neces

sary. First, there must be a variety of HERETIBLE

characteristics among the individuals of a species.

Page 6___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Second, NATURAL SELECTION MUST OPERATE. Thus over the course of time some of the heretible characteristics would be selected because they allowed those possessing them a greater chance for survival and reproduction. "THE HERETIBLE CHARACTERISTICS, THEN ARE THE RAW MATERIAL OF EVOLUTION" (ibid. 611). Weismann in Germany, E. R. Lamkester and A. R. Wallace inEngland were leaders of "pure Darwinism," by which is meant they held to the idea that NATURAL SELECTION is the sole, or at least the CHIEF FACTOR in the evolutionary process. And these men, along with Conklin, Thomson, Osborn andothers said "they would accept Lamarck's theory of'The Inheritance of Acquired Characteristics' (which was rather popular in Darwin's day and strongly advocated by Herbert Spencer and others— P.F.) whenever any good, clear, unambiguous examples are produced; BUT UNTIL THAT TIME THEY WILLCONTINUE TO DEPEND UPON NATURAL SELECTION AS THE CHIEF, IF NOT THE ONLY, FACTOR IN ORGANIC EVOLUTION" (THE

PHANTOM OF ORGANIC EVOLUTION by Price,pp. 85, 192).

So in a world of great variety and overproduction there is a great struggle for existence and from such struggle come the "survival of the fittest." "Nature" by some unexplained, inherent power makes a choice

— selects the best, strong, and fit while it eliminates

the weak and unfit. Then, due to those HERETIBLE

characteristics we mentioned above, there is passed

on THROUGH HEREDITY these strong and healthy

qualities so that over the course of continued devel

opment and improvement, in process of time, there

will be brought into being a "NEW SPECIES." "Nat

ural law" and environment will so operate as to pre

serve IMPROVED plants and animals alive till they

reproduce off-spring. Variety is supposed to create

improvement; Natural Selection must preserve these

alive in the great struggle for existence and Heredity

will transmit these improvements to offspring (See

Otey's ORIGIN AND DESTINY OF MAN, pp. 59,

65). Thus we have the three processes: (a) "VARI

ATION" — the appearance of improved body-form,

(b) Natural Selection, or the "Survival of the Fit

test" comes forward and preserves alive these im

proved individuals, (c) "Heredity" reproduces these

improvements in the next generation" (GOD AND

THE COSMOS, p. 280). Prof. Theodore Graebner says, "Only a limited

number of species in each generation will survive toprocreate their offspring and those will perpetuate the advantages which enable them to compete successfully. The gradual accumulation of infinitesimal differences will thus, in the course of geological time, produce all the varieties of living forms. — Some of these variations chance to be helpful to the organism in the struggle for existence and their fortunate possessors are more likely to survive and to pass on their happy improvements to their offspring, so that a NEW and better species gradually supplantsthe older one — THIS IS NATURAL SELECTION" (ibid. p. 277). Another book sets forth the process in these words, "Darwin's theory was that members of different species competed with one another for life, and that in such struggle any advantageous variation would enable its possessor to gain the upper

hand. 'The fittest' therefore, would survive, the

others would perish. The survivors would pass on the

beneficial variations to their offspring, accounting

eventually for the evolution of NEW FORMS OF

LIFE. Darwin called this process 'NATURAL

SELECTION' " (DID MAN GET HERE BY EVO

LUTION? pp. 14-15).To be continued.

Paul Foutz

THE NASHVILLE DENOMINATIONAL CHURCH OF CHRIST

In this ser ies of articles under the above heading,

I am reviewing a sermon preached by brother John

McRay at the Otter Creek Road church in Nashville,

Tenn., on May 12, 1968. This sermon contains error

and shows just how far some of the liberal churches

are getting away from the Tr uth.

Speaking on page-2 of this sermon, McRay says, "But, I do want to point out that our method ofrestoration in the Restoration movement has obviously been an eclectic method. There is no one place in all the New Testament where there is any pattern of the five avenues of worship — not one. There is nowhere in the New Testament that it ever says, 'There are the five ways which we are to worship,' nor an example given where an early church worshipped in these five ways — by which I mean preaching, the Lord's Supper, singing, praying, giving of our means. There is no one place. So, eclectically we open our New Testaments and of necessity we begin to look through to pick and choose what we believe should be done today upon the basis of what the early church did in the first century. This is what we do. This is all that we can do. But when we are picking and choosing, the result has been that some of us are picking some things and others are picking other things. So we are divided."

There are several things which are revealed by

this statement from this liberal preacher. If he does

not know anymore about the Bible than what is

indicated in this statement, then he doesn't have any

business preaching to anybody about anything. If

we accept what he says we are in trouble. If he

were to try to teach some person what the Lord

wants them to do to be saved from alien sins, he

would be in difficulty. From what one passage would

he learn that an alien sinner should hear the gospel,

believe the gospel, repent of sins, confess faith in

Christ and be baptized for the remission of sins?

There is not a single verse in all of the Bible where

Page 7

all these things are mentioned. But does this meanthat when I and other faithful gospel preachers teach people to do this that we are responsible for the division in the religious world on the plan ofsalvation ? It is true that we do not find all of God's will on the items of worship in one verse; neither do we find all of God's revelation to man in one verse. If we did there would be no books, no chapters, and no verses in the Bible; there would be just one big

verse or passage.

When we take the New T estament and from it

sum up all that God has said about the worship of

the church we find the church (1) preached the

gospel, Acts 2:42; (2) sang, Eph. 5:19; (3) prayed,

Acts 2:42; (4) on the Lord's Day contributed as

they had been prospered, I Cor. 16:1-2; and (5) on

the Lord's Day observed the Lord's Supper, Acts

20:7. Now from looking through the New Testament

does McRay find where any New Testament church

ever did anything else? If so, what did they do an

where is the verse that says they did what they did ?

Another thing that stands out in McRay's statement is that there is not "an example given where any early church worshipped in these five ways." If McRay does not know how to establish Bible authority any more than this, one can see why he stands in trouble in his sermon. Gospel preachers have taughtfor years because the Bible teaches that authoritymay be established in three ways, (1) by an approvedexample, (2) by a precept, and (3) by a necessaryinference. If McRay is going to limit the way bwhich authority is established to just the first ofthese, he will stay in trouble in his preaching

He says the "eclectic method" has been the source of division because some have chosen one thing and some have chosen another thing. It is true that bchoosing from human wisdom some have chosen one thing and someone else has chosen another. But what I want to know is where did this Christian Church preacher find a passage from which tochoose the use of instrumental music in worship?McRay indicates there is such a passage in the Bible when he says that "we open our New T estaments ... and pick and choose what we believe should bedone today upon the basis of what the early church did ... But when we are picking and choosing, theresult has been that some of us are picking some things and others are picking other things." From what New T estament passage did the Chr istian Church preacher pick instrumental music? McRay says some have picked one thing and some another from the New Testament. Now what I want is the verse from which the Christian Church preacher picked out the instrument.

What would McRay tell a Christian Church

preacher who says he has a verse in the New Testa

ment for the instrument? Does McRay believe that

it is just a matter of picking verses or it is a matter

of what God has said and what God has not said.

Does McRay believe that since God has not said one

word about instrumental music in worship that it is

ruled out and to introduce it is sinful?

But that is not all and so watch for the article

next month when we take up McRay's "feeling" of

how to be united. It is different to anything one can

read in the Bible and is contrary to the Bible. It is

the old worn out sectarian plan for unity. Watch for

it.

"IT IS THE FATHER'S GOOD PLEASURE"

One of the great texts on the establishment of the

church is Luke 12:32 where the Lord said, "Fear

not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure

to give you the kingdom."

Several years ago while in a debate with I. W. Yandell, well known Oklahoma Free Will Baptist debater this text came up for a thorough discu ion. Mr. Yandell, like most Baptist, was affirming that the church was established during the personal ministry of our Lord. When he came to this text, hquoted it as follows: "It is the father's good pleasure to have given unto you the Kingdom." He shifted to the past tense so smoothly that he didn't have toslow down too much. Whether or not Mr. Yandell was honest in mis-quoting this text only the Lord knows. However, from his actions later one mighdraw the conclusion that he had full knowledge othe error. Brother George B. Curtis, who passedaway several years ago, was serving as my moderator. He leaned over and whispered, "let us call himdown." I replied, "Let him alone and I will take care of him in my next speech." Brother Curtis was of Irish decent and when his anger was aroused itwould show up on his face like lights on a Christmas tree. He whispered to me a second time and said,"Let us call him down, it isn't right for him to misquote the text." Mr. Yandell was the type of fellowho would throw courtesy out the door at the slightest provocation. It is my understanding that two ohis debates ended in a fist-free-for-all. When brother Curtis insisted a second time that we call him down,I reluctantly agreed. Brother Curtis rose to a poinof order and said, "Mr. Yandell would you mind taking my Bible and reading that scripture to this audience?" Mr. Yandell knowing he was trapped moveclose to our table and with his finger some two inches from the nose of brother Curtis, said in audible-tones, "So you want to get into this debate do you ?"From that point he began to heckle brother Curtis. In order to add insult to injury he said, "Folks look at his face, it is as red as a turkey snout." At thipoint brother Curtis clenched his fist. Fearing that the situation was about to get out of hand I gentlpulled brother Curtis' arm and persuaded him to sit down to keep from having an embarrassing display.In my next speech I showed the dishonesty of mishandling the Word of God and the audience got thpoint. The matter completely backfired on Mr. Yandell so he dropped the text. McGarvey says in hicommentary on this text, "The original for the words 'little flock' is a double diminutive, indicating at once

Page 8___________________________________________________________________________________________________

the extreme smallness of the band of disciples, and

also the tenderness of the Master for them. They

are exhorted to remember that they are heirs of the

heavenly kingdom, and that their treasures are

there."

It isn't too often that a man becomes brazen

enough in a debate to shift the tense of a verb to

sustain his doctrine. However, as we go back through

the years take a look at what men have tried to do

with "for" in Acts 2:38. T hen, look at the slight o

hand performance tried on "saved" in Mark 16:15,16.

Take a long look at what men have tried on "all" in

II Cor. 9:13. Look what our own brethren have tried

to do with the pronoun "himself" in James 1:27.

Although it takes unmitigated gall to mutilate

plain text, the denominational people are not the only

one in the clan. May the Lord help all of us to take

what the Bible says even though it may step on our

own toes!

"Still appreciate the fine paper that you publish. Look forward to reading it each month." — R. D. Chaffin, Alliance, Ohio

"I enjoy reading your publication. May the Lord continue to bless this work." — Lindy McDaniel,Baytown, Texas.

"I enjoy your very fine paper. I think it is one of the best." — W. M. McJunkins, Saratoga, Ark.

"I continue to enjoy and appreciate the good articles in your paper." — Owen H. Thomas, Akron,Ohio.

"We really enjoy your magazine. It is the best we get." — A. B. Newsom, Jennings, Fla

"I continue to enjoy your paper and appreciate your efforts to stem digression and further the cause of Truth." — Frank Thompson, Goleta, Calif.

"Keep up the good work in publishing SearchingThe Scriptures." — C. L. Bennett, Lawrenceville,Ga.

"We enjoy Searching The Scriptures so much."

— Maurice Craig, Hialeah, Fla

"For a number of months now I have read and enjoyed your paper. The Editorial in the Januaryi ue has helped me to see the need and importanceof trying to get others to subscribe. I'll do my best."

— LeRoy E. Posey, Ceres, Calif"I enjoy the paper and always try to read every article." — Guthrie Dean, Fort Smith, Ark.

"I continue to enjoy the good le ons contained in Searching The Scriptures."— Lloyd Knight, Livingston, Tenn.

"Both the wife and I look forward to each month's i ue. All of the articles are very timely and come to the point. T he only thing I can think of that doesn't suit me about the publication is that it onlycomesout once monthly and not twice or four times."

— Allen D. Harper, Russellville, Ark."Keep up the good work." — Robert Jackson,Nashville, Tenn.

"It's a wonderful paper and so full of truth." —Ora E. Vance, Casselbury, Fla.

A PREACHER'S PLEA As I write these words, I am in the process of

trying to find a church to work with. Frankly, I am

discouraged and the devil has tempted me more than

once to quit preaching and go back to secular work

where there are fewer "head-aches" and much more

money. Many, in a similar situation, have yielde

and are no longer public proclaimers of God's Word.

Others have become so discouraged that they hav

quit! Period!!!

What has brought me down to' discouragement? Several things. First, it is discouraging to contacchurches and have them show no interest in you aall! I've contacted several self-supporting churches and not a one of them has even been courteous enough to answer my letters. I am made to believethat if one is not a well-known preacher, or a recognized debater, or the editor of some popular religious paper or magazine he is not considered qualified topreach for some churches. It seems that I've read much about the guilt of some churches making a bigto-do about having Dr. Blank as a preacher or Dr. X to conduct a gospel meeting. "Therefore, thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things" (Rom. 2:1).

One preacher for a church that I contacted wanted to know how well I know a certain brother who is a well-known preacher. He left the impression that if I were "big-buddies" with the other preacher, it wouldhave a big influence on whether or not the church would consider me. It seems that maybe with some churches it's a matter of "whom you know" instead of "what you know." Sorta like politics! I've beenled to believe that the church and the state are to be separate! How well I am known among brethren doesn't mean that I am a good gospel preacher, oreven a faithful gospel preacher! I know of a case that happened in Kentucky several years ago tha

bears out the point. A preacher, having the recom

mendation of several well-known preachers, move

to work with a congregation. He hadn't been there

long before there was trouble, deep trouble, mainl

due to him. His actions and conduct finally compelled

the elders to ask him to leave. The last that I heard

of the preacher he had made a "confession" in the

Gospel Advocate and had taken a stand with error.

It's not hard to find a church to work with, but so

often it's a small, struggling church where the work

is doubly hard and doubly discouraging. This I don't

mind so much, but I often wonder about my chil

dren. Some congregations that I have worked with

have been so small that my children were the only

ones in a particular class. It's not fair to them to

have to suffer and remain in situations where they

can have no Christian companions of their own ages.

What can I say to them, how can I answer when they

ask, "Daddy, why can't we move where there is a

larger church so we can have some Christian friends

our age ?" The answer comes hard.

Brethren, I'm not alone in these feelings! Other preachers have expressed similar thoughts to me. I don't blame any church for getting the very best preacher po ible to work with her, but I do blamesome churches for being so inconsiderate of some of

____________________________________________________________________________________________________Page 9

us. All I ask is that you give us a chance. At least allow us the privilege of "trying out" before youpass judgment. Remember Mt. 7:1-2???

I believe a correction of this problem will helpto save more souls than one. Brethren, please hear my plea! I don't want to quit preaching!!

— Anonymous

WHY I BECAME A CHRISTIAN,A MEMBER OFTHE CHURCH OF CHRISTPART No. 4

Joseph Lee Block My experience in New York with the church there

gave me much encouragement to study the Bible. All

this time my wife a isted me when I wanted to read

the Bible. She was and still is my greatest critic and

helper. As we studied the Bible together she never

pressured me by asking, "What are you going to do

about obeying the gospel?

One Sunday night in February, 1946 as I was helping my wife with the dishes, I said to her,"Ruby, I think I will be baptized tonight." Her reply was like a bolt of lightning from the sky: "Are you sure ?" That night we went to see Ed Couch in Manhattan and I told him the same thing. His response was the same as my wife's: "Are you sure?" Back to the Bible I went and started to study more andmore, still thinking of the questions they asked me:

"Are you sure?"

I studied for about two or three weeks and on

Sunday, March 17, 1946 I told my wife I wanted to

be baptized that evening. She never said a word.

That night we went to the Manhattan building an

when I saw Ed I told him I wanted to be baptized

that night. His reply was: "Joe, I know you do; you

are ready.

That night before a congregation of over three

hundred, members from Flushing, New Jersey an

those at Manhattan, I did confess before God and

man that Jesus is the Christ, the true and living Son

of God.

I suppose some of you want to know if my be

coming a Christian caused any conflict among m

Jewish brethren. The answer is yes, but not fro

the real Orthodox Jew. Just from the so-called Jew,

who in my opinion was and still is sitting on a fence,

not a Jew nor a non-Jew. These just hang on to what

they think they need when in trouble; just a con

venience for them.

After being baptized, my work began as a true

Chr istian. My study for growth began. Some hav

the idea that when they reach this point, that is all

there is to it. Anyone with this idea is wrong. It is

the same as when a child is born; he just does not

rise up and walk immediately. The child is taught

to crawl, then walk and run and play. As the child

grows you are proud of him. It is the same in reli

gion. When you become a true Christian, a member

of the Lord's church, your work has just begun

You must study, learn and ask questions, and then

you start all over again to study and study to grow

in the Lord. If you do not study and grow, you die

spiritually.

THIS I BELIEVE (HEB. 11:1)

Voyd N. Ballard, Glendale, Ariz.

I believe the greatest responsibility that can rest upon a man is that involved in the preaching of thegospel of Christ. Preachers of the gospel are dealingwith the souls of men. We, therefore, must preach the whole truth for it is this truth that makes men free (John 8:32).

I believe a preacher can be condemned for what he DOES NOT PREACH as well as for preaching false doctrine. Paul said he was free from the blood of all men because he had not shunned to declare THE WHOLE COUNSEL of God (Acts 20:26,27)

I believe there is a very dangerous attitude on the part of some preachers who profess to be sound and conservative on the i ues and problems that have(and are) dividing the church. I have heard this attitude expressed like this, "Of course I am opposed to liberalism, institutionalism, church sponsored recreation, and the social gospel, but I do not preach against these things from the pulpit. Preachinagainst such things from the pulpit is not the wayto build a church. I teach against these things privately.

I believe this is not only a dangerous attitude, but a very inconsistent one. It is dangerous because holding back the truth on any subject will weaken thchurch. It is dangerous because no church will ever be stronger than its pulpit. It is dangerous because it smacks of the desire to build in numbers without regard for a converted membership. It is also veryinconsistent for a man to claim he teaches certain truths privately but refuses to teach these truths publicly. It believe he is just kidding himself and trying to fool others by saying he teaches "on thi ues pr ivately." I believe you could put all thtruth he teaches on the i ues privately in a chigger's eye and have room left.

I believe the reason so many churches have been

swept into digression is because preachers have

failed to "declare the whole1 counsel of God" on every

subject that can affect the peace and harmony o

the church.

I believe there is something bad wrong with any

preacher who has the attitude that the preaching of

any truth on any subject will "tear up the church."

The church is established by the preaching of trut

and is maintained by the preaching of "the whole

counsel of God." No, the preaching of all truth on

every subject will not "tear up" the church. It ma

"tear up" your little play-house.

OUTLINES OF FLORIDA COLLEGE LECTURES 1968

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

Price: $2.00

Page 10 __________________________________________________________________________________________________

THE NEWS LETTER REPORTS

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

Reedus M. Baugher, P.O. Box 116, Vanduser, Mo.

— A congregation of the Lord's people, evidently dedicated to the love of the truth, now meets in this small community of about 150 population. I have been preaching in this area for a little over a year and a half, for the church at Vanduser, Mo. and also for Blodgett, a small place about ten miles from Vanduser. Brother Herbert Knight, who is now in Paducah, Ky., formerly preached here. Vanduser is located ten miles north of Sikeston, Mo., on highway 61, between Cape Girardeau and Sikeston.

Due to the desire on the part of some to allow unscriptural practices, and on the part of the rest to,"speak as the oracles of God," two congregations now meet in Vanduser. The church with which I am associated had its first meeting about four years ago, in the city hall building. It then moved into asmall store building owned by one of the members, until it was able to build a new building. Because of the generosity of one of the members, brother Lionel Verble, we were able to build and are now in a newbuilding, since October of 68. There has been a gradual increase in the attendance and contribution, since the church began meeting. We recently closed a gospel meeting with brother Leon Goff preaching. Seven were baptized, and one confessed sins and was restored. We have a meeting in the last part of May scheduled with brother Robert F. Turner.

Ward Hogland, Box 166, Greenville, Texas 75401

— "Meetings for 1969 include: Franklin Drive, Tex

arkana, Arkansas; Avenue B., Seminole, Texas;

Westside, Irving, Texas; Myrtle Grove, Pensacola,

Florida; Westside Booneville, Mississippi; St. Au

gustine Dr., Dallas, Texas; Westside, Lewisville,

Texas; Union Heights Eldorado, Arkansas; Haltom

City, Texas; Jordan Park, Huntsville, Alabama;

Southside Sulphur Springs, Texas; Southside Dun

can, Oklahoma. I will also speak on a lecture series at

Carrolton, Texas May 5th. Major Wallace W. Little

will speak here on August 13th in behalf of the work

in the Philippines. James P. Miller conducted an ex

cellent meeting with us in April. I will begin my

ninth year with this good church in August. Visit with us when you are in this area."

--------------- o ---------------

James L. Denison, 3402 Henderson Blvd., Tampa,

Fla. — -1 was in a meeting with the congregation lo

cated at 2150 Belle Vue Way, Tallahassee, Fla. from

April 27 to May 2.

Dan S. Shipley, 1200 Daffodil, McAllen, Texas

78501 — In June, after almost three pleasant years

with the Laurel Heights church here in McAllen, I

will be moving to Prescott, Arizona to work with

the Miller Valley church. My new address will be:

P. O. Box 2553, Prescott, Ariz. 86301. I appreciate

Searching The Scriptures.

HELP WANTED

Shop foreman — mechanic for John Deere Tractor dealership. Russell's Farm Supply Store.

P. O. Box 5117 , Tampa, Florida 33605

FINANCIAL SUPPORT NEEDEDIN PHILIPPINES

This appeal for support of a faithful gospel preacher is being made on behalf of Brother Eusebio Alagano. Brother Alagano was, until a few months ago, supported by 'liberal' congregations in theStates. Through the efforts of his son-in-law, Juanito Balbin (who is supported full time by the Montebello, California Church) Brother Alagano becamepersuaded of the errors of digression and began toteach God's truth concerning congregational cooperation and the benevolent work of the Church. As a result of his stand for truth, Brother Alagano'sfinancial support was cut off. This left him destitute of the necessities of life and forced him to sell or mortgage his household furnishings in order to feed his family.

Brother Alagano is still preaching. He works with a small loyal group and is actively trying to persuade

those of the liberal persuasion with whom he for

merly worked. In addition, he is working with

Brother Balbin, Brother Agduma, Brother Diego and

others in their efforts to spread the gospel in the

Philippines. We have received Brother Agduma's en

dorsement of Brother Alagano and understand

Brother Agduma is writing a plea on his behalf. His

recommendation will be forwarded to any interested

group or individual.

Brethren, a faith and conviction such as shown by Brother Alagano deserves our attention, our prayers and our support. He needs about $100.00 per month in order to care for his family and to support him in his work for the Master. Temporarily, arrangements have been made to supply him with $25.00 per month; but this is only a temporary arrangement and still leaves him in the deepest poverty. Please

give this matter your careful consideration. You may

contact him as follows:

Eusebio Alagano

Katidtuan Kabacan

Cotobato O-109

Philippine Islands

(25 cents postage is required for 1/2 oz. airmail)

If you desire more information regarding the work

of these brethren in the Philippines, you may write

to Gilbert Copeland, 3354 W. Ariel Place, Anaheim,

California 92804 or Jack Booth, 275 Walnut Ave.,

Arcadia, California 91106 or to Romulo B. Agduma,

M'Lang Cotabato, Philippine Islands.

I have been in constant touch with this part of

________________________________________________________________________________ Page 11

the Philippine work for about five years. I have seen evidence of the faith and work of the men involved,and believe this to be worthy of support. In mjudgement, this work will bring great results for a small amount of American money. I sincerely hopthat you will look into this and see the great oppor

tunity it presents.

— Gilbert Copelan P. S. We shall be happy to send any interested

church or individual a copy of Brother Agduma'

letter.

Voyd N. Ballard, 6801 North 60th Avenue, Glen

dale, Ariz. — Interest and attendance is on the in

crease at all services of the church here on North

60th Avenue. We are making contacts daily wit

people who are not members as well as with those

who were once faithful, but have fallen by the way

Two more have been restored here recently. The

elders here are encouraging the members to take an

active inter est in contacting and teaching the

unsaved.

W. E. (Bud) Irvine, 6th and Meredith, Dumas,Texas 79029 — I am happy to report after some two years of poor health, although I continued my work as local preacher in Dumas, my health is now normal and I haven't been under the regular care of a medical doctor for almost a year. I feel better than I have in over three years. During the past year I held nomeetings, but trust to begin holding meetings, one or two, this summer. I have resigned my work here effective this summer, and would be interested inworking with another congregation of faithful peoplebeginning sometime this summer. My phone is (806)935-2381. If any congregation is in need of a man to work with them, I would be happy to hear fromthem. Before moving to Dumas I worked seven years with the Crescent Park church in Odessa, Texas. Hoyt Houchen followed me there. My home address is: 101 Cedar, Dumas, Texas 79029.

Jimmy Tuten, Jr., 3800 Blaine Ave., St. Louis, Mo.63110 — Our May 4-11 meeting at Spring & Blaineis now history. But what a refreshing breeze this gem of history is for us. As was expected Marshall Patton did his usual outstanding job in the pulpitHis lessons are of the type needed today in manyof the churches of the Lord. They were clearly presented, implicit and forcefully expressed. Our love and admiration for him for his work's sake continues to increase. Eleven were baptized, and one restored during the meeting, the brethren edified, anthe flock as a whole moved forward. The hard work engaged in by several in home studies has done itspart to make the meeting a success. Spring & Blaine continues to move forward with great zeal. We havehad 30 responses since January, most of which havebeen baptisms. Many of our people receive "Searching The Scriptures" and continue to appreciate it greatly. This publication has done muchto strengthen us in this area.

Ralph Joiner, 1303 Overlook Terrace, Titusville,

Fla. 32780 — Since moving here in January there

has been one baptism and one restoration. We are

now engaged in a class on How To Study The Bible, which is being attended with interest. I would like to preach in meetings for needy churches. All thatwill be needed in the way of expenses will be traveling and room and board.

I JOHN 4:7-10 —THE WONDERFUL LOVE OF GOD

Harry E. Ozment

The apostle John, now known as the "apostle oflove," was known as the "son of thunder" when hefirst began following Christ. For example, in Luke 9 Jesus sent James and John ahead into a village toprepare for the rest of the group. The village rejected them, and they were angered: "Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, andconsume them, even as Elias did? But he turned,and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of" (vv. 54-55). As John followed Jesus, however, a great change swept over him and, after the church was established, the Holy Spirit inspired John to write about love — the love that should exist among brethren, and the love that does exist between God and man. In I John 4:7-10, we read a very beautiful passage concerning love: "Beloved,let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. Hethat loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into theworld, that we might live through Him. Herein islove, not that we loved God, but that He loved us,and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." From this passage of scripture, we learn many things about God and His love.

(1) Origin of love (v. 7). John said, "Love is of God." God is the Father of love — it originated withHim. Paul said in II Cor. 13:11, "The God of love and peace shall be with you." All good things come from God. James said, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no var iablene , neitheshadow or turning" (James 1:17). God is the giver of every good thing that we enjoy. Even a glance atthe E nglish language will show us this. T ake the word "good", strike an "o" out of it, and then theword is "God". Take the word "evil", and a "d" tothe beginning of the word, and the word becomes "Devil." T hat's a peculiar thing about our language,isn't it? It only goes to show, however, the truthabout the origin of love. There is a lesson for us in this — God first loved us. We should follow His example and love our fellow-man first. Anyone can love a person who already loves him. The real test ofChristianity is to love first — can I return love for hatred ? Can I love my enemies ? This is what God did. Jesus said, "For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same?" (Matt. 5:46). Peter said, "Finally, be yall of one mind, having compa ion one of another,love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise ble ing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing (I Peter 3:8-9).

Page 12__________________________________________________________________________________________________

(2) Manifestation of love (v. 9). God manifested His love by sending His Son to earth to die. This is pointed out again and again in the wor d of God. Paul said, "God commendeth His love towar d us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom. 5:8). Paul also said in Eph. 2:4-5, "God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we wer e dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ." Paul wrote to Titus, saying, "But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appear ed, not by wor ks of righteousness which we have done, but accor ding toHis mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost" (Titus 3:4-5). T his is the gr eat theme of John 3:16 — the manif estation of God's love. This is a lesson which every man would do well to lear n — love must be manifested! Love is good and wonderful only when it is evidenced in our lives and treatment of others. I'm afraid that sometimes we speak of the love which we have for our fellow-man and for our brother and sister in Christ, but sometimes fail to manifest it. This is the very point Paul was seeking to bring out in I Cor. 13:4-7 — how does love manifest itself? "Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not;charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh nor her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not ininiquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things." Let us all strive to manifest sincere love in our treatment of each other . (3) Sacrifice of love (v. 10). T his point ties in very closely with the preceding one. God's manifestation of love was the sacrifice of His Son. Love is always willing to sacrifice. If a husband truly loves his wife or children, he would sacrifice his life for them, if necessary. There is a very vital lesson here for every Christian — love for God demands sacrifice. Many have the idea that Christianity is a religion of convenience — i.e., one can be a Christian when it is convenient and suitable. No such thing! Christianity is a vocation and not an avocation, a professionand not a hobby! Christianity demands a sacrifice of time, money, talent, and it might even come to mean a sacrifice of life. Paul wrote to Timothy, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (II Tim. 3:12). Peter said in I Peter 2:21, "For even hereunto were ye called: becauseChrist also suffered for us, leaving us an example,that ye should follow His steps." Therefore, just as God's love for man involved a sacrifice, so must man's love for God involve a sacrifice.

423 Donelson Pike Nashville, T enn. 37214

BOUND

Bound in beautiful Fabricord covering, navy blue, printed in gold. A companion volume to previously bound volumes of Searching The Scriptures.

$7.50

"SON OF MAN": A SUMMARY STUDY

Edward FudgeINTRODUCTION

T he expr ession "Son of Man" is an inter esting and fascinating one. Older commentator s wer e usuallycontent to see in the term, as applied to Jesus, theidea of His humanity. "Son of Man" was simply ageneric term designating Jesus as "very man," aswell as "very God" — to borrow words from an ancient cr eed.

In recent decades, however, the appearance of new research materials has given rise to much speculation about the meaning attached to "Son of Man" bythose who hear d Jesus in per son.

The expression occurs 84 times in the gospels (Matt. 32, Mark 14, Luke 26, John 12) and three times besides in the New T estament (Acts. 7:56;Rev. 1:13; 14:14). It is never applied to anyone except Jesus, and then, with a single exception, only by Himself. At the same time, it is one of the most frequently-used self-descriptions found in the mouth of the Lord.

In this article, we will notice suggested meaningsof the term "Son of Man" from five different backgrounds. In a second article, if Brother Phillips sees fit, we will pay attention to five implications of the humanity of Jesus, as expressed by the term. Both studies will, of course, mer ely be suggestive. Bookswould be required for an exhaustive treatment of either.

SUGGESTED MEANINGS OF THE TERM

Of the five backgrounds to be noted, three come to the same general conclusion and two others are unique. We will notice the two latter ones first.

I. It has been suggested that the expression "Son of Man" (Greek: huios anthropou; Ar amaic: bar nasha) was a polite way of saying "myself," using the third person rather than the first person "I" or "me." This would be comparable to a reported Latin idiom (hie homo — "this man") of the same sort. Or it would be like one saying in conversation today, "This fellow says, or does, or thinks such-andsuch" when speaking of himself. Not much can be said for this hypothesis.

II. In a recent Journal of Biblical Literature, a Catholic scholar put forth the idea that "Son of Man" was Jesus' way of saying "Son of God." According to this article, Christ knew that His bearers would so under-stand the phrase, but He used it to avoid the Jewish charge of blasphemy for saying the sacred name of God.

In support of this position, the reader was referred to Matthew 16, where Jesus asks His disciples,"Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?" and Peter responds, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the

AMERICAN STANDARD VERSION

TEACHER'S BIBLES Center column reference Concordance with subject index, Bible dictionary, page size 5 3/4 x 8 1/4 2252 — Black genuine leather, overlapping covers, gold edges, ribbon marker Price — $15. 00 2250 — Same as 2252 with presentation page, family record 32 pages of Bible helps, 33 illustrations Price — $16.00

REFERENCE BIBLES Printed in clear bold type 60 000 center column references and 12 maps in color Page size 5 3/4 x 8 1/2 550 — Black imitation leather, overlapping covers, red edges Helps including a Harmony of the Gospel and 15 illustrations Boxed Price — $8.50

REFERENCE BIBLES WITH CONCORDANCE Excellent for classroom or home study 60 000 center columnreferences 234 page concordance with subject index pronouncing dictionary of Scripture proper names 1 2 maps in color. Page size 5 3/4 x 8 l/4 Printed on fine Bible paper 735 — Black imitation leather, overlapping covers, red edges, ribbon marker Boxed Price — $8.50 750 — Black genuine leather, overlapping covers, gold edges ribbon marker Boxed Price — $13.50 760 — Black genuine morocco leather lined, limp style, gold edges ribbon marker Boxed Price — $20.00

BOOKS FOR YOUR LIBRARY

COMMENTARIES Commentary On Acts Of Apostles (A Campbell) $ 5.95 Commentary On Matthew Mark (McGarvey) 3.00 Johnson's New Testament Notes (B. W. Johnson) 6.50 MacKnight On The Epistles 9.00 McGarvey's Original Commentary On Acts (J. W. McGarvey) 4.50 More Than Conquerors (Hendriksen) Commentary On Revelation . 3.95 Worthy Is The Lamb (Summers) Commentary On Revelation 3.75 The Fourfold Gospel (J. W. McGarvey) 4.75 Commentary On Hebrews (Milligan) 4.75 Commentary On Acts (McGarvey) 4.75 Matthew Henry's Commentary On The Whole Bible (One Vol. ) 9.95 Commentary On Romans (Lard) 3.75

REFERENCE BOOKS Naves's Topical Bible $ 9.95 Cruden's Complete Concordance 4.95 Hermeneutics (D. R. Dungan) 3.00 Halley's Bible Handbook 3.95 The Interlinear Greek English New Testament (Berry) 6.95 Baker's Bible Atlas 7.95 Cruden's Dictionary Of Bible Terms 3.50 Dictionary Of The Bible (John D. Davis) 5.95 Youngs Analytical Concordance 1 3.75 The Amplified New Testament 3.95

OTHER BOOKS OF VALUE Churches Of Today (Tomlinson) $ 3.00 Case of D. M. Canright (Douth) 3.95 Crowe-Kieran Debate (Roman Catholicism) 3.00 Fox's Book Of Martyrs 3.95

PLEASE CHECK YOUR EXPIRATION DATE AND SEND YOUR RENEWAL TODAY

"THE LIVING VOICE"

Pre-recorded

TAPES of

DEBATES LECTURES SERMONS

Your permanent record of the actual voices of men fromthe past as they fought the battles for truth and deliveredvital lectures on living themes. The rare moments of history will come to life again as you listen to the actual voices ofsome now dead and some still living. Build your own tapelibrary for use now and in the years to come.

Highest quality recording on 1 1/2 mil polyester base

tape, weather resistant, recorded on both sides at 3 3/4

i.p.s. on 7" reel, and can be played on any recorder using

a 7" reel. 5" reels available at 1 7/8 i.p.s. Every tape fully

guaranteed and will be replaced free of charge if defec

tive Stereo recording available upon request.

EACH REEL $4.00 order from:

PHILLIPS PUBLICATIONS

P. O. BOX 17244 — TAMPA. FLORIDA 33612

NEEDHAM-THOMAS DEBATE James P. Needham & C. B. Thomas Russell Springs, Kentucky April 21, 22, 1966

TWO NIGHTS: Discussion of women teaching and asking and answering questions in the assembly.

TWO REELS— $8.00

JOHNSON-WILSON DEBATEJames H. Johnson & Gor don Wilson(Discussion with an Atheist)San Diego, CaliforniaJune 28, 29, 1966

FIRST NIGHT: Existence of God is a reality.SECOND NIGHT: All religions are false and not beneficial to man.

TWO REELS — $8.00

SPEARS-WADE DEBATEDudley Ross Spear s & Ronnie F. WadeOklahoma City, OklahomaJuly 12 -15, 1965

FIRST TWO NIGHTS: A discussion of one cup ("container) for the

fruit of the vine in communion. LAST TWO NIGHTS: A discussion of classes and women teachers.

FOUR REELS — $16.00

COGDILL-WOODS DEBATERoy E. Cogdill & Guy N. WoodsNewbern, Tenn.December 18 -23, 1961

FIRST THREE NIGHTS: Churches building and maintaining orphan homes and homes for the aged. LAST THREE NIGHTS: Churches supporting the Herald of Truth Radio program, Abilene, Texas.

SIX REELS— $24.00

JACKSON-WILSON DEBATE

D. N. Jackson & John W. Wilson

Bellflower, California September 17 -20, 1956

FIRST NIGHT: Salvation by Faith without water baptism. SECOND NIGHT: Baptism for the remission of sins. THIRD NIGHT: A child of God cannot so sin as to be lost in hell. FOURTH NIGHT: A child of God can so sin as to be lost in hell.

FOUR REELS — $16.00

HIGHERS-REESOR DEBATE (Debate with chur ch of God) Alan E. Highers & James B. Reesor Memphis, Tennessee December 14 -17, 1965

FIRST NIGHT: Baptism in water is for remission of sins. SECOND NIGHT: Miracles and signs ceased at close of apostolic

age. THIRD NIGHT: Holy Spirit baptism for believers today. FOURTH NIGHT: Miracles and signs of apostles continue today.

FOUR REELS— $16.00

MOSBY-TOTTY DEBATE Ronald Mosby & W. L. Totty Frankfort, Kentucky December 12 -16, 1966

FIRST TWO NIGHTS: Church responsibility in benevolence to those not saints. LAST TWO NIGHTS: Church support of orphan institutions.

FOUR REELS — $16.00

DODGE-WILSON DEBATE Charles C. Dodge & John W. Wilson (Debate with Jehovah's Witnesses) Payette, Idaho Januar y 30 - February 2, 1967

FIRST TWO NIGHTS: The Kingdom of God was established in 1914 A.D. LAST TWO NIGHTS: Man has a soul or spirit which is immortal.

FOUR REELS — $16.00