WHAT IS THE BIBLE? (No. 3)

ESTABLISHING AUTHORITY BY THE BIBLE

The Bible claims to be the highest authority known toman. It purports to be a revelation from God the Creatorto man the creature in guiding his manner of life. Thisauthority must be well established before we can proceedto accept the Bible as such. We must study both the Bible

and the evidences of its genuineness before we can really

ascertain its authority.

SOME THEORIES OF BIBLE AUTHORITY

Many people differ widely on the matter of the authorityof the Bible, as evidenced by the various religious bodiesextant today. The extreme views prevail, with several inbetween them. The first extreme is that the Bible is only an authority in giving general principles of successful living. By this is meant that the Bible, for example, setsforth the principle of honesty as a rule of life. But the application of this principle may vary in different agesand places. What may be honest in one section and periodmay not be honest in another. It means that if one does notbelieve in the application of a principle given in the Bible ina certain way, then the Bible is not really an authority tothat person in that circumstance.

The opposite extreme is that the Bible is an authoritytoday to every person in every word it says. This meansthat what the Bible commanded of people in the tenthcentury B.C., it commands of people today. This theorydoes not take into consideration the fact that the Bible is divided into two great parts: the Old Testament addressed topeople before the cross, and the New Testament addressedto people since that time. The idea leads people to do thingsupon the authority of the Bible that is really not an authority to us today.

Between these extremes we have ideas about the authority of the Bible that suggest an additional authority,such as a creed or tradition or even personal opinion, to goalong

with the Bible. Others believe the Bible is an authority, butthat certain parts of the New Testament are outdated andneed to be eliminated from the realm of authority. Somewould bind where God has not bound, or loose where Godhas bound. An example of this is the emphasizing of certaindoctrines above others, or excusing one from authority by his circumstances. In all cases, from one extreme to the other, the theories reject the Bible as the real authority

it claims over man.

THE CORRECT VIEW OF AUTHORITY

The correct authority of the Bible over man may be obtained from the Bible itself. As the potter has powerover the clay to mold it into whatever form he pleases, sothe Creator has power over the creature. It is not the prerogative of the clay to dictate to the potter when or how itshould be handled. Neither is it the business of the creature to dictate to the Creator about how the creature should be governed. This means that the correct view of authority isto let the one in power speak. If God speaks to us through the Bible, then the Bible has the right to tell us what Godwants and what He does not want. A correct view of authority is to respect all that the Maker has said on any andall matters, and do whatever that authority demands. Of course, all this depends upon whether or not the Bible contains that authority. That is the reason for a thorough study into matters of this kind.

EVIDENCE THAT THE BIBLE MUST BE STUDIED

The very fact that the Bible is so misunderstood in manysections, and people are so ignorant of it, is in itself evidencethat the Bible must be studied in order to have confidence in it. The very fact that there are great organizedoppositions to the Bible shows that we must examine andestablish its claims to determine the truth.

1. CONTINUAL ATTACKS ON THE BIBLE

Hardly a decade has passed since the Bible was writtenthat men have not launched vigorous attacks against it.These attacks have been constant and violent all throughthe ages. No book but the Bible could have withstood theseassaults. Atheists, Infidels and Modernists know that thefoundation of Christianity rests upon the Bible, and theyalso know that unless they can destroy belief in the Bibleas the word of God, they will never succeed in turning menfrom the Christ. Almost every available means has beenused to destroy this belief in the Bible One of the foremostand greatest attacks against this book is the charge thatwe do not have the writings today that existed in the firstcenturies. If this could be proved, it would be the meansof destroying all confidence in the Bible as the infallibleword of God. One must accept it as free from error throughthe centuries to properly respect its doctrine. For that reason we must examine the evidence and trace the Bible back to its original source to prove our confidence in it. The greatest weakness among religious people today is the lackof faith in the Bible as the true word of God. If we can convince the world that it is unchangeable and eternal, wewill succeed in getting the world to do what it teaches.

This is our first challenge.

2. APPROACHING THE BIBLE TO BUILD CONFIDENCE

Many people think the King James Version of the Bibleis actually written in the words used by Christ and hisapostles to reveal truth, but this is not true. Not a singleword of English was used by any of the writers of theBible. The language that the inspired men used was quitedifferent from the language we now speak. The King JamesVersion and the American Revised Version are only translations into the English language the actual words spoken and written by inspired men. But the thoughtsconveyed by the words they used may be correctly conveyedby equivalent English terms. If the English exactlycorresponds to the original words, the exact same thoughtsare conveyed, and this is the important thing.

Not only will a study of the origin of the Bible be interesting to us, but it will be invaluable in establishingour faith in it. It is my conviction that the reason peopletoday do not need the Bible is that they lack faith andconviction that it is the true, unadulterated word of God. Ifconfidence can be built in this Bible as the only guide andrule to eternal life, then we can appeal to people to forsakeall other sources of authority and go directly to the Bible.

3. ESSENTIAL OUTLINE TO THE STUDY

It will be necessary to establish certain facts before we go thoroughly into the study of the Bible itself. For

example, we must study about language and its development

before we can determine whether we have an accurate

translation. Our objective then will be to inquire into the

nature and origin and development of language itself, thenapply these facts to the Bible.

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OPTIMISM IN THE LORD'S WORK

The work does not grow in some places for the simplereason that the brethren there do not expect it to grow.There may be other factors to consider, but this oneshould not be ignored. Many a good suggestion hasbeen killed in business meetings on the ground that "itprobably won't do any good anyhow." Many a soul has been denied the opportunity to decide for himself whether to obey the gospel because some pessimisticsoul-loser (notice I did not say soul-winner) concludedthat this individual "probably" was too prejudiced, ortoo mean, or too ignorant to accept the truth anyhow.Thus, he is assigned his portion with the unbelievers byan arbitrary decision not to fool with him.

Some of us are about like the little girl who came toour door in Akron once. With head hung down, and in avoice scarcely audible, she said "Mister, you don't want to buy no Girl Scout cookies, do you?" That isabout the way some of us are about the gospel. We don't think it will work and so make no effort. I have gone to places for meetings where brethren dejectedlyinformed me that it was a "hard place" and that Ishould not be too disappointed if only a few came, or ifnobody obeyed the gospel. Contrary to the pessimismof some, I expect things to happen when the gospel ispreached to honest people. Good things even happen topessimistic brethren if they will stay awake long enough to listen.

Basic Things To Remember

It would help every pessimist to remember that the

power to save is in the gospel. Paul said "For I am not

ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of

God unto salvation ..." (Rom. 1:16). While those who

plant and those who water must be faithful to their

task, only God can give the increase. Paul said "I have

planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he

that watereth; but God that giveth the increase" (1

Cor. 3:6-7). Jesus said "The seed is the word of God"

(Luke 8:11).

Every pessimist needs to realize that there are more

honest souls around than he may know. Think of Paul

in Corinth. Here he was in a great city filled with vice.

What religion was there was pagan. Suppose he had not

even tried because "these people are just too steeped in

lust and idolatry to listen to the gospel"? Do you

suppose he ever thought "This is a hard place?" But

now hear the words of Luke. "Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak,and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no manshall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people inthis city. And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them" (Acts18:9-11). Some of us would have passed by Corinth as"too hard a place."

The Lord came to seek and save the lost. He had no trouble locating prospects. The ravages of sin are everwith us. There are yet people drinking the bitter cup ofiniquity who have not been offered a sip of the water oflife. Oh yes, they could usually obtain a Bible and readit. But the Lord laid upon his servants the task of evangelizing. The faith was delivered "to the saints"(Jude 3). Our eyes must be lifted to the fields. Our feetmust go and our voices must be heard.

Positive Tools For Growth

While some wring their hands and mournfully conclude that nobody is interested in the gospel anymore, there are some congregations which are growing. They have refused to listen to pessimistic whinings. There are some common denominators in these cases which all of us would do well to ponder.

(1) Radio and television are helpful in many areas.Some radio programs are more effective than others.Perhaps the most fruitful approach in recent years hasbeen the live, call-in type program. The daily, 15 minute program at a good time is still effective in someareas, if well done. Some have used the two or three minute daily program with good results. Television ismore expensive but some congregations are able to puton such programs if they want to do so. We are in formed that the Saturday night TV program of theBrown Street church in Akron, Ohio has brought over350 requests for a Bible correspondence course from thefirst two months on the air. (2) Newspaper teaching articles are productive ifproperly done. Several formats have been successfullyused in different places. The Bible question column is a popular approach. Newspaper teaching should be to thepoint with care given to enough white space to keep itfrom looking cluttered. In a question and answer column you can get some teaching across which somenewspapers might refuse in another type of column.Most newspapers will print as news items extra eventsin congregational work if they are properly prepared.Many brethren have never even thought of using thisservice. Once we had a whole chain of 13 countynewspapers carrying a question and answer columncalled "The Bible Question Box." This was carried free.Many weekly newspapers are short on copy and wouldwelcome well prepared material. We were able to getthe same chain to carry weekly the Theophilus teachingstrips by Bob West. Don't be afraid to ask. (3) Bible correspondence courses are very effectivetools in reaching the lost. These can be promoted onradio, TV and in the papers as well as by word ofmouth. Many have learned and obeyed the truth through this medium. It is always a vital force in thework in foreign countries. Several good courses areavailable at reasonable cost.

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(4) Short telephone sermons have proved helpful inmany places. The telephone company can tell you how it works. A different message (usually 3 minutes) is tape recorded for each day. Wheneverthat number is dialed the tape plays. The number ofcalls a day is monitored and it is surprising howmany people use this service. To make this useful,some advertising will have to be done to make peopleaware of it and to keep the telephone number beforethe public. (5) Telephone surveys in the area surrounding themeeting place have produced Bible correspondence students, bulletin readers and visits to services resulting in conversions. Many people feel harassed bythe telephone. Therefore this approach should be handled carefully. It is being done successfully by some. (6) Direct mailings are most effective in reaching theuntaught with the gospel. Such papers on first principles as Gospel Guide published by Billy Norris in Russelville, Alabama and Words of Life published byJames E. Cooper in Mason, Ohio are well done and can be mailed directly to lists inexpensively. Or a localbulletin slanted to the non-member and mailed to everybox holder in a given area is working well for some. (7) Tracts provide one of the most inexpensive waysof teaching the gospel. Don't tell us "nobody reads them" for some of us can give you the names andaddresses of people who today are Christians becausesomeone thought enough of them to hand them agospel tract and ask them to read it. Frankly, I donot know of a single church in this country which isgrowing much which does not keep a good tract rackwell supplied with a variety of good teaching tools.There are some excellent tracts available covering awide range of subject matter. Members should be educated to periodically look over the selection for new titles and for materials to hand to relatives, neighbors, friends or co-workers. When members bring visitors to services, they should never leave thepremises without guiding the visitor to the tract rackand helping in selecting timely items. (8) Religious surveys often turn up individuals who may be interested in a correspondence course, in receiving a bulletin, or in a home Bible study. Somewere baptized last year at Expressway in Louisvillewho were first contacted in a Sunday afternoon door todoor survey. When we go out where the people are, look them in the eye and talk face to face with them aboutthe Lord and his word, then things happen. (9) Booths at the county or state fair provide opportunity to hand out gospel literature, answer Biblequestions, offer Bible courses and obtain the names andaddresses of those who stop to register and look overthe selection of materials. (10) Home Bible studies remain one of the mostpotent tools in reaching lost souls. We can have classeson how to do it from here on, but there is no substitute for the face to face contact with an honest soul in his own home and with an open Bible before him. Filmstrips, charts and other materials are available to helpin such works. When home studies are being conducted

regularly by members of a congregation, there areusually people ready to obey the gospel when meeting time comes, though very often these are baptized at theend of such home classes.

(11) Gospel meetings are yet effective. Some brethrendon't think they are because they are not having verygood meetings. If that is the case, several things oughtto be considered. The purpose and preparation for themeeting should be reviewed. Those of us who preach should objectively analyze our subject matter, preparation, approach and attitude. People ARE stillobeying the gospel in meetings. Sinners ARE attending and listening. Saints ARE being edified. In some areasbrethren could still put a tent to good use. Some of usdon't happen to believe that the gospel is only intendedfor middle-class Americans. If preachers in meetingswill forget about impressing visiting preachers andspeak simply and pointedly to the hearts of ordinarypeople, and truly expect them to accept it, then resultswill come. We have seen song leaders chop off theinvitation song as if they were in a great hurry to get itover. We have seen teenagers and adults whisper andlaugh, or use this time to gather their belongings so asto be sitting on "go" when "Amen" is said. We have seen preachers walk back to the door before the laststanza of the invitation was half finished. They justgave up. We have seen the poorest selections of songsfor such times. We have seen the invitation of the Lord treated as a ritual to pacify the preacher. We have evenseen some brethren who acted shocked when some poorlost soul did come forward to make the good confession.You see, all of these combine to tell us that we really donot expect anyone to obey the Lord. That is part and parcel of this whole pessimistic problem. In a day whenmany are saying that the time of meetings is over, wehave, on the other hand, seen meetings come to a closewith the house full, with a good number of nonmembers present, and with several obeying the Lordwhile the brethren lamented that they had not plannedfor a longer meeting. That may come as a surprise tosome of you pessimists.

These are some of the tools being used by growingcongregations. They are expedients to the commands to "go" and to "teach." Congregations which are standing still with very little growth would do well totake a good look at some of these efforts which faithfuland zealous brethren have found helpful. It is past timeto get on with the work. Instead of saying "I can't" it is time to say with Paul "I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me" (Phil. 4:13).

——-o ——

FOR THE RECORD

Readers will recall that in the March issue we earned an article from Arnold Hardin with an editorial in which I raised some questions to help pinpoint the areas inwhich he thinks we have misrepresented him and inwhich we think he does not teach the whole truth. Brother Hardin submitted a six page manuscript inreply to these questions. We have no objection to printing his reply, and certainly expected him to respond. However, in his manuscript there were a few references which indicted motives. We placed these statements in parentheses and wrote "motives" out beside them and returned the manuscript to him withthe request that these be deleted. We stated that the rest of his manuscript was acceptable and we werewilling to print it. The statements I indicated hadnothing to do with the questions or his answers tothem. They were entirely personal.

We have tried to deal with what we regarded as falseteaching. The character of brother Hardin is not underquestion as far as we are concerned. We have not impugned his motives and do not propose to allow himto impugn ours in this paper. The same rule applies tohim which we apply to regular writers for this paper. Ihave sent manuscripts back to writers requesting thatthey omit personal references and they have complied.We see no reason to make an exception for brotherHardin. For the record, we want every reader to knowthat we stand ready to print his manuscript with ourcomments on his answers in a separate article. We think he has the right and responsibility to speak forhimself. So far, he refuses to omit these personalremarks. We have pleaded with him to do so. We hopehe will yet change his mind as we would certainly likefor the readers to see his answers to the questions weraised.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: It gives us much pleasure to introduce to our readers Bill Robinson, Jr. who preaches for the church in Bakersfield, California. Heis 23 years old and has been preaching the gospelsince March, 1974. From then until December, 1974he preached by appointment. Then he beganpreaching every Sunday at Ridgecrest, Californiawhile working at a secular job for support. In July,1975 he was invited to come and work with the Rexland Acres congregation in Bakersfield on a full-time basis. The church there is self-supporting with65 members. We have heard favorable reports of hisability and work and appreciate the good article hehas submitted.)

UNITY BY NUMBERS OR FAITH?

Among many religious followers today is the pleafor unity among all beliefs. Even existing amongmany of the so-called "churches of Christ" there is aconstituency pleading for unity among all "brethren" regardless of practices in the work and worship of thechurch. It seems as though the basis of their plea isto be founded upon a so-called love of mankind,though he be ignorant or is just following the line ofleast resistance.

Have we grown so cold in our love for God that theostensible "love of mankind" has superseded the responsibility placed upon us by God to point out error. Many will claim that the church is growing, but what is it growing on? Watered-down by-products of human emotionalism and reasoning? Ifthis is the case, then the strength of this supposedgrowth in the church will likely find itself infestedwith weeds and deadwood, which is a detriment to the Lord's body and a hindrance to the true cause ofthe gospel.

The unity of the church cannot be measured bynumbers. It can only be measured by the faith whichthey claim to practice. The movements of personalevangelism among churches are great, when the faiththat they are seeking to impart is not lost sight ofamidst the ruins and decay of fallible human reasoning and a failure to point out the sinfulness ofworldly living and practices.

The current "fad" among denominations to unite all religions (this includes some so-called "churches ofChrist") is nothing more than trying to paint by numbers. In painting by numbers, the different numbers represent different colors already assigned to

that drawing by the manufacturer in order that thecolors might blend into one picture. Likewise, the manufacturers of this great unity movement have assigned different colors to various religious bodies inorder that they all may blend into the same pictureportraying harmony and unity. What the manufacturers of this unity movement have done (in their ignorance) is to lose sight of the only thing thatcan make harmony and unity among religious people,and that is to abide by the same rule of faith and not change the colors or tint of this rule of faith to suittheir own personal pleasure.

As the New Testament continues to be the onlyrule of faith upon which a few are willing to beunited, and are willing to defend, their strength isnot measured by numbers, but by God's Holy Word. His Word shall abide forever and remain unchangeable and immovable regardless of the attempts to color it and bend it by the numbers. "Forwe can do nothing against the truth, but for thetruth" (II Cor. 13:8).

We can view this current movement among thesereligious groups as nothing more than the spread offalse hope and security in numbers rather than on faith. It is simply a matter of a few deluding theminds of many to lead them down a path which will eventually end among all the deceitful works of thePrince of this world, Satan himself. Such is the consequence of ignorance and self-delusion. It iscertain that the appeal to being unaware is not goingto preserve their souls in ignorance, for such will bethe recipients of the "manifest token of the righteous judgment of God" who will with this judgment "in flaming fire take vengeance on them that know notGod, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord JesusChrist" (II Thess. 1:5-10). Sad as that truly is, it isnot going to change unless all mankind will becontent to settle their strength and unity by the faithof the gospel and not by the numbers of mankind.Too often we have associated unity and strength withnumbers. We have appealed to numbers to prove ourstrength and unity. We claim a "show of force" bynumbers of people to prove a practice right or wrong, rather than showing the faith for it which comes byGod's Word.

Too many religious bodies (again, many so-called"churches of Christ") have begun marching to thisinsidious tune of stepping up the numbers regardlessof convictions on many subjects and issues, becausethere is too much involved and a study or conclusion on it will hinder our growth. However, those that are willing to stand up and teach the simple faith of thegospel on all points in order that all might be saved are being labeled as "Brotherhood Saviours" and "Troublemakers" with an indifferent and/orintolerable attitude. Why are they labeled as such? Itseems to be because they are few in number and will not submit to the "numbers for unity movement", but will submit only to the faith of the gospel. Therefore, they are labeled as "Brotherhood Saviours" and "Troublemakers" with an indifferent and/or intolerable attitude.

If the masses of people are going to govern andpush for unity by labels, then so be it! But by God'shelp I will not fall victim to this spirit of error that isunited by the numbers rather than by the faith.Though I will make mistakes and commit wrongs, Ishall have the strength and unity provided by God'sWord to overcome and change that I may stand firmin the power of His might as His Holy Word directs.

Dear reader friend, let us evaluate our strength andunity not by the numbers, but rather by the faith of the gospel, where we can truly find perfect peace,love, security, strength and unity of the spirit (Eph.4:1-3).

DECEPTIVE ARGUMENTATION NO. III

This is the third in a series on "When is an example binding". Thomas B. Warren recently published a book under the above caption. I believe many false conclusions are advocated in this book.Please remember the purpose of the book is to helpus understand when an example is binding. I must insist that if I knew absolutely nothing about whenan example is binding, after reading his book, I would be even more confused.

I defend the right of any scribe to use illustrationsin order to simplify the problem under consideration;however when one uses illustrations which are more complicated than the problem, he is defeating his purpose.

On page twenty seven, Tom gives us a geometricfigure to help us understand when an example isbinding. As I read this figure, I thought to myself,"If this is necessary to finding out WHEN an Example is binding some of us might as well bid heaven goodbye". No, gentle reader, it isn't this complicated. In his book Tom prefers to use the name"account of actions" rather than approved examples.In his geometric figure Brother Warren is demonstrating to us he knows more about geometrythan he does the Bible. I take the following directlyfrom pages twenty seven and twenty eight.

"But in order to really 'Nail down this matter, another illustration should be considered. Again, a geometric figure will be used. Here are the explicit(as is explained in another section of the book)statements of this particular 'problem' (1) Proposition

F: "X" is a geometric figure, (2) Proposition G: "X"is a right triangle, (3) Proposition H: the hypotenuseof "X" is 5 inches, and (4) Proposition I: one leg of"X" is 3 inches in length.

"This is the information (evidence) available —that is, it is the explicit 'teaching' in this illustration. Let it be assumed for the sake of illustration, thatone knows that each of the five propositions statedabove is true — that is, that one has such certaintyabout them that he cannot possibly be wrong. If such be the case, are any other propositions (say M)implied by these five propositions so that, if one knows that propositions F, G, H and I are true, then hecan also know that proposition M is true? Yes, he can.If a geometric figure is a 'right angle' (one of its angle is 90°), then the square of the hypotenuse (thelongest

side of the triangle, always opposite the 90° angle) isequal to the sum of the squares of the two legs.Thus, in the case at hand, the explicit statementswould apply at least the following proposition: thelength of the other leg is 4 inches. This is seen by thefollowing:

(proposition M is: side b of triangle X is 4 inches inlength.) Thus, one can see that the conjunction ofpropositions F, G, H, and I implies proposition m5. And, one can be just as certain that proposition M istrue as he can be that propositions F, G, H, and Iare true."

Someone is ready to say, "Hogland what in theworld are you doing?" Friend, don't blame me, I wasjust trying to tell you how to know when an exampleis binding! Gentle reader, I am not a smart man, butone wouldn't have to be smart to know his GOD would never make his laws this complicated. If he has, then may the Lord have mercy OH US all.

Now I understand that Tom is using his geometryas an illustration. I will defend his right to do this. However, I believe his illustration is MORE complicated than the problem! There are members ofthe church by the hundreds who have never had a course in geometry. They wouldn't know a hypotenuse from a hippopotamus. Let us all return to the simplicity found in Christ.

A SERMON FOR THE BIRDS

Part of an interesting sermon preached by aMethodist circuit rider in the early days of Kentucky is contained in B. A. Botkin's, Treasury of American Folklore. The preacher, whose name was Prater,weighed over three hundred pounds and rode a muleto make his appointed rounds. His services were usually held at the residence of some devout Methodist, since meetinghouses were scarce.

This particular sermon was delivered at the homeof "Granny Short" in Madison County. It was not untypical of many frontier Methodist sermons. The excerpt, though brief, at once reveals the nature ofPastor Prater's sermon preparation, Bible knowledge (or lack of it), method of preaching, and personal prejudice.

"My brethren and sistrin," he began, "I was delayed a little today because I arose with a severebackache which is still annoying me. Consequently, Icannot say what sort of sermon I shall preach . . . .Ishall preach to you from a text somewhar between the lids of the Bible, the chapter and verse of which Iam not able to name. It runs as follows: 'Like a crane or a swaller, so did I chatter. Oh, Lord, undertake Thou for me.'

"Now, my beloved, you will see that there are twobirds mentioned in this chapter...........It is necessary to a proper understanding that we should look carefully into the habits of these fowls" At this point,the discourse apparently shifted into high gear, asthe preacher's sing-song voice increased in volume. He pursued his grand theme, whatever it was, expounding upon the comparative idiosyncrasies of the two birds in the text (Isaiah 38:14).

"A crane, my brethren, is a tall bird, with longlegs and a long bill, and will reach down into thewater and snatch a fish that another bird would never think of—ah! And a swaller, my brethren, is a littlepestiferous bird that congregates in great numbers inthe chimneys and chatter, chatter, and flutter,flutter, causing the sut to fall and black all it teches,to the great annoyance of the good wimmen—ah!These swallers are jest like the Campbellites—theywill gather round a hole of water and chatter, chatter, and flutter, flutter, while they are baptizingone another, and the very next day they will notknow the hole they were baptizing in—ah!"

We do not know how close Prater was to the water hole when he heard the "Campbellites" chattering.

However, if he had inched in a little closer, thechatter may have given off a more certain sound,like, "Buried with him in baptism, wherein also yeare risen with him through faith in the operation ofGod, who raised him from the dead" (Col. 2:12). The "flutter, flutter" which he heard might have been thenoise of many enlightened Methodists flocking to the water hole to become New Testament Christians. And, it most likely was not the "good wimmen" whowere annoyed at the "swallers," but the Methodist preachers who could not answer the "chatter" or prevent the "flutter" with a right handling of anything they found "between the lids of the Bible." So they resorted to silly sermonizing on texts they did not understand, and which they sometimes couldn't even find.

It is no wonder that the radiant light of the unadulterated Word of God found a ready receptionfrom so many people when it was proclaimed by thepioneer gospel preachers on the American frontier.

HAVING THE MIND (ATTITUDE)OF CHRIST # 3

Last month we learned that man may choose whether he will remain a servant of the devil, or become a servant of Christ. It is his choice to make (Rom. 6:16-18). We also learned that the definition ofthe Greek word doulos means "A slave—one who gives himself up wholly to another's will." Christ left us an example of having that kind of attitude towardthe Heavenly Father, and Paul instructs in Phil. 2:18 that we are to have the same "attitude" that Christ had in humbling ourselves to be obedient unto thewill of Christ.

Bought With A Price

The price that was paid for our sins is the blood ofChrist (Rev. 1:5). Those who become Christians do soby receiving the benefits of Christ's blood when we are baptized (Acts 22:16), after we have believed onJesus as the Son of God and repented of our sins.The only way one can go to heaven is to be an obedient servant even as Christ was obedient. Paul tells us that Christ "humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross"(Phil. 2:8). You see, if I (and the whole world) am tobe saved, I must have this same attitude that Christ had. Now we come to a question that must be askedbefore we go any further.

P««e9

Do We Really Want To Go To Heaven?

All the instructions we have regarding the Christian life and what we must do in living such alife were given by the apostles. They were instructedby the Holy Spirit who was to teach them all thingsand bring all things to their remembrance that Christhad commanded them (John 16:13). This means whatever the will of the Father in Heaven is, it was given to Christ, taught to the apostles, brought totheir remembrance by the Holy Spirit, wrote down bythe apostles for us to read and obey (1 Cor. 14:37).For Paul said, "Christ became the author of eternal salvation to all them that obey him" (Heb. 5:9).

So, as Christ was an obedient servant of the Heavenly Father, so we are to be obedient servantsof Christ. And, it is left up to each one of us individually to "Examine yourselves whether ye bein the faith; prove your own selves" (2 Cor. 13:5). In2 Pet. 3:18, I am instructed to "Grow in grace, andthe knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ."In view of this statement, what do you believe Christ'sattitude would be with reference to Paul's statement in 2 Tim. 2:15? "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." Do youhave the mind (attitude) of Christ?

When you attend the services of the Lord's church,is your attitude one of reverence—of engaging in theacts of worship that Christians have been instructedto perform—of attending every service you possibly can that you might exhort others and receive exhortation according to Heb. 10:24-25? Or is yourattitude one of telling others it is no one's business whether you attend or not—no one is going to tellyou what to do? Do you think this would be Christ's attitude?

Preach Positively

We often hear this statement. So let's just do alittle bit right here. To those who are Christians weread from God's Word that we are to sing (Eph. 5:19). Do you sing? We are to give as we are prospered. Do you give? We are to set our affectionson things above and not on things on the earth (Col.3:2). Do you do that? We are instructed to think onthings that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, ofgood report (Phil. 4:8). Do you do that? We are instructed to obey the elders that rule over us (Heb.13:17). Do you do that? We are instructed to beobedient to our parents, to our employers, to civilauthorities . . . "Oh," someone says, "get off of myback." I am thankful to God that this was not Christs' attitude when he was summoned to leave heaven, come here and die the shameful death of the cross for my sins, aren't you?

Conclusion

Unless we, as servants of the Lord, have the attitude that Cornelius had when he told Peter "Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hearall things that are commanded thee of God" (Acts10:33), to want not only to know all things that have been commanded of God, but, with the mind (attitude) of Christ, to desire to do all that we havebeen instructed to do, WE CANNOT BE SAVED. For Paul said in Rom. 2:8-9, "But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obeyunrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil,of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile." Also, in Col. 3:25 Paul said, "But he that doeth wrong shallreceive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons."

Remember, "Let this mind be in you, which wasalso in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God,counted not the being on an equality with God athing to be grasped, but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant,and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Phil. 2:5-8). And thank God he did, for without His doing it, we would have no hope. Do youhave the mind (attitude) of Christ?

GLORIFYING GOD

"Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him notbe ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf"(1 Pet. 4:16). The key word in this reading withrespect to our subject is "glorifying." Defined, it issaid to mean, "to magnify, extol, praise, especially ofglorifying God, i.e., ascribing honor to Him,acknowledging him as to his being, attributes andacts, i.e., His glory." To glorify God represents the paramount duty of man as emphasized in a numberof passages. "Let your light so shine before men,that they may see your good works, and glorify yourFather which is in heaven" (Mt. 5:16). "Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31). Thebasic idea in all these passages is to honor and magnify God, to cause Him to be honored and magnified by all one is and does. Only a Christian can do this!

Peter focuses upon two kinds of suffering in thiscontext. One is suffering due to being a law breaker, a transgressor. This is of course justified and one called on to suffer because of this ought to be ashamed. Then there is suffering as a Christian. Forthis no shame is to attach, rather in this be happyand in the name of Christ, glorify God. "Christian" isthe only term or title connective of the basic and comprehensive concept of relationship. Relationship to God through Christ as predicted by Isaiah 62:2,"And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and allkings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a newname, which the mouth of the Lord shall name." Acts 11:26 tells us that the "disciples were called Christians first at Antioch" thus fulfilling Isaiah andestablishing a continuity of title and name for all truly of Christ.

"Christianity" is an accommodative term embracing the gospel system which revolves aboutChrist and the New Testament. An erroneous concept is sometimes evident in thinking and attitudes which might be called "churchanity." Thisvery concept may offer some explanation for manyfalling away. Often conversion is more to the local church than to Christ and the result is "churchanity"rather than "Christianity." This false base results in one becoming weak and wayward in dutiesand obligations as soon as his ties to the homecongregation are broken. "Out of sight, out of mind"is a truism that all too often shows itself in the relation of some to Christ and the church. As soon as they leave home some just quit attending services,never think of associating themselves in any formal way to the church where they are, excusingthemselves with "I am a member down home." Such fails in what must be considered the basic concept ofrelationship to Christ.

The church in the New Testament is referred to as the body of Christ. In a figurative sense this suggests the idea of individual members making upthe functional whole just as this is the case in thephysical body. "For as the body is one, and hathmany members, and all the members of that onebody, being many, are one body: so also is Christ" (1Cor. 12:12). Actually, the church is both universal and local. The universal concept along with the individual's relationship to it can be seen in the case of the Eunuch in Acts 8:30-39. Miles away fromhome this traveler learned of the Christ and obeyedthe gospel. What church was he a member of? He hadbecome in truth a disciple of Christ. He was what was later (Acts 11:26) identified as a Christian. Buthe obviously was not a part of any local church outthere on the road from Jerusalem to Gaza where he was converted. He was, however, a member of thechurch in the universal sense. He was a part of the body of the saved because he now was "of Christ" ora "Christ one". Any attachment to the local churchcame later in the life of this man.

Discipleship is an individual, independent and personal thing. However, some of the duties are group oriented and collectively performed. The individual even here is always in sight of the Lord and can never be lost as to personal responsibility in thecongregation. "The eyes of the Lord are in everyplace beholding the evil and the good" (Prov. 15:3).To lose sight of our true relation to Christ as being an independent, individual and personal thing is dangerous. The average Christian has become a faceless non-entity, in so many instances, performingbut a highly programmed function, a mass operation.

This threatens spirituality and the real purpose ofChrist within us, "the hope of glory." Personal piety, spiritual maturity and undivided commitment to Christ are so often inconsequential considerations tothe average Christian. In reality, some have come toexist for the local organization, the local church,rather than the organization existing for the individual. I repeat, this may explain some of theproblems of our day.

Not only does this consideration bear on the member who moves away from the old local homechurch and ceases to attend but it may explain whythe norm is so often to attend three times a week,give a little and go home. It may explain why outsideof regular activities we have difficulty in stimulating and maintaining interest. Christianityinvolves conversion and dedication to Jesus Christ that is: (1) Personal, he is our beacon, guide andpattern; (2) Independent, in that I and I alone amobligated. The duties of the relationship are mine justas surely as the blessings and promises anticipated;and (3) Individual. With the proper concept of one's relation to Christ all else is brought into perspective.Where ever one is, he is a Christian. His attitude and conduct glorifies God and reflects a dignitycomplementary to "Christian" in the truest sense.

The local church is not an automatic relationshipbut is a relationship formed by choice. Paul upon returning to Jerusalem from Damascus "assayed tojoin himself to the disciples: but they were all afraidof him, and believed not that he was a disciple" (Acts9:26). While membership in the local church is imperative to the carrying out of collective, grouporiented duties, the matter of which and where is subject to personal preference and circumstances. Thepractice and devotion to truth is always an irrevocable factor in this determination, but aside from this personal judgment determines.

The primary purpose for the local church wouldappear to be to keep the saved that way and edify orbuild them up in the faith. This is evident in the importance attaching to the assemblies in the New Testament. The local church is not some sort of spiritual bureaucracy where the individual sacrificesidentity and personal responsibility to God. It is nota machine where man simply exists as a cog in themechanism to accomplish the objectives of its officialmanipulators. The local church is an entity with organic character. It is a living body having related parts with a functional design. The wisdom of God has provided it with operational direction and oversight, "elders in every church" (Acts 14:23).

The primary objective of the local church is to promote faithfulness and that which will assure thesalvation of those who make it up. This involves evangelizing the lost as well as caring for the needy.The local church does not exist to institutionalize Christians locally but rather all efforts are to bring toChrist and keep these saved through the properrelation to Him. Glorifying God is dependent uponproper function within each proper relationship as allis comprehended in His will.

THE PROPHETS VIEW THE CHURCH —No. 2

Daniel 2:44 has been a kind of favorite with me. The verse says, "And in the days of these kings shallthe God of heaven set up a kingdom; which shallnever be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be leftto other people; but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever." In this verse is found the outline for a goodsermon on the kingdom of God.

(1) The first thing that is affirmed by Daniel is that the God of heaven would set up the kingdom. This kingdom to be set up in the fourthworld empire would not be erected by the hands ofmen. Daniel said, "Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the imageupon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brakethem to pieces" (verse 34). This kingdom was cut outwithout hands. Man did not have anything to do with the setting up of the Lord's kingdom; he didnot think of it, he did not plan it, he did not advisethe Lord when He was planning it, he did not saywhen it was to begin or how, he did not say whereit would begin and he did not give it organization.

"To the intent that now unto the principalities andpowers in heavenly places might be known by thechurch the manifold wisdom of God, According to theeternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Eph. 3:10-11). The kingdom was the culmination of the Lord's eternal intentions and purposes in Christ.

(2) The second thing that is seen by Daniel is the fact that the Lord's kingdom "shall never be destroyed." Men can destroy the things they begin but not the Lord's kingdom. Man can build a tall skyscraper, mighty highways and in a few yearscompletely tear them up and cover them with tons ofearth or turn them under the waters. Anything man can build, he can destroy. But since God has builtHis church man can not destroy it.

It should cause men to stop and think of the indestructibility of the kingdom of God among men.Kingdoms of earth have arisen and fallen and are nowforgotten, but the kingdom of God remains. The kingdoms of men rise and wane but the kingdom ofthe great God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christshall be here when Jesus Christ comes back to judgethe world and at that time Christ will present thekingdom back to God the Father, a glorious church without spot or wrinkle (Eph. 5:25-27; I Cor. 15:2426). Man may as well try to stop the sun fromshining as to try and destroy the kingdom of God. Itis here to stay even though the kingdoms of men arebut for a time.

Should men seek to destroy the church, they may rest assured that God will destroy them. Paul said, "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, andthat the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; forthe temple of God is holy, which temple ye are" (ICor. 3:16-17). I dare not try to destroy the kingdomof the Lord, but I am set for the destruction of anymovement that attempts to destroy it.

(3) The third thing the prophet saw was that thekingdom of the Lord "shall not be left to other people"—man will not rule the kingdom of heaven.Christ did not die in order that a kingdom might beestablished and then turn it over to any man, be hepope, priest, abbot, king, elder, deacon, preacher, orto any group of men be they a college of men, synod,council, convention, board of stewards, board of deacons, or even of the elders in the Lord's church. Men do not rule and give the orders in the kingdomof God. All authority is vested in God who delegatedall authority unto Jesus Christ (Mt. 28:18) both in heaven and in earth. The authority of Christ, theking of the kingdom, is written in the law book which we call the New Testament of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Christ told his apostles to go and preach his gospelunto every creature upon the face of the earth (Mt.28:19; Mk. 16:15) and then after they had heard thegospel, believed it, and obeyed it, the apostles wereto teach them all things commanded by the Lord(Mt. 28:20). Jesus Christ is the one law giver (Jas.4:12) and his law is perfect and complete (Jas. 1:25; 2Tim. 3:16-17). There is no part of the Lord's will not sufficient for the purposes the Lord gave it. Peter declared, "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hathcalled us to glory and virtue" (2 Peter 1:3). Jude said, "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to writeunto you of the common salvation, it was needful forme to write unto you, and exhort you that ye shouldearnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3). Paul wrote, "Allscripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, forinstruction in righteousness: that the man of Godmay be perfect, throughly furnished unto all goodworks" (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Not only is the Law of the King complete and sufficient, we are charged under pain of divine punishment not to add, subtract or substitute in anymatter of the Lord's will. I Cor. 4:6 reads, "And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferredto myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that yemight learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another." John said, "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrineof Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son" (2John 9). Again, "For I testify unto every man thatheareth the words of the prophecy of this book, Ifany man shall add unto these things, God shall addunto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words ofthe book of this prophecy, God shall take away hispart out of the book of life, and out of the holy city,and from the things which are written in this book"(Rev. 22:18-19). Man will change the divine law ofGod only under the curse of God Almighty.

(4) The fourth thing the prophet saw was the kingdom of God breaking in pieces and consumingthe political kingdoms of earth. The gospel was designed for people in every political kingdom uponthe face of the earth. The gospel is not a nationaldoctrine. It is an international system of doctrinethat was and is to be preached unto every creature under heaven. Jesus said, "Go preach the gospel toevery creature" (Mk. 16:15); "Go make disciples ofall nations" (Mt. 28:20). The church in the first century went forth declaring the glorious gospel untothe world, to people of every race, of every tribe, andof every tongue. Paul said in Col. 1:23, " ... the gospel . . . was preached to every creature which isunder heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister."Just like those early Christians, we should not restuntil we are able to preach the pure simple gospel ofJesus Christ unto every creature today, using thatgreat missionary society that the Lord gave, which isthe local church (Phil. 1:1; I Thess. 1:8; Phil. 4:1518). (5) The fifth thing I call attention to in Daniel 2:44is, that the kingdom "shall stand for ever." Men andnations may attempt to destroy the kingdom butthey have not the slightest hopes in the eyes of the Lord of being successful. The Lord went back to heaven to prepare a place of rest for those that will follow the Bible in this life. At the time appointed bythe Father Himself, Christ will come to gather Hissaints to present them unto His Father. The kingdomwill "stand for ever", is the promise of the prophet.

Paul wrote, "Then cometh the end, when he shallhave delivered up the kingdom to God, even theFather; when he shall have put down all rule and allauthority and power. For he must reign, till he hathput all enemies under his feet. The last enemy thatshall be destroyed is death. For he hath put allthings under his feet. But when he saith all thingsare put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted,which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Sonalso himself be subject unto him that put all thingsunder him, that God may be all in all" (I Cor. 15:2428).

In Daniel 2:44 we have pin-pointed what theprophet saw concerning the kingdom of God. We can see through this same passage the same kingdom ofGod today. If one looks at the institutions of our dayand does not find the things the prophet saw, one canbe certain what he sees is not what the prophet saw.What do you see? Is it the view of the prophet?

The apostle Paul warned the Ephesians with these words, "That we henceforth be no more children,tossed to and fro, and carried about with every windof doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive" (Eph.4:14).

I like to think of men and women who make up thechurch of the Lord, who like staunch oaks, can stand firm amid the many cross-currents of thought thatwhirl around them. Far too many people are like saplings that are swayed by every little breeze andultimately grow in the direction of some strong windof thought that blows against them.

Stedfast

Instead of being 'tossed to and fro' we need to be as Paul urged the Corinthians, "Therefore, mybeloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, alwaysabounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as yeknow that your labour is not in vain in the Lord" (ICor. 15:58).

I Shall Not Be Moved

As the Psalmist expressed it, "I have set the Lordalways before me: because he is at my right hand, Ishall not be moved" (Psa. 16:8), we must not beeasily moved. Paul admonished the Colossians to "Benot moved away from the hope of the gospel . . . "(Col. 1:23). I am not saying that we must be stubborn or have a closed mind, but once we are convinced that the Bible teaches a thing we must stand firm.

Stand

It seems that some can never make up their mindsas to what they want to stand for. They want to waitand see which direction the wind of popularity and majority is blowing and then they decide. We must not be fence straddlers but as Paul enjoined the Ephesians, "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand inthe evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth,and having on the breastplate of righteousness" (Eph. 6:13-14). We must not be afraid to stand up and be counted!

Grounded and Settled

Too many are like the unsettled dust of summer,

who can be changed as the winds move the unsettledsoil. Paul told the Colossians, that in order for them to be presented to the Lord holy and unblamablethey must " . . . continue in the faith grounded andsettled, and be not moved away from the hope of thegospel . . ." (Col. 1:23). In order not to be tossed toand fro with every wind of doctrine we must study toknow the truth so we will be grounded and settled.We must have our feet on the ground and know why we stand as we do.

Firm Unto The End

If we expect to inherit the eternal blessings of God we must not be tossed to and fro but remain firm unto the end. The apostle to the Hebrews said, "But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing ofthe hope firm unto the end (Heb. 3:6). Many aretossed to and fro and the results are, they becomedrop-outs. There is never a time in the life of a childof God when he can let up but as it is written in thebook of Revelation, ". .. be thou faithful unto death,and I will give thee a crown of life" (Rev. 2:10).

In the early part of 1976 I had the privilege ofvisiting Nigeria with Billy Moore and working withand among Nigerian brethren for a brief period. Ourfirst work was at Ife, which we were told is the oldest known settlement of the Yourbi tribe, and as we werepreparing to leave, some brethren presented us withtwo small, wooden carvings of Obatala and his wife.They explained that many Yourbas still worshipthese as the gods who make our bodies from claythen pass them along to other gods who impart life tothem before we are born. These brethren explained tous that they knew that these were just "so-called" gods and that they were responsible for making ourbodies was nothing but "nonsense superstition".

When writing to the Corinthians about eatingmeats from animals that had been used in sacrifice to idols Paul said, "Therefore concerning the eating ofthings sacrificed to idols, we know that there is nosuch thing as an idol in the world, and that there isno God but one. For even if there are so-called godswhether in heaven or on earth, as indeed there aremany gods and many lords, yet for us there is butone God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we exist for Him; and one Lord, Jesus Christ,through whom are all things, and we exist throughHim" (1 Cor. 8:4-6 NASB).

When Paul said that we know that there is no such thing as an idol, he was not expressing unawarenessof their existence for he had seen a multitude of them in Athens (Acts 17:16). The point that he is making is that these idols are only "so-called" gods for inreality there is but one God and Lord (1 Cor. 8:4, 6;Eph. 4:5-6). In ancient Greece where idolatryabounded as it did, this kind of unorthodox, narrow, restrictive teaching was bound to be unpopular and apt to result in its teacher's being marked as somekind of narrow-minded, religious, bigot who thinksthat he is the only one who is right in religion. But itwas the truth!

If Paul were in America today, he would view adifferent, yet somewhat comparable situation to thatwhich he found in the idolatry of his time. Although he would not see the idols that he did in Athens, he would see many different churches, wearing different names, preaching different doctrines and following different religious practices. How different this is from what he by inspiration taught during the firstcentury (Eph. 1:22-23; 4:4; 1 Cor. 1:10-13; 1 Tim.1:3). Do you suppose that he might be narrow andrestrictive enough in his teaching to mark these as"so-called" churches and "so-called" faiths as he did the gods of Corinth and insist again that there is butone church and one faith?

Such teaching would be highly unorthodox in oursociety and he would likely be called a narrow-mindedbigot who thinks that he and his little group are theonly ones who are right, but what he would be saying would still be the truth! Men need to learn thedifference between truth and the "so-called" things inreligion which as the Nigerian brother explained arejust "nonsense superstitions".

609 Pineywood Rd.

Gardendale, Al. 35071

Or, a rebellious farewell!

At a funeral, half or more of the several hundred

attendees were in dungarees, not because they had

nothing else, but by choice. This included women as

well as men. Some appeared "stoned". Many of the

"men" had hair reaching to the middle of their backs,

or longer. They made quite a scene, gathering about

the open casket containing the body of "one of their

own" who had been killed in an auto wreck several

days earlier.

The day before the funeral, some of these visitingthe funeral home, had handled and fondled the bodyto the extent the director had to caution them, andstop them from continuing. It was reported to methat one had tried to crawl into the casket with the body. Following the funeral proper, the pall-bearers,themselves also dressed in dungarees and with long hair, carried out the casket . . . while rock "music" played in the background . . . but not loud enough tocover the anguished weeping of the dead boy's sister,nor that of his parents.

It was revolting! There was no respect for the heart-broken family who had to face not only the situation of their son's death, but the sure knowledge he died out of the Lord. This latter fact was constantly brought to mind by the presence of his ill-mannered, dungaree friends. The whole thing was aperformance by those who could care less about the feelings, needs or rights of others. They showed theirdisdain and rejection of "the establishment" here, as theyhad in other ways, on other occasions. And doing sonow, again in a way calculated to be as disturbing anddisgusting as possible to the mourners.

They deliberately set out to flaunt their disregard ofothers in the face of the very ones they were abusing.By their "Dungaree Goodbye" they were successful.

And some Christians defend such, saying, "All who have long hair and wear dungarees to social gatherings are not rebels". Maybe not; perhaps not. Butin view of such "performances" as this one, they will have to prove their innocence to me.

Post Office Box #297

Peru, Indiana, 46970

HOGLAND—DEAVER DEBATE

The debate announced earlier in this paper between Ward Hogland and Roy Deaver will be conducted in the Pine Forrest HighSchool in Pensacola, Florida July 18-21 at 7:00 each night.

TENT NEEDED

CLARENCE R. JOHNSON, P.O. Box 625, La Porte, Texas 77571 — Due to recent developments among the black brethren in the Houston area, there are now a number of black preachers who are soundin the faith and capable and willing to work among the blacks in thisarea. Finances are very limited, but what is needed most at present is a tent that could be used in conducting tent meetings from town totown to evangelize the area. If anyone reading this notice knowswhere a good tent might be secured at little or no cost, this would be avery good opportunity to help evangelize. Plans call for a series of tentmeetings to be held from town to town, at first in a circle with a25-mile radius of Dickinson, Texas, where Isaac Gales is the local preacher. That congregation has recently gained two members who arealready capable preachers who have recently left institutionalism. If you can help in this effort or would like further information, you maycontact brother Gales or myself at the above address or you may phone

(713) 471-0273 (study) or 471-3326 (home). Isaac Gales' phonenumber is (713) 471-4163.

NEW CONGREGATION TO BEGIN IN JACKSON, TENNESSEE

L. EARL FLY, P.O. Box 3295, Jackson, TN 38301 — Plans are made to establish a new church in Jackson, to be called Nor-thside.I have considered this for several years, for there is a great need foranother church here. There are six liberal churches and only oneconservative church (Hollywood Dr.). Jackson is a fast growing city ofabout 50,000. Most of the new businesses and the new subdivisionsare being built in the northern part of the city where we plan topurchase land for a building.

We want to build a church that will be zealous of good worksalways, fervently love each other, scrupulously follow the Bible in all things, using scriptural methods for scriptural works, always being aggressive in opposing and exposing all error and the disguisedministers of Satan, contending earnestly for the faith. We plan toconstantly be on the offense, starting the battles against error, andpulling down the strongholds of evil. We plan to use radio, television,newspaper, and every available medium to fight the good fight offaith. Already, we have succeeded in getting our newspaper tochange its policy to allow reader response in the FORUM. We haverecently used this free space to expose Billy Graham's false answers,and to expose a Catholic

bishop who promised complete forgiveness of all sins to all Catholics who would attend his Civic Center meeting.

I plan to work with this new church the rest of my life. I am nowin excellent health after a long period of illnesses. I will need longterm support until we can become self-supporting. If any who readthis can and will send monthly support for this good work, it will beappreciated. If any can send a lump sum, it would greatly help, for wewill have many expenses in newspaper and radio teaching. If youcannot help now, I ask you to consider putting this work in yournext budget and let me know that you will consider it. We plan tohave an ad in this paper as soon as possible. If you are ever passingthis way, we invite you to worship with us.KEN AND NANCY DIBBELL, Route 2, Box 166-A, South New Berlin, NY 13843 — We've enjoyed and been edified by SEARCHINGTHE SCRIPTURES for many years, but now more than ever. InDecember, we left our home in Washington, New Jersey and thefaithful church there, and are dairy farming here in central New York. Since there is no congregation of the Lord's people in this area(to our knowledge) we assemble to worship God in our living room each Lord's Day. "We" consist of husband and wife, our 21-year-oldson, 15-year-old daughter, two sons who are here occasionally from school and work and our two little ones. Though we are quite a crowdourselves we pray friends and neighbors will soon want to join us. The Lord willing, the word will produce Christians here. We would appreciate your prayers. If you know of any Christians in this area,moving or traveling to central New York, please let us know. Ourphone number is (607) 859-2510.

LOGAN — CANNON DEBATE IN JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS

A debate will be held in Jacksonville, Arkansas May 2, 3, 5 and 6,1977 between Willis Logan, gospel preacher, and E. F. Cannon, Pentecostal preacher. This will take place in the Jacksonville High School Auditorium on Madden Road each night at 7:30. Propositions involve the formula for what is said when baptizing andthe use of instrumental music in worship to God with two nightsdevoted to each subject.

NEW CONGREGATION AT SUITLAND, MARYLAND

We would like your readers to know of a congregation which began meeting September 12, 1976. It is the nearest one to Washington, D.C. area, being only ten minutes from the main gateof Andrews AFB in Maryland. We are meeting in a school buildingwhich very adequately meets our needs. We presently have 21Christians with an attendance of 34. We meet Sundays at 11 A.M. forworship, with Bible study following at 12 noon and

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evening service at 6:30. We meet also for Bible study Wednesday nights at 7:30. Additional information or directions to the building maybe obtained from Bruce Carmichael (301) 735-4314, or Bill Hambek

(301) 645-4158. Anyone knowing of Christians in or coming to thisarea, please let them know about this faithful congregation.JIMMY TUTEN, 203 North 12th Street, Dade City, FL 33525 — After 20 years of working with self-supporting congregations, I ammoving to Charleston, SC to work with the 40 member Ashley Heightschurch. They have been without a preacher for sometime and needmuch encouragement. They meet in an old denominational building which they are remodeling as funds permit. There are onlyfour full-time preachers and twelve churches in the state, ranging from three families to about 85 members. The nearest faithful church will be 80 miles away in Sumter where Arnie Granke preaches. The brethren at Ashley Heights can supply all of my support except $315monthly. Any help would be appreciated. For more information writeHorace Neely, 953 Lansing Dr., Mt. Pleasant, SC or phone (803)884-7498. I may be contacted at the above address.CHARLES DEGENHART, 808 Luna Dr., Summersville, WVA 26651 — In 1976 Eugene Crawley and Steve Ballou preached inmeetings here. Four have been baptized and two placed membershiphere, though we have had five to move to other states. One collegeage young man has already converted his mother and is now working on his father and two brothers. Our meeting house is located on StateRoute 19, three miles south of Summersville. When the New River Gorge Bridge on Route 19 is finished, the traffic will be heavy through here. Brother Futrell of Moundsville will be with us in a meeting in May and Russell Everson of Petersburg, WVA will behere in September for a meeting. I will preach in a meeting atPetersburg in the fall. In a meeting at Tallmadge, Ohio last year two were baptized and three restored. If you are traveling our way, stop andworship with us.

SMITH — MELEAR DEBATE

NORMAN P. SMITH, 9881 Newcastle Lane, Cypress, CA 90630 —On the nights of March 7, 8, 10 and 11, 1977 brethren J. T. Smith and Bob Melear engaged in a debate on the divorce and remarriage question. Following are my personal observations. The debate was held in Costa Mesa and Santa Ana, California and drew the poorest attendance of any debate I have attended. Brother J. T.Smith had debated Glen Lovelady and Lyle McCollum in two previous discussions on this subject. From statements made by some in attendance and some who did not attend I am confident the poor attendance can be attributed to the factthat many had attended one or both previous debates and did not desireto sit through another four nights of listening to the false doctrineespoused by brethren Melear, Lovelady and McCollum.

As he did in the previous discussions, brother Smith veryboldly and forcefully set forth the teachings of the scriptures on thissubject. Brother Melear attempted to prove on the first two nights thatthe Scriptures teach that even a put away fornicator can remarry without sin: and the last two nights taught that if a person is put awayfor any cause other than fornication, if he remarries, his first matemay then put him away (a second putting away) for fornication andeveryone be free, thus putting a premium on sin. In his efforts to uphold this false doctrine he appealed to human reasoning,emotionalism and a perversion of the scriptures. Brother Smith utterlydestroyed every argument presented by brother Melear by simplypresenting the passages of Scripture which deal with divorce and remarriage. These were so clearly presented by brother Smith that allcould understand who wanted to. The tactics used by brother Melearthe last night were not what they should have been and likelyaccount for the fact that brethren are hesitant to debate them and that some are reluctant to come and hear such discussions. It is myearnest prayer that those who hold and espouse this false doctrine will renounce it, repent and ask God's forgiveness and make their stand on the teaching of God's word.

PREACHER NEEDED

CORDELE, GEORGIA — The church at Cordele which meets at 610 16th Ave., E., needs a full-time preacher. Anyone interested should address inquiries to: Church of Christ, P.O. Box 342, Cordele, GA 31015.

PREACHER AVAILABLE

DON POTTS, P.O. Box 287, Jamestown, KY 42629 — After fivepleasant and profitable years at Jamestown, I am seeking to relocate with a self-supporting congregation preferably in either Kentucky or Texas. However, I would consider any central or southern state. I am43 years of age with 20 years preaching experience. If interested writethe above address or call (502) 343-4128.