WHAT ABOUT NEW "REVELATIONS"?

Back in 1962, Dan Lion, a Unitarian preacher,

said:

"I would like to plead for a Bible that is not yetfinished; a sort of loose-leaf Bible to which we would add a great passage from Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, : from his inaugural address: 'With malice toward none,' and 'A house divided cannot stand.' That deserves to be stuck in the back of the Bible,and not just as an appendix either. We would add toit, possibly, a sentence or two that Mr. Glenn said recently. Perhaps we would add to it a speech byDouglas MacArthur, or Eisenhower; name your own heroes. Maybe I would paste in something that Eisenhower said, because I thought it was pretty great. Then, after ten years I might say, 'Well, thatstruck me as pretty good then, but now that I am nolonger an adolescent it is not quite what I thought.Besides, Adlai Stevenson has said something bettersince then. Being a loose-leaf Bible, I could take outthe one and substitute the other. I am all for this."

When we read this, we did not take Mr. Lion too seriously, but perhaps we should have. Evidently,many others feel the same way. I have before me anarticle from the Associated Press out of Philadelphiawhich is headed, "King Biblical epistle sought." I now quote from the article:

"A group of black ministers from across the country aims to add a new book to the Bible — a letterby the late Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. 'What we believe, is that God continues to move people, withor without their conscious knowledge,' said the Rev. Muhammad Kenyatta, a Baptist minister and sociology instructor at Haverford College. 'We believe

that God worked through Dr. Martin Luther King in

that jail in Birmingham in 1963 to reveal his holy

word,' Kenyatta said in an interview last week.

" 'Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice

everywhere,' King wrote. 'We are caught in an

inescapable mutuality, tied in a single garment of

destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all

indirectly. We will have to repent in this generation

not merely for the hateful words and actions of the

bad people, but for the appalling silence of good

people.'

"A proposal to add the book as another 'epistle' in

the New Testament was approved this month by

about 40 black ministers, theologians and lay people

Adding to and subtracting from God's revelation toman is an old problem, and one which God has always opposed and warned against. "Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neithershall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep thecommandments of the Lord your God which I command you" (Deut. 4:2). Similar warnings are throughout the Bible, and repeated in the closingchapter of the New Testament (Rev. 22:18, 19).

In spite of this, almost without exception, the founders of all denominations and the major religiousleaders have claimed a hot-line to heaven with revelations from God other than through His writtenword. And when denominations have problems, orthere is a conflict between their doctrines and publicopinion and demands, they solve the problem byreceiving a new "revelation." This is common in Catholicism, and a more recent example was in Mormonism with reference to blacks in the priesthood.

When Christ was about to leave this earth, Hepromised to send the Holy Spirit to the apostles, andassured them that the Spirit would guide them intoALL truth (John 16:13). Did he, or not? If he did not, then he did not do what Christ sent him to do. If he did his work, then the Spirit revealed ALL thatGod intended for us to know and there have been no added revelations from God since the Spirit completed his work through the apostles. Theypreached it at first (Acts 2:4), then for a while theytaught orally and in writing (2 Thess. 2:15) and by thetime they all died they had revealed and delivered the

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message of "the faith which was once delivered unto

the saints" (Jude 3).

Those who claim any kind of modern revelation are

deceived or attempting to deceive. For a professed

prophet or spokesman for God to lie is not without

precedent. The Bible contains many examples. One is

found in First Kings 13 where an old prophet

deceived a young man and caused his death by

claiming a revelation from God, but the Bible says

"he lied unto him." Some who claimed to be apostles

were found to be liars (Rev. 2:2).

If people would study and think (and there is the

problem) they would not accept these modern

"revelations" — unless they believe that God is the

author of confusion, for no two of the "inspired"

religious leaders reveal and practice the same things.

Does God call one man to deny what He called

another to preach?

I make the following promise or offer to our readers, or anyone else: When you read or hear ofsome modern claim of revelation from God, find out if you can what the revelation was. (From my experience, I can assure you that that will not be easy.) If you learn exactly what the "revelation" or "new truth" was, tell me and I will do one of two things — I will show that the Bible teaches the same thing and therefore it is not a modern revelation, or Iwill find the passage which says that it is not true!Try me and see if I don't. And you or anyone else whoknows and believes the truth can do the same thing.So you can make the offer in full confidence to anyperson who claims a modern revelation from God.

The truth is, God has not said one word to anypope, prophet, preacher, priest, or anyone else livingtoday other than through His written word, the Bible. If you want to know the truth of God on anysubject, just remember the question of Jesus when heasked, "what is written?" and get your Bible and find the answer.

No, we do not need a "loose-leaf Bible" nor an additional epistle from any modern preacher. We simply need to read, understand and obey the Biblewe have. It is God's complete and final revelation toman. How do we know? The Bible says so, and if we can't trust the Bible on this point, how can we trust its teaching on any thing?

Through the ages, when a man was a true spokesman for God, he could and did confirm and authenticate his message by miraculous manifestations or an appeal to what had been writtenby inspired writers. Since no man living today can prove his message by a miracle, the only way toprove that which is the truth of God is by appealing to the written word of God, the Bible.

The problem of which we speak is the confusion and unbelief caused by the conflicting claims of modern revelations by those who are dissatisfied withGod's true revelation, and the principle which is violated is the plenary inspiration of the scriptures.

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EDITORIAL STEW

For the past several years we have taken this space to deal with an assortment of matters needing attention but none of which requires much space.Some of our readers have expressed appreciation forthis annual mixture and some seem to have developeda down-right hankering for the "stew."

ANENT BALES' NEW BOOK —NOT UNDER BONDAGE

Special thanks to Weldon E. Warnock for his Two articles reviewing Not Under Bondage by James D.Bales. We saw the manuscript for this book before itwas published. In fact, brother Bales sent copies of itto a number of brethren before it was published and asked for criticisms to be offered. We offered some and expressed our hope that he would reconsider andnot even publish the book since it was our feeling that it would become a crutch upon which too manybrethren with permissive views on marriage and divorce would lean. The liberal brethren are in a hot fight over this already. It is Bales' contention that the alien sinner is not under law to Christ, that he is only under the law of his own conscience, and thattherefore what Christ said about marriage and divorce only applies to those in the kingdom of God.This view is similar to the old Fuqua position,though it differs in that Fuqua argued that the alien is only under civil law while Bales repudiates this. In both cases, though, the alien is held not amendable to the law of Christ. The consequences of this position are far-reaching and will prove spiritually disastrous in application. We hope that other good writers in some of the other papers will review thisbook. Bales has written so many very good bookswhich have had such beneficial results that his stature and influence will cause many to be swayed bywhat he said in this new book.

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WE DID NOT MAKE IT TO 10,000

At the beginning of the year we announced a driveto increase our circulation to 10,000 by the end ofthis, our twentieth year. Well, we did not make it. We did increase our circulation by about 1,000 duringthe year and that is a sizeable increase. Our presentprinting is 8,000 all of which are circulated. Why didwe not make it to 10,000? We did not have enough help from enough people. But several of our writers sent and paid for lists (some have done this for years)and gained new subscriptions for us from many places where they traveled. Additionally, a good number of our readers paid for new subscriptions when they renewed their own. We thank each one who helped in this. A circulation of 10,000 a month isstill not unrealistic and with the continued help ofgood friends and interested readers we expect to reach that goal. Again, when you renew your subscription, why not subscribe for a friend or relative?

--------------- O — — --------------BOUND VOLUME 19-20

This issue completes twenty years of operation ofthis paper. It is our practice to bind at the end ofevery two year period. These bound volumes will beready for sale by April 1. The price will be $10. Volume 19-20 will be larger than any previous boundvolumes and will contain 572 pages (as opposed to488 pages in volume 17-18). This one will contain twospecial 32 page issues which proved to be in greatdemand: "The Church — Live Issues Old and New" and "The War Against the Works of the Flesh." Bound volumes of periodicals continue to be among the best investments in religious books. Only a limited number are bound. When they are sold, thenthe value to those who own them increases. Some of our readers have a standing order for their copies when they are ready. Orders from others will be accepted now. You will not be billed until the book isshipped. Price will be $9.50.

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INCREASE IN AD COSTS

Beginning in January all church ad renewals will bebilled at $70 per year. Spiraling printing and postalcosts leave us no choice. Some other papers with farless circulation have been charging more for such adsfor sometime now. This new price is still cheaper than some other papers. Last year the cost of paperincreased 30%. Last May we had a 22% increase inpostal charges. Several months ago we increased the charges for ad space to Religious Supply Center. It isnow costing more just to mail the paper than it costto print and mail it when we assumed operation ofthe paper in 1973. Where this inflation will end we do not know, but we are feeling it in the paper publishing business.

-------------- o ------------------RELIGIOUS SUPPLY CENTER

We continue to enjoy a most pleasant business relationship with Religious Supply Center of Louisville, Kentucky. This growing business is ably managed by David Key, one of the elders of the Manslick Road church in Louisville. His wife, Phyllis, and long-time employees Marie Ricks and Mary Catherine (Wimpy) Threlkel are pleasant and efficient. Again we remind all readers that SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES and RELIGIOUS SUPPLY CENTER are two separate businesses. Please do not send paper business to them nor bookbusiness to the paper. Our addresses are not the same. This is shown in each issue of the paper. We encourage our readers to patronize the good folks atRELIGIOUS SUPPLY CENTER to meet all your needs for Bibles, religious books, tracts, tract racks,class literature, communion ware and supplies, maps,film strips and projectors, bulletin boards and othersuch needed items.

SHOWING HOSPITALITY TOPREACHERS

It always amuses me to enter a home where the occupants are unaccustomed to having preachers visitand where such guests are thought to be other thanmortal. It is not uncommon to see two or three children dressed in their fanciest, seated stiffly on thecouch with their hands unnaturally folded in theirlaps, and looking for all the world as if they havebeen threatened within an inch of their lives should they dare say the wrong things. What a delight it isto play with them, get them to laughing and talkingand acting like normal children again. Whatever youdo, if you are to have a preacher to visit for a meal oron other occasion, don't scare your children half todeath about it. Most preachers are ordinary people,have a sense of humor and are grateful to share whata family has to offer. Those who are stuffed shirtsneed to be taken down a few notches anyhow. I well remember once when we had the visiting preacher fora meeting in our home for supper back in Virginia.My mother at that time was very nervous about suchexalted company and somewhat fearful that what wehad was not quite as good as he was used to. The preacher in question was an elderly fellow with a verysour disposition and just a little on the arrogant side.My older brother, Wiley, did not help my mother'snerves when he turned over a glass of iced tea in thatpreacher's lap! He was dressed to preach that nightand had to go to services and preach with dried teastains across the front of his clothes. While my mother said she was "mortified", looking back on itall, I think such an experience might loosen up overly pompous preachers and get them back on solid ground — down where real people have to live.

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EDITOR'S WORK FOR 1980

Health permitting (and we are expecting it to) wewill be in meetings in the following places in 1980:North Miami, Florida; Middlebourne, West Virginia; Huffman in Birmingham, Alabama; Mound and Starrin Nacogdoches, Texas; Burbank, Illinois; Sundridge,Ontario; Cameron, Ohio; Southside in Springfield, Missouri; Antioch (near Caneyville), Kentucky; Sycamore, Kentucky; Winchester, Ohio; Roanoke, Virginia; Kaysville, Utah; Waynesburg,Pennsylvania; 2-3 weeks of preaching in Italy among 4 congregations; East Alton, Illinois; Franklin Road inNashville, Tennessee; North Ridgeville, Ohio; Barnesville, Ohio; Liberty Road in Lexington, Kentucky.That is less than I had planned and about 10 morethan my Doctors feel comfortable with. Some health problems did force the curtailment of some meetingwork in 1979 and may affect some of it in 1980. Wehope to be able to meet each appointment and ask forthe prayers of all interested brethren for strength andhealth to continue in the work of the gospel. We lookforward to meeting many of our readers in our travels.

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THANKS TO OUR READERS AND WRITERS

As this year closes, we wish to thank those who subscribed to and read the paper this past year.Thanks for the words of encouragement as well as the criticisms. A special thanks to the writers who provide the bulk of material for this paper. None of them receives any financial reward for their efforts.We think we have a worthy staff of writers. Some ofthem have written for the paper since it began. Others have written for several years. To myknowledge all of them are dedicated servants of theLord, faithful in teaching and life. They are not givento fanciful speculations nor hurtful extremes. Neither are their convictions for sale when truth appears unpopular with some. They have provided us with a balance of material which has kept the paper from becoming lopsided. We expect to keep it balanced.Stay with us and let's search the scriptures together.We trust that the new year will lead us all into fields of fruitful service for the Lord. Happy New Year to every reader.

In the first article I stated: "There are two pointsthat are crucial to Bales' position: (1) 1 Cor. 7:12-15must teach that a believer is free to remarry if anunbeliever deserts or divorces her or him. (2) Thatalien sinners are not subjects of the new covenant,and, therefore, the passages in the Gospels on marriage do not apply to them." We answered pointone in the November issue of this paper and we willdeal with point two in this article.

Bales' Contentions

Bales contends: "The Jews and Gentiles were not

under law to Christ. They were not in the 'church of

God'" (Not Under Bondage, p. 146). "Jew and

Gentile are both out of covenant relationship with

Christ today, unless they have obeyed the gospel" (p.

149).

Brother Bales' predominant text to try to justifyhis position is 1 Cor. 9:20-21. The passage states: "And unto the Jews I became as a Jew that I mightgain the Jews; to them that are under the law, asunder the law that I might gain them that are underthe law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under law toChrist,) that I might gain them that are without law."

Commenting on 1 Cor. 9:20-21, Bales said: " . . .when Paul wrote Corinthians he said that in some sense each, Jew and Gentile, was under his particularlaw while he, Paul, was under law to Christ. Jews — 'them that are under the law.' (1 Cor. 9:20) Gentiles — 'them that are without law. (1 Cor. 9:21;compare Rom. 2:12-14) Paul — 'under law to Christ.' (1 Cor. 9:21) At the very time these brethren affirmthat Jew and Gentile were under law to Christ, Paul placed only himself under law to Christ, and they were under different laws" (p. 149). " . . . while Paul was under the law of Christ the unbelieving Jewswere under the law of Moses and the Gentiles were without law" (pp. 152-153).

We ask: In what way were the Jews and Gentilesunder their particular law when Paul wrote 1 Corinthians? Were they under their particular law because they were divinely responsible and accountable to their respective law? How could theJews be divinely accountable to the law of Moses when that law had been annulled by God at the cross(Col. 2:14)? In his commentary on Hebrews Robert Milligan said about the Mosaical law: "As a religiousInstitution, it was, as we have seen, abolished whenChrist was crucified. . . . And as a civil Institution it continued for only about seven years after the writingof this Epistle" (p. 237).

Brother Bales recognizes this problem of the annulment of the law of Moses at the cross and attempts to answer it on pages 150-153. He gives,what he considers, three plausible answers, but omitsthe very one that is the most plausible, namely, the Jews were simply regarding themselves still underobligations to comply with the Mosaical law. Bales maintains that after the destruction of Jerusalem, the Jews, as well as Gentiles, are under the law on the heart of Rom 2:14-15.

Actually, in an accommodative way of speaking,"those under law" referred to Jews and those "without law" referred to Gentiles. God gave the Jews a revealed law. They were "under law." The Gentiles did not receive a revealed law, hence, they were "without law" or without the Mosaical law. Their law was the law on the heart that was traditional and environmental. The law on the heart for the Gentile continued until he came under the universal law of Christ, the New Testament. Paul's statement about the Gentiles' law on the heart in Rom. 2:14-15 has reference to the time before the gospel of Christ. There is nothing in the Bible abouta "law on the heart" for the aliens today and the"law of Christ" for Christians.

Comments on 1 Cor. 9:20-21

Lutheran Commentary. Commenting on "under the law," it states: "Those who regard themselves still under the obligations to comply with the demands of the Ceremonial Law."

Adam Clarke. He says that "under the law" means: "To those who considered themselves still under obligation to observe its rites and ceremonies. .

A New Commentary on Holy Scripture. "He (Paul) conciliated the Jews and those who regardedthe law as binding by observing their scruples."

Expositor's Greek Testament. "Anomos (without law, WEW) was the Jewish designationfor all beyond the pale of Mosaism (see Rom. 2:9-16,etc.): Paul became this to Gentiles (Gal. 4:12),abandoning his natural position, in that he did notpractice the law of Moses amongst them nor make itthe basis or aim of his preaching to them; see Acts14:15ff; 17:22ff. He was anomos therefore, in the narrow Jewish sense; not so in the true religious sense."

Macknight. He translates verse 21: "To personsnot subject to the law of Moses, I became as not subject to that law, by not enforcing it on them. . .." Macknight believed that "not under law" referred to not being subject to the law of Moses. This is in agreement with what the Expositor's Greek Testament said about anomos.

Hence, Paul is not teaching that the unbelievingJews and Gentiles are not amenable to the law of Christ, but rather he is saying that he became allthings to the Jews who considered themselves underthe law of Moses and all things to the Gentiles whoare spoken of as beyond the pale of Judaism. While becoming all things to all men, Paul let us know thathe was not lawless, but rather under law (ennomos) to Christ.

Zerr. E. M. Zerr said it right when he wrote: "When Paul was mingling with those who were notJews, he did not try to press the Jewish customs upon them, but he did advocate the law of Christwhich was and is binding upon all mankind.

All Under New Testament

The following will show that Christ's law is universal and that all men are answerable, accountable and responsible to it.

(1) Gospel is applicable to all. It is to be preachedto every creature. Jesus said: "Go ye therefore, andteach all nations. . ." (Matt. 28:19). "Go ye into allthe world, and preach the gospel to every creature"(Mk. 16:15). Paul said that those who obey not thegospel will be condemned (2 Thess. 1:7-9). (2) Aliens are condemned for violating the morallaws of God. The Corinthians had been guilty of fornication, idolatry, homosexuality, theft, covetousness, drunkenness, revilement and extortion,but they had been washed, sanctified and justified (1Cor. 6:9-11). Brother Bales would say they violatedthe law on the heart. How could, for example, fornication be a violation of the law on the heart when the heart in a typical Corinthian approved and sanctioned immortality? Corinth was devoted to Venus, the goddess of love or licentious passion.Fornication was part of their religious practices. Theywere sinners at Corinth because they had violated God's moral laws. (Cf. Eph. 2:1-3; 1 Pet. 4:3-4). (3) Aliens are to repent of their sins. Paul said to theAthenians, "And the times of this ignorance God winked at: but now commandeth all men every where to repent" (Acts 17:30). When Paul told the Athenians to repent, was not that a law of God? Howcould they have obeyed it if they were not amenableto it? Also, observe he said "all men every where."On Pentecost Peter told the Jews they were guilty ofmurdering the Christ (Acts 2:23, 36). They were torepent and be baptized (Acts 2:38). (4) All mankind will be judged by the law of Christ. Listen to Jesus: "He that rejecteth me, andreceiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him:the word that I have spoken, the same shall judgehim in the last day" (Jn. 12:48). The secrets of men shall be judged by the gospel Paul preached (Rom.2:16). Hence, all in this dispensation will be judgedby the gospel. (5) Jesus has universal authority. Peter, quoting from Deut. 18:18-19, said, "A prophet shall the Lordyour God raise up unto you of your brethren, likeunto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoeverhe shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass thatevery soul, which will not hear that prophet shall bedestroyed from among the people" (Acts 3:22-23).(Cf. Matt. 28:18; Phil. 2:9-11; 1 Pet. 3:22).

All of the five preceding points show clearly thatevery man, whether saint or sinner, is accountable tothe law of God as revealed in the New Testament.

Implications If aliens are not under the law of Christ, as brother Bales claims, then several disturbing implications follow:

(1) There would be no such thing as adulterous marriages. In fact, according to this theory,unbelievers married to each other would, in reality, not be married as marriage is a covenant institution. Bales wrote: "I do not believe the marriages which

take place in the world on some ground other thanfornication are any more adulterous marriages thanthey were under the law. Therefore my answer is thatbaptism does not change an adulterous marriage intoa scriptural one for the simple reason it was not anadulterous marriage" (p. 156).

(2) Polygamy would be permitted, morally, by those who are not Christians. (3) Homosexual "marriages would be legitimate unions. The "law on the heart" would not condemn such a relationship with many. Some preachers arenow condoning it. (4) Freedom to divorce and remarry for any reasonwould be all right. (5) False teachers and churches of men who teachand practice error, could not be condemned. Wonderif the "law on the heart" condemns those who sprinkle for baptism? (6) An alien could never obey the gospel becausehe is not amenable to the gospel. (7) One could not work lawlessness (Matt. 7:21-23)if he were not subject to the law that he ignored. (8) It would be no sin to not believe in Jesus because faith in Jesus is a part of the law of Christ(Jn. 8:24). Jesus said the Holy Spirit would convictthe world of sin because it believeth not on Jesus (Jn.16:8-9).

Certainly, it is disturbing when we see what the consequences are if aliens are not under the law ofChrist. The implications are indeed very serious. But aliens are amenable to the gospel of Christ and they are thereby under the law of Christ pertaining to marriage.

Universality of the Marriage Law

Brother Bales maintains that the marriage law stated in Matt. 5:31-32; 19:3-9; Mk. 10:2-12 and Lk.

16:18 only applies to believers — those in covenantrelationship to God. He wrote that "through Paul Christ revealed that Matthew 19:9 is not universal legislation, but is universal only so far as the marriages within the covenant are concerned" (p. 20).We showed in the last article that such was not the case.

Bales further wrote that "people in the world who divorce and remarry for some reason other than adultery do not commit adultery in so doing for thesimple reason that the law of divorce and remarriageof Matthew 19:9 does not apply to them" (p. 109).

But notice in Matt. 19:3-9 and Mk. 10:2-12 that Jesus is addressing unbelieving Pharisees. In Matt.

19:9 Jesus said, "And I say unto you." Theantecedent of "you" is "Pharisees" in verse 3. WhatJesus says, therefore, in verse 9 is just as applicableto unbelievers as believers.

Jesus further states in Matt. 19:9: "Whosoever shall put away his wife. . . . " The word "whosoever" (hos) is an indefinite, relative pronoun which pictures anyone in general. In Matt. 5:32 Jesus said "That whosoever (anyone, pas) shall put away his wife. . . ." Hence, the marriage law is general and indefiniteand not limited and specific.

The "whosoever" in Matt. 19:9 is just as broadand all inclusive as the "whosoever" in Jn. 3:16 and Acts 2:21 which show universal salvation. The Primitive Baptists read these universal passages on salvation and limit them to the elect. Brother Bales reads the universal passages on marriage and limitsthem to the elect (believers). Both make the same mistake.

In all deference to brother Bales for his many excellent and worthy contributions through the printed page, I must vehemently disagree withhis position on divorce and remarriage.

The Bible teaches that there is just one reason fordivorce and remarriage for all people, fornication, andeven then only the innocent party may remarry. Wemust preach the truth, the whole truth and nothingbut the truth on this issue. (Some are sitting backand saying nothing.) Churches must exercise discipline to keep the church pure and those living inadultery must separate.

The Lord told us to be faithful (Rev. 2:10), not popular!

THE SIN OF IGNORANCE

We hear a great deal about the "Sin of ignorance."

I believe it is bad to be ignorant about the "Sin of

ignorance." When this expression is used, one sets

forth sin as a noun and uses the prepositional phrase

"Of ignorance" modifying the noun. This means one

believes that ignorance is, of itself, a sin! I must

deny this allegation. Now I believe it is proper to say

one might sin as a result of ignorance — many people

do this. However, to say "Ignorance" alone is a sin

cannot be supported by the Bible.

Now, before you hang me from the nearest tree,

consider Lev. 4:2, the Lord said, "If a soul shall sin

through ignorance." Notice he sins THROUGH

ignorance. In Numbers 15:28 "The priest shall make

an atonement for the soul that sinneth ignorantly."

Notice, he sinneth ignorantly. The Bible does not say

that ignorance is a sin, but rather that one sins

through ignorance. If I use the expression, "The sin

of adultery," everyone knows I mean adultery is a

sin. If I use the expression "The sin of ignorance,"

everyone knows that I mean ignorance is a sin.

If I should go to a remote area in Africa and convert a native who believes in polygamy and practices his belief by having six wives, I have a problem. First, he is ignorant of God's law on marriage and second, he has violated that law. He did not commit the sin of ignorance he committedadultery! Now let us suppose I convert another native who shares this belief about polygamy but hasonly one wife. My problem is not nearly as great. Man number two has not sinned by committing adultery, he is just ignorant of God's law. Both mustbe taught, the truth on marriage but only one willhave to repent of that sin. I have converted people inthe states who did not fully understand that instrumental music in worship was wrong. However,they did not use it in worship, therefore did not commit sin. Does the fact that a new born Christian does not understand the work, worship andorganization of the church make him a sinner?

God makes allowance for growth (1 Peter 2:2). It isnot a sin to be ignorant but it is a sin to remainignorant of many things. The command of God is to grow. It is grow or go! I hear on every hand suchexpressions as "No man knows all the truth", or "Weall commit the sin of ignorance" or "No one is perfect", etc. I heard one say, "Since no one knowsall the truth (Bible) all commit sin." Wait just a minute! Is that last statement really so? He has assumed the point to be proven. SIN is a transgression of the law (1 Jno. 3:4). Many things in the

Bible have nothing to do with sin. The Bible is filled

with decrees, deaths and genealogies which have

nothing to do with sin. A person will never master

the Bible but he had better master a knowledge of

sins in the Bible. One could be ignorant of many

things in the Bible and never commit one sin. The

argument which is being pushed by some is that if

one is ignorant of certain parts of the Bible, one is a

sinner; I say this is hog wash! I have shown that a

man is not a sinner until he violates the law.

There is a vast difference in knowing the SINS of

the Bible and knowing ALL the BIBLE. Only a

small portion of the Bible deals with transgressions.

Much of the Truth has to do with history, poetry and

promises. We will never learn all the Bible but we are

required by God to know all of the sins. If not, the

native I told you about could be excused with his

polygamy. God does not tolerate sins committed

through ignorance. The reason being that knowledge

of sins and transgressions of the Bible can be

conquered by an honest study. Remember all the

Bible is truth but not all the Bible has to do with sin.

Actually, since the old law has been nailed to the

cross, only a small portion of the Bible has to do with

transgressions which would condemn us. I believe we

have been taken in by the old cliche that "No one

knows all the truth; therefore, we are all sinners." I

haven't swallowed the bait yet. I am like a black

preacher I heard years ago in Oklahoma City. He

said, "Now brethren, it is not those things in the

Bible I don't understand, which bothers me, it is

those things I do understand." He was talking about

SINS of the Bible. He didn't claim a complete

knowledge of the Bible but he knew right "from

wrong.

In summary, gentle reader, this is what we have.First, one must obey first principles of the gospel. In doing this, one looks to God, Christ, the cross and blood for one's salvation. He (the man) must obey but he can't look to himself, he looks to God. Wehave extremists on both sides. The first extremist is the one who eliminates man entirely and says Goddoes it all. The other extremist is the one who ritualistically looks to himself as though he earns salvation. Both are in error. Why in the name of common reason can't people understand that God planned and gave us the remedial system by hisgrace but we must accept it or be lost?

After a person becomes a child of God, he will beignorant of many things in the Bible. One might beignorant of some of the SINS or violations of theBible; however, he does not have to repent of anyuntil he transgresses God's law. But with a little studyone will soon be able to know right from wrong. Onecan know when he SINS. If it is impossible to knowwhen we sin (As some teach) then we can blame ourfailure on God at the day of judgment. Jesus said,"Ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins; whitherI go, ye cannot come" (Jno. 8:21). We MUST knowwhen we sin or there is no hope for us. This is a farcry from saying one MUST know all the Bible. No person should ever BRAG about knowing all thetruth. On the other hand, one shouldn't BRAG about his ignorance of sin. Either one is catastrophic.

None of us appreciates the efforts of others to

misrepresent our position by wresting the English

language (or some other language), out of its proper

context. Such actions are even less excusable, and

more dangerous, when people wrest the Scriptures to

the detriment of our influence and their own

destruction (2 Pet. 3:16). For example, some will use

the prefix "anti" exclusively as a noun with intent to

cause damage to another's position or reputation,

without bothering to mention what that person is

against, or why they are against it. When a religious

position is involved, those who resort to such tactics

are guilty of being not only anti-grammatical, but also

anti-scriptural.

However, when we take a position which can befairly represented by either grammar or Scripture, weshould be willing to accept the consequences of our position. I would like to explore some terms which generally carry a political meaning, and give them a religious connotation. In order to do this, I would like to review an article by Mr. Elmer Fike which appeared in the West Virginia Hillbilly, March 31, 1979, an interesting and informative publicationbased in Richwood, West Virginia. There is no intent todistort the author's original article by quoting some excerpts from his treatise, but at the same time wehope to make a valuable and needed application of hisobservations.

In classifying systems of government, Mr. Fike writes:

"This classification gives four systems of government. The libertarian is probably the least stable. An absolute minimum of governmentleads to anarchy and chaos, a condition people will not tolerate. People do require some regulation to survive as a society." A Biblical example of thistype of rule can be found in the book of Judges, Chapters 19 and 20. God's people had become so depraved and corrupt that some of them assaulted awoman and left her dead. The Levite cut her body into twelve pieces, sending a portion to all the tribesof Israel. This crude but effective method served to shock Israel into action by punishing the tribe of Benjamin severely.

But, the reason for such ungodly conduct in thefirst place is stated clearly in Judges 17:6 and 21:25:"In those days there was no king in Israel: everyman did that which was right in his own eyes."Surely this was "a minimum of government" as Mr. Fike said, which led to "anarchy and chaos, a condition people will not tolerate." The drastic action taken by Israel may not be parallel to a modern-day "vigilante committee", because Israel consulted God before taking such action, but some ofour present-day criminals would be well advised not topush a longsuffering public too far.

"The liberal by contrast puts little stock in traditional values and is far more willing to experiment and try new and untested methods, and often does, with adequate consideration of the consequences." " . . . Liberalism can survive longer (than a libertarian system, PJC), but it is inherently weak in that it fails to profit by the lessons of history, makes a little attempt to preserve traditions, does not adequately consider the consequences of its actions, and tends to spend itself into bankruptcy. An authoritarian system is the usual successor."

Nadab and Abihu would be among these "liberals"who took upon themselves to "try new and untestedmethods . . . without adequate consideration of the consequences" (Leviticus 10:1, 2). Though David generally displayed a conservative attitude toward God's Commandments, he also delved into liberalism a few times, and suffered each time thathe did. Uzza died (1 Chron. 13:7-14), 70,000 Israelites lost their lives (1 Chron. 21:1-17), and on another occasion 14,950 people died in the rebellion of Korah, because of these "new and untested" excursions into the forbidden land of liberalism.

"An authoritarian system may survive longer. Itneed not resort to short term expediency as theliberal system in order to maintain publicsupport. Its weakness is the insatiable desire forfreedom."

I'm not an authority on the political application ofthese terms, but I do know that the liberals in religion will resort to sundry "short term" practices which they may label "expediencies" in order to attract and hold the interest of would-be followers. When the tune of its "siren song" grows old, and theglitter of its temporary tinsel becomes dull, then liberalism will try something "new and untested" in order to attract public attention.

A Good Bible example of an authoritarian system of government would be the reign of Rehoboam.Though he was the rightful heir to David's throne, yet he rejected the wise counsel of the older men,followed the authoritarian course recommended bythe younger men, and lost most of the tribes of Israelin a rebellion which divided God's People for centuries (1 Kings 12). Such a rebellion may haveits faults and imperfections, as did the one led by Jeroboam, but an authoritarian system can only blame itself for such results. In the political realm, history is replete with "Boston Tea Parties" and "shots heard 'round the world", as freedom-loving people threw off the yoke of authoritarian systems. "True conservatism, which strives for the maximum freedom consistent with preservation of proven and traditional values, may be the most durable system of all. Its strength is a proper respect for history and an adequate consideration of the consequences of its actions. Its weakness is that people, lured by thesiren song of liberalism which promises something for nothing, desert these essential principles." Politically, there are times when I don't know which party or candidate to believe or follow. But religiously, I'm a staunch, unbending, unmovable, rock of Gibraltar-type conservative. I'm not ashamed of it, and to quote a famous orator, " ... here I stand, so help me God!" And, to othersof like persuasion, I say with the apostle Paul, "Andlet us not be weary in well doing . . , ", and finally,don't allow anyone to corrupt your minds " . . . from the simplicity that is in Christ" (Gal. 6:9; 2 Cor. 11:3).

Religiously, I prefer just to be called by the propernoun "Christian." This term has been applied looselyto just about any religious person, but if we adhereclosely to the Bible usage of the name, of necessitywe must have a conservative attitude toward those truths inherent in that grand and glorious designation. "Them's my sentiments exactly!"

Now, if the liberals among us will just "accept theconsequences of their actions," we will be a long way toward the goal of enlightening people who are sometimes confused by these terms.

It is God's desire that all men be saved, "The Lordis not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness, "wrote the apostle Peter, "but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any shouldperish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Pet. 3:9). Notwithstanding, many have and still refuse salvation. They stubbornly refuse to align their will with the Lord's will. They are like Saul of Tarsuswho was in opposition to the Lord's will to whom the Lord said:" it is hard for thee to kick against thepricks" (Acts 9:5). The Lord's comparison was takenfrom the familiar occurrence of a rebellious ox kickingagainst the goad or long pointed stick with which thedriver prodded the animal. When the ox kicked against the prick or sharp pointed goad to express itsrebellion it only drove the sharp point deeper into itsown flesh. Thus it is with the sinner — when he rebels against God he is only hurting himself!

In this article we shall notice the expression "yewould not" or its equivalent to emphasize and accentthe sadness and self-hurt of individuals who refuse the mercy of God.

WOULD NOT COME. The world contemporarywith Jesus was a benighted world. Even the leadersof God's people were characterized by ignorance, cf.Matt. 15:12-14. Regarding Jerusalem, the capitol of God's people, Jesus stated, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem,which killest the prophets, and stonest them that aresent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doeth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not" (Lk. 13:34) (all emphasis throughout mine, dm.). Jesus longed to gather Jerusalem, his people, unto himself but they rejected him. In like manner, many today refuse thegracious overtures of God's goodness.

WOULD NOT FORGIVE. Forgiveness is the theme and lesson of the parable of the unmercifulservant (Matt. 18:21-35). The servant of the parablewas enormously indebted to his lord (vss. 23-25). Theservant, upon realizing he could not repay so great an amount, ". . .fell down, and worshipped him,saying, lord, have patience with me, and I will paythee all" (vs. 26). The lord, consequently, had compassion on him, loosed him, and forgave him thedebt (vs. 27). The same forgiven servant then wentout and found one of his fellow-servants who owed him a trivial amount by way of comparison andruthlessly demanded immediate payment (vs. 28).His fellow-servant begged him to have patience withhim (vs. 29), "And he would not . . ." (vs. 30).

We should be eager to forgive one another's trivial wrongs in view of God's pardoning our great infractions of his will (Eph. 4:32). However, some hoard vindictiveness rather than forgive. They, likethe unmerciful servant of the parable, will not forgive, (see vss. 34-35). How sad.

WOULD NOT ATTEND THE MARRIAGE FEAST. On an occasion, Jesus likened the kingdomof heaven to a certain king who made a marriage forhis son. In keeping with eastern customs, the servants were sent out to personally invite those who were bidden to the wedding (Matt. 22:2,3). However, ". . .they would not come," (vs. 3). The Lord invites all to partake of his blessings (Rev. 3:20). The marriage feast of the parable parabolicallyexemplifies the preparation God has made for manand the richness and abundance of this preparation.Those invited(Jews) went their own ways, Jesus tells us (vs. 5). One went to his farm, another to his merchandise, and the remainder abused the servants. Alas, multitudes today are also too busywith the affairs of this life to attend the great feast God has prepared for them.

WOULD NOT ALLOW CHRIST TO REIGN. In the parable of the pounds Jesus graphically teachesthe necessity of the submission of man to his Lord(Lk. 19:12-27). At the conclusion of the parable Jesus states, "But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slaythem before me" (Lk. 19:27). These individuals (representative of the Jews) refused the reign of theking (representative of Christ) over them. They decidedly declared, "We will not have this man to reign over us" (vs. 14).

How sad that many today refuse to let Jesus reignover them as their Lord and Master. They want hisblessings but they do not want to submit to him.When one recognizes Jesus as his Lord he will acquiescence to Jesus' will. Jesus asked, "And whycall ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which Isay" (Lk. 6:46)?

WOULD NOT OBEY. "To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, "Steven boldly preached to the assembled Jews, "and in theirhearts turned back again into Egypt" (Acts 7:39).Relative to the coming of Christ in judgment Paul penned these potent words: "In flaming fire takingvengeance on them that know not God, and that obeynot the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Thess. 1:8).

Much of the religious world ridicules the idea of havingto obey God in order to be saved. They reject God's plan of salvation for the alien — belief, repentance,confession of Jesus' deity, and water baptism for the remission of sins (John 8:24; Acts 17:30; Rom. 10:10;Acts 2:38), because they cannot reconcile obedience with salvation by grace. Notwithstanding, the fact remains that Jesus is the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him (Heb. 5:9).

Some of God's people today refuse to lead a life ofobedience. Hence, it cannot be said of them that theyare the children of obedience (I Pet. 1:14, ASV).

The expression "ye would not" is a very sad expression. In spite of all God has done for man there are those about whom it could be presently said, "yewould not." However, there is a positive side as well.Some did go to God (Acts 2:41), many were forgiving (Acts 7:60), many are attending the feast (Matt.22:10), many allowed and are allowing Christ to reign over them (Acts 10:33, 48), and many obeyed (Rom.6:17, 18). Friend, how about you? Are YOU aligningyour will with God's or could it be said of you "yewould not?"

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I am fully aware of and thankful for the fact that

some very excellent people are in the public school

system today. They are teaching children and not

just subject matter because they are seeking to

develop good, well trained citizens. Attitudes and

habits are important as well as facts.

It is also true and sad to think about that many in

the school system are unbelievers and immoral

samples of a decadent America. These unholy people

may toy with alcohol and other mind destroying

drugs. They may be sex perverts and without respect

for the law of God or man. Parents Eire a little older

than their children and may not realize the

temptations their children face daily because things

have been changing fast in the last few years.

Some young children come home from school andsit with their eyes focused on television with no guidance on the selection of the programs. These early years are important in setting the sails for thefuture years. Evolution, immodesty, violence, dishonesty, and alcohol are written into the children's minds as if they were part of the normal life. Hollywood will not make Christians out of your children. Parents, if the modern singers and other entertainers of our day train your children, youshould not be surprised if they become drug addicts,rebels against the law, or atheists, with no regard for parents. If it comes to you after you turned yourchildren over to television, you should be among thefirst to admit that your broken hearts are a result ofyour own careless neglect.

Parents who pay little attention to what goes on atschool and that offer their children little or no protection from Hollywood are not the parents whoteach their children the word of God with all diligence. Some young parents who are very active inthe public work of the church are among the carelesswho allow the public schools, television, and babysitters who are selected at random to guide theirchildren through the week. Some of these parents andbaby sitters are slaves to television themselves. Theyseem to expect their children to inherit the religionthey profess. They are in for a sad awakening whentheir boys and girls reach the age of temptation.

It might be good for a church to inquire into apreacher's attitude toward what Hollywood offers onthe late, late shows before it invites him to work with it. If he is very fond of such shows, he will likely notbe an excellent Bible student who will prepare for hissermons and classes or do much personal work fromhouse to house. He may not fight the common sins of our day that threaten the home, church, and nation.He may be embarrassed by the behavior of his children. The church should beware of those who delight in the vulgar and lascivious. It might be better for the Lord's army if these young preacherschanged to secular work. They likely will later onwhen they begin to reap the results of their early interests.

CONSIDERING THE SOURCES — 2

Ralph R. Walker

714 Beach St.

Cleveland, MS 38732

A few years ago a story started circulating in various bulletins, publications, pulpits and discussions. Madelyn Murray O'Hair had petitioned the FCC with a move to make illegal all religiousprogramming on the radio. She argued that since theairwaves were public, such constituted a violation ofher rights to freedom FROM religion. And, so the story went, she had gotten a strong coalition ofpeople to write the FCC in support of the petitionentitled No. RM 2493.

I have read recently that the above is not true. Madelyn O'Hair did not sponsor such a bill. Therewas a bill before the FCC to examine the practices ofnon-commercial and religious broadcasting stations,but it was denied on Aug. 1, 1975. One article I readsaid that as far as can be known, this false rumor was started among the Pentecostals.

Since April, 1975 the FCC has received nearly 9million letters concerning this issue-non-issue. Some people sent in petitions signed by over 10,000 persons, protesting this atheist's move. Even as late as December, 1978, 8,000 letters a day were arrivingat the FCC headquarters.

Somebody should have checked this out. It would have only taken a letter to the FCC to confirm the story. It is one thing for such a slip to exist for awhile, but it is quite another for a rumor to live for over 4 years. I have seen articles as recent as late 1978 still slaying an imaginary dragon.

Now I don't put much past Madelyn Murray O'Hair. Anyone who would sue the governmentbecause monetary denominations contain the words"In God We Trust", would not be averse to sponsoring an effort to remove religiousprogramming from radio. But I am still of the mindthat we should not take these things for granted.

Another such story is that of Prince Edward Island. Below is the quote as I've seen it in many bulletins.

"Prince Edward Island with a population of 90,000

has only 13 policemen. There has been no

unemployment and the problem of divorce is

extremely rare in the past 60 years. Since 1947

there has not been a single assault on a wife,

desertion of family, or neglect of children. There is

no penitentiary. In some years it has had as few

as two auto accidents for every 10,000 cars. How

Page 12

do you account for this amazing record? In 1900

alcohol was abolished from the island and has

never been allowed to return."

Brother Bob Buchanon of Paris, Kentucky wrotethe Chamber of Commerce of Charlottetown, which includes Prince Edward Island and discovered that the above, though sounding great, is not factual. They called it a hoax, and said they could provide thetrue picture of Prince Edward Island if Bob wantedit.

I believe those who write regularly for brethren should be as cautious about what they put in bulletins as they are about what they put into sermons. None of us would incorporate into a sermon apassage we heard quoted somewhere without lookingthat passage up first ourselves. I am not suggesting we cannot reprint articles we think useful. I am saying we should be wary of those articles which are"anonymous", "source unknown" and those undocumented. Also, those writing articles with information secured from a source ought to make it apractice to reveal that source. Usually this isn't done for the very reason I am writing about these spuriouspieces of information: because the documentationisn't there, or is vague and weak.

It requires little effort to secure an address (libraries are excellent sources for this), write a noteasking for the information and then write, quotingthe authority. It requires less effort to reprintanything and everything without checking, but in theling run, more time, and loss of face to retract it.

I find that a group of people of late are contending

that a teacher is "False," ONLY if his motives are

impure — he is knowingly and willfully leading others

from what that person perceives as truth! Now, I

suppose that such appeals to most of us; we would

like to believe that all that really counts is

MOTIVES. If such were true, then as long as we

were sincere, we could be sure that all is well,

However, if I am naive enough to accept something

that is not true, shall I NOT have to suffer the

consequences? I find no evidence that such is true in

life, neither do I see any scripture which so affirms.

However, if there is such a passage, then I hope

some one will point it out to me.

The people who are contending for this position have been long and loud against reading hearts,especially charging those who criticize them as beingguilty of that very thing. However, look: if a man's heart has to be impure, knowingly and willfully leading away from TRUTH, then how can I identifysuch? One of two things is true: 1) I cannot everidentify a "false teacher"; or 2) I MUST read hisheart. Is that not the case? If there is an alternative,then please point it out to me, for at this moment itdoes not present itself to my mind. If that is the case, then where will you and I stand? Will we seeany need to notice what the Lord has said about "false teachers"?

I find that there is a warning for us to recognizethat there shall be "false teachers" among us, as there were "false prophets" and teachers of old (2 Pet. 2:lff). What about the results? What did Jesussay would happen to the "blind" leaders and thoselead by them, (Mt. 15:14)?

Beloved the Greek word translated "false teachers" is PSEUDODIDASKALOI. According to Harper's Analytical Greek Lexicon, page 441, that is the nominative (meaning in a sentence "the subject of asentence is put in the nominative case,") and pluralof PSEUDODIDASKALOS, which is defined by thisauthority as: a false teacher, one who inculcates falsedoctrine. N.T." Likewise, Barclay M. Newman, Jr. in, A Concise Greek-English Dictionary of the NewTestament, page 200 says, "false teacher, one who teaches what is not true." Likewise, James Strong, inStrong's Exhaustive Concordance, Pages 100 and under TEACHERS, refers to number 5572, which is on page 78 in the Greek Dictionary of the New Testament, there he defines the word: "from 5571 and 1320; a spurious teacher, i.e. propagator of erroneous Chr. doctrine; — false teacher." In Number5571, which he refers to, he says: PSEUDES, "from5574; untrue, i.e. erroneous, deceitful, wicked; — false,

liar." 5574, to which he refers, is: PSEUDOMAI,

which he says is the "mid. of an appar. prim, verb;"

meaning "to utter an untruth or attempt to

deceive by falsehood: — falsely, lie." The 1320, to

which he referred is the word DIDASKALOS, (page

23) for teacher, of which he says: "from 1321; an

instructor (gen. or spec.): — doctor, master, teacher."

The 1321, to which he referred is the DIDASKO, of

which he says;" a prol. (caus.) form of a prim, verb

DAO (to learn); to teach (in the same broad

application): — teach."

Thomas Sheldon Green, in A Greek-English Lexicon to the New Testament, page 206 says of thisGreek word translated false teachers," a false teacher,one who inculcates false doctrine, 2 Pet. 2:1. N.T." William F. Arndt and F. Wilbur Gingrich, in A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and other Early Christian Literature, pages 899,says: false teacher, prob. one who teaches falsehood (..) 2 Pet. 2:1." Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament," on page 676, says of PSEUDOS,"a lie; conscious and intentional falsehood: . ." Laterhe says, "in a broad sense, whatever is not what it professes to be:." Back on page 144, of the word DIDASKALOS, he say, "a teacher; in the N.T.one who teaches concerning the things of God, andthe duties of man;" then he goes through a list ofdifferent teachers, then in the 7th one he says, "of false teachers among Christians: 2 Tim. 4:3"

Why would one want to affirm that a teacher is

"false" only if his motive is impure? Well, of course a

noble reason would be, if that is what the Bible

teaches, and one respects and appreciates the

teachings of the Bible. I believe that the Bible is the

word of God and that it is true, complete, and that

when followed one will be fruitful in this life and

equipped to serve God here and be prepared for

eternity. I cannot appreciate one who looks upon the

Bible with disrespect; I can and do love such, as I

know that God did and does (Jn. 3:16-21). However,

that love will not save the one out of Christ, for one

must be in Christ to be saved (2 Cor. 5:17; Rom.

8:Iff; Gal. 3:26-29).

One may, also have a desire to be numbered WITHthe faithful while teaching things that are not in theword, although he has no desire to be completelyopposed to what the Lord said — he likes to think thathe is a FREE intellectual, permitted to cast out intothe deep and be independent of any restraint; thus,he begins to look for a way of making distinctionsand searching for a way out with a semblance of scriptural sanction. Prov. 14:12 tells us, however, that there is a "way which seemeth right unto a man,but the end thereof are the ways of death."

These people who have taken this position of advocating that a FALSE TEACHER is always onewho has IMPURE motives, knowing full well that heis NOT teaching the truth, and desiring to GO WRONG, make a distinction between a teacher of error and one who teaches falsehood. Now, why? Itseems to me that they are willing to assign to hell,saying that there is no hope for the false teacher, butthat the teachers of error should be fellowshipped.I'm not sure if that is what they mean to be teachingor not. But every time I have one use the term "false

teacher" they add such as "doomed to hell," or some

like designation. So, I really don't know if such is a

basic element in their thinking or not. But, I see God

warning against all teaching that is NOT "of

inspiration:" Going beyond "The doctrine of

Christ" (2 N. 9) or adding to the "things" written

or taking from them (Rev. 22:18-19), preaching

"another gospel — (Gal. 1:6-9), or "teaching for

doctrine the commandments of men" (Mt. 15:9), or

teaching "otherwise, and consenting not to wholesome

words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to

the doctrine which is according to godliness" (1 Tim.

6:3-5). I find that this idea is akin to that presented

by Satan to Eve in the garden (Gen. 3:Iff). He told

her it would be good for her to reject the restriction

and that God was somewhat less than honest in his

restriction; that she would really be benefited by

taking the forbidden fruit.

Percentage of truth is mentioned by these people

often. They ridicule the idea that one has to be 100%

right. I respond by asking: "Where has God spoken

in the "%" basis? What percentage of truth is

acceptable? 90%? 85%? 50%? Beloved, I challenge

each to give me one passage of scripture that

mentioned "%" of right and wrong. If they can't

then I direct them to 1 Pet. 4:11 and say AMEN!

Beloved, it is my conviction that man cannot often read correctly the heart of his teacher. Neither do I find one passage that teaches that man MUST beable to read the heart in order to determine IF a person is a "false teacher." The criterion for determining if one is a "false teacher" is the content ofhis messages gauged by the inspired standard, therevelation of God, recorded in the New Testament and the Old (Cf. 2 Thess. 3:6; Gal. 1:6-9; 1 Jn. 4:1-6;Isa. 8:20; Jer. 23:22). It is to this that we point men and women, to see if what is being taught is TRUEor FALSE (Cf. Acts 17:11-12).

The context of a passage of scripture is importantin determining the meaning. So, is the context in which men speak and write. The people who havebegun to affirm that a teacher is "FALSE" only if his motives are impure, have been teaching questionable doctrines, for which they have been challenged, suggesting that they are false teachers, needing to repent. These people are hurt, saying thattheir motives are pure, therefore, they ought to beallowed to continue. So, they bring up various differences over which brethren continue to studyand hold different convictions, yet do not separate,so they call those who call for a change or to berecognized as a "false teacher" POPES, Guardian Angels, and all types of titles, suggesting that theyhave an unholy attitude toward ruling the Lord's people. Beloved, it matters not who so acts, we are convinced that such is contrary to the word of Godand needs to be recognized for the destructive coursethey are on. There have always been people of thisbehavior pattern, and they have continued usually totheir own destruction and that of several others. I'm convinced that such is a problem that God's people need to be aware of today (Cf. Heb. 3:7-4:2).

So, I call upon people, old and young alike, toconsider seriously what is really involved in thisattempt. See where it will lead, and most of all to see

Page 14

that it is based wholly and completely on man's

reasoning, not on scripture. I do not call for an

impulsive, over-emotional response. I call for a calm,

prayerfully considered response, with a firm

conviction in the inspiration and understandability

and endurability of the scriptures. Only as one takes

time to understand the essential elements of a system,

and has a love for the truth and the souls of the ones

involved, can he operate effectively and efficiently.

Be not deceived, then beloved, by this late attempt of

the evil one to detour your soul from the door of

heaven, to engage you in a service to the disregard

for God's word.

If I have to read your heart, beloved, to know thatyou are a false teacher, then I can't KNOW who is a false teacher, because only the Lord knows the heart.But if I can't recognize a "false teacher", then theLord was wasting space when he told me to beware offalse teachers. If I can't recognize a false teacher,then I need not be concerned about them, becausesurely the Lord would not allow me to be harmedeternally by that which I cannot discern. This, I fear,is what the evil one wants us to finally conclude, beloved. But the fact is that God's word is the standard, and any simple person can be made wise by it(Psa. 19:7-11; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:21-25). Consequently, being properly informed and equipped, each of us can rout the evil teachers (Cf.Mt. 4:1-11; 2 Tim. 3:17). We challenge you toproperly equip yourself and be "ready" (1 Pet. 3:15).Performing your duty by faith in the Lord, you canhave confidence that all things can be achieved through Christ who strengthens (Phil. 4:13). Know the truth beloved: we really don't have toread each other's heart to determine if one of us is a "false teacher." If and when we teach that which is untrue, false, then we are by virtue of that action"false teachers," and we need to be corrected so we can be saved and help others to be saved. May Godhelp each of us to be convinced, equipped, and ready to answer each effort to lead us astray!

You are probably familiar with the beer commercialwhich bestows upon various groups of people the dubious honor of having a beer dedicated to them. Forexample, one commercial might say: "To all you steelworkers who work and sweat all day to produce thenation's steel — this Bud's for you." Or: "This Bud isfor you truckers, driving the highways day and nightto help keep this country going."

On these spots, we have heard various ones singled

out for praise from foundry workers to baseball

umpires. I wonder, though, to how many it has

occurred that there are several categories of people

who have never been mentioned in these ads?

Imagine the effects of an ad campaign which would

run like these examples:

"This Bud's for you — all of you mothers and fathers who are grief stricken over your teen-aged son or daughter because alcohol has scrambled their brains; for you parents who have seen your children'slives shattered by the bottle — This Bud's for you!"

"To you women who are knocking yourselves out dayafter day after day trying to keep food on the table foryour family; trying to be both mother and father to yourkids because your old man is a drunken sot — This Bud's for you!"

"Hey, all you kids whose dads come home meanand surly; threatening to beat you at the drop of ahat — all because they are tanked up on our product — This Bud's for you!"

"This Bud is for you — you who have had friends orrelatives maimed or killed in a senseless traffic accident because of the guy who had 'only had a coupleof drinks' — This Bud's for you!"

"This Bud is for all the families who have been ripped apart because of fathers or mothers who couldnot handle alcohol. All you children who will grow upwith a warped perception of family life and with allkinds of moral and spiritual scars — This Bud's foryou!"

"To all you preachers, elders, and other faithful Christians who work so hard to warn people of thesin and danger of the beer we work so hard to sell; because of your dedication and hard work — ThisBud's for you!"

"To all people everywhere; the millions uponmillions through the generations whose lives have been ruined; who thought they were gaining prestige,but only brought to themselves shame; who have died prematurely or lived out their days in loneliness,disease, and mental anguish because of alcohol; to allof you who have ever been cursed or injured in any way because of our fine product (and all the other brands) — This Bud's for you!"

"Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise" (Proverbs21:1).

Index for Volumes XIX & XX

ANSWERS FOR OUR HOPE — Marshall E. Pat ton

Baptism of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 3:11)............................329Earmarking Contributions..............................................427For What May a Christian Pray?..................................... 46 Gentiles During the Age of Moses .................................... 403Grace — Fellowship Issue, The — No. 1 (Fellowship).... 84 Grace — Fellowship Issue, The — No. 2("Gospel & Doctrine") ................................................. 107Grace — Fellowship Issue, The — No. 3(Unity in Diversity, Rom. 14).......................................129 Grace — Fellowship Issue, The — No. 4(Law and Grace)..........................................................187Grace — Fellowship Issue, The — No. 5(Faith and Works)........................................................211Grace — Fellowship Issue, The — No. 6(Imputed Righteousness) ............................................258Grace — Fellowship Issue, The — No. 7(Sins of Ignorance)......................................................285How "Faith" Is Used.......................................................353 Lord's Day Assembly, The (Heb. 10:25)...........................329Noetic and Verbal Inspiration..........................................510Order of the Lord's Supper, The.......................................509"Perfect Law of Liberty, The".........................................353Review of Reviews on "The Lord's Supper onSunday Night", A ............................................................4

ARROWS OF TRUTH FOR DENOMINATIONAL ERROR — Ward Hogland

"Diakonia"......................................................................138"Fast Growing Church, A"........,....................................430"Is Mark16:15-16a Direct Statement?".........................382No One is Perfect — No. 1................................................263No One is Perfect — No. 2................................................287Polemical Questions — No. 1 ........................................... 30Polemical Questions — No. 2............................................ 47Polemical Questions — No. 3 ........................................... 65Poor Saint and the Preacher, The.....................................412Sin of Ignorance, The .......................................................555Treasury of the Lord, The................................................515

BIBLE, THE CHRISTIAN AND HEALTH, THE — T. Mark Lloyd, Sr., M.D.

Bible and Medical Principles, The...................................325

Introduction......................................................................280

Should a Christian Smoke? ..............................................380

EDITORIAL

A. W. Dicus ......................................................................256About Our August Special Issue .......................................399Adams-Inman Debate, The ............................................ 127Anent Bales' New Book — Not Under Bondage............... 551Arkansas "Amen", An.................................................... 257Basic Distinction, A........................................................ 83Behind the Scenes at Home............................................. 257Bound Volume 19-20........................................................ 551Closing Out a Busy Year ................................................. 256Drifting........................................................................... 479Editorial Stew................................................................. 256Editorial Stew................................................................. 551Editor's Work for 1980..................................................... 552First Pure, Then Peaceable ............................................ 127Flesh Versus Spirit ..........................................................445"Free" Churches............................................................. 63Giant Step Forward Into What?, A...................................303Good Folks to do Business With........................................257Helping Young Preachers................................................231How Much More Will They Take...................................... 207Increase in Ad Costs ....................................................... 551Inflation and Living of the Gospel....................................527James P. Miller — A Great Soldier Fallen...................... 23"Lest Any Rootof Bitterness"........................................183Papal Visit, The..............................................................528Paul's Entrance Among the Thessalonians..................... 327Plea for Honest Study, A.................................................152Preachers, Pay Your Debts.............................................503Price Increase in January...............................................257Refuse Not Him That Speaketh........................................ 3

Religious Supply Center ...................................................551Responsible Militancy.....................................................351Showing Hospitality to Preachers....................................552"Some Extreme Position" ...............................................104Spoken Word, The............................................................256Summer Faithfulness ...................................................... 375Things to Come ................................................................257To Our Readers...............................................................257We Did Not Make It to 10,000 ............................................551What Do You Read? .........................................................279Where Is "Home"?...........................................................423

EXAMINING CATHOLICISM — Grover Stevens

Was Peter Pope? — No. 1,.................................................332Was Peter Pope? — No. 2 .................................................384

EXPOSITION: TEXT AND CONTEXT — Weldon E. Warnock

Conducting a Talk Radio Program...................................136Hell Is No Laughing Matter.............................................233Jesus Christ — Lunatic, Liar or Lord .............................. 376Personal Offenses and Public Censure............................261Pursue Hospitality ...........................................................330Turning to God................................................................. 28Why the Great Commission Is Great............................... 61

INSIGHT — Dee Bowman

Answer to the Marriage Question, The ............................ 378Be Your Own Man............................................................ 525Great Expenditure, The................................................... 308Human Accountability .................................................... 7Importance of RightThinking, The.................................106Selectivity........................................................................ 291Sunday Morning in Morton.............................................. 507

LET NO MAN DESPISE THY YOUTH

Calling on the Name of the Lord — John H. Hitt ............... 516Evading Responsibility — Mackey W. Harden............... 131Paul's Three I Am's — Wilson Adams ......................... 283Renewal of the Inner Man — Kenneth L. Chumbley........ 50Setting Up and Conducting Home Bible Studies

— Doug Seaton ............................................................ 72Success — David Patterson............................................. 236

MY SERVANTS THE PROPHETS — Rodney Miller

Doubting Prophet — Habakkuk, The — No. 1................... 354 Habakkuk — From Sobbing Doubts to an Active Faith —No. 2.................................................................................381 Haggai — God's Preacher and God's Message — No. 1 .... 406 Haggai — God's Preacher and God's Message — No. 2 .... 429 Haggai — God's Preacher: The Method — No. 1............. 484 Haggai — God's Preacher: The Method — No. 2............. 512 Need for Study of Old Testament Prophecy, The..............284Zephaniah: Perfection Through Sufferings..................... 304

OVERSEAS PREACHING REPORT — Wallace Little

Another Trip to Nigeria (Robert H. West) ...................... 535Appeal for Chili (Philip R. Morgan).................................410Increased Awareness of Overseas Work.......................... 141India Report.................................................................... 112India Report (Ray Dively) ............................................. 409More and More................................................................ 192On Traveling Filipino Preachers .................................... 141Other Work in South America.......................................... 112Overseas Preaching — Some Miscellaneous Thoughts... 68Personal View of a Christian in England.......................... 141Report of 1978 Philippine Benevolence Trip....................217Ruben C. Notarte, a Great Man and a Prince inIsrael Has Fallen.......................................................... 4832 Corinthians8:14and "Equality" .................................. 192Some General Comments and Notes................................ 113Teaching Matters of Personal Faith Overseas................. 264TotheSouth: A Foothold in Columbia.............................112Work in Argentina, The................................................... 191Work in Australia, The.................................................... 310Work in South Africa,The...............................................362

PERFECTING HOLINESS IN THE FEAR OF GOD — Gary P. Henry

Devaluing Doctrine.........................................................483

Finishing Our Work.........................................................428 Leadership in the Church and Family..............................531 Thoughts on Modesty....................................................... 81What Young People Need.................................................363

PLAINNESS OF SPEECH, USING GREAT — J. T. Smith

Church Entertainment.....................................................383 Commands: General and Specific ...................................237 Does Faith Plus Nothing Save?........................................190 Does Water Save a Person?..............................................208 God's Pattern for Conversion, Organization, Worship & Work— No. 1...............................................290 God's Pattern for Conversion, Organization, Worship & Work— No. 2...............................................306 God's Pattern for Conversion, Organization, Worship & Work— No. 3...............................................334 God's Pattern for Conversion, Organization, Worship & Work— No. 4...............................................358 Masonry — A False Religion — No. 1 .............................. 6 Masonry — A False Religion — No. 2 .............................. 27 "The Ensign Fair" — A False Doctrine and Perversions.................................................................. 51 "Weightier Matters" Reviewed......................................486

POTPOURRIOF PROBLEMS ANDPRINCIPLES-Eugene Britnell

Baptist Discusses the Pope, A.........................................281 Explanation and Appreciation.........................................128 IHeard Roy E. Cogdill.....................................................422 It Says More Than It Says...............................................352 Too Many are OutofPlace...............................................421 We Were Right All the Time ............................................402 What About New "Revelations"?.....................................549 Who Will Sacrifice...........................................................421 "Word Is Out, The".........................................................421

RESTORATION FOOTNOTES — Earl Kimbrough

Advice to Owners of Non-ReligiousDogs.........................411

Crown for Mary, A...........................................................314 Encouraging Young Preachers.......................................341 Nebuchadnezzar's Furnace.............................................109 "Spurious Liberality" ..................................................... 125 "Then I Wished for a Bear"............................................. 435

SET FOR THE DEFENSE OF THEGOSPEL — Thomas G. O'Neal

Depravity Proof Texts Examined — No. 2 ...................... 336 HolySpirit's Veil, The.....................................................532 If Depraved, Regeneration Impossible — No. 3 ............... 361 Inaccurate Jeane Dixon, The .......................................... 132 James P. Miller .............................................................. 73Kilpatrick's Depravity of Calvinism — No. 1..................305 Pryde E. Hinton............................................................... 73Reincarnation..................................................................115 Scriptures Makes Depravity Impossible — No. 4 .............388 When God HasNotSpoken................................................490 Witchcraft ....................................................................... 90

SWORDOF THE SPIRIT, USING THE — Ken Green

Add It to the Apocrypha ...................................................511 As a Man Thinketh ...........................................................289 Baby Beer Is Here........................................................... 289 Baby Beer No Longer Here ............................................. 339 Breaking Up a Bible Study.............................................. 536 Brinsmead No Longer an Adventist.................................184Candidates Reward .........................................................210 Children's Lib..................................................................210 Come Home? ...................................................................432 Don't Listen to Her, She's a Methodist..............................185 Eight Churches Plan High-Rise for Downtown ................360 Get Your Name in the Book..............................................536 Getting Bored?................................................................288 High School Leaders More Conservative......................... 26How toTreat a Youth Pastor............................................185 If AnyWould Not Work....................................................537 If the Foundation Be Destroyed, What Can theRighteous Do?..............................................................262 Kilpatrick-Brinsmead-White...........................................309 "Losing a Church"........................................................... 26Legs of the Lame are Unequal,The.................................339 More Than Stars..............................................................431

Present Truth: Adventist Influence(The Decalogue)...........................................................110Present Truth: An Overview............................................ 88Present Truth: Imputation..............................................134 Pressing Toward the Mark..............................................209 Rapture, December 3, 1978..............................................309 Report Questions Graham Conversions........................... 360 Rest of the Story, The....................................................... 511 Sermon Criticisms........................................................... 407 Something's Gotta Give................................................... 26Stump the Preacher......................................................... 360 Take a Close Look............................................................ 432 What Would a Dummy Preacher Say? ............................ 262 You're a Good Man, Chris Gettelfinger............................ 338

THINGS MOST CERTAINLY BELIEVED — JulianR. Snell

Divorce and Remarriage .................................................356 "I Am"............................................................................. 86Marriage..........................................................................339

THINGS WRITTEN FOR OUR LEARNING — J. Wiley Adams

Adams—Inman Debate, The........................................... 189Practical Preaching........................................................ 116

THINK ON THESE THINGS — H. E. Phillips

"Christ-Like Spirit", The................................................. 229 Ignorance of the Enlightened .......................................... 25James Parker Miller....................................................... 41Judge Righteous Judgment..............................................253 Judgment or Conviction................................................... 101 Let No Man Despise Thy Youth ........................................ 501 Medley of Matters............................................................ 205 Religious Fanaticism.......................................................277 Resurrection of Christ, The..............................................301 Revelation and Experience .............................................397 Scriptural Action of Baptism,The— No. 1.......................349 Scriptural Action of Baptism,The— No. 2.......................373 Written Revelation From God to Man.............................. 1

Adams, Barbara C.

Blessings of a Preacher's Wife, The................................. 44

Adams, J. Wiley

Emulations ..................................................................... 456 Silence of the Scriptures, The.......................................... 172

Adams, Wilson

Baptism of Suffering, The................................................ 477 Herald of Truth — Thrifty or Thriftless?, The ................. 354Saturday Night Fever and Eternal Heartburn.................433

Bailey, Morris W.R. Bulwarks of Zion, The — No. 1 ........................................ 32Bulwarks of Zion, The— No.2......................................... 49Bulwarks of Zion, The— No.3......................................... 66Bulwarks of Zion, The— No.4......................................... 91Bulwarks of Zion, The — No. 5 ......................................... 113 Paradoxof Unbelief, The — No.l.....................................491 Paradox of Unbelief, The — No. 2..................................... 513Paradox of Unbelief, the — No. 3.................................... 537

Blackford, Dick

Lessons tobe Learned from the Guyana Massacre..........404Suicide: Right or Wrong (ASolution)..............................386

Blasingame, Lowell

"And Why Not!"..............................................................218

Bowman, Dee

Lasciviousness................................................................452 Scriptural Cooperation vs. the Sponsoring Church .......... 165

Brittnell, Eugene

Church Supported Human Institutions ............................ 167 Strife, Seditions, and Heresies ........................................ 459

Bruce, H. L.

Holding the Mind............................................................. 437

Bunting, Tom O.

How Can They Hear Without a Preacher?.......................314

Casebolt, PaulJ.

Nine Years Later.............................................................139 Religious Liberals and Conservatives..............................556 Sin of Contributing, The ..................................................185 Tom Sawyer Syndrome, The...........................................412

Curry, Melvin

Psalmos and Instrumental Music....................................238

Dively, Ray F.

Lord's Day,The..............................................................364

Edwards, JohnieImportant Matters.......................................................... 398Keeping the Church Pure................................................117

Evans, R. J.

"Stagnant Churches"...................................................... 139What Motivates Us to Obey God?.................................. 188

Gabbard, Jim

Evolution, the Piltdown Man and Mars............................ 9Marijuana and Pragmatism ........................................... 316

Givens, Donald R.

Jesus Was Different ........................................................468

Green, Ken

Envyings.........................................................................461How the Bible Teaches ....................................................156

Grider, A. C.

It Is Not Enough .............................................................. 31

Goff, Steve

Spiritual Warfare............................................................220

Hafley, Larry Ray

Deason-Reynolds Debate..................................................238

Halbrook, Ron

Satan's Use of Reverse Psychology................................. 267

Hancock, Harold

City of David Gives Problem to a Mormon "Elder", The. 539

Hendrix, Charles M.

Shifting Responsibility and Hindrances toChurch Growth............................................................... 245

Higgins, Pat

From the Beginning It Was Not So.................................. 242

Hogland, Ward

Individual and Collective Action.......................................164James P. Miller ............................................................... 93

Hope, B. G.

Danville, Kentucky Church, The ..................................... 93

Jenkins, Ferrell

Christian and Emotionalism (Introduction) .....................487Christian and Emotionalism (The Way to Spiritual Satisfaction) ................................................................508

Johnson, Paul R.

Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth................................. 411

Joiner, Ralph

He's Only a Man..............................................................242

He's Only a Man: Postscript........................................... 317

Kimbrough, Earl

"And Such Like"............................................................. 466

Organization of the Church, The.......................................160

Koltenbah, David E.

E. C. Koltenbah, 1903-1977................................................ 69

Lee, Irven

Christian's Stewardship, The..........................................265Excellent Couples Need Advice.......................................435"Lie Not Against the Truth"............................................181Marriage ........................................................................ 215Marriage ........................................................................ 315Watching for Souls...........................................................235Who Teaches Your Children?.......................................... 559

Littrell, Charles E.

Gathering Storm, The ..................................................... 219

Lloyd, T. Mark, Sr., M.D.

Drunkenness ........................ ..........................................463

McPherson, Peter

Pernicious Platform Planks............................................194

Martin, Don Created in Christ Jesus Unto Good Works .....................,. 268Dependability...................................................................241Following Men..................................................................312

"Ye Would Not"...............................................................557

Miller, Rodney

Kept Out of Heaven ..........................................................467

Milliner, Ronny

"It Is Well With My Soul" ............................................. 95

Moody, Tom

Strange Way People Think, The....................................... 10"This Bud's For You..."..................................................562

Morton, Charles L.

Some Admonitions for Christians.....................................434

Nowlin, J. Edward

He Said Good Things About Me ........................................ 74Majority Vote in the Church.............................................193

O'Neal, Thomas G.

Idolatry and Witchcraft. ................................................. 453

What About Church Supported Recreation?.....................170

Patton, Don R.

Study on 1 Corinthians 7:1-15 (Introduction)....................400Study on 1 Corinthians 7:1-15 — No. 2...............................424Study on 1 Corinthians 7:1-15 — No. 3...............................480Study on l Corinthians 7:1-15 — Conclusion ..................... 504

Patton, Herschel E.

James P. Miller (His Last Meeting) ................................ 53

Patton, Marshall E.

Nature of the Church, The...............................................158

Revellings.................................................................... ,. 464

Phillips, H. E.

Fornication......................................................................448

History of the Present Digression.....................................149

Powlas, David

CCR Version, The.............................................................469

Rader, Donnie V.

No Beers in Heaven ..........................................................541

Sea ton, Glenn

Hope.................................................................................540

Sexton, William C.

Must I Read Your Heart in Order to Know That You Are a False Teacher?..............................................................560

Shewmaker, Fred A.

Fourscore Plus Five........................................................ 313Grace and Truth Came by Jesus...................................... 216

Smith, J.T.

Hatred and Variance....................................................... 455Institutionalism — Why I Changed ................................. 174

Snell, Julian R.

Bible Authority — What Kind?........................................154"Uncleanness"................................................................450

Tuten, Jimmy, Jr.

Bible Contains Contradictions, The................................. 11

Walker, J.D.

What Was "The Taste of Death for Every Man"?............212

Walker, Ralph R.Considering the Sources — No. 1 .....................................365Considering the Sources — No. 2 .....................................559

Walton, Bob

Aubrey C. Belue............................................................... 53

Warnock, Weldon E.Review of James D. Bales' Book — No. 1.........................529Review of James D. Bales' Book — No. 2 ........................553Work of the Church, The...................................................162Wrath...............................................................................457

Watts, O. E. Cheerful? Sing.................................................................244Santa and Satan...............................................................214

Page 18

STEVE GOFF, P.O. Box 261, Kaysville, Utah 84037 — The Lord's church in Kaysville, Utah has debenture bonds for sale to finance a much needed church building. These bonds, in denominations of $1,000, $500 and $250, earn 9% and 9 1/2%interest, and are available to any individuals. They startedearning interest September 15. Our building is under constructionand we need to sell the remaining bonds soon. For more information call Steve Goff, 801-766-1620 WAYNE S. WALKER, Akron, Ohio — The first of the year I will be leaving the work at Harpster Ave. in Akron and beginning work with the church at 620 N. Broadway in Medina,Ohio. The work in Medina looks promising and I am looking forward to it.

C. W. SCOTT TO WORK IN BAHAMAS

C. W. SCOTT, 1365 N W. 129 St., Miami, Florida 33167 — The Crockett Road church of Christ began almost 20 years ago whenCarl Strachan returned with his wife Lilla to Abaco and Marsh Harbour, Bahamas and her home. He had served faithfully forseveral years as an evangelist in Nassau with the Lily of theValley Corner and East St. congregation. The Southwest churchin Miami upon his request provided supplies and some monthlysupport along with several other congregations. Many brethrenfrom the United States flew to Marsh Harbour for services at Sandy Point and Treasure Cay. A small but faithful group hasbeen meeting in a neat CBS structure with rough, hand-made,tent meeting type seats.

The writer, who has been preaching and sharing in the teaching at Southwest in Miami for almost 10 years, recently heard of theproposed razing of large church property in Downtown Miami thatincluded a complete chapel with pulpit, lectern, chairs, communiontable, rugs and 24 blond ash finish pews with cushions that wouldfit the structure in Marsh Harbour. Costing thousand of dollarsoriginally, we purchased, fumigated, repaired and shipped to theBahamas all of this at a cost of about $500. After the furniture is installed we will make plans for gospel services in December, thetime when many tourists begin to arrive. Jere Frost, Earl Robertson and Rodney Miller, who are familiar with the work andvitally interested in it will be assisting the writer in obtaining sufficient support to work in Marsh Harbour along with nativepreachers Strachan and Albury. I shall be most grateful to all whomay be able to share with me in my labors again in the Bahamas.

W. P. RISENER, Route 1, Box 285F-1, Alto, Texas 75925 —Due to personal reasons I did not move to Sheldon, Missouri asI intended and stated in the report which you published in theSeptember issue of Searching the Scriptures. I believe the churchat Sheldon to be composed of faithful and devoted Christians, asfine a group as you could find anywhere, and that they wouldwork diligently to assist in preaching the gospel in that place.

CONGREGATION IN LEESBURG, FLORIDA

STEVE DIAZ, Route 1, Box 1210, Leesburg, Florida 32748 — Please inform your readers that there now is a sound congregation meeting in Leesburg, Florida. We are known as the Central church of Christ and are meeting in the American Legionbuilding at 300 3rd Street. If there are any who would like toworship with us, or if someone should know of those living in thisarea who would want to know about us, please contact me at theabove address. My phone number is: 904-728-0715.