"THE WORD IS OUT"

While preaching in a gospel meeting in the Los Angeles area in October of last year, I happened towatch part of a television talk show on channel 9where a lady with the television station was interviewing two lesbians. They were discussing a newbook called "The Word is Out". After discussing therights and demands of homosexuals and lesbians and the right and wrong of the practice, the lady asked the women why so many religions condemned homosexuality as being a sin and contrary to theteaching of the Bible. One replied that the Bible wasoften used "as bigotry" and that it did not condemnhomosexuality. Then the real shocker came when oneof them said: "After all, Jesus never married. He traveled throughout the land with twelve men, and taught them to love one another."

Think of the implications of those statements! Their arguments are as sorry as they are. In fact the arguments are worse, for they are blasphemy and thelesbians are just plain rotten! Why say that Jesusnever married? What did they want the audience toinfer from that statement? Do they believe that JesusChrist was homosexual?

It is regrettable that two of the most beautiful words in our language — gay and love — now have such sinful connotations. When the homosexuals and television personalities talk about "making love" they mean sexual relations. So, when they suggestedthat Jesus taught his apostles to "love one another," they implied that he was teaching them to practicehomosexuality. What a lie!

WHO WILL SACRIFICE?

One of the most uncommon things in Washington,

D. C. is common sense. It is amazing how our publicofficials can be so out of touch with the public andreality. They are calling upon Americans to conservegasoline and other forms of energy. If they think thatthis generation of Americans, reared in affluence,pleasure and selfishness, will give up anything theywant and can get — be it alcohol, nicotine, gasoline orwhatever — they are unrealistic and in for a big surprise!

Now if they want a little common sense advice, wecan give it. They could save millions of gallons of gasby stopping the idiotic bussing of little children across the country which parents don't want in thefirst place. A lot of jet fuel could be saved if thepresident would spend a few weekends at home. Thenthey could encourage parents to keep millions of teenagers off the streets and highway day and night.Besides saving gas, that would make the roads muchsafer and quieter. Young people might even study,read some good books, and learn to read the Bible.

TOO MANY ARE OUT OF PLACE

Since man left his God-ordained place in Eden, ithas been next to impossible to keep him in his place.It is a troublesome problem.

One reason why Gideon was able to overcome thousands of Midianites with only three hundred menwas that "they stood every man in his place" (Judges7:21).

The pope is an overgrown elder — at least the first one was. Sponsoring church elders are out of their God-appointed place. Preachers are often out of place. The modern trend is toward taking women outof their proper place.

Nowhere is this displacement more evident than with the presidents of this nation and the nation itself in recent years. For the past few years, the president seems to feel that he was elected presidentof the world! He must mediate all world problems,and tell all nations how to govern themselves and conduct their affairs. Our president has just obligated some $10 billion of our tax money to pay Egypt andIsrael not to fight. But that's all right, for we areonly $800 billion in debt! He assured Israel a ten-yearsupply of oil, something which he can't even do for America. And good old Uncle Sam is supposed tosettle the problems and pay the bills of all the world,including those nations we have had to whip and thatplan to whip us.

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Incidentally, according to the Jews and premillennialists, God is supposed to take care ofIsrael regardless of what happens. That may be allright for theological argument, but when it comes tothe pragmatic approach, Israel must have God and America in order to survive.

Yes, many things and many people are out ofplace. You may feel that an article like this is out ofplace in this paper. The editor may agree. If he does, you’ll never know that I wrote this.

I HEARD ROY E. COGDILL

On the evening of May 14th, it was my privilegeto hear Roy E. Cogdill present a lesson in a series delivered at Pangburn, Arkansas. He spoke on the organization and government of the church. The lesson was typical of the thousands presented by himfor more than fifty years — eloquent, plain, powerful and scriptural. No one could misunderstand what he believes about the church and the sinfulness of all human religious organizations. I am thankful that he has the strength of body and mind to continue his proclamation and defense of the truth. If and when you have opportunity, I urge you to hear him preachthe gospel.

WHERE IS "HOME"?

In the May 10, 1979 issue of the Gospel Advocate,editor Ira North wrote an article entitled "our 'Anti-Co-operation' Brethren Should Come Back Home." He told of a visit he and his family made some twelveto fifteen years ago to an "anti" congregation inFlorida which had a lovely building and where theparking lot was full of cars. He said the people werecold and formal. More recently he went through thesame town and noted only three cars in the parking lot near time for Bible study to begin. From this incident he generalized to reach the conclusion thatthe so-called "anti" brethren are "drying up and withering away" and admonished all in that categoryto "come home."

While we have no personal knowledge of the congregation to which he referred, we certainly arenot in favor of brethren being cold and formal and regret hearing of congregations drying up and withering away. If his assessment of the situation is correct, it does not justify him in writing: "If the past has proven anything, it has proven the 'anti' doctrine cannot build great churches, inspire missionaries, and encourage pure and undefiled religion." With that observation we take strong exception. It is not an accurate representation of what he calls "anti" doctrine. Further, the matter of what constitutes a "great" church leaves room for dispute as to what standard determines greatness.

What Is a Great Church?

Is greatness in a congregation determined by howmany sponsoring church projects are in the budget?Is it reckoned on the basis of how many benevolentand educational institutions are in the budget? Shallit be decided by how large a fleet of buses the churchowns? Is it figured by the size of the building and thenumbers who gather? Does it depend on puppetshows, attendance drives with governors present, and entertainment from Grand Ole Opry celebrities? Is itmeasured by such activities as I witnessed on one segment of the Amazing Grace TV show filmed at Madison, Tennessee where brother North stoppedeverything to have the audience engage in a "lovefeast" wherein everybody stood, shook hands with those beside, behind and in front and told them all "Ilove you"? Is greatness calculated in terms of awardpresentations from the editor of a denominational magazine such as the one Norman Vincent Peale presented to Ira North at Madison along with appropriate entertainment and fanfare? Does greatnessinvolve building "Family Life Centers" with facilitiesfor great banquets and gymnasiums in which to play,such as Madison has? Do great churches grow in climates where their preachers join ranks with Catholic priests, Jewish rabbis and Protestant leaders tofly off to Texas to learn how to build "Inter-Faith" centers? This is the "greatness" which has grown uparound the doctrine for which Ira North stands.

Editor Misinformed

We are convinced that brother North is misinformed about those he calls "anti" brethren. Some of this is understandable. Communication has been lost for many years. Some of the leaders among those with whom brother North stands identified have been so caught up in their greatschemes and projects that they have really not kept upwith the rest of us. His estimate that perhaps only5% went off with the "anti" movement amounts to whistling past the graveyard. Brethren who have resisted the institutional tide have been busy building congregations. The number grows with eachpassing week. Many of these are substantial churcheswith excellent elders, faithful deacons, able preachersand aggressive but scriptural programs of work. BrotherNorth might be greatly surprised if he could find thetime to visit what he considers "anti" churches in Birmingham, Louisville, Chicago, Indianapolis,Akron, Houston, Los Angeles and many other placeswe could name. He might even be surprised right inNashville to find the number, size and work programsof such churches growing. We have spent nearly adecade in Louisville where within twenty-five miles ofdowntown Louisville there are at least 24 congregations contending for the old paths and atwork for the Lord. Among these churches there arescores of gospel preachers being supported all overthe world. Local radio programs have resulted in many conversions over the past few years. Several congregations have been heavily involved in developing and training young preachers. These churches are not drying up and withering. They arenot even seriously sick. Every church at times has problems peculiar to itself, including those with whom brother North associates. If he does not know this, then he should exchange papers with Ira Y. Rice, Jr. and he will have a running account of suchproblems.

Brother North might have benefited from hearing what some of his fellow-lecturers said at Freed-Hardeman College earlier this year, when both RoyDeaver and Rubel Shelly advised a standing room-only crowd that the "anti" movement was alive and growing not only in this country but in other countries as well. Why it has not been long since IraRice said in Contending For The Faith that he felt more comfortable with some of "us" than with some of those with whom he had stood shoulder-toshoulder in the past.

Is the Quarantine Over?

It has been a quarter of a century since the Gospel Advocate editorially placed the "yellow tag of quarantine" on all those who took a stand against sponsoring churches and church supported human institutions. It was in the wake of that warning that meetings began to be cancelled, pulpits closed, preachers boycotted, feelings and brotherly relations strained. Does brother North no longer fear having us"back home"? Has he found the needed cure? What many of us have asked for all along has been

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scriptural authority for what more and more churches were beginning to practice. There have been numerous debates and exchanges in periodicals. In allof these some of us have demanded a "thus saith the Lord" in either general or specific terms, expressed indivine precept, approved apostolic example or necessary inference. Instead of that, we have been treated to emotional appeals, philosophical meanderings, misrepresentations, and insults. Oh yes,there is a balm in Gilead. The salve needed to treat the disease is what the Lord and his inspired apostlestaught. If they have not found that yet and we should decide to "come home", what assurance isthere that we shall not wither and die from a worse disease that the Advocate editor imagines us to have?Those who go onward and "abide not in the doctrineof Christ" have not God (2 Jno. 9-11). Brother Northmay think our infection of such minor importance as to risk having us "home" but some of us are convinced yet that we cannot afford to risk his infection.

Just Where Is Home?

For the moment, forgetting the Advocate's own imposed quarantine, suppose some of us decided to "come home." Just exactly, where is home? Is it withReuel Lemmons, Roy Lanier, Sr. and others west of the Mississippi River who insist that orphan homes under boards other than the elders of a local church are unscriptural? Or is "home" with Guy N. Woods, and others who insist that they must be under boards? Is "home" with those who yet support Heraldof Truth, or is it with Ira Rice, Alan Highers, E.R.Harper and others who have exposed grievous errorsin the Highland staff? Is "home" with those who want the college in the church budget, or with thosewho argue that it is unscriptural? Is "home" with those who think they should join the ministerial associations around the country (as some so-called gospel preachers have done) and who participate in inter-denominational services? Is "home" where churches freely use the college choruses in their greatcampaigns, and where many churches now have theirown special singing groups? Is "home" where free helicopter rides, lucky seats and McDonald Sundaysare offered as prizes to lure children to ride "joy" buses? Is "home" where athletes give gymnastic exhibitions on the pulpit in the name of Christ? Is "home" where "junior church" is provided so unruly children can "play" church while "real" church holds forth? Is "home" where there is a proliferation of functionaries besides elders, deacons, preachers, teachers and members, such as "youth ministers", "educational directors", "ministers of finance", and "bus captains"?

This editor Is At Home among people who believe the Bible to be the all-sufficient rule of faith and practice, that the church is the Lord's grandest work, that it is fully equipped as he arranged it to evangelize, edify itself in love and relieve those whoare her charge. He is at home among those who yetbelieve that the gospel is God's power to save thelost (Rom. 1:16). He is at home among those whobelieve that the church of the Lord is unique and thatit should remain free from entangling and corruptingalliances with purveyors of error. The whole issue,brother North, is where home really is, and who it isthat is wasting the Lord's substance in the far country. Home is where the truth is, where the authority of God and Christ are respected and where the word of God is the last word. A genuinehomecoming, where all meet on the sure foundationand everyone takes heed how he builds thereon, would dry many tears, mend multitudes of broken hearts, rejoin estranged comrades-in-arms, cause theDevil and his forces to retreat and advance the cause of truth and righteousness throughout the earth. For that day we earnestly sigh. But brother North and others like him will have to move away from where they now dwell before we can call it "home".

A STUDY OF I CORINTHIANS 7:1-15 —

Part 2 —

In our previous article we considered the nature ofthe charge, "Do not depart" (verse 10), and found it to be absolute and imperative. We begin a consideration of five different interpretations of thefollowing verse.

1. Active, Future, Permissive: "If she separates herself in the future, (this is permitted) but let her remain unmarried orbe reconciled to her husband."

1. Active, Future, Non-Permissive: "If sheseparates herself in the future, (contrary toChrist's command), let her remain unmarried and seek to be reconciled to herhusband."
2. Past Tense, Active, Non-Permissive: "If shehas already separated herself, let her remainunmarried, or be reconciled to her husband."
3. Passive, Future, Non-Permissive: "If she isleft sometime in the future, let her remainunmarried or be reconciled to her husband."
4. Passive, Past Tense, Non-Permissive: "If shehas already been left, let her remainunmarried, or be reconciled to herhusband."

When we appreciate the obligation to establish authority for our action, we realize that the burden ofproof resides with position number one. A claim that permission to act is granted brings with it the obligation to establish authority for that action. All that is necessary to overthrow that claim is to demonstrate one non-permissive possibility. At thatpoint, authority is not established. Doubt is established. The action would, therefore, be sinful (Col. 3:16; Rom. 14:23). In this article we will consider the first two of four non-permissive possibilities.

First Non-Permissive Possibility ACTIVE, FUTURE

Consider the position of some of the leadingcommentators emphasizing the non-permissiveness ofthe passage.

Barnes Notes on the New Testament,

Cor., p. 115. "If she have withdrawn by a

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rash and foolish act .... she is to remain unmarried or be reconciled .... Paul tells them .... that if they had separated from their husbands, the pure law of Christianity did not recognize this right."

Calvin, Commentary on the Epistles of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians, p. 240. "But as to his commanding the wife who is separated from her husband, to remain unmarried, he does not mean by this that separation is allowable nor does he givepermission to the wife to live apart from herhusband. ... He does not therefore givepermission to the wives to withdraw of theirown accord, from their husbands, or to live away from their husband's establishment, as if they were in a state of widowhood."

Matthew Henry's Commentary, Vol. 6, p.

538. "They are bound to each other for life.The divine law allows no exception."

Expositor's Greek Testament, Vol. II, p.

825. "Paul is not allowing exception to thelaw of Christ."

Alford, The Greek Testament, Vol. I, p.

523. "It supposes a case of actual separation,contrary of course to Christ's command."

Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament, Vol. IV, p. 126. "If in spite of Christ's clear prohibition, she gets separated. . .."

International Critical Commentary, p. 140. "But if (in spite of Christ's command) shegoesso far as toseparate herself. ..."

The Wycliffe Bible Commentary, p. 1240. "For the believer the rule is no separation. . . . In the case of unapproved separation. . . ."

Meyer, Critical and Exegetical Commentary on theNew Testament, p. 202. "In this, Paul is not granting something in the way of exception . . . . but supposes a future case, which will possibly arise, not withstanding the commandment of the Lord just adduced." 'Lang's Commentary, Corinthians, p. 143. "The words .... point tosome possible case of divorce occurring hereafter contrary to the command of Christ. ..."

New Testament Commentary, by John Wesley, Adam Clark, Matthew Henry, and others. "But if she depart" — contrary to thisexpress prohibition:" (Wesley)

John Murray, Divorce, p. 60, 61. "The parenthetical clauses — "But if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband" — do not relax the stringency of theinjunction; they do not have the effect of according anyright or liberty to separate oneself or to put away. Inother words, the parenthesis does not express an exception to the law enunciated in the prohibition itself . . .; in

I Corinthians 7:11 no right of separation or dismissalis propounded. Hence any appeal to I Corinthians7; 11 to defend the right of separation without theright of dissolution is a distortion of the apostle's teaching."

We can appreciate the strong stand taken by thesescholars when we look carefully at the context andsee that it is non-permissive.

v. 5 "defraud ye not" v. 10 "Charge . . . that the wife depart not" v. 11 "that the husband leave not" v. 12 "let him not leave her"

v. 13 "Let her not leave her husband" Since these verses are plainly prohibitive, there must be a clearindication of permission to justify a position so different from the context. However, instead of permission, we have instructions in case she doesleave. Instructions given to one who has done something forbidden do not imply permission to do that thing.

Consider the following parallel:

One might argue that, while it is true that additional instructions do not imply permission to do something forbidden; still, complying with those instructions would produce an approved condition. Inother words, if one complies with the instruction, "remain unmarried," approval would necessarily be implied though reconciliation is not sought. This argument may sound reasonable on the surface;however, it makes unwarranted assumptions.

This position presumes that one may choose between two equal alternatives (remain unmarried orbe reconciled). The passage does not say that one may choose and the Greek adversative "de", translated "or", does not necessarily distinguish between two equal alternatives. The context must determine the issue.

This context forbids separating; yet, one of the alternatives is to live in a separated condition. The context does not indicate alternatives of equal standing. It stands diametrically opposed to one of them. Therefore free choice between two equal alternatives is not indicated. The absolute command "Depart not," plus the definition of repentance demonstrate that an about face (reconciliation) is required if possible. The alternative "remain unmarried" simply anticipates the possible unwillingness of the other spouse.

Consider the position of leading commentators onthe obligation to be reconciled.

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Barnes on the New Testament, I Cor. p.

115. "Or be reconciled to her husband. Let this be done if possible. If it cannot be, let her remain unmarried. It was a duty to be reconciled if it was possible."

The Expositor's Greek Testament, Vol. II, p.

825. "Let her get herself reconciled. . . . If the husband disallows her return, she must remain agamos."

New International Commentary on the NewTestament, Corinthians, p. 163, Grosheide. "Reconciliation should be undertaken by thewife with whom the divorce started. Paul mentions two possibilities since it may bethat the husband refuses to be reconciled."

John Murray, Divorce, p. 62. "He is saying in effect, 'If separation has actually taken place, then certain provisions must be adhered to. Let the breach be healed. Failing that, under no conditions may another marriage be undertaken.' In other words, the parenthesis simply regulates the wrong when it has taken place but does not in the least legitimate the separation itself."

Matthew Henry's view seems to fit best. He putit this way.

"She should continue unmarried AND seek reconciliation with her husband. . . . " (emphasis mine). Vol. 6, p. 538.

This is completely consistent with the meaning of theword "de". Thayer says it may be translated by "but", or "Moreover." Arndt and Gingrich say this: "Most common translations: but, when a contrast is clearlyimplied; and, when a simple connective is desired. . . . " (p. 170). if the term is translated "and" or "moreover" we could see the reasonableness of placing "remain unmarried" first in order. At the same time, the obligation to seek reconciliation wouldbe maintained. It is in addition to the first obligation. In other words, "First, make sure you do not remarry and/moreover do your best to be reconciled." The following factors should be considered:

1. The prohibitive context.
2. The absence of a clear statement of per mission.
3. Thedenial of permission by leading commentators.
4. Passage of parallel construction (obviously non-permissive).
5. "De" may be additional rather that optional. When

these factors are considered, it becomes obvious that it is impossible to establish permission to desert one's spouse from this passage.

Second Non-Permissive Possibility ACTIVE, PAST

The verb translated "should she depart" is aorist subjunctive. If it had been aorist indicative, past tense would definitely be indicated. While the subjunctive does not carry that necessary implication,

the idea of past action is a definite possibility. Thecontext is the determining factor.

A. T. Robertson, Grammar of the Greek New Testament, p. 831. "It is true that in the expression past time in the indicative and withall other moods, the aorist is the tense used as a matter of course."

Rather than labor the point with quotations fromGreek grammars, allow me to illustrate the point byquoting from a significant number of competentscholars who affirm that the action of the passageshould be viewed in the past tense.

The Expositor's Greek Testament, Vol. II,

p. 825. "But if indeed she have separated . . .Paul is ... advising in case where the mischief was done; the aorist sub. choristhe is timeless, taking its occasion from the context." (emphasis mine) W. J. Conybeare, Life and Epistles of St. Paul. "To the married, not I, but the Lord give commandment, that the wife part not from her husband; (but if she be already parted. . . . )"

Barnes Notes on' the New Testament, I Cor. pp. 114, 115. "But and if she depart. ..." If she have withdrawn by a rash and foolish act; .... This may, I suppose, referto instances where wives ignorant of the ruleof Christ and supposing that they had a rightto separate themselves from their husbands, had rashly left them. . . . Paul tells them . . .that if they had so separated themselves fromtheir husbands, the pure laws of Christianitydid not recognize this right."

Cambridge Greek Testament, p. 111. "If she has in fact been separated. ..."

Alford, The Greek Testament, Vol. I, p. 523. "If such have really taken place. . . . "

Matthew Henry, Vol. 6, p. 538. "And therefore the apostle advises that if any woman had been separated. . . . "

Gromacki, Called to be Saints: An Exposition of I Corinthians, p. 90. "Second, i f the departure has already taken place. ..."

Ellicotts Commentary on the Whole Bible,

Vol. 7, p. 309. "But and if she depart — Better, 'but if she have actually departed,' . . . . The apostle, in case such a separation should have already taken place. .. ."

The Abingdon Bible Commentary, p. 1180. "If separat ion has actua lly taken place. ..."

International Commentary on the New Testament, Grosheide, p. 163. "Such a

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divorce might be past being recalled so that itwould be impossible for the wife to return. ..."

Interpreter's Bible, Vol. 10, pp. 78, 79. ". inthe case of those already separated. . . ."

New Testament Commentary, Moffatt, p.

78. "If she has separated . . .."

A Commentary on the First Epistle to theCorinthians, Conzelman, p. 120. "Does not mean the conceding of exceptions (if she separates herself after all), but refers to an already existing situation: 'if she has separated herself.'

Twentieth Century New Testament. "If she has done so. ...

E. W. Grant, Vo l. 7, p. 483. "... if the wife has been separated. ..."

Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown, Vol. 6, p.

301. "If the sin of separation has been committed. . . . "

If this passage deals with a separation that hadalready occurred in the past, then, obviously, it isnot speaking about and would not authorize futurepurposeful action. Permission would not be granted.The prohibition would stand.

In our next article, we will consider two more non-permissive possibilities.

EARMARKING CONTRIBUTIONS

QUESTION: May an individual "earmark" his contribution to a congregation? In other words, mayone give to a local church on the condition that thereceiving church use it to support a gospel preacherthere or elsewhere? — J.S.

ANSWER: Every worthwhile relationship in lifenecessarily involves responsibilities. Membership in a local church is no exception. If after fulfilling his obligation to the local church of which he is a member one desires to give more to some individualor another church as opportunity affords, such wouldbe his prerogative. However, for one to make such contribution conditionally, as stated in the question above, would be to use the receiving church as an agent — In the sense of acting for or by the authorityof another. This would as surely violate the principleof congregational autonomy as in the instance of acting as a sponsoring church — An agent of anotheror other churches.

Elders are to exercise oversight of the local churchwhere they are (1 Pet. 5:2; Acts 20:28; Heb. 13:17). This involves freedom from outside control and authority. In the light of this principle, it should beobvious that for a church to receive a contribution conditionally — "earmarked," as stated in the questionunder study, would be to surrender congregational autonomy in the matter.

If one desired to have fellowship with a church inthe support of a gospel preacher elsewhere, this would be his prerogative. However, it should be observed that such support should be solely the decision of the church free of outside control or authority.

Sometimes an arrangement like that proposed inthe question under study is made for income tax purposes. The IRS allows tax deduction for contributions to non-profit organizations, but not toindividuals. If tax deduction be the motivation for contributing to the church conditionally instead of directly to the individual, it would seem to me to befraudulent, and, therefore, unscriptural on two counts — a violation of congregational autonomy andfraudulence.

I must confess that I am not familiar with the rules of the IRS to the extent of knowing whether or not such can be extended to include as a tax deduction contributions to support the preaching ofthe gospel via direct support to a gospel preacher. Asstated above, I understand that such cannot be done.

Fairness may seem to dictate otherwise, but fairnessof the rules is not the issue here. The issue is one of legality or freedom from fraud and congregational autonomy. Christians must provide things honest inthe sight of all men (Rom. 12:17; 2 Cor. 8:21).

FINISHING OUR WORK

Joy at the completion of a task. It is commonplace.And it is also one of the deepest and most enduringsatisfactions of life. No doubt that is because we, incontrast to the animals, share our capacity for thatkind of pleasure with God Himself. It was He originally who "saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good' and who "rested on theseventh day from all His work which He had done"(Gen. l:31ff). Man's undeniable taste for harmony, symmetry, and the "finishedness" of a worthy job completed is no coincidence of nature. It is a part of man's God-given nature.

The small affairs of daily living often providechances for every person to taste the sheer joy ofcoming to the end of a thing. And then, more rarely,most of us get to experience the thrill of bringing tocompletion an undertaking which has taken up years.But it is doubtful that the joy of fulfillment is everfelt more keenly than in the case of a Christian whohas come to the end of a work for the Lord which has occupied his complete life.

We read in the Scriptures, for example, about Johnthe Baptist, a man with a very specific job to do,being in the midst of "completing his course" (Ac.13:25). After his task was done and he was able tosay about Christ, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (Jn. 3:30), he sounded very much like aman with a feeling of accomplishment. As for the Lord Himself and His own work, He could, with evident gratification, pray to His father, "I glorifiedThee on earth, having accomplished the work whichThou hast given Me to do" (Jn. 17:4). And the Lordnever spoke any more eloquent words than His last:"It is finished!" (Jn. 19:30).

There have been few men and women in the history of the church who have been possessed of any stronger commitment to finishing their individual work for the Lord than Paul the apostle. For Paul there was nothing, not even his own life, so important that it could not be sacrificed in order toaccomplish the work Christ had laid out for him todo. As he prepared to take his leave of the elders ofthe church in Ephesus, he told them, "I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, inorder that I may finish my course, and the ministrywhich I received from the Lord Jesus" (Ac. 20:24). Itis not difficult to see the intense, bittersweet joy ofaccomplishment in Paul's words as the aged apostle

sent his last letter to Timothy. He wrote, "I have

finished the course," and we are not surprised when

we find among Paul's closing instructions to Timothy

himself: "Fulfill your ministry" (2 Tim. 4:5,7). It is

as if Paul were saying to Timothy, "Through God's

grace I have been able to complete my work. You,

too, have your own work, See that you finish it."

Every Christian needs to have a sense of the valueof his own work in the Lord. He needs to take it seriously, execute it diligently, and be able later tofeel the satisfaction Paul felt. Preachers especiallyneed that awareness, if for no other reason than that much will be required of those to whom much hasbeen given. In regard to finishing our work, all of usneed to be doing at least two things.

First, we need to be learning what our work is.With no goals other than the abstract notion of "doing the Lord's work," most of us tend to drift along aimlessly and arrive in old age without being able to pray even partially as Jesus did, "I have accomplished the work Thou has given me to do."This does not mean we wait for a vision in which the Lord gives us individual instructions. It means we read the Bible, survey the opportunities that are available to us personally, stake out our territory,and dig in with the eager anticipation of completing awork which is in a unique sense ours to do.

Paul, to be sure, had grand dreams about teaching

as many persons as possible for as long as possible.

But he also had some quite definite ideas about the

nature and extent of his particular work. He could

write to the Roman Christians, "I have often been

hindered from coming to you; but now, with no

further place for me in these regions. . . . I hope to

see you" (Rom. 15:22-24). Very few preachers since

Paul have known so clearly what they were trying to

do in a given place that, at some point, they could

say as he did, "I have finished my work here." Most

base their decision to go or stay on little more than

whether they are happy where they are. But give a

man a clear idea of what he has come to accomplish

and inspire him with the commitment that attaches

to a work that is peculiarly his, and his constant

prayer will be for strength to stay on the scene long

enough to finish it.

Second, we need to be praying that the Lord willhelp us finish our work. It is, after all, His work, Ourability to complete it will have to come from Him.And we should be conscious that we have an Adversary whose malignant intent is to stop us shortof the fulfillment of our work. Paul often spoke aboutbeing "hindered". Sometime the Lord hindered him because He had other plans for Paul. But on at leastone occasion Paul wrote, "We wanted to come to you — I, Paul more than once — and yet Satanthwarted us" (1 Thess. 2:18), That possibility oughtto keep us alert. And prayerful.

If we should live a thousand years, there likelywould yet be work to do for the Lord. But let us notexcuse ourselves from the tasks at hand, the tasks that are our own, with the vague assumption that the Lord's work can be done anywhere at anytime. Eachof us has work that belongs only to us and can onlybe done where we are right now. "O Lord, grant us the wisdom, the health, and the time to finish the work that is ours, individually, to do."

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HAGGAI — GOD'S PREACHER & GOD'SMESSAGE Part II

Having followed Haggai's content in outlining his 4major messages in the last lesson, we will now turnto the glorious lesson we can glean from his inspiredpreaching. What a shame that the richest section of scripture on preaching is so often neglected by thosethat observe it.

The next great lesson of Haggai is Discouragement, No Matter How Profound, Is No Reason For Neglecting OUR DUTIES. Many times the Lord gives us duties which are encompassed with great difficulty but when we become discouraged it is NO EXCUSE for neglect. Yes, Israel had encountered difficulties in rebuilding the temple, but they was no excuse to lay aside the TOOLS of labor and do what they wanted to do, build their own houses.

How many good programs of work have encounteredopposition and the opposition won, God's people lost, and God's work was destroyed. We all become discouraged but there is a cure for discouragementthat Haggai makes very clear — WORK! If work is not pursued when discouragement sets in, the diseasefeeds on itself and it gets worse and worse until oneis truly convinced that things are hopeless. This keeps individuals from reaching for the only source ofhelp available. If one believes there is NO hope, thenin reality for that person there is no hope.

Haggai shows us that God will help us, that Hewill reach down through the vastness of eternity andplace His hand on our hand, thus holding us up towork. "BE STRONG AND WORK" roars the prophet while urging the people, and "I WILL BEWITH YOU".

Another great lesson of Haggai is The Time For A Good Work Is Now, and the Danger of Procrastination! These two points go hand inhand — discouragement and procrastination. The poetsaid it this way: "On the banks of hesitation lay theblacken bones of millions,

who at the dawn of victory,

sat down to rest, and

resting died."

Brethren, talk is cheap! Can you imagine how many business meetings Israel held to discuss the temple building program? Which do you think camefirst the procrastination or the discouragement?Somehow I can hear the men meeting to discuss thebuilding. They weren't really interested in rebuilding

the temple or they would have been working rather

than meeting to talk about it. When you don't want

to work it is much easier to call a business meeting to

talk about it rather than to do it. Besides, it soothes

the conscience. So they come together and each tells

of his problems and his excuses why he can't show up

and work. They talk about who got mad because the

temple wasn't shaping up exactly like they thought it

ought to. They tell about how difficult it had become

to work on the temple because they had so little time

after building on their houses all day every day.

While the meetings were held one right after the

other and each was an "instant replay" of the last,

and eventually they even began to meet less and less,

finally there was no thought at all given to the

building of the temple. Why? Because both

DISCOURAGEMENT and PROCRASTINATION

are infectious, contagious, and multiply, spreading to

all those concerned. Dangerous? Yes, some of the

most dangerous diseases known to man. The

negativism seen in so many places is of the DEVIL.

He is the author and he is the captain of the hosts

who put off, put off, and put off, until they are so

discouraged that they quit.

Haggai's next lesson is the Danger of Materialism.

If is a wonderful thing that the Kingdom of God is

so different from Israel of old who put off and got

discouraged. Because if we were liken to them our

punishment would be just as sure as was theirs. The

church today faces the danger of materialism. Just as

the two previous sins have the ability to cripple and

destroy the body, so does materialism.

We see our Lord go the way of the cross, leavingheaven, becoming a servant, making Himself of noreputation, obeying unto death, and finally the mostshameful death possible, that of the cross. Then we see the early church which sold their possessions, who marched into the arenas, who saw their little ones eaten alive by wild beasts, who literally gavetheir bodies to be burned on Nero's crosses for lightduring his garden parties, BECAUSE THEIR PASSION WAS TO TEACH GOD'S TRUTH. Then I look at myself, — 2 cars, beautiful home, fine clothes, and I say NO way! No way am I what they were. My only pattern is not the New Testament Church, but Old Testament Israel who turned from God's work to build their houses as idols for their pleasure, comfort, security and status. The fact that they built and owned homes was not wrong in itself,but that they had left God's work to do so was sin.Brethren, God's work is standing waist high in theweeds of neglect because we made a start, but ourhearts were not in it, so it was easy to neglect and turn to where our hearts really are. We work overtime, we play overtime, we seek our will and pleasures overtime — WHILE GOD'S WORK STANDS IN THE WEEDS. Why is His work like the eye-sore of a building that was startedbut never finished? Simply because our hearts are on the material and not the spiritual. We are more concerned about our jobs, our money, our success, ourpleasures than we are about His job of teaching, about the use of His money in support of teaching, about the success of His Kingdom and whatbrings pleasure to

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His throne.

Concern in the time of Noah was that they wereeating, drinking, marrying and living normal everyday lives. There was nothing wrong with any ofthese things if we view the drinking as in the normalfunction as is eating, marrying and giving in marriage. The only problem was that they had not left time for the Lord in their schedules. Their total dedication was themselves. We see it hundreds of years later in the lives of God's people in Haggai's day, and we see it in the present age. God's people have never been free of materialism.

This materialism does two things: first, it destroysour time, and we have none left to give to the Lord;secondly, it destroys our finances and we thereforehave nothing financially to give to the Lord. We needpreachers and support to teach the gospel, but whilewe heap unto ourselves the pleasures of a plastic andpolyester age, there is little left to use in the Lord's work. The Jew gave a great portion of his income.We try to measure our giving by that and it is well within the limited scope. But brethren, why not measure by our LOVE for the spiritual as opposed toour love for the material?

The three dangers that will destroy any congregation are materialism, discouragement and procrastination.

This was Haggai's Message. In the next issue wewill look at Haggai's Method.

"A FAST GROWING CHURCH"

Brethren through the years have concocted all

kinds of schemes to make the church grow. Well, I

have found a way. Of all places, part of it came out

of the Wall Street Journal. As a matter of fact, it is

so successful, people will stand in line to become a

member. And as if that is not enough, they are very

liberal with their contribution, giving $500.00 on their

first day as a member. Furthermore, they get there

so early, a line is formed and it takes police action to

keep order. They are unified in purpose and chant

their dreams in unison. How does this sound so far?

Well, I know we work our fingers to the bone and

sometimes come up with very little if any visible

results. Here is a church that people will fight to

join, so let us see the secret of success.

The church is located in Oakland, California. This church is the creation of a man called the "Rev." Hakeem Abdul Rasheed, also known as Clifford Jones, a flamboyant thirty year old black who billshimself as a master teacher and maker of millionaires. He has a bachelor of science degree in Psychologyfrom Purdue University and got his religious credentials from the Universal Life Church, an organization that sells "Doctor of Divinity" degreesto all comers for $10 each. I am somewhat reluctant at making this known for fear some of my preachingbrethren might be tempted to buy one. According tolaw enforcement officers, the scheme works something like this: Outsiders pay the church $500.00 apiece to become members. They are then called "Ministers of Increase." These people are then encouraged to make contributions to the church. After 70 to 90 days, many of the donors are rewardedwith "Increases" up to 400 percent! How is that for reward motivation? I have read where some of my liberal brethren put a measly $5.00 under a bus seat to entice little children to ride their bus to church. That is "chicken feed" compared to Hakeem's church. He gives incentive! The way I see it, if we are going into these unscripturalschemes let us go into it enough for it to pay off. Somemembers of his church claim they are millionaires and others say they have retired in luxury. Not toobad as far as this life is concerned; but what abouteternity? I found no indication that these people wereinterested in death or life after death. According to reports given me, people have emptied their saving accounts, borrowed money from relatives and taken second mortgages on their homes to rake up enough money to join this church. When they get inside, theychant ritualistically, "Richer Faster, Richer Faster."

_______________________________________________________________________________________________ Page11

Hakeem claims the increase comes from God. The

church is made up of black and white, young and old.

A middle-aged hairdresser named Rita, said, "I

wanted to get in before it was too late." Another

person named Bob, said he had never attended

church before but he had joined with the hope he

might become rich.

Their preacher, Mr. Hakeem, dresses very sharp.As a matter of fact, he has a 102 foot yacht, a Rolls-Royce, a Cadillac, a mink coat and lots of jewelry. Itis true, the Internal Revenue Service seized his yachtabout the middle of January, 1979. However, he still owns his cars, coat and jewelry. The Internal Revenue Service claims he owes more that $1.5 million in personal taxes. Now, that is more than some preachers make in a life time isn't it? Mr. Hakeem is able to dazzle his audience by mountingthe pulpit and exhorting his followers to banish all negative thinking. Then he will call about a dozen people on to the stage and give them envelopes containing large sums of money. The crowd cheers and Hakeem says, "Let me hear you say amen."The crowd will roar and he will say, amen. Skepticsare labeled "Prophets of doom". So the story goes onwith religious racketeers. Why are people so gullible?I am not sure I have the answer.

I have said all of this to point out one stubbornfact. The gospel of Christ is still God's power to save the souls of men (Rom 1:16). When we leave the Bible in order to convert people, we get into all kindsof problems. No one wants the church of the Lord togrow more than I. However, there are some rules bywhich the church must grow. Gentle friend, any motivation other than the gospel of Christ is diabolical and will lead to destruction. This fellow Hakeem came up with an incredible scheme whichworked as far as outward appearance was concernedbut was repugnant in the eyes of God. If we use thegospel of Christ, we will not need police action tokeep people away from the church but will receive theapprobation of God.

Sometimes pressure is brought on preachers to make a church grow. It is "grow or go". This leads some into the temptation of unscriptural gimmicks.

$ MORE THAN STARS $

For the past couple of years I've laid plans to purchase the tabloids which carry prophesies "for the new year" the first week of each January. Such periodicals as National Enquirer and The Star are the major outlets for alleged psychics Jeane Dixon, SibilLeek, Uri Geller, John Manolesco (author of fifteen astrology books), Robert A. Ferguson (a famous California psychic), Anthony Norvell (Hollywood'smost famous psychic), and others of this breed.

Though I've picked up an occasional such publication as I've gone through the checkout counter, I've never gotten around to the organized effort which I have considered. I'm happy to find, however, that someone has. An extremelyinformative and interesting article appeared in the April, 1979 Eternity. Ralph Blodgett entitles his article, "Cracking the Crystal Ball Caper," and says,"Those supermarket psychics have more than stars intheir eyes."

How often do these modern seers accurately predictthe future? Blodgett and his colleagues purchasedcopies of three leading tabloids at the beginning of1978. From these they compiled a list of 250 specificpredictions for the year. Excluded were such all-encompassing predictions as Clara Schuffs "The quality of life in America is about to take a real turnfor the better," and Edie Zucherman's "1978 will be very rough on the Carter family."

Mr. Blodgett reports that less than three percent

(i.e., six) of the prophesies could be listed as reasonably fulfilled. Ninety-seven percent (244) completely missed the mark.

Here are a few of the predictions which were madefor 1978: Another major power failure to hit NewYork City; a fire ravages the White House; the priceof gas to reach $1.50 a gallon in U.S.; Quebec to splitfrom rest of Canada; U.S. space shuttle disaster setsprogram back 10 years; Carter to impose mandatorynationwide four-day work week in January; Cuba toapply to become fifty-first state; Carter to reintroduce the draft in September; discovery of a cancercure; Red China and the Soviet Union to go to war;remains of Atlantis discovered in Mediterranean off Turkey; Idi Amin to be assassinated in October; BillyCarter to be converted to Christianity and will quitdrinking; Bigfoot to be captured; and the Vatican toannounce approval of ordination for female priests.

The six predictions that did come to pass were ofsuch a nature that one of the thirty psychics examined would have surely guessed such. Two involved activities of celebrities; a record snowfall for

the northeast was accurately predicted; another

scandal in Washington involving sex and improper

spending was partially fulfilled since the GSA fraud

involved money kickbacks, but not sex; and two

weddings were accurately prophesied out of about

forty such predictions which did not materialize.

But then take a look at 1978 news events which

none of the thirty psychics foresaw: the August

earthquake in Iran which killed 25,000 and destroyed

40 cities and towns; the worst airline disaster in U.S.

history, the head-on crash of a Boeing 727 with a

Cessna 172 near San Diego, killing 150; monsoon

floods and tidal waves killing about 2,000 in India;

the mass suicide of 912 Americans in Guyana; the

deaths of Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul; the

world's first "test tube" baby; the sharpest stock

market drop in more than 80 years.

The Eternity article is concluded with the words,

"Scripture declares, 'There is a God in heaven that

revealeth secrets, and maketh known. . .what shall be

in the latter days' (Dan. 1:28). Unfortunately, these

thirty psychics can't seem to tune in on his

broadcasts.

"Prior to my six-year research into psychic

predictions I used to think psychics had to be led by

either God or the devil. Now I'm convinced that they

are being led most of the time by no one at all."

As it was in the days of Ezekiel, "Thus saith the

Lord God; Woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow

their own spirit, and have seen nothing!" (Ezekiel

13:3). _________-----------______

TAKE A CLOSE LOOK

We hear more and more of the International Year

of the Child (IYC). The curse of child abuse is being

used as a tool to promote things that no Christian or

stable thinking person desires. It's our prayer that

these proposals will be analyzed carefully by one and

all.

For example, we are told that there should be opportunities and facilities to help a child develop physically, mentally, morally, spiritually, and socially. What this means, of course, is that the government should supply such opportunities and facilities and take over child-rearing responsibilities.

Since I'm not overly enthused with the job thestate is doing with my children in the public schools,you may understand my reluctance to turn the jobcompletely over to them from the moment of birth orshortly thereafter.

I recently read of one case in Sweden in which a21-year-old girl told of having been spanked (notabused) by her father when she was 12. In rebellion,she reported this to the authorities and was subsequently removed from her family and placed in achild-care center until she was 18.

While we deplore child abuse (and we know a sureway of putting an end to the child abuse cycle too!), we likewise deplore the humanistic concept ofliberation which means the liberation of our societyfrom traditional morals, values, and authority. The admonition to "tell it to the generation following"(Psalm 48:13) was not addressed to the government!

I'm growing weary of such things as IWY

(International Women's Year), and IYC. Why not an

Executive Order to establish a I YE (International Year of the Family), Mr. President? Such would be abit more in harmony with your "born again" semblance. _________ __________

COME HOME?

In the May 10, 1979 issue of the Gospel Advocate,Ira North editorialized on the pitiful state of affairs among his "anti brethren." The extent of his evidence seems to be a local church in Florida with which he assembled a few years ago. At that time, the building was filled and things appeared to be ingood shape. More recently he passed the building ona Sunday morning just a few minutes before theBible study hour and saw only three cars in the parking lot. "There must be a better way!" BrotherNorth intones.

I know nothing about the congregation of which hewrote, and neither does our Brother North. Yet, uponthis basis, he pleads with his "anti brethren" to "come home." Men such as James Cope and HomerHailey can preach the same thing in any church ofChrist that they preached twenty-five years ago, weare told. The implication is that our opposition tochurch support of such things as human institutions,secular education, and recreation, has arisen only recently.

Those who know the score are aware that B.C. Goodpasture, long time editor of the Gospel Advocate, were he yet alive, could not preach inliberal churches of Christ what he taught a few years ago regarding church-sponsored entertainment and recreation. Guy N. Woods, Associate Editor of the Gospel Advocate, could not preach in these churcheswhat he once taught regarding institutionalism. In fact, we wonder when Editor North will invite Associate Editor Woods to preach his convictions onchurch support of Bible colleges at the Madison Church of Christ.

Many of us are wondering just where on the liberalroad is supposed to be "home"! After all, Brother IraRice editor of Contending for The Faith, wrote in the August, 1978 issue of that journal that he now feelscloser to "the Anti-Cooperation" brethren than "toward many with whom I have stood shoulder toshoulder for all these years." Bro. Rice went on to say, ". . .when I see possibly themajority of our so-called Christian college administrators as well as the editors of some of our supposed-to-be gospel papers headed pell-mell after Liberalism, I think the time has come to call a haltand take a new look." Strong words, those!

Brother North, we appreciate your invitation. But you brethren have a mobile home. It would be hard for us to catch up. Besides, we are looking"for a city which hath foundations, whose builderand maker is God" (Heb. 11:10).

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Perhaps nothing has permeated the American entertainment scene on a more rapid and grand scalethan the rise of disco. Second only to organizedsports in the entertainment field, the disco movementcontinues to gain velocity with over $5,000,000,000 in revenues for the last year alone. The number of discos have recently multiplied from 10,000 to 18,000and an estimated 50 million Americans have visited a disco and some 17 to 19 million do so regularly. The recording industry, Hollywood, and the fashion designers have all jumped on the bandwagon. Overthe past year it was rare that a non-disco record made it to the top spot on the music charts and onthe average six of the top ten popular songs had a disco flavor. The disco movie Saturday Night Fevergrossed over $130 million making it one of the biggestbox office hits ever. The sound-track from the movie has sold over 15 million copies surpassing The Soundof Music as the highest grossing album in history!The fashion trends of the day are obviously turning to the disco look with most department stores offering whole sections of disco clothes. One fashion designer remarked, "the young and exciting fashionsof the discos are the only clothes for today." Andeven if you do not attend discos (let us hope that youknow better) and wish to have no part in the discoindustry it is in all probability that it still touchesyour life in some way. Whether through television,radio, skating rinks (really disco rinks), the teenagersplaying disco records, or through just shopping ourfavorite mall via disco music which is piped into the stores — most all of us are coming into contact withthe disco craze. So it's high time Christians begin towake up and begin to see disco for what it really isand start to help steer the young people away fromthis alluring temptation of the devil.

What Is Disco?

Disco is really short for "discotheque." It is defined as:

"a small intimate nightclub for dancing to

live or recorded music; a nightclub featuring

psychedelic and mixed-media attractions such

as slides, movies, special lighting effects and

kinetic sound" (Webster).Yet, disco is much more! It involves not only aspecific place for dancing (discotheque), it also refersto a distinctive type of music designed for dancing.Disco music is distinctive for it's heavy bass beatwhich throbs constantly at 4/4 time at about 120beats per minute. The music has a "lyrical hook"effect as words such as "I love you" or "More More More" are repeated over and over. All of this plus flashing colored lights, electric images, reflectingmirrored walls, and sparkling ceilings are employed to literally make one feel the driving beat of themusic and to bring about a "high" of excitement and passion. One disco patron summed it up by stating:

Disco music is not meant to be confronted head on as something you sit and listen to.Disco is meant to be experiencedsubliminally, not so much in the mind as inthe body, which it exhorts ceaselessly to dance, dance, dance. The disco music says nothing but suggests a great deal (EMP. MINE — DWA).

What it does suggest pure and simple is sexuality aswe will notice later.

Where Did It Originate?

There is no denying that the disco scene has homosexual connections. The Detroit Free Press noted, "Disco probably will be remembered as the first cultural happening where gay participation wasopenly publicized." Yet, the Bible is plain concerning God's attitude toward homosexuality, (Lev. 18:22; 20:13; 1 Cor. 6:9-10). However, disco can be traced back farther than that. Remember, the basis of the disco music is the pulsating beat. Such did not originate with any one performer or song but has asit's "roots" the ancient tribal chants and dances of the voodoo worshipers, primitive tribesmen, and African bushmen. It has been noted that if you strip away all modern accessories you will probably bemoving to the same beat as the ancestors of Kunta Kinte. Although the African origin does not necessarily make it objectionable (any more than from any other country) — the thing to be considered is that this type of music was used fordancing to exorcise demons, to arouse sexual fertility,to prepare for sacrificial death to the gods, and in general used to appease the gods. Such was and is pagan to the inth degree! God never approved of theancients dancing before the idols of man, nor has He ever looked with approval upon dancing that wasdesigned to arouse sexual passions (1 Kg. 14:23-24;Isa. 57:5-8). And all the modern day disco beat isnothing more than a gift-wrapped version of ancientpagan tribal chants that did that very thing!

Disco Dangers

The discotheques, disco music, and disco fashionshave but one thing in mind — an exhibition of sexuality! Listen to the words of some who frequentNew York's famous disco — Studio 54:

There's no sense sitting at home and starringat four walls. Discos are where it's at It's flaunting your sexuality. . . People are getting their sensuality up front, out in the open. . . Kids need a release, and the music gives it to them. . . Discos are fast, fast, fast. Here they can move, move, move. Theycan fly! (EMP — MINE — DWA)

Free liberated sexual expression — abandonment ofrestraints — that is the essence, the soul of disco. Call it what you like but the Bible says such is LASCIVIOUSNESS (sensuality — NASV) and those

Page 14

involved in such "SHALL NOT INHERIT THE

KINGDOM OF GOD" (Gal. 5:19-21). Lasciviousness

is defined as, "that which is tending to produce lewd

emotions, characterized by or expressing lust or

lewdness, tending to excite lustful desire" (World

Book). Perhaps lasciviousness could better be defined

as: "disco!" The child of God should have no part of

it!

Dear Christian friend, let me appeal to you to stayaway from the disco scene (2 Tim. 2:22). Everything about it, from it's pagan and homosexual origin toit's modern twisting and turning, is displeasing toGod (1 Thess. 5:22). It is a movement that placesemphasis only on self-gratification through sexualismwith not a care as to what God has spoken. It will damage your influence with others (Matt. 5:13-16),have a bad (perhaps lasting) effect upon you, and willcause uncontrollable lust and passion to arise in theheart of another (Matt. 5:28). Yes, everyone else mayplay those records, everyone else may wear those clothes, and everyone else may go there and dance tothe disco beat, but just remember that everyone elseis going to be lost (Matt. 7:13-14). Don't let the Saturday Night Fever give you an eternal heartburn!

When writing to the Thessalonians, the apostlePaul admonished, "Therefore let us not sleep, asdo others; but let us watch, and be sober" (1 Thess. 5:6). This text sets forth at least three lessons which are very basic to the life of the Christian.

1. Christians are admonished not to ". . .sleep, asdo others . . . " The word "sleep" in this text does not refer to physical slumber but rather has a figurative meaning of ". . .carnal indifference to spiritual things on the part of believers ... .a condition of insensibility to Divine things involvingconformity to the world" (EXPOSITORY DICTIONARY OF NEW TESTAMENT WORDS,

W.E. Vine).

There are those described in the Bible who, by their conformity to this world, have indeed been lulled into carnal indifference and have been made insensible to the things of God. A classic illustration would be the Old Testament example of Jonah. Whilein the act of rising up to "flee unto Tarshish from thepresence of the Lord," it is said that Jonah went " . . . down into the sides of the ship: and he lay,and was fast asleep" (Jonah 1:3-5). The physical actof slumber in this case was the manifestation of the far more serious condition: his attitude of rebellion at what God had required of him. Hence, the appropriateness of the shipmaster's question: ". . What meanest thou, O sleeper?" (Jonah 1:6).

Other examples of "insensibility to Divine thingsinvolving conformity to the world" would include therich fool who was blinded by his materialism to thefact of God and the needs of his own soul (Luke 12:13-21). Then there were the Laodiceans who were "neither cold or hot" and hence were offensive to God Rev.3:15-16). These people were beyond question "conformed to this world" and were indeed "insensible to Divine things." The Lord said of them,"Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased withgoods, and have need of nothing: and knowest notthat thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, andblind, and naked" (Rev.3:17).

Rather than allowing such spiritual slumber, Paulexhorted Christians elsewhere through a quotation ofIsaiah 60:1, "Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and rise from the dead, and Christ shall givethee light" (Eph. 5:14).

1. In the text, Paul admonished, "Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch, and be sober" (1 Thess. 5:6). The word "watch" is used here to denote spiritual alertness. It is so used in the familiar admonition of 1 Corinthians 16:13, "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, bestrong." The same word is translated "vigilant" in the King James Version rendering of 1 Peter 5:8, "Besober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil,as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom hemay devour. Christians must constantly be alert in their growth and development (1 Pet. 2:1-2, Heb. 5:12-14), in their responsibilities as members of thebody of Christ (Eph. 4:15-16) and in the manner inwhich they deal with the temptation of sin (1 Cor.10:12-13).
2. The final admonition of 1 Thessalonians 5:6 is, ". . .be sober." The idea conveyed by "sober" is: "Free from mental and spiritual drunkenness, well-balanced, self-controlled." The word in the original text of the New Testament, translated "sober" in 1 Thess. 5:6, is rendered by the word "watch" in Paul's admonition to Timothy, "But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry" (2 Tim.4:5). The same idea was expressed by Peter,"Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober,and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ"(1 Pet. 1:13). Peter said again, "But the end of allthings is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer" (11 Pet. 4:7). With the issues of time and eternity, death and judgment taken into consideration, the life of the Christian is far too seriousto be regarded with any degree of frivolity. We must,indeed, ". . .Watch, and be sober!"

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"THEN I WISHED FOR A BEAR"

The best of men are beset at times with uncertainty regarding the course of their lives. The good men of the past century who labored to plantthe seed of New Testament Christianity uponAmerican soil were no exception. They were men offaith, but they were also men of flesh. Their personalproblems sometimes weighed so heavily upon them that they considered giving up the struggle required topreach the gospel. Perhaps few, if any, of us living inthese more prosperous times can truly appreciatethe anguish of spirit under which many of the pioneerpreachers worked. The grinding hardship of their lives and the bitter opposition they encountered fromspiritual enemies would have felled lesser men, and no doubt did. But those who persevered did so because their moments of doubt yielded to abundantfaith.

Joseph H. Halbrook, one of the most dedicated

evangelists of the post-Civil War Southland, was not

unlike many of his comrades in the service of the

Lord. He never rose much above the level of "hand to

mouth" living until near the end of his life. What

little he did accumulate was due to hard work rather

than the generosity of the brethren among whom he

labored. He eked out a livelihood from a one-horse

farm in the red clay hills of Northwest Alabama until

poor health prompted him to move to Florida in the

1890's. His evangelistic tours and regular preaching

appointments seldom provided much "take home

pay" and, perhaps as often as not, failed to provide

his meager expenses.

In a reflective and despondent mood following atypical preaching trip in 1890, "Uncle Joe" shared histhoughts in a personal letter to a fellow preacher whothought the letter should be made public. This particular trip was to North Mississippi and lasted about three weeks. During this time Halbrook preached in five communities to "large and attentive congregations" and "made the acquaintance of manygood brethren and sisters." The Christians where he preached showed their appreciation for his labors "byopening their hearts and pockets-books" sufficientlyto pay his traveling expenses plus "twenty cents" perday to take home with him.

This disheartening turn of events was compoundedby the fact that things had not gone well at homeduring his absence. "But I was just in time when Ireached home yesterday," he wrote, "my wife hadjust fed away the last feed of corn. Then I sat downand thought, and thought, and thought. ... I thought of my family, and about dying and leaving them, and how they would make out after my death.

And then I thought of the value of souls, and of myduty, and of the shortness of time; and of the gloriesof heaven and the horrors of hell, and then of the richman and Lazarus. And then I thought of what I sawwhile I was gone, at the same place where preached, and where I had preached several timesbefore. While I was there the same people gave moreto see a man wrestle with a bear than I had received for preaching in five months. And then how theyinsisted on my coming back, and then I thought Iwould go on and preach the gospel and try to savemy soul. Then I wished for a bear so I could make something for my family. And then I thought Iwould write you and tell you what I thought, andwhat my wife thought, and how she wanted me to goon and preach, and promised never to complain, and how it encouraged me." (Gospel Advocate, May 14, 1890.)

Halbrook did go on and preach. Through thecomfort and support of his good wife and his own sense of duty, he continued to preach the gospel untilthe Lord claimed his spirit in 1906. His ashes rest ina peaceful little country cemetery near Chiefland,Florida, awaiting the resurrection at the coming ofChrist.

What a debt we owe such men!

Before and after the wedding day the very finestyoung people need the right kind of advice on the artof home making. They may reach many properconclusions on their own based on their knowledge ofright and wrong, but they face situations and needswhich are new to them. There is not much to say tothe modern rebellious type because they are not listening. They must make their own mistakes andreap for their own sowing. We need to do our best tohelp the most devout young couples who have earnestdesires to please God and find happiness in marriage.

Many marry during every month of the year, butthere are many marriages after the end of the springterm of school. Let us hope that they are not so often "forced" marriages, but rather that they are bigevents that come as the culmination of many happyplans and dreams. Marriage is honorable and highlyrecommended in the Bible, so it is in order that we all rejoice to see happy and wholesome plans of worthy people come to the great day of HOLY matrimony.Remember that heaven is involved, and it is God who joins the two together through His revelation andeven through the very laws of nature that are writteninto the make up of each normal individual. Let us all gladly encourage a proper marriage. Let not man putasunder that which God has joined together.

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What shall we say? How shall we advise? The whole law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus isneeded by those who would please God. Homes of theideal type are made of faithful Christians who worship God faithfully and regularly, and who aim atthe mark of the high calling of God. Briefly, but withgreat emphasis we recommend the whole counsel ofGod. Every husband and every wife is made betterby fearing God and keeping His commandments. His commandments are for our good always. In showingsuch faith in and reverence for God one is preparingfor heaven. Is it then appropriate advice for youngcouples who seek happiness in marriage? Yes, indeed,for the best way for them to find the most in this lifeis for them to live as they should to please God andto inherit heaven by His grace. Such people have thepromise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. They sow to the Spirit and reap life everlasting. This is far better than to sow to the fleshand reap corruption.

As good friends we may advise concerning the little things of life. Is this a waste of their time and ours? Not necessarily, for life is made up of littlethings. If some suggestion can make the home happier and more stable it is not wasted effort.

Sometimes young couples need to be told to usetheir money for the things NEEDED and not for baubles. They cannot buy everything the world hasto offer. Much that is for sale is of little or no value. They need many things. Let the money be spent wisely for food, clothing, shelter, transportation, medical care, and the Lord's service. If this is done by the young couple there will not likely be much tospend for things of no use. Things that are not worth bringing home should not be bought by one who hasa limited income, and who has taken on the task ofproviding for his own family. He is foolish if he actsas one who has denied the faith and is worse than an infidel. We all might be amazed if we knew howmany homes are cheated out of a normal measure ofhappiness in our generation by husbands who haveplenty of money to buy useless things, but very littlemoney to buy the essentials. A wise and righteoususe of money is a good thing to suggest.

Learning to be content with such things as we can have is a great lesson to learn. Be content as youstruggle for a better day. The young husband maynot be able to provide as much as his parents have now. The earning power is likely to increase withtime, and some things purchased at first may be usedmany years while other things are being accumulated.The young bride or groom who is selfish in demanding more than his or her share of the funds isthreatening the stability of the home.

The ears of the Lord are open to the righteous.Work and pray rather than murmur and complain. Sacrifice for the work of the Lord while you are gradually accumulating things for personal use. Afterall, every good and perfect gift is from above. Whatdo you have that you could have received withoutHis provision? He is able to bless you so that you may always have all sufficiency in all things. His hand is not short. He is able to do abundantly morethan you can ask or think. Seek first the kingdom ofGod and His righteousness. If you are channels of blessings to your fellows, and if you please God, happiness will come as a by-product.

Seeking happiness as the primary end in life is likestruggling to find the pot of gold at the end of therainbow. Seek the proper things, and fulfill life's responsibilities, and happiness will walk up beside you and go along with you. Recreation, entertainment, excitement, spending money,dissipation, and sin are not synonyms for happiness.We are getting closer to it by far when we find the peace that passes understanding which the Bible mentions. This would, of course, include a good conscience, trust in one's companion and in God, andthe right to have a feeling of being useful and neededin the home. When a lack of concern for others, selfishness, and laziness abounds, happiness hides insome dark underground cave. It cannot be found bysuch people. You cannot make others happy withoutbeing happy. If you are unwilling to share you arethe loser.

Summers are hot and winters are cold for even the very best people. Sickness and disappointments cometo all. You did promise faithfulness in sickness or inhealth, did you not? Loving hands are especially fortender care in the trying times. Always rememberthat you need each other. Be ready when special needarises. God saw that it was not good that man should be alone so He gave him a worthy helper. She needshim just as he needs her. It takes the two to make the one good home.

Children are an heritage of the Lord. Their little steps and words, their laughs and tears, and theirneeds add to the problems, joys, and hopes of thehappily married. These little ones cost much time and money, and they test the patience and skill of training of their parents, but they repay one hundred fold. It is not out of order to suggest the need forlittle ones to love, teach, discipline, and train. Peopleare at their best when they are training people likeRuth and Timothy for the next generation.

Filthy speech, impure lives, and dishonesty are among the things that destroy the peace, stability,and joy for every member of the family. It is not justthe innocent who suffer. None suffers more than the guilty. God will see that he reaps the corruption duesuch people. They destroy the home here and forfeitthe home in heaven. Flee youthful lusts. No man or woman has ever been too pure or too innocent. The beauty of holiness is its own excuse for being. Avoid the companions that would make a mock of sin.

There have been many beautiful marriages becausemany wonderful people have married, but there are nomarriages that ever reach a level beyond which improvement is impossible because there are no husbands or wives but that could go on toward perfection. They can and should grow. There will betimes for love and forgiveness to work together in mending some scar or some hurt. Love, mercy, humility, and forgiveness can work wonders when there is some special need for them. They mayremove the scar and leave more beauty than ever inits place. They may place joy, a kiss, and evenhearty laughter in place of the hurt. Take time for patience to have her perfect work. Harsh words and ugly deeds never help any person in any way.

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Marriage is a partnership. Plans are made together. If a telephone call could remove anxiety itshould be made. If a worthy task calls for the skillsand special efforts of both, let there be no shirker. Ifit takes two to bring some event of great joy, let there be no kill-joy. The two are one and each mustwork for and share the joys of the other. Make a success of marriage because failure here has the power to destroy that which is pleasant in this life,and to destroy even the hope of the pleasant life beyond.

Even though Abraham Lincoln was a great man,his method of operation was so simple, practical andconcise that we can all grasp, retain and profit fromit at will. Here is Lincoln's principle, as given byRussell H. Conwell: "Whatsoever he had to do at all,he put his whole mind into it and held it all thereuntil that was all done." See the principle! Lincolncould control his mind. He could direct his mind along certain channels and keep it there as long as itwas necessary for the completion of the job at hand.

Abraham Lincoln was born in 1809. In the first century, A.D.64, 1745 years before Lincoln, theapostle Paul employed the "mind holding principle"as being quite practical. To the church at Philippi, he wrote, "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting thosethings which are behind, and reaching forth untothose things before, I press toward the mark for theprize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus"(Phil. 3:14-15). According to this, the apostle fixedhis mind on his course and refused to become distracted. This is the way that it should be for ustoday. We should clearly keep our mind held on itwithout distraction.

But how easy it is for our mental train to be distracted! We are to pursue unity, for instance (Jno.17:20-21). Unity is worth our while. How sad it is when brethren lay aside the word of God, initiatecarnal objectives and bog down in the quagmire and devices of their own ingenuity. We need to hold ourminds on the fact that we share a personalresponsibility to labor to keep the unity of the Spiritin the bond of peace (see Eph. 4:1-7). This is a responsibility that we must all work toward. As the Psalmist said, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"(Psalms 133:1).

As we outline our objectives one-by-one, we must,absolutely must, every step of the way, demonstrate a profound respect for divine authority. Otherwise,we will be laboring in vain. The apostle Paul wrote,"And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he notcrowned, except he strive lawfully" (2 Tim. 2:5).Jesus Christ is the one that we are to heed, or hear in all things. Moses said, with regard to Christ, "And itshall come to pass, that every soul, which will nothear that prophet shall be destroyed from among thepeople" (Acts 3:23).

In reference to his own message, Jesus said. "Hethat rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hathone that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken,the same shall judge him in the last day" (Jno. 12:48). In holding our mind upon our eternal objective, we must realize that we will be judged byChrist and his word. In order for us to finally go toheaven we are to respect the authority of the one whonow has all preeminence in heaven and earth. Whynot read your Bible now! Respect it! Obey it!

TOPES RETURNING TO SOUTH AFRICA South Africa continues to have peace, and the cause is GENE TOPE, 1603 Lauderdale Dr., Richmond, VA 23233 — In prospering there. Letters, almost weekly, tell us of new December of this year my wife, Betty, and I, and our fouropportunities and new areas (especially among the non-Europeans)youngest children will be returning to South Africa. This will bethat are opening up to the presentation of the gospel. Laborers are

our fifth tour of labor since our entering into that field twenty-twofew; the need is great. The challenge of lost souls confronts us,years ago. So far as I know, we are both in good health and readyand we cannot tarry here at home any longer! There is no

to do whatever work the Lord may yet have in store for us there.assurance how long evangelists will be allowed into South Africa. We earnestly ask for your prayers on our behalf.

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1 am again calling on brethren to help us. As has been true for the past twenty years: we cannot go if you do not send us. Weneed the aid and fellowship of good and sacrificing brethren. The promise of monthly support by a number of good churches isneeded. Travel fund must be raised to ship goods and necessarysupplies, and one-way fares for six people. Costs are high and inflation is rampant But, surely the gospel cause is worth it. Ifyou are interested in helping us again to carry out this small partof the Lord's commission, won't you contact me as soon aspossible by phone or mail? You may reach us at the above address. Phone is (804) 740-0848.(Editor's note: No better family could be sent to any field than the Topes. They have already spent a total of 18 years in SouthAfrica and the work in that country is deeply imbedded in theirhearts. While Gene has been preaching for the West End churchin Richmond, Virginia, he has also served as one of the elders.Surely, there should be no delay in securing the necessary fundsto send this experienced family to such a needy field. — CWA)

THAYER STREET LECTURES

JEFFREY KINGRY, 64l Elma St., Akron, Ohio 44310 — After

attending our previous gospel meetings, you requested that we

let you know when we plan our next one. We wanted to contact

you and let you know that our 1979 Fall meeting will be

September 17-20. The speakers and topics are set.

We have always enjoyed having visitors from other placesattend our meetings, and if you are planning on coming this yearwhy don't you drop us a note? The brethren get a kick out of theopportunity to keep and visit with "strangers." It makes it easierthat week for some families to plan ahead and get prepared whenthey know whom to expect and how many.

Also, in times past many brethren have come and left theirfamilies at home. I understand that this is during the school session, and sometimes it is difficult for both husband and wife toget out. but we want you to know that everyone is welcome. Thelessons are designed for the needs of the church here and arepresented for their edification, and as such we feel that thematerial will benefit all brethren. We are looking forward to hearing from you, and maybe seeing you this September for aspiritual feast. Please pass the word. Phone (216) 535-4626 for more information. CLARENCE R. JOHNSON, P.O. Box 625, La Porte, Texas 77571 — After working with the Lord's church in La Porte, Texas for three years and nine months, I am pleased to report that bothour attendance and contribution are the best they have beenduring that time. Attitudes are generally good, and there is aspirit of togetherness among the brethren that is lacking in manyareas. Twenty-two have been baptized into Christ here during thistime and a number of others have been restored to their first love. Some have moved away; some have fallen away; some have moved in. Attendance has averaged over 100 on Sunday morningsfor the past two months. The congregation helps to support twoother preachers There are several good prospects for futureconversion. Brethren, pray for us that our efforts may continue to be successful.

NEW CONGREGATION JACK L. HOWELL, 1032 Par Ave.. Paso Robles. California 93446 — There is a new congregation in Paso Robles, Californiaendeavoring to do the Lord's work. The group is small at thistime and meeting in my home at the above address. We are in need of a full time preacher to work with us and can provide $400 a month at this time. Paso Robles is located on Highway 101about midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Anyoneinterested may contact me at the above address or call (805) 2380173. EDWARD A. BROUILLETTE, P.O. Box 3747, Fullerton, California 92634 — I will soon be moving to Fullerton, California towork with the church there. Greg Sterling has been selected by the elders to preach in Carmichael, California where I formerlypreached.

NEW CONGREGATION

CARROLL FINK, Box 161. Crystal Lakes Estates, Livingston,Texas 77351 — Please let your readers know of the new work whichbegan June 3 in Livingston. This work has been in the minds ofconservative brethren for sometime now. After six years at Clute,Texas I have moved to help this new work. We will have about twenty members to begin this work but anticipate steady growthas the word gets around. All of my support is being supplied by six Texas churches. Pray for this new effort and may Godcontinue to bless you as you teach his word through the printedpage. We appreciate your stand on the marriage question. Phonefor the new work is (713) 327-3293.

UNITY EFFECTED GILES M. PAINTER, 403 Holly Dr., Albany, Georgia 31705 — Brethren, it is with joy I report to you the progress made in theLord's work in Albany, Georgia. On April 13, 1979, brethren from Dougherty and South Street churches came together to discussand resolve all existing differences which had kept the twochurches from recognizing each other as faithful brethren inChrist. As an outgrowth of this meeting, fellowship and unity has been restored and the two are now worshipping and workingtogether. When in the area, worship with the South Street church.From U.S. 19 Expressway, exit on 133, go right 3 blocks to South St.. then one block on the left.

PREACHERS NEEDED MOULTRIE, GEORGIA — Dennis C. Abernathy is leaving the work with the Central church in Moultrie, after two years, towork with the North Main and Gay St. church in Gladewater,Texas. In August the Central church in Moultrie will be in need of a preacher to move here and work with them at that time. A small amount of needed wages can be supplied by the church, herewith the rest having to come from elsewhere. If interested,contact H. H. Hudgins, P.O Box 202. Moultrie. GA 31768. Phone

(912) 985-6891.TYNGSBORO, MASSACHUSETTS — The church of Christ of Greater Lowell, Tyngsboro, Massachusetts is in need of a fulltime preacher to locate and work with this congregation startingin June of this year. Present planning calls for our new building tobe completed by then. We are interested in a man who is willing to work with this congregation is doing personal work. Partial support can be provided. Attendance is between 30-35. The town of Tyngsboro has a population of 6,000 and is near a larger city ofLowell with population 94,000. There are only two sound churchesin the whole state that we know about, so the need is great in this area. Anyone available and interested may call or write: Bill Krause. 16 State St., Chelmsford, MA 01824. (Phone 617-2568414); or Mauro Accommazzo, Old Dunstable Rd.. Groton, MA01450 (phone 617-448-5434).