Volume 25 December, 1984 Number 12

VO L U ME XX V DECEMBER, 1984 NUMBER 12

HAVE YOU NOT READ"?

Frank Himmel

72315th Ave. W. Palmetto, FL33561

When some Pharisees came to Jesus testing Himwith the question of whether it was lawful to divorceone's wife for any cause, He answered with a question ofHis own: "Have you not read . . .?" (Mt. 19:3, 4). Hisresponse is thought-provoking. I bid you think with meabout its implications.

1. The Scriptures ought to be read. The Living Bible paraphrases Jesus' question, "Don't you read theScrip-tures?" that is an appropriate response to manyques-tions being asked.

Few Jews had copies of the Scriptures. But theyheard them often, since Scripture reading was a promi-nent part of worship in the synagogue. It was also partof the worship of the early Christians. The first "beati-tude" in the book of Revelation reads, "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the proph-ecy" (1:3).

The practice of having a Bible reading in public as-semblies seems to be on the decline. That is a trend that ought to be reversed. Such readings can be effective with just a little preparation. Likely many of us couldimprove our reading ability with some practice. Paul told Timothy, "Until I come, give attention to the pub-lic reading of Scripture" (I Tim. 4:13). Though "public"has been added by the translators, it seems to be the correct sense.

Private reading of Scripture is also needed. Readingschedules, such as the ones found in the helps in someBibles, tend to place more emphasis on volume readthan understanding the content; but at least they havethe merit of establishing the routine of Bible reading.

Spend some time with the Book every day. It is God

speaking to you.

Preachers, we are not all guiltless here. I find myself

spending far more time reading what others have said

about the Bible than reading the text itself. I suspect

others do to. Perhaps this is where so many erroneous

notions creep in.

  1. The Scriptures are authentic. Jesus recommended reading the Scriptures because He knew their origin. Peter put it this way; "But know thisfirst of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter ofone's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by theHoly Spirit spoke from God" (2 Pet. 1: 20, 21). Jesusknew nothing of higher criticism, redactors, compilers, etc. He never referred to the Old Testament as a book of myths and legends. In fact, it is interesting to note that two of the Old Testament narratives that most frequently come under attack—the creation account and the story of Jonah—were both used by our Lord in His teaching.
  2. The Scriptures can be understood. The divorce question was a major issue in Jesus' day. The controversy centered around the "indecency" of Dt.

24:1. Shammai took a conservative view; Hillel, a liberal one. Perhaps these Pharisees were trying to get Jesus toline up with one or the other of those rabbis. But His ques-tion was, "Have you not read?"

The tendency to let others do our thinking for us is all too common. It is easy to run to our favorite preacherand accept what he says on a certain subject as "gos-pel"; it is also dangerous. God revealed His will in such away that all of us have the opportunity to understand it."For we write nothing else to you than what you readand understand" (2 Cor. 1: 13). See also Eph. 3:3, 4.Make your own investigation into truth. "The faith which you have, have as your own conviction beforeGod" (Rom. 15:22).

Jesus never attributed religious differences to a mat-ter of "interpretation" or "understanding the Scrip-tures differently." He did tell the Sadducees, "You aremistaken, not understanding the Scriptures, (Mt. 22: 29). He accused those two disciples on the road to Em-maus of being "foolish men and slow of heart to believein all that the prophets have spoken" (Lk. 22:45). Mis-

understanding and not believing are problems withman, not with the Bible. Our Lord simply challenges us,"What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?(Lk. 10:26).

4. The Scriptures are practical. The Pharisees' ques-tion in our text was. "Is it [divorce] lawful?"Jesus answered, "Have you not read?" In other words,"If you were familiar with the Scriptures, your questionwould be answered." The Bible is the revelation of the mind of God. It is the only source to which we can go tofind the answer to the question, "Is it lawful?" Somemen (and women) in our day claim to be revealing the mind of God, but Jude affirmed the faith "was oncefor all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3). We must go tothe Book to find God's will.

The Scriptures are practical for other things. Jesusfound them useful in repelling temptation (Mt. 4:1-11).He also said they proved His claim to deity (Jn. 5:39).Paul noted that the things written in earlier times en-courage us (Rom. 15:4). They also warn us. One could sum up the practical benefits of the Scriptures by say-ing they equip us for every good work (2 Tim. 3:17).

5. The Scriptures must be kept. When asked about the lawfulness of divorce, Jesus appealed to thepattern for marriage. "And He answered and said,Have you not read, that He who created them from thebeginning made them male and female, and said, 'For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, andshall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become oneflesh? Consequently they are no more two, but oneflesh.' What therefore God has joined together, let noman separate" (Mt. 19:4-6). I think He was sayingthere was too much quibbling about divorce andnot enough emphasis on God's plan for marriage.

Is there not a lesson here that some of us need?

The force of Jesus' argument was that God's pattern,as revealed in Scripture, must be adhered to. He did notconsider these commands out of date, though they werethousands of years old. He did not look at these thingsas minor infractions which God would overlook. The Son of God did not determine truth through sympathyfor "innocent victims." He upheld the word of God. "Itis written."

Notice these statements: "Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets: I did not come toabolish, but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, untilheaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter orstroke shall pass away from the Law, until all is accom-plished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of thesecommandments, and so teaches others, shall be calledleast in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps andteaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom ofheaven" (Mt. 5:17-19). "For I tell you, that this which iswritten must be fulfilled..." (Lk. 22:37). ".. .the Scrip-ture cannot be broken" (Jn. 10:35).

You and I will face the words of Jesus at the judge

ment (Jn. 12:48). Why not face them now so He will not

say then, "Have you not read?"

EDITORIAL STEW

As is my custom in the December issue, I shall writeseveral short items which are unrelated and trust the readers will find something of interest.

THANKS FOR A JOB WELL DONE

In this issue be sure to read the column "Answers For Our Hope" by Marshall E. Patton. This is the last time this column will appear in SEARCHING THE SCRIP-TURES. For twenty-five years, since the first issue ofthe paper in January, 1960, brother Patton has faith-fully handled one of the most difficult assignmentswhich any writer ever faces. Fielding questions over a wide range of subject matter requires knowledge of theword of God, practical judgment, insight into currenttrends of thought, patience, courage and a sense ofhumor. The first ten years of the paper's history foundmany questions having to do with the institutional con-troversy. In a time when tempers were short, whenbrethren were being alienated from each other and whensincere brethren were looking for honest answers,brother Patton charted a course in his responses whichwas sane, courteous and careful. I have never known awriter who tried as hard to anticipate every possibleobjection to a position and then close all the gaps, as hehas done.

All have not agreed with every answer he has given,nor would they have done so had another written thiscolumn. It is the editor's settled conviction that the able work of Marshall Patton has added greatly to the stat-ure of the paper over these years and has caused readersto realize that the paper was not about to run off onsome tangent. The first twenty years of his column inthis paper is now in hard back book under the same titleas his column, "Answers For Our Hope." It is indexedboth by subject and scriptures discussed and is a veryuseful addition to any Christian's library. You may or-der it from Religious Supply Center. It sells for $17.45.

Since this column heading has been so identified withthe name of Marshall E. Patton, and since the book bythat title stands identified with him, we have decided tochoose another name for our question and answercolumn. Beginning in January, 1985 our question andanswer column will be entitled "What Saith the Scrip-tures?" and will be written by Weldon E. Warnock,long-time writer for this paper. We will have more to say about brother Warnock in our January, 1985 edition along with his first article under that heading.

It is with mixed feelings that we see brother Pattonlay down this assignment. Our feelings are relievedsomewhat by the fact that he plans to continue to writeunder a different heading. He has told me for sometimethat he wanted to do some writing on some thingswhich would not normally be allowed under the formathe has been using. So then, with gratitude for a job welldone and with eager expectations for other efforts fromthe pen of one so rich in knowledge, wisdom and experi-ence, we close a significant chapter in the history of thispaper. I feel certain that many of our readers will wantto take a moment and send brother Patton a note of thanks for the help he has given to all of us for a quarterof a century.

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HEART TRANSPLANT FOR DAVID JOY

David Joy of Paden City, West Virginia successfullyunderwent heart transplant surgery recently (October6) and at this time is making a good recovery. Davidteaches school at Paden City but also preaches for thegood church at Fly, Ohio. He is an exceptionally capablepreacher. He is only 31, married to the former PattyCasebolt (daughter of well-known Ohio Valley preacher,Paul Casebolt). They have three children. So far as I know this is the first case of such surgery with a mem-ber of the church, certainly with a gospel preacher.Fortunately, he has good insurance. Even so, for therest of his life he will be on very expensive medication tofight the possibility of rejection. His spirits are good, his faith is strong and his family and brethren haveoffered the greatest support possible. Be sure to see theitem in our NEWSLETTER REPORTS from Julian R. Snell. A trust fund has been set up at the Paden CityBank to help his family with expenses which insurancewill not be able to cover.

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LOSING MY SHIRT(S)

For years I have heard of people "losing their shirt"on some venture which did not meet expectations.Every preacher has had the experience of "losing hisshirt" in a meeting where it cost him more to go than hereceived in compensation. Last week, while stayingwith a good sister in Beaver Dam, Kentucky during ameeting with the Antioch church in Ohio County, I lostall my shirts at once. This good sister was to have agarage sale in cooperation with her daughter and twodaughters-in-law. A son-in-law had sent a number ofshirts for the sale and they were stored in the closet inmy room where I also hung my suits and shirts for meeting. One morning I opened the closet to get a shirtand they were ALL gone! I learned soon that they hadbeen taken to the house where the sale was to start the next day, and that all of them had a price tag put onthem and were ready for business. I rescued them be-fore it was too late. I have tried to figure out why thiscould have happened and have decided it might havebeen that the good sister was still rattled from havingkept Rodney Miller two weeks before I got there!

All of which goes to show that preaching is by no means dull. I have had my tooth brush used to brush aGerman Shepherd puppies' teeth, had a brother to weara pair of my trousers to services, preached in the Philip-pines in areas where there was military conflict betweenthe army and Muslim insurgents and where the housewas guarded day and night by 14 armed soldiers for ourprotection and where gunfire was heard over the cityevery night. I have been threatened by irate relativesover baptizing some of their kin, have had enough "hotletters" to last a whole generation, and have been lied about by folks who ought to have known better. That allgoes with the territory. Yet, none of it is even close tothe experiences of the apostle Paul. Read 2 Cor. 11:23-

33.

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• PRICE INCREASE

As announced last month, beginning, January, 1985all single subscriptions for STS will be $9 a year. This isthe first subscription rate increase since January, 1979and is long over due. We have absorbed several in-creases in printing costs during the last five years aswell as significant increases in our mailing costs. We don't want to do it, but we have to. We don't want to goout of business just yet. Thanks for your understand-ing.

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RELIGIOUS SUPPLY CENTER

In various parts of the nation, I continue to hear kindremarks about the friendly and prompt service of Reli-gious Supply Center in Louisville. Several have com-mented that they feel as if they have talked to kinfolksafter calling to place an order. Their volume of businessis growing. And why should it not, with David Key ablymanaging it, his wife Phyllis, and office workers MarieRicks and Mary Catherine Threlkel assisting customersin their friendly and efficient way? We rejoice in theirgrowth.

Once again, we remind our readers that the paper andthe book store are two entirely separate businesses. Thebook store is a client of the paper, purchasing advertis-ing space each month. We do not accept advertisingfrom other book stores or publishers since it is our feeling that with their contracted ad space, plus the church ads, any additional advertising space eachmonth would leave too little space for teaching articles.If you have business with the book store, please DONOT SEND IT TO THE PAPER. That will only delayyour business. If you have business with the paper,please DO NOT SEND IT TO THE BOOK STORE.That will also delay your business.

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WINTER STUDIES

While the meetings from March-November each yearare enjoyable, I always look forward to being homewithout interruption during December, January andFebruary for the classes and extra studies we have atExpressway in Louisville. This winter I will teach classes on "Developing True Spirituality", Ecclesiastesand Song of Solomon, "The Threat of Secular Human-ism", and 2 Corinthians. While these studies are aimedat our local work and its needs, we always invite any toattend who can do so. Besides the prospect of that, Ihave a good supply of wood for the fireplace and antici-pate some time to sit by and ponder while the blasts ofCanadian air chill the bone and snow covers the land-scape. There is nothing more therapeutic for me while the snow quietly blankets the ground outside, than towatch the tongues of fire leap and dance in the fireplace.Ah, to be home with Bobbie and Nana and the warmfireplace.

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• TWENTY-FIVE YEARS

This issue in your hand brings to a close a quarter of acentury of service to the readers of SEARCHING THESCRIPTURES. Much has happened in those years. Butwe are still as determined as ever to walk in the old paths, seek the good way, search the Scriptures, speakas the oracles of God and oppose error with all our might. Both H. E. Phillips, who edited the paper forover 13 years, and the present editor have tried to keepthe paper on a safe and sane course without letting itget over-balanced on any one subject. That does notmean that we have not devoted considerable space tosubjects we deemed of great importance, but we havenot allowed the paper to become a one-issue journal. Wehave tried not to allow pettiness a hearing and haverefused space to grind personal axes. We offer no apol-ogy for being both negative and positive. As we beginour twenty-sixth year we do so with an awareness thatthere are serious issues confronting the people of God,together with great opportunities to advance the causeof truth.

The good this paper has done over the last twenty-five years could not have been accomplished withoutthe efforts of the good men who have faithfully writtenthe articles which have appeared here. It would be re-miss not to publicly express gratitude again to H. E.Phillips for his years of faithful service as editor and forhis continuing friendship and counsel to the presenteditor. We also thank our readers, some of whom havebeen with us from day one, and many of whom haveencouraged friends to subscribe. We still need your helpand hope you will stay with us.

A WELCOME CHANGE

During the twenty five years I have written for thiscolumn I have suggested to the editors (formerly H. E.Phillips and currently Connie W. Adams) that a changein the writer would be good for the paper and for ourreaders. Their judgment, however, differed from mineand at their insistence I have continued. Recently, Iagain mentioned this change to Brother Adams. Heagreed to select another writer for "Answers For OurHope," if I would agree to continue writing for thepaper. This I have agreed to do, under another heading,of course.

The new writer may have good reason to select a newcaption for his question and answer column. I selected"Answers For Our Hope" years ago when the paperbegan. The first twenty years of this column have sincebeen put in book form bearing that title. However, thiscaption has so long been a part of SEARCHING THESCRIPTURES, I personally would like to see it con-tinue.

For me this is a welcome change. It will afford memore freedom to write on subjects of my own choosing. It has been next to impossible for me to do this and atthe same time maintain this column with any measure of regularity. Too, I find that some questions continueto reappear, and I find myself referring the querist toformer articles instead of writing anew on the subject.While another writer may well give the same answer,the different approach, style, and personality wouldprovide a freshness for the column that would be benefi-cial to all.

During these years I have tried to be fair, objective,and considerate. All three are most urgently needed indealing with controversial matters. It is easy to makequick reply without giving due consideration. Unlessone takes the time to study an issue well enough to beable to put himself in the position of an opponent andsee the issue from his point of view, he will misrepresenthim. All teachers would do well to ponder this point.

Writing this column has demanded a world of per-sonal correspondence in addition to what has appearedin the paper. I apologize for not being equal to keeping abreast of all such.

I understand that Brother Weldon E. Warnock has been selected for this job. He and I are personal friendsof long standing. We have worked in close associationwith each other numerous times through the years. Ihold him in the highest esteem and commend him as one worthy of confidence. He is no stranger to the readers ofSEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES. His writings ofthe past give reason for high expectations, renewedinterest, and a quality of spiritual guidance for this column commensurate with the high standards of SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES throughout the years of its existence. May God richly bless him in thisnew field of labor.

I look forward to seeing you periodically in anothercolumn in this paper in the future.

Do you, sometimes, wonder just what some personsmean by what they say or write? I suspect that this isan experience common to all of us. Much of the misun-derstanding currently flourishing in our society stemsfrom the ambiguous use of terms to express ideas, con-victions, purposes etc. Misunderstanding due to ambi-guity is frequently present among members of thechurch.

Negative and Positive

The expressions, "negative preaching" and "positivepreaching", have been reduced, by ambiguity, to a de-plorable state. This being true, the wise speaker willavoid using this combination of words except in thoseinstances where he has time and space to precisely de-fine his use of the expression. Some favor positivepreaching and deplore negative preaching. What do wemean by the terms? What says Webster?

POSITIVE: "Definitely or formally laid down or ex-pressed; admitting of no doubt—definite, decisive, ab-solute___ not relative or comparative .... confident, certain __ affirmative... concrete, sure..." These andlike words paint the picture of "positive". It is certainlygranted by anyone who knows what the Lord requiresof teachers and preachers of the gospel, that thesewords used to describe the preaching of gospelpreachers, are in agreement with the Lord's require-ments. There is nothing here however, that minimizesthe importance of "negative" preaching.

NEGATIVE: "Expressing, implying, or containing anegation. Or, a negative answer: opposed to affirma-tive. That side of a question which denies or refuses—torefuse assent to—to pronounce against—to disprove—contradict, deny".

The definition of these terms should make it clear that the two go together. Both negative and positivepreaching is required by the Scriptures. Negativepreaching, i.e., preaching calling for "rejecting", "deny-ing", "refusing", "refuting" etc., must complement pos-itive preaching.

God, through Amos, calls for "hate". He demandedthat Israel "hate the evil, and love the good __ " (Amos5:15). I classify "hate" as negative and "love" as posi-tive. The negative must accompany the positive. Nonecan love the good without hating the evil. Some healthyhate is sorely needed in our day. God's order has beenreversed in modern society, where perhaps the majorityhate the good and love the evil. There are things to hate as well as things to love. If we love the sinner, then wewill hate his or her sin.

The prominent place of negative preaching is evidentin the Lord's commission to Jeremiah. "See, I have thisday set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, toroot out, and to pull down, and to destroy and to throwdown, to build and to plant" (Jeremiah 1:10). Two fig-ures, farming and carpentry, are used in this passage toshow the kind of preaching God requires. Note the nega-tives, "Root out", "pull down", "destroy and throwdown". This commission has four negative actions de-scribed and two positives. The wise carpenter tearsdown the old decayed structures before he begins build-ing and the successful farmer clears the land, before heplants the seed. The negative precedes the positive.

What is meant by negative preaching? Some haveidentified the "Thou shalt not's" of the Old Testament as negative. They have pointed out that we are notunder a lot of "shalt not's", but rather are under thepositive gospel. The gospel, according to this theory,doesn't deal with negatives, but with positives. Thetruth of the matter is that the New Testament abounds in "Thou shalt Not's".

Paul charged Timothy and all gospel preachers to"preach the word". But what is involved? What is it to"preach the word? The answer is, "Reprove, rebuke,exhort with all longsuffering and teaching" (2 Timothy4:2). Two of the distributives (reprove and rebuke) are tobe classified as negatives, while one (exhort) is positive.The sinner needs to be reproved, i.e., convicted of guiltof sin; it is also necessary to "rebuke" or "chide" forsinful conduct. Both these negatives are placed beforethe positive. "Call to action" is the idea in the word,"exhort". There is no need to "call to action" until awareness exists of the lack in one's life.

The idea expressed by the words, "Thou shalt not",abounds in the New Testament as well as in the Old Testament. There are many passages in the New Testa-ment whose language requires precisely the same thing as the words, "Thou shalt not". These are all negatives;they "deny", "prohibit" or "refute". These underscored words are all given as synonyms of "negative" in Websters Third New International Dictionary.

One negative, which is ignored by many Christians,is, "Not forsaking our own assembling together as thecustom of some is . . . ." "Not forsaking" is just asnegative as "Thou shalt not". What is the difference inthe meaning of "Not forsaking the assembling" and inthe meaning of "Thou shalt not forsake the assem-bling"?

The last three chapters of Ephesians are devotedlargely to a setting forth of both "negative" AND "posi-tive" actions, which must characterize the "faith untothe saving of the soul". Study carefully Ephesians4:17—5:15 and note the negatives—the "Thou shalt not's". Ephesians 4:17 ".... that ye no longer walk asthe Gentiles also walk...." Does anyone imagine thatthou shalt not walk as the Gentiles walk is any morenegative than "that ye no longer walk as the Gentileswalk?" The "old man" must be put away before the"new man" can be put on (Ephesians 4:22-24). Ephe-

sians 4:28, "Steal no more" is certainly equal to "Thou shalt not steal." Steal no more (negative), but rather labor(positive). Read on through the rest of the book of Ephesians noting the order, the negatives appear right along with the positives.

The grace of God teaches us to "deny" ungodliness andworldly lust (Titus 2:12). Grace "prohibits". Each in Jude's time, there were those who resented being "fenced in"by the truth. They turned the grace of God into lasciviousness (Jude 4). The prohibitions of the grace ofGod must be respected. No one can live soberly, righteouslyand godly and fail to deny ungodliness and worldly lust.

An emphatic "NO" is heaven's prescription for everysituation where the devil tempts one to do wrong. The positive "YES", not only by word, but by deed as well, isthe only thing that will please God as a response to truth and right. "NO" in clear emphatic word and deed must bethe response to sin and error.

SOME ELEMENTS OF SUCCESSFUL PARENTAL DISCIPLINE

"Nurture them in the chastening and admonition of theLord" (Eph. 6:4) is God's abiding order and challenge toevery Christian parent. As mathematically we understandthat "the whole is equal to the sum of its parts," so disciplinary we understand that nurture of the child involves the total actions God wants parents to take tomeet his good pleasure. We may later recognize that ourparental foresight has not been perfect but there are someprinciples which we cannot overlook if we are to be reasonably successful in the rearing of our children. To some of these we here invite attention.

1. Every Christian parent must be willing to acceptparental responsibility. None has a right to be wrong inthis regard. None has the right before God to disregard thisobligation which God prescribes. No rational per- son canjustify bringing children into the world while ignoring God's command regarding parental nurturing of those children. Every moral person understands that he has anobligation to discharge his commitment to his employer, tohis government, to his spouse, to his neigh- bor. Whyshould a parent feel no obligation to do what- ever is righttoward his/her own offspring? Even lower animals providefor their own!

2. Every Christian parent who successfully disci

plines his own child must first discipline himself. The ancient proverb declares, "He that is slow to anger isbetter than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit thanhe that taketh a city." Sad indeed is the situation when inhis heart a child says of the parent, "What you are speaksso loudly I cannot hear what you say!" A parent maycontrol the physical body of the child by force but thechild's spirit he cannot control without the child's consent. No father or mother who is not self-disciplined can effectively discipline the child.

  1. Parents must be united on disciplinary procedure.Each parent who succeeds as a disciplinarian of childrenmust have a triple agreement: (1) agreement with God, (2)agreement with the other parent and (3) agreement with thechild. The primary thrust of Amos 3:3—"Can two walktogether except they be agreed?"—has to do with Israel's rejection of God's will which Israel has agreed to honor. God would not continue to "walk with", i.e., to bless, Israel if Israel would not respect God. In marriageboth husband and wife are to honor God's will toward them as "one". Parents, therefore, must love and respecteach other and be agreed on proper discipline for thechild. When properly handled, then, the child will conform to the unified discipline of the parents. Nothing can create greater turmoil and ultimate havoc in the parent-child relationship than pa- rental disagreement over child treatment. It is a rare situation when a child does not become either a rebel or emotionally unstable when parentsdisagree on disciplinary procedure and practice.
  2. Parents must think maturely but understand im-maturity. For a parent to think that a child reasons andunderstands as an adult is sheer stupidity. ApostlePaul said, "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child: now that I am become a man, Ihave put away childish things" (1 Cor. 13:11). Paul neverforgot that he was once a child with childish thoughts, emotions, speech and actions! Some parents never remember or else conveniently forget the immaturities ofchildhood. This is a big reason for many developingchildren thinking of one or both parents as tyrants. It alsoexplains why many children are over-whelmingly anxious to escape such an environment at the earliestopportunity. The respected, loved and effec- tive parent isalways the one who remembers what it means to think,feel, speak and act as a child.

O, fathers and mothers, hear me! It is our God-given duty to take our children's minds and hearts, even as we taketheir hands to guide them through a milling crowd, up astairs, on across a heavily trafficked roadway. Momentby moment, hour by hour, day by day, week by week andyear by year it is with pity, patience, persist-ence, andprayer without ceasing that we bring them through theperilous stumbling stones of ignorance, innocence, and immaturity to the high road of knowl-edge and understanding—the highway, yea, the mountaintop ofmaturity. Dear Father, let me never forget where I wouldbe without a father and mother who cared when I needed the care that only a devoted father and mother can give!

It is indeed refreshing to engage in this type of ex-change and also to see such frank honesty on the part ofbrethren Dorris and Donnie Rader. I hope to be asfrankly honest in this reply.

I would like to retract the observation I made regard-ing the appearance of a nihil obstat or imprimatur in the article to which I responded. That was based onsome of the recommendations near the end of their article, and it really served no good purpose. I tried toconvey my confidence that neither of the authors ofthe article nor the editor of Searching the Scriptures intended such.

The difference we have seems to fall into the categoryof understanding facts rather than what is factual. Themisinformation given regarding the text is cleared up. Iwould only urge the readers of these exchanges to readonce more my efforts to explain what I meant by thestatement that it is impossible to know for sure aboutthe original text by reading any version of the Bible. Wecould debate that for ages, I suppose, with little or noadvantage. Versions are not inspired of God and all ofthem are infected with human fallibility. That was the only point I wanted to make.

I do firmly believe the word of God is fully inspiredand that we have it complete today. When it is trans-mitted through fallible men it is subject to the errorsthat creep in. With more and more ancient documentsbeing uncovered we are able to check and re-check manu-scripts and in so doing learn that any variant or omis-sion is usually very insignificant. I do not have a perfectyard stick. I have a copy of one that, through manufac-turing processes, may not be identical to the one kept inthe National Bureau of Standards in Washington, D.C.But, I have no reluctance to use what I have as a reliablemeans of measurement. I have no original copy of the Bible. I have a copy of a copy, but also have no reluc-tance in using it as a reliable means for spiritual mea-surements. My confidence is in the author of it.

The quotation from me out of Truth Magazine is prob-ably worthy of some comment. I said that the translators of the NIV. "flavored their translation with their Calvinistic backgrounds." I believe that is truein a number of cases. Not only must I recognize it inthe NIV, but in any version of the Bible. The KJV haslong been criticized for the same thing. The reader isurged to consider the criticisms of Calvinistic influence in the following instances.

1. Acts 2:47—"The Lord added to the church dailysuch as should be saved." The KJV translation fits the Calvinistic view that God determined who "should be saved" and then added them to the church. E. H. Plumptre criticized their work, say-ing, "The verse takes its place among the few pas-sages in which the translators have, perhaps, beeninfluenced by a Calvinistic bias." The ASV and NIV both correct this to, "the Lord added to them(their number, NIV) day by day (daily NIV) thosewho were being saved."

  1. Acts 3:19—"Repent and be converted." The KJVuses a passive form here in translation from aGreek verb that is active in the original. The ASVand the NIV both correct this. The KJV and NKJV suggest that the sinner is passive in turn-ing to the Lord—a Calvinistic view.
  2. Gal. 5:17—". . . and the Spirit lusteth against theflesh, for these are contrary the one to the other:that ye cannot do the things that ye would." TheKJV suggests that a sinner is totally unable to dowhat is right—a Calvinistic concept. The NKJVchanges it to, "so that you do not do the thingsthat you wish." The NIV does the same. There isno textual basis for translating "cannot do" in this passage.
  3. Heb. 6:6—"and if they shall fall away." There is no "if" in any Greek text. Brother Milligan observed,"Nevertheless, our translators followed Beza,who, without any authority from ancient MSS., hath inserted the word si (if), . . ." Both the NIVand NKJV follow the KJV and the ASV corrects it to "and then fell away." But, if Calvinism is seen inthe addition of "if", then the KJV is guilty.

My personal view is that the KJV translators weresomewhat Calvinistic in these four instances. This does not discredit the entire KJV of the Bible. Understand-ing such matters in the KJV demands that we do thesame with any version of the Bible. I know of no versionof the Bible that is beyond criticism in some respect,including the KJV and the ASV. Selecting a right trans-lation is not easy, and I have no quick and easy formulaby which to recommend one. I try to read as many as Iregard to be the work of men who publicly commit themselves to faith in the fully inspired word of Godwhich is an inerrant and infallible supernatural revela-tion from God.

With these things said, I again say I admire brethrenDorris and Donnie Rader and hope nothing has beendone to damage our relationship in Christ and thatreaders of these exchanges will not assume that differ-ence makes us enemies.

We appreciate very much the kind way that brotherSpears has treated us in this exchange. When suchdiscussions are conducted in a brotherly fashion it iscertainly wholesome and refreshing.

We must observe that brother Spears didn't deny allof the points that we made in the November issue.Rather, it seems that he has shifted gears on us. Our discussion concerned the NIV. That was the subject ofthe August Special Edition. Most of what was said inthe November issue concerned the NIV. Yet now brother Spears turns to talk about the weakness of theKJV.

We agreed in our first article that there is some weak-ness in the KJV. We would not try to defend the KJV asa flawless translation. Though these four points thatbrother Spears mentions are examples of weaknesses inthe KJV, they are not really parallel with Psa. 51:5(NIV) teaching that David was born in sin or passagesthat translate sarx as "sinful nature." We have never noticed that brethren who used the KJV in debate with the Calvinists ever had any problem. However, you canimagine the problems you would have using the NIV.

  1. Acts 2:47—Brother Spears claims that the KJVrendering to this verse teaches that God chose whoshould be saved then added them to the church. It is true that there is no textual justification for "shouldbe." It is certainly better translated in the ASV andNKJV. While it is incorrect, we fail to see that it bla-tantly teaches Calvinism like the NIV does.
  2. Acts 3:19—Brother Spears in correct in pointingout that "be converted" is passive in the KJV, but it isactive in the original. This teaches Calvinism, he says,because the sinner is passive in turning to the Lord.

While we grant him the point that this should beactive as in the ASV, we fail to see where this lends a hand to the Calvinist. Just because there is somethingpassive in the sinner turning to the Lord that doesn't suggest Calvinism. The sinner is commanded to "bebaptized" (Acts 2:38). that is in the passive voice. Wefail to see Calvinism in that.

3. Gal. 5:17—Our brother says that the KJV sug-gests that the sinner is totally unable to do what isright. We would agree that there is no textual basis for "cannot do" and that the NKJV better translates it.

However, even with this word "cannot" it doesn't necessarily suggest an impossibility (cf. Exo. 19:23; Mark 11:33).

4. Heb. 6:6—It is true that there is no justification forthe word "if" being inserted into the text. Again, we fail to see that this implies Calvinism. Even with the word"if" in our KJV it teaches the possibility of apostacy."If" doesn't deny the possibility of that happening, but shows that when it does then it is impossible to renewthem to repentance.

The word "if" does not suggest that what follows isuntrue or impossible. When brother Spears says, "But,if Calvinism is seen in the addition of 'if', then the KJVis guilty" we are not to conclude that he does not believeit is guilty, for he had already said that there was "Cal-vinistic influence in the following instances."

Again we appreciate the kind way that brother Spears has treated us. We consider him a friend, not anenemy. We also appreciate brother Adams allowing usthe space for our original article and this exchange.

May God bless us all as we continue to study thematters of text and translation.

Many problems have arisen among brethren becauseof a failure to realize the significance and meaning ofGod's silence on many matters. The matter is not socomplicated. We all need just to sit down and do a littlethinking about how to deal with God's silence.

The Lord has many secrets. "The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which arerevealed belong unto us and to our children for ever,that we may do all the words of this law" (Deut. 29:29).Moses said this to the generation to whom the law wasgiven, but this principle still is brought over into theNew Testament. We are not to add to His word or gobeyond the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9-11; Rev. 22:18,19). We do not know when Christ will return for the finaljudgment (Matt. 24:36-51; 2 Pet. 3:10-14). Very manypreachers in our materialistic world today are spending much time talking and writing about this secret of God.The public seems to be willing to provide millions ofdollars to provide television and radio time and enor-mous salaries for these men to reveal secrets or to de-ceive millions of people. All this is worse than useless. Itis sinful. The preachers should teach the revealed wordof God.

The Lord wants us to know "all things that pertain tolife and godliness" (2 Peter 1:3). He wants us to befurnished completely to every good work (2 Tim. 3:16,17). The public shows very little interest in what Goddoes say, but very much interest in His secrets. Peoplesay, "One way is as good as another." They resent thosewho talk of the one body, one faith, and one baptism(Eph. 4:1-6). They become ecstatic over the sensationalspeculation of the deceivers. This is amazing and regret-able.

When the instrument of music, societies, and the so-cial gospel were being introduced in the last centurysome capable preachers cancelled their influence forgood by saying, "My Lord made no comment on thesethings, so I cannot." It would have been a different story if they boldly proclaimed that the Lord was silenton these things that affect the organization, work, andworship of the church, therefore they are unscriptural.They could not be added by faith that comes by hearing the word of God. The Lord left these things out of Hisplans for the church. His silence condemns them. Add-ing one unauthorized thing leads ultimately to manyadditions and to complete apostasy. Adding one un-scriptural item to the work and worship is a giant step back toward denominationalism. With the passing oftime we can see what it has done.

Two or three decades ago brethren again went outinto the realm of God's silence with stubbornness and arrogance. Any who tried to warn them were calledfanatics, antis, and trouble makers and were bitterly rejected. Again there were giant steps back to denomi-nationalism. Some who have gone on ahead havereached classic liberalism. Men misused silence of the scriptures when they said, "Where does the Bible saythat it is wrong to have sponsoring churches?" We wereasking where is the scripture for these central agents,gymnasiums, and other things that are without thebacking of a single passage of scripture.

Division, shame, and apostasy came again as in thelast century. There were no new arguments. The samethings were said pro and con about institutionalism andthe social gospel. The last effects are the same. May wenot suppose that Satan will use these same tricks on thechurch in the twenty-first century? There are alreadymany among us who are not very concerned about thedifferences.

The Lord is silent on hundreds of things that do notpertain to the organization, work, or worship of Hispeople. These matters do not pertain to life and godli-ness. Brethren have fussed and almost fought over theplace of baptizing and over the matter of tableclothsover and under the containers for the bread and fruit of the vine. Before baptisteries were common, we baptized in muddy ponds, cold spring water, and increeks the banks of which were covered with bushes and weeds. When pools of water were provided insidenear dressing rooms there were those who objected. Theinconvenient places were not more scriptural. The Lord is silent on these things that do not involve Hiswill or change the action He commanded.

When humble Christians provided rough tables onwhich to spread the Lord's Supper, cloths made themlook better. When houses had open windows and noscreens, it was appropriate for cloths to be over the fruitof the vine and the bread. When these cloths were no longer needed, they could not be removed because ofbrethren who had put their custom on par with theLord's will. God is silent on these matters because theydo not concern Him. We today may have as much rever-ence as those who baptized in the creek and used table-cloths for the Lord's Supper. Men should not make lawsconcerning expedients when the Lord did not.

Some seem to think that there must be a scripturalexample for a thing to be approved. The approved ex-ample is not the only way the Lord teaches. Somethings are commanded and some things are necessarilyinferred. We are to teach, but how? We may teach pub-licly and privately. We may use object lessons as did ourMaster. We may write as did Luke and Paul eventhough our writings are not inspired. We may use chalkboard, charts, or projectors. There is as much scripturalauthority for a flannel board or projector as for a chalkboard but many who would permit the latter wouldobject to the former. The Lord is silent on matters ofexpedients. They are not the same as additions. Having a heater, lights, or songbooks is not the same as using an organ. The first things expedite the carrying out of the command to sing; the last adds another kind ofmusic. Can you see the difference in using a light bulband in using an organ when we worship?

There are those who object to too many things and others who tolerate too many things because they donot understand how to use the silence of the scriptures."Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord"(Isa. 1:18.).

"In like manner, ye wives be in subjection to your ownhusbands" (1 Pet. 3:1).

I have come to the sad conclusion that few women in the world even know HOW to practice this command,much less actually do it. The tides of the times, thedictates of society, and many husbands' abuse of their headship, have not only corrupted the original role of the woman, but have tempted even the righteouswoman to find imaginary loopholes to escape her duties.Satan has blinded us, as he blinded Eve, into thinking that there is at least one command we need not obey—"Wives, be in subjection." We need to remind ourselvesthat just as Eve died spiritually the day she took ameasly bite of fruit, so we also will die spiritually fordisobeying God in even this one area. , So, where doesone go to find out how to be in subjection? Using thesame restoration principle Josiah and Hezekiah used,one goes back to the original pattern (2 Kg. 22-23; 2Chron. 29-31). And Peter tells us who to look to: "...aforetime the holy women also, who hoped in God,adorned themselves, being in subjection to their ownhusbands; as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him Lord...." (1 Pet. 3:5-6).

Immediately comes the question, "Do I have to ad-dress my husband as "Lord," or perhaps, "Sir"? Noticethat in the instance Peter speaks of, Sarah is not speak-ing TO Abraham (Gen. 18:12). Rather, she is speaking OF Abraham—to herself! How often do we have to guard our tongues in the presence of those of whom, atother times, we speak ill? As Jesus so often said to thePharisees, take care of the inside and the outside willtake care of itself (Mt. 23:25-26).

How do you think of your husband? Do you laugh athim behind his back? Do you obey cheerlessly, thenstew about it all day long? Do you often whine, "Henever does anything my way?" Do you resent the ruleGod has given him over you? You may as well resentGod (1 Sam 8:4-8).

Now, how do you speak of him to others? Do you complain to the neighborhood kaffeeklatsch (the onesyou hope to convert by your godly example)? Do youadvertise his weaknesses and failures (Prov. 14:1)? Doyou defy him or put him down in front of the children?Do you find it necessary to correct every little mistakehe makes (No, honey, it's 38 miles, not forty)?

If you are honest with yourself, you can possibly seeseveral areas where you need to improve. It is not easy. A woman cannot get into Heaven on her husband'scoat-tails. God expects her to have her own faith, convic-tions, and responsibilities (Phil. 2:12). He expects her tobe strong (Prov. 31:25). So how can a person like thatfind submission easy?

It helps to know where the difficulties lie. It beganwith Eve in the Garden. Before the fall, man had work— tending the garden—but after the fall, work became harder (Gen. 2:15, 3:17-19). Before the fall,woman was capable of child-bearing but after the fall,it became more difficult (Gen. 1:27-28; 3:16). Beforethe fall, woman was subject to man—she was madesecond in the role of helper—but after the fall,subjection became a major source of temptation (Gen.2:20; 1 Tim. 2:13). Notice the parallel wording of Gen.

3:16 and 4:7:

Woman's desire is unto her husband, but he rules overher. Sin would desire to rule over Cain, but God com-manded HIM to rule over it. The parallel follows thatthe woman would desire to rule over her husband, buthe would rule over her. Therefore, part of woman's cursewas that subjection became a struggle. It takes strength of character and enormous self-discipline to bea woman in subjection. The libber, who puts down thesubmissive woman, is the weak one, giving in to her ownselfish desires without even a fight.

Another difficulty we face is that men in general donot deserve subjection "as unto the Lord." They areonly mortals with their own faults and weaknesses, and Satan does his best to remind us of them. But God has never made any law of subjection depend on what theother deserves. We are to be subject to rulers—that waswritten to Christians under a ruthless tyranny (1 Pet2:13). We are to be subject to one another even thoughwe each have "our own burdens" to bear (Eph. 5:21). Weare to be subject to masters (employers), even "to the froward," and "in like manner wives be in subjection..."(1 Pet. 2:18, 3:1). I doubt there are more than a handfulof husbands anywhere who truly deserve the kind ofloving devotion and subjection God intends a wife togive her husband. But there are probably not manymore who get it either.

Then there are the individual husbands themselves who cause the difficulties, the slobs, the sorry pro-viders, the insecure tyrants, the workaholics, the ro-bots, the insensitive ingrates, not to mention the oneswho just do not think. A lot of husbands excel in verbalabuse. If the places I have been are any indication, suchabuse occurs every Sunday and Wednesday night inevery churchyard in the world, not to mention whathappens in private. (We will not mention physicalabuse, but I wish some faithful gospel preacher would

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write at length on the subject. Like all other forms ofungodliness, this, too, has "crept privily" into thechurch. The Christian needs to know her scriptural op-tions in such cases.) And there are the husbands whobelieve subjection means his wife can never express adifference of opinion. He tells his side and then closesthe subject, "Lets not argue," or "That is enough." Yet,not a one of them will claim to be better than the Lord,and even he allowed a woman to reason with him and to change his mind (Mk. 7:26-30). Would that more hus-bands "followed his steps" in the treatment of their ownwives, whom they claim to "love as their own selves" (1Pet 2:21; Eph. 5:33). A husband needs to remember thathe can help his wife be in subjection, and when he doesnot, he is4n the unenviable position of causing his SIS-TER to stumble (Rom. 14:13; Lk. 17:1-2).

But wives, while it is true that a loving husband canmake subjection easier, it is only wishing to think wewill ever have the problem licked—"take heed. . . ." (1Cor. 10:12). And it is only rationalization to blame it onour husbands. God never commanded them to keep usin subjection. He told us wives to have enough self-discipline (temperance) to keep ourselves in subjection,and promised there would never be more than we couldbear (1 Cor. 10:13). And, somehow, I cannot believe thatsharing hell with the husband one insists is at fault willmake it more bearable.

WHO ARE THEY? HOW DO THEY FARE? WHAT MAY OTHERS DO TO ASSIST THEM?

They are the Lord's Maine men. They are ministers ofthe gospel in the State of Maine. Their preaching of theWORD OF TRUTH is in hard places. Let me introducethem to you:

Brother Ralph C. Smart (P.O. Box 109, Harrington,Me. 04463) has been a Maine man for more years thanthe others. At present he is discussing the possibility ofassisting the church at Scarborough for a time, whilethe local preacher recovers his health. Brother Smart isin need to $350.00 per month additional support.

Brother James C. Jones (P.O. Box 348, Standish, Me. 04084) became a Maine man about 15 years ago, whenhe brought his wife and family to the State and startedthe church which meets at Scarborough. He has ac-quired most of his support by teaching school. How-ever, at this time his health prevents him from preach-ing and other active participation in the work. TheScarborough church is small (23 were present on Sun-day morning, Sept. 30th). Brother Marcus Dixon, who lives near Brunswick (about 40 miles away), teaches theadult classes.

Brother Troy Adams (P.O. Box 506, Ellsworth, Me.04605), who preaches at Ellsworth, was not present, onMonday, October first, when my wife and I had lunchwith other Maine men and their wives at Searsport.Brother Adams has been a Maine man for several yearsand it was a disappointment not to see him and becomebetter acquainted with him, while we were in the State.

Brother Rea Pennock (P.O. Box 303, Pittsfield, Me.04967) has been a Maine man about 5 years. He told me,"I am the only one who receives adequate support."However, the meeting house at Pittsfield burned onFriday, September 28th, and brother Pennock's books were smoke and water damaged. The building was in-sured, but I doubt that all losses were covered; such isusually the case.

Brother Bruce Hudson (P.O. Box 56, Milbridge, Me.04658) is the youngest of the Maine men. Brucepreached at Milbridge four years, then moved out of theState. After being away a couple of years, he has re-turned to preach at Milbridge. During the season, heand his wife, Vicki, raked blueberries to supplement hissupport. That source of income has ended and he is ingreat need of additional support. The other Maine menhighly respect this young man and his family.

Brother Herb Brasswell (Box 162, Dexter, Me. 04930) became a Maine man about 2 years ago, when he beganworking with the church at Dexter. He brings enthusi-asm to the work. He needs an additional $200.00 permonth support.

There is sadness among the Maine men. On July 22ndthe preacher at Bangor resigned and defected, to "the'institutional' church in Brewer." Some members of the Bangor church followed him. I was asked: "Do youknow of a preacher who would be interested in the workat Bangor?" However, those who asked were not mem-bers of the Bangor church. It is expected that thiswould be a difficult work. It would seem that a mature man with settled convictions, who can be firm, yet pa-tient and gentle, is needed by Bangor (church of Christ,516 Union St., Bangor, Me. 04401).

YOU MAY BE ABLE TO ASSIST THE MAINE MEN:

If you are an elder, ask your fellow elders to considersupporting one of the Maine men. They are makingpersonal sacrifices to preach the glorious gospel and areworthy of your fellowship in that gospel.

If you are not an elder, bring the needs of the Mainemen to the attention of the elders of the church with which you are identified.

If you are a member of a church without elders, in-form the brethren there of the needs of the Maine men and ask them to consider entering into fellowship withthem.

It is my prayer that the Lord will open the hearts ofbrethren all over America to the needs of the Maine men and that faithful local churches will begin providingthem with adequate support. This is my only motive forsubmitting this report.

TEA BAGS AND THE GOSPEL

The city of Manila is to the Philippines much like Jerusalem was to Judaea—it is difficult to enter the country without visiting the city. And, much inter-island travel in the Philippine Archipelago finds the traveler going in and out of Manila. I never did haveany trouble understanding that "Judaea" in Acts 11:29meant just that—Judaea. Some brethren try to provethat since Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem on this journey (Acts 12:25), that the relief for the Ju-daean brethren was placed under the oversight of theJerusalem elders. Such a conclusion not only contra-dicts other passages which treat on the subject of con-gregational autonomy (Acts 14:23, 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2),but is in no way demanded by the inspired account ofthe benevolence sent from Antioch to Judaea.

In the first place, Paul and Barnabas wanted to takeJohn (Mark), with them on the return trip, so had topass through the city of Jerusalem to get him (Acts12:12). Besides, Jerusalem was in Judaea, and would share in any benevolence sent to Judaea. In the secondplace, after one has visited the Philippines via the cityof Manila, the Bible account of this journey in Acts11-12 is even more understandable. And in the third place, the Holy Spirit told it the way it actually hap-pened, and we should leave it that way.

In my 1984 travels through the Philippine Islands, Ifound myself entering and leaving Manila at least fiveseparate times. Each time I stayed at the Bay ViewPlaza Hotel. The waiters and waitresses in the coffee shop soon learned that I drank tea instead of coffee, andthat I would make three cups of tea from one tea bag.When I left Manila for the last time, I bought an extratea bag which had the hotel logo on it, and told the staffI would think of them when I returned to the states and brewed myself a cup of tea from that tea bag.

A few weeks later, I was camping in a remote moun-tain valley of West Virginia, and decided to use my"Manila" tea bag. As I squeezed every moment of en-joyment I could get from that much-traveled tea bag, Inoticed in fine print on the tag that it had been manufac-tured by a prominent company in another country.

Then the thought struck me, "If a tea bag can travelthat far in a few week's time, and end up in some se-cluded place thousands of miles from its origin, whycouldn't the gospel?" Well, of course, the gospel hasdone exactly that.

I do not believe that the adjective great when ap-plied to the gospel commission is overly descriptive.Originally, the Lord gave this commission to elevenapostles (Mk. 16:14-20), and told them to "go into all theworld" (v. 15). The fact that Matthias increased theirnumber to twelve a few days later doesn't change themagnitude of their task. Yet, in about thirty years time,the task had been completed.

Of course the twelve did not personally visit every"creature," but those taught by them helped in the task(Acts 8:4). We can accomplish the same task anytime weare ready. The case of the traveling tea bag proves it.

Romans 1:20 and 2 Corinthians 4:18 talk of invisible things being clearly seen and looking at things whichare not seen. These are some of those paradoxical state-ments, of which there are many, in the New Testament.How could the invisible be "clearly seen?" Of what value would be staring out into space "looking at thingswhich are not seen?" Literally, these statements wouldbe self-contradictory and unbelievable. Therefore the lesson to us must be one of spiritual application with"seeing" having a special meaning. By looking at one thing, we can see, that is, perceive something else. Pick-ing a wild-flower which grows in abundance along Texascountry lanes, that would normally be considered aweed, when taken apart and its intricate, complex for-mation considered, God and his everlasting power anddivinity can be as clearly seen as if we were looking athim with the natural eye. Only a fool could fail to seethis, and such was the conclusion of the Psalmist whosaid, "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God"(Psalms 14:1).

This is equally true when we contemplate God's prov-idential care and gracious provisions for the salvation ofHis creatures who will favorably respond to His com-passionate plea to forsake Satan's domain. Jehovahmade such a choice for man long before man's need and even before He made the man for whom the plan wasintended. 1 Corinthians 2:7 puts it like this: "We speakGod's wisdom in a mystery, even the wisdom that hathbeen hidden, which God foreordained before the worldsunto our glory." The same writer declares in 2 Timothy1:9, that "God saved us, and called us with a holy call-ing, not according to our works, but according to hisown purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before times eternal. . ." The apostle Paul saysagain that he lived "in hope of eternal life, which God,who cannot lie, promised before times eternal" (Titus 1:2) We are informed in 1 Pet. 1:18-20, thatChrist as a lamb without spot and blemish redeemedus with his precious blood, and this was "fore knownindeed before the foundation of the world." Even the church was an evidence of the manifold wisdom of God, "according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Ephesians3:10,11). The footnotes list some of these statements as"ages," "long ages ago," etc. but there is one scripturethat tells us how long ago God chose these things."Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world ..." (Eph. 1:4). This Greek phrase literallytranslated is "before the throwing down of the world."Before God stretched out his hand and said, "Let theworld exist," and then threw it down as the footstoolof His feet, He had already formulated plans and made the choice for man's salvation.

What human mind or understanding could have con-ceived of such arrangement, even as a contingency? "Othe depth of the riches both of the wisdom and theknowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judg-ments, and his ways past tracing out! For who hathknown the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counselor?" (Romans 11:33-35). When we read Inspira-tion's revelation of God's infinite wisdom and purposefor man's redemption, we are seeing the unseen. Theinvisible things of him rise up before us and are clearlyseen!

A few years ago I debated W. L. Totty for two nightsat his home congregation in Indianapolis, Indiana. Theproposition was on the questionable side and gave someof my brethren fits. We will not go into the circum-stances of why I signed such a proposition. I think I canjustify the signing of it. But in my first speech in Indi-anapolis, I spoke as follows: "What is the issue? Letthere be no misunderstanding. Let there be no misrepre-sentation. Let there be light! Let all understand whatthe issue between us is.

  1. The issue is NOT shall we feed children. There is NO question here. This is not the issue. I believe weshould feed children. I will affirm in public debate that we should feed children.
  2. The issue is NOT shall children be fed from funds from the church treasury. I believe they may be so fed.

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3. The issue is NOT will we go to hell for feedingchildren. I don't believe we will. On the contrary, Ibelieve we may go to hell if we do NOT feed children.

What, then, is the real issue? What is the question indispute? What is the contention? We will never be ableto find the answer until we understand the question.

  1. First of all there is the question of the limit or the unlimit to church benevolence. Is the church limited in the scriptures in benevolent work? I believe it is.
  2. Secondly there is the matter of going beyond thedoctrine of Christ. Is there a transgression of the doc-trine of Christ in what we are doing?
  3. Thirdly there is the question of incarcerating chil-dren in institutions which is contrary to nature and toGod's word.
  4. Fourthly there is the sinfully extravagant waste ofmoney in the operation of this human machinery.

5. And fifth and more important there are the many divided churches all over the country over this thing.

I charge that there is a violation of several scripturesby this congregation in making contributions to thesehuman societies. 2 John 9 warns against "Going on-ward and not abiding in the doctrine of Christ." Thiscongregation is doing this on two counts. They are help-ing non-saints and they are helping human societies. 1Cor. 4:6 warns against "going beyond" what is written.This congregation is doing this very thing in the twosituations I have mentioned. According to Rev. 22:18this congregation is "Adding to God's Word" in theincidents I have mentioned.

Now if they are not going onward" and if they are not"going beyond" and if they are not "adding to his word"let them present a scripture, any scripture that permitsthe church to help non-saints and that permits thechurch to assist a human society. I say they can't do it."

Send all News Items to: Connie W. Adams, P.O. Box 69, Brooks, KY 40109

REPORT ON DAVID JOY Julian R. Snell, 632 Montclair Rd., Frankfort, KY 40601—David Joy ofPaden City, West Virginia underwent successful heart transplant surgery in Pittsburgh, PA on Saturday, October 6. His prognosis is good and his recuperation is on schedule. For several weeks he had been hospitalized,first at Paden City, then Wheeling and finally trans-ferred to Pittsburghwhere diagnosis confirmed an infected heart with the only prospect for a normally active life depending upon heart transplant. David teaches school in Paden City and preaches at Fly, Ohio. Insurance relieves a great part of the medical expense but extensive personal expenses on the part of his good wife Patty (Paul Casebolt's daughter) due to attending him during the several weeks confinement, travel to and from the hospital along with remaining medical and hospital costs has beenconsiderable. This fine family needs our help. A trust fund has been set upin the name:David Joy, at Paden CityBank, Paden City, WV 26159.

This information is offered not at the request of the Joy family, rather,love and concern for this good brother, awareness of his needs, prompts thissharing with the confidence that lovers of the gospel will readily respond.Why not send a check today?

TO NEW LOCATION JACK HOBBY, Box 8207—A, Orlando, FL 32856—After more than thirty years in one location, the Holden Heights congregation will bemoving into a new building at a different location. We hope to be fully settled in at the new location by January 1,1985. We will vacate ourpresent building October 30, 1984. We will continue to meet during the interim at a temporary meeting place. We can be reached by phone at the following numbers: 851-8031 (new building site); my home, 855-2670.Our new address will be 3940 South Bumby. The mailing ad-dress will remain the same (P.O. Box 8207-A, 32856). As Holden Heightsbecomes South Bumby, we say to our brethren, "Thanks for having comeour way in the past. Continue to be with us as you can and will in the future."

DIFFERENCES RESOLVED IN MISSISSIPPI

HUEY HARTSELL, P.O. Box 55, Mt. Olive, AL 35117—I am happyto report a reconciliation between the brethren of the Meeks St. church inCorinth, Mississippi and the Central congregation in nearby Farmington.On August 26 men of both churches met and fully resolved their differences. It was my privilege to serve as moderator of the meeting. During their discussion wrongs of attitude and action wereconfessed, and forgiveness was sought and granted. We thank God for thebrotherly love and fine attitudes manifested by all. These brethren wantChristians everywhere to know that they are now working together toadvance the Lord's cause in the area. They will continue to meet asseparate congregations, but will henceforth support and en-courage oneanother as brethren should. The faithful preachers of these churches (RoyFudge of Meeks St. and Eric George of Central) were most helpful inbringing about this amending of differences. Let us "love one another from the heart fervently" (1 Pet. 1:22).

SURVEY TRIP INTO EASTERN CANADA

BRUCE HUDSON, P.O. Box 56, Milbridge, Maine 04658—Recently, Ralph Smart, Sr. and I made a trip through Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, Canada to assess opportunities for preaching the gospel in thoseareas. In Kentville, N.S. we met the preacher for the congrega-tion whichnumbers about 35. In 1980 the elders of the Central church in Cleburne, Texas "assumed the oversight" of this congregation, contrary to the teaching of 1 Pet. 5:2 which says elders are to "feed the flock of God whichis among you." There is a group meeting in Halifax but we were unable tolocate anyone. A group meets in Mill Village, N.S. We were warmlyreceived in the home of Jessie Sinclair and her sister of whom I had heard through my parents in Florida. Jessie has friends in the West Bradenton,Florida church. We also met John Mackey and wife. He preaches for the church in Mill Village, but also has a secular business in Halifax. There isa church in Truro but we could not locate any of the members. Weunderstand that the preacher and half the members there think it is scripturalto use the instrument, though they do not use it.

A congregation meets in River John but they use the instrument. Atpresent they have no one to preach there. They only have about a dozenwho meet on Sunday morning. Since the organist died they have nobody toplay the organ. They have students who come from Mari-times Christian College on Prince Edward Island and speak for them now and then. Theybring their guitars. We learned that there are a number of congregations on Prince Edward Island which use the instrument, many influenced bythe college mentioned earlier. We hope later to visit that island and seethe situation. The lady with

whom we met at River John agreed that the church could just sing as the New Testament teaches without the instrument and that if some of us would like to come and preach they would leave it off.

In Moncton, New Brunswick we met with one of the two preachers fora discussion. We were told that the gospel was not having any effect on the people so they have introduced a course by Landon Saunderscalled "Feeling Good About Yourself." What a contrast to Rom. 1:16 where we learn that the gospel is God's power to save. In Fredericton,

N.B. we found the house where three Christians faith-fully continue toworship God—a widow and her two daughters. They had not seen other Christians in two years and were happy to see us. They spoke with disfavor of the practices of churches in Moncton, Halifax and Kentville.We agreed to come back and preach once or twice a month for them. On the last day of our trip, at McAdam, N.B. we crossed the border andstopped by the meeting houses at Lambert Lake and Danforth. In Danforththere are three families meeting and they have put up a small building.Passing from there we saw a seemingly empty church building. It was quite small and had no sign out front. I asked the woman across the streetabout it and she did not think it had been used in a long time. We think wecan gain the use of it to preach and plan to go back and do some doorknocking in that area and perhaps try to conduct a meeting. We saw a familyof Christians in Princeton and also in the next town, Woodland, there is a family of Christians recently moved there. We are going to try to do somework in this area outside of Calais. We only need some expense moneyfor traveling and plan to do all we can to spread the gospel into the areaswe visited. We plan to use a Bible correspondence course. Pray for ourefforts.

(Editor's note: Both Bruce Hudson and Ralph Smart, Sr. are in need ofadditional support. Bruce Hudson is a godly young man with a wife andtwo children. This is his second time to work in Maine. He and his wife both raked blueberries to help with their support, but that season is over. Brace's parents are faithful members of the church in Palmetto, Florida whichcongregation helps in his support. He preached awhile in Frankfort, KY and I had occasion to spend some time with him. He is worthy. Also,Ralph Smart, Sr. is a native of the state of Maine and an older and experienced preacher. He has done much hard work in that state for manyyears. He recently lost $350 a month support and has not been able toreplace it. It is very difficult to find men who are willing to go into that area to live and preach and the least the rest can do is to try to supply whatis needed for those who do. Can anybody out there help? Both men live inMilbridge and will be using that as a working base. They may becontacted at the address given at the beginning of this item.)

CHOICE L. BRYANT, 1508 Geraldine Lane, Arlington, TX 76010—It has been erroneously reported that I have decided to retire frompreaching and singing-school work. I have made no such decision. Thetruth is, I am as available for gospel meetings and/or singing schools

as I have ever been. My health is still good after 50 years of doing thework. Should any desire my services, contact me at the above address orcall (817) 640-8354.

WALLA WALLA, WASHINGTON

H. L. Bruce, 3301 Sequoia, Amarillo, TX 79107—September 12-19 the Dumas Dr. church in Amarillo supported me in a meeting with thechurch at 7th and Willow in Walla Walla, Washington, the church there has less than twenty members in a city of about 25,000. The city is astronghold for Adventists, Mormons, Catholics and others. Liberal brethren have about 100. Conservative brethren, while few in number have a strong determination, but they need help! They need a good soundpreacher with outside support—one who is determined, persistent and noteasily discouraged and who will knock doors and conduct private andpublic Bible studies. Anyone interested in this work should contact:Spencer C. Talley, 1505 Pleasant, Walla Walla, WA 99362; or Jeff Hawthorne, Rt. 4, Box 175, Milton Freewater, Oregon 97862. Currently,brethren from Pasco, Washington are help-ing with the preaching.

CARLOS CAPELLI, Casilla #83, 1665 Jose C. Paz, Buenos Aires,Argentina—In September I made a preaching trip to Chile. At LaFlorida, Chile three were baptized during the gospel meeting. Webaptized in the river by car light. Two of these days we had serious political disturbances because of the bad economic conditions. There wasno bus service after 6 P.M. and this hindered some from the meetings. I also preached at 10 de Julio St. in Santiago. This is a strong and faithfulchurch. I preached in Quillota where the church is made up of 13 members.I also spoke to a small congregation meeting in a home in Olmue, near theValparaiso port. Then I preached at Serrano St. in Quillota where RobertoPerez is the preacher. This is the oldest church in this area, started by brotherPerez, I also preached in Quilpue church which was started by EfrainPerez. One was recently baptized in Los Andes church where NestorSanchez preaches. Upon my return to Argentina, at Boulogne four brethrenwho had goneafter false teaching came to repentance, confessed wrongs and were re stored. I also learned that two were recently baptized in SanCristobal.

A NEED REPORT GREG GWIN, 26 Wheeling Dr., Jackson, TN 38305— I write this inbehalf of Lee and Bonnie Forsythe of Dyersburg, Tennessee. Lee preaches for the Northside church there. Last fall the Forsythes had a childborn with a serious heart defect. The infant lived about 7 weeks, most of which time was spent in different hospitals. As you can imagine, hugeexpenses were incurred. The total of all bills was about $56,000, of whichLee's insurance covered only about $42,000. He has been able to payanother $2,000 on his own but still owes about $12,000. I wonder if you might mention the Forsythes in your paper. I am sure they would begrateful for any help to prevent this debt hanging over them for several years. Their address is: 815 North view Cove, Dyersburg, TN 38024.Thanks for any help.

ROBERT W. TRASK, Sr., P.O. Box 1505, Chiefland, FL 32626—The church in Cedar Key has recently been uplifted by a gospel meeting withthese speakers: Roy Whitworth, Olin Hastings, Buddy Johnson, David Halter, Harry Payne, Sr. and Jerry Eubanks. The theme was "The Church." Much good was done. I have begun a secular business to help myself be self-supporting but it will take about a year before that can bedone. In the meantime, should any wish to help I would be grateful. For reference contact the preacher in Chiefland, Florida. He is Jerry Eubanksand may be reached at (904) 493-2811.

PREACHER NEEDED WAIPAHU, HAWAII—The Leeward church in Waipahu needs a full time preacher. We are able to give $1,000 a month toward salary.However, Hawaii's cost of living is about 15% above the nationalaverage which means an additional $1,000 (or more) is needed. A modest house and utilities are provided. Consider too, that the moving costwill be substantial (about $5,000). We prefer a mature man who is able tomixwell with the various races and cultures that make up these islands. The congregation consists of local Filipinos and a good num-ber of military personnel. Attendance on Lord's Day is about 80. For further information,contact us at the above address or call (808) 671-0239; 455-7259; 696-7153.