WHAT ARE WE TRYING TO DO?

The prophet Jeremiah prophesied to the house ofIsrael these words: "Your iniquities have turned awaythese things, and your sins have withholden good thingsfrom you. For among my people are found wicked men;they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap,they catch men." "A wonderful and horrible thing iscommitted in the land; the prophets prophesy falsely,and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so; and what will ye do in the end thereof?"(Jer. 5: 25, 26, 30, 31).

God's evaluation of His own people was by no meanscommendable. They had turned to evil among themselves instead of obeying the will of their God. They had no fear of God in their hearts. They had lost sight of theircourse in life and were seeking goals that were contraryto the purpose of God. They had turned back from Godand were setting snares to entrap even their own countrymen for profit to themselves. The graphic picture ofscheming with deceit to trap others duplicates thehypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees as they tried toentrap Jesus when he was upon earth. The prophetsprophesied falsely, the priests ruled with their own means, and the people loved it! Such bold and despicablebehavior has been duplicated again and again amongthose who claim to call upon the Lord. The same problem exists today among many of the people of God. It is timefor us to review our reasons for being what we are andwhere we think we are going.

Why do we meet regularly on the Lord's day? Is thereany point to it? Why do we preach and teach the gospel? Do we get anything out of this effort? Do we have any saltin ourselves? Are we really the light of the world?Perhaps to step back and take a good long look atourselves would help us to see the need to change attitudes and conduct toward God and His word. It would help us to answer these questions.

It appears that some people come to the assembly onLord's day to pay their weekly debt to God, to see and beseen, and to have occasion to find fault and complain.Some come to sell their merchandise of one kind or another. Some no doubt come to socialize and mate-match, and some to rest and sleep. It seems that somepreaching and teaching is designed to please men, make members of a local church and to entertain them, ratherthan to worship God and teach and edify one another.

Why is there no real healthy growth in number and conversion to Christ today? Every preacher who remembers 40 or 50 years ago will tell you that in both local andmeeting work the response to preaching the gospel isonly a dribble now of what it was then. Most agree thatlack of conviction, apathy and watered down preachingis responsible for this condition.

There are some reasons for this. One is too much love for the world, and not enough for God. Men are responsible for the object of their love. We are taught to love thebrethren, and we can do so if we try (John 13:34, 35; 1Peter 1:22; 1 John 3:14-17; 4:20, 21). Jesus told hisdisciples that by loving one another all men will knowthat you are my disciples. One problem with this is thatmany do not know what this love is. They think it is asoft, sentimental acceptance of one in sin with no rebukeand reproof. Actually the love required by the HolySpirit is described as not being puffed up, not behavingunseemly, not selfish, or easily provoked, thinks no evil,does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth (1Cor. 13:4-6). We are to love our enemies who mistreat uswith all manner of evil, and to do good to them and prayfor them (Matt. 5:43,44). We are not to love the world (1John 2:15). This shows that one can love or not love ashe wills. We must direct our love to the right person orthing and not love what is wrong.

Satan is the ruler of this world. He is "the prince of thepower of the air" (Eph. 2:2); he is the "god of this world"(2 Cor. 4:4). He appeals to humanity through the "lust ofthe flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life..."(1 John 2:16). The majority of the population of thisearth is under his control and he is gaining every day.Our only defense against him is obedience to the gospelof Christ and resisting him every time he approacheswith one of his lures and snares (John 8:32; Rom. 1:16; James 4:7).

The wisdom of this world is a scheme of Satan to substitute the doctrines and commandments of men for the gospel of Christ. God has made foolish the wisdom ofthis world (1 Cor. 1:19-29), but the worldly wisdom has taken the lead in religious teaching and in the formulating of theological dogmas. This kind of teaching hascome into the pulpits of the Lord's church all over thisland. The preparation of new and modern translationsof the Bible continue to be a tool to produce ignoranceand division. The compromise with worldly standards isthe cause of apathy and doctrinal error that hinders theprogress of the gospel.

What are we trying to do? If we are trying to impressthe world with our excellence, wealth and power, we arenot making much impression, but we are making amiserable failure with the gospel. We are simply showing the world that we are as worldly and vulnerable to the truth as they are. If we try to save the lost by holdingforth the word of truth, the gospel of Christ, we willsucceed in saving those who have an honest and goodheart. We will also save ourselves as we teach others the truth. May God help us to adhere to this commission.

EDITORIAL STEW

It is nearly winter time in Kentucky as I write this.Time to rake leaves, gather firewood, stock up on sorghum, and relax an evening or two in front of the fireplace. For me, this means the nine months of meeting work is nearly over (at this writing there are still twomore before Thanksgiving), and winter classes every other day for the next three months are about to begin.It is the right time to cook a pot of stew, let it simmer and,along with some corn bread, enjoy. It is also time for aneditor's concoction which we plainly call "editorial stew."

LIGHTS ALONG THE EASTERN SHORE

During a September meeting at East Orange, NewJersey, we had dinner one evening with a family which had five sons (three of whom are still at home). Alsoliving in that house were both grandmothers. Additionally, there was a 98 year old man who was related tonone of them but who was there because "he had nowhere else to go." We all sat at the same large table. Itwas a beautiful gathering. With dignity and no fanfare these Christians were requiting their parents (1 Tim.5:4) and showing hospitality to an aged man with norelatives left in the world and nowhere to go, and to us.No trumpets blaring, just everyday Christianity atwork.

REACTIONS

We have been astonished at the amount of encouragement received from the September editorial "And WashAway Thy Wives." Some of it came from sources we surely did not expect. A few (a very few, I might add),took exception, some in good spirit and some otherwise.I had a very nice note from James D. Bales which wasmuch appreciated, though he surely did not agree withwhat I said. His tone was kind and conciliatory, which iswhat I would have expected from this gracious man. He told me his debate with Roy Deaver on whether the alien is under law to Christ will soon be in print. It will be 500pages in hardback and may be ordered from brotherBales in Searcy, Arkansas.

One brother "wrote me up" in his bulletin and charged me with trying to impose a brotherhood censorship onthose who take a different view from my own. If so, thenI am too late, for those of the contrary persuasion havebeen saying what they wanted to say, when theywanted to say it, for a long time and many of us who donot agree with them have been screened out of preaching in a number of places for a long time. Anothersuggested that I was seeking to impose a "quarantine" similar to that proposed by the Gospel Advocate in theirDecember 9,1954 issue with regard to the institutional issue. If there is any "quarantine," it has been in effectfor sometime in areas where those who believe and preach what I do on this subject have not been welcomed and where we have been viewed as curiosities when we have ventured into areas where there were a few brethren who did not go along with the prevailing view on thesubject. There is a possibility of a coming discussion onthis subject in another paper, or possibly an oral debateor two. Should that materialize, we will inform thereaders.

For those interested in more study on the subject,Maurice Barnett has just published an excellent bookletentitled ALIEN SINNERS AND THE LAW OF CHRIST. This is free but you should enclose $1 forpostage and handling. Write to: Maurice Barnett,Westside Church of Christ, 3736 W. Monte Cristo, Phoenix, AZ 85023.

DISMISSING THE ASSEMBLY I don't know if more training classes are needed, orwhat, but it is apparent that many brethren, includingnot a few preachers, do not know how to "dismiss" a congregation. In service after service, at place afterplace, for night after night, there are those who pray fiveto ten minutes when the audience has stood through the invitation song, closing announcements, a closing song and now through a long "retention" rather than dismissal. Babies and small children are weary (not tomention the mothers), often crying or whimpering, and yet we hold on, and on and on. There are times for longerprayers. There are times for giving thanks (as at the Lord's table). And there is a time to dismiss an assemblywith an earnest appeal for the Almighty to go with uswhere we go, abide with us where we stay and grant usanother opportunity to assemble again, if not on earth,then in heaven. As much as possible, our preaching,singing and praying should be appropriate to the occasion. When our gatherings become endurance contests,somehow, the edge is taken off of edification.

SERMON STARTER

The first time I heard it was from Robert Jackson and I don't know where he got it: Sin takes you farther than you meant to go, keeps you longer than you meant to stay, and costs much more than you intended to pay.The Bible is brim full of illustrations and applications ofeach of these three points.

SERMON REALLY LATHERED

It was in M'Lang, Cotabato on the island of Mindanaoin the Philippines in 1971 where J.T. Smith and I had gone to debate Eusebio Lacauta. We stayed in a small hotel which had one shower stall for the whole place.They caught rain water in a barrel on top of the house.The "shower" consisted of a half inch pipe up the wallwhich was bent at the top. There was no nozzle or spray and the "shower" was whatever water trickled from that pipe. I got the bright idea to beat everyone else onemorning before the water ran out. I had just latheredmyself from head to toe with Palm olive soap when thewater ran out. There was nothing to do but take a towel and dry off the best I could. But I was left with a thin,sticky film of soap for all day. I managed fairly well preaching that morning. But by afternoon services, withthe tropical sun bearing down on a tin roof, and nocooling system except the breeze from the coconut grove,the sweat rolled down as I preached. I had a small towelto soak up some of it, but the more I wiped the perspiration, the more it lathered and foamed. Some of theFilipino brethren scarcely contained their amusement.After it was over, they teased me. One said "BrotherAdams, that sermon really lathered." Well, yes, it did!

TYPHOONS STRIKE PHILIPPINES

The woes which our brethren in the Philippines are made to endure seem not to let up for very long. Inaddition to political turmoil, economic disaster, threatsto peace and safety in some areas, that island nation hasbeen hit by 18 typhoons in 1988, the worst of which wasin October when the worst storm since 1970 roared across central Luzon with the eye passing a few milesnorth of Manila with winds of up to 140 miles per hourand flooding a wide area with over 9 inches of rain. There was heavy damage to property and the rice crops and many lives were lost. We have had no direct word fromany of the brethren, but please keep them in yourprayers and be prepared to help if necessary. It is myunderstanding that Dr. Harold Byers, one of the eldersof the Expressway church in Louisville, is going to Manila in December for an international medical conference and he plans to spend some time teachingclasses and preaching while there as he has done thepast two years. He should be able to get a more accuratepicture of the situation by that time.

VOLUME 30 TO BEGIN

The January issue will mark the beginning of ourthirtieth year. H. E. Phillips edited the paper for 13 and1/2 years and I have now served in that capacity for 15and 1/2 years. They have been good years, in many ways,and yet demanding in others. We have enjoyed thefaithful support of a large number of good brethren overthese years. Many brethren have contributed time,talent and effort to provide copy month after month. Afew men have given of themselves far beyond the call ofduty, in this regard. While many have helped greatly,none have done more than H. E. Phillips, the lamentedJames P. Miller, and Marshall E. Patton. While manyothers have helped both early and late in our history,these men bore the brunt of the writing load during mostcritical times. Brother Miller has crossed to the other side to await the judgment. But H. E. Phillips andMarshall Patton are yet active in preaching and teaching. It would be a fine thing for some of our readers totake time to write these men a note of thanks for what they have contributed to our study of the word of God.Tell them now, while they can hear it.

THANKS TO RELIGIOUS SUPPLY CENTER

This book store in Louisville continues to be our onlyadvertising client, except for the church ads. As we haveexplained many times, the paper and the book store are two separate businesses. But our relationship has beenmost pleasant from the first day until now. I am glad topersonally tell people about their ample stock of booksand supplies and their fast and friendly service. Withtheir 800 number, an order goes out the same day you call. The voices of Marie, Wimpy and Phyllis are known from coast to coast and customers from many parts ofthe country ask me about them and their families, eventhough they have never met. David Key, the manager,is expanding the facilities again. If your travel takes you through, or even near Louisville, please stop and meetthese folks and browse. You'll likely find many thingsyou need, and you will leave feeling as though you havevisited with close kin.

RATES INCREASE

As we announced in the October issue, we are forcedto raise our rates as of January 1,1989. Single subscriptions will be $11. The club rate will be $9 per year for fouror more. Bundles to one address and group subscriptions will be 12 for $7.50 per month or 24 for $15.00 permonth. Foreign subscriptions will be $14.00 annually.We need some friends who will provide and pay for a listof subscriptions. You will not only help us, but willgreatly benefit those who are the objects of your kindness. Could you help with that?

TO OUR FAMILY OF READERS

Those of us who make SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES possible month after month wish for all readersa prosperous 1989. May you "grow in grace, and in theknowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2 Pet.3:18). "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayestprosper and be in health, even as they soul prospereth"(3 Jno. 2).

"A BURNING FIRE" — ABOUT THIS COLUMN

John is a good man having been a child of God formany years. He is much like a lot of you who are readingthis article in that most of his life has been lived amidst some of God's greatest blessings. But there have beentroubled times also. Times when he has been under such a bombardment of temptation and trial that he wastempted to lay the sword aside and leave the battle forright to others. This temptation was especially strongwhen he came under personal ridicule while trying hisbest to help others live faithfully. John has asked thesame questions that you have on occasion, "What morecan I do," and "Why not just sit back and rest for awhileand let someone else lead the fight?"

There was a prophet by the name of Jeremiah. He lived in a time in which Israel had forsaken the Lord and had turned to idolatry, even offering their children asburnt offerings in sacrifice to Baal. Jeremiah was commissioned to preach,"... thus says the Lord of hosts, theGod of Israel, 'Behold I am about to bring a calamityupon this place, at which the ears of everyone that hearsof it will tingle'" (Jer. 19:3). This message was not wellreceived. Pashur the priest, upon hearing these words,had Jeremiah publicly beaten and put in stocks to facethe ridicule and derision of an ungodly society. Thisfaithless priest released Jeremiah no doubt hoping thatthe prophet had been sufficiently intimidated that hewould no longer preach his message of destruction. Thesacred record reveals Jeremiah's response, "For each time I speak, I cry aloud; I proclaim violence and destruction, because for me the word of the Lord hasresulted in reproach and derision all day long. But if I say, 'I will not remember Him or speak anymore in His name,' then in my heart it becomes like A BURNINGFIRE shut up in my bones; and I am weary of holding itin, and I cannot endure it" (Jer. 20:8, 9).

The WORD OF THE LORD in the heart of the faithful

is like A BURNING FIRE deep within that would not allow Jeremiah nor will it allow John and those of us like him to cease our work in the service of God.

I deeply appreciate brother Adams for allowing methe opportunity to contribute regularly to SEARCHINGTHE SCRIPTURES under the column heading, "A BURNING FIRE." I also appreciate the confidence thathe shows in me, however undeserved, by so asking.Writing is a privilege and a responsibility that I do nottake lightly. Once something is on the printed page it tends to have a life of its own and no one can ultimatelyknow where it will go and by whom it will be read.Written words have the power to affect generations yetunborn and thus anyone who would use such a mediumto air untested and untried ideas acts irresponsibly.

I hope and pray that the word of God will produce ineach of us the same effect that it had upon Jeremiah. Toplace A BURNING FIRE or a burning desire deep within our hearts first to believe, then to do, then toteach the message of the Lord. It apparently had thiseffect upon two disciples to whom the Lord appeared onthe way to Emmaus for they said, "Were not OUR HEARTS BURNING WITHIN US while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining theScriptures to us" (Lk. 24:32). With hearts filled with theword of God which produced a deep burning zeal thesedisciples and others like them carried the message of therisen Savior, Jesus Christ, to every corner of the world.And this they did in spite of the forces of Satan thatintimidated, imprisoned, and put to death those whoserved in the Lord's Cause. They were not to be silenced.

It is hoped that this column can do even a little topresent the Scriptures in such a light that this sameeffect might be felt within the hearts of more of you, ourdear readers. To accomplish this certain things will be necessary. ...

SOME THINGS WILL HAVE TO BE SAID WHICH ARE NEGATIVE IN NATURE. The fact must be faced that sin is negative. It will separate man from his God and endanger one's soul of being lost eternally. We darenot ignore it and to whitewash it by calling it a disease or an alternate life style is but to deceive. Jeremiah'sburning heart did not lead him to an all positive and nonegative message. It led him to speak the truth revealedfrom Jehovah. But the truth can be presented in love(Eph. 4:15) and to teach with compassion should be the goal of every sower. One is not to be gladdened that soulsare lost and any condemnation of sin should be offered with tears in the eyes rather than self-righteous hypocrisy.

SOME THINGS WILL BE SAID THAT ARE POSITIVE. This column will strive for balance. The kind of balance that is needed in any presentation of the gospel.There are a lot of good things going on in local churchesaround the country. Many are not dying on the vine butare active and growing. Just as the church at Thessalonica became an example to others. (1 Thess. 1:6-10) soalso the success stories of these churches need to be told. First, because they are encouraging. And second, because we may be able to use their methods in our effortsto spread the gospel. The goal that should be constantlybefore us all is to reach as many people as possible withthe soul saving message of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

When you have A BURNING FIRE within your heart,you will speak when there are others that would ratheryou keep quiet. The Jewish leaders commanded Peterand John "not to speak or teach at all in the name ofJesus" (Acts 4:18). But their reply was, "Whether it isright in the sight of God to give heed to you rather thanto God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speakingwhat we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:19-20). They had A BURNING FIRE within that compelled them toshare their faith in Christ with others. I'm sure theybecame discouraged at times, for this is the dispositionof every man, but their faith moved them to carry oneven in the face of determined opposition. There are often people in the work place or in the community thatdo not want to hear the truth. The gospel is a life-changing message and they are indifferently satisfied with the way they live and, as a result, they don't wantto hear a message that demands a change on their part.But preach it we must because the gospel compels us.

Sometimes the opposition we face comes from ourbrethren and perhaps this is the most difficult opposition of all. It brings us great pain to differ with those whom we love most, especially when those differencesare significant enough to endanger the soul. No onelikes to be alienated from his brethren. But when we have A BURNING FIRE in our hearts produced by thetouch of the gospel upon our lives we dare not compromise a single principle of truth even for the sake of a friendship (Matt. 10:37, 38).

I solicit your prayers as I begin what I believe will bea labor of love. The views contained under this heading will be my own and should you find need to question it'scontents I encourage your correspondence. May Godbless us every one as we diligently continue our search for all truth.

DISTINCTIVE PREACHING

We're hearing a lot from some quarters about the need for "distinctive preaching." This phrase is used to describe preaching on Biblical truths which distinguishchurches of Christ from other religious bodies.

This article is not written to take issue with that thought. Yes, we need distinctive preaching. Themessuch as the one body, the church; immersion for theremission of sins; the need for Scriptural authority; andthe nature of New Testament worship need to be preached with regularity. There is danger in failing toground disciples in these "distinctive" areas.

But I have often noted another danger that may beeven more problematic. This is the failure to stresstruths that most all religious groups hold in common.

Shall we call this "common preaching?"

I have heard the statement with reference to different preachers any number of times: "Why he could havepreached that sermon in any denomination in town!"

May I suggest that if one is declaring the whole counsel of God he will have to preach a lot of things thatmay be preached in any denomination in town.

The subject of love is the major doctrine of the New Testament. While there will be some applications topassages like 1 John 5:3 that would not be welcomed inthe denominations, most of what a gospel preacherwould have to say in expounding various passages onthis subject would be welcomed anywhere.

The subjects of joy, peace, and kindness, and otherattitudes of the Christian life are by no means distinctive. But these subjects are taught in the Scriptures fullyas much or more than is baptism.

Lessons that deal with the family; and with our mutual responsibilities as husbands, wives, fathers,mothers, and children are welcomed anywhere. I've never heard anyone say, "He could have preached that inany denomination," after a sermon or even a series ofsermons on the family.

Sermons on the inspiration of the Bible, the deity andLordship of Christ, the existence of God, and the theoryof evolution might not all be acceptable in just any denomination, but they are certainly not distinctivedoctrines.

I have been preaching a series of sermons on "Love, the More Excellent Way," in many gospel meetings. Thelessons have been well received by most, but there havebeen some criticisms. One couple just couldn't imagine why a gospel preacher would think churches need a week's preaching on love.

One can only shake his head in disbelief.

It may be that many of the schisms and splitschurches have experienced in the past several yearswould have been averted had we majored on such majordoctrines.

A brother told me that he was advised when the institutional issues arose to just watch the way things gofor a few days and he would see the churches with"progressive" attitudes going further and further off thedeep end. He did not know if he had the time to adopt await and see attitude, so he took his stand for truth onthose questions without playing Gamaliel. But of coursehistory has proved his counselor correct.

But I thought as I listened to those remarks that thatprocess works two ways. When we view the condition ofconservative churches in so many places where everytrivial difference under the sun has further fragmentedbrethren, it becomes obvious that we made a wrong turnsomewhere.

I think the words of Christ in Matt. 23:23,24 apply toour pathetic state: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercyand faith. These you ought to have done, withoutleaving the others undone. Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel."

ATTITUDE TOWARD THE WORD OF GOD

Attitude represents an important ingredient in any relationship. It is the key, second only to truth, in theGod-man relationship. In people relationships it is theunderlying factor in the quality of these. Attitude is:"Posture; position or bearing as indicating action, feeling, or mood; as, keep a firm attitude; hence the feelingor mood itself; as a kindly attitude" (Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary). The word is comparable to disposition, outlook, or the approach that one shows towarda subject or principle with which he is confronted.

Significantly, the idea and not the word itself iscommon to the scriptures. In Philippians 2:5 there is abeautiful expression of this, "Let this mind be in you,which was also in Christ Jesus." The mind within equates our attitude and represents a factor withinevery one of us that will determine our relationship toGod, His word, our self, each other, and all things. Jesus sought to impress the importance of attitude, particularly with respect to the teaching efforts of the discipleswhen he spoke the first parable. He taught them that asthey went forth teaching the word they could expect toencounter various attitudes among their hearers. Remember, the seed is the word of God and the sower isof primary application to the disciples. Some hearing theword were likened to wayside soil, some rocky ground, some seed fell among the thorns and were choked,finally, some was presented as falling on the goodground and bringing forth fruit. What a graphic depiction of attitude among the hearers and how accuratelyit continues to present the dispositions of our own timetoward the gospel. The issue is one of attitude (cf. Lk. 8).

Jesus involved the principle of attitude in the beatitudes introducing the sermon on the mount (Mt. 5:3-12).Within these passages he is presenting the nature andcharacter of those who will be citizens of the kingdom ofheaven when it is established. The good attitude, if you will, of those within the kingdom. The beatitudes are afocusing on the mind within as the fountain of activity.It has been said the law demanded adherence to the letter with little emphasis upon the spirit. While thismay be subject to challenge, one cannot ignore the factthat in the kingdom, through its laws, there is a beautiful blending of the spirit and letter resulting in Christlikeness.

Jesus detected the proper attitude when he told thescribe, "Thou art not far from the kingdom of God" (Mk.12:34). Having asked Jesus, "Which is the first commandment of all?" he seemingly weighs the answer."The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel;The Lord our God is one Lord: and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, andwith all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is thefirst commandment. And the second is like, namely this,Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, There is noneother commandment greater than these" (v. 29-32).Accepting this truth and responding out of a sound mind, the scribe says, "well said." This scribe is represented by an attitude of submissiveness to truth which would make him a part of the kingdom of God.

The greatest factor in the action of those obeying orrejecting the gospel is attitude. Summing up the response on Pentecost, Acts 2:41 says, Then they thatgladly received the word were baptized: and the sameday there were added unto them about three thousand souls." The attitude factor comes into play in the expression, "they that gladly received his word," without thisthere would have been no obedience to the "repent andbe baptized everyone of you." Felix obviously did nothave this kind of attitude and he stands to representrejection of the same gospel. His disposition upon hearing the preaching of Paul was, "Go thy way for this time"(Acts 24:25).

The value we place on having the proper attitude isonly as great as our appreciation of the fact that attitudes govern actions. Actions cannot be in harmony with God's will unless we maintain the right attitude.Our acceptance or rejection of the truth depends uponour attitude toward that truth. "And with all deceiveableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they receive not the love of the truth, that theymight be saved" (2 Thess. 1:10). In arguing in favor ofthe overpowering influence of truth and love for it, Paultreats us to the importance of attitude toward the truth.Where love for truth is prevalent unrighteousness isless likely to deceive and cause us to perish. Fact is, ifthat love is what ii ought to be, if that attitude towardtruth is what it must be, we shall not be deceived,simply because we hold to it tenaciously.

The joy of the kingdom cannot be experienced without the right attitude. All too often we become party toor see evidenced dispositions clearly out of harmony with the gospel. What is responsible? It may be time foran attitude check. What causes the indifference often prevalent within most congregations? When we hearconstant murmuring and griping that always seems tocenter in or around the same ones, what is responsible? To some, nothing seems to be right, dissatisfaction withclasses, teachers, preacher, about everything. A surprising number of these things will smooth out and atleast be tolerable if we will work on our attitude. It is the difference in attitude that explains the boredom of someand the enthusiasm of others within the kingdom.When we develop the proper attitude toward the profession of commitment to Christ, remembering that we are"Christ—ones" and are saved by the grace of God, then and only then will we thrill in serving our God.

What is the proper attitude? Everything, admittedly, depends on it. If it is not right toward God and hiswork, nothing else matters. In the first place, nothing must be allowed to take precedence over desire to know and practice the truth. Truth equates the word of God."Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth"(Jn. 17:17). One must place truth before everything and everyone. "He that loveth father or mother more thanme is not worthy of me and he that loveth son ordaughter more than me is not worthy of me" (Mt. 10:37).One must view scripture as it really is, as the last wordin all matters of faith. His word to me is the answer to my problems, the guide to my life. It is real and practical. "According as his divine power hath given unto usall things that pertain unto life and godliness, throughthe knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue" (2 Pet. 1:3). Only where this attitude is prevalent can one be right with God, maintain a relation ofconfidence in his precious promises and be truly faithful as a Christian. Without the proper attitude all elseis futile.

GAMBLING (Part I)

As more and more states have adopted a state lotterythere has been an increase in the interest in gambling.That is true for both sides of the question. In this articlewe shall attempt to answer such questions as: (1) Whatconstitutes gambling? (2) Is it a sin? (3) Can it be provedto be a sin even though it is not mentioned in the Bible?

(4) How can one say that betting two dollars on a racehorse or buying a lottery ticket is a sin and also say thatlosing a thousand dollars in the stock market is not? (5)Is gambling justified in that it is legal and brings inrevenue for the state?

The problem of gambling is widespread. The Institute of Social Research at the University of Michigan made an extensive survey that revealed that in 1974 two out of three Americans made a bet and that more than 30 billion dollars was being gambled away every year in the United States. Paul Fino, a US congressman from New York estimated that 57% of American adults gamble. I'm told that the total taken in by gambling isgreater than the combined profits of US Steel, GeneralMotors and General Electric and more than 100 of the largest manufacturing companies. A 1983 issue of USNews and World Report stated that a survey of100,000 gamblers revealed that the total bets (most ofwhich were illegal) totaled more than 1/3 of the GrossNational Product — more than a trillion dollars annually. That comes to about $4,500 for every person. The 30billion mentioned earlier would just be legalized gambling. A1982 Gallop Poll revealed that 60% of all adultsgamble and 80% endorse legal gambling.

It is now legalized and state governments are involved. Twenty-six states now have a state lottery.Others will in time. As the problem increases so does ourresponsibility to deal with it (cf. 1 Thess. 5:22; 1 Pet. 4:1ff; Rom. 12:1-ff; 2 Cor. 6:14-ff).

It is not a new problem by any means. The Greeks in Homer's time had knucklebones from sheep and goatsthat were marked to serve as dice. A gambling board wasdiscovered in Crete that dates back to 1800-1900 B.C. In Babylon headless arrows were used for making wagers. Children in Rome played "heads or tales" with coins.Tertullian said, "If you say that you are a Christian whenyou are a dice player, you say what you are not, becauseyou are a partner with the world."

Without a doubt there are and will be problemsamong brethren. As the states install their lotteries

and possibly some day a national lottery, some Christians will be tempted to participate. Others will not onlybe tempted, but will yield and buy the tickets as well asengage in other forms of gambling. Already the firstmillion dollar winner in the Florida State lottery was amember of the church. There are others who may notbuy a lottery ticket but would gamble in some small waylike flipping for a coke or pitching pennies.

We will have (and already have) some Christians who will be asking what is wrong with gambling. Some will be sincere, for they know it is wrong, but they don't knowwhy. Others will be merely seeking to justify what theywant to do. What Is Gambling?

1. Definitions: Webster says gambling is "to play agame for money or property — to bet on the uncertainoutcome." The World Book Dictionary (1981) says,To play games of chance for money or other valuablestakes — to gamble at cards; to gamble on the result ofa race." The World Book Encyclopedia (1979) states:"Gambling is betting on the outcome of a future event.Gamblers usually bet money or something else of valueas a stake on the outcome they predict. When theoutcome is settled, the winner collects the loser's stakes."
2. Elements: The above definitions indicate that there are three basic elements in gambling. There is (a)the uncertain event that is arbitrarily determined, and (b) the stake (wager or bet) that is deliberately chanced, and (c) a winner and loser (gambler #1 and#2). When these three elements exist you have gambling. If it doesn't fit this model, it is not gambling.

3. It is not: (a) A risk. The word "gamble" in one sensemeans "risk" and the dictionaries so define it. However, a mere risk is not gambling in the sense of the definitionsgiven earlier. Many have tried to justify gambling on thebasis that it is merely a risk, and after all, we all takerisks every day like crossing the street. However, the risks involved in the crossing the street are not arbitrar- ily and deliberately determined as in the case of placinga wager on the outcome of some uncertain event. If you make it across the street you do not stand to gain at theloss of an other. There has been no stake or wager placed. If you were to wager $5.00 that you could cross the streetwithout getting hit, you now have gambling. It fits themodel given above.

Some have tried to compare gambling to farming and the risks involved there. Yet, the farmer is not seeking to gain at the loss of another. If he has a good year, allstand to benefit by that. If he doesn't, all stand to lose.

Buying and selling stock does not fit the model ofgambling. When you buy stock you have bought something of value. It may increase or decrease in value. Ifthat business thrives then all will benefit. You do not have the three essential elements of gambling. There isno stake, nor a winner and loser built in. However, one could gamble with reference to the stock market as hecould on a ball game or horse race. If one bet $50.00 thatthe stock in a certain company will go up tomorrow, heis now gambling. The three elements are there: (a) The uncertain event (the stock going up or down), (b) thestake ($50.00) and (c) a winner and a loser.

Starting a business or making any kind of investmentmay involve some risks, but like all the things mentioned above, they are not gambling.

(b) Insurance. Believe it or not, a few have thoughtthat there is no difference in gambling and buyinginsurance. When you buy insurance you are buyingfinancial protection. The buyer and the company bothgain by the purchase of the policy. The risk that isinvolved is not created by the buying of the insurance.Again, it does not fit the definition and model of gambling. (c) Prizes. When one registers to win a prize at a store's grand opening or receives a prize that is given away for advertisement, he is not gambling. There is nostake or wager. There is no risk that is created. The prizeis a gift.

4. Gambling is not determined by size or degree.Gambling is a matter of kind and not degree. It doesn't matter if it is $50.00 or 50 c. If the three elements are there, it is gambling. So, matching pennies, pitching pennies and flipping for a coke or coffee is just as muchgambling as buying a lottery ticket or placing $2.00 on ahorse at the Kentucky Derby. It is interesting thatGamblers Anonymous urges its members not to flip forwho is going to buy the coffee.

Different Forms

Gambling comes in many different forms. There are the card games such as poker. (Don't confuse a mere cardgame with gambling). There is the lottery, horse races,dog races, slot machines, raffle tickets, bingo, pitching

pennies, flipping for a coke or coffee, roulette, dicegames. The list goes on and on because gambling takesplace anytime there is a wager made on an uncertainevent. That uncertain event could be anything like a ballgame, an election or shooting the ducks at the fair. If itfits the model given above, it is gambling!

When gambling is properly defined many of thearguments made to defend it have already been answered. In the next article we will see why gambling is asin.

RAPTURE AND REVELATION OF CHRIST

THE DIVINE MESSAGE: "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice ofan archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in theclouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord" (1 Thes. 4:16-17).

Another effort in a long line of date-setting attemptshas failed. September 12,1988, was the day of speculation for Margaret Riedel (author of The Blessed Hope and the Glorious Appearing) and Edgar Whisenant (author of 88 Reasons Why the Rapture Will Be in 1988). This time the prediction was based on Matthew24:32-34 which Riedel and Whisenant interpreted assaying that Christ would return to receive all Christiansin the rapture within a generation of the founding of the modern nation of Israel. "Israel" was founded in 1948. The speculators figure a generation is 40 years. Theydecided that the Rapture would take place during the Jewish New Year at the last trumpet blast signaling theend of Rosh Hashana.

Two problems are at issue: a) the fact of "rapture" as

defined by premillenialists; and b) the determination by

human calculation of the date of Christ's coming.

How Premillennialists Define the Terms

Rapture: The sudden and silent coming of Christ in the air to catch away from the earth the resurrected bodies of those who have died in the faith and with them the living saints.

Revelation of Christ: Christ's second coming to the earth in flaming fire to execute judgment and to establish His glorious reign upon the earth for a literalthousand years.

Tribulation: According to dispensational premillennialists, there is a seven year period between the rapture and the revelation called the "Great Tribulation."

Two Resurrections: According to dispensationalpremillennialists, there are two resurrections. The firsthas two parts. The first part of the first resurrection will occur at the time of the rapture in order to bring forth therighteous dead. The second part of the first resurrection will occur at the time of the revelation of Christ to bring forth the "tribulation saints" who died during the seven years of trouble. The second (actually third) is designed to bring forth the wicked dead for judgment. It followsthe millennium, a thousand years after the first resurrection.

When Will the Rapture Occur?

Post-Tribulation Rapture Theory: The positionthat Christians will have to endure the tribulation after they are raptured. This theory says that the rapture andthe revelation of Christ take place at the same time ...there is no seven year interval.

Mid-Tribulation Rapture Theory: The positionthat the first part of the tribulation results from man's afflicting the saints and that the latter part of thetribulation results from God's pouring out His wrathupon the evil doers. The saints will have to endure man'sevil but not the outpouring of the wrath of God; therefore, mid-way through the tribulation the rapture willtake place before God executes his wrath.

Pre-Tribulation Rapture Theory: The positionthat the saints will be taken away before any part of thetribulation begins. This is the dispensational view andthe most popular position. Major proof-texts for thisposition are Genesis 5:21-24; John 14:1-3; 1 Thes. 3:1113; and 1 Thes. 4:13-17.

Some Terms Used to Refer to the Second Coming of Christ Rapture: This word does not appear in the New Testament.

Coming: (Gr. parousia). Premillennialists saythat this is the Bible word for the "rapture." The positionalso holds that the coming is secret and invisible. Therefore, it will not be an appearance, or revelation.Christ will come only part way to the earth (in the air)at this time and so will not be seen by unbelievers atall.

Parousia is used by Paul fourteen times, several ofwhich refer to the second coming of Christ (cf. 1 Thes.4:15; 2 Thes. 2:1; 1 Thes. 3:13).

Revelation: (Gr. apocalypse). Dispensational premillennialist say that this word refers to Christ's second coming at the end of the tribulation to set up His earthlykingdom in Jerusalem. This word is used by Paul thirteen times. Again several of these refer to the secondcoming of Christ (cf. 1 Cor. 1:7; 2 Thes. 1:7-9).

Appearing: (Gr. epiphany). Premillennialists say that this word is synonymous with the word "revelation"(apocalypse) when used to refer to the second coming ofChrist in the New Testament (1 Tim. 6:14; Titus 2:13).

The premillennial problem: the words are not used inthe New Testament as they claim. ALL THREE GREEKWORDS REFER TO THE SAME TIME PERIOD WHEN SPEAKING OF THE EVENTS WE ARE DISCUSSING. The distinction between the "coming" andthe "appearing" of Christ is artificial.

Notice 1 Thes. 3:13: To the end he may establish yourhearts unblameable in holiness before God, even ourFather, at the coining of our Lord Jesus Christ with allhis saints." The "coming" (parousia, their word for "rapture") is "with all the saints." If "the saints" includes the church (which all premillennialists accept) and the"revelation" or "appearing" is when Christ returns toearth "with the saints," then the word "coming" and the"appearing" are used synonymously. According to theirview, the coming is to "receive the saints" and the "appearing" or "revelation" is coining back "with thesaints."

Look at 2 Thes. 2:8: "And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spiritof his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of hiscoming." All premillenialists believe that Paul is talking about the return of Christ to earth to take care ofAnti-Christ. The word, however, is "coming" (parousia).

In several other passages, Christians do not receiveuntil the "appearing" or "revelation" of Christ whatmillennialists claim for the "rapture" (cf. Matt. 25:31; 1Pet. 1:13; 4:13; 5:4; 2 Thes. 1:7-9; 1 Tim. 6:14). There isno secret rapture when Christ will come to deliver Histroubled saints ... and there will be none who escapes His "coming" (2 Thes. 1:7-9).

WHEN YOU MARRY ONE WHOIS NOT A CHRISTIAN

Recently, a lady asked me for some advice for a friend.It was asked out of deep concern for the plight of anotherChristian. The friend had married a man who was not a Christian. He had a bitter disposition, verbally abusedher and the children, and unfortunately, the only part ofthe Bible she had been able to teach him was Ephesians

5:22. That's the verse that says wives are to submit totheir husbands. He took advantage of the situation andoften required her to do meaningless tasks just to prove she was in subjection. This lady had problems.

I wish I could tell you that I had all the answers sheneeded and was able to give some very wise advice which brought the problem to an easy and complete solution.But I did not.

Some Warnings

I realize we are not living under the Law of Moses, butit was written for our learning (Rom. 15:4). Under the Law God strictly forbade his people intermarrying withthe heathens (Deut. 7:3, 4). Solomon married heathen wives and they turned his heart away from God to serveidols. God punished Solomon for marrying those foreignwomen (1 Kgs. 11:1-13). Similar problems have beenencountered by Christians who married those who werenot. If they lose the faith it will be impossible for themto please God (Heb. 11:6).

Under the most favorable conditions the Christian life can be difficult. Then why embrace someone who willmake it harder for you to be faithful to the one who died to save you and bring you eternal happiness? Theproblem is, that while courting, we often indicate thatwe love the fiancé more than the Lord. Too many of God's people have been led away by sectarian companions orcompanions who claimed nothing religiously. What asad picture when you seriously consider the value of asoul (Mt. 16:26). Please consider some Bible truths thatmay relate to such a marriage:

1) "Can two walk together except they be agreed?"(Amos 3:3).

2) "A house divided against itself shall not stand" (Mt.12:25).

3) "For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he alsoreap" (Gal. 6:7).

What May Happen

Please consider the following chart as we brieflydiscuss each point.

A Non-Christian Wife

1. May make It difficult for you to practice hospitality.
2. May nag and weaken your convictions.
3. May not help you with the children.
4. May Insist the children go with her.
5. May ridicule you.
6. May neglect positive teaching of the children.
7. May allow the children to do things you wouldnot approve.
8. May set a bad example.
9. May threaten to leave.
10. May withhold sexual privileges.

1. MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT FOR YOU TO PRACTICE HOSPITALITY. Though hospitality is not limited to having people over for a meal, that has alwaysbeen one of the best ways to practice it. Without hercooperation your ability along this line will be greatly limited.
2. MAY NAG AND WEAKEN YOUR CONVICTIONS. This happened to Samson (Judg. 16:16). Youmay not notice it as it occurs over the years, but as theold saying goes, "Drops of water wear away the stone."You may become discouraged and compromise yourbeliefs.
3. MAY NOT HELP YOU WITH THE CHILDREN. If you, as a father, are trying to "bring up your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord," you may not have her cooperation in getting them ready for Bibleschool.
4. MAY INSIST THE CHILDREN GO WITH HER. Then what will you do?
5. MAY RIDICULE YOU. A person can only take somuch of that. In your defense, you may say some thingsthat will be used against you from that point on.
6. MAY NEGLECT POSITIVE TEACHING OF THE CHILDREN. Not being a Christian, she may not see theneed to instill right values. I have known wives whodouble-crossed their husbands and worked against hisvalues behind his back.
7. MAY ALLOW THE CHILDREN TO DO THINGS YOU WOULD NOT APPROVE. Generally, a mother iswith the children more hours than the father. What if she allows this? You can't divorce her for it. That is not scriptural grounds (Mt. 19:9).
8. MAY SET A BAD EXAMPLE. How will you teach your children that their mother is wrong without fric- tion and hostility developing?
9. MAY THREATEN TO LEAVE. If she leaves the children with you, you will have increased responsibilities that may be extremely difficult to handle. If shetakes the children you may have difficulty getting to spend time with them and almost no opportunity toturn them in righteousness. In either case, if she leaves,

that of itself will not be just cause to divorce and remarry.

10. MAY WITHHOLD SEXUAL PRIVILEGES. If you are a normal male this can put you in an extremely dangerous and frustrating situation.

Now consider the situation in reverse.

A Non-Christian Husband

1. May harass you for attending worship and puttingGod first.
2. May not cooperate in providing transportation toserv- ices.
3. May not help with the children.
4. May not allow you to contribute.
5. May say hurtful things to you about the peopleat church.
6. May use profane language/pornography/alcohol/drugs before you and the children.
7. May threaten to leave you.
8. May physically abuse you.
9. May force you to do demeaning things just to proveyou are in subjection.
10. May make it difficult for you to practice hospitality.

1. MAY HARASS YOU FOR ATTENDING WORSHIP AND PUTTING GOD FIRST. This can make attendance dreaded, difficult, and a drudgery. Worship can becomemeaningless as you become more and more discouraged.
2. MAY NOT COOPERATE IN PROVIDING TRANSPORTATION TO SERVICES. This can cause embarrassment as we hate to be dependent on others and forthem to know our plight. You may be forced to miss.
3. MAY NOT HELP YOU WITH THE CHILDREN. You may become frantic and impatient with the littleones. You may lose your temper and say things that willbe thrown up to you continually.
4. MAY NOT ALLOW YOU TO CONTRIBUTE. The Lord wants you to give as prospered and you should do allwithin your power to obey. You may have to put yourselfon a tight budget, cut corners, etc.
5. MAY SAY HURTFUL THINGS TO YOU ABOUT THE PEOPLE AT CHURCH. A real discouragement.There may be some in the congregation who are not whatthey ought to be and you may be put in the predicamentof trying to defend the indefensible to your husband.
6. MAY USE PROFANE LANGUAGE, PORNOGRAPHY, ALCOHOL, AND DRUGS BEFORE YOU ANDTHE CHILDREN. How can you stop it?
7. MAY THREATEN TO LEAVE YOU, forcing you tomake a choice and then blaming you for the outcome.
8. MAY PHYSICALLY ABUSE YOU. There is no easyway to deal with this.
9. MAY FORCE YOU TO DO DEMEANING THINGS JUST TO PROVE YOU ARE IN SUBJECTION. This may cause you to lose respect for yourself.

10. MAY MAKEIT DIFFICULT FOR YOU TO PRACnatural for you to want to spend time with Christianfriends and have them over or go out with them. But ifhe is against it, this will create misery for you.

I have painted the picture bleak because there are some real cases as described herein. My prayer for you is that none of these will happen. I would not wish themon my worst enemy. It is hard to believe such could everhappen when you are courting and in love. But if theprospective mate has not had the upbringing andbackground that the Christian has (and everybodydeserves), then these are possible if not probable.

I rejoice for you if none of these happened, thoughyou may have married a non-Christian. The non-Christian may be helpful to you in many ways and evenattend the services with you, yet still be a hindrance toyour faithfulness because refusal to obey the gospel isa discouragement. And that influence of refusal to obeyoften shows up in the children later. A lot of trouble,sorrow, and heartache can be avoided if Christianswould marry Christians.

Conclusion

So where is a Christian young man or young ladygoing to find a potential mate who has wholesomevalues and respect for the word of God and will help you go to heaven? I will tell you where you will NOT findthem. You won't find them at wild parties, horse races,bars or nightclubs. The faithful Christian will, inprayer and patience, stay away from places that couldcause you to get hooked up with somebody that may bring you an eternity of misery. It makes sense to putyourself in an environment where Christians are.Visiting gospel meetings and other gatherings can dono harm and can certainly help.

Your choice of a mate can be so critical. Most don't realize it till too late. Always keep yourself faithful,and remember that when Mr. Right, or Miss Right,come along they will be looking for the same thing—afaithful Christian.

PROCRASTINATION ON THE PLAINS

One of the oldest ploys among adversaries is to get the other party to cease effective progress or opposition.

Sanballat tried to persuade Nehemiah to procrastinate in rebuilding the city of Jerusalem, while they talkedin the "plain of Ono" (Neh. 6:1-4). Sanballat consideredthis tactic so effective that he tried it not just once, but four times. Nehemiah was not deceived, neither did heyield to this proposed exercise in futility on the plain ofOno.

I'm all for dialogue with anyone who is sincerelyinterested in promoting brotherhood and unity among God's people. But such an effort must be circumscribed by"the wisdom that is from above," which "is first pure, thenpeaceable" (Jas. 3:17).

Also, it must be understood that those on the side oftruth cannot agree to a "cease fire" in preaching the word(2 Tim. 4:1-4), while such dialogue takes place. Then,whether the effort turns into progress, or merely futileprocrastination on the plains, nothing shall have beenlost.

When Hezekiah invited all Israel, including the northern tribes headquartered in Samaria to the passoverfeast, there were no concessions to error. On the contrary,Hezekiah let them know they were welcome, but reminded them that they were the ones responsible for the division in Israel (2 Chron. 30:7-9). We may ignore thefacts of history, but we can't erase them.

While the digressive "Christian Church" continues tofellowship the false religions of the world, we can have nofellowship with them, for they continue to uphold theworks of darkness (1 Jno. 1:7; Eph. 5:11).

Likewise, as long as liberal brethren refuse to give uptheir "golden calves," to wit, their sponsoring churchprojects, human institutions and fellowship halls ministry, there can be no real progress made in dialogue ornegotiations. There needs to be some overture of goodfaith on the part of those who have "trespassed against the Lord God of their fathers" before we can agree to whatmay be nothing more than procrastination on the plains.

If we allow ourselves to become preoccupied and obsessed with "unity in diversity" and similar ecumenicalexercises in procrastination, we will soon have a generation wholly ignorant of what constitutes apostolic doctrine and practice (Phil. 4:9). That generation will notcare what name they wear, what spiritual sacrifices theyoffer, or what God or gods they worship.

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There are also individuals affiliated with liberal and digressive churches who have procrastinated on the plain too long. At the first , they vowed not to havefellowship with unscriptural practices, and claimed "not to go along" with the liberal tendencies and practices ofthe congregations where they worship.

But, after several years of procrastination, and becoming acclimated to the very things which they professed not to fellowship, they are now in no position toobject to anything. And some "have even taken of the accursed thing" which should have been mortified alongwith other works of the flesh (Josh. 7:11).

We cannot afford to take off even one piece of the"whole armour of God," nor dare we make the fatal mistake of sheathing "the sword of the Spirit" while weprocrastinate on the plain of Ono, "no not for an hour"(Gal. 2:5).

Let me have a word with you about marriage and divorce. First, let us see what the BIBLE says on the subject. In Matt. 19:4-6 we find that, 1. God made themmale and female. (That rules our homosexualism andlesbianism, those things are sin!). 2. The man shall leave his father and mother and cleave unto his wife. 3. The twain shall be one flesh. 4. God joins them together. Andthen God said, 5. What God hath joined' together, let notman put asunder. You can read the same thing almostword for word in Mark 10:6-9.

Then God tells us in Matt. 19:9 that, "Whosoever shall put away his wife except it be for fornication,and shall marry another, committeth adultery; and whoso marrieth her that is put away doth commitadultery. Thus the Lord has spoken on the subject and everybody can UNDERSTAND what he has said!Everybody can do what the Lord said do, and can refrainfrom doing what the Lord said for him not to do. Thus,everybody can avoid adultery! But not everybody avoidsadultery. Why?

Because there are false teachers among us. Some saythe people in general are not amenable to the law ofChrist. This is about as "far-fetched" as one can get!Who, exactly does the law of Christ apply to? Does it justapply to members of the church of Christ? I say YES ifit applies only to those who obey him. That would meanthat only one in several thousand of the people areamenable to the law of Christ. Christ said WHOSOEVER puts away his wife except it be for fornication and marrieth another committeth adultery. Whereas our brethren say ONLY ONE IN EVERY SEVERAL THOUSAND who puts away his wife saving for the cause offornication committeth adultery! Furthermore, exactly what portion of the law of Christ are the people notamenable to? Are they amenable to ANY of His law? Ifnot, how would we preach it to him? How would he obeyit? What good would it do him if he did obey it? Jesus saidpreach the gospel to EVERY CREATURE! Would we tellthe people that though the Bible said whosoever shallput away his wife except for fornication commiteth adultery, but that they could just DISREGARD THATUNTIL THEY OBEYED THE GOSPEL?

Would not such a doctrine as I have expressed actually encourage people to stay out of the church and refrain from obeying the gospel until they were tired ofplaying around with women, even other men's wives!When we repent we make up our minds to QUIT doingthings that are wrong in our lives. When we are forgiven we are forgiven only for the things that are wrong in ourlives. If it isn't a sin to be married a dozen times, and ifit isn't a sin to break up other men's homes, then thosethings are not forgiven! I can't believe that ANYBODY really believes that people in general are not amenableto the law of Christ.

Then there are those who say that even though Christsaid whosoever marrieth one put away without fornication committeth adultery, such is not necessarily so,provided she didn't want the divorce and provided she waits around until her former companion commitsfornication. Then she is free to marry again despite whatChrist said.

Then there are some free-wheelers who say regardless of what Christ says when a marriage partnercommits fornication the bond is broken and BOTH can marry again without peril to their souls.

We have, then, on the one hand those who say NOBODY is amenable to the law of Christ to start with,and on the other hand we have those who say that if onecommits adultery both are free to marry again. In thatcase NOBODY is bound by what the Lord has said. So,if you have been married a thousand times, forget it, you were not amenable to Christ's law. And if either you oryour partner has committed fornication, forget it, the bond is broken and you are both free to marry again. Youcan thus have it anyway you want it. But you hadBETTER have it like the Lord gave it to you. Read againMatt. 19: 3-9 and Mark 10:5-9. Better be safe rather than sorry at the judgment.

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

EFRAIN PEREZ TO SPAINEFRAIN F. PEREZ, 1317 Valparaiso, Chile, South America — Wehave decided to spend the next five years preaching in Spain. Forseveral years Spanish speaking brethren have shown much interestin Spain. Phillip Morgan of Phoenix, AZ has just returned from Spainwhere he found a small group meeting in Badalona, near BarcelonaCity. They begged him to stay. Phil has written to a few preachersabout the great opportunity. We will have to raise support for thiswork and plan to come to the States in December to spend 7 or 8 weeks reporting on the work in Chile and seeking support for the work in

Spain. I will be joined in Kentucky and Ohio by Phillip Morgan and byhim and Wayne Partain in visiting congregations in Arizona, Texasand California. Phillip Morgan's phone number is: (602) 252-7916. Wayne Partain's number is: (512) 333-0595.

There are now 16 congregations in Chile and 20 gospel preachers,of which 8 are working full time. I will finish preacher trainingprograms in Limache, Pudeto and Quilpue in December. These menare strong and sound in doctrine.

FERNANDO VENEGAS, Casilla #122 C.C., 5500 Mendoza, Argentina, South America — I am happy to report two more baptized in ourwork here.

NEY RIEBER, 6413 Zion Church Rd., Sanford, NC 27330 — At Central Prison in Raleigh, NC, Robert A. Lillie was recently baptized.This resulted from a Bible correspondence course. On September 18,10 inmates were baptized at the Polk Youth Center in Raleigh, and onOct 16,12 more inmates were baptized at the same place. At Polk I had 42 inmates at my last Thursday night study. At Blanch, I study withabout 50 inmates each trip. I am losing $500 a month support the firstof the year and need to hear from any who can help.

DAVID R. TRIGG, P.O. Box 165, McMinnville, TN 37110 — The West End Ave. church here would be happy to give away a set of eightlight fixtures to a congregation willing to pay the shipping charges.These fixtures are 300 Watt, 3-Ring reflector, hanging fixtures in goodcondition with bulbs. Contact me at the above address, or phone (615)686-2919.

ROGER WILLIAMS recently began work as evangelist with theGreenwood Rd. church in Ft. Smith, AR, a city of 72,000. There ismuch potential for growth with honest effort. The church is unable tosupply all his support. At present he lacks $200 a month. He may be contacted at 4131 Kinkead Rd., Ft. Smith, AR 72903. Phone (501) 7835004. A list of references is available.

BRUCE CRAWLEY, 2053 Heather Way, Lexington, KY 40503, Phone (606) 277-4380, BRYAN CRAWLEY, 2929 Brigadoon Parkway, Lexington, KY 40503, Phone (606) 272-2275 — Our father, Robert Crawley, was a gospel preacher for 41 years. In spite of the urgings of many who knew him, however, he did very little writing — no books or commentaries and very few articles. Most of the publicfruit of his study was born in the pulpit. Our goal is to publish someof his sermons in book form. In order to do this we will be relying on tape recordings of his actual sermons and class lectures. Thanks tobrethren and friends, we have assembled about 200 sermons on tape.But before we begin choosing which lessons to include for publication we want to be sure we have built as large a library of tapes as possible. We know that many of his gospel meetings were recorded, eitherby churches or by individuals attending those meetings. We know thatsome class lectures were recorded. Because of the wide geographicalscope of his work, though, we don't know who might have such tapes.Could you help us in locating any recordings of Bob Crawley's lessons?

TOMMY L. McCLURE, 3311 Longview Rd., Antioch, CA 94509 — Thanks to those who sent material, books and suggestions to help inpreparation for the debate with Jack W. Langford. I speak also forHarry L. Lewis who is to represent us in the discussion. We have nowsecured every book written by James W. Dale whom Langford hails asone of the greatest scholars of all time, and his evident sourcematerial. What seemed an impossible task is now a reality.

J. DAVID POWLAS, 3430 Kay St., #D-3, Columbia, SC 29210 — Jamie Sloan of Houston, TX was just with the Lower Richlandcongregation in a gospel meeting in which he did outstanding work inpreaching the word of God in a bold and plain way. Several came fromthe local institutional churches as well as non-members from the community. We recommend brother Sloan to any church wishing to beedified and to reach out to the lost. If you have friends or relatives herewhom you wish us to contact, please call me at (803) 772-4371.

STEFANO CORAZZA, Via Tagliamento 92, 33100 Udine, Italy — The past two months we have witnessed the baptisms of three: ayoung man 36 years old, a woman 60 years old and her son who is 31.We are growing not only in numbers but spiritually as well.

DAVID McCLISTER, 2805 Russell St., Portage, IN 46368, Phone [219) 762-7110 — I have some commentary sets I wish to sell and alsoan IBM computer with Epson Printer.

PREACHERS NEEDED SPRUCE PINE, NORTH CAROLINA — The church here is looking for a full time preacher. We have about 30 members withSunday morning attendance of 40-50. We have a new building, welllocated. Partial support is available. We are located in the beautifulvacation land of western North Carolina. If interested please call:

(704) 688-3932, or write: Church of Christ, Rt. 3, Box 128E, Bakersville, NC 28705.

ROCKWOOD, TENNESSEE — The Highway 70 E church is in needof a preacher. It would be necessary to bring support with whomevermight come. Anyone interested may contact: Conley Daugherty, 507

W. Rockwood St., Rockwood, TN 37854 or call (615) 354-1854.

IN MEMORIAM: L. B. CLAYTON

(1902-1988)

Brethren throughout the nation will be saddened by hearing of thepassing of my father, L. B. Clayton. He died on Oct. 9th, his 86thbirthday, in Tucson, Arizona, surrounded by loving family and brethren. He is survived by two sons, his second wife, Pearle (Mahan)Clayton of 5313 E. Lester PL, Tucson AZ 85710, nine grandchildren,and seventeen great-grandchildren.

Dad was born near Terrell, Texas, to Elam B. and Jennie J. Clayton. The family moved to a farm near Dill City, Okla., arrivingthere on the day of Oklahoma Statehood, in 1907. Dad's father served as an elder of the Dill City church in its infancy.

Growing up in that area, and graduating from high school, Dad used to joke people by saying he was the Valedictorian of his class (hewas the only graduate that year!) He attended Chilicothe BusinessCollege in Missouri, and began working in a Bank in Wewoka, Okla.,after leaving school. He was married to Era A. Shifflett of that city,and both were baptized into Christ at about the same time. Immediately, my parents employed themselves in the work of the Lord, Dad leading singing, and Mother teaching. They worked side by side forover forty years, until Mother died in Tucson in 1969.

Dad also regularly led singing in churches in Seminole, Shawnee,Oklahoma City, and Tucson, as well as in many Gospel meetings, fora period of over fifty years. He worked in this capacity with nearly ahundred Gospel preachers. He also served as a teacher, a deacon, and as an elder in two different congregations. He began his service as an elder in the 10th and Francis Sts. church in Oklahoma City, andhelped to preserve the work there against the encroachments ofinstitutionalism. He also served on the board of Central Christian College (now Oklahoma Christian College), until his views on churchpolity made him incompatible with other members of the board. Hehas written a memoir of his experiences and impressions of the timesin which he lived, which I hope to publish in the near future.

Dad is well remembered for his song-leading ability, his soundteaching, his sober leadership, and his loyalty to the truth. He was astabilizing and strengthening force in every congregation he served. He was an honored teacher, also, to myself, and my brother, Bob F.Clayton of Phoenix. One of his favorite songs is his fitting epitaph:

My hope is built on nothing less ThanJesus blood and righteousness. I darenot trust the sweetest frame, Butwholly lean on Jesus' name. OnChrist the solid rock, I stand; Allother ground is sinking sand!

Joe Neil Clayton

504 Elm

Dumas, Texas 79029

IN THE NEWS THIS MONTH

BAPTISMS' 345

RESTORATIONS 68

(Taken from bulletins and papers

received by the editor)