FROM THE HEART THE MOUTH SPEAKETH

"O generations of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speakgood things? for out of the abundance of the heart themouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure ofthe heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak,they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thywords thou shalt be condemned" (Matt. 12: 34-37).

These are stinging words for most of us because wetalk far more than we should, and concerning the thingsthat are evil. But Jesus said the mouth speaks what isin the heart. We are often told that we can not tell what is in a man's heart, but the Lord gave us a means ofknowing if the man will speak. "Wherefore by theirfruits ye shall know them" (Matt. 7: 20). Observe a man's conduct and listen to his words and you will know hisheart.

Add to this the statement by James: "For in manythings we offend all. If any man offend not in word, thesame is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the wholebody... Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter alittle fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world ofiniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that itdefileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell" (James 3: 2, 5, 6).

There are several evil conditions of the heart that would never be known if words did not come from the mouth. Envy, jealousy, hate, self-conceit, lack of love,etc., come to light by our speech regardless of how muchwe try to keep them hidden. Unjust and hurtful criticismis one of the most frequent of evil speech. Paul said, "Letall bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, andevil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice"(Eph. 4: 21). James said, "But if ye have bitter envyingand strife in your heart, glory not, and lie not against thetruth" (James 3: 14).

Beware of the person who gets you to one side and begins: "Sister Blank is a good woman, BUT..." This leadstatement is presumed to make you accept what is tofollow an awful truth which must be told. Beware of that person who finds fault continually with every one ofwhom he or she speaks. Self-conceit and jealousy make us require the conduct of all to be measured by ourstandards only. Criticism of one's friends, possessions,and habits is usually a sign of envy and lack of love.When the very tenor of one's language about his brotheror sister in Christ is fault-finding and ridiculing, youmark it down that person is not right at heart. If we havesome criticism to make of a person, let us go to him andtalk about it. In that way some good can come of it.

If we will strive to keep our tongues under control wecan be a greater influence for good and cultivate a betterattitude toward others. Angry and evil words hurt allmen and help none; but words of truth and sobernessspoken out of a heart free of malice and bitterness helpall and hurt none.

It is also a fact that wagging tongues spreading evilgossip will soon cease in shame if ears will refuse to listen. Evil speaking is possible because there are eagerears to listen to slander. Do not think that you can hidethe real condition of your heart when you either speakor encouragingly listen to slander and criticism of others. "But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unrulyevil, full of deadly poison" (James 3: 8).: But if ye biteand devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another" (Gal. 5: 15).

Jesus made another statement that should govern us in our language as well as in other conduct. Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do toyou, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets" (Matt. 7: 12). How would you like to havesomeone talk about you in the way you talk about them?What would your estimate be of such a person as a Christian? Every time you begin to speak of anotherperson in a manner to discredit him or her, stop and think if you would want them to speak so of you. If not,do not say it! God will deal with us exactly alike in thejudgment.

We believe that most people who talk about others ina hurtful and unjust way do so expecting to make peoplethink more of them. It never works that way! When youcriticize another to a friend, he will know that you would do the same to him if it served your purpose. Wedo not want this reputation. Let us be careful of ourtongues and speech; our hearts are betrayed by ourlanguage.

OBSERVATIONS ON ROMANS 14

Romans 14 deals with the tension that sometimes arises between strong and weak Christians. In the specific case introduced, the strong brother was the one"who believeth that he may eat all things and the weakbrother "eateth herbs" (v. 2). Paul was a strong brother,for he said "I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus,that there is nothing unclean of itself (v. 14a). Yet, theweak brother who "esteemeth anything to be unclean"could not eat without violating his conscience, hence,could not eat in "faith." This is the "faith" of verse 1 and also verse 23.

It was a matter of divine truth that it was acceptablewith God to eat meat. It was also acceptable for one to eatherbs. For brethren of either persuasion to judge theother as unworthy before God was wrong. The strongbrother could exercise his liberty, but not in a circumstance where he would put the weak brother underpressure to violate his conscience. The weak brother, notyet fully taught and persuaded, was to have his "faith"to himself before God (v. 22). In this way both the strongand the weak could live with their consciences, forbearwith each other and allow time to study, learn and grow.

But if the weak brother in this passage was theuntaught, then the only way for him to ever becomestrong was for him to be taught. If Paul was persuaded "by the Lord Jesus Christ," then divine revelation hadbeen given and the knowledge and application of thatwould help one who was weak to be strong. Further, thisimplies that truth could be known on the subject. Paulcame to be "persuaded" and could not have been unlessthe truth was within reach.

The eating of meat in Romans 14 must have been ofthe same kind as that described in 1 Cor. 8: 4 and 7 where some ate "with conscience of the idol." To buy a piece ofmeat in the marketplace which had come from the idol's temple where sacrifice had been offered, in itself, wasnot wrong. To eat it with no intention of honoring an idolwas not wrong. But to eat it with conscience of the idol,supposing that by the eating of this meat, venerationwas being given to the idol, was wrong. The solution to the problem9 Teaching and forbearance while that was being done.

Not An Excuse For Fellowshipping Error

Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 8 and 10 were never intended as proof texts to justify fellowshipping erroneous doctrine and immorality. The church at Ephesuswas commended because "thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate" (Rev. 2: 6). To the churchat Pergamos the Lord said "But I have a few thingsagainst thee, because thou hast there them that hold thedoctrine of Balaam... to eat things sacrificed unto idols,and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and willfight against them with the sword of my mouth" (Rev.

2: 14-16). Here the eating of things sacrificed to idols islinked with fornication which often attended idolatrous ceremonies. The Lord would not tolerate either the practice or the doctrine which led to it.

Again, to the church at Thyatira, the Lord said"Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee,because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce myservants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of herfornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast herinto a bed, and them that commit adultery with her intogreat tribulation, except they repent of their deeds (Rev. 2: 20-22).Romans 14 must never be used as an excuse for a doctrine which eventuates in immorality within the church. These other passages make that clear.

Faith and The Faith

Romans 14 concerns matters of "faith" in the sense of being fully persuaded in one's mind that what he does isright before God. He must not "doubt" if he eats. That isnot "of faith." But the truth on the subject was that it wasright to eat meat as long as there was no veneration ofthe idol. Paul was "persuaded by the Lord Jesus" on thematter. That was "the faith." It was part and parcel ofthe divine system of truth. God granted liberty in thisarea. That was "the faith." A brother was not to abuse his liberty to embolden a weak, untaught brother to violate his conscience. That was "the faith. "

This great passage was never written to justify everykind of a doctrinal or moral perversion which man mightinvent. The passages we cited in the letters to thechurches of Asia are abundantly clear on that subject, asare other New Testament references. It did not matter whether Hymemaeus and Alexander were sincere inwhat they taught or not. They were wrong and their teaching contrary to "the faith" with the end result thatthe faith and hope of others were imperiled thereby.Those who taught the Corinthians that "the resurrection is past already" were wrong, whether or not theywere lovable.

Every time we are faced with some new crisis amongGod's people over some teaching and it's practical import, we are hastened to Romans 14 with the admonition"not to judge another man's servant." Roy Key and Ernest Beam back in the early 1950's left the faith after first compromising with the Christian Church and seeking grounds for expanded fellowship in spite of instrumental music and other dividing wedges. They took usto Romans 14. Carl Ketcherside and Leroy Garrett andyounger disciples such as Edward Fudge and the cadrethat he influenced, sought an expanded platform of"unity in diversity" among the "heirs of the restoration" and took us to Romans 14. This was supposed to cooldown the rhetoric so we could fellowship instrumentalmusic, Premillennialism, institutionalism, the socialgospel, and you name it. After all, we should not judgeanother's servant. And since he is honest in what he teaches and practices we should not be too severe incondemning him. Never mind how many souls are ledastray and how many churches are weakened to the point of losing their identity as a people belonging to theLord.

Every time I see a brother start making a list of howmany things brethren have differed over, I wonder whatis the substance to the shadow. There is a point to theselists. Right now, the point of the most recent lists, is toleave the impression that since good men have disagreed over various aspects of the subject of divorce and remarriage, that we should be still and allow error to betaught with its attendant evil work and say nothing while the purveyors of said error are active and vocaland churches are being divided. And make no mistake about it, that is exactly what is happening!

The doctrine that an alien sinner is not under law to Christ and its application to adulterous marriages iscausing havoc. If these are only views privately held,why are churches being troubled over them? From whatsource is the doctrine coming? Several well-intentionedbrethren have said they don't agree with the doctrine.But they are miffed because I, and a few others, haveidentified a well-known and highly respected brotherwho holds and has publicly taught this view to the disturbance of churches. Whether we used good or poorjudgment in such identification is now a moot point. The fact is, the pernicious doctrine is being taught, souls are being encouraged to remain in adultery, the peace oflocal churches is being disrupted. When you fellows get over your grumbling and get your noses back in joint,would you please take up the sword of the spirit andHELP to expose this doctrine for what it is and warn ofthe devastating moral consequences? Do you reallybelieve that adultery is a matter of indifference withGod? That one may, or may not, practice it withoutdivine approval or disapproval? I know how you willanswer it. And when you do, you will have to remove itfrom the realm of things considered in Romans 14. If youknow a better way to approach the problem, then by allmeans do it, but please APPROACH THE PROBLEM."Speak thou the things which become sound doctrine"(Tit. 2: 11).

HUGO-RELIEF

Since hurricane Hugo hit the coast of South Carolina,I have received calls from all over the country inquiringabout the condition of brethren in that area. There are two congregations in Charleston: Ashley Heights and West Ashley. Little damage was done to the AshleyHeights building and no damage done to the WestAshley building. The hurricane actually did more damage to buildings belonging to brethren north of Charleston. The building of the Woodland church in Sumterhad several trees fall on it. I have personally seen thedamage in Charleston and it is unbelievable and yet nobrethren were seriously hurt. The care and love of brethren throughout the country has been heart warming. Immediate needs of some brethren at AshleyHeights have been met. The church there has receivedseveral thousand dollars and is now refusing additionalhelp. At this time I do not know of any brethren who arein need. Thank you for responding to these needs.

But there are many other people who yet could use help. Many small towns do not have the governmentthat Charleston does to assist in receiving help fromstate and federal officials. The state has set up thisnumber to call if you would like to help individually: 1800-868-HUGO. They will tell you where help is mostneeded.

—Jim Allen, P. O. Box 4, Beaufort, SC 29902

ANTIOCH — THE POWER OF THE LOCAL CHURCH

The book of Acts describes in thrilling detail thegrowth and spread of the Gospel as New TestamentChristianity burned its way into the hearts and homesof men and women throughout the Roman world. If theepochal events narrated by Luke do not electrify yourimagination and stir your emotions, then nothing could.Acts describes the turning point in all of history. This isnot the history of one man but of one God who used manymen to reach the world by means of the greatest messageever delivered.

Acts 13. Antioch serves as a pit-stop on the road to God's global plan. In Jerusalem the match had been lit.In Judea and Samaria the fire was kindled. In Antioch the fuel is added, thus igniting a spiritual explosion thatwould reach to the "remotest parts of the earth" (Acts

1: 8). Indeed the Antioch church served as the gateway tothe world. It was from this place that Paul and Barnabus would go. It was to this place that they would return.

Antioch Was Willing To Let Them Go

Read again our primary passage in Acts 13: 1-3.Look closely at the final phrase in verse 3 - "they sent them away." The point? It should be obvious. THERE WOULD BE NO EVANGELISM IN OTHER PLACES IF SOME PLACE DOES NOT SACRIFICE. "They sent them away... "

Do you think it was easy to let them go? Paul andBarnabus were not leaving on a six day meeting with allthe modern conveniences of air travel, warm beds andmeal lists. This was an indefinite journey filled withunforeseen perils and problems. And no specific timetable. They left not knowing when they were coming back or if they were coming back. Like a parent facingthe day that every parent dreads - the day when theirchild is no longer a child and leaves the nest; a day of longgood-byes, hand-holding, final words, and tears; a day when you turn loose because you know that is the wayit must be. Antioch faced that day. It wasn't easy.

The Antioch church loved these men! When they werejust beginning their walk with Christ and needed guidance, experience and encouragement, Paul and Barnabus responded (Acts 11: 22-26). They came to Antioch,grounded them in the truth of God and, at the same time,endeared themselves in the hearts and lives of these people. This was a love affair between congregation andpreachers, between teachers and students. Paul and Barnabus had done something for these new converts that no one else had accomplished. And they wouldnever forget it.

Take Barnabus. Barnabus came to Antioch at a time when any preacher who went there would be taking a chance - on failure, on frustration, on the unknown. Buthe went. He went when he could have stayed in Jerusalem. The church was settled there. The apostles werethere. Jerusalem had leadership, experience and soundorganization. Yet he pulled up roots, left the security ofhome and moved north to help a new church composedof unknown pagan believers. You don't forget someonewho sacrifices like that. And... you don't let them go very easily either.

Or take Paul. How they must have loved the preaching of Paul. Acts 11: 26 informs us that for an entire yearPaul labored in Antioch teaching "considerable numbers." Paul had a way of teaching that reached into thehearts of his hearers. There may have been betterpreachers and more eloquent orators (2 Cor. 11: 6), but no one could take the message of the risen Savior andmake it live any better than Paul. He had been there. Hewas a witness with his own eyes. His enthusiasm for theCross was without comparison. His zeal for Christ waswithout masks. Paul was real. He loved His Savior and he loved His Savior's people.

It's no wonder that the Antioch brethren gathered tofast and pray (Acts 11: 3). Sure the church was, by now,well established and the sound preaching and teachingwould continue through the work of Lucius, Manaenand Simon (13: 1); all of that is true. But the fact remainsthat you don't lose a Paul and a Barnabus easily. Theywould be missed. Their absence would be felt.

The brethren gathered to pray; for the safety of theirbeloved brothers for the success of the Gospel... for theirreturn back to Antioch... Surely they prayed for all ofthat and more. This was no mid-week "does anybodyhave any more announcements?" and "Oh yeah, remember Paul and Barnabus in your prayers..." gathering.The church met and fasted and prayed. And, no doubt,cried. Then they let them go. Somebody had to. There would beno conversions in Pisidia without the support of thebrethren back home. There would be no Lydia of Thyatira, no Philippian jailer, no Ephesian elders. Somebodyhad to let them go and give them the support theyneeded. That somebody was Antioch. And, when you think about it, Paul and Barnabus endured much asthey traveled (2 Cor. 11: 23-28) but somehow they always managed to keep going against all odds. How? Howwere they able to stand up under the pressure, thepersecution, the stress? How? There are a lot of reasonsbut one that sticks out in view of our present context isthis: they knew that the folks back home were spendinga lot of time with bowed heads and bended knees. Then when they had fasted and prayed and laid theirhands on them, they sent them away. "In a day so many are hungering and thirsting in distantlands for the soul relieving power of the Gospel, may Godhelp us to find more men like Paul and Barnabus whoare willing to go. May God help us to find more churcheslike Antioch who are willing to send, support and encourage. It takes both. Search your heart and answerthe question - are we really doing the job? I leave you toyour own conscience...

IS THE CHURCH TO EVANGELIZE?

QUESTION: Isn't it the local church's responsibility to support those from the treasury whoevangelize rather than doing the evangelizingitself? It seems to me the Great Commission was given to individuals rather than to the church,and, hence, the church has no obligation to preach the gospel, itself.

ANSWER: It is true the local church's responsibilityis to support, financially, preachers of the gospel, but tosay that a church may only support preachers, and notevangelize itself, is to deny the church what the Bible authorizes and obligates it to do.

Certainly, the Great Commission was initially givento the apostles, and those whom they baptized were toobserve all things Jesus commanded them (Matt. 28:19). Among those things commanded was to "go teachall nations." This was given before the church wasestablished, and before disciples were baptized into thename of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. But the churchfalls under this Commission by implication as it has theduty to preach the gospel as well as individuals. Welearn this by either a command, positive statement oran example.

Granted, the church uses agencies in doing its workof preaching, but it is the church at work, nevertheless.This is also true in other functions of the church, suchas edification and benevolence. Cf. 1 Cor. 12: 28-29;

14: 26-33; Acts 6: 1-6; 11: 27-30; l Cor. 16: 1-3. Thechurch is no less involved in evangelizing, as it is inother assigned activities, while employing agencies.Paul rejoiced that the church at Philippi had "fellowship in the gospel" with him (Phil. 1: 5; 4: 15-16). Other churches had fellowship with Paul while he labored at Corinth (2 Cor. 11: 8).

Let us notice several passages that show the localchurch is to preach the gospel.

1. 1 Thess. 1: 8. "For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia,but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spreadabroad." The church at Thessalonica preached the word far and near.
1. Phil. 2: 16. "Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run invain, neither labored in vain." The word is to be "held

out" or "proffered" to a crooked and perverse generation

(v. 15).

1. 1 Tim. 3: 15. "But if I tarry long, that thoumayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself inthe house of the God, which is the church of the livingGod, the pillar and ground of the truth." W. E. Vine says "pillar" is used metaphorically "of a local church asto its responsibility, in a collective capacity, to maintainthe doctrines of the faith by teaching and practice. "
2. Acts 13: 2. The church at Antioch sent out Saul and Barnabas on their missionary journey. "And whenthey had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands onthem, they sent them away." When they returned from their journey, Paul and Barnabas "gathered thechurch to-gether" and rehearsed all that God had donewith them (Acts 14: 27).

All of the preceding passages show conclusively thatthe church has the function and responsibility of preaching the gospel in order to evangelize the world. Byimplicit and logical deduction, therefore, the churchcomes within the purview of the Great Commission.

If the local church, itself, has no God-given function topreach the gospel, then why are churches conducting radio and TV programs, cottage meetings, tent meetings,offering Bible correspondence courses, distributing gospel tracts, having gospel meetings and involved in otherways of reaching the lost?

Yes, the church is to preach the gospel!

HOME SCHOOLING

Some years ago while driving home late one eveningfrom a gospel meeting I was enjoying the host of a call-in talk show that I had managed to tune in from aNortheastern city. The fellow seemingly specialized incommon-sense psychology and his advice to troubled callers had a ring of Bible based ethics and wisdomabout it.

My complacent consent was shaken, however, whena mother related some problems she was experiencingwith her teen-aged daughter, and the radio counseloradvised her to take the girl out of school and educate herat home. "How on earth can you just take a kid out ofschool? I protested. I decided the counselor was somekind of nut and searched for something else on the dial.

I now know the answer to my question, for we are beginning our third year of home schooling with ourdaughter. She is now thirteen.

Home schooling is not for everyone. I have no intention of mounting a campaign to persuade all Christiansto adopt this course. But if you share some of thefrustrations that my wife and I have sustained over thetraining of our children, perhaps you have not seriously considered what we came to recognize as a viable alternative to public education.

We have four children. Three are married and on their own (sort of). I am thankful to God that all are faithful Christians. I remember asking Pete Wilson's advice on rearing children and he said, "Remember that you're bigger than they are and do a lot of praying." Wealways tried to do that and, in spite of many mistakes I wish we could amend, I think we did a few other thingsright. But folks, this child rearing business isn't as easy as I used to think it was!

In regard to secular education, we've tried the publicschools and a private school operated by Christians. The private school was, in the middle school and uppergrades, a much better situation for us than the publiceducation available. One of the principal drawbacks wasthe expense. It was a hefty financial load. Then too,public education or private, the quality depends foremost on the individual teachers in the classroom. Public schools have no monopoly on good, or bad teachers.

"Why did you decide to home school?" is a question that I almost always hear when people learn what we are doing. Here are some of the reasons:

1. From our experience and observation we believe the odds are against Christian parents raising theirchildren in the training and discipline of the Lord(Ephesians 6: 4) when the schools take over most ofthe training and much of the discipline or lack of it.

Most Christians have been alarmed over the influence of humanism in the schools. Even more treacherous is the peer pressure that is constant in that environment. I watched one of my children depart into the farcountry and almost demolish her life because shewanted so desperately to be accepted. She wanted friends. If I could go back and go at those years again, Iassure you that I do not know what I would do differently to avert that situation, at least as far as our personalefforts as parents are concerned.

While our children fared better in a school administered by Christians, I don't believe the percentage ofyoung people who have continued as faithful Christiansupon leaving home is much higher there than it is withthose who have graduated from public schools. Someone may say, you can't blame the schools. Well, the environment our impressionable youngsters are forced into dayafter day is largely to blame. I see too many goodChristian parents who have given their best and highestefforts to training their children lose them to the world!This is probably the main reason so many churches haveproblems appointing elders. Parents come off wondering what they did wrong, and the fact is they wereplaying against a stacked deck.

This is one reason we decided to home school.

2. We have tried to have family worship on a fairlyconsistent basis ever since we started a family. Schoolschedules and activities have never been cooperative. Inthe early grades the children often have so much homework that this interferes. Wednesday nights and gospelmeeting weeks are especially hectic because the children's lives at school and at home are being run by theteachers.

As children get into high school, if they are athletes orgood students, their evening hours are filled with practice and games and school functions. We found thatfamily life was virtually destroyed during the very timethat parents need to be exerting the primary influence in the lives of their children. We got tired of it.

3. Academically, there are decided advantages inhome schooling. A student in the traditional classroomthat does not catch on quickly to a new area of study isoften left behind and never catches up. One of mychildren missed out on basic math in the early gradesand was in the dark when algebra was introduced. He was totally unprepared for college math, though for a variety of reasons he seemed to do average work in highschool. In home schooling the teacher can be sure thatthe child has grasped the lower foundations of studybefore moving on.

Now let me share with you the objections that I havemost often heard to home schooling.

1. "But won't your children miss out on the socializing?" I often respond, "Yea, and there are a lot of otheradvantages too!"

Really. How much good has ever been produced by abunch of kids hanging out together? Now, I know someassociation and interaction with the peer group is important. But sufficient opportunities for this existapart from school. And in such cases the parents can exercise greater control in the choice of associates.

2. "But doesn't it take a lot of time to home school? Like anything else important, it takes time and it takesdiscipline. But in many cases this will not prove to bea prodigious obstacle. A child can normally accomplishin three hours of home schooling the work that takessix hours or more at school. If evening work is assigned,the parent can know that this is work the child canaccomplish on his own. We have found that we spend no more time teaching our child now than we did inhelping with homework when she was in school.

One family in the congregation just finished theirfirst year of home schooling. They have four children.One was in the fourth grade, two (twins) were in the first grade, and one is a pre-schooler. The biggestconcern of these parents was the time factor. But themother, who does most of the teaching, soon saw thatshe wasn't as busy as last year when she was roommother in three classes, vice-president of the PTA,volunteer librarian, and, as a dutiful parent, justgenerally on call for any need.

3. "But can they get a quality education?" One mightexpatiate on the quality education that most children are getting in the public schools. Tests consistentlyindicate that home schoolers do better, scholastically.We have been extremely pleased with the S. A. T. scores that home schoolers here have tallied.

But as one friend expressed it, "What are you goingto do, Green, whey they get to the multiplication table?" I think that was his subtle way of asking if theremight be subjects I won't be able to handle. In the homeschooling organization we belong to, tutors are available at a nominal fee. Video tapes are now availablefrom educational publishing firms that specialize inhome schooling. Also a number of fellow Christians inthis area with expertise in higher mathematics and many technical areas have indicated that they will be happy to lend a hand.

Meanwhile, our daughter is doing very well. She hasdeveloped a love for reading that she did not havebefore. In the past couple years she has read Little Women, Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, GreatExpectations, Christy, Heidi, the ten volumes in the Mandie series, as well as several other good books.She is presently reading the Anne (of Green Gables) series. We made a good study of the book of Proverbslast school year. She won first place in the seventh grade in a space art contest sponsored by UAH,

4. "But isn't that against the law?" Different stateshave different laws. Some state laws make it easy onhome schoolers; some make it difficult. There has beenno specific legislation in the state of Alabama, so it's an open question here. We belong to a local organizationof home schoolers that provide certified teachers tohelp coordinate the curriculum and program. Theyalso give the S. A. T. tests each year and keep records ofgrades and report cards. We keep records of the workthat is done each day. We also belong to a legal defensegroup that offers legal assistance if the school board decides to take the matter to court. This "insurance" costs $100 per year.

I have not written this column with the purpose ofanswering all questions. We are still quite new to thehome schooling program. Some brethren have been doingit for years. But we have found that this approach to education helps us, rather than hindering, to fulfill the Biblical mandate to bring up our children in the nurtureand admonition of the Lord.

If you would like to learn more about home schooling,I encourage you to pick up some books on the subject at a religious book store. The books by Raymond and DorothyMoore (published by Word Books) authorities in education and pioneers in the home school movement, arehighly recommended.

STRAINING THE GNAT

"Ye blind guides, which strain at (strain out, ASV) agnat, and swallow a camel" (Mt. 23: 24).

All of us may be guilty at times of straining out the gnatwhile swallowing the June bug, or maybe even a camel onoccasion, due to inconsistency, or failure to make theproper application of a matter. But it seems that the Pharisees were guilty because of hypocrisy, not justbecause of ignorance.

I do not profess to know at what point our ignorance orinconsistency may turn into hardness and hypocrisy, nordo I profess to know just when a June bug turns into acamel. But, I still think we can tell a gnat from a camel,and profit from a study of the subject at hand.

We have marveled at the self-acclaimed scholars who profess to be experts on the 1000-year reign of Christ andother symbolic language in the Book of Revelation, butstill can't seem to understand other plain, non-symbolicpassages concerning the kingdom of Christ.

Then, there are others who can verbalize about the genealogy of Cain's wife, Melchizedek, or some "foolish and unlearned question," but still can't understand plain language like "He that believeth and is baptized shall besaved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mk.

16: 16).

But all this straining out gnats and swallowing camelsis not confined to those outside the body of Christ. Someof us in the church can put on a pretty good performancein the act of straining and swallowing, and the subject ofthe Lord's supper seems to produce its share of this activity.

When I visited the Philippines in 1984, there had beena congregation of "one cup" brethren established since my

Page 9

visit in 1977. Some zealot had decided that the Filipino brethren didn't have enough obstacles toovercome, and decided to give them another boneof contention on which to chew. And in my area ofthe country, there is renewed effort on the part ofthe one-cup brethren (I don't know how else to identify them), to make disciples for their cause.

But, even that does not concern me so much as dothe other exercises in nit-picking and gnat-strainingdone by brethren who use individual containers forthe fruit of the vine. In some places, it is next toimpossible for a man to "wait on the table" withoutbeing criticized for something. He shouldn't use the term "emblem," or "loaf," or "represent," or "common to a spiritual use," or any like expressionin his remarks about the Lord's supper.

Since all things are to be done unto edification, itis fitting that something be said on such occasions soas to exhort brethren and inform the unbeliever. But when the audience is sprinkled with gnatstrainers just wait-ing to pounce on a man's words, Iadvise brethren to just quote 1 Cor. 10: 16 and let itgo at that. Or call on one of the gnat strainers to offerthanks (or the husband, if his wife is the critic).

I've heard some strange language used by thosewho preside at the Lord's table, and some of it justcannot be harmonized with the scriptures, but myobservance of the supper depends a whole lot moreon my attitude of heart than it does on the grammaror choice of words on the part of those who areserving the Lord's supper to the congregation.

Now, if what I have said is all that there is to besaid, I doubt that I would have bothered to say it. But now we come to the swallowing of the camel.

Some of the very ones who are the most observing when it comes to finding fault with how we observe the Lord's supper, will forsake the entire assembly of the church, go on vacation orsome other jaunt, and not even observe the supper orthe other acts of worship associated with it.

Or, some will attempt to eat the supper (whichthe Lord placed in his kingdom), with digressivegroups who corrupt the worship with mechanicalinstruments of music or other innovations which are more appropriate in a Bacchanalian feast than theyare in the worship of the church, which is the templeof the Lord (Eph. 2: 19-22).

We certainly need to "speak as the oracles of God"and we would not discourage those who would teachus the way of the Lord more perfectly. Neither would we offend the conscience of some sincere brother or sister who has a problem with some of the thingswhich are done or said at the time we are supposed tobe discerning the Lord's body and shed blood.

But let us examine ourselves, and make certainthat we are not "straining out the gnat and swallowing the camel. "

STUDIES IN TITUS CHAPTER 3

In the previous chapter, Paul describes the true character of Christians that must be manifested in their dealings with one another and the motive behind theiraction. This chapter deals with attitudes the Christianmust have toward unbelievers.

Attitudes toward Unbelievers (v. 1-3)

Christians need to know what their attitude should be toward those of the world, and Titus was responsiblefor teaching this. Since Christianity is to manifest itselfin every relationship of life, we must know how to acttoward civil authorities (v. 1). Titus was to remind Christians that the Lord ordains that they be in subjection to such (See Rom. 13: 1-7; 1 Pet. 2: 13-17).

Nero was the Emperor when Paul wrote this letter to Titus and was a persecutor of Christians, yet Christiansare told to subordinate themselves to him, and all suchauthorities. Civil disobedience is never justified, exceptwhen those in authority demand that Christians disobey God's stated will. Then Christians must obey God rather than men (Acts 4: 18-20; 5: 29).

"To be ready unto every good work" suggests thelimits wherein Christians are to be ready to obey Civil authorities. Respect their position, honor, pray for, andobey, so long as God's will is not violated. Certainly, theChristian must not do evil that good may come.

In dealing with others, Christians must not "speakevil of" anyone. That is, they must refrain from speakingreproachfully, railing at, or reviling anyone, especiallyrulers and authorities (v. 2). A Christian must not showhimself to be contentious, quarrelsome, ready to attackothers (forbidden of elders -1 Tim. 3: 3), but rather onewho manifests gentleness and meekness in dealing withall men.

Sometimes Christians are disposed to lose patience with those of the world who follow divers lusts and pleasures, being filled with malice, envy and hate (v. 3).They seem to forget that they once were in "the sameboat," and are, actually, living examples of what God's grace can do for those about them who are now as they once were.

The Christians escape from the shameful past is notdue to any merit of their own, but rather to the "kindness" and "love" of God, which had appeared, (v. 4)Kindness in this verse is the same as "goodness" in Rom.

2: 4. Love is literally "love for mankind." From the original word comes "philanthropy." Salvation is due to the kindness or goodness off God, based upon his love for fallen man. This system for saving man appeared or wasmanifested in the coming of Christ and the perfecting ofthe gospel (See Tit. 2: 11-12; 1 Cor. 15: 1-4).

Verse five mentions something this salvation did not come by—"works which we have done," what it did comeby — "His mercy," and how it was effected — "By thewashing of regeneration, and renewing of the HolySpirit. "

This, and other "not of works" passages (Rom. 4: 1-6;Eph. 2: 8-9) suggests to some a conflict between any works in connection with salvation and salvation byfaith. Martin Luther had this problem and by adding theword "only" to Rom. 3: 28 he became the father of the"Salvation by Faith Only" doctrine, which is in directconflict with James 2: 24.

This problem is due to a failure to note the sense inwhich works is used in these passages. This text speaksof works which we (ourselves) have done, and Eph. 2: 8speaks of salvation "not of yourselves" which does notinvolve "works" of which one may "boast" (V. 9). Obviously, meritorious works are under consideration inthese "not of works" passages. There is nothing that man could, or can, do that makes his salvation a possibility.Man only accepts through an obedient faith that which God's grace and mercy made possible, or provided.There is a great difference between meritorious worksand obedience which springs from faith. No New Testament writer ever placed "obedience of faith" (Rom. 1: 5;

16: 26) in contrast with faith. Truly, salvation is by grace(God's love, goodness, mercy) through faith (expressingitself in obedience) and not by works (meritorious) ofwhich one may boast. (Eph. 2: 8-9).

The how of His saving according to his mercy is by"the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the HolySpirit." In our salvation, a regeneration or renewingtakes place, involving a "washing" and the "Holy Spirit.""Washing (laver) of regeneration," according to Arndtand Gingrich, is "the bath that brings about regeneration." Obviously, this washing refers to baptism, which the Holy Spirit, through Peter, says saves us (1 Pet.

3: 20). The expression is equivalent to being "born ofwater and the Spirit" (Jno. 3: 5). The Holy Spirit inrevealing, confirming truth (the gospel), and indwellingthe Christian, plays a very prominent role in the begetting, birthing, and development of the new creature inChrist. Take away God's grace, the agency of the HolySpirit, the gospel (death, burial, Resurrection of Christ)or the obedience of faith, and regeneration (salvation) isimpossible.

The Holy Spirit, an important agent in regeneration,was promised to all obedient believers (Jno. 7: 37-39;Acts 2: 38-39; 5: 32; Gal. 3: 14) and verse 6 affirmsthat this promise was fulfilled. The terms "shed" or "poured out" are figurative (The Holy Spirit is a person and cannot be literally poured out), indicatingthat this promise of the gospel has been given unto us.

Verse 7 states the true position of the Christian basedon what has been previously stated. He had been justified (acquitted, declared righteous, made acceptable) byGod's grace and, therefore, is "an heir according to the hope of eternal life. "

Verse 8 shows Paul's reason for writing these thingsto Titus, especially those instructions about the basis ofsalvation and the works Christianity demands, TheLord expects such action on the part of the redeemed,and since such is good and profitable unto man, it followsthat a failure would be bad and unprofitable. It wasimportant that Titus affirm this constantly to thesaints, lest they lose their hope.

Paul's Final Charge To Titus (v. 9-15)

Not only did Paul want Titus to teach Christians to positively teach and hold to truth and maintain goodworks, but they must also avoid certain things which will hinder successful evangelism and even destroy the cause of Christ in a given area. Some of these things are"foolish questions, genealogies, contentions, and striving about the law" (v. 9). Timothy was also thus warned(1 Tim. 1: 4; 6: 4-5; 2 Tim. 2: 14, 23). The evangelistor teacher may easily get bogged down in these thingswhich will make the teaching and learning process, sofar as truth is concern, a complete failure.

Titus is told to reject a factious man (heretic -K. J.), after the first and second admonition (v. 10). Suchan one is not the preacher (teacher) who contends fortruth when confronted with an opposing view, but onewho contends for theories and practices clearly foreign to or out of harmony with Scripture. Such can beidentified not only by what he is teaching, but by hisattitude and demeanor. Persistence in advocating thingsnot author-ized by scripture, gendering strife, is sin andthe one who so does brings condemnation upon himself (v. 11).

In Paul's final charge to Titus, two things are emphasized, (1) Doing works worthy of the gospel; (2) Purity ofdoctrine and the peril of false teaching. Neglect either ofthese and the salvation of the teacher and hearers will be impossible.

From verses 12-15, a personal note to Titus, it seemsthat Paul sent this letter to Titus by Zenas, the lawyer,and Apollos. At the proper time, he would send Artemas,or Tychicus to Titus, at which time Titus would leaveCrete to join Paul in Nicopolis.

Between the 3rd and 10th centuries, Greek manuscripts of the New Testament were written in 'uncials' (capital letters); one letter at a time and not connectedwith other letters. As far as is now known, there are 276 uncial manuscripts in existence.

Another type of New Testament manuscript, was acursive type of writing originating from the 9th of the16th centuries and sometimes called minuscule due to its small size, when compared to the 'uncial' or majuscule size. There are 2, 795 of these cursive manuscripts known in the 1980's. Some 80% of the cursivesare of the Byzantine Text; much like the Textus Receptus.

There were also some 2, 200 Greek Lectionaries,which were used in the public worship of the earlychurch. A scribe would prepare a copy of part of a New Testament Book, for study by the congregation. These also were mostly of the Byzantine Text.

For two hundred and seventy years the King JamesVersion had been the dominant English Bible (16111881). It was in 1881 that the English Revised Version was completed and published. But in the 1890's, a great mass of 'papyri' began to be discovered in the dry sandsof Egypt. Fragments of the New Testament Books,dating back to as early as 125 A. D., were found byAdolph Deissmann and Professor Thumb of Germany,and Grenfell and Hunt of England. These many bits of'papyri' served to prove that the New Testament had NOT been written in Classical Greek but had been written in Koine Greek, the commonly spoken Greek of the 1st century A. D.

This surprising fact had not been known by theearlier translators, such as Westcott and Hort, andothers. The early Greek lexicographers had given NewTestament words Classical Greek definitions, J. H.Thayer would prove to be the first lexicographer thatidentified the changing meaning of Greek words fromthe Classical to the Koine. (Example - psallo).

Tischendorf listed only ONE papyrus in his writings.Westcott and Hort mentioned NONE! But, in the 1980's,88 Papyri Manuscript fragments are known and cataloged! Several readings found in the Papyri, agree withthe Byzantine or Majority Text, and thus render invalidthe Westcott -Hort textual theory.

Contents of New Testament Papyri

MATTHEW—Fractions of 16 different chapters.

MARK—Fractions of 9 different chapters.

LUKE—Eight complete chapters and fractions of 13additional chapters.

JOHN—Twelve complete chapters and fractions ofall 21 chapters.ACTS—Twenty-three complete chapters and frac

tions of 25 chapters.ROMANS—Fractions of 16 chapters.1 COR. —Fractions of 16 chapters.2 COR. —Fractions of 13 chapters.GAL. —Fractions of 6 chapters. EPH. —Fractions of 6 chapters. PHIL. —Fractions of 4 chapters.COL. —Fractions of 4 chapters.1 THESS — Fractions of 4 chapters.2 THESS. —Fraction of 1 chapter.TITUS—Fractions of 3 chapters.PHILE. —Fraction of 1 chapter.HEBREWS—Two complete chapters and fractions of

13 chapters.JAMES—Fractions of 5 chapters.1 PETER—The complete book, plus fractions of 3

chapters.2 PETER—The complete book, plus fractions of 2

chapters.1 JOHN—Fractions of 5 chapters.2 JOHN—Fraction of 1 chapter.3 JOHN—Fraction of 1 chapter.JUDE—Complete, plus a fraction in each of 2 addi

tional Papyri.REV. —Fractions of 13 chapters.The New Testament is the most thoroughly proven

and authenticated ancient writing known.Jesus promised: "Heaven and earth will pass away,but My words will by no means pass away." (Matt.

24: 35).

One of the things that separates the people of God from the multitudes of the world is the willingness to"serve one another." In Paul's letter to the Galatians he wrote: "For brethren, ye have been called untoliberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to theflesh, but by love serve one another" (5: 13). Beinga Christian does not bring us the freedom to run overthe feelings of others, or to stake our claim on our rightsregardless of who might be affected by it. Instead theHoly Spirit directed Paul to write that we are to "serve one another." This concept is very different from thatof the world. Where the world says, "look out for numberone," the gospel says, "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others" (Phil. 2: 3-4).

It appears that this willingness to serve, to be aservant to others, is not natural to us but must belearned. Jesus criticized the Pharisees because theyloved to have the preeminence. In Matthew chapter 23 He told them, "But all their works they do for to beseen of men: they make broad their phylacteries,and enlarge the borders of their garments, andlove the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chiefs seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi,Rabbi" (v. 5-7). Then Jesus made the application of Hislesson to the multitude by saying. "But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. Andwhosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased;and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted"

(v. 11 -12). There is always a danger that we too may lovethe preeminence, the chief seats, the sounds of thepraises of our fellowman, and forget who we really are,sinners who have been cleansed by the blood of Christ.

On at least two different occasions reported in the book of Matthew the disciples were involved in discussions of who was the greatest among them. In chapterIS "Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I sayunto you, Except ye be converted, and become aslittle children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is thegreatest in the kingdom of heaven" (v. 2-4). Later,in chapter 20 James and John came to Jesus, along withtheir mother, requesting that they be allowed to sit onHis right hand and on His left in the kingdom. And verse 24 tells us that the other ten among the apostles

were "moved with indignation" against these two brethren. Then Jesus answered them, "Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: butwhosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many" (Matt.

20: 25-28). There just isn't any room in the kingdom ofGod for the pettiness of setting ourselves up as betterthan others.

In John chapter 13 we see Jesus, just after the Passover, washing the feet of the disciples. This He did, notbecause they were really in need of physical cleansing.Jesus said: "Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you,The servant is not greater than his lord; neither hethat is sent greater than he that sent him. If yeknow these things, happy are ye if ye do them" (v. 12-17).

In Luke chapter 17 we find Jesus again teaching thedisciples about being servants. He said: "But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do" (v. 7-10). When we serve our Lord, and when we serve one another, we have done only thatwhich is our duty to do. There is no special reward, noextra stars in your crown; just the joy of serving as theMaster requires.

Most often when we talk of doing good for others theidea seems to involve money. But very often the thing wehave least of is money, and the thing we have the most ofis our selves and our time. Is it too much effort, tooinconvenient, too time consuming to go by and pick up someone who needs a ride to the assemblies? Is it too belittling to stop by some brother or sister's house to help with some chore they can't handle alone? Are we too important and too busy to stop by the home of a brotheror sister who is ill or shut-in and help mow the grass, orwash the windows or whatever may be needed? Certainly there are times when brethren do not want thiskind of help, for it makes them feel that we think they can't cope on their own. But we should be willing to inconvenience ourselves to do for others. If we would follow Jesus we must learn to "serve one another. "

David R. Reagan went into apostasy and left the churches of Christ several years ago to wander in the wastelands of Premillennialism, denominationalism,and Pentecostalism. Modern converts to Pentecostal concepts who have not joined the old line Pentecostaldenominations and who take a softer line on some traditional Pentecostal issues are called charismatics. Reagan conducts his own independent ministry called"Lamb and Lion Ministries" especially devoted tospreading Premillennialism. This work has led him toassociate with many Pentecostal and charismaticgroups for nearly a decade.

In the April 1989 issue of his paper Lamplighter,Reagan made several "Observations on the Charismatic Movement." If those of us who oppose all theunscriptural errors of the charismatic movement wereto make the same observations Reagan makes, wewould be accused of being prejudiced, narrow-minded,and traditional. Speaking from the vantage point of hisfellowship and participation in various charismaticactivities, Reagan will not be so charged. His observations are objective, and his analysis is accurate. At boththe beginning and ending of his article, he highlycommends the charismatics for their revival of miracles, "Davidic praise worship," and "victorious living,"But the real heart of his article is a stunning expose ofthe excesses and errors of the charismatic movement,listed below.

1. THE SPIRIT OVER JESUS. Reagan laments that"the dove has come to replace the Cross as the symbolof Christianity. That is tragic and un-Biblical. Our salvation is not in the power of the Holy Spirit. Oursalvation is in the blood of Christ. The Cross is our hope; not the baptism in the Holy Spirit. "
2. GIFT OVER FRUIT. Though he attempts to defend miraculous gifts of the Spirit today,Reagan admits that an overemphasis on miraculousgifts has fostered "an incredible degree of spiritualarrogance" and has caused much division. "The frequent result is people who speak in tongues butwho cannot control their tongues. "
3. EXPERIENCE OVER SCRIPTURE. "Visions, dreams, and out-of-body experience havebeen applauded, even when what was reported ran contrary to the Word. This tendency has opened theMovement to an invasion of the occult. "
4. PRAISE OVER PRAYER. Reagan has foundthat charismatics so love to "revel" in praise that theylose the sense of humility which ought to be expressed in prayer and in the confession of our sinsbefore the Lord. "God cannot inhabit the praises of anunholy people. "

5. UNITY OVER PURITY. "One of the most danger-

ous trends within the Charismatic Movement has been its growing tendency to embrace anyone and everyonewho claims to have experienced the baptism of the HolySpirit." Reagan bemoans the fact that charismatics oftenfellowship "spirit-filled Catholics," who are "in bondage todoctrines of demons like the exaltation of Mary," andaccept "spirit-filled" Mormons, who believe that "Jesus isone of several thousand gods created by the supergodAdam, an exalted man!"

6. COMFORT OVER SUFFERING. Reagan complains that "those who are not healed are treated withembarrassment and are often condemned for 'a lack of faith. '" We do not receive glorified bodies until the resurrection," Reagan notes. "All the overemphasisamong Charismatics on painless living has eclipsed thetrue calling of scripture. The fact of the matter is that weare called to suffer for Christ (Rom. 8: 17; Phil. 3: 10; 1 Pet.

4: 13). The scriptures say that Jesus was perfectedthrough what he suffered (Heb. 5: 8-9). Can anything lessbe expected forus?"

1. POWER OVER HOLINESS. Reagan laments an "increasing lust" among charismatics for politicaland economic power and for the things of this world."The union of the Church with the world has alwaysresulted in the corruption of the Church. Our quest isto be for holiness, not power (1 Pet. 1: 13-16). Is it any wonder that the power hungry ministry empires of theselatter days have been plagued with constant scandal?"
2. SUCCESS OVER SACRIFICE. Reaganseverely castigates charismatic ministers who trumpet "worldly success as a measure of Christian faith," and who "live in conspicuous splendor, pointing to their ministries." "What a perversion of the gospel! How can those who wallow in materialism claim to be followers of a man who denied the world, who had noplace to lay his head, and who died with only one possession—a robe? For them, the Rolex watch has replaced the Cross as the symbol of Christianity. "
3. PARTIAL OVER PERFECT. Reagan did not include this last point but it is the root of all the errors, excesses,and confusion which is manifested in charismania. 1 Corinthians 13: 8-13 teaches that the miracles of revelation and confirmation provided the means for unveiling truth part by part by part. "But when that which is perfectis come, then that which is in part shall be done away."When the revelation of all truth was completed, newmiracles of revelation and confirmation were no longerneeded in God's plan. All such miracles were to "fail,""cease," "vanish away," and "be done away" with the full and final revelation of the New Testament. Pentecostals and charismatics of all varieties have been led into manyextremes and excesses by trying to hold on to "the partial"when "that which is perfect" has already come.

The Holy Spirit has already fully revealed the gospel ofChrist as God's mighty power unto the salvation of everysoul. Let us preach that gospel in its simplicity andfullness today without creating unrealistic expectationsof new miracles. The miracles served the temporarypurpose of bringing the gospel into the world, but thegospel itself is the permanent plan of God for the salvation of souls. Let us preach the gospel of Christ inits original

purity and power, and urge men to accept it and obey it."He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved: but hethat believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16: 16).

Of all the characters in the Bible, few have caused asmuch speculation as the Pharaoh who ruled Egyptduring the time of Moses. God spoke to Moses aboutPharaoh and said, "I will harden his heart, so that hewill not let the people go" (Exodus 4: 21). This promise ofGod was repeated on several other occasions (Exodus

7: 3; 9: 12; 10: 20, 27; 11: 10).

Many fanciful theories have been devised to explainhow God hardened Pharaoh's heart. Calvinists often point to this case and claim that God miraculouslyhardened his heart by the Holy Spirit. But, as is alwaysthe case, their argument fails in the light of other passages.

Three times in the narrative we read that Pharaoh hardened his own heart (Ex. 8: 15, 32: 9: 34). Four other times the Bible simply says his heart "grew" or "became" hard (Ex. 7: 14, 22; 8: 19; 9: 7). The recordalso indicates the magicians had a hand in the hardening of Pharaoh's heart (Ex. 7: 22; 8: 19).

When we put all the pieces together, what do we find? Pharaoh was an insolent, arrogant and cruel man. He had two reasons for not wanting to release the Israelites:pride and covetousness. It would look bad for a monarch to allow nearly two million slaves to go free. It would alsohurt the national economy if he lost his labor force.

It went against the grain for a man like Moses tomake demands in the name of Jehovah. Every timeMoses spoke Pharaoh's heart grew harder.

The magicians also played a part in the hardening ofPharaoh's heart. By the use of enchantments, they triedto neutralize the miracles of Moses. Robert Jamieson commented, "the art of those ancient magicians, whowere not common jugglers, but educated men, wasenlisted in support of the idolatry of Egypt... it is notdifficult to imagine what immense power those professors of occult science must have wielded over the minds of men in an age of darkness, when the superstition ofEgypt was in all its glory. "

I suggest God hardens the hearts of men today the same way He did 3, 500 years ago. Some men will nevercondescend to listen to a simple gospel preacher. The"pride of life" (1 John 2: 16) will cause them to close theirears to the truth. Pride kept many of the rulers fromconfessing Christ, "lest they be put out of the synagogue;for they loved the praise of men more than the praise ofGod" (John 12: 42, 43).

When a man repeatedly hears the gospel message, yetrefuses to obey it, his conscience becomes "seared" (1Tim. 4: 2). To some men, gospel preachers are the "aromaof life," but to those who have had their conscience seared, they are the "aroma of death" (2 Corinthians

2: 16).

False teachers also help to harden the hearts of some.Pentecostal preachers, by their use of "signs and lyingwonders" (2 Thes. 2: 9), have deceived people into putting their trust in things other than God's word. Denominational creeds and traditions have also blinded men to the truth (Matt. 15: 8, 9).

Religious groups like the PTL club have convincedmany people that "Christianity" is a sham. It is tragicthat the shenanigans of these con artists will causepeople to give up on God, and never find out what itreally means to be a Christian.

When Jesus prayed for the unity of his disciples, Hesaid, "that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent me" (John 17: 21). The unity of our Lord's followers would help convince theworld that the Father had sent Him. The denominations who preach "join the church of your choice" are actingagainst the prayer of Christ.

Pharaoh had the opportunity to heed the voice of God.I am sure he would give 1,000 worlds like this one foranother chance. You have the same choice Pharaoh had. The difference is that he cannot change his decision now,but you can.

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

STEVE KEARNEY, 140 Woodlawn Park Grove, Firhouse, Dublin, Ireland—During the late summer, six were baptized and one restored in the work in Dublin. We have lost over $200 a month in support and could use help. In May we were visited by the Daniell family fromTonbridge Wells, England. The Colly Caldwells from Temple Terrace, Florida were here later and Colly spoke for us. Also in August we werevisited by Les and Linda Maydell from Pretoria, South Africa. ThenBill and Inez Fain from Portland, Oregon visited with us en route toEngland and Germany. All of these encouraged us much.

WILSON COPELAND, 9747 Union Terrace Lane, Maple Grove, MN55369 — In the May, 1989 issue of STS, we announced a special two-week door-to-door effort for the city of Duluth, Minnesota and appealed for volunteers to come and help us. The response was beyondexpectations. In addition to Melvin Krumrei, Jady Copeland, RickLanning, Keith Barclay, Rennie Frazier and myself, we were joined bythe following: Wayne Troulias, Fultondale, Alabama; Mike Johnson,Gardendale, Alabama; David Hawthorne, Columbia, TN; Lonnie and Cindy Fritz, Peoria, IL: Roland and Donna Fritz, Woodbury, TN;Orman and Frances Henderson, Deerfield, MO; Kent Persall, Cull-man, AL; Carlton McPeak, Mt. Pleasant, TN; David Diestelkamp,Eau Claire, WI; and Albert and Bernice Wanous, Pine City, MN. Wedistributed about 9,000 pieces of literature, had many at-the-doordiscussions, and feel much good was done. Twelve adults and ten children visitors attended the meeting the second week, there wereseven home Bible studies conducted the week of the meeting. Over 30 other names were left who had interest in having a Bible study.Another door-to-door effort will be made next summer in another Minnesota city. Consider this your "Minnesodian call" and start planning to "come over and help us. "

MIKE HUGHES, P. O. Box 2481, Corinth, MS 38834 —We have been with the central church for a year in which time four havebeen baptized. We have started a bulletin mailed to 300 homes. Itypeset two magazines, as a labor of love. One is THE APOSTOLICMESSENGER published by Walton Weaver and the other is calledGOD'S ALTERNATIVE put out by Wayne Goforth. I am seeking sermon outlines from faithful gospel preachers for possiblepublication in an outline book. I have lost $100 a month in support. Iwould like to be placed on the mailing list of those who publishbulletins. Visit with us at Central, located on Central School Road off Hwy. 72 East. Our phone number for directions is (601) 2876413.

JOE PRICE, 1053 North 1390 West, Layton, Utah 84041 — I havejust returned from a two-week preaching trip with brethren Robert W.LaCoste and Dennis Scroggins to Moscow, Idaho and Calgary, Alberta, Canada. In Moscow three teenage girls were baptized into Christ. In Calgary, one brother was restored. Daily classes andevening services were conducted at both places. The churches are similar in several ways. They are small in number. The Moscowchurch has 15 members and the Calgary church has 25 members.Neither church has an evangelist working with them now but both areinteresting in finding a good man to work with them. Moscow is about75 miles from other churches while Calgary is about 150 miles fromthe closest congregation. In Moscow, our morning classes had alien sinners each day, with some attending nightly services. At Calgary,about 25 contacts were made with people enrolled in correspondencecourses, and two of these came four nights of the meeting.

At both places, the topic of marriage, divorce and remarriage wasof great concern. In Moscow, we conducted a 3 and 1/2 hour class one morning on the subject, at which the brethren had many questions. InCalgary, Friday night was devoted to the subject, with questionsfollowing our speeches. That session lasted almost three hours. The brethren are hungry for the truth on this crucial subject, which havecaused doubts to arise. Some preachers in the northwest and otherparts of the U. S. have suggested that the topic of MDR is too "complex"and "controversial" to take an absolute stand upon it. This has caused brethren in these churches to doubt the truth Jesus taught in Mt. 19: 312, et al. We encountered the doctrine that the guilty, put awayfornicator may remarry, as well as the doctrine that aliens are notamenable to Christ's marriage law. It is crucial that brethren and preachers in the northwestern part of the U. S. and the southwesternpart of Canada take a strong stand for truth on this subject. Doubtmust be replaced with firm conviction upon the revealed truth of God.We plan to return and work with them again next year. Any interestin the work at either place may contact, in Moscow, Eddie Northern

(208) 882-5242. In Calgary, contact Wayne Bailey (403) 258-1358. Formore information you may also call me at (801) 546-6216.

ROBERT H. FARISH, Rt. 4, Box 4384-D, Belton, TX 76513 —The Leon Valley church met in their new meeting house, located at 4404 Twin City Blvd., Temple, Texas 76502, for their first service June 18, 1989. Jerry Fite began a gospel meeting on that date. The preaching was true to the word of God and effectively presented. Our nextmeeting will be in October with Harold Fite preaching. We are theclosest congregation to Ft. Hood, or brethren at Killeen. Tim Coffey isthe capable local preacher. I know of no other preacher, young or old,who spends more time and labor in the Lord's vineyard. We feel thereis a bright future for the church here. About half the congregation ismade up of children, from babes-in-arms to young teens. We invite youto visit with us and solicit your prayers. The last request was not intended as just the right thing to say in closing! We will appreciateyour prayers and are confident they will help.

JOHN W. PITMAN, P. O. Box 9, Louisa, KY41230 —Paul Casebolt was here in late August in a well attended meeting. We look for his return in the fall of 1990. In the past six weeks there havebeen seven who confessed wrongs and one baptized. I need someadditional support. If you know of anyone living in this area of theBig Sandy Valley please contact us at the above address or call (606)639-9546.

TOL BURK, 1500 E. 12th Sweetwater, TX 79556 — After much prayer and continued thought my family and I have decided to moveto St. Croix in the U. S. Virgin Islands next June with a view towardspreading the gospel throughout the Caribbean. There are 5 millionEnglish-speaking people in the Caribbean as well as 9 million whospeak Spanish. There are several brethren already on St. Croix. The cost of living is high. We need help for monthly support, travel fundsand equipment to help us in the work. Please contact me at the aboveaddress.

RAY VOTAW, Box 801, Springs 1560, South Africa — Because ofhealth problems, I have not been able to made distant trips and havebeen meeting with the local black church made up of Kwa-ThemaNdabele and Bapedi tribesmen. Although I helped establish thischurch many years ago, my work with them has been the same as withsome 40 other churches I have helped - a case of benign neglect. I'm always surprised and thrilled at how these "neglected" churches havematured - most of the time without me. I strongly believe that a casecan be made for a preacher in my type of work making it a point of notbeing too available. These Kwa-Thema brethren have one "official" service in a school hall for a few hours each Sunday morning. Thenwith some pre-planning most of them go to some member's house where there are physical and/or spiritual problems. The same is doneeach Wednesday evening, again, concentrating on those whose faithis weak or who might have become completely unfaithful. These are their plans - not mine. In the past few months there have been severalbaptisms. Among the "babes" there are several young women and menwho receive much encouragement, exhortations and sometimes rebuke from their older, faithful and knowledgeable brethren. I would not want to leave the impression that all the work is without problems,but these churches have shown their ability to cope with their ownproblems in a decisive and scriptural way.

The winds of change have received hurricane force in this country.Even for an old hand like me (we began our 36th year this week) these are heady, exciting and frightening times. The uncertainties of theseunsettling conditions makes the certainties of the gospel more appealing (Jno. 14: 6). This blessed assurance is being held out by God'speople from the Zambesi River right down to the tip of the Cape ofGood Hope. Be assured that you there in the U. S. A. have manybrothers and sisters here.

PAUL WILLIAMS, P. O. Box 324, Eshowe, 3815 South Africa — The Bible Slides Lectures presented by Gene Dumas from Milton, Vermont provoked great interest wherever they were presented whichincluded Krugersdorp, Soweto, Nigel, several places in the Venda,Gazankulu, Zimbabwe, Pietermaritzburg, and Eshowe. In the nearlytwo months he spent here he got a good introduction to the churcheshere, and the brethren and visitors received great good from theinformation on Bible history, prophesy and evidences.

Gene is an energetic, enthusiastic fellow who attracted friendseverywhere. We thank him for coming to South Africa and we thank the churches and individuals who made it possible for him to come.Three more were baptized from the work of two native young men,Funda Mpanza and David Ngonyama.

WALLACE H. LITTLE, P. O. Box 751973, Memphis, TN 38175—Mywife and I having settled our problems according to God's word, I nowwant to get back into full-time preaching. I have 25 years full-timepreaching experience. Since my military retirement provides for mostof my financial requirements, I do not need much additional support.For this reason, I am particularly interested in hearing from smallcongregations needing a full time man, but unable to provide full support. For personal reasons, I prefer to locate in east Texas,southeast Arkansas, western Louisiana or western Mississippi, but Iwill consider any place with a need I can fill. After October 1, pleasecontact me at: 3108 Longhorn St., Rosenberg, TX 77471. Phone (713)232-2890.

PREACHERS NEEDED HUDSON, NEW YORK — We have been without a preacher for a year and need someone to help us in the gospel. We have 34 people 6 men, 15 women and 13 children. We are a young group. A considerable amount of support would need to come from other sources. Keith Clayton from Vermont has helped us in door-to-door work and knowsabout our work and needs. Anyone interested may call (518) 784-9703.

MCMINNVILLE, TENNESSEE — We are in need of a full time preacher for the West End Ave. church here, located about 70 miles

S. W. of Nashville, TN. We own our own property. We will be able topartially support a man, although some outside help will be needed. For more information contact: Don Henry, 139 Clearview Dr., McMinnville, TN 37110. Phone (615) 473-3425.

AUGUST CHRISTIANITY MAGAZINE

Paul Earnhart is to be commended for the August issue of CHRISTIANITY MAGAZINE which deals with the family. In addition tosome excellent articles touching various aspects of the subject, Paul has written some excellent material dealing with the reasons why analien is under law to Christ and also what repentance demands. In hisusual style, it is forthright, perceptive, and carefully thought out.

THE NEW HERMENEUTICS

Those who attended the Nashville meeting last December willremember the call from some institutional speakers for a "newHermeneutic" and decrying the old way of demanding a precept,approved apostolic example or necessary inference to prove something from the New Testament. Well, on October 14, 1989 there wasan all day forum on this subject at Freed-Hardeman College. Two speakers who think there is a need for a "new hermeneutic" spoke.They were Thomas H. Olbricht of Pepperdine University and C.Leonard Allen of Abilene Christian University. Two men who opposed this also spoke. They were Howard W. Norton of Oklahoma ChristianUniversity and Earl D. Edwards, Freed-Hardeman College. The sessions were moderated by Stafford North of Oklahoma ChristianUniversity. The flyer sent out by Freed-Hardeman College said:"Does one learn God's will by command, example, and necessaryinference or by some other approach? The overall theme will focus on"the new Hermeneutic" and how to interpret and understand God's will.

Are the New Testament letters epistolary or constitutional?Should there be fuller fellowship with the evangelicals? Is instru-mental music in worship in the realm of judgment? Should there be more latitude for disagreement?Will there be a division in the church with reference to interpreta-tion of Scripture? THESE ARE IMPORTANT QUESTIONS.

COME HEAR THEM DISCUSSED. " Indeed! They are important questions. All is not at peace among the institutional folks, either.

LULU PENCE

On September 21, Lulu Pence, longtime member of the Expressway church in Louisville, celebrated her 100th birthday. She is one ofmy favorite people. She lives with Geneva, her oldest child (who is now80). Her husband passed away at the age of 90. They were married 65years. Sister Pence and daughter are remarkable people. They attendevery service (including every night of every gospel meeting) atExpressway. She is seldom sick. Geneva says she gets up singing eachmorning. Her mind is keen and she is always pleasant to those around her. She concludes her day by reading her Bible from 7 P. M. to about

9: 30 P. M. When her eyes get tired she sometimes reads only 1 1/2 hours. She then prays for 15 minutes or more and says she has muchto be thankful for. She usually reads an entire book at one sitting.Short epistles such as Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians and Colossians she reads all in one night's reading. She commented to PaulWoodward, an elder at Expressway, that in reading she always does three things to help understand what she reads: (1) "I find out who isdoing the writing"; (2) "I learn to whom he is writing"; and (3) "I determine why he was writing." She has read all the Old Testament at least 25 times and the New Testament well over 100 times.

I love her sense of humor. Last year, I attended a party for her inthe home of the Woodwards on her 99th birthday at which time R. J.Stevens was present and sang "Happy Birthday" to her, before we alljoined in. I saw her a few days later at a meeting at Expressway andtold her I enjoyed her party and had never attended a 99th birthdayparty before. She looked at me with a twinkle in her eye and said, "Wellnow, you want to take good care of yourself so you won't have to miss the one next year. It'll be something." Well, I tried to take care ofmyself, but regrettably was out of the city in a meeting and was notable to attend. But a large crowd of people did attend and it was reallysomething, according to all accounts. Thank God for dear people likeLulu Pence and the grand and worthy example they set for the younger.

IN THE NEWS THIS MONTH BAPTISMS RESTORATIONS (Taken from bulletins and papers received by the editor)

388

76