THE GOSPEL WHICH WAS PREACHED OF ME

No man in New Testament times received more attacks and criticism for his preaching than did theapostle Paul. Again and again he was called upon todefend his apostleship and the gospel which hepreached. The book of Galatians is in part devoted to theproof of his apostleship and the divine origin of thegospel which he preached in contrast to the false doctrines which were carrying them away from the Lord.The ideas of what constitutes proof of sound doctrinetoday may vary, but the one way to prove what is sounddoctrine was used by the apostle in Galatians 1: 11,

12.

The Holy Spirit said, "But I certify you, brethren, thatthe gospel which was preached of me is not after man.For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it,but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. "

Of course, we do not today receive the gospel directlyfrom Jesus Christ, but we do receive that which was delivered directly to the apostles. What we read in theNew Testament is the word of Christ just as Paul and the other apostles received it. But usually when onecomes to prove a proposition or establish a practice heuses other arguments besides the fact that it is writtenin the New Testament. Those who do such are occupyingthe grounds of the false teachers against whom Paulwrote in the Galatian epistle. A certain doctrine istaught; and to make the hearer believe it, the teacher orpreacher resorts to the following claims:

1. My years of experience. Paul could not say muchfor his years of experience in the gospel as compared to the other apostles. He speaks of himself as "of one bornout of due time." Now one of the first arguments made isthat of preaching so many years. That is supposed tomake the hearer accept what he says. This is no proofbecause a man may preacher error for fifty years and never get right. I have known some.

2. My education. Paul mentioned his education in the righteousness of the law at the feet of Gamaliel (Acts

22: 3), but he counted all this for nothing in preachingthe gospel delivered to him by Christ (Phil. 3: 7-9). Onedoes not know God by the wisdom of this world (1 Cor.

1: 20, 21). The number of degrees a man has does not prove his preaching to be true.

3. I stand with great men of the past. Paul stood with one of the greatest teachers of his day — Gamaliel

— but he did not offer that as proof of the truth hepreached. Often great men of the past were wrong inwhat they taught. The thing to do is to prove that thesemen stood upon the only foundation of truth — the NewTestament, then we have only proved that we have thetruth because it is taught in the word of God. Just thefact that we stand with great men of the past does notgive credence to what we teach; it is the fact that it comesfrom the New Testament.

1. The majority agree with my view. Not one time do we read of Paul, or any other apostle, using thisargument to prove either apostleship or truth of thegospel they preached. History abounds with proof thatthe majority have always opposed the gospel. It is truethat many people are more persuaded by the stand of themajority and the elite than they are by what is taught inthe gospel of Jesus Christ, but this does not prove theirdoctrine to be true. Just the fact that one stands with the minority does not prove him right. It must be proved bywhat is taught in the word of God. Neither the majoritynor the minority proves a man is teaching the true gospel.
2. I have never changed. This is certainly not theproof Paul used to establish his apostleship and hisgospel. He freely admitted his change and told why. Hisproof was not in the consistency of his own belief andpractice through his years, but rather that he had learned and received the truth that did not come from man nor by man, but from the Lord himself. He says that

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in his former course he "thought" he was right, butlearned of his error and changed. The mere fact that one has never changed his teaching does not prove his doctrine to be true. The only proof of sound doctrine is what is taught in the New Testament.

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FORNICATION AND ADULTERY (PART 2)In a previous study we learned what fornication andadultery are, that they are sin and the serious consequences of engaging in such immorality. In this article we will see how it happens and how we must flee from it.

How It Happens

It may be hard for some to realize how someone couldso easily yield to the temptation. Especially is that trueof those who are supposed to be faithful Christians.When we hear reports of some Christian (even someelders, deacons and preachers) committing fornication,we wonder, "How on earth could they do it?". We reason,"Surely, they know it is wrong and that there are eternalconsequences." But, even so, some are swept away withthe excitement.

I doubt there are many (at least among those claimingto be Christians) that set out with the raw determination to become immoral. However, something leads afew of them to surrender to the seduction when theynever thought it would happen to them. How does ithappen?

They forget the covenant. Prov. 2: 16-17 warns about the seductive woman who "forgetteth the covenant of her God." Fornication is easily committed whenone forgets about the covenant he has with God. At leastfor a moment, he forgets about God, his law, the warnings he gives, the consequences of the sin and the factthat he is God's child. I doubt that anyone ever thoughtmuch about God and his law while in the very act ofadultery. To the contrary, "by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil" (Prov. 16: 6). This is how those whoknow it is wrong can do it. They are not thinking aboutwhat they know to be true when they are tempted.

Furthermore, those who are married and commitadultery, forget about the covenant they have with theirmate. Malachi spoke of the "wife of thy covenant" (Mai.

2: 14). Paul said that those who are scripturally married are bound by God's law to their mate (Rom. 7: 23). When one forgets about the bond that obligates himto his mate and restrains him from sexual relations with another, he can easily be overcome in sensuality.

They become careless. Bathsheba carelessly disrobed and bathed herself where David and others could see. David carelessly looked until lust was created in hisheart. (2 Sam. 11: 1-5). Solomon warns the youngman about being overwhelmed by the strange woman (Prov. 7). He closes the chapter by saying that if he isnot careful, he will fall to destruction like many otherswho have listened to her (vs. 24-27).

If we become careless about the way we dress, ourconversation topics with those of the opposite sex, where we let our eyes wander, the places we go and how intimate we become, we are sure targets for Satan's sensual attacks. Too many have become careless abouthow they touch and handle members of the opposite sex.Preachers, did you get that? Why do so many preachers think that they have to hug and put their hands onevery woman they greet? What is wrong with a simplehandshake? Why risk your morality and reputation bysuch familiarity with the women? But, some preachersare not the only ones guilty of such thoughtless behavior.

They give heed to the looks of her eyes. Again,Solomon warned, "Lust not after her beauty in thineheart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids" (Prov.

6: 25). She can flirt with her eyes in such a way that it ismore persuasive than words. Her eyes are powerfulinstruments to break down a man's resistance.

They listen to the flatterer and lies of thetempter. God's laws and warnings are "To keep theefrom the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue ofa strange woman" (Prov. 6: 24). "With her fair speech shecaused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips sheforced him" (Prov. 7: 21). She may praise him and buildhis ego which only weakens any barriers he may have.Solomon said that the strange woman may say, "Therefore came I forth to meet thee, diligently to seek thy face,and I have found thee" (Prov. 7: 15). That would be a lie,for she wanted any man who may come her way. Younglady, you may have a date that will tell you that you arethe only one for him. He may tell you that he wants yourbody because of the great love he has for you. He may tryto disarm you with praise for your beauty and charm.Don't listen to him! Chances are he is lying. He wouldtake any girl that would satisfy his desires.

They are encouraged by society. Today's music,television, movies and books all present sex as a casualthing. A survey of teenagers, reported in the Journal of Adolescent Health stated that 90% of the teens felt that the greatest pressure to engage in premarital sex was the television. The same number said that they had seen between one and nine shows within one week that pressured them on sex.

Dr. Victor Strasburger, A Yale University Pediatricsprofessor, says that a child sees 10,000 references to sex in one year on television. He says the message is: "Sex isfun, it's sexy. It has no consequences. So, why aren't you out there having sex?"

They sneak around. When one decides to yield, hebegins to sneak around in an effort to hide his immoraldeed. Some who are thought to be faithful Christianscan easily be carried away with their desire thinkingthey can just hide it from others. "The eye also of theadulterer waiteth for the twilight, saying, No eye shallsee me: and disguiseth his face" (Job. 24: 15). The harlotwould tempt her prey saying, "the goodman is not athome, he is gone on a long journey" (Prov. 7: 19).

We Must Flee Fornication The warnings: "Flee fornication" (1 Cor. 6: 18). "Butfornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it

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not be once named among you, as becometh saints"(Eph. 5: 3). "For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication" (1 Thess. 4: 3).

How to flee: We can learn a lot about how to flee fornication by looking at the story of Joseph fleeing fromPotiphar's wife (Gen. 39) and a few other passages.

1. Say "No!". Joseph refused and did not hearken unto his tempter (Gen. 39: 8, 10). Young people are instructed to say "No!" to drugs. Theylikewise need to be schooled to say "No!" to premaritalsex. Say "No" and hold to that.
2. Remember that someone trusts you. Joseph told Potiphar's wife that her husband didn't know what he was doing in the house with her andtrusted him with all he had (Gen. 39: 8). That trust wasso strong that he didn't want to betray it. Don't forgetthat your parents trust you while your out on a date.Your mate trusts you while he/she is not there. Don't let them down.
3. Run from the temptation (literally if necessary). The text says that Joseph "fled, and got him out" (Gen. 39: 12). The proverb writer warned,"Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh thedoor of her house" (5: 8). Get up and get away from thesituation that tempts you. That may involve literally running away from the seducer. As one brother hasadvised it may mean you need to jump out of the parked car and run to a telephone and call Mom or Dad or escapefrom the house or apartment.
4. Remember it is a sin. Joseph recalled that suchactivity was wickedness and sin against God (Gen.

39: 9). With that before his mind, how could he possibly give in?

1. Watch your behavior around friends and companions of the opposite sex. Joseph sawthe danger of being in a house alone with another man'swife (Gen. 39: 11). When a young dating couple areleft in a house or an apartment for hours, a situation iscreated that is dangerous and doesn't look good to saythe least. However, in many cases desires are createdand ful-filled. Those who go to lunch with a boss or coworker of the opposite sex (just the two of them) are asking for trouble. Preachers who counsel women (justthe two of them) behind the closed doors of his office are playing with fire. Why not avoid any and allsituations that could possibly create temptation.
2. Get married. Paul said, "Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife,and let every woman have her own husband" (1 Cor. 7:2).
3. Keep your thoughts pure. Our thoughtsshould be in subjection to Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 10: 5). Noone has ever committed fornication who didn't think about it and lust beforehand (Matt. 15: 19-22). Thosewho fantasize about unlawful sexual activity have not only com- mitted adultery in their hearts (Matt. 5:28), but are inching closer to the overt act.
4. Be what you ought to be in the marriage. In 1 Cor. 7: 3-5, Paul describes the mutual obligationsto render the conjugal rights. When you are whatGod demands that you be (satisfying your mate), youwill have no worry about your mate coming home orwhat he may do while he is away. Every list that I haveseen of

problems that cause divorce, puts a failure on the partof one of the mates to respect the conjugal rights of the other somewhere near the top. The innocent party inmany divorces, while innocent of adultery, is not innocent with respect to the marital problems.

Flee fornication, for the moment of pleasure is notworth an eternity of fire.

ANTIOCH — THE POWER OF THELOCAL CHURCH

It's easy to lose sight of what is really important. It's easy to get side-tracked, lose a sense of balance and livewith inverted priorities. It happens as individuals: (1)the husband who feeds his career with twelve hour days,flight schedules and constant apologies to his family for being gone too much, (2) the mother of three who would rather "find herself" in the secular work force then "lose herself in the responsibilities of the home, and (3) the person who continually puts off accountability to God under the disguise of "there's always tomorrow..." It's easy to lose your focus and blur your vision.

It happens to churches, too! Yes, congregations can lose their perspective. Five of the seven churches in Revelation 2-3 lost their values, confused their priorities and forgot their purpose. (The amazing thing wasthat none of those Asian churches viewed themselves as off center. In fact, it took some royal mail from thepostman's bag to bring them back to reality!) The impact of that divine communication sends shock waves all the way to the twentieth century. We can never afford to restand relax. We must remain constant in our commitment to growth and firm in our adherence to truth.Antioch helps! Reading about the local church at Antioch in Acts 11 & 13 helps to realign our perspective.It puts New Testament Christianity back into focus bycausing us to view ourselves in the mirror of firstcentury churches. In Antioch, the picture is clear...

God Uses People to Carry Out His Plan

In Acts 13: 1 we are given the names of five men whomGod used as teachers in the Antioch church. Five men,none of whom were alike but all of whom were unified in one common goal.

(1) He used Barnabus. If ever there was a name synonymous with encouragement it was Barnabus.From the early days in Antioch Barnabus gave himselfto motivating these new disciples (11: 23). Never do weread of any attitude of superiority that said, "Now look... I'm an older Christian who has been around the block a few times, so listen up!" No, Barnabus reacted

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with remarkable insight and patience. He refused toaim only at their failures and shoot them down witharrogant pride every time they made a mistake. Andthey, no doubt, made a lot of mistakes. These were new Christians fresh from the portals of paganism. Theyneeded encouragement. Barnabus filled the need.

Frankly, I tire of people who think it their God-given duty to be a discourager of men. Is it just me or does it appear to you, too, that in most churches there are those who seek to nit-pick everybody and everything? Such anattitude kills morale and destroys effectivity. Listen,you want to do something great in a local church, be aBarnabus! I know of those who lack in public abilitieswho more than make up for it in their commitment toencouragement behind the scenes. Be a Barnabus!

And while we are on the subject... it wouldn't hurt those who preach to take on the attitude of Barnabuswhen it comes to dealing with other preachers and especially younger ones. I have never appreciated associating with older men who seem to relish in playing thesenior-junior game of superiority. On the other hand,how much I admire those preachers who have given metheir friendship as well as their advice. They havetreated me as an equal even though such treatment wasnot deserved. The time spent with the Sewell Halls,Colly Caldwells, L. A. Stauffers, and other like-minded men has in turn helped me to formulate theproper attitudes toward those younger than I. There isno place for arrogance in the kingdom. At best we are all unprofitable servants. Just ask Barnabus...

(2) He used Simeon. Simeon is thought by some to bethe same Simon of Cyrene who carried the cross of Jesus(Lk. 23: 26). If he was, just think of the story he had totell! Think what it must have been like to sit in Simeon's Bible class, to hear him talk of Jesus while challenging you to greater faith. Every church needs a core of faithfulteachers like Simeon. (3) He used Lucius of Cyrene. Cyrene is in NorthAfrica which means that Lucius was a newcomer to Antioch. Probably a Gentile, Lucius could have identified very well with these new converts in Antioch. He knew where they were coming from, the pressures theyfaced at home and their lack of background knowledgein the Old Testament scriptures. He was an encouragement to every Gentile convert in Antioch. (4) He used Manaen who "had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch." There was one in the leadership atAntioch with aristocratic connections. Here stood a man of rank, education and ties with the ruling family. True,the Gospel finds its greatest results among the poor andlowly (1 Cor. 1: 26), but not always. Because of his background, Manaen would be able to reach some that no one else could.

(5) He used Saul.

Has there ever been a more heterogeneous collection of men to lead a local church? These men were not clones! They differed in background, nationality, levels of education and social standing. They had different talentsand abilities. Yet, they came together like pieces to apuzzle and worked without jealousy or competitivenesstoward a common goal. It's the attitude of cooperation that will be found in any congregation that is alive forGod.

Dedication to a Spiritual Cause

This church grew because people were willing tomake the necessary commitment to the work of the localchurch. Look at verses 2-3. Their lives revolved around the work of God at Antioch. The local church was not a "P. S." to their lives but was the central part of their lives.We see them "ministering," "fasting," and "praying." It is here they succeeded where we often fail...

These were willing to invest their time and energy inthe local church. They "ministered,: i. e., they wereworking, teaching, encouraging, preaching, and serving. They "fasted," i. e., they were so involved in the Lord's work that at times they neglected the normaloccasions to eat. (A word about fasting... The practice offasting was never a regulated, regimented requirementof the Christian life. See Matthew 9: 14-15 where Jesus taught that fasting was to be the natural response to apreoccupied mind. It was not to be forced. These brethren were fasting because their minds were so preoccupied with the things of God to the point that they didn't feel like eating. ) And they were "praying." They spentmuch time in prayer asking God for His blessing and direction in the local work.

Let's be direct. How do you fare in these three areas? For instance, (1) how much time do you spend"ministering" to the needs of others? Are you sodetached from what is going on where you are a memberthat you don't even know the needs? Do you view thelocal church as a place where you come to "get" but neverto "give?" And, (2) when was the last time you wereso preoccupied with the Lord's work that youmissed a meal? Do we have the level of dedication that they had? Finally, (3) how much time did you spend last week praying for the local church? Tough questions.

Folks, something is seriously wrong with our spirituality when elders have to beg, prod and plead for members to get involved, come to all the services and placethe work of the church as more than an after-thought totheir plans. For example, I have known those who takea week of vacation in order to be at every service of agospel meeting. Now not everyone can do that but somecould (and that's just one illustration). You see, it's amindset; a way of thinking that realizes that God's workthrough the local church deserves our very best. Look atAntioch. No half-hearted, 50% commitment to mediocrity here, but a willingness to accept the challenge ofwhat it means to serve God by doing your part in a localchurch. These five accepted the challenge. The questionis: Have you?

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GOD'S CHARGE TO JOSHUA The historical section of the Old Testament openswith God's charge to Joshua (Josh. 1: l-9). It was time — past time — for the Israelites to conquer Canaan.Joshua was to be their leader. Here are his orders. Here are our orders for conquering the world for Christ.

"Be At It"

"Moses My servant is dead; now therefore arise, crossthis Jordan, you and all this people, to the land whichI am giving to them, to the sons of Israel" (v. 2). Israelhad mourned Moses' death for thirty days (Dt. 34: 8).That could not go on indefinitely. There was work to bedone.

Some may have been wondering if the time wasright. Israel had long since lost the element of surprise.Would they be successful? Joshua was a good man, buthe was not Moses. Was he up to the job? Perhaps a fewwere thinking, "If only Moses had not said what he didat Meribah." But he did. No one can turn back the clock. And we do not always know the opportune moment toact. We must do the best we can with what we've got.Now. God's order is, "Be at it. "Is there someone you have not talked to about hissoul? Be at it. A month from now you will not likelyknow a better way to approach him than you do today.Pray about it, then do it. He may be wishing you would.Is there a brother or sister who has fallen? Be at it. Has the church been thinking about some kind of specialeffort to reach the community? Be at it. Canaan will notbe conquered with us camped across the Jordan. I do not wish to minimize proper planning. However, I suspect that a lot of us do more thinking and talking about reaching the lost then we do teaching them.

"Be Strong and Courageous"

"Be strong and courageous, for you shall give thispeople possession of the land which I swore to theirfathers to give them" (v. 6). God had promised this landto Moses (v. 3), and to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob longbefore. Now He had promised to bless the effort to takeit. All Joshua needed was the courage to trust God's promises.

Trusting God's promises means trusting God's providence. How would God make Israel's enemies fall (v. 5)? After all, they were bigger physically, better armed,and more experienced at warfare. They lived in fortified cities. Jericho was first. What would God do about its massive walls? "Be strong and courageous, Joshua."God has unbounded power and unlimited means. Providence does not preclude human effort. God gave Jerichoto Israel, yet they had to march around it and take itwhen the walls fell. God will give the increase, but wemust plant and water.

Trusting God's promises means trusting God's presence. "Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord yourGod is with you wherever you go" (v. 9). His Son said tothose working to make disciples, "And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Mt. 28: 20). The prospect of speaking to others may produce "weaknessand fear and much trembling," as it did in Paul at Corinth. Sometimes teaching is pure delight, other timesit is stressful. In either case God is with us. We cannot see or hear or feel Him, yet His promise assures us. Heexpects us to fight with persistent vigor, not occasionaltoken efforts. He looks for us to get up when we are knocked down. "Be strong and courageous."

"Be Careful"

"Be careful to do according to all the law which MosesMy servant commanded you; do not turn from it to theright or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go" (v. 7). Joshua must not let his zeal forconquest allow him to put God's law aside. The land to be conquered had limitations (v. 4). There were rules to follow in battle (one man's violation at Jericho resulted in Israel's defeat at Ai). Devotion to God and rightconduct toward man are continuous obligations.

Yes, there was and still is a law from God, a fixedstandard of right and wrong to be observed in everycircumstance. Joshua was to keep all the law, not justmajor parts or those he liked. Did that make him alegalist? He was not to turn aside to the right or the left,neither adding to nor taking from what God said. "Thisbook of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may becareful to do according to all that is written in it" (v. 8).To some that makes one a fanatic. To God that makes one faithful.

Every soldier of Christ must be careful to follow God's law. None of us will influence the world for good if ourlives are not as they should be. And we must strivelawfully. Some brethren have formed unscriptural alliances to finance the fight. Others have exchanged thesword of the spirit for gimmickry and carnal appeals.Some adulterate the message to make it more palatable.Others win souls to church leaders instead of to Christ. In defense of such things it is said you cannot argue withsuccess. However, large numbers and success do notnecessarily equate. God told Joshua success would comeonly if he followed God's law.

Do not become paranoid. Some are so afraid of doingsomething wrong that they do nothing at all. Let us not limit ourselves to pointing out unlawful striving. Let usshow how it ought to be done by carefully, yet courageously, being at the business of conquering the world.

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"NEWBORN BABES"

A task which every evangelistic congregation faces isthat of strengthening newborn babes in Christ. Oftenthose we baptize are left at the baptistery steps and weleave unfulfilled the last part of the great commission toteach "them to observe all" that Jesus has commanded (Matt. 28: 20). As a result we have what might be termed a "high infant mortality rate," i. e., newbornbabes who go back into the world or into religiouserror. Too few obey the gospel to allow even one tolose his or her soul because of a lack on our part. Thus,the need to address the problem.

YOUNG CHRISTIANS NEED BASIC TEACHING FROM THE WORD OF GOD. Peter said, "... like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word..." (1 Pet.

2: 2). One doesn't bring a new baby home from thehospital and immediately begin to feed him steak or potroast. The need is for something more digestible likeformula and baby cereal. Likewise, the young Christian needs to be taught the basics of trust in and commitmentto the Lord's ways. They need to study the basics ofworship and daily living. An in-depth study of Ezekiel orRevelation is too much and simply not digestible at thispoint in their spiritual maturity. An alert eldership canrecognize this and help by providing public classes toaddress this need. Another, and perhaps better, approach is to have more mature Christians study withthese new converts in their home. This method helpsthese new Christians establish a pattern of regularBible study that is so necessary to spiritual growth.

NEW CHRISTIANS USUALLY NEED NEW FRIENDS. When one is converted from the world or religious error not only do they change religious environments, but their whole social life usually changes aswell. The opposition of family and friends is often one ofthe greatest barriers to conversion. And merely the factthat one cannot go to the same places and do the samethings with the same people can make life very lonely forthe new convert. Every Timothy needs a Paul and everyJohn Mark needs a Barnabas. Paul admonished the Thessalonians to "... encourage the fainthearted, helpthe weak, be patient with all men" (1 Thess. 5: 14). Heencouraged the Romans to "Be devoted to one anotherin brotherly love; give preference to one another inhonor... practice hospitality" (Rom. 12: 10, 13). In friendship with other Christians there is found love andstrength. Every new Christian needs special attention.

NEW CHRISTIANS NEED UNDERSTANDING AND PATIENCE. One doesn't expect a baby to matureinto adult overnight. But with the right diet and anample amount of exercise, along with time, nature will take it's course and the human body will develop tomaturity. Much of the same is true when one developsspiritually. With a steady diet of the word of God and theconstant exercise of obedience in one's life spiritualmaturity will come in the course of time. Mistakes willbe made and lessons will be learned the hard way.Sometimes pain is associated with growing. But through all of this the young Christian needs ourprayers, our understanding, and our patience. When sin is found in their lives it must be removed but with understanding and patience, not a rod of iron.

NEW CHRISTIANS NEED OUR TIME. Time is a very precious commodity these days. It seems that the older we get the less of it we have. But I rather suspectthat it's not that we have less time, we just don't usewhat we do have wisely. Time has come to be moreprecious than money to most. We had rather pay forsomething to be done than actually do it ourselves. Andthis is not wrong in many cases. But there are somethings that we just can't pay others to do for us. We can't pay others to do our teaching for us, it is a personalresponsibility (Heb. 5: 11-12). Paul said, "Brethren, evenif a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual,restore such a one..." (Gal. 6: 1). And again, "Bear oneanother's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ"(Gal. 6: 2). Young Christians find themselves beingcaught up in sin, not necessarily through a willful andhard-hearted departure from God, but merely becauseof weakness or ignorance. They need someone to careenough to spend time with them — teaching, praying,and strengthening. This is a burden we must help thembear, not something we can pay someone else to do for us.It requires our TIME!

Determine to make a special effort to help those who are young in Christ. It's one way to breathe a fresh spiritof zeal into your own life. You will grow by helping others.

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STUDIES IN TITUS (1: 9-16)"THE EVANGELIST AND ELDERSMUST CONFRONT EVIL MEN"

The last qualification of an elder mentioned in thistext (v. 9) was "holding fast the faithful word," necessary to his being able by sound doctrine both to exhortand to convince the gainsayers (opposition). The evangelist and elders are responsible for "stopping the mouths" of false teachers (v. 11) and "rebuke themsharply, that they may be sound in the faith" (v. 13).The responsibility of the evangelist and elders in thisrespect is not to use abusive, angry words, violence, orpersecution, but rather "convict the gainsayers (opposition)" in such a way that he is moved to admit hiserror. Trench, commenting on this, wrote "to rebuke another, with such an effectual wielding of the victorious arms of truth, as to bring him, if not always to aconfession, yet at least to a conviction of his sin." Eldersand evangelists must have the ability and courage todo this. The main objective is that all "may be sound inthe faith" (v. 13). There is no greater threat to truth andrighteous than that of false teachers, seeking to corrupt the minds of God's people. (Rev. 2: 2; 2 Jno. 9-11; 2 Tim. 4: 1-5).

The seriousness and importance of this is emphasized when we take note of the kind of opposition to bedealt with.

Judaizers

It seems that the greatest threat came from Judaizers who were ever trying to turn Christians from theirliberty in Christ to the requirements and traditions ofthe law of Moses. They were "unruly" (undisciplined),like a soldier who refuses to submit to commands of authority, so they would not submit to the Lord's word,as revealed through the apostles and prophets by the Holy Spirit (v. 10).

They were "deceivers," leading away from truthrather than to it, while desperately trying to convinceall that they taught truth.

Verse eleven mentions two things about their teaching. They "subvert (upset) whole households," thus hadan ill effect on family life, creating doubts and questionings that resulted in a loss of faith and the disruption of the family. Secondly, their teaching was for"gain (filthy lucre's sake)." They were more interestedin what they could get from the people than what theycould offer or give them. Every minister of the wordshould carefully guard his heart against this motive.

Cretan's Nature

The nature of the people of Crete, with whom Titusand elders had to work, demanded faithfulness to thethings required of Titus and elders in this letter. Thequotation from one of their own prophets (A Greek Poetcalled Epimenides) presents a strong indictment (v. 1213) — "liars, evil beasts, slow bellies (lazy gluttons)."There are other statements in ancient literature referring to Cretans as liars, cheats, gluttons, traitors, andgiven to greed and avarice.

With all these vices, the Holy Spirit did not regardthem as being beyond redemption and as those withwhom servants of the Lord would be wasting their timein dealing with them. Paul said "rebuke them sharply that they may be sound in the faith" (v. 13).

The Judaizers, with their fables (theories) and human traditions (commandments) are to be rejected (v.14). These theories and traditions are no part of the faiththat is in Christ, and those who embrace them turn fromthe truth-are moved from Christ (Gal. 1: 6-9) - are fallen from grace (Gal. 5: 4).

The contrast in verses 15-16 is between true Christians who act from a pure heart (sincerely cleansed andcommitted to the truth of God) and a clear conscience,and those false teachers of verse 14, who were quick topronounce various foods and actions unclean. There may be a reference here, not only to the "unclean" meatsand touching of dead or diseased bodies of the Mosaicsystem, but to Gnosticism, prominent in that day.Gnosticism held that all flesh is evil, including all the natural instincts of the fleshly body. It was a sin to touch this, eat that, or even marry and beget children. Thus,many natural and pure things, within themselves, became things that defiled. Paul was dealing with this inhis letter to Timothy (1 Tim. 4: 1-5). See also Romans

14: 1-6, 20-23.

The heart under consideration involves the intellect (Prov. 23: 7; Mk. 2: 6, 8),. emotions (Mt. 22: 37; Rom. 10: 1), and will (2 Cor. 9: 7; Rom. 6: 17) of man. If one ispure in heart, his thinking, desires, and actions are inharmony with God's truth. But, if the heart is corrupt, every thing he thinks about, desires, and does is defiled.

The false teachers that Titus, elders, and all saintshad to deal with, oppose and rebuke, are further described as professors of God, but deny him in theiractions, abominable, disobedient, and unto every goodwork reprobate (v. 16). Their lives (actions) gave the lieto their profession: they were disobedient to the inspired scriptures that are profitable unto every good work (2Tim. 3: 16-17) and were, therefore, worthless (unfitted)for any good work. William Barclay says "The word usedfor useless (adokimos) is interesting. It is used to describe a counterfeit coin which is below standard weight.It is used to describe a cowardly soldier who fails in thetesting hour of battle. It is used of a rejected candidate for office, a man whom the citizens regarded as useless.It is used of a stone which the builders rejected. (If a stone had a flaw in it, it was marked with a capital A, foradokimos, and left aside, as being unfit to have any place in the building. ) — "Letters To Timothy, Titus, andPhilemon," p. 246.

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The church suffers greatly today from a lack of qualified ministers and elders, with the faith and courage tostand and contend for the faith in the midst of greatopposition from such individuals as were found in Crete. As a result, the salvation of the teachers and hearers is in jeopardy.

"CAN ANY GOOD THING COME OUT OF CORINTH?"

No church has had more problems than the church atCorinth. Page after page, chapter after chapter is dealing with problems -some major, some minor. Somechapters deal with a multiplicity of problems. Almostany church can see itself mirrored in one or more ofCorinth's difficulties. And most any congregation can look at Corinth and be thankful they are not so plaguedwith so many problems. We are forced to ask, "Can anygood thing come out of Corinth?" And the answer is YES!

Let us look at some of their difficulties and make some observations.

1) "PREACHERITUS" (1 COR. 1: 11-15). Some hadbecome so partial to their favorite preacher that theywere calling themselves after him. In a figure (4: 6), Paulrefers to Paulites, Apollosites, and Cephasites. Theyhad a serious problem. But there is no record that they split and splintered among themselves and ran off in different directions!

2) FORNICATION (1 COR. 5: 1-13). A man had his father's wife. That should repulse any right thinkingperson. It could be enough to cause anyone to want tofind another congregation, or start one. But Paul wasoptimistic that the Corinthians could work out thisproblem. Naturally, it would take conviction as well as patience to see this problem through. And they did! (2Cor. 2: 1-10). It must be said on their behalf that there is no indication that anyone left or that they splitand splintered among themselves and ran off indifferent directions!

3) GOING TO LAW AGAINST BRETHREN (1Cor. 6: 1-11). I would hate to be in the middle of such a controversy. I have known churches in our time who haveencountered this and they split. But there is no record that the church in Corinth split and splinteredamong themselves and ran off in different directions!

4) MARITAL PROBLEMS (1 Cor. 7). Paul answers several questions that appeared problematic. Any one ofthese could have led to an explosive situation if brethrenhad hastily judged in these matters. But there is no record that they split and splintered among themselves and ran off in different directions!

5) EATING MEAT SACRIFICED TO IDOLS (1Cor. 8). Some would have insisted on their rights at allcost and it would have been disastrous. We live in a time

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when everybody seems to be insisting on their "rights." It would have been easy for a spark of this attitude to have resulted in a huge explosion in the Corinthian church. But there is no record that they all split andsplintered and ran off in different directions!

6) PREACHERS' WAGES (1 Cor. 9). Brethren have had a lot of arguments over this. What constituteswages? How much? What about benefits?, etc. Paul'sresponse indicates a problem in Corinth over this. Butthere is not even a hint that they split and splintered and ran off in different directions!

7) THE WOMAN'S COVERING (1 Cor. 11). This has long been debated. It has engendered many strongfeelings and in some cases brethren have severed connections with and boycotted each other. But there is no indication that brethren in Corinth split and splintered among themselves and all ran off indifferent directions!

8) THE LORD'S SUPPER (1 Cor. 11). This and the subject of marriage and divorce probably have morecontroversies surrounding them than any other subjects. There were some serious differences and somegross abuses in Corinth over the communion. A man with a short fuse could easily get fed up and hastily start another congregation. But there is no record that the church split and splintered among themselvesand all ran off in different directions!

9) MIRACULOUS GIFTS AND REVELATIONS(1 Cor. 12-14). It would have been easy for one to get hisfeelings hurt over this. Perhaps some did. Paul could have said "It's no use, you'll never get this problem worked out." But through patience he instructed and pleaded for brethren to do the right thing. And there is no record that they split and splintered amongthemselves and all ran off in different directions!

10) THE MANNER OF THE RESURRECTION (1Cor. 15). Truth must be taught on this and every othersubject. But we must be careful not to alienate brethren through uncalled for sarcasm, prejudicial slurs, and insulting remarks that generate more heat than light. "Let all things be done unto edification" (1 Cor. 14: 26).Corinth may have had their difficulties with the resurrection. But there is no hint, suggestion, or cluethat they split and splintered among themselvesand all ran off in different directions!

Today the brotherhood is suffering from "Splinteritus." We may be quick to judge the church at Corinth ineach and every controversy they faced. But they nevertaught us to split and splinter as so many are doingtoday. Could it be because Paul reminded them that we must each stand before God (2 Cor. 5: 10)?

Not only is there no record of a split, neither is thereany indication that Paul (or the Holy Spirit) thoughtthey should! In spite of all their problems Paul had hope for the church at Corinth. In his second letter he wrote of their hope of salvation (ch. 4) and bragged on theirreadiness to help others (ch. 9). Throughout his lettershe stressed the importance of togetherness: "Perfected together," "Tempered together," "Fitly framed together," "Builded together," "Fitly framed and knit together," "Supplied and knit together," "Striving together," (1 Cor. 1: 10; 12: 24; Eph. 2: 21, 22; 4: 16: Col. 2: 19; Phil. 1: 27).

This is not to say that there may not be a time whenone will need to leave a congregation because of error. Itis to say that many of us are far too impatient with ourbrethren and sisters and too intolerant with those who need to be worked with. It is to say that it is easier to runfrom problems than it is to forbear; to run off to anothercongregation or start one of your own. Remember these things the next time you ridicule the church at Corinth.

CONCLUSION: When Jesus prayed that we might all be one "that the world might believe" (Jn. 17), heimplied that if we are not united the world will notbelieve. He said it would be by our love for one anotherthat the world would know we are his disciples (Jn.

13: 34, 35).

What does "splinteritus" do to those Christians whoare young in the faith? What does it do to those outside the body of Christ who might have been interested orattracted? What do the gossips in any community dowith such information? We all know the answers to these questions. Can we not see a solution to these problems? Can any good thing come out of Corinth?

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WISHFUL THINKING

Several years ago the persistent rumor that God wasdead received a good bit of publicity. Some small children in the congregation where I preached becameconcerned at the rumor, and asked their Bible classteacher why people were saying such things. The teacher referred the question to me, and I proceeded toanswer it, along with some other sensible questionsasked by the same children.

The best reason I could give for the "God is dead"rumor was that it was merely wishful thinking on thepart of some people. If they could succeed in convincingthemselves and others that God was dead, then theywouldn't be accountable to Him (Eccl. 12: 13, 14).

I'm persuaded that a lot of things which people say issimply an exercise in wishful thinking. While there may or may not be any harm in wishful thinking, dependingon the thing wished, it is going to take more than that to transform a wish into reality.

When the controversy over human institutions spread into the Ohio Valley during the late 50's and early 60's, it was accompanied by its share of falseaccusations, quarantine efforts, and rumors. Only eternity will accurately assess all that was said and done,but I bore my share of such rumors, innuendoes, andfalse accusations.

One preacher who aligned himself with the support ofhuman institutions told some mutual friends that I had quit preaching and had gone into farming. I never didquit preaching, and the nearest I came to farming wasplant and raise a garden or two. I think some of theliberal brethren just wished that I would quite preaching and take up farming.

The same preacher also told some brethren that if Ididn't change my position, and quite opposing thechurch support of human institutions (or quit being an"anti"), that I would ruin my influence and soon be out of a place to preach. Several years later, that samepreacher and I ended up the same town, and I challenged him and the elders where he preached to defendtheir false doctrines and practices. They may havewished that they could do it, but they didn't try.

And, since that futile exercise in wishful thinking

some twenty-five years ago, I have never wanted for a

place to preach, and have had more preaching than I can

do.

Others heard rumors that I had quite preaching and gone into construction work. Some were sincerely concerned, and inquired as to the validity of such reports,but found out that I had no more quit preaching andgone into construction work than had Paul quit preaching and gone into tent-making. On the contrary, during the period of time in question, I was instrumental in helping several congregations take a stand for the truth on the institutional question, wentto the Philippine Islands to preach, and did more preaching then I had done for years.

When I first moved to Florida to preach, the rumorpreceded me that I was a "semi-retired" preacher looking for a place to preach that fitted such status. Afterfolks met me and heard me preach a few times, theylaughed at such rumors. So did I.

Now that I have decided to leave Florida and go backto the Ohio Valley to preach, the rumor has alreadyreached me that I am retiring (again), and moving back to be near our children. I feel something like the notedhumorist who said that the premature reports of hisdeath had been greatly exaggerated.

In the first place, we have one child each in the extreme northern and southern parts of West Virginia,one in Kentucky, and one in Tennessee. In the secondplace, it will be good news to my friends and bad news to the wishful thinkers that I have no intention of retiringor even semi-retiring as long as I have the ability and opportunity to preach.

And, even if I should some day decide to draw SocialSecurity (for which I am not yet qualified, due to lack ofyears), I still have no intention of letting up on thepreaching end. If I am hindered from preaching, it willbe by something other than wishful thinking.

Brethren, on a more collective level, it will take morethan wishful thinking on our part to offset the liberal/social gospel craze among churches of Christ. I havenever said, or even thought, that if we would just ignorethe digressive trends among us that they would go away.Neither have I suggested that those who advocate suchwill be out of a place to preach. On the contrary, there isalways a place for the preacher who will seek popularityand the praise of men, both now and in the judgment.But I wouldn't envy him his place either now or then.

One older preacher told me in 1951 that if we would

let up on the youth oriented recreation movement of that

time that it would turn out to be just a "fad" of the

brethren, and would play itself out. Now, thirty-eight

years later, the "fad" has become the mission of the

church for some congregations.

Be not deceived. Wishful thinking will not stop the

preaching of the gospel, nor will it get the gospel

preached. The only way a thing gets done is by doing.

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A Colorado church of Christ may lose its state taxexemption because a preschool operates in its building.Since the mid-1980's, Colorado state law has requiredthat work done on church or synagogue grounds bereligious, educational or charitable. Now, the CherryVista church of Christ, Englewood, CO, finds itselfunder "temporary tax revocation," and facing the payment of property taxes back to 1980, because Coloradostate officials have defined "religious" as activities relating solely to worship.

It is sad and shocking to see this church of Christ andits sympathizers sounding the alarm over the state telling them that their preschool is not religious! Criesof "separation of church and state" and "the state isdefining religious worship" are being heard in Colorado, according to an article appearing in The Christian Chronicle, March, 1989, pp. 1, 8. One is compelled to ask, "Has God given a definition in His wordof worship which includes preschools?" "Has God sodefined the work of the local church as to include preschools, day-care centers, etc. ?" Or, have men changed the definitions to fit their desires? While thestate of Colorado gives one definition, and the CherryVista church gives another, every serious and sincere Bible student must ask, "What saith the scripture (Rom. 4: 3; Gal. 4: 30)?"

Since the days of the apostles, the plea has beensounded forth from the pages of inspiration to "do allthings in the name of Lord Jesus" (Col. 3: 17). Thisdivine injunction must be applied to the work of thelocal church, even though many have chosen a differentpath. The application of Bible authority respecting thework of the church has not occurred without its share of persecution and hardship (2 Tim. 3: 12; Mat. 5: 10-12).But, such is the nature of discipleship to Jesus (cf. Lk.

6: 26; Jn. 15: 18-21; 1 Jn. 3: 13). Respect for andobedi-ence to the God-given pattern of work by thelocal church (Evangelism—1 Thess. 1: 8; Phil. 1: 5;

4: 15ff; 2 Cor. 11: 8 / Edification — Acts 2: 42; 1 Cor.

14: 5, 26 / Benevolence to needy saints — Acts 4: 32-35; 6: 1-6; et al. ) is not an out-dated issue. It isessential in order to have God's approval and fellowship. In Hebrews 8: 1-5, we learn that the tabernacle in the wilderness had to be built accordingto God's pattern (v. 5) in order to please Him. How much more important it is that the church (v. 2, thetrue tabernacle which the Lord pitched) observe thepattern God has given it. One application of this principle is the divine pattern for congregational work. It is self-evident that preschools, day-carecenters, etc., provide neither spiritual edification norbenevolent assistance to the saints (even the

state of Colorado can see this fact!). Yet, for years now,some churches of Christ have sponsored and supported such activities as a part of their work. Other churches,not wanting to oversee such a work, have nonethelessallowed their grounds (building and property) to be used by their members as a facility in which private preschools, etc., are operated. We are told that under thistype of an arrangement, a church avoids adding seculareducation to its divine pattern of work. We are told thatthe church is not involved. However, whether a churchoversees the work, or whether it lends its property toothers who oversee it, the fact remains that the churchgives its name, its influence and its property to areas oforganized work other than evangelism, edification and benevolence to saints. Assets which should expedite thework of the local church are being used to expedite otherworks. Such works must be lawful on the basis of divine truth before they may be expedited (1 Cor. 6: 12; 10:23).

The local church is involved whether it oversees the work, or whether it gives its facilities to others who oversee it. Who decides to offer a preschool as a part of a church's work? Well, the church does, of course. But, whodecides to offer a church's property to individuals, so theycan operate a preschool upon church property? Again, itis the church that makes such a decision. Either way, thechurch is involved? The crucial questions become: "Aresuch decisions (and works) by a church authorized in theword of God? May a church of Christ provide child-carefacilities to the public with heaven's endorsement? Maya church of Christ help expedite the operations of suchfacilities on the basis of Bible authority?" The revealedpattern for the work of the church answers with aresounding, "No!" This sort of teaching is described asbeing fanatical and extreme, but in light of God's revealed pattern of work for the New Testament church,we must not compromise. We must not retreat fromGod's pattern by making alterations in it. Whenever achurch adds works to the God-given ones, it perverts thegospel of Christ (Heb. 8: 5; Gal. 1: 6-10; Rev. 22: 1819). The God-given pattern thus violated, fellowshipwith God is destroyed (2 Jn. 9; Rev. 2: 4-5).

The government of Colorado is able to tell the difference between what is religious and what is not, and it isable to apply that difference to the local church. It saysa preschool is not religious. The Bible agrees. Suchthings are not a part of the work of local churches.However, some churches of Christ in Colorado (alongwith the denominations of men) are saying a preschool isreligious (because it is located on their property), and therefore a "religious" use of property which should enjoytax exemption. It appears the government of Colorado isable to define what is "religious" better than many whoclaim to do the Lord's work! Men have changed thedefinition of the work of the church! "Thus saith Jehovah,Stand ye in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths,where is the good way; and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls: but they said, We will not walktherein" (Jer. 6: 16). We must honor God's pattern for thework of the church by faithfully obeying His pattern (Heb. 8: 5). "See that ye refuse not him that speaketh" (Heb. 12: 25).

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Scoffers console themselves with the illusion that there will be no fiery Judgment by God, because, theynote, "All things continue as they were FROM THEBEGINNING OF THE CREATION." 2 Peter 2 discusses the past, the present, and the future of thephysical universe. "THE CREATION" includes "the heavens" and "the earth," which came into existence "by the word of God." The heavens here is not God'seternal dwelling place, but the sky created for birdsand clouds, and the even greater expanses created forthe stars (Gen. 1: 1, 14, 20; 2: 1). "The earth" — or"the world that then was" — stood out distinctly fromthe clouds above it, the oceans around it, and the subterranean rivers beneath it until God's Word caused it to be "overflowed with water" in the judgment of Noah's day.

The same Word of God preserves "the heavens andthe earth which are now" until a fiery "day of judgmentand perdition of ungodly men." Contrary to the scoffersconsolation, the created universe will not always continue. Fire will consume the entire universe: "the heavens," "the elements," "the earth also and the works that are therein." In "the day of the Lord," theeffect of this fire on the whole world will be all-consuming. Everything will "pass away," "melt with ferventheat," "be burned up," and "dissolved." Some translations add "discovered," i. e. shown to be temporary,contradicting the scoffer's claim that the creation will always exist.

We know "the heavens and the earth, which arenow," as our dwelling place. In this world, we enjoy many blessings from God but we also face sin, sorrow,and death. When this universe is gone, God has a farbetter place for His people—a "new heavens and a newearth, wherein dwelleth righteousness: without sin,sorrow, or death! Elsewhere, Peter says that this newdwelling place is the very heaven of God — "an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you" (1 Pet. 1: 4).

Self-styled "Jehovah's Witnesses" join the scoffer's in claiming the physical creation will always exist.This sect argues that the world Peter described asheavens, elements, earth, and everything in it reallymeans only the false civil and religious systems of men.The J. W.'s AID TO BIBLE UNDERSTANDING(1971)says on page 477, "The apostle Peter compares theliteral heavens and earth (2 Pet. 3: 5) with the symbolicheavens and earth (vs. 7)." From verse 7 on, they try toimpose this symbolic idea on the context. In otherwords, the heavens and the earth which God created will always exist, but a figurative heavens and earth offalse systems will be removed. This explanation flatlycontradicts the whole context!

Peter is answering the scoffer's claim, "All thingscontinue as they were FROM THE BEGINNING OF THECREATION" (vs. 4). Did the scoffers refer to the creationof false systems or to the creation of the world? Verse 5 says the heavens and the earth were created "by the wordof God." Does it mean God created false systems or aphysical universe? Verse 6 says God flooded "the worldthat then was" — flooded the false systems or the literalearth? If God only flooded the false systems, the flood waslimited to the living quarters of the false leaders and wasnot a universal world flood. Why, then, did Noah and the animals need an ark to survive?

Verse 7 says, "But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved untofire...." If heavens and earth refer to false systems, thenthe same Word of Almighty God that created in verse 5 issustaining and upholding the false systems until the Judgment Day. Whatever God sustains in this passage iswhat will pass away by fire (vv. 7-11). God upholds thephysical universe by His powerful Word until the day thatHe decides to destroy it by fire. The literal heavens andearth of verses 4-7 will pass away, according to verses 7

11.

When the earth passes away, all who "know not God,and... obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ" willreceive "everlasting punishment" in "everlasting fire" (2Thess. 1: 7-9; Matt. 25: 31-41). So far, God is waiting inpatience, "not willing that any should perish, but that allshould come to repentance" (2 Pet. 3: 9). Dear reader, ifyou are lost in sin, we plead for you to obey the gospel ofChrist — believe in him, repent of all sins, confess him asGod's divine Son, and be immersed in water for salvationthrough his blood (Mk. 16: 16; Rom. 10: 10; Acts 2: 38).

I once witnessed near destruction of property which could have resulted in the loss of lives as well, through simple oversight or neglect of an operator. When the emergency became apparent, the swiftness of the operator brought things under control. He then had this to say:"Oh how I discipline myself when I do such things. "

"Discipline" is defined by The American HeritageDictionary as, "Training that is expected to produce a specified character or pattern of behavior, especially thatwhich is expected to produce moral or mental improvement. "

If men in the execution of material matters deem it advisable to censure and discipline themselves for theirneglect of duty; how much more should the Christian exercise vigilance over matters which are eternal! How

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many are walking circumspectly (Eph. 5: 15)! Where isthe awareness of danger? A deer in the forest is alertedby a broken twig; but we, too often do not hear the voiceof God (Matt. 7: 24; Lk. 8: 18; Heb. 12: 25) when He speaks unto us and yet we have the audacity of calling the animal dumb. If the devil walks about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet. 5: 8),then surely we ought to be able to see something in theterm "roaring" that would call our attention to danger.Personally, I can see a big difference in a broken twigand a roaring lion. A broken twig is often heard in thewoods, but a roaring lion is something I never heard,but if I ever do, I'll put distance between the two of usimmediately. Let us never become oblivious to danger.

It is Dangerous to Neglect We are told that God speaks unto us by His Son (Heb. 1: 2); that HisSon (Jesus) has absolute authority with the scepter inHis hand (v. 8); that He is superior to the angels (v. 13),which were God's ministering spirits (v. 14). The wordspoken by angels was steadfast, or proved to be bindingon the people. As ministering spirits, the law withMoses as the mediator was ordained by angels (Gal. 3: 19). Stephen confirms this, (Acts 7: 38, 53). Moreover,when God spake through angels every act of

disobedience received a just recompense of reward (Heb.

2: 2). That means that God was justified in His punish-ment of sin — He had a right to punish. Thisbeing true how should we respond to the words of theLord Jesus Christ? We ought to give the more earnestheed to the things which we heard, lest at any timewe should let them slip (or drift away from them) (Heb. 2: 1). For if we do not, dear brother, give heed, how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?Vincent in his Word Studies says it means literally,

"Having neglected. "What Would One Have To Do To Neglect?

Well, actually nothing. Doing nothing amounts toneglect of duty. We are guilty of neglect when we look upon our duties and responsibilities to God — ourservice unto Him, as being optional. Or, when we serve Him at our convenience; that friend is not service at all.Until we learn to put God first in our lives, we are guiltyof the sin of neglect. Think about it! What will it be? Wedetermine where we spend eternity. ____________

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

EDGAR VIRGIL SRYGLEY, JR. (1928-1980)

We are saddened to report the death of Edgar V. Srygley, Jr., faithfulgospel preacher, and for 33 years a teacher of Bible and New Testament Greek at Florida College. He preached a number of years for thechurch in Zephry Hills, Florida and also at Cherry Sink, near Trenton,Florida. For many years he wrote a Word Studies column in thispaper. His preaching, teaching and writing will long influence thelives of his hearers, students and readers. His death leaves a greatvoid in the faculty of Florida College.

He was born from a rich heritage of men and women of faith. Weheard him speak on the 1981 Florida College lectureship with justifiable respect concerning his relationship to F. B. and F. D. Srygley(fine preachers of the late 1800's). He prepared himself for teaching work and established outstanding academic records at Freed-Hardeman, David Lipscomb and Harding Colleges. He was loved and supported by his good wife, Betty, and to them were born twodaughters.

Typical of his determination and great love for his students, justseven weeks before his death, and after being unable to teach forseveral weeks, having undergone surgery, and with a myriad ofmatters weighing on his mind, he appeared tall and straight to marchwith his students to graduation.

It is not ours to judge Edgar's destiny. We can only take comfort inthe many things we saw in him that at least seem to us to conform totruth, but I think I know that Edgar, humbly but with confidence inthe Lord would share Paul's "graduation statement:" "I have foughtthe good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. Finally,there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only butalso to all who have loved His appearing" (2 Tim. 4: 7-8).

We express to Betty, his wife, and daughter Janet, our sincere bestwishes and rejoice with them in the hope of the gospel. Summarizedfrom funeral speech by Colly Caldwell

ALAN YEATER, 290 Warfield Blvd., Clarksville, TN 37043 —We have enjoyed another year with the Warfield Blvd. church. We areconveniently located for I-24 and other major highway travelers. Fiveof those recently baptized are working with us. Nine have recentlyconfessed sin in their lives. The spiritual growth has been uplifting.Attendance and contribution continue to increase. Clarksville is the home of Ft. Campbell and Austin Peay State University. This makesthe work challenging. About one third of the congregation movesevery two to four years. However, they take the gospel and maturitythey have gained in Christ with them. Several of the young militaryfamilies have been a great encouragement in the work, being activelyengaged in evangelism on and off the base. Please notify us of anyincoming military personnel and of any APSU students you would like for us to contact. We will do our best to meet them, have them into our homes and encourage spiritually all who desire to serve Christ. Phone numbers are: (615) 647-4007 or 647-1324.

FILIPINO PREACHER DIES BERNARDO T. MALUGAO, preacher for the Molave congregationin Zamboanga del Sur (Mindanao) passed away on June 28, 1989 atthe age of 59. He has been suffering from strokes for about five yean.He and his wife had 12 children and they formed the beginning of thechurch there. Two of his sons, Samuel and Benjamin, are gospelpreachers. They had no land, no insurance and no savings account.Sister Malugao is left with funeral expenses of about $900. Any who might want to contact her may write to Mrs. Bernardo T. Malugao,Molave Church of Christ, Molave, Zamboanga del Sur, 7023, Republicof the Philippines.

GEORGE W. LAMBROFF, 629 Ordway Ave., Bowling Green, OH43402 — CHRISTIAN PARENTS — if you have a son or daughterplanning to attend Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green,Ohio, we would like to hear from you. We will make contact with allwho are referred to us and attend to their needs while they are here.Church of Christ, 302 Caldwell Road, Bradner, OH 43406. Phone

(419) 352-8842.

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FRANK THOMPSON, 916 23rd St., Ogden, Utah 84401 —After fiveand a half years at Heights church in Albuquerque, N. M., my wife,Melba, and I have moved to Ogden, Utah. The church here is small,but dedicated. Some members are not able to attend all the services due to age and infirmities. Not being financially able to support a man,they have been without a preacher to work with them for well over a year. But, thanks to a few dedicated service men from Hill Air ForceBase, the work has gone on. If you know of anyone in the area we mightcontact, please let us know. If you know of military people being sentto Hill Air Force Base, please tell them about us, and tell us aboutthem. Our meeting address is: 910 23rd St., Ogden, Utah 84401.Phone: (801) 394-1397.

WAYNE S. WALKER, 310 Haynes St., Dayton, Ohio 45410 —Duringthe first six months of 1989, the Haynes St. church lost two membersto death and two famines through moves. But three were baptized, three placed membership, one was restored and two confessed sin. Wehad a spring gospel meeting with Steve Wolfgang and a summervacation Bible school with Dale Pennock speaking to the auditoriumclass. Our Sunday morning attendance averaged 85 and the weeklycontribution averaged $856. During this same period of time, I preached in meetings at Greenwood, SC; Madison, Wisconsin; Palatine, IL; Mansfield, Ohio; and Columbus, Ohio.

DEBATE ON BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS

A debate on the benevolent institutions issue will be conducted September 4-5 and 7-8 at 7 P. M. The first two nights will be hosted bythe 32nd St. church of Christ, 1028 N. 32nd St., Paducah, KY. The lasttwo nights will be hosted by the church of Christ (Hwy. 45) inMetropolis, IL. The first two nights, J. Noel Meredith will affirm thatchurches of Christ may build and maintain benevolent organizationssuch as Boles Orphan Home, Tennessee Orphan Home, Childhaven,and Home for the aged for the care of the needy. Carrol R. Sutton willdeny this. The last two nights Carrol R. Sutton will affirm thatchurches of Christ may not build and maintain such organizationsand J. Noel Meredith will be in the negative. For information contactRay Madrigal at (502) 554-7539.

DEBATE ON MIRACULOUS SPIRITUAL GIFTS

Randy Pickup of the Lackland church of Christ in Cincinnati, Ohio,will debate Tom Smith of the Fellowship Christian Church on September 11 and 12, 1989, somewhere in Cincinnati. The details are notall worked out. For information, lodging and directions, call RandyPickup at (513) 733-3187. Tom Smith's background is in the non-charismatic Christian Church, but besides his belief in spiritual giftstoday, he also believes that baptism is not necessary for salvation. Heis now President of a new denominational organization "that willunite as many as 300 congregations nationwide... (offering) charismatics from the Church of Christ, the Christian Church, the Disciplesof Christ and others, a spiritual home" (from articles in the CINCINNATI ENQUIRER).

CRAIG MEYER, 1910 Shelley Ln., Madison, WI 53704 — I amsaddened to report that my wife, Kim, has an advanced (stage 3), asymptomatic form of Hodgkin's Disease. She is undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments. We solicit your earnest prayers onher behalf.

The July report from PAUL WILLIAMS in Eshowe, South Africa reports 13 baptisms into Christ from tent meetings and other contacts.

RUBEN C. AMADOR, P. O. Box 924456, Houston, TX77292—I wasin a meeting in Reynosa (Mexico) where Emiliano Trevino is doing anexcellent work. The church was well prepared for the meeting.Attendance was over 100 at nearly every assembly. Two young ladiesobeyed the gospel. There is a good future for this congregation. InAugust I preached in Venezuela and visited several congregations.

GOSPEL TRUTHS

In January, 1990, GOSPEL TRUTHS will begin as a 24 page,monthly periodical. It will supplant TORCH and will be edited by J. T.SMITH, who has edited TORCH for the past several years. Such menas Elmer Moore, Delmer Hightower, Paul Blake, Grover Stevens, Bill Robinson, Jr., Dudley Ross Spears, Earl Robertson, Loren Stephens,Jamie Sloan and Art Ogden have agreed to write. The cost of subscription will be $10..00 per year. Write to: GOSPEL TRUTHS, P. O.Box 906087, Tulsa, OK 74112.

FERNANDO VENEGAS, Casilla #122 C. C., 5500 Mendoza, Argentina, South America — Recently, we have been blessed with theopportunity to preach the gospel on the radio. We have a 15 minuteprogram, Monday-Friday called "A Moment With God." At this time Thomas Holley and I are studying the book of Matthew as if we werepersonally in the homes of our listeners. After reading a paragraph,questions are asked. We also use the program to enroll people in acorrespondence course and invite them to visit our services. We hadone visitor last Sunday as a result of this.

JERRY PARKS, 4437 S. 6th St., Louisville, KY 40214 — JohnHumphries and I spent most of the month of May and into June in thePhilippines and Japan trying to help the brethren. In Manila westayed in the home of Ben Cruz which also hosted several otherpreachers during the two weeks we were preaching and conductingBible classes at Kapitbahayan. Our days were filled with activitiesfrom morning till evening. Vic Tibayan, who had recently suffered aheart attack, is now able to do limited work. We are thankful for hisrecovery as he is a valuable man in the work. We had planned to goto Davao City, in Mindanao for a week, but were prevented fromgoing by a storm which forced the cancellation of our flight. We were disappointed and so were the brethren there who were expecting us.

In addition to the preaching we did at Kapitbahayan, we were ableto hear Filipino preachers in a lecture-type meeting and we hadopportunity to preach in some of the surrounding congregations.There is much evidence of dedication and sacrifice among Filipinobrethren. Many preachers have lost all their support yet they continue to preach while holding secular jobs, if they can find them. Mostof the jobs available require working 6 and 7 days a week and thewages are very low. Many of the meeting places are in homes or rentedrooms which are little more than fire traps. They have been taught togive, but most of them are so poor they have very little to give. There are basically two classes - the very rich and the very poor. Some havepointed to the 3 million member religion, Iglesia Ni Kristo which hasflourished and has elaborate buildings and wondered why the brethren can't do as well. The answer is simple. This is a religion whichcaters to the rich. Many political leaders are members of this group.Ferdinand Marcos was supported by many members of this denomination. It is hardly fair to compare the plight of the brethren with thisgroup. There is a need for long term commitment to faithful men thereand we must not grow impatient with their impoverished condition.They need our help with support for worthy preachers, teachingsupplies, song books and a benevolent heart when calamities strike.Yes, there are some unworthy preachers in the Philippines, even asthere are in this country. But we cannot throw the baby out with thebath water. The fields are white to harvest in that part of the world.Even though we spent our time teaching the preachers, five werebaptized into Christ while we were there.

We also spent two weeks in Japan where we visited the work of BobNichols and Randy Reese. Their work is difficult with the increasingemphasis on material possessions, plus the many years of false religion. We sat in some of their home studies. We believe they aredoing good under difficult circumstances. We would be glad to shareour information with interested brethren on the work we know about in the Philippines and Japan.

LETTER FROM MINDANAO PREACHERS

(Editor's Note: The following letter speaks for itself. It is signed by fivepreachers in Mindanao, all of whom I know personally. They are alsowell known by brethren who have traveled and preached in the Philippines. Please consider seriously what they have to say. CWA).Dear brethren in Christ:

Our sincerest greetings to you in the Lord. It is our utmost desireto convey to you news about the Lord's work in the old Cotabato province (now composing the provinces of North and South Cotabato,Maguindanao, and Sultan Kudarat). Cotabato province where we live and preach is the homeland of the first settlers who are Christiansthat started a congregation in 1937.

Truly, between 1937 and 1970's, several congregations grew with

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all our efforts to preach the gospel of Christ. In this we were so glad. At the current time there are three congregations needing every onepreacher (with ability and sufficient knowledge of the scriptures).During the decade of the 1970's we were so glad that we fully received financial assistance from faithful churches and individuals from the USA. This helped to sustain our families so we could be fully given tothe work. We did our best in the work of evangelism and edification.There was a great harvest as many were baptized and others wererestored and the churches grew spiritually and numerically.

As the decade of the 1980's came, we faced a sad plight in our work.Many of us lost support due to inflation, financial difficulties of those supporting us. This left us to preach with limited means. Our heart's desire was divided between meeting the basic needs of our familiesand the welfare of the churches. Our time to preach is well demandedby the churches, yet we could not leave our wives and children tostarve (1 Tim. 5: 8).

We do humbly make this brotherly appeal that you will kindlyopen your hearts and minds to us and help us. We love to preachfulltime. Our income is not enough for our transportation fares topreach in neighboring churches and provinces where we are often called in the work of evangelism and edification. We do need you,brethren. The churches need us.

Based on our present economic standard, we need a minimum of$300 a month, to start with. We would appreciate it if some congregations and individuals could help, according to their ability. Thisamount will meet basic family needs, transportation and food, preaching materials and supplies. We pray the Lord will help us to our preaching needs to the growth and glory of his dear church. The bestway to send funds is by International Postal Money Order or aCashier's check issued by a bank, via registered air mail. It reaches us within 15-20 days. Can any of you have fellowship with us in preaching the gospel?

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Benjamin Libertino Church of Christ Midsayap,Cotabato 9410 Rep. of Philippines

Virgil B. VillanuevaEastside Church of Christ Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat 9802 Rep. of the Philippines

Reuben S. AgdumaChurch of Christ Kidapawan, Cotabato 9400 Rep. of Philippines

Isidro Manibog Church of Christ Ginatilan, Kidapawan 9400 Rep. of Philippines

Ricarte S. Velonero

Church of Christ

Lampayan, Matalam, Cotabato 9406

Rep. of Philippines

MIKE HUGHES, P. O. Box 2481, Corinth, MS 38834 — I have been helping with the publication of the APOSTOLIC MESSENGER forover a year now. In this publication we have a page called OUTLINESTUDIES. We try to use sermon outlines from faithful gospel preachers. Could you send us about three good outlines for this page?

PREACHERS NEEDED NEW RICHMOND, OHIO — This small congregation of about 50 (including the children) needs a fulltime preacher. We are located about 30 miles east of Cincinnati, Ohio. We can supply about $325 aweek with outside support needed for the rest. Contact: Robert Pennington, 2556 Crane Schoolhouse Rd., Bethel, OH 45106. Phone

(513) 734-7524.

MEMPHIS, INDIANA — We need a fulltime preacher, preferablysomeone within a 100 mile radius. We are presently 56-60 in attendance and can only provide partial support. We would like a matureman with personal work abilities who would live in the Memphis area.Those interested may call: Fred Minton, Jr. (812) 294-4798; Jim Key

(812) 246-3444; Fred Minton, Sr. (812) 294-4012, or write to: Churchof Christ, 123 Ebenezer Church Rd., Memphis, IN 46742 for details..

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA—The church of 5327 S. TryonSt., Charlotte, NC 28217, is looking for a fulltime preacher. Partial support and a modern residence is available. Those interested may contact us at the above address, or call Bill Mayo (704) 739-3944, orJim White (803) 547-4291.

CHAPLIN, KENTUCKY — This small rural church in central Kentucky (near Bardstown), with 45-50 members, is searching for a full time preacher. We need an experienced person who can spend allhis time in the work of preaching and teaching. Since we are the only faithful church in a county of 27, 600, we feel much can be accomplished here. We can supply $275 a week toward support. ContactCalvin Runner, 5140 Lawrenceburg Rd., Bloomfield, KY 4008. Phone (502)673-3103.

BRADLEY, ILLINOIS — We need a fulltime preacher, preferablymiddle-aged with experience. We are located in an industrial area. Wehave a brick residence beside the church building. For details callJames Spurgeon after 6 PM (815) 933-5684, or Coy Lentz (815) 9325749.

W. CARL KETCHERSIDE IS DEAD

On May 25, 1989, W. Carl Ketcherside of St. Louis, Missouripassed away at the age of 81. Funeral services were conducted byLeroy Garrett and he was buried in Farmington, MO. Carl Ketcherside spent the first 30-35 years of he is preaching life opposing locatedpreaching and colleges in which the Bible is taught. He advocated evangelistic oversight and "mutual ministry." In 1957 he made a dramatic shift in which he greatly enlarged the circle of his fellowshipto include all whom he regarded as "heirs of the Restoration Movement." He conducted many "Unity Forums" and launched what came to be known as the "Grace-Unity Movement." He was an eloquentwriter and speaker and in both segments of his public work, he wasable to attract a good many younger men to his viewpoint. The "Grace-Unity Movement" invaded the ranks of non-institutional brethren inthe late 1960's and early 1970's and the full force of that erroneous movement has not fully abated yet. He advocated a distinctionbetween the gospel and the doctrine. He said we may only preachgospel to the alien and that we teach doctrine to the saint. He arguedthat the divisions among brethren were in the realm of doctrine and that these should not be a hindrance to fellowship. His life and workhad far reaching influence which will continue to be a troubling factorfor many years to come.

NORWAY REVISITED

Bobby and I will spend the last two weeks in August in Norway(this is being written on August 2) where we will visit the brethren inBergen where Tom Bunting preaches and in Stavanger where Don Bunting is the preacher. It has been 24 years since the last visit toNorway (Bobby has never been). My first wife and I began the workthere in 1957. Wilson was born there. We will give a fuller account ofour impressions of the work there later.

Meanwhile, we thank Donnie V. Rader for putting together theSeptember paper to give me a little break, which is badly needed.

IN THE NEWS THIS MONTH

BAPTISMS 127 RESTORATIONS 36 (Taken from bulletins and papers received by the editor)