Volume XXXIII November 1992 Number 11

The Word Is Inspired of God

Some time ago I came across this paper that I hadwritten several years ago. I believe it is useful topublish it now, with some modification. I hope it mayserve to enhance the reader's respect and love for the sacred scriptures.

I accept the Bible as the word of God withoutreservation because I believe it was verbally "breathed"of God, every word of it. "All scripture is given byinspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, forreproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness... " (2 Tim. 3: 16). I understand that it was notwritten in English. It was given by "inspiration ofGod" in the Hebrew and common Greek of the time when it was written.

This generation lacks reverence and respect for the word of God. Efforts to destroy the Bible have beencontinual and violent through all the generationsfrom the time it was written to this present time. Inspite of the persecution, it stands as strong today as it did in the days of the apostles. There is somethingunique about the Bible that distinguishes it from allother books ever written.

The Bible is a book apart from all other books thatexist. It makes claims that, if not true, would indict it as the greatest fraud ever perpetrated upon man. The writers, the central figure, the subject matters, thedoctrine, and the promises of it would be as evil asSatan himself, IF the Bible is not all it claims to be.

If, on the other hand, the Bible is what it claims to be, it is the word of God and is not in any sense the wordof man (1 Thess 2: 13). This Book is not just the themeof religious thought that has come down to us throughthe ages. It is the very words of God given to the apostles, no subtraction or no modification by any ofthem. In fact, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, theapostles forbade anyone to add to the word given (Rev.

22: 16), or to take from the words given (Rev. 22: 17),or to change them in any way (Gal. 1: 6-9). It is sinwhether this is done by teaching something not in theword, or by failing to teach what is revealed; or bytrying to modify the word by translating it in an "inother-words" type translation. This does not respect the revelation of God, nor the inspiration of the Bible.

I like to preach and teach about the inspiration of the word of God because that is what separates it formall other religious literature. I have heard men fromthe pulpit, in the classroom, and I have read articlesthat leave the impression that the men who wrote theBible were speaking from their own experiences andwisdom instead of being verbally directed by the HolySpirit. I am sure most of these men believed in the God-breathed message the apostles spoke and wrote, but weshould make sure that those who hear us understand that fact.

All the apostles testified that the message theypreached and wrote came from God. Moreover, theyaffirmed that the Holy Spirit gave them the words toreveal the message from heaven. The apostle Paulwrote: "How that by revelation he made known untome the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby,when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in themystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not madeknown unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed untohis holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit (Eph. 3:2-5). The mystery pertains to that which was in the mind of God, which only God could reveal (1 Cor. 2:10, 11). God made known this revelation by the HolySpirit through WORDS (1 Cor. 2: 13; Matt. 10: 19,20).

Paul wrote to Timothy to "Preach the word; beinstant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke,exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap tothemselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall beturned unto fables" (2 Tim. 4: 2-4, ASV). Paul affirmsthat he wrote the commandment of the Lord by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. l4: 37; Eph. 3: 2-5;Gal. 1: 11-12; 1 Cor. 2: 10-13). The charge he wrote toTimothy was by the inspiration of God. Those who turnaway their ears from this truth, are turning away fromGod's inspired revelation and are turned to false doctrines. That is where most of our problems begin.

The "revelation" began on the day of Pentecost, afterthe ascension of Jesus into the heavens (Acts 1: 8; 2: 14). God has chosen to reveal His mind by Christ throughthe Holy Spirit. This revelation is made by "speakingwords" given to the apostles by the Holy Spirit. "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he willguide you into all truth; for he shall not speak ofhimself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall hespeak: and he will shew you things to come" (John 16:13). "But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit:for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep thingsof God"... "Which things also we speak, not in thewords which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things withspiritual" (1 Cor. 2: 10, 13). One cannot respect thewords unless he respects the Person who gave thewords.

Searching The Scriptures To Cease Publication

With the December, 1992 edition, SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES will cease publication. That issue will complete thirty-three years of service to our readers.Several things have combined to bring us to this decision. The continual financial pressure from printingand postal costs, plus other necessary expenses certainly have been a factor. But the principal cause for thisdecision is the need for relief from the taxing deadlineswith which this editor and publisher has lived for thelast nineteen and a half years.

Since 1975 I have been involved in gospel meetingwork for nine months of each year. Every time I havereturned from a meeting, there has been one of twomonthly deadlines to face. Some work had to be done onthe road along with the busy activities of gospel meetings. The years have taken their toll. It is necessary torelieve some of the pressures under which I have beenworking so I may devote my remaining days to the workwhich has always been first with me - preaching andteaching the gospel.

Agreement with GUARDIAN OF TRUTH

I have entered into an agreement with the GUARDIAN OF TRUTH to the effect that all rights to the nameSEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES will be owned bythem to prevent any further publication under thatname and to guarantee that our subscribers will receivetheir money's worth for any unfulfilled portion of theirsubscriptions. GUARDIAN OF TRUTH has agreed tosupply one and a half issues of their magazine for every one that was due from SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES. In other words, if you still have six monthsremaining on your subscription to STS, you will receivenine issues of GOT. All church ads will be fulfilled in GOT on a one-for-one basis. Our readers will get morethan their money's worth from this arrangement.GUARDIAN FOR TRUTH is ably edited by Mike Williswith a staff of capable writers. That magazine is published twice a month and contains 32 pages per issue.We have had only 24 pages once a month.

Editor to Write for GUARDIAN OF TRUTH

I have been asked to write regularly for GOT andhave consented to do so. I am comfortable working withMike Willis and the able men which assist him in his work. The two papers have cooperated with each otherthrough the years. Our general aims and purposes havebeen the same. It was my privilege to serve as anAssociate Editor for what was then known as TRUTH MAGAZINE (which later became GUARDIAN OF TRUTH) from 1966 until June, 1973 when I becameeditor and owner of SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES. I left the staff of that paper with goodwill and continuedto urge people to subscribe and read it. It will be a greatpleasure for me to do the same again. Those who havefollowed my writings in STS for the past nineteen and a half years will now be able to find what I write in GOT. In addition to a column which will appear frequently,though certainly not in every issue, I will continue towrite the short items which have appeared in STS underthe heading "Editorial Left-Overs. " This has been apopular feature in STS and many readers have told methat they always look for that first.

In addition to that, it is hoped that many of thewriters for SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES will continue to write and submit their good material to GOT.Without the faithful work of these men, we would havebeen out of business long ago. Their reward for theirlabors has been the good they have done for theirreaders.

Our final issue will include a history of the paper fromfirst to last by H. E. Phillips, who, along with James P.Miller began this work in January, 1960. As you mightexpect, we will take a nostalgic look back and then wewill consign SEARCHING THE SCRIPTURES to thearchives of history where its merits or demerits will bejudged by those who have read it through these years,or those into whose hands bound volumes may fall. I will sit down to write that last editorial with mixed feelings.But I am thankful for the opportunity to teach the wordthrough these pages and grateful for the good men whohave helped in so many ways and for those who havesubscribed for themselves and for others. Over the yearsmany kind words have been written and spoken aboutthis paper (and some no so kind). We will cherish thekind words and try to learn from the other kind.

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast,unmoveable, always abounding in work of the Lord,forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain inthe Lord" (1 Cor. 15: 58).

The Proper Perspective

In our service to the Lord we must maintain the proper perspective. If we do not, we can easily becomediscouraged or we may become overly excited and euphoric when we need to be a little more cautious.

Getting a proper perspective means that we take anhonest look at the way things really are and not just see what we want to see. The proper perspective comeswhen we see the larger picture. We sometimes becomeweary and disgusted because we are only focusing onpart of the picture. Taking a bigger view may givereason to be encouraged and even quite optimistic.

At times our optimism and enthusiasm overshadowsour sense of being realistic. I believe it was LutherBlackmon that told about the man who thought he hada good pair of shoes. All they needed were half-soles,heels and uppers. Besides, the strings were real good.We cannot afford to ignore real problems. Neither canwe allow a few problems to blind us to the good that ispresent.

At one time Elijah had lost the proper perspective. Hethought there was no one but himself wanting to dowhat was right. He said, "I alone am left. " God had tohelp him get the proper perspective by telling him thatthere were yet 7, 000 that had not bowed their knees toBaal (1 Kings 19: 10, 14, 18).

There are three things we need to see to get theproper perspective.

The Progress We Have Made

We need to look back and see where we were and how far we have come. Have we made any progress? Arethings better now than they were? Or, are we going inthe wrong direction? Remember, that progress is inmany instances, slow (Heb. 5: 11-12).

Individual Christians need to stop and consider theprogress they have made. Do you know the Bible betternow than you did a few years ago? Are you stronger andmore mature (Heb. 6: 1)? Are you able to endure andovercome things that you could not in the past?

Churches have to do the same. While things may not be as we would like them to be in the congregation, thequestion is "Are we making progress?" Are we moving(even though slowly) in the right direction? Are we moreunited, stronger and striving to do things according to

the Bible? Are we trying to deal with problems rather than ignore them? Don't forget that progresswill not always be labeled "progress" by some.

What Are We Doing Now?

The proper perspective involves seeing what we are presently doing. Are we striving to do what the Lordsays do? Can our concepts, teaching and practices bejustified by the Bible (2 Cor. 4: 13)? Is there a strongersense of unity than in times past (1 Cor. 1: 10)? Are wegrowing in knowledge, in maturity and in number? Arewe moving in the right direction rather than in thewrong direction?

We can easily get discouraged when we listen to those who are discontent. If we focus our attention there, itwill give us a limited picture of the church. We can beginto think that most of the people care little about doingwhat is right. It is somewhat like three or four old frogsin a pond - they can make enough noise that it soundslike a hundred. What we need to do is take a look at how many are wanting to follow the Bible and try their bestto live by it (Phil. 1: 27). Those people don't make as much "noise, " but must be taken into account to get theproper perspective.

Our Potential And Goals

To get the right view we must see how bright orgloomy the future is. Is there reason for some optimismas we contemplate the coming days?

What is our potential as individuals? What are youcapable of doing? What kind of growth can you experience? What can you become? It is sad to see those whowaste their time and throw away their potential (Heb.

5: 11-12).

What is our potential as a church? What will the church of tomorrow be? Will the homes and the families that comprise the church be good solid homes or will thelack of Christianity in the home destroy the church?What is the potential for future teachers, song leadersand even elders? Does the future look better and brighterthan the past?

What goals do we have or should we have? Individually, we must set our sights on being the kind ofindividuals that the Bible describes (1 Cor. 15: 58). Whenwe do, we have also set our sights on heaven (Col. 3: 13).

As a localchurch, we must set our goalto become likethe local church that God approves (Rev. 2-3). Thatmeans we must deal with the things that God does notapprove of- even though such processes are unpleasant(Rev. 2, 3; 1 Cor. 5 and 2 Thess. 3). We must strive to beactive and carry the gospel to others (1 Tim. 3: 15). Wemust work toward becoming scripturally organized(Acts 14: 23). Churches that are content with the statusquo and just "keeping house" (though sometimes theyreally don't do that) just don't have much of a goal to do what is pleasing to God.

Getting the proper perspective always helps. At timesit will paint a dark picture. But in most cases it will giveus some reason for encouragement.

"Safe Sin"

Go ahead and drink but have a designated driver.Give the drug addict clean needles to make using drugssafe. Legalize prostitution so we can control it and keepthe girls healthy. Legalize liquor so the drunk will notdrink dangerous home brew. Legalize abortion so you won't kill yourself with a coat hanger. Pass out contraceptives to students so they won't produce babies or get AIDS.

"In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25).

A Contradiction

I know those two words, "safe sin, " contradict each other since "the wages of sin is death" (Rom. 6: 23).Man has not ceased his ingenious ways at trying tomake sin safe. A sinful practice is acceptable if theundesired consequences can be avoided. While man likes to avoid the consequences of sin in this life, it isextremely dangerous for it deceives him into thinkinghe got away with it. Consequences of sin in this life canbe deterrents to eternal consequences if we will usethem as warn-ings.

Safe(?) Sexual Sin

In my youth (not as long ago as you might think),we were warned of two sexually transmitted diseases(STD's). Now there are over 40, with AIDS being the major one at present. The consequences of promiscuitycan be any of these STD's, unwanted pregnancy andunwanted family responsibility. When the idea of promoting "safe sex" is advanced, we are communicating tosociety to go ahead and commit fornication, but becareful to prevent any undesirable consequences. It isacceptable to practice illicit sex, but try not to contract AIDS or other STD's and try not to cause a pregnancy(if you do, there is always abortion).

Why Illicit Sex Is Not "Just A Physical Thing"

We are commanded in 1 Cor. 6: 18 to "Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body: but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body, " or his own being or self.

"Did you love her? Naw, it was just a physical thing. "Illicit sex is never just a physical thing. Paul says ourbody is a temple of the Holy Spirit, that our bodies are members of Christ (1 Cor. 6: 13-20). In marriage, it is

Christ who joins two who have made the commitmentto be true to each other, including sexually. We arealso connected to Christ "your bodies are members of Christ" (1 Cor. 6: 15). Sin is a spiritual term. We damage our being in every sexual act committed outside God's limits, because we become "one" (blended, intermingled) with someone other than who Christ joined us to. Then, in a few minutes we tear that oneness apart into two separate beings again. It doesn't rip our body, but it rips our mind, will, emotion, and spirit.

The mind is now damaged because it has memoriesand knowledge it was not equipped to cope with apartfrom a lifetime commitment. The will is damaged because it has been bent like a wire against our consciencesaying "no, " and is made weaker. The emotions have been traumatized by the pulling back that comes afterbeing blended and intermingled. And we get a deepwound in our spirit because death is administered to us instead of life. This happens whether or not you catch a STD. "When Potiphar's wife tried to lead Joseph intopremarital sex... it was not fear of conception, infection, or detection that kept him from it. he said: 'How then canI do this great wickedness and sin against God (Gen.

39: 9)'" (Earl Kimbrough, STS, Vol. XVII, No. 7).

We say, "God you just don't understand. " Yes Hedoes. Sex was 100% His idea. He invented the whole process. He is for us, but in His love He tries to preventus from damaging our lives and our being. He has givenus proper channels for every drive we have.

Marriage: Just A Piece Of Paper?

Concerning sex outside marriage, Farrah Fawcettsaid, "I see nothing wrong with it if you know you love each other and are really committed. What differencedoes apiece of paper and a ceremony make? It's purely a business contract. " ("Farrah Fawcett Has DecidedMarriage Isn't For Her, " Jonesboro Sun (AP) 5/1/90).My answer: If you are not married, you are not committed, because MARRIAGE IS THE COMMITMENT! It isthe legal, publicly witnessed and binding commitmentbetween a man and a woman. Nothing else is. When twopeople live together outside of marriage, they want theprivileges but not the responsibilities. When responsibility begins to develop one begins to look elsewhere. Itis not "What therefore sex has joined together, " but"What GOD has joined together" (Mt. 19: 6). So it is not just a physical joining, it is a spiritual joining of twopeople.

The God Of Taste Buds

Did you know God didn't need to give you taste buds?You don't need them. This ought to tell you somethingabout God and how thoughtful he was of us. Food issimply to maintain and repair your body and you don'tneed to go "Mmmmmmm, mmmmmmm, " over chocolatesundaes. There is only one reason for taste buds, andthat's pleasure.

Someone may reason, "If God is the God of pleasureand wants me to enjoy what I eat, then I ought to be ableto enjoy any amount at any time in any way. Right?Wrong! That's not logical. I know my stomach holds 2quarts, so to eat 10 pizzas, 15 cheeseburgers and 8chocolate malts is not really smart. It's best that I limit my enjoyment. Likewise, we can't reason that because God has given us sexual appetites or the gift of attraction, that any amount is good at any time.

Sex: A River of Beauty and Joy

God's intention was satisfaction and fulfillment. He limits our behavior before marriage, not to take away,but to channel this beautiful flow like banks channel a river. It is foolish to knock down the banks of a river to give it "freedom" or "liberation. " If the river said Tin going to flow where I want to flow when I feel like flowing, " we would end up with a flood and destruction and loss of life instead of something beautiful. CONCLUSION: There is a vast difference between "freedom" and a "free-for-all. " Once we understand whyGod said what he said, it won't be as hard to control.

Walking By Faith

For we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Cor. 5: 7). Wecome to Jesus by faith (Mark 16: 16), and the wholejourney from conversion to glory is made by faith as welook at the things that are not seen (2 Cor. 4: 18).

Let us consider some aspects of this spiritual lifewhich is comprised of trusting rather than seeing.

I. Believing that Jesus lived and walked among men: We, of course, never saw Him. We did not beholdthe signs He performed; neither did we hear the graciouswords that He spoke. Jesus said to Thomas, "... because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are thosewho have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20: 29).We walk by faith, not by sight.

We tend sometimes to consider this a disadvantage. Things would be much easier, we think, had we livedwhen God became flesh and walked among men. Surelyall doubts would vanish if we could see Him and hear Him.

Yet the stubborn fact remains that all who did see and hear Him did not believe. He was despised and rejectedby men. He came unto His own and His own did notreceive Him.

Those who will not accept the gospel account wouldnot believe if they saw the evidence for themselves.

II. Believing the miracles of the Bible: When we challenge the alleged miracle workers of modern times todemonstrate their powers, we are accused of beingunbelieving sign-seekers. But, in fact, we are not unbelievers. We believe in God; in the Son of God; in theinspiration of the Bible; and we believe every miraclethat is recorded in the Bible. We believe that the sun stood still over Gibeon; that the dumb ass spoke; that thewalls of Jericho fell; that Jesus healed the sick, lame, andblind, and walked upon the sea. We believe it all.

What we do not believe is that such power has beengiven to men today. We do not have to believe this tobelieve God. We walk by faith, not by sight.

III. Believing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain: We are assured that this is the case (1 Cor. 15: 58). "In due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart" (Gal.

6: 7).

Such assurances imply that we need not expect toalways see the fruit of our labor. Others may reap where we have sown. When we are at the point of crying out:"What good am I doing?!" it may well be that we havedone more good than we know. We must labor by faith,not by sight. Let us continue to preach the word; teachthe Bible classes; put forth the personal efforts to savethe lost, and just accept God at His word that such willnot return unto Him void.

IV. Believing in God's providential workings:God holds the world in His hands. In Him we live and move and have our being. All things work together forgood for those who love God and are the called accordingto His purpose (Romans 8: 27). But we often do not seethis. An old Puritan proverb says that God's providence,like Hebrew, can only be read backwards.

When we travel by air, few of us could explain thephysical and aerodynamic laws that enable a hunk ofmachinery to fly. I certainly wouldn't want to fly inanything that I had a part in building. I really don'tknow how the thing works. And yet I'm reasonablyconfident that it will take me to my destination.

A child in a loving home certainly does not comprehend the purpose and the wisdom of much that is donefor him and to him. He does not understand that denials and discipline are for his good. Yet he trusts the love, thegoodness, and the wisdom of his parents.

How much more is it true that we do not fathom the providences of our God. Yet we trust Him. We walk byfaith, not by sight.

V. Believing in the incorruptible inheritance: We have never been privileged to ascend on high and behold the wonders of that citywhose builder and maker is God. We have not peeredinto that book of life to see our name written there. Yet we believe the promise of our Lord that He willcome again and that where He is we shall be also (John

14: 1-3). We believe that a rest remains for the peopleof God.

Like Israel of old in the desert, they had not seenCanaan land. They had not beheld the beauty of MountZion or stood on Jordan's banks, but they believed. Theywalked by faith. And we also who are traveling to the promised land are walking by faith, not by sight.

The day is coming when we shall walk by sight. Webelieve that our Lord walked among men; but one daywe shall behold Him as He is and we shall be like Him. We believe the evidences of His power, but we shall oneday know from experience that power that raises thedead. We believe that our labor is not in vain; but we will one day know the results of that labor. We believe thatall things work together for good; but we shall one daybehold the whole picture. We believe that there shall befullness of joy in the presence of God; but one day weshall taste that joy, and we shall walk by sight.

Simplicity In Christ

For more than 40 years I have contributed articles tovarious periodicals published by brethren in the churchof Christ. I also have contributed articles on a variety ofsubjects to secular publications, and for the past severalyears have written a regular column for the Chiefland(Fl), Citizen.

In all of my writings, I have endeavored to display onemain characteristic-simplicity. I have studied the English language in textbooks, dictionaries, by reading from other authors, and have taken special courses withone thought in mind-communicating in the most effective manner possible. And in my judgment, the mostimportant ingredient to effective communication, whether speaking or writing, is simplicity.

When the editor of Searching the Scriptures askedme to write a regular column for that publication, under a heading of my choice, I did not hesitate. I would writeunder the caption, "Simplicity In Christ" (cf. 2 Cor.

11: 3). The first of those articles appeared in November,1984 (p. 10/250), though I had contributed articles toSTS in past years.

I think that I am capable, as anyone with an averageeducation would be, of composing complicated sentences and paragraphs, using ambiguous words andideas. But even in the age of miraculous gifts, the apostle admonished, "... except ye utter by the tonguewords easy to be understood, how shall it be known whatis spoken? for ye shall speak into the air" (1 Cor. 14: 9).

The apostle Peter said that in Paul's writings therewere "some things hard to understood... " (2 Pet. 3: 16).And notice that Peter said some things, not all things. Even if you have the knowledge and are able, it is hardto explain some things to some people when their earsare stopped, their eyes are closed, they have not grownas they should have, when they are encumbered by thetraditions and philosophies of men, or when they are willfully or carelessly ignorant.

I do not mean to leave the impression that there are only a few writers/speakers who possess the quality ofsimplicity in desire or ability, but why are some so "hardto be understood'? It may be that some readers/hearersstill possess some of the hindering qualities mentioned above, or that others have already clouded the issuewith the muddy waters of half-truths, statements out of context, or "foolish and unlearned questions, " but whenyou try to follow someone through a maze of sophistry,hypothetical situations, or ambiguous and nebulouslanguage, you will have a difficult task in such a journey.

Some writers/speakers may wish to appear profound and learned, resorting to deep, dark dissertations whichare intentionally foreign to simplicity. And, whethersuch ones succeed or fail in this attempt, the result is still the same as far as the hearer/reader is concerned. Paulspeaks of the man who intrudes "into those things whichhe hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind" (Col. 2: 18).

There may be a time and place for scholarly offerings,but simplicity is not necessarily foreign to scholarship.Then, there are those who simply are unable to reducetheir literary or polemic offerings to simplicity, eventhough they may have such a desire to do so. Some in thiscategory know that simplicity is not their forte, andsome may not know it, but the reader/hearer knows.

Then, there are those writers/speakers who eitherconsciously or unconsciously avoid plain language because they do not want the reader/header to understandthe author's true position on a given subject. This attitude is patently unfair to the issue being discussed,as well as to all those who are involved in or concerned with the issue.

Others may engage in rash, shoot-from-the-hip pronouncements which invariably need explanation or retraction later, and yet it is the hearer or reader who isoften victimized by such careless, offhanded oratory orwriting. All of us have said things on the spur of themoment that needed some clarification, but it is hard tounderstand why some writers are continually being"misunderstood" or "misrepresented, " when a writer hasmore time to contemplate what is being written thandoes one who engages in extemporaneous speaking.

We should be ready to give an answer concerninganything which has to do with our "hope" (1 Pet. 3: 15).But that doesn't mean that we are obligated to answerevery foolish question which people may ask on untaught subjects (2 Tim. 2: 23).

Brethren, let us desire and strive to "use great plainness of speech" (2 Cor. 3: 12). And the more we "speak asthe oracles of God" (1 Pet. 4: 11), the nearer we willcome to accomplishing our goal.

Things The Lord Hates

Hate is a strong word. It has stubbornly resistedthe metamorphosis that some words have undergone wherein their meanings were softened orwatered down. Some may use the word casually (as in"I hate English peas") but generally, this word is reserved for use only when we feel the deepest ofdislike and despite.

Hate means to loathe, detest, to despise; to feel ill will toward; to find deeply distasteful or disagreeable.It is an emotion so strong that it sometimes bringsabout physiological changes in men. At the thought ofsome-thing or someone toward which one feels hate the stomach begins to roll. Accompanied with a feeling of bitterness, the heart rate, blood pressure and even body temperature begin to rise. Considering this, it is no surprise that the feeling of hate is generally thought to be bad.

But consider that hate is also an attribute of God. God's feelings of hate are expressed toward evil thingsand evil men. Solomon wrote, "There are six things which the Lord hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And handsthat shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wickedplans, Feet that run rapidly to evil, A false witness whoutters lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers"(Prov. 6: 7-9).

Our goal should be to think like God thinks and feel like God feels. The things which God loves arethings which we should love. The things that God hatesare the things we should hate. Let's take a closer look at this passage in Proverbs.

GOD HATES "HAUGHTY EYES. " Haughty is asynonym for proud and carries with it the idea of being vain to the point of arrogance; having excessive self-esteem; having or showing great pride in oneself anddisdain, contempt, and scorn for others. Certain of thePharisees "trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt" (Luke 18: 9)prompting Jesus to teach a parable showing that suchpride will be humbled (Luke 18: 10-14). God hated thisattitude in them and He hates it when it surfaces, andit does, among us! God wants us to have a different attitude (Matt. 5: 3).

GOD HATES "A LYING TONGUE. " Lying is an attribute of the devil (John 8: 44). Since the dawn ofcreation it is a sin that has plagued otherwise good men of God. But God hates lying no matter who the liar is. "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal faithfully are His delight" (Prov. 12: 22). God wants us to lay aside such as a part of the old man of sinand speak truth with one another (Col. 3: 9-10, Eph.

4: 25).

GOD HATES "HANDS THAT SHED INNOCENT BLOOD. " The key word in this phrase is "innocent. " Godhad established the nation of Israel on the foundation of righteousness and justice (Psa. 89: 14). Provision wasmade in her laws for the guilty to be punished and theinnocent to go free and instruction was given to judgesto be fair and impartial (Deut. 16: 18-20) in theirjudgments. But alas, such was not to be. Judah wascarried in chains to Babylon in part because of the sinsof king Manasseh who "filled Jerusalem with innocentblood" (2 Kgs. 24: 3-4). It is not hard to understand thehatred God has for this sin when we understand that wicked men shed the innocent blood of His onlybegotten Son (Acts 3: 14-15). God wants us to be fair, honest, and impartial in all our dealings (1 Tim. 5: 21;Jas. 2: 1, 9).

GOD HATES "A HEART THAT DEVISES WICKED PLANS. " It is one thing for a man to sin in a moment ofweakness and another, entirely different, when heplans and schemes to commit his wickedness. Both aresins of which one must be accountable, but one iscommitted when knowledge or discipline is less thanwhat it ought to be while the other is committed out ofhigh-handed rebellion. The latter is described in Micah

2: 1-3 as a people who scheme iniquity on their beds atnight only to awaken in the morning to follow through with their wicked plans. God loathes such rebellion!

GOD HATES "FEET THAT RUN RAPIDLY TO EVIL. " It is hard for those of tender conscience to comprehend that there are actually people who hategood and love evil and who consciously choose an evilway of life over that which is good. But a realistic viewof events in our own hometown proves it to be so. David accused and warned, "You love evil more than good,falsehood more than speaking what is right... But Godwill break you down forever; He will snatch you up, andtear you away from your tent, and uproot you from theland of the living" (Psa. 52: 3, 5). For all those who constantly seek for evil to do, BE WARNED! God hatessuch! Our attitude should be to "abhor what is evil; clingto what is good" (Rom. 12: 9). If our generation perishes,the number one reason could be because WE DO NOT ABHOR SIN!

GOD HATES "A FALSE WITNESS THAT UTTERS LIES. " Exodus 20: 16 commanded, "You shall not bearfalse witness against your neighbor. " That one would bear false witness suggests collusion to pervert justice (Cf. Deut. 17: 6-7; 19: 15). "A false witness will notgo unpunished... " (Prov. 19: 5, 9). When Jezebelsought false witnesses to rise up against Naboth sheknew it would take worthless men (1 Kgs. 21: 9-10)for such is unbecoming the righteous. Bearing false witness is a sin which comes from the heart and,according to Jesus, such defiles the man (Matt. 15: 1920). Please remember

this the next time you are tempted to say that you heardsomeone say something they didn't say, or declare thatyou saw someone do something they didn't do, that suchis false witness. You will have to stand before God and answer for it.. He hates such!

GOD HATES "ONE WHO SPREADS STRIFE AMONG BROTHERS. " God wants His people to bepeople of unity. It is one of those few things that is bothgood and pleasant (Psa. 133: 1). Once obtained, we are tobe diligent to preserve it (Eph. 4: 3). Strife, dissension,and division are signs of carnality (1 Cor. 3: 1-3). It's no wonder that God hates him who spreads strife. Remember this the next time that you are tempted to saysomething that has no other real purpose than to spreaddiscontent and perhaps cause anxiety among brethren.God hates such!

Each of the seven things listed above deserve a morecomplete treatment than it is possible to give in one article. But the one thing I hope rings clear is that Godis passionate in His feelings about such evil things andthe evil men who promote them. They will not beoverlooked in judgment. He HATES them and so should we, His people! For that reason let these things not benamed among us.

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, theevidence of things not seen.... But without faith it isimpossible to please him; for he that cometh to God mustbelieve that he is, and that he is rewarder of them thatdiligently seek him" (Heb. 11: 1, 6). "I am crucified withChrist: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth inme: and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith inthe Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (Gal. 2: 20). "For as the body without the spirit is dead,so faith without works is dead also (Jas. 2: 26).

From the passages above, we find that a living, not adead faith is absolutely essential to be pleasing to God.I believe that Paul is the greatest example of having aliving faith of any person who ever lived. In addition tohis affirmation to the Galatians as quoted above, I thrillat the account of his addressing the captain of the shipon the voyage to Rome "when neither sun or stairs inmany days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, allhope that we should be saved was then taken away. ButPaul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, yeshould have harkened unto me, and not have loosedfrom Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall beno loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. Forthere stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I amand whom I serve, Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must bebrought before Caesar: and lo, God hath give thee allthem that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of goodcheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it wastold me" (Emphasis mine, BA; Acts 27: 20-25).

Observations: This is the greatest statement everrecorded regarding a LIVING FAITH! Paul, an apostleof the Lord Jesus, without fear of men or apology tothose who were heathens, boldly affirmed his livingfaith in the living God. He was not in the least ashamedto declare his faith in the face of those who did not believe. Paul's faith was a settled faith. "I BELIEVE GOD THAT IT SHALL BE EVEN AS IT WAS TOLD ME. " The life of Paul from the time of his conversion in the city of Damascus, where "it shall be told thee whatthou must do" (Acts 9: 6), is the greatest demonstrationof the power of the gospel that has ever been recorded onthe pages of Divine Revelation. The great persecutor became the persecuted for Jesus' sake. He believed God,obeyed Him, and never looked back - never wavered inhis living faith.

Notice his confidence in death: "For I am ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. Ihave fought a good fight, I have finished my course,I have kept the faith, Henceforth there is laid up forme a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not tome only, but unto all of them that love his appearing"(2 Tim. 4: 6-8).

Paul did not say that his confidence in death wasbecause he had been baptized, although that obviously was essential, nor that he was a member of thechurch of Christ as many today hope to make heavendo, but he said "I have fought a good fight, I finishedthe course (he was not a quitter), I have kept the faith. " I believe that Paul was setting forth a principlethat I have held for a long time: Anything worth believing that is so essential to salvation, is worthdefending. If it is not worth defending, it is not worthbelieving. Paul was a fighter! This sets him apart from many members of the Lord's church today. Wewho have fought the battles over the years to savepeople from sin and false doctrine and to save a remnant from the apostasy that has occurred in the past twenty-five years, are not very popular withbrethren and sisters of the younger generation. Thoseof us who have stood on the polemic platform toe-totoe, face-to-face with false teacher, both within andwithout the church of our Lord, have not endearedourselves to many of the saints.

I believe Paul demonstrated his living faith andlove for the Lord and the church of the Lord when he confronted a "certain sorcerer a false prophet namedBar-Jesus" as recorded in Acts 13: 6-12. This false prophet tried to turn away Paul from the deputy, a prudent man, named Sergius Paulus, who desired tohear the word of God. "Then Saul, (who is calledPaul, ) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him(Bar-Jesus) and said, O full of all subtlety and allmischief (villainy, ASV), thou child of the devil,thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not ceaseto pervert the right ways of the Lord? And now the hand of the Lord is upon thee and thou shalt beblind, not seeing the sun for a season... Then thedeputy, when he saw what was done, believed. "

Paul claimed to have the spirit of Christ. He felt thesame way that the Lord did toward false teachers. Read Matthew 23 and see how Jesus felt toward false teachers, Pharisees, who were Jews. Then listen toHis warning in Matthew 7: 13-16a: "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate and broad is the waythat leadeth to destruction, and many there be whogo in thereat... Beware of false prophets who cometo you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they areravenous wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. "To what did Jesus refer when He said, "Enter ye in?"Obviously He meant "Enter Ye into the coming kingdom" as is evident at verse 21. Frankly, I feel towardfalse teachers as Paul did. I do not believe they are "good men" who "all they need to do is be baptized" asI have heard some brethren say. They need to quitsinning and repent of their evil ways and believe andobey the gospel of Christ.

A Living Hope

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his abundant mercy hasbegotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and does not fade away,reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the powerof God through faith for salvation ready to be revealedin the last time" (1 Pet. 1: 3-5).

What a wonderful passage left by the apostle forthose of us who make our way through "this present evilworld" and amid trials, heartaches, disappointmentsand persecutions. This is motivation to us to "finish the course, keeping the faith, " that we might receive that"crown of righteousness at that day (judgment day)" (2 Tim. 4: 7, 8). Paul wrote: "For we are saved by hope"(Rom. 8: 24). This shows that all of us who hope to makeheaven are living by faith in the living word of the livingGod. We can say with Paul: "I believe God that it shallbe even as it was told me" (Acts 27: 25).

Yes, I believe that Christ was bodily raised from the dead and became "the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep" (1 Cor. 15: 20). Christ was the first raisedfrom the dead not to die again and is the assurance ofthe general resurrection of all the dead of all time at Hissecond coming. He said: "Marvel not at this: for thehour is coming, in which all that are in the graves shallhear his voice, and shall come forth: they that havedone good unto the resurrection of life; and they thathave done evil unto the resurrection of damnation" (John 5: 28, 29). I believe Him, that it will be even as itwas told to the people who heard His wonderful promise, and that you and I who read it were included in Hispromise.

We can and must do as the Hebrew writer exhorted: "Let us lay aside every weight and the sin that doth soeasily beset us, and run with patience the race that isset before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set beforehim endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of" the throne of God" (Heb.

12: 1b, 2). Then we can sing with Paul: "Thanks be toGod, who giveth us the victory through our Lord JesusChrist" (1 Cor. 15: 57). What blessed hope! I love thewords of the song: "Heaven will surely be worth it all. "

It is always in order to provide definitions for anysubject being considered. Ekklesia is the word most commonly rendered "church. " Therefore, we define EKKLESIA -A Greek word, composed of two Greek terms: (ek) out of, or out from; and (klesis) a calling; or (kaleo) to call; therefore meaning "to call out of, " or "acalling out from. " We should emphasize that the wordekklesia, was not in itself a religious word. However, ithas become such, over the centuries.

Historically, ekklesia was used by the Greeks to designate an assembly or gathering of citizens, calledas a body to deliberate concerning affairs of State. It isso used in Acts 19: 39.

The term was also applied in Scripture to a riotous orunruly mob (Acts 19; 32, 41).

Next, we define CHURCH - An English word thathas become an "ecclesiastical" word, over the ages. Itderives from the German (Kirche); Dutch (kerk); Scottish (kirk); Anglo-Saxon (circe, cyrce); and Middle English (chirche).

Other English words that may properly be used, are:assembly, congregation, gathering, or community. Unlike "church, " these synonyms carry no religiousimplication, although "congregation" is beginning to do so.

Inasmuch as the Lord's people, initially, owned nobuildings in which to assemble, until some time afterthe first century, consequently the word "church" is never applied to a building, in Holy Scripture.

Neither the King James Version nor the RevisedVersion of the English Scriptures, have the word "church" in the Old Testament.

The Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament, the Septuagint (LXX), does contain the word"church, " and renders it from two different Hebrew words. Edhah, the older of the two words, comes from a root word, which means "to appoint. " Therefore, a congregation assembled by appointment; such as, thecongregation of Israel in the Exodus. They had anappointment with God, and were to obey His instruction. Qahal, comes from a root word, meaning "to call. "Initially, this word applied to the mustering of men formilitary service; and the summoning together of thecommunity for civic counsel.

Gradually, in both the Hebrew and the Greek societies, the words being applied to political and civic gatherings, began to be applied to religious assemblies and purposes.

The word "church" is used in Scripture in both asingular and plural local application; and, in a singular universal sense.

Ekklesia in the Gospels and Acts

The word ekklesia is used 115 times in the Majority, Byzantine, or Koine Text, which represents about 85 to90% of all manuscripts; and 114 times in the Nestle-Aland/United Bible Societies text. The single omission inthe latter text, is Acts 2: 41.

The Textus Receptus, which is one example of the Majority Text, contains ekklesia in Acts 2: 41, indicating that the Lord's assembly was then, (on Pentecost, A. D.33), in existence. The textual critics, Griesbach, and Wordsworth are in agreement with this. But, Lachmann,Tregelles, Tischendorf, Alford, and Westcott-Hort, chooseto delete ekklesia in this passage.

The only instances of ekklesia or church in the four Gospels, are found in Matthew 16: 18, and 18: 17 (twice). These passages look to the future, inasmuch asChrist's community or congregation had not as yet been estab-lished. (See Acts 2). Matthew's biography ofChrist was written for Jewish readership, and thereforesuch subjects as "church, " "kingdom of heaven, " and"the exception allowing divorce" (due to the Jews' hardness of heart), are included in the first book of the New Testament, but are not found in Mark (for theRomans), Luke (for the Greeks), or John (written many years after the kingdom, the church, had been established).

In Acts of the Apostles, ekklesia was used to designatethe congregation in Jerusalem, that convened as a resultof the call of the apostles' preaching (5: 11). Stephen, inhis sermon as recorded by Luke, made reference to the ekklesia (congregation, assembly) in the desert or wilderness, led by Moses (7: 38). Due to persecution, the people of the "Way" were dispersed throughout Judeaand Samaria (8: 1). The ekklesia, (used in a collectivesense) church(es), congregation(s), in Judea, Galilee,and Samaria, were at peace and gained strength, afterSaul's conversion to Christ (9: 31).

Elders (plural) were appointed in every church (ekklesian); i. e., in each assembly (14: 23). The ekklesian was gathered together (14: 27). The Apostles and elders, with the whole ekklesia, sent their own selected messengers to Antioch (15: 22).

Ekklesia in the New Testament Epistles

In his Epistle to the church in Rome, Paul's first use of ekklesias is in reference to "Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea. " (16: 1). This verse has "worried" some brethren, because, depending upon the theology of the translator, some versions refer to Phoebe as a "deaconess" (C. B. Williams); "a ministering servant" (Conybeare); "deacon" (NRSV), "servant" (C. K. Williams); "omostramt" (Young); or"helper" (New Life N. T. ). The Greek word, diakonon,simply refers to a duty, rather than an office. Phoebe wasa female servant, just as all sisters in Christ should be.

Paul writes about the churches ekklesiai of the Gentiles; churches of the nations, ethnon Rom. 16: 4. He was writing about Aquila and Priscilla's work and sacrifice in his behalf. That, if it had not been for this husband and wife team, Paul might have lost his life, and the "ethnicassemblies" or "Gentile congregations" would have been deprived of the teaching afforded them by the Apostle.

Paul was known as the Apostle to the Gentiles (Eph. 3: 8;2 Tim. 1: 11).

Ekklesiai -"... The churches of Christ salute you. "(Rom. 16: 16). Literally, "all the congregations of Christgreet you; " or "all of Christ's assemblies express regards. "

Numerous synonyms are used in the New Testamentfor the word "church. " Many of these are based upon OldTestament themes in reference to the Israel of God. Consider: the Seed of Abraham (spiritually), livingstones built into a spiritual house, royal priesthood,holy nation, temple, bride of Christ, chosen generation,olive tree, and Vine and branches = Christ and His called-out-ones.

Contrast Between "Synagogue" and "Church"

As we mentioned earlier in this article, the term "church" never refers to a building in which the "church"assembles. This misuse of the word "church" may havebeen helped along by the gathering place of the Jews,the synagogue.

(1) "They have burned up all the synagogues of God in the land. " (Psalms 74: 8). A structure that could be destroyed. (2) For example, a synagogue could be "gone into" (Matt. 12: 9). (3) A synagogue had "chief seats in it" (Matt. 23: 6). (4) A synagogue could be "come out of " (Mark 1: 29). (5) A popular Centurion had "built us a synagogue" (Luke 7: 5). (6)Immediately after his conversion, Saul "preachedChrist in the synagogue" (Acts 9: 20). (7) Justus' house was "next door to the synagogue. " (Acts 18: 7).

A synagogue was a material building, but an assembly, community, congregation, gathering or church ismade up of people, persons, individuals, or figuratively,"living stones. "

"Robbers of Churches" An unfortunate Translation!

In Acts 19: 37, the KJV reads: "For ye have broughthither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, not yet blasphemers of your goddess. " Nowthis sounds as if "churches" are material buildings,subject to plundering. But the Greek word which theKJV translators essentially rendered as "church-robbers, " is hierosulous which actually means temple robbers. The episode had to do with Demetrius thesilversmith, and his fellow-craftsmen, who were makers of silver images of the goddess Diana (Artemis).Since Paul and his associates were teaching against idolatry, Demetrius accused them of blaspheming the goddess and of plundering her temple! Hence, "churchrobbers" according to the KJV. Demetrius was makinguse of any popular accusation against the Christians,that might sway his audience. It would be like shouting "horse-thief!" at a western neck-tie party. The wordekklesia is not used in Acts 19: 37.

Conclusion

In addition to misusing the word "church" by applying it to a building, many folk misuse the word by misapplying it to their conception of the work of the Lord's church!

Many years ago, when I was manager of a radio station, we had a number of western bands, or "hillbillymusicians" who appeared regularly on various programs. One fellow was a skilled bass "fiddle" player. Now, in hillbilly parlance, a bass fiddle was not playedwith a bow, such as was the practice in symphonyorchestras. Instead, the instrument was "slapped" providing rhythm and syncopation for the rest of the band.Anyway, this particular musician had been quite popular, playing for night-clubs, honky-tonks, and such like.But at some point, he left town, and I had not seen him for several years, when, one morning, I encountered him on a downtown street. We met, shook hands, exchanging pleasantries, and he remembered that I hadnot appreciated nor approved of his having played fordances, etc. So, he was eager to tell me, that: "I no longerplay for dances! I've gone into church work!"

His family had been of the Pentecostal persuasion,and actually all the family members had learned theirmusic by playing at Pentecostal church services. Of course, when he started playing for dances, his familywas gravely embarrassed, and did not approve of hisactions. But now, he had returned to the fold, so to speak, and he and his bass fiddle had "Gone into churchwork!"

So, when the word "church" is used, it can and may bewoefully abused and misused! The New Testament specifically gives instruction as to just what constitutes"church work!" Many brethren need to learn this fact.

The word "sinner" (singular) is found some eleventimes in the New Testament, and the word "sinners" (plural) some thirty times; however neither word is everused with reference to the faithful child of God. The fact that a child of God can sin and sometimes does sin no one with any Bible knowledge will deny. However, this doesnot mean that sin dwells in the child of God, nor that hepractices sin. If he allows sin to dwell in him and if he ishabitually practicing sin he has fallen from grace and isagain walking in darkness. The child of God walks in thelight and if he does stumble and sins he repents and praysthe forgiveness of God through the Advocate, JesusChrist the righteous (1 John 2: 1). Can a child of God sin?Yes. Does he sin? Yes. However, there is a world ofdifference between a child of God who sins occasionallyand a person in whom sin dwells and who habituallypractices sin. The sinner is a servant of sin and sin dwellsin him. The child of God is a servant of righteousness andSIN CANNOT DWELL IN THE CHILD OF GOD! Sin may slip in occasionally but the child of God does notpermit it to dwell there. Through repentance and prayerhe is cleansed from it by the blood of Christ. "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we havefellowship one with another, and the blood ofJesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin" (1John 1: 7). Walking in the light includes repentance and prayer on the part of the Christian, and guaranteesforgiveness for ALL sin. When an alien sinner who believes in the Lord and repents of his sins is baptized hehas all of his sins washed away by the blood of Christ. "Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins"(Acts 22: 16). When he comes up out of the water ofbaptism he is just as clean and pure and sinless as he wasthe day he was born, for he has been cleansed by the blood of Christ.

Likewise when a child of God repents and prays forforgiveness of his sin he is cleansed. God has forgiven himand he is just as pure and sinless as he was when he wasborn into this world and when he arose from the water of baptism. Repentance, confession, and prayer for forgiveness are God's requirements and when a Christian whohas sinned meets these requirements "the blood of Jesus Christ his son cleanseth us from ALL SIN. " I will always remember the prayer of one of the elders (Bro. Roades who went to Heaven a few years ago) in theTurlock, California church where I preached for over fiveyears. Bro. Roades prayed like this: "Lord forgive us of all our sins and now that Thou hast forgiven us" I like that kind of prayer-"NOW THAT THOU HAST FORGIVEN US"-That is a prayer of faith, and I could tell by the way Bro. Roades prayed that he believed it. Heasked God's forgiveness, and he believed that God haddone just that very thing. And you want to knowsomething? I BELIEVE IT TOO! This is the assurance that the faithful child of God has. Sure, the childof God can sin, and admittedly does sometimes slip intosin, but if he allows himself to dwell in sin or sin to dwell in him, he does so because he fails to "ask in faith,nothing wavering" (Jas. 1: 6).

If you go to sleep at night with sin against you it isyour fault, because you did not ask for forgiveness.

When I say sin cannot dwell in the child of God I amnot saying that such is impossible, but I am saying thatyou cannot be a faithful child of God and allow sin todwell in you. And you do have control over whether ornot you will serve sin. "Let not sin therefore reignin your mortal body, that ye should obey it in thelusts thereof (Rom. 6: 12). The attitude on the part ofa Christian that "I am a sinner and I am going to sinbecause I am a sinner" is a defeatist attitude, andwholly contrary to the teaching of the New Testament,We need to rid our minds of the idea that Christians just have to sin. We may sometimes sin, but there is noprovision made for us to sin, but rather that we "sinnot" (1 Jno. 2: 1). What John says here can be said ofevery epistle in the New Testament. Everything written to Christians are things written "unto you that ye sin not" (1 Jno. 2: 1). John says exactly what everyepistle in the New Testament says to Christians, "Thesethings write I unto you, that ye sin not. " God does not want us to sin; He does not expect us to sin, and Hehas not therefore made provision for us to sin. He hasprovided a way of cleansing in case we do. "And if anyman sin, we have an advocate with the Father,Jesus Christ the righteous; And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world" (1 Jno. 1: 1, 2).

I am well aware of all the passages in the NewTestament teaching us that a child of God not only cansin, but that he can so sin as to completely fall away andfinally be lost in Hell. I am quite familiar with the manywarnings directed to the children of God to "take heedlest ye fall. " I have used these many passages indebates with Baptist preachers who were trying toprove that a child of God cannot so sin as to be lost. However, none of these passages teach that the child ofGod should sin or that he is a sinner. On the contrarythey are written to teach us that as the children of God we are "dead to sin" and should not live any longer therein (Rom. 6: 2).

Denominational preachers are noted for declaringthat all men are sinners - Christians and aliens alike,but the Bible does not so teach. I repeat again thatthere is no passage in the New Testament thatdescribes the faithful child of God as a sinner. Let him who thinks so produce the passage. If you are afaithful child of God you are not a sinner. The fact thatit is possible for you to sin does not make you a sinner,because if you do sin you will not allow that sin to remain against you. You may occasionally slip and sin,but there is a good deal of difference between theChristian who does so and the sinner who is wallowingin sin.

Rather than being called a sinner the children of Godare described as:

CHILDREN OF GOD; Rom. 8: 14, 17

SERVANTS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS; Rom. 6: 18

SERVANTS OF GOD: Rom. 6: 22

REDEEMED: Eph. 1: 7

FORGIVEN: Col. 1: 14

SAINTS; 1 Cor. 1: 2

WASHED, SANCTIFIED, JUSTIFIED: 1 Cor. 6: 11

HEIRS OF GOD: Rom. 8: 17

And this list could go on and on. As the Hebrew writersaid, "And what more shall I say? for the timewould fail me to tell" of all the similar terms that are used to describe the child of God, and everyone of themjust the very opposite of the term "sinner. " No, No,Brother the REDEEMED, WASHED, SANCTIFIED, JUSTIFIED, FORGIVEN, SERVANT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS is not a sinner. True, it is possible for himto sin and sin may slip in once in awhile, but he will notlet it stay there. There is no way in the world that youcan be consistent with the Bible or good reasoning forthat matter and add the term "sinner" to the above list! I affirm again: THERE IS NOT ONE PASSAGE ANYWHERE IN THE NEW TESTAMENT THAT EVEN SO MUCH AS IMPLIES THAT THE FAITHFUL CHILD OF GOD IS A SINNER.

It is true that we were all sinners before our obedience to the gospel of Christ for "all have sinned and comeshort of the glory of God. " Jesus came to "seek and savethat which is lost. " Paul said, "This is a faithful saying,and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus cameinto the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief (1Tim. 1: 15). Paul, of course, is not describing his presentstate as a Christian and as an apostle, but is showingthat he was the chief of sinners before becoming a Christian. He said it was when he was a blasphemer and a persecutor in ignorance and unbelief (Verse 13). InRomans 7: 15 Paul says, "For that which I do I allow(know) not: for what I would, that do I not; (for not what I would, that do I practice; ) but what I hate that do I. " This does not mean to be simply conscious ofa particular act one is performing. If a man does notknow what he is doing he is demented. When Paul waspersecuting the church, he was certainly conscious ofhis acts, but was utterly ignorant of the nature andconsequences of his deeds. He did not know that every act he performed in persecuting the church was a crimeagainst God and man; he thought he was doing right. So,the sense in which he did not know what he was doingwas not that he was unaware of his acts-but in the sense that he did not know what he was accomplishing.

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

VERNON E. FORD, 13521 Memorial Highway, Miami, FL 33161 a premillennialist from Maryland, and myself. The first part of the

-The North Miami church desires to make contact with a faithful debate will take place at the meeting house of the Northwest church ofbrother who speaks Creole fluently. A Haitian brother who is also fluentChrist in Evansville, IN on November 5 and 6. In this part of thein English is preferred but another who is knowledgeable of the Haitiandiscussion, Weiner will affirm that "The Scriptures teach that Jesus willculture as well as being fluent in both Creole and English would bereign on this earth with His saints after the advent of His secondacceptable. We are interested in talking with this man with thecoming. " The second part of the debate will take place in Baltimore,possibility in mind of his coming to Miami and working with me in theMaryland on November 19 and 20. I will affirm that The ScripturesNorth Miami area which has a rapidly growing Haitian population. Ifteach that the event signified by the smiting and destruction of theyou are this brother please contact us. If someone knows of such aimage in Daniel 2: 35, 44 began to take place on the day of Pentecost. " brother please have him contact us. Call Vernon E. Ford (305) 685-3203For additional information, you may write to me at the above addressor H. F. McLeod (305) 437-3363 or write us at the address above. or call (812) 477-9433.

DAVID A. PADFIELD, 2612 S. Villa Dr., Evansville, IN 47714 - A FLORIDA COLLEGE ANNUAL LECTURES debate on Premillennialism has been scheduled between Todd Weiner, FEBRUARY 1-4, 1993

"The Gospel and Epistles of John" has been designated as the theme forthe 1993 annual lectures at Florida College. The lectures will begin onMonday evening, February 1 and continue through Thursday evening, February 4.

Florida College president C. G. Caldwell, III, has been chosen by theBible faculty as the key-note speaker. Other evening speakers are Ferrell Jenkins, Ralph Walker, Jr., and Don Truex.

Speakers during the day, who come from as far away as Californiaand New Jersey, are: Clark Dugger, Wayne Geoff, Max Dawson,Gardner Hall, Jack Owen, Rick Lanning, Lewis Willis, Larry Houchen, Jerry Earnhart, William B. Norris, Ray Ferris and Mike Grushon.

In an effort to alleviate overcrowding in Hutchinson Auditorium,three members of our Bible faculty (Melvin D. Curry, Ferrell Jenkinsand Curtis Pope) will present a series of classes on the Gospel andEpistles of John. These classes will be conducted in Puckett Auditoriumand will run concurrently with the regular morning lectures.

The major lectures will be published under the title The Gospel and Epistles of John, and will be available during the lectures andafterwards from the college bookstore and other bookstores.

There are numerous motels within a few miles of Florida College.The college has made arrangements with the following inns for special rates: Travel Lodge, 813-935-7855 ($33 by Jan. 24); Shoney's Inn, 813985-8525 ($47by Jan. 24); Rodeway Safari Resort, 813-988-9191 ($32 byJan. 5); Day's Inn ($45 by Nov. 30); Quality Suites Hotel, 813-971-8930($70 by Dec. 30). Full details are available from the office of informationat Florida College (813-988-5131).

We hope many friends of Florida College will come and join us forthis great week of learning and association with those of like mind. Ferrell Jenkins

A TRIBUTE TO JESSE FLOWERS Jesse Edward Flowers was born on September 8, 1941 in Miami, Florida to Jimmy and Jennie Flowers. He was the only boy in a familyof four children. He majored in Bible at Florida College, excelling in thissubject. There he met Charlotte Smith who became his bride. Upon completion of his education, Jesse began proclaiming the gospel.

He preached on a regular basis for congregations in Miami, Florida,Seymour, Indiana, Louisville, Kentucky and Bowling Green, Kentucky. He took a strong stand for the truth and contended earnestly forthe "whole counsel of God. "

Jesse and Charlotte reared four children -Laura, Jenny, Jesse Alanand Rachel. All of their children are faithful Christians. Jenny andJesse Alan are now attending Florida College. Jesse Alan has a strongdesire to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ. His father had theopportunity to hear him preach twice before he died.

Jesse suffered a massive heart attack in 1984. The doctors gave him only six months to live. With God's help and a cheerful, courageousattitude, he lived eight more years. He had to lie down often and could only preach once on Sundays as health permitted.

Charlotte had to go to work to help support the family. She hasworked the midnight shift for Kroger's bakery so she could be with herfamily in the daytime. She tenderly and lovingly cared for Jesse. Hermother-in-law called her a "a worthy woman. "

His spirit left his body on August 20, 1992. Rick Russell and Tim Haleconducted the funeral service in Bowling Green. Bobby Thompson andBill Simmons spoke at the graveside in Madison County, Florida. If youwould like to express your sympathy to Charlotte, her address is: 233 Mark Trail, Bowling Green, KY 42101.

Jesse's great love for his family, fellow-Christians and the Lordhelped him through life. He let his light shine. I am so thankful forJesse's life and good influence on me. -Don Hastings, 40807 C. R. 54 E.,Zephyrhills, FL 33540

PREACHERS NEEDED SELMA, ALABAMA -The Poplar St. church, 2420 Popular St., Selma,AL 36701, is in need of a gospel preacher. Our present preacher has beenwith us over four years and will be leaving by the first of the year. Ourattendance and membership have about doubled in that time. We cansupply $1200 per month support and any additional support will needto be raised. For additional information call: Nile Castleberry (205) 8721839.

MOBILE, ALABAMA - The West Mobile church is interested in locating a gospel preacher to begin working with us in early 1993. This is a new work which is long overdue for this area and we would likesomeone who has been involved in such a work before. Support from other sources will be necessary in the beginning stages of this work. Wealso need furnishings for a building, study materials. Interested persons may contact Robert Tate (205) 3452-2041 or write same at 605 Highland Woods Dr. E., Mobile, AL 36608 for additional details regarding this work.

PREACHER AVAILABLE

MALCOM S. KING, 3310 Pine Ridge St., Orange, TX 77630 Having completed 32 years of local work, I am now available forappointments and meetings. Should any congregation be interestedplease contact me at the above address or call (409) 883-5307.

FROM AROUND THE WORLD CHINA - Recent reports indicate that eight more have obeyed the gospel in China and two more in Hong Kong. Several Christians havebeen in and out of China during the summer for teaching.

NORWAY -Thomas Bunting of Bergen reports an increase lately in thenumber of those taking the Bible correspondence course. A couple ofthose they have been studying with have visited services. Summerreports from Bergen have been encouraging. In September, Tom spentthree weeks working in Vilnius, Lithuania where efforts are being made to get a good work started. Considerable interest has been shown there on previous trips from several brethren.

Tom also reports that the American dollar had fallen 20% on themoney exchange which takes a big bite out of their real income. Otherbrethren in Italy and other European countries have reported similarthings which means that all those workers depending on U. S. supporthave actually taken a big cut in income in terms of buying power.Churches supporting men overseas would do well to keep abreast of thissituation and be prepared to help offset these losses if possible.

MOSCOW, RUSSIA CHURCHCARROLL W. PUCKETT, Montgomery, Alabama - There is a sound church now meeting in Moscow, Russia. It is called the SouthWest church of Christ. Contact Dan Tholen at Ramenki dom 9, Korpus3 Apt. 424, Moscow, Russia 117607 telephone 931-23-67.

The present membership consists of two Russians and two Americans. Yelena Zakheim was baptized last year by Greg Gwin and PhilMorgan. When my wife and I were there, I baptized Ludmila IvanovnaEreminaon July 18, 1992. Ludmila was our Russian teacher at MoscowState University for three weeks. During that time we spent manyhours after class teaching her the truth. Dan Tholen from Tampa,Florida was in the class and has decided to stay there and work with the newly formed church. On or about June 30, 1992, John Farrell madecontact with Yelena. John has a degree in Russian and had come to Moscow to teach the truth. He preached his first sermon in Russian onJuly 12, 1992. On July 19 there were nine (9) present for worship not including Yelena who was out of the city. John has returned to California. Mike Garth from Tampa, Florida is now in Moscow to workwith Dan Tholen. The first service was conducted in Russian except fortwo songs in English and one prayer in English. On August 9, 1992 therewere 13 present for worship.

The church now has a meeting place, song books, Lord's Supperaccessories and has a treasury since July 5, 1992. During the threeweeks we were there, Dan and I had Bible studies with eight different persons, some with more than one session. We arranged for five personsto obtain copies of sermons on video and to have Bible studies later. Wemade contact with five additional persons who are interested in Biblestudies in the future. Follow-up has taken place on these. We gaveliterature, Bibles and correspondence courses to several persons.

The church at Temple Terrace, Florida paid for ads to be placed ina local newspaper in Moscow for people interested in the Bible. So far,more than 100 responses have arrived and are being contacted. Several young men from the Moscow Free Speakers Toastmasters Club havebeen to church services. Dan and Mike are studying with them and twoof them are especially interested.

Yelena arranged for the Bible to be taught in a large school. Dan willteach the Bible in English everyday to 14 to 17 year old students. Dan will be paid as a staff teacher. Yelena has arranged for the Bible to betaught at Moscow State University from September 11 to October 10,1992 by Greg Gwin, Phil Morgan, Tommy Poarch and other preachers

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who are going to Moscow on September 10, 1992. Ed Harrell visitedthere in late July. I am excited about the opportunity now to spread thegospel in Moscow. The public and private schools are open and askingus to teach the Bible every day to their students. The Russians likeAmericans and are particularly interested in a knowledge of the Bible.Russia is free, no restrictions on religious activity and has opened itsschools for the Bible to be taught.

Presently the door is open, for how long is unknown. The Russiansare not only receptive but will obey the truth when compared witherrors of the Russian Orthodox Church and other false religions.

Expenses are little compared to the U. S. A. Presently an American living on rubles can live comfortably on $250 per month.Dan Tholen and Mike Garth are both being supported that amount bythe church in Temple Terrace, Florida. Considering the economics ofpreaching in Moscow and the unusual opportunities to teach theBible, I strongly encourage faithful preachers to move to Moscow assoon as possible. Learning the Russian language is made easier by thefact that Yelena and Mila both speak Russian and English and both are Moscow State University language teachers.

Churches and preachers should seriously consider Moscow now andparts of the former USSR a little later. Moscow's population exceeds 9million people with another 3 million in the Moscow area.

The church at Eastbrook (Montgomery) furnished Bibles and several hundred brochures, tracts and other study materials for Betty and me to use and leave in Russia. These materials were printed in Russianand English. Brother Tommy Moore and I, as elders of the church atEastbrook, felt the need to invest the Lord's money in Moscow. Sinceour return, I have had several churches, elders and preachers who haveindicated great interest and willingness to support the preaching of thegospel in Russia and at least three Christians are now planning to go to Moscow in 1993. There is a great need for others to go on a permanent basis for teaching the word of God.

For additional information call me at (205) 288-1461, home at night,or during the day at my office (205) 262-2909. My mailing address is2527 Montreat Dr., Montgomery, AL 36116-3029.

EDITORIAL LEFTOVERSTEACHING THE BIBLE IN RUSSIA

Isn't this a switch! The Bible can now be taught everyday in publicand private schools in Moscow but not in the public schools of the U. S.

A. It cannot even be read here in public schools. God and his word areto be left out when studying the origin of life, family relations and sex education. Secular humanism can be taught and it is being taught.Birth control devices can be handed out but the Bible cannot be taught. But you can go to Moscow and teach the Bible in schools and even be paid for your service.

Brother Puckett has thrilled us with the news of what is takingplace there. An effectual door is opened. Those who can should go and those who cannot go should encourage and help those who can. It maywell be that Christians from Moscow and other parts of the former USSRwill need to come to the U. S. A. to try and rescue our humanistic, hedonistic, heathenistic, Godless nation.

CLOSE-OUT SALE

Through December 30, 1992 all bound volumes of SEARCHINGTHE SCRIPTURES which are still available will be offered for sale at $5 each plus $3 for postage and handling. That is a saving of $7 on eachbound volume since they sell for $12 each. We have them from Volumes19-20 (1978-79)to Volumes 31-32 (1990-91). You may order these from: STS, P. O. Box 69, Brooks, KY 40109-0069.

Volume 33, our last year of publication, will be bound to match allthe others and will be offered for sale by GUARDIAN OF TRUTH, P. O.Box 9670, Bowling Green, KY 42102. They will advertise it when it isready in 1993.