Volume XXXIII April 1992 Number 4
Forsaking The Right Way
In every local church there are those who wait tosee which way the popular position will go on every debatable issue and, without principle or conviction,they align themselves with the majority side. Theywillingly switch sides when they find that they unwittingly selected the unpopular position. There is nothing wrong with changing when one learns he is wrong;in fact, it is the only honorable and honest thing to do. But to forsake one's principles just to be on thepopular side of a question is hardly the honorablething to do.
The word of God speaks plainly on the matter offorsaking one's place with Christ to become alignedwith Satan, the enemy of Christ, whatever the reasonmay be. I am speaking of those in the church who turnfrom the Lord to serve Satan. When Joshua was about ready to lead the people of Israel into the promisedland, he told them that they had to choose betweenserving Jehovah and the idols around them. Theyanswered: "God forbid that we should forsake the Lord, to serve other gods" (Joshua 24: 16). Thesepeople elected to serve the Lord, but their recordedhistory proves beyond question that this was a promise of the mouth and not a determination of the heart.
In addition, Joshua told the Israelites, "If ye forsake the Lord, and serve strange gods, then he will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that hehath done you good" (Joshua 24: 20). Any among the
Israelites who turned to forsake the Lord would re-ceive severe punishment from the Lord.
Peter writes of the false prophets and those thatwalk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness. "But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust ofuncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuousare they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities... Having eyes full of adultery, and thatcannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: anheart they have exercised with covetous practices;cursed children: Which have forsaken the right way,and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness" (2 Pet. 2: 10, 14, 15). These had "forsaken the rightway, " which indicates that they once were in the rightway. They had changed their ways to oppose the truth.They had forsaken the principles that motivated themto serve the Lord.
Paul spoke of one who once stood with him in thegospel, but who later forsook him. "For Demas hathforsaken me, having loved this present world, and isdeparted unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia,Titus unto Dalmatia" (2 Tim. 4: 10). When Paul wroteto Philemon, Demas was one of his "fellow labourers"(verse 24). Demas had forsaken Paul because he hadforsaken the way of truth which Paul preached. He didthis because he loved the present world instead of the kingdom of Christ.
James says, ": know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will bea friend of the world is the enemy of God" (James 4: 4).There is no question about where one stands when heloves this present evil world. He is the enemy of God.Paul teaches that we are to walk by the same rule andmind the same thing and to be "... followers togetherof me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us foran example. (For many walk, of whom I have told youoften, and now tell you even weeping, that they are theenemies of the cross of Christ: " (Phil 3: 16-18).
All these passages point to three facts: 1) To turnfrom the Lord is to become His enemy; 2) To forsakethe Lord brings the "wages of unrighteousness"; 3)One forsakes the Lord by turning from the "right way"
- the way of truth -and becoming a servant of unrighteousness.
Preaching In Norway
It was with mixed emotions that we returned to Bergen, Norway in February for a gospel meeting. Thebrethren there are trying to have some men to come formeetings who have previously worked in that country.I hope others will be able to arrange to go should they beinvited. Going to Bergen with mixed emotions was notnew for me. In 19571 took my six-months-pregnant wifewith me to begin the work in the land of the midnight sun. We knew nobody there. We did not know the language. We had nowhere to live except for a week's reservation in a hotel. We did not know how we were going to make contacts with people. But somehow, in theProvidence of God, that all worked out.
The work was slow and hard. Then as now, the population was over 90% Lutheran, the state church.Then as now, many bristle at the thought that you havecome to evangelize in what they consider a "Christiannation" which sends out missionaries to spirituallydarkened areas of the world. They do not considerthemselves in that category. Baptizing babies, confirming sixteen year olds, Christmas and Easter observances, weddings, funerals and a place to be buried, isthe major religious life of the vast majority of people inthat land. They are comfortable with it and do notparticularly want to be bothered.
Among the dissenters from the state church, themajority are charismatics. These are as difficult to reachas they are here or in other places. Subjective religionists don't care a hoot about what the Bible says, not ifthey have to question what they think they have "felt. "Some of these will come to hear you once or twice, longenough to see if you agree with what they already think.The Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses are very activethere but their persistent door-knocking has served toaggravate the people.
Added to this situation is the fact that immigrationlaws have changed and it is very difficult, if not impossible, to gain entry to the country to stay for a long termto preach. People can yet enter on an American passport and stay for six weeks as a tourist.
In such soil the old Jerusalem gospel has not flourished as it has in other places. But over the years therehave been some found with good and honest hearts.There have been some heartbreaking events which
weakened and all but destroyed what progress hadbeen made. One brother who preached for awhile, leftthe faith to embrace denominational error. Another native preacher and his wife had serious trouble and they ended up going to the world. Others fell away forvarious reasons. The church in Bergen lost its meetingplace by foreclosure and along with it the furnishings,boxes of tracts, song books, Bibles, Bible class literature and all the files.
In 1980 when Tom and Shirley Bunting and theirchildren came back to Bergen (they had spent two yearsthere in the late 1960's), they had to start all over again.Only this time, it was even harder than it had been forus in 1957, for they had to overcome ill-will which someformer members had generated and the shame of the unbusiness-like manner in which the property was lost.
The Buntings have stayed. Their son, Terrell and hiswife Karen are there in Bergen with the intention ofspending their lives there. They encountered difficultygetting in to stay. If they leave, it will be mighty hard toget anyone else there to replace them.
The Church in Bergen
We found a small group of 8 members. They had worked hard to prepare for the meeting. They could havedone more advertising in the newspaper if they only hadthe funds. They did what they were able to do. Manyadvertisements were hand-delivered. Two brethren came from the small group near Oslo to be with us thefirst two days of the meeting. Also a sister and her childfrom Stavager came for four days. We had seven nonmembers to attend the meeting, three of these attendingtwo times. The singing was ably led by a faithful Norwegian brother. While most attending understood English,some did not and so the sermons were interpreted. Terrell Bunting did this twice and the rest of the time, Bjorn Ringdal interpreted. Bj0m is a student in theuniversity and hopes to one day be able to supporthimself and preach in Norway. He was baptized atSouthside in Pasadena, Texas while an exchange student there. He is a most impressive young man. A young man, who is also still a student, though married and with one child, is also a member. Another member hasbeen in north Norway for a time but hopes to relocate inBergen.
The congregation has purchased a building whichwas once a bakery and has made it into a very nice placeto meet. It is in an old and very well-known part of thecity and easy for locals and visitors alike to find. Theirpayments are not much more than the rent they hadbeen paying.
We attempted to locate some people we had knownmany years ago so the brethren there would have these additional contacts with which to work. We succeeded in finding a few people and managed to get four visitors tothe meetings from that. We found two women who wereyoung girls when we lived there and who had attended Bible classes. They came twice.
Needs
It is urgent that the Buntings continue their work.They have shown exceptional patience. The cost of livingin Norway is the highest in western Europe. Housing is especially expensive. Gasoline is $4. 50 a gallon. Milk isover $4. 00 a gallon. Eating out, even at McDonald's or Burger King is very costly. A quarter-pounder, fries and soft drink sells for $9. 50. Wages are high, though manyare unemployed and live off the dole of a socialistic state.
Terrell Bunting and wife have two children andexpect their third in the late summer. They are losing$350 a month support by summer. They can ill-afford this. While we were there, Tom Bunting received a lettertelling him that he will lose $200 a month support inthree months. They can't afford that loss either. Tom's wife, Shirley, teaches school now in order to help themstay. Some daylight is being seen in the work. If the Buntings have to come home, who could replace them?Who could even get into the country to stay for longerthan 6 weeks? They are working under the convictionthat "we shall reap if we faint not. " We are all thrilledabout the opening opportunities in eastern Europe and other places. But we must not allow the light to go out inNorway. These few members there need the prayerfulencouragement of brethren everywhere. The Bunting's need the patient and understanding support of brethrenwho do not expect the same kind of results as we haveseen in some third world countries and a few other fields. If you can help these good brethren, here are theiraddresses. If you cannot financially help them, couldyou find the time to write them an encouraging letter?
Thomas Bunting Terrell Bunting
Adolf Bergsvei 52-D Bronndalen 89
5030 Landaas 5071 Loddefjord
Norway Norway
I would also like to encourage brethren from churcheswhich support these men and who are able to do so, tovisit Bergen and worship with these brethren. It woulddo them a world of good. But it would also do the visitorsuntold good. It would help them to appreciate what theyhave at home: commodious meetings houses, well-arranged and taught Bible classes at many age levels,abundance of available literature, several good song leaders, elders and deacons, many Christians fromwhich to draw strength and who are just a phone call away, and many other things besides.
Through it all we have to remember that many soulsover the years have heard the truth in Norway. Some did obey it and some died in hope. There are some faithfulChristians there now. A diligent search is still beingmade for good and honest hearts. We just must notforget those who have dedicated their lives to the search.
I keep thinking of all those children who came to Bible classes every Sunday for several years. And I thinkabout two 45-year-old women who were so glad to see usand who told us they had not forgotten all they learned.They were proud of the fact that they could so easilylocate scriptures during sermons, for we had drilledthem as small children on how to find their way aroundin the Bible. Surely, brethren if has not all be in vain.Please help the sowers of the seed in Norway.
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Page5
Must Those Who Have Committed Adultery Separate?
Chapter IX of Jerry Bassett's book is entitled "God's Remedy for the Alien Sinner. " The point and conclusionof the chapter is that God does not require separation forthose aliens who have divorced and remarried and later decide to obey the gospel.
This principle not only works for the alien sinner butalso for the Christian who divorces and remarries contrary to God's law. We are told that when they decide torepent, they do not have to separate.
The question before us is, must those who havecommitted adultery separate?
Bassett Answers "No"
Bassett makes three points from which he argues hiscase. (1) God requires repentance for adultery. (2)Adultery does not refer to sexual activity in the secondmarriage, but to the unscriptural divorce and remarriage. Listen to Bassett. "... the expression 'adulterousmarriage' is simply a contradiction of terms... The people we are discussing are not engaging in sexualintercourse with someone else's spouse, but within theirown marriage and therefore each with his own spouse. ... However, while these aliens are not committingadultery through sexual activity with their spouses,they have committed adultery by simply divorcing andremarrying (Matthew 19: 9). "
(3) God requires that the couple repent of the divorce and remarriage, but allows them to continue in thepresent marriage. Jerry writes, "But does the Bibleteach that such people must divorce in order to serve God and go to heaven? No! This idea is not taught inGod's book. There is no such command in its sacred pages. Neither is there even one example of either Jesus,or one of his apostles, or any New Testament teacherever so instructing one who desired to obey the gospel. Nor is there so much as a necessary implication that theLord expects the remarried alien to sunder his marriage" (Bassett, p. 100).
Repentance does not demand that the second marriage cease according to Bassett. "What does this meanfor one who has committed adultery by divorcing hismate and remarrying another? It does not mean that hemust do penance, that is, pay the penalty of dissolvinghis present marriage and live celibate for the remain
der of his life. It means that he must sorrow for the enormity of his sin of divorcing and remarrying, as wellas every other thing of which he is guilty" (Bassett, p.102).
"... will God release the alien sinner from the sins of his past life and give him total forgiveness of the debtthus incurred allowing him to continue in that marriagewhich he has at the point he obeys the gospel? Yes!"(Bassett, p. 105).
Brother Bassett claims that any instructions to severa marriage would not harmonize with the instruction ofPaul to not divorce (1 Cor. 7: 10-11, 27).
The Bible Answers "Yes"
A careful examination of several principles will helpus to see that the Bible answer to our questions is yes.
1. God requires repentance for the alien sinner (Acts
2: 38; 17: 30-31 and the erring child of God (Acts 8: 22). Tothis, brother Bassett would agree. We would disagree asto what that repentance demands.
Repentance involves (or at least produces) a change oflife: ceasing the past sin! W. E. Vine's definition of repentance says it "involves both a turning from sin anda turning to God" (Vol. Ill, p. 281). A. T. Robertson saysit involves a change of attitude and conduct (Word Pictures In The New Testament, Vol. I, p. 24). Thesedefinitions harmonize with the text, John's preaching demanded "fruits meet for repentance" (Matt. 3: 8). What Matt. 12: 41 calls repentance, Jonah 3: 10 describes as turning from evil.
The point is that sin must cease. Whether the sin beidolatry or the sin of adultery, it must cease. If the samepractice continues, there has been no repentance.
2. Adultery refers to unlawful sexual activity and notto the unscriptural divorce and remarriage. We have already discussed this point in detail in our secondarticle. It will be sufficient here to say that John 8(where the woman was taken in the very act of adultery)suggests that adultery refers to the unlawful sexualactivity and not the unscriptural divorce and remar- riage. Was the woman taken in the act of sexual intercourse or in the act of divorcing her husband andremarrying another?
To this, Thayer (p. 417) and others would agree.There is no lexicon or passage that will support thisarbitrary definition.
If an act is adultery before repentance, the same actis adultery after repentance (and baptism). If it isunlawful for Jack and Jill to be married before theyrepent, then the same marriage is unlawful after repentance.
3. Baptism doesn't wash away the sin of adulterywithout a cessation of sin. Jerry Bassett has the concept that the sin of adultery is washed away at Baptism andthus the couple can continue in their present marriagewithout further sin.
It is true that sin is washed away when one isbaptized (Acts 2: 38); 22: 16). However, baptism doesnot change an unlawful act into a lawful one. Whether itbe the sin of adultery or the sin of polygamy, the sin must stop before baptism will wash away the guilt. Ifthe adulterer can continue in his marriage followingbaptism (and be forgiven), then so can the polygamist
continue with his six wives. If not, why not?
4. The same principle will work for the homosexualand the polygamist. If the position that Bassett haspresented will work for the adulterer, it will work for the polygamist and the homosexual as well. Let's take the polygamist for example. He is an alien sinner. So, Iassume that Bassett's chapter on "God's Remedy ForThe Alien Sinner" applies to him like any other alien sinner. So, he must repent of his adultery. His adulteryis not the sexual relations that he has with his six wives. (In fact, since they are his wives, the sexual relationscould not be adultery - if we are to believe Bassett). Heshould repent of having violated God's moral law which would demand one wife. However, he can continue inhis marriage to all six. To demand that he must separate would not harmonize with 1 Cor. 7: 10-11, 27.
Before you conclude that brother Bassett would beinconsistent in dealing with the polygamist, you may beinterested in how he has answered that question before.In October 1989 a number of brethren met in Salem, ORto discuss the fellowship implications of the divorce andremarriage question. When brother Bassett was askedwhat he would do with the South African who had a number of wives, he did not say that he would demandby the scripture that he leave his wives. He was moreconsistent with his position on the alien in adulterythan many brethren would have thought (cf. "Polygamy& Repentance, " Harry R. Osborne, Gospel Truths, October 1990).
In the last article we will look at the questions of the guilty party remarrying and fellowship.
Deacons and Jerusalem Elders
QUESTION: I have a question about the seven men appointed in Acts 6: 1-6. One brother wrote that "these men were selected to relieve the apostles ofsecular duties" while another brother wrote that "the duties of deacons are to assist the elders. " Would you please harmonize these two statements for us, as Ibelieve both are correct. Also, I would appreciate yourcomments about the absence of elders at the Jerusalem church for a long period of time, or do you think thatthey were there, but not indicated until further on inthe book of Acts?"
ANSWER: The question the querist proposes aboutdeacons and elders is not a simple one to answer. Inregard to Acts 6: 1-6 we observe:
There is no way of knowing for certain that the sevenmen appointed were deacons in the sense those were inPhil. 1: 1. My persuasion is that they were for thereasons J. W. McGarvey gives in his commentary onActs. He states, "The title of the office here created is notgiven, and from this circumstance some scholars havefailed to identify it with that of deacon, mentioned in the first chapter of Philippians and the third chapter ofFirst Timothy. But while the name of the office is absent, terms are used which show plainly that the office is the same. If the question had been one aboutruling, and the seven had been chosen and appointed torule, there could certainly be no hesitation about stylingthem rulers. The case before us is a perfect parallel. Thequestion was about the "daily diakonian, " and the seven were chosen to diakonein; why, then, hesitate to call them diakonoi?"
Whether there were elders at that time, the Bibledoes not say. Churches in Judea had elders (at least somefew years later) in Acts 11: 27-30, and Jerusalem beingin Judea, the church there evidently had elders also. Elders in the Jerusalem church are mentioned in Acts
15: 2. We read that churches in Lystra, Iconium and Antioch had elders not too long after their establishment (Acts 14: 21-23), and this could have been the caseat Jerusalem. However, because the apostles were present at Jerusalem for a period of time after thechurch began in that city, the Jerusalem church may not have had elders as soon as other congregations. Theeldership had to be instituted and we do not know theexact time that was done. J. W. McGarvey stated that "the twelve were the only officers in the church" until theappointment of those seven men in Acts 6 (New Commentary on Acts, Vol. 1, p. 104). This would mean thatthe institution of the eldership followed the inauguration of deacons. Of course McGarvey's statement may ormay not be true.
Initially, the apostles were directly involved in handling the contributions and distributions for the indigent saints (Acts 4: 34-37). They may have used others inhelping them facilitate this task. But as the disciplesmultiplied, the job became too great, in addition to theirpreaching, therefore, arrangements were made to selectand appoint seven men to be responsible for the service.These men would relieve the apostles of this time-consuming activity so that they could give their time tothe preaching of the word. Hence, in Acts 6, those functions of the apostles in Acts 4: 24-27 are taken overby deacons, giving time to the apostles to fulfill the duties to which they were primarily called.
For the deacons at Jerusalem to relieve the apostles,under whom they served, would be similar to deaconsassisting elders when, for example, money was sent tothe elders of the churches in Judea from Antioch of Syria (Acts 11: 27-30). This is assuming the churches haddeacons, but if they were fully organized, as was the church at Philippi (1: 1), then the deacons, functioning inthe framework of their role, would have assisted theelders.
My persuasion is that churches should not appointdeacons before having elders. Such a situation maydevelop into deacons assuming unauthorized oversight.As brother H. E. Phillips said, "Who would direct the deacons in their work?"
"Seeking Outside Support"
Over the years the Lord has blessed me, as a preacherof the gospel, with the opportunity to worship and workwith some churches that could provide me and myfamily with the security of being able to furnish my fullsupport. But some of the most rewarding work that wehave done has been among smaller churches wherethose resources were not present. In such cases I havealways sought and obtained the support needed so thatI could devote all my energies to preaching without theburden of a secular job. I know it is scriptural and rightto do so because Paul received wages from otherchurches while laboring in Corinth (2 Cor. 11: 8) andPhilippi sent to Paul's need while he labored among theThessalonians (Phil. 4: 15-16).
The support situation has changed quite a lot over thelast few years. Among churches with which I am personally acquainted, although some are growing, money isrelatively tight. Perhaps conditions in the various churches just mirror the economy of our times. Churches seem to be focusing their funds on the needsof their own growth and, as long as they are growing, it's hard to argue with their approach. But this has made itmore difficult for those who work with small congregations in sometimes difficult areas and who choose to labor without the burden of a secular job to obtainneeded "outside" support. It is a time consuming processthat can be and often is very difficult, especially for a young man just beginning a life of preaching. Perhapsmore thought needs to be given to "making tents' to support our own preaching but that's not within the scope of this article. I want to offer some suggestionsthat I have found to be helpful in making the process ofraising support a little less painful.
BEGIN SEEKING SUPPORT FROM CHURCHES THAT KNOW YOU. At least begin in churches where there is someone who knows and can recommend you.Those who know you will generally be the most interested in your work of preaching. They are pleased to see you at work in the kingdom and they will be the mostlikely to sacrifice, if need be, for you.
NEXT, SEEK SUPPORT FROM CHURCHES WHOKNOW YOUR CHOSEN FIELD OF LABOR. There are some churches who have chosen to send men to particular areas in which they have special interest. One church I know, in a state where there are few churches, made the decision to support only preachers whoworked in that state. Someone in the church with which you have chosen to work will probably be able to identifythese churches for you and help in putting you in contactwith them.
DON'T OVERLOOK SMALLER CHURCHES THAT HAVE NO "FULL TIME" PREACHER. One such congregation near me sends out hundreds of dollars inmonthly support and I know of several others who do thesame. The temptation is to think these churches can't help. The reality is that they are the ones who receive the fewest requests.
BE SURE TO MAKE PERSONAL, FACE TO FACE,CONTACT WITH THESE CHURCHES IF POSSIBLE. Writing letters are necessary and with the aid of a computer practically painless. However, letters are nosubstitute for personal contact. People who considersupporting you need to see you. It's easier for them to make the decision to support you if they converse withyou, hear you preach, and learn first hand of your interest and dedication to the work. It has been estimated that if you raise your support through the writingof letters alone you might have to contact as many aseighty churches or more (I think that number is conservative). However, you can probably contact only one-fourth that number if you make personal visits to churches you know.
AVOID WRITING FORM LETTERS TO CHURCHES YOU DON'T KNOW. Form letters, withthe possible exception of monthly reports, need to beavoided at all costs. Be personal. If at all possible, avoidwriting letters to churches you don't know anythingabout. I am presently working with a church that cannotprovide my full salary yet, we get three or four formletters a month from people we don't know and whodon't know us requesting support. I feel under no obligation to answer this type of letter and I think very fewchurches do. Writing form letters to churches you don'tknow is an almost impossible way to raise neededsupport and is, more often than not, an exercise infutility. It has never been very successful for preachersI know.
ONCE YOU'VE RAISED YOUR SUPPORT MAKE REGULAR MONTHLY REPORTS TO THOSE SUPPORTING YOU. Maintaining your support is as important as raising it in the first place. If a church sends youa monthly check they deserve a monthly report of whatyou are doing. To keep everything honest before all men it is always good to make a full disclosure of your incomeincluding, should they request it, the names of otherchurches supporting you and in what amounts. Reportbaptisms, restorations, interesting visits and/orclasses, and good prospects. A lot could be said about learning to write a good report letter that is honest, notpadded, but which presents the positive aspects of yourwork. Some reports I have read have been filled with somuch gloom that surely the churches receiving it wouldwelcome the opportunity to send their support elsewhere (and they likely will)! Brethren are interested inyour work and about the only way they have of knowing if their stewardship is being well spent is through the reports you send to them. These reports should indicate
that you are active and, at the same time,encourage them in their own work of supporting thepreaching of the gospel.
IT IS ALSO GOOD, WHEN POSSIBLE, TO MAKEYEARLY PERSONAL VISITS. Sometimes this is not practical because of the distances involved but, whenpossible, personal reports say much more than evenmonthly letters. Its vitally important to both the preacher and the church to know one another. Remember, keeping support is as important as getting it. Youkeep support by regular contact with the churches supporting you.
Financial conditions in our country and around theworld are hard. When churches have money to use onevangelism in other places they still face difficult decisions. Wanting to be good stewards, they must makedecisions on who to support where and how much. Often,especially among large churches, there are several requests from worthy men and only limited funding. Notall can be supported. They will generally choose the manthey know the best, who is active and faithfully reportshis work, and who is in an area where opportunities are numerous and the possibility of reaching the lost (andchurches becoming self-sustaining) is good. In my judgement this is as it should be.
Opportunities to preach the gospel in this country andaround the world are increasing. 'The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few, " There is still the need to"beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest" (Matt. 9: 37-38). I pray for the day whenevery faithful and able worker will have adequate support to meet his needs. But, even so, don't let the difficulty in raising support detour your decision to entera field of labor where you know your efforts are needed.It may take some time and a lot of diligent effort but, inmost cases, you can find the support. The Lord is with
"Endure Hardness"
"Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier ofJesus Christ" (2 Tim. 2: 3).
While this exhortation is not reserved exclusivelyfor preachers, it was directed to one, and preacherstoday need to be willing and able to preach under hardcondi-tions.
Some preachers still do the work of an evangelistunder difficult circumstances. Some brethren make sure of that. And, other preachers have chosen to laborin sections of the Lord's vineyard where the work isdifficult and presents a daily challenge to their faith.
But some of us preachers must have everythingjust Goldilocks-right before we can prepare or preacha sermon— not too Papa Bear-hot or hard, and not toMama bear-cold or soft—but "just right. "
We have grown accustomed to comfortable studiesequipped with the latest state-of-the-art aids and amenities. We must have a complete library consistingof all the various reference works and several sets of commentaries (so we can find at least one which reinforces our position).
The study must be temperature controlled for all seasons, complete with executive desk, chair, andenough other furnishings to start a small office-supplybusiness. And we must have uninterrupted hours so wecan concentrate on (excuse me, I mean in), our lavishenvironment.
Once we have "worked up" our sermon outline, weneed a comfortable building, pulpit, chalkboard, projector, or some other visual aid in order to deliver our sermon. And we don't want any constructive criticismfrom the elders or destructive criticism from the brethren. After all the hardship we endured in order toprepare the sermon, the least folks can do is agree withit, and praise us for our extraordinary talents and accomplishments.
Along about here, as in all articles or sermons ofthis nature, it is time to insert a disclaimer, waiver, orwhatever else you want to call it.
I was not born in the "objective mood and kickative case, " and if I were, I've learned a few other moods and cases as I faced the vicissitudes of life. Like Paul, thoughmaybe not to the same degree, I have been abased andI have abounded; I have been both full and hungry; I have had an abundance of this world's goods, and I have
suffered need (Phil. 4: 12).
In meetings and in some local work, I have been socold or hot that it was difficult to concentrate. I have preached in buildings which were so cold that thebrethren rearranged the short pews around the potbellied coal stove. In one congregation the janitor alwaysgot up right in the middle of my sermon to shake downthe ashes and dump more coal into the stove. On theother hand, I have preached both in this country and inthe Philippines when it was so hot I couldn't stand a coat or tie, and perspiration saturated nearly every stitch ofclothes I had on.
But I have also had nice desks, a place to study, andcomfortable buildings in which to preach. I have preached when brethren and non-members wholeheartedly commended the preaching of the gospel, and I haveseen people so angry that I thought I was going to haveto fight for my physical safety or suffer bodily harm.Don't ask me what I would have done, for I don't know. I'm just glad I didn't have to find out.
When we think of God's servants, the prophets, weremember them in a romantic way—their profound andinspired declarations, their miracles, their triumphsand victories, and their promise of eternal life.
But we sometimes forget that these prophets had toendure famines and pestilences; they journeyedthrough the countryside in sackcloth or "naked"; theyfaced the wrath of kings, false prophets, wild beasts, androbbers; they had to lie in uncomfortable positions inorder to illustrate a prophecy, or marry a harlot; they notonly had to endure the grief of a deceased loved one, butcontinue prophesying through that grief; and some werethreatened, imprisoned, and slain by their own brethren.
And let us never forget that our Lord suffered morethan all the rest, and that not for his own sins but for ours.
Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address was not written in a comfortable study or on embossed stationery, nor does it meet the requirements of literary excellence, but its message has outlived the more ponderousand pompous proclamations of more socially correctorators and writers.
And some of the best sermon outlines we have ever used were conceived miles from the comfortable surroundings of a well-equipped office or study, and writtendown on the back of an envelope or on a brown paper bag.And the quotations were not from some secular orsectarian source, but from the Bible itself.
Let me emphasize again the fact that preachers arenot the only ones who are to "endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. " And even among preachers,hardness may come in some form other than an uncomfortable study, building, or from disgruntled people whocannot endure sound doctrine.
We may have to suffer financial adversity, physicalafflictions like Paul's "thorn in the flesh, " or continue topreach the gospel when others would just as soon wewould quit.
During the Gulf War some military personnel wereintroduced to the hard part of "soldiering. " Some had joined the military for educational or monetary opportu
nities. Some women joined, never thinking that they
may have to leave their husbands and children to serve
in the sands of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, or Iraq.Whenever we enlist under the banner of Truth, and
begin following the Captain of our salvation, we may
have to endure some hardness before we share in the
final victory.
I feel confident that many articles will be written forbulletins and other publications dealing with the tragedy of "Magic" Johnson testing HIV positive. Certainly he was one of the great stars of the NBA and a hero to a great many people, young and old. Many have praisedhim for his calm and his courage in announcing to theworld that he now carries the AIDS virus, and perhapsthis will indeed be helpful to all those women he hasbeen with over the years. If there is one lesson we needto make sure that we learn and that our young peoplelearn from this it is that what caused Magic Johnson tobe HIV positive was sin. We need to state clearly that fornication is sin, and that God intended from the beginning that all sexual relations be within the marriage relationship.
Please don't think that I'm especially picking onMagic Johnson. I too appreciate his skills in basketball,but I don't admire his lifestyle. Now that Johnson carries the AIDS virus, we find him and many otherspreaching "SAFE SEX" in every available media. Theypreach it on television and the radio; they preach it inthe newspapers and magazines. And the message theypreach is not one of "flee fornication" as Paul wrote inFirst Corinthians chapter 6, verse 18. Instead theypreach only that you must protect yourself by using a condom so that you too won't be affected by AIDS. AIDSis an awful disease, and hopefully there will be a timewhen more and better treatments will be available, perhaps even a cure. But the whole world has completelymissed the point when we preach only "safe sex" and not"flee fornication. " As our children and grandchildren see men like this; as they watch almost any program ontelevision and see people jumping into bed together verycasually, what will they think? Will they grow up recognizing clearly that God has some rules about sex that the world does not recognize? Unless we do a lot of perhapsunpleasant but very clear teaching from the word of Godthe next generations will know little of what God wantsand will know only the message of humanism that saysto do whatever feels good to you.
This problem is much bigger than whether or not our children and grandchildren are exposed to AIDS. Paulwrote to the Corinthians: "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, will inherit the kingdom of God" (NKJV, 1Cor. 6: 9-10). In other words, you can't practice thesethings and still go to heaven! This is the message thatneeds to be preached, that all sex outside of marriage issin, and that those who practice such and continue to do so will be lost. It won't be a very popular messagebecause it is completely different from what the worldwants, but it is the truth of God.
We need to teach our young people that sex as Godintended it is not dirty or ugly. It satisfies a very basicurge that God made within man from the beginning. Butit is to be satisfied in marriage. When the Jews askedJesus about divorcing for any reason He responded bysaying, "Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said,For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, andshall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be oneflesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh.What therefore God hath joined together, let not manput asunder" (Matthew 19: 4-6). I know the world thinksthis is an outdated standard, but this is the way it issupposed to be; one man and one woman becoming "oneflesh" in the marriage relationship. But fornication changes that for Paul wrote: "What? know ye not that hewhich is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he,shall be one flesh?" (1 Cor. 6: 16). How can a man be "oneflesh" with his wife and at the same time be "one flesh" with his neighbor's wife or some woman at work, etc. ?Then in the 7th chapter of First Corinthians, in answering a question the Corinthians asked about marriage
Paul wrote: "Nevertheless, to avoid fornication,let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband" (v. 2). It is in the marriagerelation-ship that we satisfy the sexual longings that we have without committing sin. Marriage is not always easy. It is never easy for two people to give up their own inde-pendence and pledge that they will livetogether and work together and love together for therest of their lives. But it can be a wonderful thing,especially if we are "heirs together of the grace of life" (1Peter 3: 7) planning not only on spending a lifetimetogether, but expecting also to be together with all the redeemed in heaven for all of eternity.
One more thought perhaps needs to be expressedhere. When Paul wrote to the Corinthians and warned them against fornication he also wrote: "And such weresome of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesusand by the Spirit of our God" (NKJV, I Cor. 6: 11). Thosewho have practiced fornication and adultery do not haveto go on doing so. You can be forgiven and have the hopeof eternal life. If you have already contracted the AIDSvirus, being obedient to Jesus through the gospel will not take away AIDS, but it will make possible the salvation of your soul, eternally. Why not determine toturn away from fornication and all your sins right nowand turn to the only one who can save you? Why not obeyJesus in all He asks of you? This is more important thananything else you will ever do? And be sure to preach"flee fornication, " not "safe sex. "
Do you desire the GIFTS or the GIVER? What circumstances in life could destroy your faith? Loss ofwealth? Death of loved ones? Poor health? In His wise providence, Jehovah has preserved the account of a man who wrestled successfully with these issues. His name is Job. His story is in the book that bears his name.
What do you know about Job? Most people know hehad boils and was patient. But, there is far more to hisstory. Many believe that Job was written to explain whywe suffer. But, Job will disappoint those who study himwith this objective. Yes, suffering is a prominent theme in the book. But, it is not the central issue.
Job is about faith. It is the story of a man chosen toexperience a devastating trial of his faith. Briefly, inchapters 1-2, heaven's curtain is raised to give us aglimpse behind the scenes. We, as readers, are entrusted with information hidden from the actors. Theymust play their roles in this drama without insight that could radically affect the nature of their responses. Yet,it is important that they be deprived of it.
Job is the greatest man of his time. Wealthy andinfluential, he is also godly and righteous. Jehovah isproud of his servant and brags on him to Satan. "Haveyou considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearingGod and turning away from evil" (Job 1: 8).
Satan's slanderous response contends that the onlyreason Job (or anyone else for that matter) servesJehovah is because they are bribed to do so by gifts (1: 910). Take away the gifts and he will curse the Giver
(1: 11). God's reputation hangs in the balance. Is Heworthy simply because of who He is? Or must He pay usto serve Him?
God accepts this blasphemous challenge. He honorsJob by selecting him as His personal representative inthis test case. Job's response will either vindicate God oradd credence to Satan's insult. For the test to be valid,Job cannot be told of the contest or his role in it.
Satan is given permission to strip Job of his possessions, but not to touch him. One day, servant afterservant comes into the presence of Job delivering, withlightning speed and sledgehammer blows, the tragicnews of the loss of all his possessions and, worst of all,his ten children. Bankrupt and childless all in the sameday, Job falls on his face in grief, not to curse, but toworship. "Naked I came from my mother's womb, andnaked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lordhas taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord (1: 2021). Job didn't curse or charge God with wrongdoing. Jehovah's reputation remained intact.
As we are allowed another peek behind heaven's curtain, we find Jehovah again bragging on Job to Satan."Have you considered My servant Job? For there is nonelike him on the earth, a blameless and upright manfearing God and turning away from evil. And he stillholds fast his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to ruin him without cause" (2: 3).
Satan is still unconvinced. The first test wasn't tough enough. If only he could attack Job's body, he could provehis charge. That would make Job quit. The enemy isgranted permission to take Job's health, but not his life.
Job quickly finds his body racked with excruciatingpain. Boils cover him from head to foot. He rejects hiswife's urgings to give up on God and be through withHim. He tells her that such talk is foolish. "Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity"
(2: 10). Rather than pushing God away, Job clings tighter.
When news of Job's tragic circumstances reaches hisfriends (Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar, and Elihu), they cometo comfort him. Their comfort soon degenerates intobitter debate and insult. They contend that God followsstrict rules in governing this world. They say that Godrewards good behavior and punishes wicked. They areconvinced (as are so many of us today) that a man's standing with God can be discerned by observing hisphysical circumstances. Judging from Job's current plight, it was obvious to them that he was a vile sinner.If he would only confess his sin, God could again blesshim.
The central part of the book (chapters 4-34) containsthree rounds of debate between Job and three of his friends. It ends in an exasperating stalemate (32: 1).Each, in turn, accuses him of terrible sins. Job steadfastly maintains his innocence. He knows he has donenothing to deserve what he is experiencing.
The fourth friend, Elihu, finally breaks his silence(chapters 32-37) leveling angry accusations at everyone
(32: 2-3). He accuses the friends of continuing to condemn Job when they cannot answer his objections.Later, God will say that these men have not spoken thetruth about Him as Job has (42: 7-8). (Yet, men today continue to use their arguments in discussions aboutsuffering, as though this is what the Bible teaches aboutwhy men suffer!)
Elihu says that Job is so determined to exonerate himself that he is willing to accuse God of wrongdoing
(34: 5, 6; 35: 1-3). He contends that there are other pur-poses for suffering besides punishment of the wicked. Though he comes closer to telling the truththan the others, I do not believe that even he discoveredthe real lesson God wants us to learn.
The stumblingblock impending the arguments ofeach of these men was their lack of ALL the facts. Theyare unaware of the contest. Here is a drama within a drama. Job thinks God is on trial. (Can He justify Himself in the eyes of Job? Can He give good and sufficient reasons for how He is dealing with Job? CanJob continue to believe in God's goodness?)
But, we know there is something bigger going on.When Job shouts, "Why me? What have I done?", wewant to shout back, "Nothing! This isn't punishment. "
We know that it is really Job who is on trial. The issue is not "why does God allow me to suffer?", but, "what willJob do when he loses every reason to believe in God's goodness?"
Job desperately wants answers to his questions (asdo we when faced with suffering). Oh, for his day incourt. He would ask hard questions and demand thatGod answer and explain. We often believe that if Godwould just appear and tell us "why" we are suffering, wecould endure it.
Eventually Jehovah does appear, but not to answerJob's questions. Instead, by means of a science quiz(chapters 38-39), Job becomes convinced that his knowledge of the physical universe is so inadequatethat he is certainly in no position to sit in judgment onGod or to fairly evaluate how well He is running the moral universe. (If God were to appear to us in the midstof our sufferings, might He not do the same with us?)
The lesson Job needed to learn (as do we) was thatman just doesn't have ALL the facts. We are in noposition to put God on trial. Job agrees to shut-up."Behold, I am insignificant; what can I reply to Thee? Ilay my hand on my mouth. Once I have spoken, and I will not answer; even twice, and I will add no more"
(40: 3-5).
However, God isn't interested in Job's SILENCE. He wants his TRUST. In chapters 40-41, He tells Job ofBehemoth (hippopotamus?) and Leviathan (crocodile?). If Job would not dare challenge these (who aremere creatures), why will he challenge their Maker?God controls the universe and is doing a good job ofrunning it despite what we may sometimes think.
Job is never given an explanation for his suffering.He is never told why these things happened. Yet, hegoes away satisfied. He decides that he will continue toserve God despite his circumstances. He will continue totrust Him even when there seems to be no reason to (andperhaps even good reasons not to).
He thus, disproves Satan's slanderous charge, andbrings well-deserved glory to the name of the Lord. "Iknow that Thou canst do all things, and that no purposeof Thine can be thwarted. Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?' Therefore I have declared that which I did not understand, things too wonderful forme, which I did not know. 'Hear, now, and I will speak;I will ask you, and you instruct Me. ' I heard of Thee bythe hearing of the ear; But now my eye sees Thee;Therefore, I retract, and I repent in dust and ashes"
(42: 2-6).
God is more concerned with Job's trust than his pleasure. We are not here on earth to have fun. We are here to learn to trust God and desire Him above all else (Ps. 73: 25-28). Whenever tragedy comes into our lives,our reaction reveals our motive in serving God. It eithershows that our real interest is in Him or that our real interest is in what He gives us.
Is He worthy of our praise and worship even withoutHis gifts? The issue here is bigger than the nature of"suffering. " It is the issue of "faith. " Your reactionto adversity reveals whether you agree with Job orwith Satan. "I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to bepraised ... " (Ps. 18: 3). Why do you serve God?
Contrary to the idea of some, the seventh chapter ofthe Roman letter is not describing the child of God. Sometry to make the latter part of this chapter describe somekind of a "warfare" in the Christian between the spiritand the flesh. They often quote verse 25 as their proof.However this verse says nothing about such a warfare.Paul speaks of service, and not of fighting. And there isno such thing as serving God with the mind while the body serves sin. No man can serve two masters at the same time. What is said in the latter part of this chaptercould not possibly be said of Paul as a Christian and anApostle of Jesus Christ, nor of any Christian for thatmatter. Paul is not describing his own state as a Christian, but rather that of the unregenerated person.He uses the present tense to describe his conditionbefore he became a Christian. As a Christian and an Apostle Paul certainly was not:
A SLAVE TO SIN. "CARNAL, SOLD UNDERSIN. " Verse 14
PRACTICING SIN. Verse 15
A CHRISTIAN WITH SIN DWELLING IN HIM. Verse 17
PRACTICING EVIL. Verse 19
A WRETCHED MAN UNDER SENTENCE OF DEATH. Verse 24
None of these things could be said of Paul as a Christian. Of himself as a Christian he said: "Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and righteously andunblamably we behaved ourselves toward you that believe" (1 Thess. 2: 10).
The entire Roman letter was written to show that the gospel is God's power unto salvation wherein is revealed"the righteousness of God" which is simply God's plan ofrighteousness; that is His plan of salvation for lost man.In the first five chapters he has fully developed and abundantly proven this proposition, showing that gracenow "reigns through righteousness unto eternal life byJesus Christ our Lord" (Rom. 5: 21). In other words thegrace of God now reigns through the gospel; that wherever sin abounds, grace abounds so much more under the gospel of Christ. That being the case, some mightconclude that the Christian should continue in sin so that grace might abound all the more, but Paul says notso. In chapter six he shows that such a conclusion is falsebecause the child of God is no longer a slave of sin, butis now a "servant of righteousness" (Verse 18). Asservants of righteousness we cannot continue in sin nor live in sin, and that being the case we cannot be described as sinners. "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid. Wewho died in sin, how shall we any longer live therein?(Verses 1 & 2).
The sixth chapter of the Roman letter was written toshow that the child of God is dead to sin. That throughhis obedience to the gospel he has been made free fromsin and has become a servant of righteousness. "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servantsto obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey;whether of sin unto death, or of obedience untorighteousness. But God be thanked, that ye werethe servants of sin, but ye obeyed from the heartthat form of doctrine which was delivered you.Being then made free from sin ye became theservants of righteousness" (Verse 16-18). When onehears the gospel and believes it, he is lead to repent of hissins. In repentance he dies to the love and practice of sin. Then in baptism he dies to the guilt and state of sin. He then is no longer a sinner; but a servant ofrighteousness. As such he:
IS WALKING IN NEWNESS OF LIFE. Verse 4
HIS OLD SINFUL MAN IS CRUCIFIED AND DESTROYED, Verse 6
IS DEAD TO SIN AND MUST NOT SERVE SIN. Verse 6
BEING DEAD TO SIN IS FREED FROM SIN.
Verse 7
HE DOES NOT LET SIN REIGN OR DWELL IN HIM. Verse 12
IS A SERVANT OF GOD, NOT OF THE DEVIL.Verse 22
The person described above is a child of God. The person described in chapter seven is just the opposite;Therefore the description of the person in chapter sevencannot possibly be that of the Christian. The following from Macknight in his Commentary on the Roman Letter is worth serious consideration:
"Because the apostle in this passage uses the firstperson, 'I am sold, etc., Augustine in the latter part of hislife, and most of the commentators after his time, withmany of the moderns, especially the Calvinists, contendthat in this, and in what follows, to the end of thechapter, the apostle describes his own state at the timehe wrote the epistle, consequently the state of everyregenerated person. But most of the ancient Greek commentators, all the Arminians, and some Calvinists,held that though the apostle speaks in the first person,he by no means describes his own state, but the state ofan unregenerated sinner awakened, by the operation oflaw, to a sense of his sin and misery. And this opinion they support by observing that in his writings theapostle often personates others (See Rom. 13: 11, 13).Wherefore to determine the question, the readers mustconsider to which of the two characters the thingswritten in this chapter best agree; and, in particular,whether the apostle would say of himself, or otherregenerated persons, that 'they are carnal, and soldunder sin. "
He was a womanizer, guzzler and gambler turnedrevival preacher. He was a smooth talker who could sway his audience despite using offensive language. Hismotives were misguided. His motivation was his desirefor a woman preacher, Sharon Falconer. His name wasElmer Gantry. "Elmer Gantry" was a highly controversial movie made in the early 1960's about corruption inreligion. A look behind the scenes of the revival tentrevealed Mr. Gantry's blackmail, corrupt speech, occasional drinking and unspeakable seduction of Miss Falconer.
How could such a man pass for a preacher? He hadgained knowledge of the Scriptures in Seminary yearsearlier. He did not begin preaching immediately afterSeminary for a reason. Elmer's antics, a tryst with a deacon's daughter, had caused him to be ousted beforegraduating. Ironically, this deacon's daughter turned prostitute almost ruins Mr. Gantry's influence out of spite.
Several contemporary lessons can be ascertainedfrom such a tale. A religion where truth is absent isforeign to God's approval. As the title of this articlesuggests, religion minus righteousness equals error.This equation is no less true than 2 + 2 =4! To have warmfeelings about God and His word are no substitute forthe practice of truth both individually and corporately.To be able to move an audience, command respect as ateacher and/or be fervent in religious activity do notinsure God's acceptance.
To the religious majority of our day, religion is something which transpires at specially selected times, atcertain church-sponsored events. Religion is viewed asnothing more than another compartment in our lives. Religion has little bearing on "non-religious" activities. However, a religion divorced from purity, personalrighteousness is not Jesus' religion. The only religionGod accepts is one which affects one's manner of life (see Galatians 2: 20). Impenitent liars, gossipers, adulterers,drunkards, thieves and lovers of money cannot pleaseGod no matter how much religion they practice or howintense they are about it. The practice of true religion inthe sight of God renders "every thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10: 5), and compelsevery person to "keep oneself unstained by the world"(James 1: 27).
In addition, a religion is vain which casts aside His terms of pardon and rejects God's pattern for the workand worship of the church. Today, God's terms of admission into Christ's kingdom (faith, repentance, confession and baptism) are often set aside for a more palatable set of man-made instructions ("just accept Jesusinto your heart"). As far as God is concerned, only the truth is good enough to save (see John 8: 31, 32)!
Furthermore, in "Elmer Gantry, " Miss Falconerto-tally disregarded the teaching of 1 Timothy 2: 11-12,"Let a woman quietly receive instruction with entiresubmis-siveness. But I do not allow a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. "This disrespect for God's word has flourished in recent days. Women preachers are being sanctioned in many de-nominations.
The charge is made that Paul's words are outdatedand should be relegated to first century custom. He iseven accused of being a chauvinist. Yet, Paul bases hisstatements on the very beginning of time. "For it wasAdam who was first created, and then Eve. And it wasnot Adam who was deceived, but the woman being quitedeceived, fell into transgression" (1 Timothy 2: 13, 14).This does not mean women are second class citizens in God's kingdom (see Galatians 3: 28). It does not arguethan women are less talented or intelligent than men(see Romans 16: 1, 2). It only speaks of distinct rolesGod has for men and women in His kingdom (see 1 Corinthians 11: 3). If we reject God's instruction here,what will keep us from rejecting other instructionswhich do not suit our fancy?
Paul's warning to Titus regarding false teachers isstill quite applicable today, 'They profess to know God,but by their deeds they deny Him, being detestable anddisobedient... But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine" (Titus 2: 1). Peter's words to Cornelius are just as relevant, "... in every nation theman who fears Him (God) and does what is right, iswelcome to Him" (Acts 10: 35). All the religiosity in thisworld cannot replace a love for and practice of truth! Afriend recommended that I analyze "Elmer Gantry" andI'm glad, because it reminded me of this quite significantspiritual truth.
Send all News Items to: Connie W. Adams, P. O. Box 69, Brooks, KY 40109
DEBATE WITH ROMAN CATHOLICS GREG LITMER of Louisville, Kentucky met Karl Keating, founderof Catholic Answers of San Diego, California in a debate April 3 inLincoln, Nebraska. This was conducted at Pius X High School gymnasium. Video and audio tapes are available. Mr. Keating affirmed thatthe Roman Catholic Church is the church Jesus established. GregLitmer denied this. Prom 1984 to 1986, Greg Litmer edited a paperentitled "CATHOLICISM EXAMINED. " Greg was formerly a Roman Catholic. He now preaches for the Expressway church in Louisville,Kentucky.
The church in Lincoln has about 30 in attendance and meets in a child care center at 31st and "C Streets in Lincoln. For information about tapes, write to: 31st and "C Church of Christ, P. O. Box 30344, Lincoln, NE 68503, or call Lynn Huggins (402) 421-3328; or LarryRouse (402) 421-2890.
HOLT-BASSETT DEBATE TAPES The debate between Jack Holt and Jerry Bassett on marriage,divorce and remarriage which took place in February at West Ave. in San Antonio, Texas, is available on four-two hours VHS video tapesfor $30. These are professionally done. Those interested may contactRick Hubartt, 3012 Foxfire Cir., Indianapolis, IN 46214. Phone (317)328-1776.
DEBATE WITH BAPTISTS JEFF ASHER met Glen Stacker of the Bible Believers' Baptist Church in debate in Amarillo, Texas on the subjects of salvation byfaith only and water baptism as essential to salvation. One night washeld in the building of the Baptist Church and the other in the buildingof the Dumas Drive church of Christ. As a hyper-dispensationalist,Stocker believes water baptism was not for Jews and Gentiles alike.This gave the debate a different twist from some with the Baptists. Forinformation about tapes, call (806)383-4451 or 383-2831. The debatewas followed by a gospel meeting with Ron Halbrook at Dumas Dr.
NEW CONGREGATION Seven Christians have formed a new congregation in Perryton, Texas, 65 miles north of Pampa and 110 miles northeast of Amarillo in the northern panhandle of Texas. Since February 16 they have beenmeeting in a rented hall. Preachers in the area are helping toencourage these brethren. If you know of brethren in the area who aredriving long distances to worship with sound brethren, others who have fallen away, or some who meet with unsound brethren and arewilling to study or take a stand, please let these brethren know about them. You may contact: Keeneth Cameron, 1514 Texas St., Perryton, TX 79070 (806) 435-2032, or David Sims, 1526 Cedar, Perryton, TX59070 (806) 435-9815.
TO PRAGUE, CZECHOSLOVAKIASTEVEN D. BAXLEY, 1212 Brandon CT., Irving, TX 75060 — In January I made a trip to Prague to see about the work there and foundopportunities for the gospel among a people many of whom are ready and waiting for the gospel. 20 Christians are already meeting inPrague (native people), two more in Brno one in Cesky Budejovice. Ihave been working with Bobby Holmes and the Dallas Ave. congregation in Lancaster, Texas with their elders since last August. I would like to go to Prague around June 1 this year and will need to raisemonthly support and one time assistance for travel. I plan to supplyregular reports to those who have apart with me in this work. You may contact me at (214) 790-9461 or 647-3782. References are: BobbyHolmes (214) 298-4466; Mark Roberts (409) 727-6497; Al Diestelkamp (011-42-2) 321-9681 (this is in Czechoslovakia); or JimSmelser (501) 882-3400.
PAUL BROCK, 9 Sunshine Blvd., Deland, FL 32724 — I keephearing from those who are misinformed about my health condition.I did retire from local work in 1988. I was not incapacitated but did notfeel up to all the work I needed to do. We moved back to Ridge Manor,Fl where I had lived while preaching at Trilacoochee from 1975 to 1982. After several months of rest, some fill-ins, some meeting work,I began preaching at Cove Bend near Floral City, FL. At the insistence of one of our daughters, we moved back to Deland. I continued topreach at Cove Bend through July, 1991. We felt that 80 miles eachway was a little too much for Mrs. Brock and me to travel. I am nowserving as one of the elders at N. Blvd. in Deland, teaching classes andpreaching some. I am able to preach in meetings, week-end series andfill-in appointments. This is not a solicitation for work, but if I may beof service under the circumstances described here, I will be glad to assist as I can.
GORDON SKINNER, P. O. Box 583, Bradnor, OH 43406 — On January 1st we moved to Bradnor to preach the gospel. They have 35 in attendance. Prospects look promising. We are near Bowling Greenwhere there is a state university. We would be glad to contact studentsor other individuals you may know in this area. Write me at the aboveaddress or call (419) 288-3304.
IN MEMORY OF ELMER LLOYD "BUD" EUBANKS Gospel preacher "Bud" Eubanks departed this life on October 21,1991 at the age of 66. As a faithful gospel preacher he devoted his lifeto the work of the Lord, serving churches in Kansas, Illinois, Coloradoand Missouri. He was a motivating force in establishing the Parkcrest church, which has now become Walnut Lawn in Springfield, MO. Hewas a loving husband, wonderful father and doting grandfather, being guided in these relations by his devotion to the truth of God and by hisfaith in Christ.
FROM AROUND THE WORLD
MEXICO—ENRIQUE CISNEROS REPORTS TWO BAPTIZED in Cananea, Sonora. He said "We feel full of joy and courage in ourwork. Pray for us and the work in Mexico.
CUBA — RUBEN C. AMADOR and ANTONIO LIRA (fromVenezuela) went to Havana, Cuba in January to locate brethren. They are not visited much by brethren from other countries, especially theUSA, in recent years. "We found them excited and encouraged by ourvisit. Angel Perez preaches for the church in Havana and met us at theairport. We met also four other Cuban preachers: Roberto Flores, JoseAntonio Fernandez, Reynaldo Vos and Julio Abreu. There are fiveestablished congregations which are recognized by the government.Other churches are meeting in homes and we are not recognized by thegovernment. We heard that there are also other isolated groups ofbrethren. Opportunities to preach were limited since churches areprohibited to use foreign preachers without prior government approval but two of the churches took the risk and asked us to preach.In Havana we had several classes with the church and young peoplemainly on the institutional issues. We were impressed with theirBible knowledge and willingness to study. What little Spanish Bibleliterature had reached them was produced by institutional brethrenand their publishing houses. The church at Consolacion del Sur has75 people. Attendance in the other churches range from 20 to 55. As far as we know, only three preachers receive support from the USA.We were not able to visit the church at Santiago de Cuba on thesouthern extreme of the island. They were disappointed and we promised to try to visit them on our next trip.
The work in Cuba began in the mid-1930's when Jose Jimenez and Luis Estevez from Tampa, Florida came to Cuba to preach, establishing over 30 congregations When Fidel Castro came to power in 1959 he took control of the churches as well. During these years the churches lost their properties and furnishings. Most of the churchesdisappeared. But the faith of the gospel did not die. Many of theseChristians, now cut off from the western world, maintained their own faith in the Bible way and kept the few congregations on a Biblicalcourse. These remaining churches have some deep-rooted problemswhich may take time to resolve. Many Cubans, including our brethrenthere, lack the basic needs of life. Far greater is their need forteaching, encouragement, and strength. Their cry for spiritual helpmust not be ignored.
ITALY — I know of no field where the native preachers are working harder for the promotion of truth than our brethren in Italy. Whileprogress is slower than they like for it to be, they are growing, both innumber and in spirit. They are aggressively pressing the claims oftruth and opposing the errors which have for so long blinded the mindsof those who live under the shadow of the Vatican. Their preaching and writing is bold.
Among these preachers is FRANCESCO FOSCI who preachessouth of Rome at Latina. He was trained, mainly by Rodolfo Berdini, and developed out of the church at Aprilia where his own father servedas an elder. He gave up his secular job and launched out to establish the work in Latina. They began with 7 and have now grown to 16.Through no fault of his own, nor those who have found it necessary to stop his support, he is this year losing practically all his support. Atthe age of 44 it will be difficult for him to return to his secular work, which he left in 1985. Even if he could, the work in Latina will suffer. His family will suffer. The editor of this paper has known brotherFosci since 1976. He needs and deserves the help of faithful brethrenwho are concerned for the continued progress of the truth in Italy. Hisaddress is: Francesco Fosci, V. Leopardi 5, 04011 Aprilia (Lt, Italy.Phone (06) 922124.
HUNGARY—Richard Copeland and Jeff Archer have many contactsin Budapest now and a number have visited services there. Some ofthose they are studying with are opening doors to yet others.
GERMANY — Steve Wallace sends an interesting report of his workin Germany and also of other work going on in Europe and in theformer Soviet Union. Many doors are opening and more dedicated brethren are entering these fields. His last report also has this notewhich amazes me. He said "It seems some brethren in the U. S. are hoping to cash in on the new situation here in Europe. There have beenat least two business letters sent out to preachers living in Germanyoffering opportunities to make big money working as an agent for a business 'run by Christians. ' (Just when I needed something to dowith all this spare time I have on my hands!... ) I guess some peoplemust have a rather low estimation of what we are trying to do here. Brethren, stop this foolishness!" Amen, brother Wallace!
SOUTH AFRICA — Paul Williams reports seven more baptismsfrom work done by several of the brethren in his area. He also reportsgrowing unrest in some quarters posing dangers to the citizenry,including many of the brethren. The prayers of brethren are requested.
PHILIPPINES — Reynaldo O. Ugale reports 19 baptized in 1991from work which he and others were able to do. In addition to continued efforts to evangelize, they hope to finish a meeting house inBaculod, Cagayan.
Leonito V. Torreliza of Candon, Ilocos Sur reports 17 baptisms for1991 and establishment of a congregation at Salcedo, 20 kilometersfrom Candon in a mountainous region. Keith Burnet and Carl McMurray were able to visit brethren in that area in 1991.
Page 17PREACHER NEEDED GLEN ELLYN, ILLINOIS—The church here is looking for a strong, experienced preacher. There are 27 members. We are located about 30miles west of Chicago. Please contact Joseph Novak (708) 529-2149 orRick Biederstadt (708) 665-7579.
PREACHER AVAILABLE
WENDELL M. POWELL, 172 Chippendale Dr., Hendersonville, TN 37075. I desire to re-locate sometime this summer of fall. Experience: 20 years full-time and two years part-time. Age: 48.Married with children grown. Write me at the above address or call
(615) 822-2594.
SPECIAL ISSUE OF PRECEPTOR The January, 1992 issue of THE PRECEPTOR is a special edition on"Into All the World. " It contains interesting articles from manygood brethren who know of, or are involved in the work in variousnations of the earth. It would be good for Christians everywhere to obtain a copy and read it. It will do you good. You may write: ThePreceptor Magazine, P. O. Box 187, Beaumont, TX 77704. Bundlescost $20 for 25 copies.
STS SPECIAL OF ROLE OF WOMEN
DONNIE V. RADER is putting together a special edition of STS forJuly, 1992 on 'Women Professing Godliness" (A Study of the Role ofWomen). The following articles will appear:"What Is Going On In The Feminist Movement?" — Lewis Willis"The Impact Of The Feminist Movement Upon God's People" —
Donald Townsley"God's Limitations Upon Women" — Art Ogden"Living in Subjection" — Dick Blackford"The Woman Whose Price Is Far Above Rubies" — Bill Hall "A Tribute To The Housewife" — Donnie V. Rader "What Women Can Do To Promote The Cause of Christ" — Connie W.
Adams "Questions Often Asked About The Role of Women" — H. E.
Phillips100 copies will sell for $65, 50 copies for $40, and orders less than thatfor $1 each.
WHAT MAKES A THIEF A THIEF?
In somber tones and with a straight face, the news reporter gave usthe bad news of an increase in thefts of dogs in southern Indiana. Itwas speculated that these were being stolen for resale and then a law officer told us that it was due the hard times in that area. ManyAmericans survived the great depression and came away with theirprinciples intact. Honorable people just did not steal! We need to stopthis non-sense of blaming "the recession, " the President, or Congress, or somebody for every crime committed and start recognizing thesimple truth that those who steal do so because they are thieves. It isa sin problem, not an economic problem.