One of the surest ways that I know of to break down enthusiasm, hope, great expectations, future progress and desire to work untiringly in a congregational capacity is to destroy the vision of --- a better future in the hearts of the membership. It is never encouraging to anyone to hear the predictions of gloom and doom a continuing basis. Surely there are many good and uplifting things that the future holds even for the people who are the most beaten-down. Indeed, the people of God of all people ought to have unlimited vision of a greater day, of a finer time, of a blessed home[1] of seeing God[2] --- Surely these things are stimulating to the down trodden, the depressed, and the feeble.

As we look out on the world and the condition of the world’s political situation, we see problems, yea, and even distressing possibilities on the horizon (i.e. our vision) for the future. As we look out on societies’ desires to follow immorality and unlawful, sinful pleasures (i.e. our vision), we are distressed. Indeed, there is much in the world that causes the faithful Christian to wonder about the future, yet we must remember that we are not of this world (i.e. temporary residents – strangers), traveling through this earthly region with a heavenly destination.[3]

May our vision of future things and future possibilities be consistently bright as we continue to look ahead to those things that God has promised to the faithful?[4] We can truly depend upon God to always keep His promises to the faithful therefore let us maintain our vision (i.e. hope of heaven after this life is over[5]

This month marks the beginning of our seventh year with the church here on Cemetery Road in Hilliard. These years have been some of the most productive of my life in God’s service. There have been many health problems that we have had to deal with during this time but overall, the work has been good. During these years, we have written and published more Bible related material than during any similar period since I began preaching the gospel of Christ in Chicago, Illinois back in the late 5os. Indeed, as we age God finds much useful work for us if we will grasp the opportunities instead of ignore them (John 9:4).

During our time, here in Hilliard we have been privileged to assist our daughter and son-in-law in the adoption four children. These four grand-children have been a great blessing to us as well as a blessing to their parents. The two older boys were adopted first; Garreth and Grant will turn 6 years old this year. The two younger, Clair and Ean Parker will turn 2 years old this year. We have enjoyed the Lord’s work and the good membership of the congregation here as well as the four grand-children as they attend Bible study and become familiar with God and the things of God.

We do not know what God has in store for us in the future. Our lives will be spent in pursuit of Godly things and in an attempt to assist the congregation here in Hilliard as it attempts to evangelize the lost ones and edify itself. The greatest good that we can do as a congregation is do always the will of the Lord and make sure that we glorify God in all our doings (Ephesians 4:15-16). The greatest thing that we can do for our brethren is cooperate with them in Godly pursuits and love them with our whole heart. The greatest thing that we can do for our family members is encourage them to serve the one true God and continue to love them with our whole heart. The greatest thing we can do for our neighbor in this coming year and beyond is to make ever effort to teach them about God’s plan for their lives and to love them with out whole heart (1 John 3:14; 4:7; 4:10-11; Matthew 22:37-39).

The future cannot be determined by man (1 Thessalonians 5:1-4), yet God has given to us some facts about what will occur in the future that can give us emphasis and direction while we abide here until we pass on to an eternal resting place. Whether we go to the place prepared for the righteous or whether we go to the place prepared for the wicked is up to us (Matthew 13:48-49; 25:31-34).

Events in our lives will come and go until we finally leave this world. There is nothing we can do about unavoidable misfortunes in our lives, we must be careful to avoid all problems in life that we can, yet realize some things are beyond our ability to control. Only God can help us --- He says that HE will stand by us in our problems of life (Hebrews 13:5).

I am often amazed to see the great hopes and expectations of some people end in despair and disappointment, not very long after planning for them. Today is no different from ages past; men and women have made plans only to see them fail to materialize. To fail is not a fatal exercise most of the time, many times, I have attempted to do things that I was unable to do[6] I suppose it is human desire for all of us to make plans and make very attempt to carry them out yet, often we fail to successfully complete the project. There is one area of life where people have a built-in outlet for failure. “If you do not succeed, try, try, again” is an old saying that most Christians can relate to. I say most Christians can relate to because we often fail to live righteously as God has instructed, in such times we find ourselves in a sinful (i.e. backsliding) condition[7]. Even though we may fall sometimes, God will forgive us if we will repent of the sin, acknowledge our guilt and pray for forgiveness (i.e. for the Christian), whenever we sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ[8]

It is never too late in life to make a decision to be a Christian or to return to the church if you have backslidden. Sometimes we consider ourselves unworthy of salvation but even when we think such thoughts we are mistaken. God is not willing that anyone should perish but that all would come to repentance[9]. Knowing that God, your Heavenly Father is waiting for you to come to Him[10] or that He is waiting for you to come back home to His Son’s Church (i.e. the church of Christ), you ought to come back home[11]

28 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

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[1] Luke 15:11-24 - Read about the prodigal son and the Father’s welcome home.

The old song that forms the title of this article is a beautiful song with a spiritual message. As we look into the written Word of God we find in John 6:66-68 the following statement;

66 Upon this many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

68 Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.” ASV

At this time in Jesus life, he was preparing himself for the ordeal of a betrayal by Judas, a mock trial rigged by the Jewish religious leadership, and a trial before Pontus Pilate where He will be condemned and finally crucified. Here in John 6 we are witness to a time when it seems that all of Christ’s disciples were to leave Him, yet He uttered these words of concern in the presence of Peter. In response to Christ’s question; “Will you leave me too?” Peter gave the answer that has stood ever since as a singular fact, indeed, there is no other place to go except to Jesus Christ.

Today, there are many religions that do not believe in Jesus Christ as the Messiah of the Jews and the Savior of mankind from sin (e.g. Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mooney’s, etc.), there are many religions that do not believe that Jesus is Divine, but Jesus is everything that the Bible teaches about HIM.

Today, as in the 1st century CE, Jesus Christ is still the one to whom all sinners must go to seek salvation from sin, cf. Hebrews 5:8-9, “8 though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 and having been made perfect, he became unto all them that obey him the author of eternal salvation;” {ASV} The same thing that men and women of accountable age did to receive salvation from sin in the 1st Century is what men and women of accountable age must do today to receive salvation from sin, they must:

Hear the gospel – Romans 10:17
Believe the gospel – Mark 16:15-16
Repent of sins – Acts e:38
Confess with the mouth, Jesus as Christ – Romans 10:9-10
Be Baptized · By Immersion – Romans 6:3-5

Christ will add the saved person to the church – Acts 2:47

Cassius Boysel at Arbors – Cash has recently had a pace maker implanted to improve heart function.

Jim McFadden – During December Jim had some difficulties – contact family for updates.

“He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my sayings, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I spake, the same shall judge him in the last day.” ASV

The cassette tapes are always available for anyone that would like to have copies. If you desire a copy, please let Garreth or Bill Kirke know.

The new tract rack with the new tracts is located on the bulletin board next to the telephone in the vestibule; help yourself to those that you need as you continue to do personal evangelistic work.

The Bible tells us of God's dealings with man beginning with the Garden of Eden and the very first man and woman. The first 3000 years of man's history is known as the Patriarchal period - the second dispensation, the Jewish lasted approximately 1500 years? Today mankind is living in the Christian Dispensation that began on the day of Pentecost according to Acts 2.

The Christian Dispensation is God's last attempt to reconcile man to Himself. The Christian Dispensation is different from the Patriarchal and the Jewish Dispensation's in that it contains many "NEW THINGS"

31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:

32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:

33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

35 Thus saith the LORD, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The LORD of hosts is his name: (KJV)

2. NEW CHURCH - different from the church (i.e., assembly) in the wilderness:

18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

38 This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:

15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judge him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, (KJV)

5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.

7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.

2 And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.

26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that

a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. (KJV)

10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,

9 Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. (KJV)

7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. (KJV)

7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us:

8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. (KJV)

23 For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:

24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthy, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthy, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. (KJV)

14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; (KJV)

24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the ; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. (KJV)

The Christian life and future is grand, surely everyone has a desire to live the good life and after a life of faith, go to be with the Lord forever.

Every day we encounter new things in our life and surroundings. Often we do not stop to consider this fact, but there are endless new things that are happening in politics, Science, exploration, medicine, religion, ethics, social matters, internet, music, and etc. We do not observe or take note of many of these things but never the less, they do occur. Many of the new things are beneficial to mankind; they make us healthier, stronger, smarter, etc. To suggest that new things are all bad or of no value is to indicate that one is not attuned to reality. Indeed, there are many new and good things, for instance:

Luke 15:10, “Even so, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” ASV

There are old Christians that have backslidden but are now renewing their good relationship with Christ through repentance and prayer:

Luke 15:10, “Even so, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” ASV

Matthew 18:19-20, “19 Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father who is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” ASV

Colossians 3:13-14, “13 forbearing one another, and forgiving each other, if any man have a complaint against any; even as the Lord forgave you, so also do ye: 14 and above all these things (put on) love, which is the bond of perfection.” ASV

There are many Christians throughout the land that are involved in many worthwhile causes to help the down-trodden, the oppressed, the poor, and the shut-in:

Galatians 6:10, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.” ASV

James 1:27, “Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, (and) to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” ASV

There are many old Christians that have reached an age and a maturity that aids them in making constructive contributions to the cause of Christ where in the past they were passive and did not feel themselves of any value:

Ephesians 4:13-15, “13 till we all attain unto the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a full-grown man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: 14 that we may be no longer children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error; 15 but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, (even) Christ;” ASV

There are old things too that are valuable and ought to be kept in the hearts and minds of good, faithful Christians today; some of those good, old things are:

The written word of God – Indeed, the Bible is an ancient book but it is a book that must not be altered in any way. The Bible is absolutely perfect as it has been given to by God and preserved throughout the ages through His Divine Providence. Indeed, the Bible is God’s true, infallible, word to mankind for all ages:

2 Timothy 3:15-17, “15 and that from a babe thou hast known the sacred writings which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 Every scripture inspired of God (is) also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness. 17 That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.” ASV

The life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ our Savior”

1 Corinthians 15:1-8, “1 Now I make known unto you brethren, the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye received, wherein also ye stand, 2 by which also ye are saved, if ye hold fast the word which I preached unto you, except ye believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which also I received: that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 and that he was buried; and that he hath been raised on the third day according to the scriptures; 5 and that he appeared to Cephas; then to the twelve; 6 then he appeared to above five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain until now, but some are fallen asleep; 7 then he appeared to James; then to all the apostles; 8 and last of all, as to the (child) untimely born, he appeared to me also.” ASV

Then, being added to the church (i.e. the Body of Christ) by Jesus Christ – Acts 2:47

All the points listed above and others contained in the New Testament, a very old document, yet a document that even though old is as new as tomorrows newspaper. The instructions of the Lord to mankind in the first century CE are binding on us today. There are many today that dispute the value of the New Testament instruction, saying that the teaching is outdated and no longer applies to men and women of modern times. Yet the Lord says of the Written Word that it is valuable continually

1 Peter 1:23-25, “23 having been begotten again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which liveth and abideth. 24 For, All flesh is as grass, And all the glory thereof as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower falleth: 25 But the word of the Lord abideth for ever. And this is the word of good tidings which was preached unto you.” ASV

Today, many people spend the greater part of their lives worrying {i.e. suffering anxiety} about things they cannot change. The person that spends much time in pursuit of immaterial causes or programs is doomed to fail in life. As we begin this part of our study about things; let us examine a passage of Scripture that tells us that we should not worry about trivial things –

Matthew 6:25-27, “25 Therefore I say unto you, be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than the food, and the body than the raiment? 26 Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not ye of much more value then they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit unto the measure of his life?” ASV

As we consider the list of things that God provides, we are impressed with the nature of God’s providential care. There is ample evidence available for men and women today to grasp the fact that through their own industry their needs will be supplied. I say necessary needs {i.e. food, clothing, and shelter}, not luxuries. In the passage above, we understand from the context that the Lord is saying that He provides the needs of life to his creatures other than man and He indicates man is of greater worth than other creatures (verse 27). Today, because we live in a country of great wealth, we seem to think we need to possess every trinket that comes to the market. The truth is, we do not need ever new thing that comes along, we simply need to appreciate the things that we have at a given time in our lives and leave off becoming anxious (i.e. worried) about our material possessions.

The things that really matter in life will be ours to enjoy, God promises this to us –

Matthew 6:28-30, “28 And why are ye anxious concerning raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God doth so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, (shall he) not much more (clothe) you, O ye of little faith?” ASV

Matthew 6:33-34, “33 but seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” ASV

The two verses in this section tell us that the provisions that God provides are conditional, based on our obedience and continued faithfulness. Indeed, throughout the Bible God’s favor, God’s provisions, God’s blessings are made available to God’s people predicated upon their obedience and continued faithfulness 9cf. Rev 2:10; 2 Tim 4:6-7 and here in Matt 6, this principle is clearly taught. Let us continually seek the things of God, always doing His Will.

In every endeavor, there are things that hinder us from performing at our best. In the field of Science unless one is pre-conditioned via the educational establishment we may not perform as well as someone that has been pre-conditioned through certain scientific channels (e.g. evolutionary hypotheses). The same is true in most professional pursuits, without preparation for a given profession; we will not be successful in most cases. Therefore, we can see from these facts that things may hinder us. The word hinder simply means that we may be unable to succeed in a given field without the right kind of training, equipment, pre-conditioning, continuing education. And etc.

The Christian (Acts 11:26) may be hindered by many things {Galatians 5:7}. Whenever a person becomes a Christian the New Birth is truly a happy and exciting event {Acts 8:36-39}, the moment that we are saved from sin is a moment to remember for the rest of our lives. Although we are excited and happy when we are saved from sin through God’s grace and our obedience, the old life is to be left behind as we seek to mature as Christians (1 Cor 3:1-2). Some of the things that may hinder Christians in the pursuit of maturity are:

Matthew 6:24, “No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” ASV

Luke 16:9-13, “9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends by means of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when it shall fail, they may receive you into the eternal tabernacles. 10 He that is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much: and he that is unrighteous in a very little is unrighteous also in much. 11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true (riches)? 12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own? 13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” ASV

Deuteronomy 12:15-20, “15 Notwithstanding, thou mayest kill and eat flesh within all thy gates, after all the desire of thy soul, according to the blessing of Jehovah thy God which he hath given thee: the unclean and the clean may eat thereof, as of the gazelle, and as of the hart. 16 Only ye shall not eat the blood; thou shalt pour it out upon the earth as water. 17 Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy grain, or of thy new wine, or of thine oil, or the firstlings of thy herd or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy freewill-offerings, nor the heave-offering of thy hand; 18 but thou shalt eat them before Jehovah thy God in the place which Jehovah thy God shall choose, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy man-servant, and thy maid-servant, and the Levite that is within thy gates: and thou shalt rejoice before Jehovah thy God in all that thou puttest thy hand unto. 19 Take heed to thyself that thou forsake not the Levite as long as thou livest in thy land. 20 When Jehovah thy God shall enlarge thy border, as he hath promised thee, and thou shalt say, I will eat flesh, because thy soul desireth to eat flesh; thou mayest eat flesh, after all the desire of thy soul.” ASV

1 Corinthians 10:6, “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.” ASV

Matthew 15:14, “Let them alone: they are blind guides. And if the blind guide the blind, both shall fall into a pit.

Romans 10:1-3, “1 Brethren, my heart's desire and my supplication to God is for them, that they may be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.” ASV

All things that hinder, retards growth toward maturity – Allow nothing to distract you from living you life for God,

One of the problems that arise today with believers of the evolutionary theory is found in Genesis 1:1-5 with the days of creation. To this subject we direct this study.

TEXT of Genesis 1:1-5, “1 in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

2 And the earth was waste and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep: and the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day.” ASV

The humanist misrepresents the five verses in this text; the humanist declares that there is a great gap (i.e. eons of time) between the ending of verse 1 and the beginning of verse 2. This hypothesis has nothing to sustain it but the humanist’s opinion. The view expressed by the humanists is remarkably transparent; there is no gap [i.e. stop and go] between these two verses. The insertion of a stop after verse 1 is a giant leap into oblivion, there is nothing in the text or in correct exegetical principles that requires a stop between verse 1 and verse two.

There is no legitimate reason to impose the philosophy that the days of creation were more or less than 6 – 24 hour days. As we examine the text with reference to the first day, discussion in verses 1-5 of the text we see that the days were referred to having a period of darkness (i.e. night) and a period of light (i.e. day). The test also says that these days had a morning and an evening. As we look at this text it is totally unreasonable to assume that the days of creation were anything other than 6 days of 24 hours each. In addition, it is reasonable to suggest from the account here that the day on which God rested after the creation work, were also 24 hours. Whenever we put this truly reasonable concept together we have seven days involved in the early chapters of the Book of Genesis – on these days God created the universe and everything in it in 6 days and rested on the 7th day.

One of the truly sad aspects of the humanist (i.e. evolutionist) argument is the fact that they seem to question the reasonableness of God’s ability to create the universe in 6 days. I can think of no greater sin that man may commit than to call Almighty God a liar (e.g. God did not create the universe in 6 days, yet God says that He Did in Genesis 1:1-5). The problem is simple; the evolutionist loves his hypotheses more that he respects the integrity of Almighty God, the author of the Bible.

December 28, 2003, Brother and sister House came forward repentinh and asking prayers of the church on their behalf.

January 4, 2003, Sister Susan McFadden came forward repenting and ask prayers on her behalf.

Many people today seek God’s approval for their religious practice when the Written Word of God does not sanction their practice. How should Christians react today to such flagrant disregard for God’s instructions? There is ample testimony within God’s Word to condemn any religious position that is not sanctioned by it. While there are calls for tolerance and patience by some, we must be vigilant, making sure that we do not compromise God’s Word for the sake of peace and union – (Jude 3-4, “3 Beloved, while I was giving all diligence to write unto you of our common salvation, I was constrained to write unto you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints.4 For there are certain men crept in privily, (even) they who were of old written of beforehand unto this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” (ASV)

The truth revealed by God must always be the standard by which all doctrinal disputes are solved. The concept that the Bible teaches conflicting positions on any issue is without support from God, only God’s instructions are right religiously. Deviation from Holy Scriptures is in vogue today but they are still unacceptable to God, only that teaching which emanates from God may be used foe a standard in religious doctrine. The Christian ought to always pursue the Divine Pattern that is revealed via the Written Word of God today

2 Timothy 1:13, “ Hold the pattern of sound words which thou hast heard from me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” ASV

Hebrews 8:5-6, “5 who serve (that which is) a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, even as Moses is warned (of God) when he is about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern that was showed thee in the mount. 6 But now hath he obtained a ministry the more excellent, by so much as he is also the mediator of a better covenant, which hath been enacted upon better promises.” ASV

Hebrews 9:24, “ For Christ entered not into a holy place made with hands, like in pattern to the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear before the face of God for us:” ASV

There are almost as many formulas for worship in the religious world today as there are religions. Yet, the only acceptable form of worship must have for its basis authority from God’s Written Word –

2 Timothy 3:16-17, “16 Every scripture inspired of God (is) also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness. 17 That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.” ASV

John 8:32, “and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. “ASV

John 4:24, “ God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” ASV

It is apparent from these two passages that true worship is offered in spirit and in truth, as we come before God to worship we will worship Him with honor and awe. We will worship with the intention of glorifying God; we will worship God according to “truth” 9i.e. that which God has revealed as acceptable via the Written Word – the “BIBLE”).

Hebrews 10:24-25, “24 and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and good works; 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting (one another); and so much the more, as ye see the day drawing nigh.” ASV

Acts 20:7, “And upon the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul discoursed with them, intending to depart on the morrow; and prolonged his speech until midnight.” ASV

Luke 22:19-20, “19 And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and gave to them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.

20 And the cup in like manner after supper, saying, This cup is the new covenant in my blood, (even) that which is poured out for you.” ASV

Ephesians 5:19-20, “19 speaking one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20 giving thanks always for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;” ASV

Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms (and) hymns (and) spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God.” ASV

1 Corinthians 16:1-2, “1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I gave order to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye. 2 Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come.” ASV

As we examine the Holy Scriptures, we are convinced that God has revealed to us a pattern for acceptable worship. The pattern is to be followed by Christians whenever they come before God to worship. Any failure by mankind to follow God’s pattern will result in God refusal to accept the worship or the worshipper e.g. Cain, Genesis 4:2-6 and Nadab and Abihu the two sons of Aaron, Lev 10:1-4.

Life in the world today is very precarious; there is danger on every hand. Recently I read in the Columbus Dispatch that there were 112 homicides in the City of Columbus during 2003, the same article also stated that many of these murders were still unsolved. In the past dew weeks we have read in the Dispatch that there is someone shooting guns at cars and trucks that travel on the highways around Columbus, in the same article it was stated that at least one person had been murdered by this shooting. When we consider these problems along with the normal dangers of driving to and returning from work, the danger of fire, gas line explosions, and various accidents in and around the home, we sometimes consider our personal danger of being hurt seriously or of dying suddenly possible.

Thinking of the possibility of accidental death or serious illness is a common worry in our hurried society today. Even though many of us are concerned with the problems of war, terrorism, and serious illness and death, we make no attempt to insulate ourselves from it. The only way to acquire peace of mind and lead a quiet and peaceable life is to pursue a good and acceptable relationship with God - 1 Timothy 2:1-4, “1 I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men; 2 for kings and all that are in high place; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 who would have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth.” ASV

There are several passages of Scripture 9i.e. in the Bible) that assures us of a secure future, even if we are prematurely taken away from this earth through some calamity such as those we are discussing in this article, please read the following:

Psalms 119:116-118, “116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live; and let me not be ashamed of my hope. 117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe, and shall have respect unto thy statutes continually. 118 Thou hast set at nought all them that err from thy statutes; for their deceit is falsehood.” ASV

Proverbs 29:25, “The fear of man bringeth a snare; But whoso putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be safe.” ASV

1 Corinthians 15:1-2, “1 Now I make known unto you brethren, the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye received, wherein also ye stand, 2 by which also ye are saved, if ye hold fast the word which I preached unto you, except ye believed in vain.” ASV

Psalms 16:1-3, “1 Preserve me, O God; for in thee do I take refuge. 2 (O my soul), thou hast said unto Jehovah, Thou art my Lord: I have no good beyond thee. 3 As for the saints that are in the earth, they are the excellent in whom is all my delight.” ASV

2 Corinthians 5:1, “For we know that if the earthly house of our tabernacle be dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens.” ASV

These verses are comforting and full of assurance to the faithful Christian. The Christian knows that whatever happens in life or in death that they are safe in the hands of Almighty God. … glc

Today, the electronic and printed media’s religious testimony tells us, either directly or indirectly (i.e. via inference and/or implication) that it does not really matter what the Bible says about religious doctrine. Many voices with religious connections today say clearly that everything is ok with God even though nearly every known religious movement has differences in doctrine. How can intelligent people really accept a philosophy such as this we describe? I do not understand the mentality of people who know there are direct contradictions between the church’s teaching where they attend worship and the teaching of the Bible. Please notice the passages of Scripture following that show God will not accept the departures we have just referred to.

God’s instruction for the Ark of the Covenant {i.e. Noah’s Ark} were specific:

“14 Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shall thou make in the ark, and shall pitch it within and without with pitch.

15 And this is how thou shall make it: the length of the ark three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.

16 A light shall thou make to the ark, and to a cubit shall thou finish it upward; and the door of the ark shall thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shall thou make it.”

9 According to all that I show thee, the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the furniture thereof, even so shall ye make it.” ASV

“4 And this was the work of the candlestick, beaten work of gold; unto the base thereof, (and) unto the flowers thereof, it was beaten work: according unto the pattern which Jehovah had showed Moses, so he made the candlestick.” ASV

How many items in the pattern could be left out and still be according to the PATTERN?

Matthew 16:18, “And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” ASV

Acts 2:38-47, “38 And Peter (said) unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, (even) as many as the Lord our God shall call unto him. 40 And with many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, Save yourselves from this crooked generation. 41 They then that received his word were baptized: and there were added (unto them) in that day about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 and they sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all, according as any man had need. 46 And day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to them day by day those that were saved.” ASV

How many items in God’s plan of salvation can man leave undone and be saved from sin?

1. Edify the body [i.e. the saints – congregation] – 1 Thessalonians 5:11-18, “11 Wherefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as also ye do. 12 But we beseech you, brethren, to know them that labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 and to esteem them exceeding highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be longsuffering toward all. 15 See that none render unto any one evil for evil; but always follow after that which is good, one toward another, and toward all. 16 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to you-ward.” ASV

Romans 14:17, “for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” ASV

2. Evangelize the world - Ephesians 4:11-12, “11 And he gave some (to be) apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ:” ASV

Acts 13:49, “And the word of the Lord was spread abroad throughout all the region.” ASV

2 Corinthians 8:18, “And we have sent together with him the brother whose praise in the gospel (is spread) through all the churches;” ASV

2 Timothy 2:2, “And the things which thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” ASV

1 Timothy 5:17-18” 17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching. 18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. And, The laborer is worthy of his hire.” ASV

3. Care for the congregation’s needy - 1 Timothy 5:16, “If any woman that believeth hath widows, let her relieve them, and let not the church be burdened; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.” ASV

The passage in 1 Tim 5:6 tells us who is to care for widows indeed and also for those that are not the charge of the congregation.

These references were displayed to show that the Bible is to be regarded as a book of religious authority. Wherever the Bible teacher seeks the truth on any religious point he must appeal to the Bible for it. The Written Word of God is the only source of truth as John as revealed to us:

John 8:32, “and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” ASV

The Word of God (i.e. Christ’s teachings) will be the standard of judgment in the last day.”

John 12:48, “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my sayings, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I spake, the same shall judge him in the last day.” ASV

We must always be conscious of the importance that God places on the maintenance of “TRUTH”. Surely the teaching throughout the Bible is significant with regard to its patterns, consistency, and efforts to enlist man’s mind in understanding the need to obey these various laws and Divine instructions.

These religious philosophers and promoters of union throughout the religious world ought to stop, look, and understand that they are leading the blind and unlearned in the wrong direction. We ought to stand up for the truth and defend the truth that has been revealed to us – notice the phrase in the Book of Jude; Jude 3, “Beloved, while I was giving all diligence to write unto you of our common salvation, I was constrained to write unto you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints.” ASV

The thought that Jude is relaying to us is, “stand up for the truth” – yea, as stated in other key Scriptures;

Ephesians 6:11-17, “11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual (hosts) of wickedness in the heavenly (places). 13 Wherefore take up the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 withal taking up the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil (one). 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:” ASV

2 Thessalonians 2:14-15, “14 whereunto he called you through our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye were taught, whether by word, or by epistle of ours.” ASV

Philippians 4:1, “Wherefore, my brethren beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my beloved.” ASV

Philippians 1:27, “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ: that, whether I come and see you or be absent, I may hear of your state, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the gospel;

May we recognize the fact that we cannot compromise God’s Word, no! not one “jot or title.” We are duty bound as God’s children to uphold the truth without partiality. While we are to present the truth and stand up for the truth, we must always present it in its purity and simplicity; without arrogance or hatefulness in our heart. We are to recognize that we must love God with our whole heart, love our brethren, and always love our neighbor.

Mark 12:30-31, “30 and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. 31 The second is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.” ASV

Remember that our Gospel Meeting for May 9-14, 2004 with John Isaac Edwards is not too far away. Perhaps we ought to put a mark on the calendar now so that we will be reminded of the meeting when we look at the month of May.

{On February 29 morning Bible study} we began a new study guide in our class on personal evangelism {i.e. personal work}. The new 8 ½ X 11, spiral bound study guides were prepared by glc for use in this class.

Often in our thoughts, the very idea of dying is pushed far back in our mind. Yet, regardless of our attempt to ignore death’s claim on us we are constantly reminded of it. Indeed, as we drive from place to place we pass many cemeteries, these always remind us of our coming appointment with death. Whenever we search the Scriptures we understand the nature of death and find out that we can make preparations fo it so that it becomes an event that brings us closer to God.

Everyone will experience death – Hebrews 9:27, “And inasmuch as it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this (cometh) judgment;” ASV

It is the end of the physical existence – Ecclesiastes 12:7, “and the dust returneth to the earth as it was, and the spirit returneth unto God who gave it.” ASV

The eternal part of man returns to God at death – Ecclesiastes 12:7, “and the dust returneth to the earth as it was, and the spirit returneth unto God who gave it.” ASV

The eternal part awaits the judgment in paradise or torments (i.e. in Geek-Hades; Hebrew-Sheol) –

Revelation 20:12-14, “12 And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne; and books were opened: and another book was opened, which is (the book) of life: and the dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13 And the sea gave up the dead that were in it; and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 14 And death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death, (even) the lake of fire.” ASV

Everyone will be resurrected and judged, no one is exempted – Revelation 20:13, “And the sea gave up the dead that were in it; and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.” ASV

The righteous will inherit heaven – Matthew 25:46b, “… but the righteous into eternal life.”

Revelation 20:15, “And if any was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire.” ASV

The righteous will be forever with the Lord - Revelation 14:13, “And I heard the voice from heaven saying, Write, Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow with them.” ASV

2 Peter 2:20-22, “20 For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein and overcome, the last state is become worse with them than the first. 21 For it were better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22 It has happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog turning to his own vomit again, and the sow that had washed to wallowing in the mire.” ASV

Some of the greatest disasters in our lives are discovered or enlarged by turning back to events or lifestyles that we were involved in before we became children of God (2 Peter 2:20-22). Most of us (i.e. who are now Christians) have changed from wicked deeds, dishonest actions, immorality, or worse, by turning to Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sin (1 Cor 6:9-11). Indeed, we have been born again, we have been washed with pure water, and the blood of Christ has cleansed us from all sin. Consequently, we ought to press forward {i.e. “on” as the apostle Paul says in Phil 3:12-14. The truly converted person must not entangle themselves again in the things that were formally a part of their life as sinners.

As we live in this world, we will experience changes in our lives as age, experience of life, and a good relationship with God occur. The life spent in wickedness does not get any better; it only gets worse as one grows older. Yet, the life that is filled with change (i.e. from sinful to righteous through God’s grace and our own obedience, becomes good, is worth living, and growing old is not too bad after all (2 Peter 3:18). Let us therefore cling to God’s instruction so that we will avoid entering again into heart-brake, sadness, and guilt by going back and trying to live like we did during our life before we committed ourselves into God’s hands; God will always stand by us (Hebrews 13:5-6; 2 Timothy 1:10-12). … glc

Ephesians 4:26, “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:” ASV

1. “Be ye angry,” This indicates that men may become angry. Anger therefore is not sinful of itself.

2. “And sin not:” This clause indicates that one may be angry, yet not consummate that anger – resulting in sin. The consummation of anger is to proceed on the basis of the anger to harm or hurt the object of it, this is sinful

3. “Let not the sun go down on your wrath.” This phrase indicates that it is not good to allow anger (i.e. wrath) to seethe for a long period of time, anger left unattended over a long period of time may lead to awful consequence. Control anger soon or it will get out of hand and cause one to commit sin.

Titus 1:7, “For the bishop must be blameless, as God's steward; not self- willed, not soon angry, no brawler, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre;” ASV

Here, one of the qualifications of an elder in the church of Christ is, the candidate must not be given to quick anger – he must have himself under control with regard to anger.” In this passage there is nothing to suggest that anger if itself is sinful. Un- controlled anger though, may lead to many sins.

“16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits.

17 Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men.

19 Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath (of God): for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord.

20 But if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him to drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head.

Genesis 4:5, “but unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.” ASV

Here Cain became angry and failed to control his anger. Cain failed to bring his anger under control, and it resulted in the killing of his brother, Abel

Genesis 4:8, “And Cain told Abel his brother. And it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and slew him.: ASV

Ecclesiastes 7:9, “Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry; for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.” ASV

Solomon; The wise man of old recognized that hasty, uncontrolled anger is destructive. Just be sure as a person allows anger to seethe within himself, he will do something that he will regret as a result.

The Christian must put forth every effort to avoid anger completely. If a Christian is angered by something or someone he would do well to bring that anger under control quickly. Unless anger is brought under control quickly one may proceed to lie, physically assault another person, or even make an overt action that could lead to the death of the object of that anger. Anger will not remain anger if uncontrolled, it ill quickly become hatred.

The Christian should put forth every effort to develop characteristics that are pure and holy. Anger is not normally a good characteristic in the life of any child of God, this especially true of anger that is not quickly brought under control. Finally, “be ye angry and sin not.”

Most of us are given to compulsive actions many times as we consider doing right. We are not careful to count the cost when we are seeking fleshly gratification or personal satisfaction. Yet, to rush head long into anything without considering the consequences is, at the very least, foolish. I truly think that this is a problem with many people as they consider religious activities or becoming connected some religious group. Perhaps most of us are all to quick to pursue some religious relationship on a purely emotional response rather then seriously considering the reason for becoming a part of it. Most of us do not stop and consider the relationship, whether it is Biblically correct, provable by the Holy Scriptures, explained honestly to us, and etc. Why are we so careless in choosing a religion? There are so many, we ought to be serious whenever we consider a religious alignment for ourselves and our family.

There are a few very important questions that we ought to consider of any religious movement before we give our time, money, and effort to support it or become an active participant in it.

Does the religious movement that we are considering use the Bible as their standard of authority?

Does the religious movement that we are considering worship God according to Biblical standards?

Does the religious movement that we are considering use the 66 book of the Hebrew/Greek Biblical text?

Does the religious movement that we are considering appeal to the Bible for God’s plan of salvation from sin; and for the initiation of new church members?

Does the religious movement that we are considering appeal to the Bible for their organizational structure?

Does the religious movement that we are considering appeal to the Bible for the work and worship structure of the church?

All the above questions can be answered by those that meet here at 4840 Cemetery Road in Hilliard.

Contact any of us at any time. You are welcome to examine us to determine if these things are so; please feel free to visit us at 4840 Cemetery Road in Hilliard, Ohio

Write or contact us and request to be put on the mailing list at glclair@aol.com

Money is a useful commodity, money is essential to us in our society today. Money is used by us to educate ourselves, feed our families, purchase a home, and buy a car, also for clothing, health care, and other things. To suggest that we do not need money is silly. God has no problem with man providing the needs of life or of man working to gain material things for himself and his family, rather he insists upon man providing sustenance for his family --- 1 Timothy 5:8, “But if any provideth not for his own, and specially his own household, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.” ASV

God understands that we need to have the things of life necessary to sustain us that is not a problem --- the problem defined by God that relates to money is “The LOVE of money” (e.g. 1 Timothy 6:10, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil: which some reaching after have been led astray from the faith, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” ASV) The love of money is the inordinate passion for money --- the uncontrolled desire followed by implementation of methods to acquire it regardless of the right or wrong of the process.

Christians ought never allow themselves to get caught up in he desire for material things, things which money can buy without examining carefully the method which they are determined to use in getting that desire satisfied. God understands the possibility that we may sin in the process of satisfying a desire (i.e. in this case, “lust”).

The love of money is the root (i.e. first cause) of all kinds of evil.” If we will remember that it is possible for us to want something with too great a passion (i.e. lust), we may be able to control our desire for things that money can purchase. All of us are subject to temptation, all of us are capable of failing in this matter, all of us therefore must be aware of the possibility that we may “LOVE” money too much. In (1 Corinthians 9:27, “but I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.” ASV) we are given an example by Paul the apostle on how we must be conscious of the passion within us and control our appetite for things. --- Garreth L. Clair, 4-27-1993

Paul instructed the Corinthian church (i.e. collectively), “to lay by in store on the first day of the week.”

Concerning these words, “lay” and “store” – W.E. Vine in Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words says, regarding both words – that they refer to a common treasury. Concerning this instruction, Albert Barnes says of the phrase – “lay by in store” in 1 Corinthians 16:2 – “They were to lay it by, and put into the common treasury, that there might be no trouble collecting when he should come. Alternatively, it may, perhaps, mean that they were individually to treasure it up, having designated in their own mind the sum that they could give, and have in readiness when he should come. This was evidently to be done not on one Sunday only, but was to be done on EACH Lord’s Day until he should come.”

There is a great difference in the use of the Lord’s Treasury today by religious organizations; The many and sundry uses are to my personal understanding contrary to the teaching of the New Testament on the matter. It is my honest contention that there are only three legitimate (i.e. Scriptural uses) of the treasury.

God’s Written Word is clear on this point as we see in the church at Jerusalem, the needs of the poor were cared for from the congregations treasury by an appointed group (i.e. possibly the first deacons) – cf., Acts 6:1-8. Again in Acts 11:28-30 we read of the congregation in Antioch sending relief to the church in Judea.

The New Testament church consistently involved itself in the instructions given by the Lord to the apostles. The early church set the pattern for us in congregational evangelism as they took the gospel to the entire world of their day, Today we must also do as much in the area of local and world evangelism as the congregation is able to do. We note also that the early congregations supported those that spent their lives in teaching the gospel. Paul wrote that the laborer was worthy of his hire, cf., 1 Timothy 5:18. Paul also instructed churches to support those that sowed spiritual things among them (i.e. teachers/preachers) cf.,

1 Corinthians 9:6-14, “6 Or I only and Barnabas, have we not a right to forbear working?

7 What soldier ever serveth at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not the fruit thereof? Or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock?

8 Do I speak these things after the manner of men? or saith not the law also the same?

9 For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. Is it for the oxen that God careth,

10 or saith he it assuredly for our sake? Yea, for our sake it was written: because he that ploweth ought to plow in hope, and he that thresheth, (to thresh) in hope of partaking.

11 If we sowed unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we shall reap your carnal things?

12 If others partake of (this) right over you, do not we yet more? Nevertheless we did not use this right; but we bear all things, that we may cause no hindrance to the gospel of Christ.

13 Know ye not that they that minister about sacred things eat (of) the things of the temple, (and) they that wait upon the altar have their portion with the altar?

14 Even so did the Lord ordain that they that proclaim the gospel should live of the gospel.” ASV

It is also shown that the church at Philippi sent again and again to Paul’s needs while he was involved in preaching the gospel; cf., Philippians 4:14-18, “14 Howbeit ye did well that ye had fellowship with my affliction.

15 And ye yourselves also know, ye Philippians, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church had fellowship with me in the matter of giving and receiving but ye only;

17 Not that I seek for the gift; but I seek for the fruit that increaseth to your account.

18 But I have all things, and abound: I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things (that came) from you, and odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God.” ASV

Since this work is to be performed to the extent of each congregation’s ability; this method is binding on each autonomous congregation today.

The Written Word requires of each congregation that it come together at appointed times for worship and edification. An upper room was utilized at Troas, cf., Acts 20:6-9, “6 And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days, where we tarried seven days. 7 And upon the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul discoursed with them, intending to depart on the morrow; and prolonged his speech until midnight. 8 And there were many lights in the upper chamber where we were gathered together. 9 And there sat in the window a certain young man named Eutychus, borne down with deep sleep; and as Paul discoursed yet longer, being borne down by his sleep he fell down from the third story, and was taken up dead.” ASV

The apostle Paul apparently rented a place while he was in Rome where he preached the gospel for two years, cf. Acts 28:30-31, “30 And he abode two whole years in his own hired dwelling, and received all that went in unto him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, none forbidding him.” ASV

Since the assembly of the church is appointed by Scripture, whatever is needed to expedite the assembly is authorized. Some brethren meet in a home, some in a rented building, some in a building constructed by funds from the church treasury. It is also true that song books, Bibles, class material, etc. – whether purchased from brethren or compiled by the elders or the preacher of the congregation, may be purchased from the congregation’s treasury.

Funds from the treasury ought not be used for entertaining the membership or others.

The church treasury should not be used to provide banqueting facilities for the membership – there are many other ways and places for such matters.

The congregation’s treasury should not be used to support entities that are not part of the churches mission.

The congregations treasury ought to be used for Biblically authorized causes only - Col 3:15-17, “15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to the which also ye were called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms (and) hymns (and) spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts unto God. 17 And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, (do) all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” ASV

In this brief study, I have attempted to show that each congregation has the responsibility to the extent of its ability to perform it assigned Divine Mission:

Ephesians 4:10-12, “10 He that descended is the same also that ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave some (to be) apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 for the perfecting of the saints, unto the work of ministering, unto the building up of the body of Christ:” ASV

Many of our religious neighbors resort to any means to raise money to carry on their work program. The only method that God authorizes in the New Testament for raising funds to carry on the work that HE has assigned each congregation is through free-will contributions into a common treasury on the first day of each week, cf. 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, “1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I gave order to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye. 2 Upon the first day of the week let each one of you lay by him in store, as he may prosper, that no collections be made when I come.” ASV

Any method other that that stated in 1 Cor 16:1-2 is unauthorized by God; the duty of each Christian in the church is therefore responsible as a collective body to build the congregation’s treasury with their weekly contributions so that the work may be done.

Today, many people are placing the blame for bad things in their life on God. Many people are blaming God when they really do not understand that God cannot do evil things, God is the source of every good thing that occurs in our lives. Perhaps the reason some people blame God for their problems is that they do not believe in God in the first place and any opportunity to degrade God in the eyes of others is considered by them a way to get even.

As we stated, God is the source of all good things that we receive in life - cf., James 1:17, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning" NKJV.

James 3:17, "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy" NKJV.

1 Peter 2:20-22, "20 For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: 22 "Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth" NKJV.

On the other hand, the Bible tells us that the cause of all misery, sickness, death, and every evil thing that happens to man is from the Devil and his agents, and a consequence of sin - cf., Matthew 13:38-39, "38 The field is the world, the good seeds are the sons of the kingdom, but the tares are the sons of the wicked one. 39 The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels"

John 8:44, "44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it" NKJV.

Acts 10:38, "38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him" NKJV.

Acts 13:10, "10 and said, "O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord" NKJV? - Ephesians 6:11,

"11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil"

Hebrews 2:14, "14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, NKJV

Even though the Devil (i.e., Satan, the evil one, etc.) is the source of all wickedness the Christian can resist him and he will flee (i.e., cannot overcome the Christian) - cf., James 4:7, "7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you" NKJV. … Glc

One of the problems that hinder the growth of many people and churches is the existence of unproductive members. Unproductive members are those people that do nothing to promote or assist in the development and growth of the church. There are people who have their names on the roll of a church but who are never active in their service to God. These unproductive people may be good people but they are not right with God. They are not right with God because they are failing to grow or to contribute anything to the church as it works to grow and mature, even though they know that the Bible teaches them to grow in such passages as 2 Peter 3:18, "but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen" NKJV. In the parable of the barren fig tree, we can see that people who are unproductive (i.e., fail to grow and produce fruit) are discarded by the Lord - discarded, in the sense of being rejected as useless and unacceptable to God.

6 He also spoke this parable: "A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none.

7 Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, 'Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?'

8 But he answered and said to him, 'Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it.

9 And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.'" NKJV

One of the interesting thoughts advanced via the parable in Luke 13:6-9 is the fact that even though the fig tree is failing to produce, God says that it is to be cared for a while longer in hopes that it will gain strength and begin to produce - viz. verse 8-9.

The church is made up of a plurality of people, whenever one of the members of the church shows that they are failing to produce good fruit it is time for the rest of the congregation to assist that member in an attempt to get him/her back on track. If the unproductive member cannot be encouraged to participate and contribute to the work and growth of the congregation, the elders are to discipline such a one.

A Christian cannot just quit doing the work which will glorify God, quit encouraging the brethren, quit financially supporting the work, quit visiting the needy and shut-in, quit studying, and quit attending services and still be considered a productive member. Whenever a Christian ceases to be productive in their service to God and to their fellow man, they have surely missed the mark.

Romans 8:1, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. NKJV

Romans 14:23, "But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin" NKJV.

1 Corinthians 8:12, "But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ" NKJV"

James 1:14-15, "But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. > Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death" NKJV.

1 John 5:17, "All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death" NKJV.

1 John 3:4, "Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness" NKJV.

There are some Christians that are unproductive, but due to conditions beyond their control. Those Christian men and women that have faithfully served the Lord all of their productive lives surely fall into the category that the great apostle Paul who describes his hopes and expectations for the resurrection in 2 Timothy 4:6-8, "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing" NKJV. There is a great number of faithful disciples that dedicate their lives and their possessions to the service of the Lord for their productive years, yet when the years multiply they find that they no longer are able to function as they have in the past - such a state for man is discussed by the wise man of old in

Ecclesiastes 12:1-7, "1 Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult days come, And the years draw near when you say, "I have no pleasure in them":

2 While the sun and the light, The moon and the stars, Are not darkened, And the clouds do not return after the rain;

3 In the day when the keepers of the house tremble, And the strong men bow down; When the grinders cease because they are few, And those that look through the windows grow dim;

4 When the doors are shut in the streets, And the sound of grinding is low; When one rises up at the sound of a bird, And all the daughters of music are brought low.

5 Also they are afraid of height, And of terrors in the way; When the almond tree blossoms, The grasshopper is a burden, And desire fails. For man goes to his eternal home, And the mourners go about the streets.

6 Remember your Creator before the silver cord is loosed, Or the golden bowl is broken, Or the pitcher shattered at the fountain, Or the wheel broken at the well.

7 Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it. NKJV

Many old Christians that are feeble, short sighted, have weak knees, and few teeth know that their usefulness in God's service is limited, yet many of them continue to do all that they are able to do in spite of age and physical pain.

Yet, there are some that because of age and infirmity (i.e., various sicknesses associate with aging), can do very little if anything. It is not that they do not want to do the work but it is because they are physically or mentally unable to do it any longer.

These brethren and faithful sisters will some day rejoice when they receive their crown promised to the faithful one - Cf., 2 Timothy 4:7-8, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing (i.e., the faithful Christians - inserted by glc)." NKJV,

4 I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus,

5 that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge,

7 so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ,

8 who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Where in the Bible did this statement come from? Actually, there is not a verse or an example in the Holy Scripture that teaches this false doctrine. No, the Bible teaches the opposite position - people are to become part of the one true church that Jesus Christ established nearly 2000 years ago.[12] The church Jesus promised,[13] and which came into existence in Acts 2:38-42. Additions to this church are made by its head, Jesus Christ,[14] and there is no other way to enter this church or acquire this saved status but by submitting to the teaching of the Holy Scriptures, (i.e., by obedience to Jesus Christ).[15]

Today many people are unconcerned about being religiously correct in their pursuit of godliness, most people want to be religious but they want a religion that is convenient for their own purposes[16]. Perhaps the social conditions of those born after the Second World War were such that conditioned them to be satisfied with status religion rather than true religion, with socially correct religion rather than obedience, with get-along-with-everyone convictions rather that definite religious positions, and the concept of palatable religion to everyone (i.e., ecumenicalism).[17]

"True Worship of the One True God" is defined in John 4:24 as worship in Spirit and in truth. This simply means that the worship that God accepts and which glorifies Him is offered according to that which He has authorized and that the Holy Spirit has revealed. This formula is always acceptable to God - an obedient spirit serving God according to truth.[18] This is the religion that God revealed for man's good, God desires man's worship but that worship ought to be offered according to God's desires and not according to man's desires. You see, man does not have the knowledge or the wisdom to save himself; his only hope is in God.[19]

While you consider the things we have presented on this page of the HILLIARD BULLETIN may we encourage you to attend the gospel meeting that is going on here from May 9-14, 2004.

You will be impressed with the simplicity of our service - we sing songs, offer fervent prayers to God, study the Bible together, and listen attentively to the preaching of the Bible. The speaker for this meeting is John Isaac Edwards from Salem, Indiana

As we sit down at the computer keyboard to prepare the HILLIARD BULLETIN or any other piece of written information on behalf of God, we are never forgetful to consider our littleness. To take the Bible and attempt to explain anything requires great humbleness on our part, we must always consider that God has revealed the contents of the Bible to us as He wills it to be understood. One of the problems that we (i.e., humans - with free-moral-agency) have is

our desire to know more than we see. A quality that is normal in people and which may be useful if we consistently understand our place in the Divine scheme of things.

God is superior to man in every way, this is the first order of business for those of us that try to explain some passage in the Bible that seems to be causing difficulty for us or for others. Understanding that we are inferior to God aids us in keeping our place - our place is in subjection to God - Genesis 1:27-28, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Then God blessed them, and God said to them," Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth" NKJV. From this passage, we understand that we are created beings, God is our creator, and therefore HE knows what makes us tick. As we realize this first great truth about our place in relation to God, it is easier to think and write about those things that God has revealed. Indeed, we want to reverence and respect God in all that we do, submission, respect, and glorification of God should come naturally to us because of this knowledge - NOTE: David's great acknowledgement of God after he has presumed to make plans without God's instruction in the matter of the cedar house, cf., 2 Samuel 7:18-29 (See also 1 Chronicles 17:16-27). We also need to understand the nature of faithfulness, faithfulness consist in submitting to God under all circumstances of life, during good times and during bad times - EXAMPLE - the man Job

Ø The response to all Job's misery and loss is humble submission - Job 1:20-22

There is no time like the time of youth in the lifetime of the Christian; each Christian ought to extend themselves in an effort to grow in knowledge and wisdom in God's service. Some of the wise thoughts revealed via the Written Word encourage young people to get started in service to God early and grow with deliberation and patience, submitting to the wise instruction of the hoary headed ones, according to God's instructions. Please note the following:

"Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult days come, And the years draw near when you say, "I have no pleasure in them" NKJV.

Proverbs 20:29, "The glory of young men is their strength, And the splendor of old men is their gray head." NKJV

The wise man, Solomon, surely knew of the benefits of early commitment to God. God can use the strength and enthusiasm of the young, youth is the most expedient time in life for the individual to commit to God's service. Dedication to the principles of righteousness early in ones life does not guarantee accuracy in thought or action, but the young are adaptable, they are susceptible to change, they are willing to learn. The willingness of the young to learn will surely enable many of them to mature in soundness and fidelity to the faith.

14 Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers.

15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.

17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort,

18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.

19 Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity."

20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.

21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.

22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.

24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient,

25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,

26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will" NKJV.

Ø Know this, everyone who claims to be worthy are not necessarily so, some are of clay value not of gold or silver value - verse 20.

Ø Do not allow your youthful passions to lead you astray, maintain faithfulness - verse 22.

Ø Confront those that are in opposition to God's teaching in a kind way, seeking their restoration - verse 25.

These instructions are worthy admonitions to all Christians, yet in this context Paul is dealing with Timothy and his work as a teacher and faithful young Christian. Young people (both male and female) consider the instruction and gauge your lives according to sound instruction, instruction like these revealed to us in 2 Timothy.

1. AGE AND EXPERIENCE ARE A VALUABLE SOURCE OF INFORMATION FOR THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN:

32 'You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the LORD" NKJV.

31 The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, If it is found in the way of righteousness" NKJV.

2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. NKJV

Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.

18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.

19 For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil" NKJV.

10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it.

11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ" NKJV.

12 For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise" NKJV.

9 And moreover, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yes, he pondered and sought out and set in order many proverbs.

10 The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was upright -- words of truth.

11 The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd.

12 And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books, there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh.

13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments,

14 For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, Whether good or evil"

The instructions given by God that we have discussed, have been presented to encourage the young (both young men and young women), to consider well God's instructions. The editor, while writing this article has considered himself while young, middle aged, and growing older. The thoughts are best digested by the individual while they are young for a number of reasons, as we have noted:

1. Young people have sharp minds and are able to adjust their affections and commitments as they are shown the reasonableness of God's requirements on their lives.

2. The physical stamina contributes to the endurance of our young people (i.e., teachers, preachers, and young Christian ladies), as the young Christian exhibits their dedication and resolve to continue in the "narrow way" - cf., Matthew 7:13-14, "The Narrow Way" (Also - Luke 13:24): "> Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. > Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it" NKJV.

It is difficult to understand the different level of participation, continuation in difficult tasks, interaction with other faithful ones outside the assemblies, and generally laboring in the work of the Lord for the young preacher verses the older preacher. It may be difficult for the young person to visualize this matter but age makes a difference in strength and stamina for service in God's vineyard. We understand that this is so after we have attained to an advanced age but while we are still young we do not dwell very much on the realities of this subject, "age" verses the "strength of youth."

For the young Christians, we encourage continued faithfulness and untiring dedication and untiring service in the Lord's work. Always be steadfast in faithful service standing always for the 'TRUTH." There will come a time in your future, when "… the difficult days come, and the years draw near when you say, "I have no pleasure in them" NKJV - (Ecclesiastes 12:1b).

We all benefit whenever our young men and women dedicate themselves to the service of God. There are always opportunities for our young men and women to be faithful servants in the Lord's church; we encourage them with our whole heart. "Young man, young woman," do faithfully abide in the Lord's service all the days of your life. Realize your best time for service is when you are young, strong, and full of righteous zeal, but willing to consistently learn and mature - 2 Peter 3:18.

A great need exist today for young, energetic, and dedicated preachers of the gospel. In many parts of the country, there are few young preachers, some congregations are finding it difficult to find, support, and encourage young preachers to come and declare the whole council of God. Perhaps one of the major problem that stand in the way of many young men entering the field of preaching is the need, in many instances of their doing secular work to supply their financial needs. Some churches are small and unable to fully support a good man completely, in some cases a man desiring to preach will have to work with his hands to supply or supplement his financial needs.

The New Testament gives us examples of occasions where gospel preachers were supported by working with their own hands, cf., 1 Cor 4:11-12, "To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure;" NKJV. In this passage the apostle Paul points to the nature of the work for Christ that he and others had to deal with, we today are no better than these great workers for God. Surely, we can work a secular job so that others might benefit from our work as an evangelist wherever necessary.

The need for good, sound, gospel preachers is evident in many parts of the vast brotherhood today. Some churches are getting along without a regular preacher, this is good - yet, the need for consistency, continuity, systematic arranging of studies, and the availability of a qualified person to go from house to house as the need arises is also expedient, many church members are working long hours in a secular job. Indeed, the need for full time, located, evangelists is great.

Romans 1:16, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. NKJV

34 Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me.

35 I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive" NKJV.

ARE YOU WILLING TO KEEP UP THE FAITHFUL WORK EVEN THOUGH YOU CANNOT FIND A CONGREGATION WITH FULL TIME SUPPORT?

"8 And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God.

9 But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus.

10 And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks" NKJV.

6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. NKJV

Good men who preach the gospel on a full time basis must deal with many human problems as they teach, seeking to convert the lost and edify the faithful. There is no easy way to deal with problems that do arise, simply face them with the knowledge that God has revealed to you via the Written Word. All problems that a gospel teacher face will be addressed in the Written Word of God either directly, by apostolic example, or through inference (i.e., general or necessary) A few examples of problem solving by Bible teachers is found in the Written Word, please notice a few of them - following:

Galatians 1:6, "I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel" NKJV.

1 Corinthians 16:13, "Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong" NKJV.

34 Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says.

35 And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church" NKJV.

1 This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work.

2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach;

3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous;

4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence

5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?);

6 not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.

7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

8 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money,

10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless.

11 Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.

12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. NKJV

12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.

15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.

16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. NKJV

1 Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers,

4 But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God.

5 Now she who is really a widow, and left alone, trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day.

8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

9 Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she has been the wife of one man,

10 well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work.

11 But refuse the younger widows; for when they have begun to grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry,

13 And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not.

14 Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

16 If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows. NKJV

17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.

18 For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer is worthy of his wages."

19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses.

20 Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.

21 I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you

22 Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people's sins; keep yourself pure.

23 No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities.

24 Some men's sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later.

25 Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden. NKJV

3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. NKJV

I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:

2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;

4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. NKJV

1 Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

27 So he answered and said,"' You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,' and 'your neighbor as yourself.'"

39 And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' NKJV

20 If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?

22 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.

There are other areas where the Bible teacher needs knowledge, we all need to understand the nature of teaching the Bible to other people on their level and understand that there will be problems {i.e., questions, disputes, etc.}, which must be settled by a thus saith the Lord and not through cunning or loud argumentation. GLC … H.B. - June 04

Jeremy Archer - Hilliard Darby High School - Bowling Green State University, fall

We congratulate these three on their academic accomplishments and wish for them the very best in future endeavors. May God bless these three young people to reach great goals in life for self and for God.

Margie Boysel is home with back and leg pain, we pray that she will be ok before too long. - (614) 876-5519

See the schedule on the Bulletin board in the vestibule, Aaron Kemple will be preaching in our October meeting.

On these Sunday night services, special arrangements are planned by one of the men of the congregation; plan to participate if you are called on.

4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. NKJV

All around us this time of year people are planning, calling, seeking, or running from pillar to post getting ready for their vacation trip. The schools are out and the planned days off have been reserved since late in 2003 or early in 2004. The reservations and tickets have been reserved and the time has arrived. As we prepare to go, there is one thing that I want you to remember, you ought to plan to worship God while you are away -- Hebrews 10:24-25, > And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: > Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching" (KJV).

Yes, vacations are good in a number of ways, the family is together all the time during the annual vacation -- the togetherness is good for the strengthening of the family unit. The family is interacting all the time during the vacation, whatever adventure awaits next, everyone is involved. The vacation aids the family in strengthening the family bond; the family unit is benefited greatly by the vacation.

Make sure the places, the shown, the eateries, and other outings are not too worldly for you, your wife, or the children. The parents are to decided where they will go as a family, children are not qualified to select the shows, places to eat, and other entertainment, but dad and mom are required to make sure they are not detrimental to the children or to the family's morals and ethics -- Ephesians 6:4, "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord". -- Colossians 3:24, "Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ" (KJV).

There is no question that modern television is fairly dominated with filth and immorality. If we own televisions, certain principles should determine our viewing habits

1) Are you wasting time? Paul calls upon us to “redeem the time because the days are evil.” (Eph. 5:16). The Psalmist said that he loved the law of God so much; it was his meditation “all the day” (Ps. 119:97). He obviously thought God’s word was more important that the available entertainments of his day. How much time are you wasting away?

2) Are you rejoicing in iniquity? The one who truly loves “does not rejoice in iniquity.” (1 Cur. 13:6). God’s essential quality is love (1 John. 4:8). Therefore, the one who rejoices in iniquity in any sense, including being entertained by it through television, does not love and is not a God-like individual. Do you rejoice in iniquity through what you watch?

3) Are you polluting your mind? The course, or “springs of life” flows from the mind. (Pr. 4:23). James asked, “does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?” (Jas. 3:11). Of course this does not happen! Neither does the heart that is impure produce pure behavior. How can we expect to lead pure lives when we pollute our hearts with impurity? Jesus said, “blessed are the pure in heart” (Matt. 5:8). The psalmist said, “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes.” (Ps. 101:3). My eyes belong to God, not to the television set! Are you dirtying up your mind?

4) Are you wasting money? Some spend some much money for cable television and movie rental; they have none left to serve God. Yet, Paul said one of the reasons we work is so that we “may have something to give to him who has need.” (Eph. 4:28). John warned, “Whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and shuts his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (1 John. 3:17). Some would trade their brother’s well being in for a satellite dish. Folks, it’s time to opt for a pair of rabbit ears and high time to start sharing what God has given us!

5) Are you strengthening the hand of the wicked? The prophets in Ezekiel’s day were condemned because they “strengthened the hands of the wicked” (Ezekiel. 13:22). Are we strengthening the hand of the wicked by funding their immoral broadcasts? Are we approving of the “unfruitful works of darkness” (Eph. 5:11) rather than exposing them? Wickedness needs a strong united front against it, not a bunch of television-watching couch potatoes helping it gain a foothold in the lives of Christians.

6) Are you damaging your influence toward others? When you tell others that you watched a certain program, and that program had curse words, nudity, approval of fornication, and other types of corruption, what kind of influence are you? Are you being a “the light of world” that causes others to “glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:13, 16)? Could you allow your children to watch what you just watched? What about your friends and neighbors? We need to “walk in wisdom toward those who are outside” (Col. 4:6). How careful are you about the programs you view? Folks, it’s time for a good old-fashioned television burning among God’s people! (Acts 19:19).

What Are The Prerequisites to Scriptural Baptism & Membership in the Body of Christ?

If we can't know the answer to this question how may we know if we are "citizens of the kingdom" or "members of the body of Christ?" In other words just who is a Christian, a child of God, a brother to Jesus Christ and to others who are in fellowship with deity (1 John 1:1-7; 1 John 5:10-15)? Just who are citizens of Christ's kingdom?

I have no illusions that I will be able to answer these questions to the satisfaction of every reader. I may not answer them to anyone's satisfaction. I do hope I can answer to Christ's satisfaction however (1 Peter 4:11; 1 John 1:1-7; 5:10-15; John 8:31-32;1 Timothy 4:16; 2 Timothy 4:6-8; Revelation 14:13; 22:14; Hebrews 5:9; 1 Peter 1:22-25; Mark 16:15-16, etc.)

Evidently there are more prerequisites to "salvation from alien sins and membership in Christ's blood bought body" than many (even among us who call ourselves just Christians) understand or believe. Let me put it this way for a beginning. I suggest that the "sum total" of what the New Testament cases of conversion following the "Great Commission" given by Christ to His apostles involved, forms the pattern for how one may be a convert to Christ and a member of His blood bought body today, just as was true in the beginning.

Some say that "just so long as one is baptized to obey Christ, their baptism is valid, even though they have associated themselves by choice with a Protestant church." If this be true, then I suppose all "brands" of Baptists are our brethren even though they may not acknowledge us as their brethren. Why do I say this? Because according to every creed I have read among them, they all admit to the following. "Baptism is not essential to salvation,...but it is essential to obedience, since Christ has commanded it..."(Note 8, Pg. 20 Standard Manual For Baptist Churches by Edward T. Hiscox, D.D. 1961 edition) The articles of faith among them may vary in how they state this, but basically most all of them say much the same. They often accuse members of the body of Christ of believing in "baptismal regeneration" which they all denounce. What they evidently do not realize is that we do as well. "Baptismal regeneration" would be true only if we thought that baptism alone saved one like the rituals performed among the Catholics and some others, and that, even of infants. We are as opposed to such as are our Protestant friends. However, when preceded by the proper teaching, baptism is referred to as "the washing of regeneration..." (Titus 3:5). Too, the apostle Peter said plainly "...baptism doth also now save you..." (1 Peter 3:20-21). I like to refer to baptism as "the final act of the new birth of the water and of the Spirit," without which one may not "see" nor "enter" into the kingdom of God (John 3:3-5).

Some with whom I have discussed this matter will answer in the affirmative! My next question is, are the Mormons our brethren? The Mormons baptize by immersion "for the remission of sins." Yet they do not believe in the same God or the same Lord Jesus Christ as do we. Usually the one who has just stated the above affirmation will all of a sudden be unwilling to be consistent with what he has just affirmed and will not accept members of this Cult as his brothers in Christ. How, I ask, if his premise is correct, can he deny this conclusion? I deny it because I believe there are several other prerequisites to scriptural baptism. Inspired apostles and evangelist took into account just where folks were in their understanding of some essential beliefs before they would baptize folks into Christ. For example when Paul preached on Mar's Hill he instructed them concerning the nature of the "one true God and His Son" for without this knowledge even if he should have baptized them, they would not have been saved (Acts 17:22-31; John 8:21-24; Hebrews 11:6).

When Paul encountered some folks who had been immersed "knowing only the baptism of John," he realized that they were not converts to Christ and were in need of submitting to "baptism by Christ's authority" which was not only "for the remission of alien sins, but into Christ and into the one body," His blood bought church. These folks were immediately baptized scripturally. You can read the account in (Acts 19:1-7) See also (Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:26-27; Acts 2:38, 40-41; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 2:13-16).

Some time ago I was reading from a publication of the Assemblies of God denomination in which it was suggested that one should be "baptized in running water to wash away their sins." I wondered how this baptism could do as they suggested when in other places in their own literature they claimed salvation when they came to the alter, accepted Christ and prayed for salvation? Do you get what's wrong with that picture? While a good Bible passage is alluded to which is (Acts 22:16), their application isn't parallel to the case of Saul of Tarsus. He was lost until he obeyed the Lord's commandment as to "what he must do," which was, now that he was a penitent believer who had confessed faith in Christ, had prayed and even fasted, "...arise and be baptized and wash away your sins..." (Acts 22:16; John 3:3-5). Are members of the Assembly of God our brethren in Christ? I wish they would learn the truth and become such, but as things now stand the answer must be no!

WE HAVE LONG TAUGHT THAT "ONE CANNOT BE TAUGHT WRONG AND HAVE BEEN BAPTIZED RIGHT." WERE WE CORRECT IN THIS CONTENTION?

My answer is we were, and we are correct when we maintain the above affirmation. Why do I say this? I rely on Paul's inspired remarks in the Roman letter where he affirms that until or unless one "obeys from the heart that form of doctrine they were delivered" they remain lost. In other words it takes "obeying from the heart" a form of Christ's D.B.R. to be made free of alien sins (Romans 6:16-18; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4). "Obeying from the heart" means (if I understand the inspired language) "with one's understanding" of what constitutes Scriptural baptism, and why one is being baptized. He must believe, before he goes down into the waters of baptism, that he is lost and in need of cleansing in the blood of Christ and believe when he arises from said immersion it is to a newness of life and that then, and not before, he becomes a servant of righteousness and a member of the blood bought body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13).

The conversion of the Queen's treasurer is an interesting case pointing of another prerequisite to Scriptural baptism. When Philip "preached unto him Jesus" (Acts 8:35), as soon as they came to water the treasurer requested baptism and asked, "what doth hinder me to be baptized"(v-36)? He was told that he must "believe with all of his heart" before he could be baptized. In order to know that he did in fact believe on Jesus Christ he had to confess his faith with his mouth just as Jesus and later Paul had also affirmed (See Matthew 10:32-33; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 8:26-39) See also (1 Timothy 6:12).

I don't happen to believe that the New Testament teaches that one can accidentally get into the "one body," the church of our Lord Jesus Christ. I see in (1 Corinthians 12:13) reason to believe that these folks knew into what relationship baptism would place them since it was "by one Spirit they were baptized into one body." By one Spirit means simply the teaching they received from men who were guided by the Holy Spirit they knew they were being baptized into this one body where reconciliation unto God is to be found (See Acts 2:1-4; 22-38, 40-41, 47; Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 2:13-17; Ephesians 3:1-6; Ephesians 4:1-6; Ephesians 5:22-33).

Hearing and learning are prerequisites to conversion or the "new birth" of "water and of the Spirit" (John 3:3-5; Titus 3:3-5). Jesus said so in (John 6:44-45). When the Great Commission was faithfully taught by Christ's apostles the people were being taught by God through these inspired men. The passage reads: "No man can come to me except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God, every man therefore that has heard, and has learned of the Father, cometh unto Me" (John 6:44-45).

While not all cases of conversion to Christ spell out all of the steps that are prerequisite to salvation, since some simply say something like, "many of the priest were obedient to the faith" (Acts 6:7), and "believers were the more added to the Lord..." (Acts 5:14), still when we take each case of conversion a normal progression follows which we have come to list as the "five steps into Christ" 1. Hear the gospel. 2. Believe the same. 3. Repent of sins. 4. Confess one's faith in Christ. 5. Be baptized into Christ and into the one body for the remission of sins. Those steps aren't listed anywhere in your new testament in that exact form, but a gospel preacher by the name of Ben Franklin, if I am not mistaken, many years ago properly put them in this order (which is the only logical order leading to full conversion) so the "five finger method" of teaching others could be easily utilized in converting others to Christ.

Let me share something else that is interesting to me. Foy E. Wallace Jr. -told this story and I have it on tape. He was in a gospel meeting and a woman came out after the service and told him, "brother Wallace, you converted me to Christ but your brother Cled baptized me." Foy said "no lady you're wrong about that." She was quite disturbed with him and repeated the statement and Foy denied her claim once again and added "If I didn't baptize you, I did not convert you, for one isn't converted until one is scripturally baptized." He then paralleled (Acts 2:38 with Acts 3:19). In Acts 2:38 Peter told believers to "repent and be baptized...for the remission of your sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" and in (Acts 3:19 he said to another audience of believers that they must "repent and be converted when times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Father." See the point? He used "converted" as parallel to "being baptized." Therefore, one isn't converted until and unless one is scripturally baptized - See? Beside that, see the parallel between (Acts 2:38 and Matthew 26:28). The same reason Christ shed His blood is why we are to be baptized "for (in order to) the remission of sins." This is a un-get-around-able argument. It can be denied but it can't be disproved.

As I stated in the very beginning, "I doubt that I will be able to satisfy everyone on this matter" but let me say again, "I do not believe one can be taught wrong and baptized right, nor do I believe one can slip up and accidentally become a member of the body of Christ without knowing it."

Everyone who is "baptized" is "baptized into some name." For example if a joint meeting of various denominations was engaged in and they decided to "divide the spoils" of those whom they believed were "converted to Christ" by "faith alone" or at the point that each "accepted Jesus as personal Savior," let me ask you. What are those so called "converts" religiously at this point? Now let us suppose the meeting was jointly conducted by the Methodist-Baptist-Presbyterians and Lutherans. How do those they claim are converts to Christ get to wear these various names? You know as well as I it is when which ever preacher from each group "baptizes them" that they take that name whether it be "Baptist-Methodist-Presbyterian or Lutheran."

Conversely to the above if a penitent believer in Jesus Christ is baptized into Christ and into the name of Christ as well as into the only body, he takes the name Christian, a name which unites and doesn't divide (See Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13; 3:1-6; Acts 11:26; Acts 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16; Acts 4:10-12). Think my friends and my brethren as well.

There is only one "plan of salvation." So far as I know everyone who "obeys from the heart that form of doctrine is made free from sins and becomes a servant of righteousness" (Romans 6:17-18; Colossians 2:12). If after thus obeying one decides to "join" himself or herself to a manmade denominational body, they had better get out of that "plant not planted by the heavenly Father," for sooner of later they will be rooted up (Matthew 15:13; Psalm 127:1; Ephesians 5:22-33). It is certain the Lord "has never added one to a human denomination." He only adds the saved to his blood bought body when they obey the gospel (Acts 2:22-38, 40- 41, 47; Col. 1:13-14; 1 Peter 1:22-25). Those who "obey not the gospel" will suffer everlasting punishment following judgment day according to the words of the inspired apostle Paul in (2 Thessalonians 1:6-9). If you have yet to "obey the gospel of Christ" and this lesson has convinced you of you need to attend to this matter, get in touch with us and allow us to assist you in your obedience. (TAKEN FROM THE INTERNET - JUNE 22, 2004 -- GLC)

I know of no subject that is so misunderstood by so many people in the religious world today than the HOLY SPIRIT. There are so many differing concepts held by religious people that it is almost impossible to get them to agree on the subject, the HOLY SPIRIT or any specifics that relate to it. Because of this wide spread misunderstanding of the subject, those of us that seek to find some solution to the problem have great difficulty. The root of the great disparity between pure Biblical content and emotionalism has been created by such men as Oral Roberts and his family, Benny Hinn, The Full Gospel Businessmen's Fellowship, and others that have spread the misinformation about the Holy Spirit, His work, the teaching about Him in the Bible, and other areas. In the study that we are preparing here, we want to tear down the current false views and doctrinal concepts of Pentecostal, tongue speaking, miracle working, and healing philosophies that is currently being espoused by many misguided religious teachers today.

While we agree that the Holy Spirit is indeed a member of the Godhead, (i.e., the Trinity),

A word not found in Scripture, but used to express the doctrine of the unity of God as subsisting in three distinct Persons. This word is derived from the Gr. trias, first used by Theophilus (A.D. 168-183), or from the Lat. trinitas, first used by Tertullian (A.D. 220), to express this doctrine.

(1.) That God is one, and that there is but one God (Deut. 6:4; 1 Kings 8:60; Isa. 44:6; Mark 12:29, 32; John 10:30).

(2.) That the Father is a distinct divine Person (hypostasis, subsistentia, persona, suppositum intellectuale), distinct from the Son and the Holy Spirit.

(3.) That Jesus Christ was truly God, and yet was a Person distinct from the Father and the Holy Spirit.

(4.) That the Holy Spirit is also a distinct divine Person. - Easton's Dictionary

We cannot agree that the Holy Spirit is working today through people just as he worked through human agency many time in the Old Testament and in the early years of the New Testament era. The concept that the Holy Spirit is actively leading, healing, giving miraculous spiritual gifts to men and women today, and revealing inspiration to some people is false teaching. In the first place, the promises of the baptismal endowment of the Holy Spirit was limited to a few people of the early church era. In the second place, the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit were given to individuals of the first century church through a method that limited the duration of the gift - laying on of an apostle's hands. In the third place, the gift of the Holy Spirit promised to those that believe the gospel and are baptized for the remission of sins was not the baptism of the Holy Spirit nor was it the miraculous gifts of the first century either.

The promise by Christ to his apostles found in the following verses were made specifically to the apostles he had chosen, not others. The promises of the baptism to the apostles of Christ were exclusive.

46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high, (KJV).

4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence, (KJV).

Jesus is telling the apostles that He had chosen, that they were to go to Jerusalem and await the coming of the Holy Spirit -- i.e., the Comforter -- cf., John 14:16-17, > And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; > Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you,

The coming of the Comforter to the apostles would equip them for the work of establishing the church and complete the work that Christ had assigned; later Christ said this very thing to them in John 16:12-15,

13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come.

14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.

15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you.

On the day of Pentecost (see Acts 2:1), the 11 apostles of Christ were assembled while they waited for the fulfillment of the above promise from Christ. It is also interesting to note that while they were waiting for the promise to be fulfilled a new apostle was selected by the Lord by the name of Matthias, the selection of Matthias by the Lord made the company of the apostles of Christ, twelve again.

23 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

24 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,

25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.

26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles, (KJV).

The promise to the apostles made by Christ earlier was fulfilled in Acts 2:1-14,

1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

7 And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?

9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,

10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,

11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, what meanest this?

14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: KJV

We know that the Holy Spirit immersed the 12 apostles because the text says that it did. Please note the contents of verse 14 "But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them" -- the 12 Apostles of Christ were the ones that received this immersion, not the general audience. Look also at verses 3 and 4, which further indicate that the Apostles of Christ were baptized of the Holy Spirit; becoming recipients of the powers that Jesus told them He would send the Holy Spirit (i.e., comforter) to give to them after He returned to the Father.

Later Saul of Tarsus would also receive these special powers when he became an Apostle of Christ (i.e., "… as one born out of due time") -- 1 Cor 15:6-10, > After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. > After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. > And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. > For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. > But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me, (KJV).

There is no evidence in this text or in any of the verses that relate to this event that would indicate men and women other than the Apostles of Christ were ever baptized of the Holy Ghost (i.e., the Holy Spirit). This is a very important point to accept as one seeks a Scriptural view of the Holy Spirit and His work. Indeed, the Lord promise the apostles that He would baptize them in the Holy Spirit, this is a promise to the apostles, this promise was never made to anyone else. The promise included the ability of the apostles to finish the work of Christ and establish the truth of it by miraculous activity.

The miraculous spiritual gifts discussed in 1 Corinthians 12-14 are not referring to the baptism of the Holy Spirit that the Apostles of Christ received. The Spiritual Gifts mentioned by Paul in the Book of 1st Corinthians has reference to miraculous gifts that men received from God through the laying on of the hands of one of the 12 Apostles of Christ, or of those endowed with that power by an Apostle of Christ -- Examples - Acts 5:12,

12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. KJV

Acts 6:5-6, - 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. KJV

Acts 8:14-17, - 14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

Acts 14:3, - 3 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. KJV

12 So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. KJV

1 Tim 4:14, - 14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

2 Tim 1:6, - 6 wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

Acts 5:32, - 32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

Acts 2:38, - 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. KJV

The gift mentioned here refers to something from the Holy Spirit that all who have faith in Christ and obey the gospel will receive. There have been several different views about the gift discussed in these two passages. We must always be aware of the fact that we cannot make an application of this gift that does damage to the context of other passages elsewhere, there are three different endowments discussed in this article - "BAPTISM" - "MIRACULOUS GIFTS" - "THE GIFT of Acts 2:38: 5:32"

Ø Is the gift mentioned here "Salvation from sin"? Many people take the position that it is. The position is not unscriptural. Yet there are other possibilities that we must also explore.

Ø Is the gift "the completed Written Word of God (i.e., the Bible)"? Many people also take this position. Indeed it is true that the inspiration of the Bible has been accomplished via the work of the Holy Spirit, it is also the work of the other members of the Godhead.

Ø Is the gift one of the following: The Baptism of the Holy Spirit or the Miraculous Spiritual Gifts? I am convinced that this cannot be the gift mentioned here in Acts 2 and Acts 5.

Ø We are told via the Scriptures that Christ Dwells in us - {2 Cor 13:5, "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? KJV}, that God dwells in us - {1 John 4:4, "Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. KJV} and we are told in these two passages in Acts that the Holy Spirit dwells in us too - Acts 2:38: 5:32).

It seems to me that since all members of the Godhead dwell in the child of God (i.e., those that have obeyed the gospel and are walking in the light), it is reasonable to suggest that they dwell in us to whatever degree we are faithfully maturing in the faith day by day. All Christians will receive this gift whenever conversion takes place and they consistently grow toward the Divine Pattern - 2 Peter 3:18 Eph 4:15, But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: -- it will become more and more obvious that the Godhead dwells in them by their goodly life, morals, and ethics.

There is no cause worthwhile except the cause of Christ. The cause of Christ is simply the pursuit and spread of truth that originated in the God of the Bible. The greatness of God is exemplified in the phrase "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). What an awesome expression, God's power is unlimited. Can you imagine a greater accomplishment in all of recorded history than the creation of the universe and all that is within it? NO! Of course not, because all that the human mind understands and knows has been established by what we have seen and understand about what exist. This is an important foundational truth in the real world that we may build a sense of understanding upon.

As we consider that which exist, we are forced to conclude that some great power beyond us has designed and created this great cosmos. As we seek for answers to this burning question we are forced to look at the explanation that God offers for all of this that does exist, God says -- Romans 1:16-23,

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them.

20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

23 And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four footed beasts, and creeping things" (KJV).

God further takes credit for determining the boundaries of man's habitation -- Acts 17:24-26.

24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwells not in temples made with hands;

25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he gives to all life, and breath, and all things;

26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation" (KJV).

4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will" (KJV).

God takes credit for controlling the time of the end of the universe -- 2 Peter 3:10-14,

10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless" (KJV).

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved" (KJV).

12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world" (KJV).

Why then, Will a person seek elsewhere for answers to the great questions of life? The only answer that really makes any sense is found in the Written Word of God. Therefore, let us seek the answer where it can be found and stop experimenting with ideals and philosophies that have originated in the minds of mere men.

As we consider the important things of life let us recognize that we need real, honest, and livable answers to the vast problems of life that we have to deal with today. I am continually amazed at the lack of concern expressed by many people today about their relationship to God and the society in which we live. Many people do not seem to care about the truly important issues of life, serving God, being godly parents, children obeying and submitting to parents, spouses remaining faithful to their wedding-day vows, and etc. I wonder what has happened to old time religion and old time morals and ethics.

July 26, yours truly made the trip to Ellettsville, Indiana where the Ellettsville congregation and the Edwards family conduct the yearly Preacher's Training Program. This year there were 20 students from eleven states present. The interest and attention to detail was great, the teaching was also excellent. Johnnie, Johnnie Paul, and John Isaac did the teaching of each class. I was privileged to set in on Monday evening class sessions and Wednesday class session (i.e., July 26-27). One hour before dinner on Wednesday it was my privilege to discuss with the class "problems that preachers face" in their chosen field - I returned home on Wednesday morning (i.e., the 28).

I encourage any man who has a desire to preach the gospel or to develop himself for the eldership, or any other area of service in the congregation to attend one of the sessions. The sessions are in July of each year, you may contact one of the men mentioned above, and they will give you necessary information about the Preacher's Training Program.

One of the problems of youth is the desire to grow up to adulthood fast. Perhaps when one is young the allure of adulthood is attractive. Yet, adulthood carries with it increasing responsibilities as the years begin to multiply. Responsibilities are not very great when we are born into this world; we are cared for completely by parents and by God. Yet, as the year's increase we no longer are cared for completely, but must began to bear some responsibility for ourselves and for our actions, this is what sociologist call maturing.

The maturing process creates problems and necessary restraints upon our actions because society recognizes that because we have matured to a certain point we are now amenable to established laws. This process may vary some from state to state, some states require that a person who desires to drive an automobile must take driver's education classes, and some at 15 years of age others at different ages. The laws pertaining to driving then are to be obeyed by all citizens. If one does not abide within the boundaries of the laws that apply to operating a motor vehicle, the person will have trouble with the police and the courts because they have failed to accept responsibility to obey the law. This is true of the maturing (i.e., ageing) process regarding all areas of life, moral, ethical, and all other areas where law and God require that we exercise responsibility.

Now! God does, indeed require that whenever person reach the age of accountability (i.e., an age when one recognizes and is able to choose between good and evil). Whenever a person is too young to determine the difference between good and evil, God takes care of the person until they reach accountable age. Remember this; accountable age is a point in the maturing process for each person when they become personally responsible for their sins. The Bible clearly establishes that God takes care of the person unable to determine good and evil (i.e., a child), Matt 18:2-5, "> And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, > And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. > Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. > And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me" (KJV). The reference indicates clearly that the childlike qualities possessed by a child ought to be the qualities that a mature, saved from sin, person should possess. A similar passage is found in Mark 9:36-37, NOTE: " > And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, > Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me" (KJV). As we search the Holy Scriptures we find that God has always recognized children that are incapable of choosing between right and wrong as safe, having no responsibility to believe, repent, confess Him, and be baptized. The childlike qualities found in little children then, are the kind of qualities that ought to be found in Christians. Please notice the Biblical teaching about personal responsibility of those that know the difference between right and wrong and having the ability to choose the right instead of the wrong.

Joshua 24:15, "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (KJV). From this passage, we understand that Joshua is speaking to the people that possess the ability to choose between serving the one true God and the false god, Baal. Joshua says to them that they are to personally choose between God (i.e., RIGHTEOUSNESS) and Baal (i.e., UNRIGHTEOUSNESS). The choice is theirs to make.

8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;

9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him"

Salvation from sin, as taught in this passage is dependent upon the individual's ability to obey Christ. The individual must obey whatever Christ has caused to be required for salvation from sin. The text states, "… all them that obey him." Can a person be saved from his/her sins any other way?

John 8:24, "I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins" (KJV).

John 17:20, "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word" (KJV). These two passages of Scripture show that to obey Christ is to obey the message of His Apostles.

Man is also to obey the teachings of Jesus' Apostles as they would obey Him personally, NOTE: "… believe on me through their word." "their word" is the word of Jesus' Apostles received from the Holy Spirit (i.e., the Comforter), sent by Christ to guide the apostles into all truth.

Mankind is therefore responsible to obey Jesus Christ when accountable. To reject Jesus

1 Peter 4:17, "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God"(KJV).

Matthew 10:28, "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell" (KJV).

2 Peter 2:4, "For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment" (KJV).

13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hades delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death" (KJV)

(1.) Sheol, occurring in the Old Testament sixty-five times. This word Sheol is derived from a root-word meaning “to ask,” “demand;” hence insatiableness (Prov. 30:15, 16). It is rendered “grave” thirty-one times (Gen. 37:35; 42:38; 44:29, 31; 1 Sam. 2:6, etc.). The Revisers have retained this rendering in the historical books with the original word in the margin, while in the poetical books they have reversed this rule.

In thirty-one cases in the Authorized Version this word is rendered “hell,” the place of disembodied spirits. The inhabitants of Sheol are “the congregation of the dead” (Prov. 21:16). It is (a) the abode of the wicked (Num. 16:33; Job 24:19; Ps. 9:17; 31:17, etc.); (b) of the good (Ps. 16:10; 30:3; 49:15; 86:13, etc.).

Sheol is described as deep (Job 11:8), dark (Job 10:21, 22), with bars (Job 17:16). The dead “go down” to it (Num. 16:30, 33; Ezek. 31:15, 16, 17).

(2.) The Greek word Hades of the New Testament has the same scope of signification as Sheol of the Old Testament. It is a prison (1 Pet. 3:19), with gates and bars and locks (Matt. 16:18; Rev. 1:18), and it is downward (Matt. 11:23; Luke 10:15).

The righteous and the wicked are separated. The blessed dead are in that part of Hades called paradise (Luke 23:43). They are also said to be in Abraham’s bosom (Luke 16:22).

(2.) Gehenna, in most of its occurrences in the Greek New Testament, designates the place of the lost (Matt. 23:33). The fearful nature of their condition there is described in various figurative expressions (Matt. 8:12; 13:42; 22:13; 25:30; Luke 16:24, etc.). (See HINNOM.) …. Easton's Dictionary

The word most often that refers to the place of eternal punishment is "Greek -- Gehenna". Whenever we look at the words that generally refer to the grave we find that the word in the Old Testament is "Sheol" and in the New Testament is Greek, "Hades". When looking for word meanings, consider these distinctions. The three words must be translated in their proper place according to context. Remember this: there are three words in the Hebrew and Greek languages that are to be considered as we seek an understanding of the grave, the intermediate state of the dead and the eternal state of the wicked.

The time of the writing of this history may be gathered from the fact that the narrative extends down to the close of the second year of Paul’s first imprisonment at Rome. It could not therefore have been written earlier than A.D. 61 or 62, nor later than about the end of A.D. 63. Paul was probably put to death during his second imprisonment, about A.D. 64, or, as some think, 66. The place where the book was written was probably Rome, to which Luke accompanied Paul.

The key to the contents of the book is in Acts 1:8, “Ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” After referring to what had been recorded in a “former treatise” (i.e., the Book of Luke) of the sayings and doings of Jesus Christ before his ascension, the author proceeds to give an account of the circumstances connected with that event, and then records the leading facts with reference to the spread and triumphs of Christianity over the world during a period of about thirty years. The record begins with Pentecost (A.D. 33) and ends with Paul’s first imprisonment (A.D. 63 or 64). The whole contents of the book may be divided into these three parts:

(1.) Chaps. 1-12, describing the first twelve years of the Christian church. This section has been entitled “From Jerusalem to Antioch.” It contains the history of the planting and extension of the church among the Jews by the ministry of Peter.

(2.) Chaps. 13-21, Paul’s missionary journeys, giving the history of the extension and planting of the church among the Gentiles.

(3.) Chaps. 21-28, Paul at Rome, and the events, which led to this. Chaps 13-28 have been entitled “From Antioch to Rome.”

In this book it is worthy of note that no mention is made of the writing by Paul of any of his epistles. This may be accounted for by the fact that the writer confined himself to a history of the planting of the church, and not to that of its training or edification. The relation, however, between this history and the epistles of Paul is of such a kind, i.e., brings to light so many undersigned coincidences, as to prove the genuineness and authenticity of both, as is so ably shown by Paley in his Horce Paulince. “No ancient work affords so many tests of veracity; for no other has such numerous points of contact in all directions with contemporary history, politics, and topography, whether Jewish, or Greek, or Roman.” Lightfoot. (Easton's Dictionary)

Among the Books of the New Testament, the Book of Acts is surely a book of true history that discusses the beginning, and infancy of the church Jesus promised to build as he spoke to his apostles at the coast of Caesarea Philippi, Matthew 16:13-18. Christ here told his disciples that He would build the church: Matthew 16:18 "And I also say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it" (American Standard -- 1901). The Book of Acts discusses the beginning of the church of Christ and the early history and progress of it.

Today, I took my two grandsons, both of them six years old, fishing. I have been fishing many times before but I did not remember fishing to be such a large undertaking. I simply remembered that all I had to do was take my folding chair out of the car, take my rod and Zebco out of the trunk, get bait out of the can or the bucket and begin fishing. Not such a job, just great fun and a lot of enjoyment.

Not so with the first time fishermen six years old, who had never been fishing before. First, I had to keep them from throwing rocks in the lake; second I had to get their attention (i.e., although they were terribly excited), third I had to get them located in a place where they would not be in danger of falling in the lake, fourth, I had to set their poles (i.e., cane poles), fifth I had to bait their hook and cast their line into the lake, then I sat down to fish. No way! I had to get up fast because I had to dodge a fishhook because the grandson nearest to me got a bite and pulled the pole violently, the hook and float came toward me like a rocket. I fell out of my chair in order to dodge the projectile. This went on until I became exhausted, we finally went home with twelve small sunfish. The boys still have a lot to learn about fishing and fishing etiquette.

As we were on the way home it occurred to me that fishing for fish is a whole lot like fishing for men (I have been doing both for about 45 years). As I thought about the statement of Jesus to Peter and Andrew -- cf., Matthew 4:18-19, "8 And walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brethren, Simon who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishers. 19 And he saith unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you fishers of men. 20 And they straightway left the nets, and followed him" (A.S.V.).

One of the important things about fishing for men is the fact that the new fisherman needs training so that he will be able to fish the right way. Just as it is with those that are first time fishermen with a desire to catch fish, there are several facts that they need to grasp and utilize in the fishing process. Those that desire to fish for men ought to know something about the nature of the fishing that they want to do. Fishers of men ought to know about the fish that they hope to catch (i.e., bring to Jesus Christ). The fisher of men ought to know that there is a great need for the knowledge of seasoned fishermen, when they began a career of fishing for men. There is no substitute for experience, yet all new fishermen who seek to catch men/ women for Christ must first prepare and know how to perform the fishing process, seasoned fishers/teachers can help.

Indeed, it is very true that the Lord needs men today, who will leave other things and fish for

men (i.e., seek to convert the lost sinners to Jesus Christ), cf., Matthew 28:18-20, "18 And Jesus came to them and spoke unto them, saying, All authority hath been given unto me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit: 20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." The Lord needs men who will become fishers of men today. As a man of God, have you ever thought about becoming a fisher of men? You could do no greater service for God. As Jesus said, the harvest is great but the laborers are few, cf., Matthew 9:37-38.

Some of the greatest hindrances to understanding the Written Word of God are those teachers and commentators that are unable to rightly divide the Bible -- cf., 2 Timothy 2:15, "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (KJV). The reason teachers, commentators, and magazine editors must know how to divide the Bible correctly is the difference between error and truth. If a teacher, etc. cannot or will not acknowledge and correctly engage in proper hermeneutics', that teacher, etc. will teach error, because he/she is ignorant of the correct approach to understanding God's Written Word. Even Peter stated as much in his epistle -- cf., 2 Peter 3:15-17, > the Word…" cf., 2 Timothy 3:15, "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which "15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; > 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. > 17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness" (KJV).

Have you ever noticed that many denominational writers, commentators, teachers, TV preachers, and others often tell their students that they are to keep the ten commandment law of Moses. Have you ever heard religious Doctors, TV preachers, and etc. tell their listeners that David danced and played musical instruments, and this is the reason that they are allowed to use musical instruments. Have you not heard teachers and TV preachers say the Old Testament Sabbath is Saturday and therefore we must worship God on Saturday, not on Sunday? You see, there are many false teachings that have crept into today's religious teaching because of this lack of understanding of the dispensational divisions of the Bible.

A person may be able to quote from memory all the Books of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, but if he/she does not understand the divisions of the Bible they know nothing of any value to themselves or to other people. Let me explain this statement in fuller detail, please notice the following:

2. Between the Old Testament and the New Testament, there is a period of 400 silent years.

3. There are 66 books in the Bible -- 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament

4. Further help with the 400 years between the Old Testament book of Malachi and the New Testament book of Matthew (For a greater study into the 400 silent years re- quest a copy of the booklet -- "The 400 Silent Years" by Garreth L. Clair).

The accepted (i.e., books that have been tested via. Hebrew and Greek texts, morally and ethically received as according to existing texts {i.e., copies} that are consistent with the nature of the God of the Bible) books of the Bible are the 66 books of the Authorized King James Version. There are several books known as the Jewish Apocrypha (i.e., composed of 14 books) and the Lost Books of Eden, and other spurious, books and papers.

The Bible is complete according to internal evidence -- cf., Jude 3, "Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (KJV). Since the Bible is declared to be complete by its author (i.e., God), the Book of Mormon, the Pearl of Great Price, and the Doctrines and Covenants of the Mormon Church have no place in true religion. The same is true of the Christian Scientist's book, Science and Health with Key the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, The New World Translation used by "so-called" Jehovah's Witnesses. Other books such as Creed Books, Catechism Books, or other additions or subtractions, are useless when a searcher seeks to find the real truth that God wants us to have as a guide in religious matters.

Please consider the following point as extremely important relating to Biblical translations that are available to the public at most bookstores today. There are many translations of the Bible available; many of them are misleading in places. The greatest offenders to text correct phraseology are the paraphrases that are available today. Paraphrases are not translations; many of them are a one-man commentary on the text and not a translation at all. Some of the translations available today are not translations of the Hebrew and Koina Greek, but are translations of other translations; some are updates of existing translations. For instance we have a translation of the Hebrew and Greek texts that is called the King James Version, we have translations of that edition, plus other translations of the second translation, e.g., New King James Version. Consequently, one must be careful about the translation that one chooses to use as a guide in religion. My personal preference in the order that I use them, The American Standard Version (1901), the New American Standard Version, The King James Version (1611, having undergone several updates in language -- the most recent, N.K.J.V.).

II. UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF DISPENSATIONAL DIVISIONS IN THE BIBLE:

The three major dispensations are three different periods that God has used to manage His relationship with humanity. The first method that God used to manage His relationship with His creation was known as the Patriarchal dispensation, the Patriarchal Period begin with Adam, it lasted until the Law Of Moses became binding upon the descendants of Abraham at Mt. Sinai.

The Patriarchal dispensation (i.e., the laws and ordinances) that governed the Patriarchs, were for them and for their period alone. The relationship that the Patriarchs enjoyed under that dispensation was not binding on those of the Mosaic system. The second method that God used to manage His relationship with humanity is known as the Mosaic dispensation, the Mosaic dispensation began with the giving of the Ten Commandments and the ceremonial laws (i.e., ordinances) to Moses on Mt Sinai. This period of God's dealings with man continued until the Law of Christ began at Pentecost according to Acts 2:1-47. This dispensation (i.e., The Law of Moses or any part thereof), is not binding upon Christians today. Today, we live under the Christian dispensation and are amenable to the Law of Christ, alone.

The laws and ordinances that applied to the Hebrews (i.e., Israelites, Jews), under the Law of Moses are not binding upon anyone under the Christian Dispensation. The Law of Moses ended when Christ died on the cross -- cf., Colossians 2:14, " Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; --- Ephesians 2:14-16, > 14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; > 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; > And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby" (KJV) Whenever a person attempts to bind the ten commandments or any part of the Law of Moses on Christians today, "… he is fallen from grace." Galatians 5:2-4, > "2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. > 3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. > 4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace" (KJV).

The third method God is using to manage His relationship with mankind is the Christian dispensation that began on Pentecost Day of Acts 2:1-47. This dispensation will continue until Christ returns to raise the dead, judge the world, assign the righteous to heaven, and the unrighteous to Gehenna, at the last day. The Christian dispensation is the last dispensation that God will use to reconcile mankind to Himself, after this period of God's dealings with man; there will be no more time. 2 Peter 3:10-17, "10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, > 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. > 15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; > 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. 17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness" (KJV).

We are out of space this month, next month we will pick up here, where we left off in our study and continue as space allows. This subject is one of the most important aspects to correctly understanding the relationship of man to God today. This subject will be continued in the October issue of Hilliard Bulletin, look for it!

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The maturing process creates problems and necessary restraints upon our actions because society recognizes that because we have matured to a certain point we are now amenable to established laws. This process may vary some from state to state, some states require that a person who desires to drive an automobile must take driver's education classes, and some at 15 years of age others at different ages. The laws pertaining to driving then are to be obeyed by all citizens. If one does not abide within the boundaries of the laws that apply to operating a motor vehicle, the person will have trouble with the police and the courts because they have failed to accept responsibility to obey the law. This is true of the maturing (i.e., aging) process regarding all areas of life, moral, ethical, and all other areas where law and God require that we exercise responsibility.

NOTE: " And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, > Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me" (KJV). As we search the Holy Scriptures we find that God has always recognized children that are incapable of choosing between right and wrong as safe, having no responsibility to believe, repent, confess Him, and be baptized. The childlike qualities found in little children then, are the kind of qualities that ought to be found in Christians. Please notice the Biblical teaching about personal responsibility of those that know the difference between right and wrong and having the ability to choose the right instead of the wrong.