Number 2 (Apr. - Jun., 2004) - The Gospel Defender

(...concluded from page 3: "If I Were An Elder")mersion into Christ, and anything else that would helpme to be able to properly shepherd that sheep. The Biblesays that the church is to "Obey them that have the ruleover you and submit yourselves: for they watch for yoursouls, as they that must give account, that they may do itwith joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable foryou." (Hebrews I3:17) The eldership is to "watchfor"the souls of the body of Christ. That is quite diffrcult todo when the eldership does not know what souls are apart of the sheepfold. If I were an elder. . .I WOULD MAKE SUR"E TIIAT TVfY WIFE KNEW THAT STTEWASN'Tadies and gentlemen, many men have had theireffectiveness as an elder ruined because of theirwives. One of the qualifications of elders is thatthey are to "rul{th) well his own house . . . (For if a manknow not how to rule his own house, how shall he takecare of the church of God?)." (l Timothy 3:4-5) Ofcourse, a man who will not exercise his leadership in thehome ought not ever to have been ordained as an elderbut anyone who has been around the church block a timeor two knows of men in the eldership who are ruled bytheir wife who has the mistaken idea that she is a coelderwith her husband. If I were an elder I would makesure that my wife knew that though she was my helpmeetshe was not a part of the eldership of the church. Shewould not be sitting in eldership meetings. She wouldnot be part of the decision making process in matterspertaining to the spiritualiry of the church. I would makesure that she knew that she was on an equal plane witheverybody else in the church. I would not share with herevery tidbit of information regarding the discipline orcounseling of individual sheep in the flock. I wouldremind her that she had no business keeping thetelephone lines hot with gossip. I would urge her to be aspiritual example herself. I would urge her to beinvolved in the work of the church and to be faithful forthe younger women to follow as an example. And ifnecessary, I would remind her that the first qualificationto be an elder is to be a man - not a woman. "lf a mandesire the ofice of a bishop" wrote Paul to Timothy in /Timothy 3:1. Denominationalism may accept allow,promote, and encourage female elders but the church thatJesus built does not. If I were an elder I would makesure that my wife knew that she wasn't. And then onemore mafier that I would insist upon if I were an elder.If I were an elder . . .n f course, those who know and follow the Wordt lreahze there is no such person in the church - at\-/ least. no one such as this can be found in theWord of God. Yet" because of the influence ofdenominationalism in the New Testament church, weoften hear about church boards and heads of theeldership. New Testament Christianity knows of no suchposition in the church. Rather, the Bible promotes theconcept of co-laborers and fellow helpers to the Truth.The only "head" in the church, ladies and gentlemen, isthe "head" of the church, even Jesus Christ. Those whowould be so presumptuous as to consider himself to bethe "head" elder is a relative of Diotrephes about whomwe read n III John 9. It is written that this man "lovethto have the preeminence." If I were an elder I wouldwant my fellow elders to know that they had no reason tofeel threatened by my being one of them. All too often,ladies and gentlemen, there are those who are ordainedinto the eldership whose motive and purpcise is forcontrol and self-glorification. If I were an elder, I wouldnot want my brothers nor my flock to look upon me insuch a wav.adies and gentlemen, the calling to be an elder is ahigh and noble one. Those who serve as eldershave a thankless job at times. To shepherdwayward, obstinate, bull headed, undisciplined sheep isnot a pleasant job. But there are rewards as well. Whenelders do their jobs the way the Bible says they are to dotheir jobs, Peter said they "shall receive e crown of glorythat fadeth not awqy" "when the chief Shepherd shalloppear." (l Peter 5:4) Like I said in the beginning, I amnot an elder and have no desire to be an elder but if Iwere an elder these are some of the things that I wouldmake sure were done.am an Evangelist. I have been calledto "Preach theWord . in season ond out of season." TheEvangelist has the responsibilify - and he is the onlyone in the church who has this responsibility - to ordainelders. The ordination of elders by the Evangelist can bea wonderful experience if those who are being ordainedunderstand their femendous responsibilities and accepttheir tremendous opportunities to serye their Lord in Hischurch. The position of elder is not a position of poweror prestige. It is a "work" says Paul n I Ttmothy 3:l.Unless a man is ready to "work" as an elder he has nobusiness in becoming an elder.am not an elder and have no desire to be an elder,but I would like to be reminded of these things "If IWere An Elder."I WOULD MAKE SURf, T}IAT I DID NOT BECOME THE"HEAD" ELDER'Tlu6o9l Deferder Journal' pege fourVolume 12 - Number 2April - June 2fi)4

TO PLUCK OR NOTT-O PLUCKP -TIIATIS TTIE QUNTION!Let's Not Be Like Those Gountless Monks Of 1432Dwaine E. DunningHere's a sad story about conflict and confusion amongsome monks. Dedicated to contemplation, they foundthemselves caught up in controversy.As I heard it, in the year of our Lord 1432 there arose agrievous quarrel among the brethren over the number ofteeth in the mouth of a horse.For l3 days the disputation raged. All the ancient bookswere fetched and consulted weightily, and wondrouserudition such as was never before heard of in this resionwas made manifest.At the beginning of the l4d day a youthful friar ofgoodly bearing asked his learned superiors forpermission to add a word. And straightway, to thewonderment of the disputants, whose deep wisdom hesore vexed, he besought them to unbend in a mannercoarse and unheard of, and to look in the open mouth ofa horse and find an answer to their questionings.At this, their dignity being grievously hurt, they "waxedexceeding wroth," and joining in a mighty uproar theyflew upon him and smote him hip and thigh and cast himout forthwith.For, said they, surely Satan hath tempted his boldneophye to declare unholy and unheard-of ways offinding truth, contrary to all the teachings of the fathers.And" after many days, the dove of peace sat on theassembly and they, as one man, declared the problem tobe an everlasting mystery because of a grievous dearth ofhistorical and theological evidence thereof, and soordered the same writ down. (The fellow I heard thisstory from used very strange language sometimes!)KNOT SO HARDWhen Alexander, who waslater called "the Great," cameto Gordium, he was shownthe famed Gordian knot. saidto be of such complexity that he who untied it wouldconquer the world.To my knowledge, it is not recorded just how much timeAlexander spent in attempting to untie the knot, if indeedhe spent any time at all in that way. But we have all readthat he simply took out his sword and cut it!lt's a shame that there are so few of us like Alexander, atleast in this way. Instead, like the monks, we oftenprefer to look for the complicated solution which willshow how smart we are rather than just "counting teeth."The following is an attempt to look into the mouth of thehorse on the question of whether or not Christians areallowed to use instrumental music. Many say it is notpermissible, and the conflict on this subject has lastedlonger than in the story of the countless monks. For toomany years, arguments of wonderful and ponderouserudition have been offered on this subject, by manygood and intelligent men.Perhaps a simple and helpful approach to this involvedstudy can be found. Perhaps it's worth at least a try!PSALMSI believe a usable approach that will help us learn thetruth is the same one we ask others to use who disagreewith us about the proper mode of baptism. That is, weneed to exactly define three words Paul uses in exhortingthe early church concerning their opportunities andresponsibilities in public meetings.Some suggest that the early church used no instmmentalmusic, and that this provides a legal pattern for ourservices.But are we really sure that they never used instruments?(continued on prge six...)'Thc 6oyl bfendcr .Tournal- page fiveVolume 12 - Number 2April - June 2fi)4

(...continued from page 5: "To Pluck Or...Let's Not Be...")Does a pattern exist of their refusing the use of availablemusical instruments?As long as we consult the ancient books and chronicles,we are as apt to bog down as did the monks. For everyhistorian who says the early church did not useinstruments, there is one who says they did. Historycannot definitively answer this question.But God has not "left us comfortless." By examining theWord we can arrive at facts to provide a basis foraccurate knowledge that will certainly enable us to bewell-pleasing to God.AND HYMNSBoth Paul and James were men of God active in theleadenhip of the early church. Both were familiar withthe Old Testament, and able to express themselvesunderstandably in the Greek language.They both quoted freely from the Septuagint (Greekversion of the O.T. in use in the l" century), and Paulquoted it extensively. The Septuaging without question,was THE Bible of the I't century church.So both the Christian readers and the inspired writers ofthe N.T. would have been familiar with the commondefinitions of words used in the Septuagint, and wouldexpect one another to use words in the acceptedmeanings or else speciff their exceptions, surely.James says, "ls any merry? Let him sing praises" (James5:13). I understand that he was writing to Christians -but I'll understand if you tell me that he couldn't possiblybe referring to a church service here since that's no placeto "b€ merry." (Or is it?)The exact same word that James uses to encourage selfexpressionis used by the Psalmist and commonlytranslated the same way (as "sing praises"), as in Psalm27:6. Then what is meant is spelled out more exactly inPsalm 33:2, "Praise the Lord with harp, sing unto himwith the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings."Psalm 47:5 urges God's children to sing praises to Himon the "trumpet of God," and Psalm 7l:.22 repeats 33:2,again translating it once as "praise" and the second timeas "sing."The message is repeated in 92:l;98:5,6; and 108:1,2. Ihope you'll take a look at these passages to confi.rm mystatement, and then join me in figuring out what James'readers probably thought he meant by telling them to doit.Then consider Paul's urging both the Ephesian andColossian Christians to exhort one another with psalmsand also with hymns and "spiritual songs."It seems reasonable to suppose that if James and Paulwere using the word in a different way than the Psalmist,they surely would speciff the difference rather thanexpect to be understood.NON SEQUITURWe recognize the reasoning in the case of baptism.Many wise arguments are advanced to prove thatsprinkling is just as good as baptism, but we have torecognizn that they are all unimportant (non sequitur)when we study the word in the original language and seethat baptism is by immersion.Arguments from any area on the subject of instmmentalmusic are bound to result in confusion if we fail toconsult the original writing of God's spokesmen, and ifwe fail to allow their words to mean what thev meantwhen they were written.Some suggest that the meaning of the three words Paulused on the subject are unclear, which is only anothereffort to avoid truth those scholars prefer not to see.Jesus many times cleared up questions on the realmeaning of the law, and explained God's Will in clearways that all could understand. Things that wereunpleasing to God were attended to, as in the case of themoney-changers and dishonest cattle-sellers in thetemple grounds. But if He was displeased byinstrumental music, He either failed to say so or else Hisbiographers failed to mention it. If this matter isimportant enough to be made a test of fellowship, itappears to me that the tester is making more of it thandid the Lord HimselflIf it is argued and asserted that all first-century Christiansdid not use instnrmental music, and if this "proves" thatthe apostles of Christ taught against it, at best it must besaid that the argument is from the silence of the Word.If historians are the authority, then it's easy to pick onethat agrees with whatever position you prefer, and gowith him. But this conflicts with our announcedintention of accepting the Lord's Word rather than men's.(concluded on page twenty-four...)'Thc 6oyl Defendcr Journol' psge srxVolume 12 - Number 2April - June 2fiX

l 'l l l l lpage eight(...continued from page 7: "'Jesus Only' Baptism")Father and Son are titLes and not'Thc Oospel Defender ,Tournalnames.' fn the first place, why not goGodhead.to the recognized authorities onmatters of speech dictionaries,grammarsThe "problem"and the best works inthat has been raised by these two tractsliterature for a classification ofthat I now want to resolve is: (l) the belief that thethese terms? The more primitivewords "Father," "Son," and "Holy Ghost" in MatthewOneness exponents reply that28:19 are titles and not names and, (2) the command ofdefinitions found in man-made books areMatthew 28 19 is to immerse persons in a singular nameacceptable, because suchrather than plural names. This "problem" has beendefinitions are not divinely inspiredsuperbly addressed in Mr. Carl Brumback's book. Iand of ten contradict the Bibl-e. Yet,believe that since Mr. Brumback is himself a Pentecostal the same men accept without questionthat which is merely assumed to be thehe is much more familiar with the "pet arguments"correct distinction between titles andadvanced by his brethren in regards to this peculiar andnames !mistaken view of Matthew 28 19. I will gladly give himthe floor at this point to prove the error of his "'Jesus "If they can plead uninspired pubLicOnly' Baptism" brethren. Under the heading "Titles Oropinion as the basis for one of theirNames?," he states:mal or doctrines, certainly WETrinitarians, in our objections, should"Oneness preachers must have a reasonbe permitted to plead the statements offor their declaration that Father, Sonuninspired dictionarj-es. We do notand Holy Ghost are titles. What isargue that all dictionary definitionsthat reason? Titles and names are aare in accordance with the Bibl-e, butna rt of cvervci av sneer-h . are def ined inwhen Oneness teachers introduceJ - * - I v J v v v I rdictionaries, and occur in all kinds ofgrammaticaJ- terms j-n the discussion,literature, including the Bible.they cannot expect us to accept theirWhere, specifically, is the basis forarbitrary def j-nitions without athe Oneness claim?reference to the recognized authoritiesin that field."The only answer is the blandassertion:'Why,everybody knows that"The Communist worl-d also refuses toFather, Son and Holy Ghost are titl-esacknowJ-edge that which is regarded asand not names. ' To il-lustrate theirf actual by the rest of the worl-d . I fposition, Oneness men frequently depictthe facts of history are contrary tothe di f f icuJ-ty which one wouldf hci r et1- Uuvl(lt/Luylvguemntq l- n rrlnri frr the .rrF:tencounter in a crowded bus or trainaccomplishment of the disciples of Marxl-Frmin:1u v r r a r r q 4 / J g v if he aSked fhc nrrhl iCand Lenin, the Reds simply dispose ofaddress announcer to cal-I for histhe facts. By slamming down the Ironfather or son, without giving theCurtain, the rulers hope to keep theirproper names. Because there woul-d besubjects ignorant of the truth; and bymany fathers and many sons present,constant propaganda, they hope tonone woul-d know whether or not topersuade all others to forget the factsrespond to'Father ! ' or 'Son !'and onlyand to accept their fabricated account.confusion would result. But if thefather and son were paged by their"Webster defines 'name' in thespecific names, oo mix-up would occur.f ol-Iowing manner:'The"This illustration is not quite sotitle by which any person or thingpotent, however, as 'Jesus Only' peopleis f.rorn or designated. A descriptivesunnose - for it does not include theor qualifying application Tothird term, 'HoIy Ghost'. If the'HoIyentitle, to specify, to identify.'Ghost' were to be asked to 'report tothe station master's office, ' f am"No wonder the Oneness run from theconfident that no one else would thinkdictionary I Their whole 'revel-ati-on'that he was being requested to appear.is built on a distinction between'HoIy'name'Ghost' is recognized universallyand 'titl-e' whj-ch exists only inas a proper name, belonging exclusivelytheir own imaqination. While the wordsfcl fhe Sni ri t of God.(continued on page nine...)"Neither can we agree with theassumption that 'everybody knows thatVolume 12 - Number 2April - June 2004

(...continued from page 8: "'Jesus Only' Baptism")would be labeled a title by Onenessinterpreters, but this text ca1ls eachone a name! Notice, in particular, thethird [this should read 'fourth' - RB] name, 'TheEverlasting Fatherr. The OnenessEach one of these appellationsArp najt a.a)mnlorolr; irlonl- in=l /'.rlr=f fr.rvv.Lr?4v ev+r -rcar (wtlat twowords are?), they are usedinterchangeably, and each is used todefine the other.af f nrt- l-n nr61vp hv f h i S 1ref Se that\\Mrt rorrrra r 'JesusOnl-v' votariesoverlook the fact that a common namecan become a proper naJne. The qreatm:-inri f rr af proper names were onceconimon names I although their Iongimportant word is not the articleexistence and their translation from'the,'or the adjective 'everlasting,'other languages have obscured thisbut the noun 'Father. 'change. The nalnes of North AmericanIndians are excellent examples.BibIicaI instances of lifting commonnames up to the status of proper namesare familiar to every reader; personsand places, by the hundreds, beinggi-ven nalnes, which, in the originalIanguages, were derived from common'Father I is a name, that 'Son'isnarnes, but are automatically acceptedname, that 'HoIyby us as having always been properNAMA qTheref ore, we must concl-udethat the manner i-n whlch a na:ne isemployed determi-nes whether or not itis intended to be a conrmon name or aproper name."Father and son are usuaJ_Iy classifiedas common nalnes, but when applied incapitalized form to two distinctnames was a common nalne originally,persons in the Godhead, these two termscan, and must, be regarded as propernames. Mark you, we Tri-nitarians donot contend that Father, Son, and HoIyGhost are the only names for the TriuneGod. A long Iist of names could begiven, scriptural names, which aredescriptive of the various attributesof the Divine Being. These three Newverse would read, 'inTestament names, however, are reveal_edrather than, 'inthe name of' .to be the names by which the members ofthe Trinity are to be distinguished intheir reJ-ationship with one another inthe one Godhead."'Jesus OnIy' proponents search in vainfor a single Scripture to back up theirargument that Father, Son and HolyGhost are titles and not names. It isa figment of their own imagination,unsupported by either sacred or seculararrthnr"i trr On the other hand,Trinitarians have the support of bothsacred and secular authoritv that thesethree are names."Consider the import of fsaiah 9: 6: ' .woul-d have wri-tten: 'ButHrs name shal-l- be called Wonderful,the Spirit are.'The fact that heCounsellor, The Mighty God, Theeverlasting Father, The prince ofpage ninevJ urrf LJesus is God the Father (discussed inchapter 5) has blinded them to the factthat the verse actua)-}y disproves theirtheory about titles and names. TheOnenessadvocates have been tellinq us that'Eather'is not a name. Shall webel-ieve them or the inspired Isaiah?The prophet declares: 'His name shalIbe call-edFather'l"Matthew 28:19 definitely states thataGhost' is a natne.This is the obvious meaning of thelanguage, and so we woul-d understandany similarly constructed sentence.For example, a fledgling lawyer beingadmonished by his superior: 'Remembernow, you are not going out on your own,you are appearing in the name of Smith,White and Brown.' Though each of theseandthough the three names are groupedtogether, each is the proper name ofone of the three oartners in the lawf irm."A traditional- Oneness protest againstour interpretation of Matthew 28:19 isthat the singular form is used: 'Ifthese three titles were names, thethe names of' ,By thepreceding illustration, I have alreadyindicated our answer. Multitudes ofexamples could be cited showing thatthe singular can be employed inreference to persons or things groupedtogether in a corporate sense.However, since Oneness advocates seldomconcede any point taken from thesecular fieId, Iet me confront themwith two examples from the Bible."Galatians 5:22, 23: IBut the fruit ofthe Spirit is love, )oy, peace,Iongsuffering, gentleness, goodness,faith, meekness, temperance. .' Ift.he Oneness theory were correct, paulthe fruits of(continued on psge ten...)Volume 12 - Number 2April - June 2004

l ll lpage ten(...continued from page 9: "'Jesus Only' Beptism")the very thing which they abhor in our'Thc 6oqel Defender Jwrnal'orthodox formul-a !nrdi nrri I rlrsecl the nl tr11allJrurin SUCh acase does not militate against our"Even the precious name of t Jesus' canunderstanding from this particul-arbe subj ected to the l-abel of titIe.instance that the singular can be usedNumbers 13 : 16 reveal-s that Mosesto indicace more than one person orprophetically changed the name of histhinq.successor from'Oshea'to Jehoshua,which means'Jehovahthe Savior,'or"fsaiah 9z6z '. And his name shallbe'Jehovahwho saved.IThe Greek wordcal-l-ed Wonderf uI, Counsellor, The'Jesus'is derived from the Hebrew wordmighty God, The everlasting Father, The'Jehoshua. ' There exists somePrince of Peace.' Is 'Wonderful'adifference of opinion as to the exactname? Is 'Counsellor'a name? Is 'Themeaning of 'the narne unutterabl-e' tomighty God' a name? Is'Thethe ancient Jews, ' Jehovah, ' oreverlasting Father' a name? Is the"Yahweh, ' or 'JAH. ' It is generally'Princeof Peace'a nane? Five narnes,thought to be taken from the Hebrewvpr rsaiair. under g a a g v divine insni ral-ion-J - " ,q L r v r ,rrerlr I1-o hp I and l-o q'i rrnifrr IHo 1-hat"',uses the singular, and says:'andhisis, ' 'The existent, ' or rThe SeIfnameshall be called. . .' What moreExistent.' AII must acknowledge thatneeds to be said to answer this strange'Jehovah'wasderived from a commoninsistence that, iflFather,Son andword, and, according to its originalHoIy Ghost' are names, then, Matthewmeaning, could be considered a title.28:19 should read'inthe names oft ?Assuredly, 'the Savior' is a title.From the standpoint of str j-ct Oneness"Do not Oneness peopJ-e realize that theIiferaIIv- ]-l-ron |.Tacrrc ttvr^vrrrvvvev,the Gfeeksane argument about titles and namesequivalent of the Hebrew, 'Jehovah the,.]-r ^L rL.^,, riwll-LUrI LIIEy Lll!EUL ror-t qyqltrJL erya.inqi ftro E-:j-har!sv^.v-,Saviour' or 'The SeIf-Existent WhoSon and Holy Ghost can also be directedSaved, ' is al-so a titl-e.against the name which they employ infheir bantisr.=l €nrmrrlrv ! r g r g ,LOfd JeSUS"Finally, a point which is no more farfetchedthan the whole Oneness argumentChrist. Evidently, Frank Ewart does,for in his booklet, The Phenomenon ofon this matter. The name 'Jesus' isPentecost (p. 55), he admits thatincluded in the inscription over the'Cftrl-st' ana 'Lord'are titles. Thiscross, which the Bible explicitly callshe must do, since even a rudimentarya title! 'And Pilate wrote a titIe,knowledge of Greek makes this clear.and put it on the cross. And thewriting was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING"The Greek word for 'Lord'is kurios,OF THE JEWS. This title then read manywhich is also translated as 'Sir' (Johnof the Jews. . .' (John 19:19, 20).4:11) , and as 'Master' (ColossiansI know that it wiII be argued that4:1) . According to their owntitle, in this case, r€fers to'thedefinition, Oneness grammarians mustKing of the Jews,' but the Bible doesIabel each of these three translationsnot specify that, dny more than itas ti-tles. The Greek for 'Christ' isspecif i-es that 'Lord' and 'Christ' arechr j-stos, to which a pref ix is added inti-tles and that 'Jesus I is the name !t',tark 1q r 61, and is translated 'the1rfl1.,^Christ,' an unmistakable reference toi nr-nne i ef an.i\/of Onenessan offrce or title.followers ! Accusing us of employing"If 'Lord'and'Christ' are titlestitles in our baptismal formula, whi-Ieandemploying three titles in their own- ^| ^ ' lr\JL 1]d,tile) t Y\--l rh..r A ra f horr i nn I rrdori l-rrrformula ! Paul's words must apply here:Oneness speakers and writers in a'Whereinthou judgest another, thouthree-fold expression, described as acondemnest thyself; for thou thatname (Ewart, in all his writings,judgest does the same things' (Romanscons tant I y re f ers to the na_rne, Lord2:I) . By the Bible, by the dictionary,Jesus Christ) ? fmmediately, we areitrfo. ea that 'the nane i-s Jesus. ,and by the common sense usaqe oflanguage, the Oneness argument aboutBefore examining this answer, let *etitles and names is exposed as anpoi-nt out that pjl their own admission,absurd fallacy. "Oneness bant izerS USe a fOrmUIa Ofwhich two-thirds j-s composed of titl-es,(concluded on psge twenty-four...)Volume 12 - Number 2April - June 2004

PART IITHE SIJPERTORTry . -UONSTRATTON OF BTBLE LOVEWe have taken no little time in attempting to makeknown the meaning of the word used for Bible love,agape. But now we direct our attention to what theApostle Paul had to say about thesuperioriry/demonstration of this love not only to thechurch of Christ in Corinth but to eyery New Testamentcongregation existing then and now.' This he does in thef,rrsthree verses of I Corinthians 13.2 But before weenter into this beloved chapter of scripture we must, withall too much sadness, "Amen!" the comments of twoBible scholars regarding the failure of so many of theLord's congregations to implement into her fellowshipthe doctrine of this chapter:love is but also important that each Christian understandwhat agapao love is not.)The Apostle states that this agapao love is the "moreexcellent wqy." (l Corinthians l2:jl) And he goes onto state the ways in which it is "more excellent."According to this inspired writer it is "more qcellent"than some particularly wonderful and notablemanifestations of five supernatural gifts and fwodemonstrations of extraordinary acts of human behavior.In table form the Apostle's doctrine concerning thatwhich is the "more excellent wev" is as follows:**"Would that it ll Corinthians 1J - nal hadreceived in all ages the loftier and morevaluable admiration which would have beenexpressed by an acceptance of its lessons!"3"This chapter has been admired by all ages, but,unfortunately, it has been practiced by none."averse I(l) "speak with thetongues of men and"become assounding brass or oclanging cymbal."In describing the superiority of Bible love and the way inwhich it is demonstrated the Apostle approaches thesubject first by defining it in the negative, i.e., by statingwhat it is not. This is an appropriate and effectivemethod of teaching for in describing what Bible love isnot, he demonstrates what it is. We use the same methodin the defining of our ideas, thoughts, or concepts. Forexample, in defining what "tn:th" is we would be correctby including in our definition that "truth is not lying" or"rruth is not cheating" or "truth is not deception." Truthis the opposite of each of these (and more). In defmingor in explaining what Bible love is, it is not onlyimportant that each Christian understand what agapaoverse 2(2) "have the gift ofprophecy. . . (3)understand allmysteries and (a)allknowledge...5) have all faith...verse 3(6) "bestowall...goods tofeedthe poor... (7) givemy body to beburned. . ."agapelove...agapelove..."fare] nothing."[are profited]nothing. "' lt i, irportant to remember that agape is not a noun denoting what"fove" U but it is a verb denoting what "love" does. As Vemon J.Mccee has so accurately written, "This chapter gives us a display oflove, not a definitron." G!&_TXC liblg, Volume V, p 63))- We would be remiss in our discussion of this text if we were not tonote thal the division between the 12* and l3b chapters of 1Corinthians does not s€em to be correct or even logical as it appears inour modern translations. Chapter l2 probably should have ended atverse 30 and chapter l3 probably should have started at I CorinthiansI 2 :2 I This "faulty" division does no damage to our cunent discussronbut does need to be pointed out in this discussion." F. W Farrar, The Pulpit Commentary, p. 422o J. w Mc(iarvey, Commentary on Corinthians , p. 127To properly understand the Apostle's doctrine in thesethree verses we must understand that to make his pointregarding the absolute necessify of practicing Bible lovePaul used the grammatical hyperbole; i.e., heintentionally exaggerated his language to make his point.(continued on page twelve...)- later in this study we will examine the fifteen "characteristics" ofagape. seven of which are "positive" (what love does) and eight ofwhich are "negative" (what love does not do).-Thc 6oqel Defender Journal-page elevenVolume 12 - Number 2April - June 2004

(...continued from page ll: *I Corinthians 13 red Bible Love')with those interested in this matter that, "A characteristicof heathen worship, especially the worship of DionysiusAnd the point he was making was this: no matter what and Cyble [two false gods - RB], wgs the clanging ofone does or how much one knows or how far one goes cymbals and the braying of trumpets."'"in the name of religion" or "in the name of Christ"unless one's actions spring from the motive of love it not The Apostle says the same also would be tme had he hadonly matters little it mafters nothing. His first the ability to speak in the language "of angels." Thehyperbolic statement is that concerning . . .language "of angels" is difficult to explain. Somebelieve that this is the "highest," "most eloquent" andthe "superior" of all languages.s This belief is based inTHE SPEAKING OF LANGUAGESpart upon that which is stated n II Corinthians l2:4. Butit must be noted that this verse does not necessarily mean"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, that the "inupressible words" Paul heard were thebut have not love, I have become sounding brass or a words of angels. That interpretation must be "forced"clanging cymbal." Rather than to succumb to the into the verse. Others cite Romans 8:26 for their belieftemptation to go into a detailed study of what Biblical that angels have their own unique form of"tongues" are and what they are not and how one communication, nothing that there are some thingsreceives this gift, for the purpose of this study we simply incapable of being expressed in human language. Butnote that "tongues" as sued in the context under Romans 8:26 is referring to the Holy Spirit - and not toconsideration would be better translated "languages."6 angels - who "makes intercession for us with groaningsTherefore, what the Apostle states is that if he had the which cannot be uttered." Besides this, we have noability to speak in all the languages of the human race Biblical grounds for even thinking that angels had (orbut did not have Bible love he only would sound as if he have) a "special" or "unique" language of their own.were a piece of "sounding brass [a blaring, noisome, The accounts which record angels speaking record themtrump€t] or a clanging cymballa clattering, clanging, speaking in a normal, human, intelligible language. Butincoherent sound that contributes nothing to the welfare whether angels have their own language or whether theyof others]. " (This declaration should have been of great speak in human language is all beside the point anyway.significance to the Corinthian church. There was no It was not Paul's "hidden" purpose in this first verse tobody of Christ in the New Testament more occupied ormore concerned with the supernatural gift of 'longues" reveal some theretofore mystery concerning angelicspeech. His purpose was to make the point that if onethan the one located in Corinth. One who is only had the ability to speak in any and all human languagesminimally familiar with this epistle knows that the gift of or in the languages of angels, this gift would be'longues" was exalted above all the other supernatural meaningless unless its being used were motivated bygifu. Almost one-fifth of this epistle is devoted to the one's agape love. But more significant that the gift beingdiscussion of this specific supernatural gift! As we noted "meaningless," the person who so exercises the gift inon page one, three chapters of the I Corinthians epistle this way becomes "meaningless." Note that the Apostlewere written to correct the Corinthian's unspiritual, says "/ have become..." He has become "meaningless"divisive conduct regarding the gifts possessed by somemembers of that congregation - because his message and his ministry are meaninglesschapter 12 discusses the when they do not spring from and are not exercised in"endowment of gifts," chapter l3 discusses the love for those who hear him and Him who has gifted"empowerment of gifts," and chapter 14 discusses the him."exercise of gifu" and in particularly the proper use ofthe gift of "tongues".)To make all of this practical, this is the point for ustoday. To be able to sing every hyr* known to man inThe descriptive words of "sounding brass " and every human language but to so sing without agape love"clanging cymbal " were not just "space-fillers" chosen is nothing but the sound of clanging noise. To be able toby the Holy Spirit. They had real meaning to and should preach God's Word in every human language but to dohave had a real impact upon the Corinthian Christians. so without agape love is nothing but the sound of clang-These words were descriptive of heathen worship thatwas noisy but worthless. William Barclay has done us a(concluded on page thirteen...)great service by his research into this matter and sharingu 'Th. Greek word from which "tongLes" is translated in the NewThe trtters to the Corinthians. p. I 17ETestament is glossa (yl,oroocl) and simply means "human language,"Conceming this, A.lb€rt Barnes has wrinen, "lt is evidently derivedand never some mystical, ecstatic, heavenly "babble." The scriptural from the idea thu the angels arc superior in all respects to men, thatproofs for this are many. That which is called "tongues" today isthey must have endowments in advance of all which man can have."nothing but linguistic nonsense.(Bames on the New Testament - I Corinthians. p.2a2)'Thc 6ospl Defender ,Iournal- page twelveVolume 12 - Number 2April - June 2fi)4

(...concluded from page 12: *I Corinthians 13 d [,ove")The message, "If I Were An Eldet'' appearing on theing noise. To be able to teach God's Word in everyfront cover is available on cassefie tape along withhuman language but to teach without agape love isone other cassette message for $6.00, post-paid.nothing but the sound of more clanging noise. To sing,Make all checks payable to The Gosoel Defenderto preach, to teach, or to do any other minisury with suchMtntstrics. Write for a free, complete listing of alla gift but without love for those who listen or withoutradio broadcasts made by this ministry that arelove for the one who thus enabled you is but a display ofavailable on cassette tape. Thank you for yourunspiritual snobbery, superiorify and arogance. Andsupport!this is exactly to what the church in Corinth haddigressed. It was a noisy, clanging, empf, Spirit-less,empty, unloving congregation that excelled in spiritualgifts but was on a dangerous, unspiritual, slippery slopeof ungodliness! This truth was evident by their personalrelationships with one another and as point out by theinspired Apostle in no unambiguous terms.POSTSCRIPTo "Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name ofThe article that appears on page 14 of thisour Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing,"journal," "Church Polity" is a small excerpt ofand that there be no divisions among you, but that youour extensive work, "The Eldershipbe perfectly joined together in the same mind and in theQualifications." This book is available from thissame judgment. For it has been declared to meministry and is described in more detail on pageconcerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe's16 of this "iournal."household" that there are contentions among you." (ICorinthians I:10-ll)o "And I, brethren, could not speak to you as tospiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ.5 UBSCRT PTTON TN FORTIATTONI fed you with milk and not with solidfood: for until nowyou were not able to receive it, and even now you arecan you help us meet our expenses instill not able; for you are still carnal. For where theresendihq this' "iournal" to thoirsands ofare errvy, strife, and divisions among you, are you notpeople? each j6urnal costs approx'imately$18.00 per addressee per year. Becausecarnal and behaving like mere men? " (l Corinthiansof the faithful and sacrificial support3:l - 4)of only a handful of christians and NewTestament conqreqations - we are able toma'il thi s pu-bl i cat'ion to anyoneo "l say this toy our shame. Is it so, that there isrequesting it or who requests that it benot a wise man among you,sent to s-omeone who wi I I ' benefi t f rom i t.not even one, who will befhis publication exposes New Testamentable to judge between his brethren? But brother goes tochristianity to many 'reveal who otherwise wouldlaw against brother, and that before unbelievers! Nownever hav'e i ted by thei rrel ig'ious, sectarian group. Your supporttherefore, it is already a, utter failure for you that youcan help us reach even more people. Forgo to law against one another. Why do you not rathereach $20.00 contribution to this work wewill send you a copy of four recent radioaccept wrong? Wlty do you not rather let yourselves bebroadcasts on cassette tape (or a fulllenothmessaoe preached 'andbv - thecheqted? No, you yourselves do wrong and cheat, andevaigel i stledi t6r)our monthl yyou do these things to your brethren." (I Corinthians6:5 - "Defender oispatch" that updates our8)supporters concerninq the work of thismihistry. A77 cohtributions te thistax-deductible.o "Now in giving these instructions I do notpraise you, since you come together not for the betterbut for the worse. For first of all, when you comeFROM TFIE MOI.]TI{ OF BABtrStogether as a church, I hear that there are divisionsamong you, and in part I believe it." (l Corinthians A mother inrrited some people to dinner. At tl.e te.ble, sheII:17-18)turned to her six-yeer-old d^aughter end said. 'Would you'Ilike to say the blessing?' wouldn't }crow wFr^at to sa;r,''/*tthe girt replied.wFr.et you hea.r Mourrny say,'Unless otrerwbe noted, all articles and materials presented in"rythe mother s.nswered. The da.ughter bowed her he.ad arrdThe GosoelDefender Joumalare written by Evangelist Rickse.id" 'Lord" why on e-arthr dtd I in\.ite ell these people toBreidenbaugh, editor.dinner? Auren!''Thc €ospel Defender Journal' page thirteenVolume 12 - Number 2April - June 2fi)4

CHURCII POLTTYThe Eldership(Forms Of Church Organization/Unorganization)Recently we attended a meeting in which church"leadership" problems were trying to be resolved.Among the many statements that were made by theassembled brethren was, "l will not attend any churchwhere there zre no elders!"Often times we have heard it taught that unless acongregation has an eldership it is not a New Testamentchurch. While it is tme that a New Testament churchought to have an eldership, it is not ffue that the absenceof an eldership "disqualifies" a congregation from alsobeing a New Testament church. There are scripturalexamples of congregations that were certainly "NewTestament" but which were without an eldenhip. Wecite two passages of scripture that veriff this truth.E "And when they had preached the gospel to thatcity and made many disciples, they returned to Lystro,Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the souls of thedisciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, andsaying, 'l/e musl through many tribulations enter thekingdom of God.' So when they had appointed elders inevery church, and prayed with fasting, thqt commendedthem to the Lord in whom thev had believed" (ActsI4:21 - 23)On this, the frst "missionary" trip of the Apostle Paul,he had established congregations in every city in whichhe preached. These congregations existed for no lessthan eight months and perhaps for as long as two to threeyears without a functioning eldership. Can the ApostlePaul be accused of being guilty of creating anunscriptural siruation by establishing local congregationsbut not immediately ordaining an eldership? Of course,the answer is "No!". These congregations were "NewTestament," but were without an eldership and were thusscripturally unorganized. "As this appears to be the firstappointment of elders in these churches, it would seem tofollow that the Christians had in the meantime met, andtaught, and baptized, and had broken bread withoutelden. Orgamzation of this kind was important for theperrnanence of the life of the church as such, but notessential to its being, or to the spiritual growth of theindividual members. This leads to the thought that it isnot wise, in our judgment, in newly plantedcongregations to select men to be elders or deacons -especially when the men are not qualified. It seemsbetter to us to function without elders and deacons untilsome grow to meet the qualifications."rE "For this reason I lefi you in Crete, thot youshould set in order the things that are lacking andappoint elders in every city as I commanded you - "According to this scripture, the Apostle Paul left Titus inCrete to "ordain elders in every city." Notice that Pauldid not leave Titus in Crete to establish localcongregations - that had already been done by theApostle. But before elderships were ordained in eachcongregation, the Apostle left Crete. Thus, from the timePaul established these congregations until Titus ordainedelden, these congregations were without an eldership.Again we ask, can the Apostle Paul be accused of beingguilty of creating an unscriptural situation byestablishing local congregations but not immediatelyordaining an eldership? Of course, the answer is again"No!". As stated before, these congregations were'NewTestament," but were without an eldership and were thusscripturally unorganized.Basically, there is one of four ways in which acongregation may find herself either organized orunorganized.scriptural ly organizedA scripturally organized congregation is one inwhich God's revealed plan for church government iscomplete; i.e., there is a working eldership whichmeets the Biblical qualifications along with aqualified deaconate.scripturally unorganizedA scripturally unorganized congregation is one inwhich God's revealed plan for church government isincomplete in that there is no functioning eldershipand/or deaconate because of no men being qualifiedfor these positions of responsibility.unscripturally organized(concluded on prge thirty-one...)' Gareth L. Reese, New Testament History ACTS. pp.405406'Thc Cospel Defender Journal-pege fourteenVolume 12 - Number 2April - June 2004

D6FEND6F MINISTFIES MAT6RIP{-6AVAILAPLg FOF YOUR O$IN ?EF6ONPU. LI9FAFYGOSPEL-lvgumonis I Hava Haard Againtf Tho 2,'Provelt! Prove lU'Nccardtl 1o 9c lmmar*d ln Watar For 3.'Put lt Away! Put lt Away!'Salvation-4.'SpiritualStreakers'5.'The'Sinne/sPraye/ In The Bible'Ths 107 plus page booklet indudes nine of he6. "Let lr,te Tell You About The Church That Imost often heard objections against be NewBelong To'Testament oositlon of one's need to be7 . "Going After Jesus'imrnersed into Christ in order to receive8. "What Kind Of FollowerAre You?'salvatron from sins:9.'The lvlan, The Miracle, The lt/essage'10. 'l"lathew 15 And Doctrine'1. Thief On The Cross''lormon2.'But He That Believeh Not Shall Be?acYcl*2'Damned''Baptismls A Work'(52 pages)4.'Chrbt Sentvte Not To Baotze''The 'ltThird Partfls Betterl''Baptism'Sixo. ls AbsenfJewels In Jude's Jewel Box'7.'Baptrsm'lsls An Outward Srgn Of AnBaptsm Absolutely Essential ForInward Grace' or'One ls Saved BeforeSalvation?''lsAnd Witirout Baotsm'There A Doctor In The House?'8'Household"MarkedOf Comelius'Men''Callirq'Wordv Upon The Narne Of The Lord'Powed'Three Gifb For Jesus''NotPlan A: The purdrase of any individualEveryone'argurnent in wntten form and bound in"Pickinga spinalOn A Baptists Testimony Ofbooklet $2.50Jesus Christ'The Heavenly Horses"Plan B: The purchase of all argunenb in'tormonwriten form and bound in a soiral booklet:PacYcl *t$15 m(53 pages)Plan C: The purdase of any individualargurnent on cassette: $6.001. "The Account Of The Healing Of ThePalsied trlan'Plan D: The purchase of the entrre senes of 2. "Riddle-Dee, Riddle-Dee, Rirldb-Deeargunenb on cassette, packaged in a durable,Dee''Mistakenviny', wipe+lean, album cover $40.00Concepb About God'4.'The One Accord Chur$'Phn E: Plans B and D combined: $45.005. "A FirpeAickin' Good lvleal''An Bible Chapter Ending With SevenGood Questions''Scrmon l+rie.t PacJ.clr.7. "He Hath Done All Things Well'Eadr packet with each verbatm nessage bound 8. "The Seven'l Carne's' Of Jesus'in a spiral bmklet $6.009. "The Loyalty Of Jesus'10. "A Message About Nohing'All ten rnessages in each'Sermon Packef in a-icrmondurable, vinyl, wip+dean, cassette package:PacKat 14'$15 00(50 pages)All ten "Sermon Packets' in wntten form (100sermons!): $50.001. "Ready Or Not, Here I Come!'2. "trSoiral booklet and cassettes: $1 8.503. "Three Prayer Meetings That I AbsolutelyRefuse To Attend'4.'ReasonsFor People Going To Hell'-$crmon ?acKcl rt'"Are You Able To Blush?'o. "The Rich Young Ruleft. "What(53 pages)Therefore God Hah JoinedTogeher, Let Not Man PutAsunde/1. The Seven Ernotrons Of The Almightf'The Cospel Defender Journal'page fifteen8.a10"Revelation 12: The Woman, The l'/an-Child, The Dnagon""BelievirB A Lie'"Strange Things You Hear About Baptism''tcrmon?acYcl *f(53 pages)1.'Five Mistakes In John Chapter 9'2. "Five Thirqs You Cannot Do 'Wihout lfYou Want To Co To Heaven'"The Boundless Word Of God'4.'Four Honible Hindrances To Hearim TheHeavenly Message'5. "Those Unchangeable Thirgs'6. "Tfe Five Smootr Stones Of David'7. "Hear Ye The Word Of The Lord!'8.'Four Snapshob (Clk*! Clk*! ClicklClick!) Of Christians'9.'Let Us Go Oubide The Camp!'10. 'What Are You Seekino ln Life?''ler!!e!-?a4ell!'(57 pages)1.'A Few Words About The Word, TheWitness, And the Way'2.'Three Lost Opportunities To Do WhatWas Rlght'3.'SixDeadly, Damning, Disasbous,Disobedient Decbions'4,'Gospel 'Nots'That You Cannot Untie'5 'The Churd Needs To Mind Her OrnBusiness''Lookingo. At The Cross In Seven DifferentWavs'7.'You Can Knour That You Are Saved'8.'The'SoGreat Salvation'9.'He Was . . . But Lost!'10. 'Respnses To The Preaching Of TheWord Of God Found In The Bmk Of Acb''$armon ?acKat *1.(52 pages)1.'The Four Biggest Fools ln The Bible'2.'The Virgins Of The Kingdom Of Heaven''To Whom ShallWe Run?'4.'The Three Cry's Of David'5'lts AllAbout Him''Eight Things Only The Blood Of JesusChrist Can Do'7 .'The Fmlishness Of God'8,'At The Feet 0f Jesus'9.'lf You Ever Look For Jesus''10. 'Do You Reallv Know Who God ls?'Volume 12 - Number 2April - June 2fi)4

'lormon ?acYcl*f,(52 pages)'Wait Watch! AM Work!''The Undoing Of The Churd''He ls The Lord Of All!''John5 And The Five Wihesses''WhatThe Word Says About Words''CorneTo The Mamage!''Put On Some Clohes!''Four Great Questlons Jesus Asked lnTle Gospels'The Erght Woes Of lvlathelv 23''Pauls Threefoh Exhortation To TheChurch''lcrmon PacYol *((53 pages)'Thet. Filfi - The Fumace - The Fautf2.'Don'tChance l!''TheJ. Church That Jesus Buitf4.'LastOf All'5'WhatReally Happened On The[,lounbin'6.'Four Erothers Who Were Called Of God'7. Two l'/en Who Had Great Differences'8.'lf lWere An Ebe/9.'Satan'sSnares'10. Two Different Persons, Two DifferentPrayers, And Two DifferentProncruncernenb'-Scrmon PacKct rto-(50 pages)1.'Hebrews'Gr:andlnfoductjon'2.'God.SparedNof3.'SevenSpectaarhr'Wonders' That AreAlrnost Eeyond Belief4. Tie'Fully Cone' Day Of ProvidentialPowef5.'SevenSpiritualStories'6.'ln Soirit And In Trufr'7.'l would Not Have You lgnonant Brehren'8.'You Have Heard That lt Was Said ToTlpse Of Old'9.'Word Prctures Of The Word'10.'How Yotr Can [,lake Your Life Countl'/ore Effedively For Christ4arl&ile_MiniltqAny sernnn in any of fie 'Sermon Packeb' isabo available on cassette tape. On eadrcassefie tape two sermons are included (one onsile one - one on side two). Choose any oftese ncssages in he follolirp quanffies:2 rnesages4 messages.6 rnessages.8 message..Quantities of six or more messages will conre toyou pac*aged in a durable, vinyl, wipeclean,alhrm cover br more convenient storage onyour penonal shelves.-funaamcntateOt faim'Four lessons are induded: '1. The Theme OfThe Bible','ll. What ls The Chur$?','lll.Whidr Church?','lV. What Must I Do To BeSaved?'. Two worksheeb:'ChurdrComparison' and 'Baptism Comparison'. Thisforty-nine page booklet of 'truelfalse' and'muttiplechoice' questions can be used in a'one{n{ne' or classroom setting.Single copy: $5.00 2 - 5 copies: $3.506 - 15 copies: $3.00 16+ copies: $2.50-Tha 9ldarship-This onehundred tvueng+ight page bookdlsasses ewry qualification to be met by aNw Testarnent eher, In addition to frb,disossion information is included concemirB:'Afiitudes Torards The Qualifications','DesaiptiveTerminology Ot The Presbuteros,Tfp Episkopos, The Poirnen','FormsOf ChurdrOrganizatior/Unorganization','A Special StudyOn A Partiqrlar Question ConcemirB TheQualificafon O{ 'Husband Of One Wife", ?Cfnrt On 'Ruleh Well His Own House'','AWorksheet On 'A Bishop Then Must Be.,,TheHusband Of One Wife''. This \rorksheef is amus! Also induded are artides writen byothers regarding sone conbovenial poinb ofhese qualifications. This work has beencomphtely revised and expanded since tb lastprintirg of over twelve yean ago! Cibtions fromoher sdolarly works on bis subject areinduded as a part of the text of tris discussion.Evangelisb and elder "candidates' can reallybenefit from an examination of his material. AllChristians responsible for selectirB andappointirq rnen to his responsibility shouldseriously consider gettirg his study and using itto sfengfien and educate ohers regarding ttrisimportant subject of the scriptures. Spiral boundbookiet, postage paid: $12,50-Tudqinq: May Wo 0r NotIThb study is by rrc means exhaustive alhoughone geb dose to exlnustbn in dehnding fiefuh hat we €n indeed judge people, docfines,and dturdt groups among other trirBs in life.You may copy he ouUine and give it to yoursfudenb as a discussion guide in a dassroom.Sorne scriptrres on te oufline are not in headual bxt of he written lesson. There are texbhat you may want to discnss in addition toohers of your own selection you believe wouldbe edifying to the dass. Forty-seven pagespiral bound booklet, postage paid. $5.00'MactaKcr of ths'Holv Soirit ?coolc-The mbbkes rnade by 'Holy Spirit People' inhe previous centurie are fie same nnde in trbnar century. When one examines wib\out biashe seven, deadfy, dannirB mbbkes of tp'Hoty Spirit People' led by sudr hbe'prophets'as Kenneh Copeland, Ron Parsley, Onl andRidard Roberb, Jimmy Swagge( lrlomsCerulb and Binny Hinn, one will conre out fromamong hese false, mbleadirB 'teadprs' ofGod's Word and will embnace he NewTestarnent Trufi witlront reservatim or stnrne.Booklet (hrcntyone pages in bound spiralbooklet; verbatim mpy of cassette rnessage):$3.00Cassette (two cassettes padaged in a durable,vinyl, wipedean cassete case): $12.00Booklet and Cassettes: $13.50foarching Tha foriDtu-$iqnc - lt: Follouino-(MarK r0:rf)This sfudy is by no rneans intended to 'coverevery base' conceming t\e 'sgns folloing'.However, his teatnent of tlark 16:1/-18 b tnmost extensive I have read or have in myreference uorks. Thb infoduces tn subjai ina survey form to generate discr.rssion amorphose in attendance. This can be used in honpBible sfudies or in a two or hree week SundayBible Sdool dassrmrn sefiirq. Pages areavailable for copy and handouto studenb.Additjonal pages are for use by tre dassroomteacher. The questions and answers areintended to make studenb hink about whatreyhave faditionally fronght about trb subjectWithout question one of he rnost confoversialmatters in 'Christendom' today is fie subject ofthe charismatic gifb.single copy: $3.00 5 - 10 copies: $2.7510+copies: $2.50*ll: -Th? Thid On Th? ero66'This study is based on my larger bookletAroumenb I Have Heard Aqainst TheNecessitv To Be lmmersed In Wabr ForSalvation. I have presented his 'argunenf ina systematic, loglcal, easy-toundersbnd fonnatto be used in eiher horne Bible sfudies or inSunday Bible Sdool dassrooms. There arepages available for handing out b studen8 towork on prior to coming to class, The remainderof tfp booklet nuy be used by the badrer as agukle. This is an excellent presenbtion to refutehe hmous Thief 0n The Coss' argumentagainst imrnersion hto Chrbt for salvatirn!SirBle copy: $3.00 5 - 10 copies: $2.7510+ copies: $2.50"Tlv Cospcl Defender ,Iournal"page sirtecnVolume 12 - Number 2April - June 2fi)4

-An Unnalural 9irth'A Trsatip On Tohn 7:t - loHere rs a full-lengh (thirty-nine pages)disassion of John 3:1 - 10 wherein Jesusdiscouned with Nicodemus on the subject oftring 'bom again.' This'zeroes' in on what ishe 'heart of the argumenf sunounding thesewords: What is he meaning of 'wate/ and'spirif and hw exacdy is one'bom again-? Allof he conversion accounb in Acts are used toheb he Word of God intemret ibetf.Booklet (bound, spiral) $5.00-9aptiemtn Thc Schamc Of Fr.dcmption-By L. A. Mott, Jr.Sixtyone pages discuss in hirteen draptersthe answer to the question: 'ls baptismessenbal to salvatronfBound, softover booklet $5 00-Hor Oftan Muel Wc ObstrvaTho Lordr SupparlOrp of the distirguishing draracteristics of theNw Testarnent Chur$ found in the Word ofGod is her observance of he Lord's Supper onfp first day each week - fifty-two times a year.Thb distirguishing draracteristrc separates herfrom derrcminatbnalbm's varied Lord's Supperpractices. Those who are a part of he NelvTestament Churd should kncnv why Christianscontinue to observe the Lord's Supper on hefirst day of eadr week after he passing of twomillennia following her establishment. Thisfiirty-hree page work is the resuft of EvangelistRi* Brerdenbar4h's investi;ation hat wasrnotivated by his own personal questioning ofhb docfine shorUy after his conversion toChrbt What is cited herein are he facb of hecas€. Every Christian should have this matterfirmty resolved in his or her orn mind. lf it isnot fien you need to read and study his hirtyhreepage booklet along witr a copy of heWord of God.Booklet (bound, spiral) $5.00Thc Lord's iupPar: Thc Mcthods fuidMannarr tn Which li Should 9a0bsarvcd'Must he bread and he mntenb of he CIp be'unleavened'?lf so, what is he basis for hisdocfine? ls rt scriptunal to have nnre han oneloaf on he table? lf not, what is he basis fortnt belien Are he 'onrcuppers' conect ininsistjr€ hat there be only one arp from whidrthe worshippers drink? Does it make anydifierence what is or is not on he table of theLord? Who should be permitted to'serve'theLord's Supper and who should not? What doesa man do once he geb to he table? What kindof pnayens should be pnayed? Where should heLord's supper be 'placed' in the order ofwonhip? ls music appropriate while the supperis beirg taken? lf so, what kind? These andother questions are ansvered in his twen$threepage bookletBmklet (bound, spiral):'Nino Raaeone 4hriet le $uporiorTol&reatar Than Tho Prophote-$4.mTho 6avan Divino Athibutoe Of TaaueChrietHcavonll Habrcu Homill Holp rt - rtoFrom Habroue l:l - 7Thb trrenty-liye page booklet lisb he ninereasons Christ is superior to the propheb as toldby he Hebre writer. In this list are he sevendivine attibutes of Christ These were firstpublbhed inThe Gosoel Defender Jwmel.Booklet (bound, spiral): $4,00Charfi. . . Outlinac. . . furd SpcaalStudiaeln Tha 9ooK Of HabrouaThis is Evargelist Rick Breidenbaugh's lif+lorg,continuirg work in he book of fJebrews. As ftetitle suggesB, tris thirtycir page booklet isfilled witr various charb and crudines hat areuseful in nnre fully understanding the contenbof fris great episUe of the New TeshrnentBlack and white, hree-hole pundpd, I oce-leafeditbn$5.mMulti-colored, bound spinal edition $12.50-Tho 4hurch-After having taught his material to hreedifierent congregations Evarqelbt Rk*Breidenbaqhas gotten into booklet fonn hisonehurdred page book on tlc subiect of thedur$. The book consisb of five main parb:(1)"The Meaning O{ The Word'Churdr", (2)'The Number Of Churches In The NewTestanpnt Soiptures', (3) The BuildirB Of TheChurdr', (4) 'The Names, Desoiptives, FiguresOf Sfecfr, Etc. Given To The Churdr', and (5)'Special Addenda, Charts, And RevietlQuizzes'. Wihin hese divisions are disolssedsuch matters as:in he suipturesout assemblfhumanwhat Jesus actually taught in hepaable of The Good Stepherd'efforb made to debnd denominationalismwhere and when the drurd was shrtedwhy follorven of Christ are Christiansand'Christians onlfwhathe biblical narne of Ste dturch isThree special ciarts are induded in hb study:(1) a multiolored, drronologlcal, timelirp,history of he drurdr, (2) a debiled, vbualexplanation of why Acls 2 Pentecost was onSunday, and (3) a visual illusfation ot John15:5. Specral word studies are a part of headdenda. Four reviar quizzes over hematerials presented are at tp end of the bookletfor individual or group use. Teadprs of trbmaterial may reproduce he quizzes as handoub and get group participation in hese studies.This materialwould be beneficial to all rnembersof he drurch but in particular to those who needto be grounded in the fundamenbl fufr of beNar Testament drurfi of Christ. $12.50-A $tud1 0n $in'Thc Oriqin Of 5inThis fourteen page booklet is in rn wayintended to be an in{eph, exhaustive study ofthe origin of sin. But what it does do b toinfoduce he subject in a genenal, survey form.It is to be used as a laundring pad for a rnoreextensive study should he reader decide to doso, lt is a good lesson to teach as it will openthe dmrs for a great deal of discussion. Thesubject is approached from hree poinb of view:The Origin: In Our UniverseThe Origin: On Our EartrThe Origin: In Our Own LifeBooklet (spinal, bound): $3.00-ifaeue Onll'9aptirm'This is Evangelist Breidenbaugh's extensive aMexhaustivexamination of a docfine tnt saysimmersion for he remission of sins is not validunless it is done only in 'he name of Jesus.'This doctrine, advocated by PentecosVciarismaticpersons, is exposed for its enor. Themain body of bis study is fifty-hree pages inlergh witr an Addendum of nineben pageswhidr focuses upon answering hree typkalbac$ hat promote he docfine of "'Jesus Onty'Baptism.'Booklet (spiral, bound):ff$6.00"Thc Oospcl Defender Journal'pege seventeenVolume 12 - Number 2April - June 2fi)4

futt-Uangth $?rmon/M-DcvctooinoA Scriotural Oroaniz-alionThb fourteen page message is relevant indevebprp Biblical leadership wihin acongregation. The five nnin poinb of ftisrnessage are:Preach The WordlP rornote The Leadenhip!Preoare For The Briar PatdtPr:ay'em In And Keep'em lnPractice! Practice! Practice!Booklet (bound, spiral):Cassete:BmkJet and Cassette:'KcooinaThs Loral 4hurch PuraOnhznut Otangclism'$2.50$6.00$8.mThb b a great message to read, to preadr, andto tead to he dturdt today concemed abouttfrc nessage of he dturdt presented to heworid today that is steeped in impurity. In hisfifteen page rnessage hree case examples arecited illusbatjng hor maintaining punty amorpGods peoplenhances evarpelism:The Gadarene ftlaniac: Mark 5Ananias and Sapphira: Acfs 5The Incestpus Churd: I C.arinthians 5Booklet (bound, sprral) :Cassette:Bookht and Cassete:'Hov Shall ThcI Prcach?'In hb thirteen page, four point rnessage isEvarBelbt Breidenbaugh's understanding off'fl tte Word of God should be preadred:In Honesty Wift BoldnessWiho{Jt Respect Of PersonsIn Fear Of God - Not ManIn Contendirg For The FaittB@klet (bound, spiral):Cassette:B@klet and Cassette:'ialan'tSnarat'$2.50$6.00$8.00$2.50$6.00$8.00Thb eighteen page, hree point nessage willshare with you what Evangelist RickBreilenbaqh believes to be firee of tpsbongest'snarcs' Satan has.The Snare of TemptationThe Snare of DeceptionThe Snare Of HindranceBooklet (bound, spiral): $2,50-Four Foacone To Avoid Hcll'Here is a soul-.winnirp message tnt comesfrom fie'old style'of preaching! Thb fourteenpage rnessage geb right b he issue of whypeople need to make a decision for Jesus Christg!!y! The four reasons are:The Conditions In HellThe Companions In HellThe Lad Of Cornpassion In HellThe Comforb O{ HeavenBooklet (bound, spiral):Cassette:Booklet and Cassette: $7.50$2.50$6.m'Tha Crroatoel Daficionc.l Of Thg Churah-In his tv*nty page booklet EvarBelbt Rk*Breidenbaqh asks his question and refutes thefour rnost frequenty suggested answers.Witrout question, evorv congregation, whethera megadrurd or a small, sfr4glirg, ruralchurfi suffen from his deficiency.Booklet (bound, spiral): $3.00A 4haracior Studl Of TonahEvargelist Breklenbaqh has prrt inb writenform hb sennon rntes covering five messagesover the book of Jonai. This trcnty-hrc pagebooklet will be of particular interest to preadrenand teadens.Sennon #1: 'Jonah's Rebellion' or'JonahRunning Away From God'Sermon #2: 'Jonah's Repenhnce' or'JonahRunning Back To God'Sennon #3: 'Jonah's Requesf or'Jonah'sPnayer For Deliverance'Serrnon #4: 'Jonah's Recommission' or TheGreatest Revival In Hbtory'Sermon lS: 'Jonah's Reproof or The PoutirBProphefBooklet (bound, spinal):$5.mCasse$es (fwe in a durable, vinyl, wipedeancassette case):$15.mBooklet and Cassettes: $17.50?rofitino From Tha ?rovarbc-In his thifi-thre€ page book an inbresting lookis taken at fp first nine dapters of the book ofProvehs which extol the virtue of wMom.These first nrne drapters are presented inalliterative, outine form hat not only helped heauhor of thb material, Evangelist RlckBreidenbaqh, in his presenbtion of $ismaterial but will help anyone who wanb to teadraM or pnadr on hb matter, Wihin hb workyou will ftnd ouUines, questions, a bpir:al strdyon'wis&m', and a specials€nnon peaded byhe author,'Seeirg Wisdom As God Sees lt'The breword to hb entire *ork b written byEvarBelist Donald G. Hunt.Bmklet (bound, spiral):s5.00Thrco Oppoeing ?hitoophiae Of UfaTravallling Nong Highual LrK? loIn his fiirtyone page, hree part serTrpn,Evargelbt Breidenbaqh considers tte radicallydifferent phibsophies ofThe ThievesThe Priest And The LeviteThe SamaritanBooklet (bound, spiral): $s,mCassetes (hree in a dunable, vinyl, wipedeancassette case): $10.00Booklet and Cassettes: S13.50tho &oepol Dcfandcr Tournal lvrnualcFor..-199920002m12002 - 2003Each singleyear annual contains all six lssuesof he "irumal' for tnt year (a total of 168 pagesper annual). Eadt singleyear annual isavailable for $12.50 OR get two sirgle - yearannuals for $22.50 OR get he hree sirgl+yearannuals for $32.50. The 2002-2003 annual bavailable for $20.00. The 2002-2003 annualconbins seven issues of he 'irunnl' br hosetwo yeans. (No '|rumal'was publbhal durirgSeptember - December 2002 and beginnirB in2003 he'joumal' was publishal quarterty ratherhan bi-monthly. The 2002-2003 issue is a bblof 176 pages,)Corres po ndence CoursesDid you know t\at his minisfyhas over twenty FREEcofTesponoence @ursesavaihble b anyone who wanBto study in the privacy of heirown horne?Write and request a free lbtingof allhe courses beirB usedby many home Bible studysfudenb.'Tlu6oyl Defcnder Journol- page eighteenVolume 12 - Number 2April - Junc 2IX)4

THE INTEGRITY OF THE BIBLEChauncey L. KinnamonPart l: The Historicity Of The BibleSome time ago an article from the Associated Pressappeared in the Chillicothe Gazefte with the title "CouldThe Bible Contain Enors?" including a sub-title,"Manuscripts Make Mistakes." Though the tone of thearticle was not overly hostile, it was nonethelessmisleading. We would like to respond to this charge andif it is true there are mistakes in the Bible we will defendChristianity no more. We will devote our time, talents,and resources toward other ventures - perhaps cleaningthe park or helping in the elections. (lf the Bible is false,our "hope" is in politicians.)We strongly assert this indictment is false. The article inquestion (and others like it) is deceptive and delusory.Because of such mischief many will rejectGod's Word and ultimately die lost in theirsins. It thus becomes incumbent uponeach and every one of us to consider theprofound content of this grand volume.Surely, if God exists and is all powerful, itwould be but a small matter for Him topreserve His Word from error andcomtption. Admittedly, this is a matter offaith (which God requires) but there isindeed good evidence that the Bible'smessage has been completely andflawlessly preserved and is free from anyand all error - not just in matters of faith,doctrine and theology but all otherincidentals; viz., history, science, geography,etc. That this is true, we will soon demonstrate. Ourrebuttal will be given in three separate articles:Paft I - The Historicity of the BiblePart II - The Scientific Accuracy of the BiblePart III - The Supernatural Preservation of the BibleNewspaperrnen, for some reason, seem rather fond ofarticles that throw doubt on the trusfworthiness of theBible and the claims of Christianity. Many of them seemhand picked in order to make the religion of Christ lookdumb or dull-witted, like this one: "Pastor out of prison,goes to pulpit."I Another arlicle jubilantly celebrateswomen priests. Another one takes a cheap shot at theseventh commandment . . . "Gay sex cannot be adultery."' Pl"ur. note that Brother Kinnamon is merely citing the article's title.Neither he nor this editor subscribes to the doctrine of calling the localpreacher a'pastorn unless he is an elder-(What a dumb idea!) A local front page story recentlyextolled the virfues of "paganism". . . of all things! Onemore reads "We don't want to get God out of the[Vermont] Constitution. We just want to remove all thereferences to 'Christian' because Vermont is so muchmore diverse now." Diverse? Such nonsense goesagainst 200 years of our history. (And it may well be ourundoing uts a nation. More on this in Part IL)Christianity is opposed and ridiculed today for no otherreason than its teaching that "Jesus is the only way." (cfActs 4: l2 and John l4:6)Considering the supreme importance of such a statement,we must look closelv at the source that makes it - theBible. If this book comes to us from anomniscient, omnipotent being beyond spaceand time, it necessarily follows that it mustbe historically and scientifically accurate.This, if true, will strengthen ourconfidence in weightier matters of faith(e.9., creation, incarnation, bloodatonement via the cross, heaven, hell,resurrection, etc.). In fact, our Saviorasserted this idea in John 3:12. "[f I havetold you earthly things and you do notbelieve, how will you believe if I tell youheavenly things?"The Associated Press' article underexamination states that Pope Leo XIII, in1893, rigorously opposed prevailing proposals of his dayto limit the Bible's inspiration to morals and doctrine,leaving aside maffers of history or science. He was right.Though we reject all forms of Romanism and Popery, weagree with Leo here. To the Pope's credit his affirmationof the unify between history/science and the Bible ismore evident now, in our day, than it was in his. This isso thanks to the relatively new science of archaeology.Many parts of the Bible have now been confirmed and/ormore clearly understood. Though archaeology, by itsvery nature, cannot scientifically prove that the Bible isfrom God (science is not equipped to deal with suchmatters), it is still a useful tool which argues for itshistoricity (which rightly argues for its inspiration).Time and again, the turning of the archaeologist's spade(coutinued on plge twenty...)"The Oospel Defender Journal"page nineteenVolume 12 - Number 2April - June 2fi)4

(...continued from page 20: "The Integrity Of The Bible")Lastly, Tertullian (160 - 230 A.D.) tells of a censusat the time of Christ's birth (Adv. Marc. iv. l9).Though the governor here was Saturninus, manyscholars amend him to Quirinius who probably tookover for the former in 7 B.C.ttArchaeological and historical evidence sfronglysuggests that Quirinius was governor twice therebyresolving the apparent discrepancy of Luke 2.4. One of the most incredible examples of the Bible'saccuracy is the account of "Cyrus, King of Persia"(600? - 529? B.C.). Here, we not only have thehistoricity of this famous monarch, but also a goodlybit of prophetic foreknowledge (history in advance)concerning him. Cynrs, whom we know fromarchaeology and several Old Testament writings,was the benevolent Persian ruler who freed the Jewsfrom their Babylonian captivity which lasted 70years (c. 605 - 535 B.C.). His decree that the Jewsreturn to their land fulfilled the prophecy ofJeremiah 29:10 (given about 80 years before). Thecommand to rebuild the Jewish temple also fulfilledthe prophecy of Isaiah 44:28 and 45:13 (about 180years prior, before the frst temple had yet fallen).There are several extra-Biblical confirmations of thelife of Cyrus. Josephus mentions him in hisAntiquities of the Jews. Herodotus (c. 485 - 424B.C.), born 45 years after Cyms' death, speaks ofhim in the Persian Wars. Xenophon (430?- 355?B.C.) also tells of him in two different volumes, theNabonidus Chronicle and Persian Verse Account.12The most interesting proof of him, however, turnedup during an excavation at ancient Babylon (1879-1882) where Hormuzd Rassam discovered a claybanel inscription (named The Cyms Cylinder) inwhich the policies of Cyms are described andjustified:"...He pronounced the name of Cynrs...declared him to beruler of all the world...Without any battle, he [i.e.Marduk] made him [Cyrus] enter his town, Babylon,sparing Babylon any calamity. He delivered into hishands Nabunad, the king who did not worship him."l returned to these sacred cities on the other side of theTigris, the sanctuaries of which have been in ruins for along time, the images which used to live in them, and Iestablished for them permanent sanctuaries....l alsogathered all their former inhabitants and returned to them" Ar.h"r, Encyclopedia Of Bible Diffrculties. p. 366, Grand Rapids,Michigan: Zondervan (1982) and Bruce, p. 87, footnote 4t' Pri.., The Stones Cry Ou! p.248their habitations. I resettled...all the gods...unharmed, intheir former chapels (sic)..."r3Now notice how well the words of this ancientdocument line up with various portions of the Bible.o the conquest of Babylon in 539 A.D. whichoccurred with no resistance, confirming Daniel5:25 -30o the return of Jews to their former lands in 5388.C., confirming Ena l:2 - 4, 7:12-13 and IIChronicles 36:22-23. the rebuilding of their sanctuaries and the returnof their sacred objects to them, confirmingEnaa1J- |We see no historical conflicts here. Verifu thesescriptures for yourself.The Bible also gives us yet another astonishing fact.God called Cyrus !y name 180 years before he wasborn. "Who says of Cyrus, he is my shepher4 andhe shall perform all my pleasure, sying toJerusalem, you shall be rebuilt." (Isaiah 44:28)Also, "Thus says the Lord to His anointed, to Cyrus,whose right hand I have held...who call you by yourname...I have named you, though you have notknown me." (Isaiah 45:1,34)The Lord's power to declare things "before theyspring forth" (Isaiah 42:9) is evident here. Whatother religious book has given the name of a manalmost fwo centuries before his birth? Show us!This fact alone is enough to prove the Bible is fromGod!Who would have thought in the days of Isaiah thatthis proud, impregnable city, Babylon - a walledforfress 60 miles in length (15 miles on each side),with massive double-walls 300 feet high, almost 80feet thick with 100 gates of solid brass, 250watchtowers stretching 100 feet higher than thewalls, surounded by a deep moat 30 feet wide -would be ovemrn and completely suMued by a mannamed Cyms? In 539 B.C. this great metropolis,one of the wonders of the ancient world, fell toPersia. . without a fight!The fall of Babylon was brilliantly engineered underthe command of Cyrus. First, a third of the Persianarmy marched north to divert the Euphrates River(continued on psge twenty-two...)t' Pf.iff.r, Wycliffe Dictionary Of Biblical Archaeology. Peabody,Massachusetts: Baker (2000)"Thc Cospcl Defender Journal"pege twenty-oneVolume 12 - Number 2April - June 2fi)4

(...continued from page 2l: "The Integrity Of The Bible")into a massive lake (47 miles in circumferencewhich had been constructed in former years byQueen Ninocris to control periodic flooding withinthe city walls. The other two-thirds positionedthemselves north and south of Babylon where theriver, running under the massive double walls,entered and exited the city. As the river dried andthe bottom became exposed, Cyms' armies enteredthe ciry through the dry riverbed and conquered itwithout an arrow shot. (Cyms, knowing theriverbed had been cleaned of silt and lined withbrick by the former Queen, was confident it wouldaccommodate the soldiers.ra Further, thismagnificent cify fell while its leaders foolishlyreveled in a drunken feast. With reckless defiancethey even consumed their liqueur out of the holyvessels which had been taken from the Hebrewtemple (Daniel 5) thereby "desecrating things holy."(Note: Liberals today who "profane holy things"[e.g., ridiculing and uprooting the tencommandments from our culture] shouldimmediately be thrown out of office!) Go4executing judgment by Cynrs, said "He shall do hispleasure on Babylon... " (lsaiah 48:14). SomedayGod may "do His pleasure" on America.Isaiah predicted that "after" Babylon was destroyedit would never be inhabited nor settled fromgeneration to generation. (lsaiah 13:20) Roughly ahundred years after Isaiah, Jeremiah prophesiedagainst the city saying, "You will be desolateforever" (51:26) and that it would"...sink and notrise" (51:64). In view of these predictions, considerthe following historical facts:ooAlexander the Great (356- 323 B.C.) proposedextensive restorations to the city, but diedbefore they could be carried out.15The Seleucids, later in 312 8.C., determinedthat the reconstruction of Babylon would be ascostly as building a new city. Therefore, a newmetropolis was built 40 miles to the north withmaterial from old Babylon.16 After itsconstruction, Seleucus Nicator, one ofAlexander's four generals, transferred the seat ofthe empire to the new city, Seleucia.lToooAlmost 700 years later in 363 A.D. EmperorJulian, while warring with the rulen of Peni4destroyed the new walls of Babylon that hadbeen partially rebuilt by the Sassanians.rsAfter repeated invasions and conquests, thisonce proud city rapidly declined and was finallyreduced to a pile of rubble, as predicted byJeremiah 5137, "Babylon shall become a heap,a dwelling place for jackals... "Today we can still hear the pages of the Biblerustling. As we watched the conflict in Iraq (oldBabylonia) unfold before our eyes, it is doubtfulthat one out of a thousand people noticed howthe chain of events leading up to the liberationof Iraq and the capture of Saddam Hussenwould contribute to the validity of supernaturalBiblical truth. The murderous dictator of Iraqwas removed from power by American andcoalition forces before his dream of "rebuildineBabylon" could be realized.re Though Saddamllike others before him, did partially restoresome of the ruins, it was a shoddy undertaking -no resemblance at all of its original glory. Thesite has also been extensively looted since thefall.20Isaiah said, "It will never be inhabited or lived infrom generation to generation." (13:20) It has been2,543 years since Babylon fell yet the words of theprophets still ring true today: "Babylon will neverbe rebuilt!"Show us in the Koran, the book of Mormon, or theHindu Vedas prophecies given years before thathave been literally fulfilled like these! Show us inany other religious booh historical narratives thathave been confirmed in our day with such precision!If the Bible is a false book" how could such thingsbe?5. For our last example we would like to offer for yourconsideration the almost unbelievable account of"Joshua's long day." After the death of Moses,Joshua took command of the Israelites and enteredthe promised land. The Gibeonites, having madepeace with Israel, feared an attack from the Amoritesand sent word to Joshua beseeching his aid. (Joshua10:6) After God assured Joshua of the victory, the(continued on pege twenty-three...)l4 Hilsley, Familv Restoration Masazine (May 2003) (on-line;,http://*'u'u . tami lv restoration magazine.org/articles/hilsleyO34.html5 Coilier's Encyclopedia- Volume 3, pp. 426427tu Du"ir, Davis Dictiona{v of the Bible. p. 75t7 McDowell, Evidence That Demands A Verdicl p. 305, SanBernardino, California: Here's Life Publishen (1979)tt ibid.t' Bulrig.r, Ancient Secres of the Bible (video series), St. Laurent,Quebec: Madacy Group (2000)to Mott urr,, Austalian Helos Babylon Restoration (November 24,2003) (onJine), http://www. abc.net.au/am/content/2003/s96628.hnn"Thc Oospcl Defender .Twrnal"page twenty-twoVolume 12 - Number 2April - June 2fi)4

(...continued from page 22: "The Integrity Of The Bible")Hebrews confidently routed them. As the Amoritesretreated, Joshu4 knowing he needed more time tomake the victory sure, spoke to the Lord and then saidin the sight of Israel: "'Sun, stand still over Gibeon;and moon, in the valley of Aijalon.' So the sun stoodstill, and the moon stopped till the people had revengeupon their enemies." (Joshua l0:12-13) The venesfollowing tell us the sun and moon stood firm for awhole day (a double miracle) and there was never aday like it,.,before or after...when the Lord heededthe voice of a man. (This occurred around 1405 B.C.)Many scholars, believing this account too incredible tobe true, have questioned the historicity of the event.Others have suggested alternative interpretations of thewording. Yet, a straight forward reading of thenarrative suggests that it happened just as it waswritten (e.g., ."...no day like that, before it or afterit..." [verse la]). Could God do such a thing? Webelieve He could...and did. If God is the creator of theuniverse, being above and beyond His creation (Histranscendence), He has power over it (Hisomnipotence). The creator is always greater than thecreation. We believe that the account of Joshua l0 ishistorically valid, and as such, calls for a direct,supernatural miracle. There are some very goodreasons why this account is likely to be true.First, the Amorites were "sun worshippers."2t Thehalting of the sun by Joshua's God would thusdemonstrate to the Amorites, their pagan neighbonand the pagan world today, that there is no God butYAHWEH, the God of the Bible. (II SamuelT:22)Secondly, the Amorites were involved in a multitudeof lewd, wicked practices: idolatry, male and femaleprostitution, religious temple sex orgies,homosexuality, and child sacrifice.22 Such excessiveforms of perversion may have called for a dramatic,intense form of miracle thus demonstrating God'shostiliry and anger toward such things. Thesedestructive sins, if not halte4 would have irreparablycomrpted the Hebrew race (particularly the tribe ofJudah through whom the Messiah would come[Hebrews 1:lal and would have eventually spreadthroughout the world. God demands righteousness(Proverbs 10:30); ild, God may someday destroyAmerica for similar wickedness. Note: As low as theAmorite homosexuals may have gone, they had not yet'' Pf.iff.r, Wlcliffe Dictionary Of Biblical Archaeology. Vos and Rea,pp. I143-l l4-{; Monis and Clarlq The Bible Has The Answer. p.72,ElCqon, California: Master Books (1987)-- ibid.married [and adopted little children] as they now do inAmerica. Our cowardly politicians, by inaction, haveencouraged them on. By willingly breaking our laws,homosexuals and lesbians are forcing their pervertedlifestyles on the rest of us. They also comtpt theinstitution of mariage as it was given by God atcreation; one man - one woman, for life [Genesis 2:21- 241. Traditional marriage contributes three things tocivilization : (l) It civilizes men. (2) It protectswomen. (3) And, it produces and protects offspring.Homosexuality contributes to none in fact, itdesffoys all three. We must never give in to them!)Americans will do well to remember that God hasgiven us much more light on this matter than theancient Amorites; for they had no "Word from theLord" as we do. Therefore, on the day ofjudgment itwill be more tolerable for pagans than for Americans.Unless our nation repents we will be "...brought downto hell." (cf Matthew I l:23) For they, who had noBible (and didn't know) are more righteous than wewho do. (For comparison, see Matthew I l:20 -24.)Thirdly, because of the nature of such an event, theefffects most certainly would have been noticedthroughout the whole world. Would we not expectwritten records from antiquity documenting such aphenomenon (if such records could be found)?Surprisingly, we have some and they are quite good.During the reign of Chinese Emperor Yeo (thought tohave been a contemporary of Joshua), there is a recordfor such a day.23 Hindu sources likewise give reportsof a "long day."2a The ancient Babylonians andPersians have similar traditions25 as do the South SeaIslanders.26 Herodotus (56 century B.C.), while inEgypq recounts that as the temple priests wereshowing him their archives, he observed a record of aday that was twice as long as any day recorded.2T Inthe Homeric "Hymns to Athena" (Hesiod's volume inthe Loeb Classical Library) we read that "...the sunstopped for a long while."28In the western hemisphere (where Joshua's long daywould have occured at night) we have similar reports(concluded on the pege twenty-four...)23 To.r.y, Difficulties In The Bible. pp. 84{5, New KensingtorLPennsylvania: Whitaker House (2003)" Acher, Encvclopedia Of Bible Difficulties. p. l6l25 Boyd, World's Bible Handbook p. 122, Eugene, Oregon: HarvestHouse, (1991)tu Morri, & Clar|g The Bible Has The Answer. pp.7l-7227 Boyd,World's Bible Handbook p.1222t V.liko"rky, Worlds In Collision. p. 169, Garden City, New York,Doubleday (1950)"Thc 6ospe/ Defender Journal"page twenty-threeVolume 12 - Number 2April - June 2004

(...concluded from page 23: "Integrity Of The Bible")from Incas, Aztecs and other native poeoples. AnAnec inscription dated from 1400 B.C. reads, "Thesun did not rise for a whole day in the city of thegods."t' Inthe Mexican "Annals of Cuauhtitlan"(Codex Chimalpopoca dating over 3000 years ago) itis related that one of the nights did not end for a longtime. Among the many traditions of native Americans,discovered and collected by the Spaniard, Bernardinede Sahagun (1499- 1590), one of them tells of a timewhen "the sun rose only above the horizon andremained there without moving; the moon also stoodstill."30 The historical evidences for "Joshua's LongDay" is striking and fearful. History speaks!ln closing, history documents that man is sinful, violentand unbelieving. Man has rebelled against his maker andthe penaltl, is death (eternal separation from God and allthat is good - Genesis 3). God, though, in His mercy hasoffered us salvation. By punishing Christ instead, whobecame a curse for us (Galatians 3:13), God's righteousanger was assuaged and oru eternal sentence wasreprieved. The One Who "knew no sin" became sin forus. (ll Corinthians 5:21) Being perfect in every way Hesecured forgiveness for all who will obey the gospel. (IIThessalonians l:7-8)All your sins will be punished. "How" will depend onyou and your response to the gospel call. Because ofChrist, God has graciously given you a choice. Butunderstand - without the cross. God cannot and will notforgive.The One who stopped the sun for Joshua 3400 years agobecame, in the incarnation, "the Sun offughteousness...withealing in His wings" (Malachi4:2) "to give light to those who sit in darkness and theshadow of death." (Luke l:79)It is our prayer that the prophetic and historical accuracyof the scriprures, briefly touched upon in this article, hasconvinced you that the Biblical record is sound. Allhistory is moving toward the final consunmation(Hebrews 12:25 - 29) and judgment (Acts 17:31) andJesus (the God-man) will have the frnal word on both.At that time He will be either your Savior or your judge.Brother Kinnamon, whose ministry ChristianApoLogetics is frequently published in theChil"l-icothe Gazette, is a regularcontrj-butor to this "journal." For co[unentsand guestions regarding this article pleaseaddress your correspondence to him at 835East Main Street, Chil]icothe, Ohio 45601.(...concluded from pege 6: "To Pluck Or...Let's Not Be...")FINDING TRUTHln a later study in this series, I will fully explain what Ifind the Greek New Testament telling us on the subjectof Paul's exhortation to early Christians to sing psalms toone another. The less arguing we do over historians andtheir views, the more peaceful is apt to be our walktogether in search of truth.(...concluded from pege l0: *'Jesus Only' Beptism")We now come to the conclusion of this study and I amno closer to accepting this false, erroneous, apostate,unscriptural doctrine than when I first began. Andneither should you. ln fact, if you have been a promoterof it you should be ready, willing, and anxious to comeout from among those who advocate such comrption androttenness of doctrine, a doctrine which literally attemptsto keep men and women, boys and girls out of thekingdom of God. The conclusion of the whole matter isthe same as it was when this hellish doctrine was firstconceived in hell: It is false! It is false! It is false!-Tasus Onll'9apfiem EoNl tho arliclae thaf havc boan rrritian on thie eubjactand includad in this and pael iccuoe of thie ]iournal'hava bccn compilad inio booKlof form. Thc mainbodl of thir ctudl ic fift1-thr?* Vago6 in langth uifhan Mdandum of ninotcan pag?6. Thie arfansivc andorhaustivs rtudl rrill bs of graat hclp for thoec rrhoacc clrnfueoA rogarding nhat ir tho propar bapiiemal'formula- to bg uecd rrhcn p?opt? ara baptiz.ad into4hriet for tha ramiseion of thcir sinc.You loow youre getting old when you stoop to tie yourshoes a"nd wonderwLrrat else 5rou e^n do whi.Le Jrouredown therel2e Taylor,Creation Moments (radio spots), Volume 49, Zimmerman,Minnesota: Crearion Momenls (2003)30 Velikousky, Worlds In Collision. pp.4546a. What kind of motor vehicles are in the Bible?A. Jehovah drove Adam and Eve out of the Gardenin a Fury. David's Triumph was heard throughoutthe land. Also, probably a Hond4 because theapostles were all in one Accord."Thc 6ospel Defender ,fournal"page twenty-fourVolume 12 - Number 2April - June 2004

Teaching @n fhe Tabernacfe-- -,-: tl-5-:A|*/tTabernacle Talk #15THE hATE OF ENTWICE TO TH6 COUFTYA&DReviewIn our previous fourteen "Tabernacle Talks" we haveconsidered several subjects and doctrines relative to thetabernacle that God had erected in the wilderness underthe leadership and direction of Moses. We have lookedat the arrangement of the twelve tribes around thecourtyard curtain including that of Moses and the priests.And most recently we considered the fine white linencurtain with its supporting pillars that surrounded theouter courryard. But now we begin to approach thetabernacle itself. We must approach it carefully withreverential consideration through the "gate of entrance."We are not yet at the tabernacle proper. We must fnstenter the courryard itself by going through this "gate."Whereas the outer curtain of the courfyard has shown usChrist our security (John l0:28-29) this gate will showus Christ our Savior Uohn l:12, I0:l - 9).'I Do not consider this statement as promoting the unbiblical doctrine ofetemal securiry or "perseverance of the sains." But also do not throwaway the baby with the bath water Tabernacle Talk #13 discussed theI. Its Scriotural Referencesln the book of Exodus there are two passages referring tothe "gate of the court."A. Exodus 27: 16-17 is in reference to itsspecifications for construction.B. Exodus 38: I4 I9 is in reference to itscompletion.(continued on page twenty-six...)typological sigrrificance of the outer courtyard hanging and noted that itrepresented the righteousness of Christ. As long as one is "inside" thisouter curtain, i.e., in the courtyard its€lf, one is pictured as being in therighteousness of Christ which in this New Testament dispensarionoccurs when we "put on" Christ at the time of being immersed intoHim for the forgiveness of sins and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit.(Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:27) As long as one remains "in Christ" he issecure. But, of course, one can decide to leave Christ (leave the outercourtyard) and retum to the world and thus forfeit the security one has"in Christ."'TluCospel Defender Journal'page twenty-fiveVolume 12 - Number 2April - June 2fi)4

one, and only, gate to approach thepage twenty-sir(...continued from page 25: "Tsb€rnacle Talk #15")'Thc Oospel Defender Journal*saving grace of God.II. Its Names2. the four gospel accounts of Christwhich are a record of the life andThe gate of enfrance to the outer court is given at leastthree different names within the scriptures.ministry of Christ and thus "uphold"that historical record. Each gospelaccount points men to Christ.A. the gate (Exodus 27: l6)B. the curtain for the door of the court (Numbers3:26)C. the door of the court (Numbers 3:26)IV. Its DimensionWe read rn Fscodus 27:16 and 38;/8 that this gate wasfwenty cubits (approximately thirly feet) in length.III. Its LocationExodus i8:18 also states that the height of the gate wasfive cubits (seven and one-half feet), the same height asA. The gate of the court was located in the middle the rest of the court hanging.5of the eastern side of the court (Exodus 27:13,38:13) befween fifteen cubits of the whitebyssus court hangings on either side of it(Exodus 27:14-15, j8:14-15). Numbers 2:3V. Its Constructionsays the east side was "toward the rising of theA. Both Exodus 27: I6 and Exodus 38: I8 state thatsun. " "The beams of the rising sun would thusthe gate of the court was "wrought withfall upon the gate revealing the way of approachto God. There was no back or side entrance; hewho entered it must do so in the light."2B.needlework. "Four different skilled crafumen are noted inExodus 35:35, three of whom are workers withcloth materials.B. We are told in Exodus 27: I6 and 38: /9 that thegate of the court was supported by four pillarswhich rested upon four sockets of brass.' Thesepillars and sockets are the same in theirl. the cunning workmanAnother translation for this crafumancomposition as the other fifty-six thatis "skillful weaver." This weaversurrounded the outer court and which we havewove a patterned fabric. Some thinkpreviously discussed in this series of studies.athis craftsman was so-called becauseThese four pillars of the gate of entrance remindus ofhe had to count and calculate thethreads in weaving figures after themanner of tapestry or carpet. Thel. the four directions of the world(north/south/east/west) and thus theworld-wide accessibility to Christand the salvation He offers to all.But, all men from all directions ofthe world must come through this"cunning workman" labored chieflywith the curtains and veil of thetabernacle and the ephod and thebreastplate of the High Priest's apparel.His skill differed from the "weavef' asseen below.2.- John Ritchie, Tabernacle, p. 2lthe embroiderer' You will note that on the artist's rendition of the gate of entrance onThe embroiderer adorned a fabric thatpage x,\ of this issue it appears that the gate is suspended from hvewas either patterned or plain. Hepillars ralier than four (as depicted by the drawing on the next page).Many pictorial representations appear this way. When viewed in thisworked with a needle, either shaping\.vay some tabernacle students believe that the two pillan at the exfemeends of the gate count as only'/z each. Thus, looking at the drawing's(continued on page twenty-seven...)pillars the total number of pillars is computed as follows: V2 + | + | + |+ Vz= 4. This method of numbering also is used by some of these samestudents in computing how the corner pillars that support the outer 5 Although the dimensions of this gat€ are different from those of thewhite curtain "fit" in the number of pillars for each side of theTabemacle. (The outer corner pillars are numbered t/z "door of the tabemacle" (10 cubits x l0 cubis) and the 'Aeil of thefor each adjacent tabernacle" (10 cubits x l0 cubits) the total area of the gate ( 20 cubitsside.x 5 cubits = 100 square cubits) is equal to the total area of the twoa See Volume I I - Number 4 (October - December 2003), pp. 8 - l2 afore-mentioned "entrances" to specific parts of the tabernacle. Weand Volume l2 - Number I (January - March 20M),pp.27 -29.will have more to say about this in a later study.Volume 12 - Number 2April - June 2fi)4

(...continued from page 26: "Tebernacle Talk #15")his design in stitches of coloredthread, or in pieces of colored clothsewn upon the groundwork. Hiswork was employed chiefly in theenffance cufiains of the tent andthe court, and in the girdle ofthe high priest.3. the weaverUnlike the "cunning workman"who wove a patterned fabric, the"ordinary" weaver wove a plainfabric, working with the loom inthe ordinary way with materials ofonly a single color. The fabricmade by him was used for the robeof the High Priest's ephod and itsbinding, and for the coats of thepriests.r*.t';ii;il;;;;'-'-"v"""'/v^-/\/\-'-'\"v \Just as God provided four different craflsmen to make possible ,:the construction of the tabemacle, He has provided four different'gifts'1to the church for her construction and completion:apostles, prophets, evangelist, and pastor-teachers. (Ephesians4:11) In the case of the tabemacle, it could not have beencompleted or finished without the work of these four craftsmen, InIthe case of the church, neither can she be 'complete' (perfected)without these four men.(C. Although subordinate to Bezaleel, Aholiabwas the director of his own department, thatof weaving and embroidery and had toinstruct others in it. (Exodus 38:23,35:35:34) (Later inthis study we willspeak more aboutthe men who werechosen by Godthrough Moses tocomplete the tasksof the consffuctionof the tabernacle.)D. Women wereinvolved in thefabrication of thecloth goods of thetabernacle.However, someiI The Gate Of Entrance :Biblical scholars differentiate the men andthe women of this trade in this wav:l. the three linen workers of Exodus35:35 were men while,2. the spinners and dyers werewomen. (F,xodus 35:25) The fourcolors that composed the gate ofthe court are mentioned in Exodus35:25 as being spun by the womenof Israel. We would not be wrongin thinking that women wereintricately involved in helping inthe fabrication of the gate of thecout.E. When one compares Exodus 26:1, 26:31,26:36. and 27: l6 one notes that four"pieces" of the tabernacle whole werecomposed of the same composite materialsand were of the same worhnanship:l. the inner curtains (the firstcovering over the tabernacle, i.0.,its first "ceiling" layer")2. the "second veil", i.e., the veil thatseparated the holy place from theholy of holies (or most holy place)(Hebrews 9:3)3. the "first veil", i.e., the veil orhanging that occupied the door orenffance to the tabernacle (or holyplace), and4. the sate of the court.VI.Its CompositionExodus 27: l6 and -18:/8state that the gate of entrancewas composed of fourdifferent colors.(Soltau notes that"The order of thecolours [sic], blue,purple, scarlet,repeated at leastth'twenty-four times inExodus, is nevervaried."6)(continued on pagetwenty-eight...)6 The Tabemacle - The Priesthood And The Offerine. p. l7)'Tln6oyl Defender ,Tournal- psge twenfy-sevenVolume 12 - Number 2April - June 2(X)4

ln previous sections of this study we havepsge twenty-eight(...continued from page27: *Tabernacle Talk #15")'Thc Gospel Defender Journalnotedinformation concerning this fabric.TA. BlueWhen we consider the typologicalsignificance of this material's actualNote that the lrst mention of this "color" isfabrication we will note even moremade in Exodus 25:4 as one of the fourteeninformation concerning its construction.items that was to be collected for theHere we will simply note that it was thisconstruction of the tabernacle. More thansimply a color, blue refers only to fabricsfine wined linen that was inwrought withthe previously mentioned three colors.that were dyed with a special blue dyeobtained from the secretions of variousmollusks that swarmed the coastal watersof the eastern Mediterranean, particularlyWPOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF ALL OF THISnear Sidon and Tyre. Blue and the two This concludes our consideration of the technicalother dyes mentioned n Exodus 25:4 are details of this gate. In the next issue of this "joumal'the most expensive and valuable of all thedyes available to the Israelites. Blue waswe will note the many typological points that are"shadowed" in this part of the outer curtain.applied to the fringes, veil, vestments,embroideries, etc. in the description of theark and the tabernacle. The fabric itselfONE FINAL NOTE ABWT THE GATE OF ENTRANCEwas made of rwisted thread.B PurpleLike blue, purple, though a color, meansmore than a mere color n Exodus 25:4. ItWe have included the artist's conception of the gate onpage xx only to illustrate how the gate may have beensuspended on the pillars. However, we find fault withthe artist's depiction. His drawing suggests that therewere two halves to this entrance gate, each half beingdrawn to either side to allow enffance into the courtdenotes a fubk colored purple. This where the sacrifices were made at the brazen altar. Wepurple was obtained from mollusks along know of nothing in the scriptures that suggests that thisthe eastern shores of the Mediterranean. gate was constructed in fwo parts or in sections as wereThe pigment was secreted by a gland in the the tabernacle curtains. We can only presume that thelining of the stomach. (One will recall that artist presumed this construction was the only way init was in this kind of dye-work that Lydia, which one could enter the court. But other artists havethe first European convert to Christ, was drawn this gate (such as the picture on page xx) as beingemployed. She was "a seller of purple" one piece and being "rolled" up from the bottom (as aaccording to Acts I6:14.) This fabric/color scroll) and tied to the fillets and pillars to allow one'swas used in the curtains and the veil of the entrance. It is ttlis conception that we pre&l as being thetabernacle and the ephod of the High Priest. more accurate one. The question is this: how did theIsraelite enter through the gate?C. Scarleto Since we have "ruled out" the gate being madeSimilar to blue and purple, scarlet too is aof nvo pieces, he did not go through thefabric that is colored scarlet (sometimes"middle" of two halves.this is translated "crimson" psaiah l:18D.o Since we have stated our preference of the gateIt is sometimes likened to the color ofbeing made of only one piece, he either had toarterial blood. The dye came from thego "undef' (while it was still hangingdried pulverized maggots of certain insects.suspended from the posts), "over," or "around"Their powder produced a red dye for theit. None of these are acceptable.dying of the yarn that would be woven intothe fabric to be later used in the tabernacleproper.would crawl on his belly under thegate. Besides, how would he get hisD. Fine Twined Linen(concluded on page thirty-one...)' See Volume I I - Number 4 (October - December 2003), p. 9.Volume 12 - Number 2April - June 2fi)4

INTRODUCTIONBeginning with this article and concluding with a few tofollow I want to talk to you about why the Bible waswritten and given by God to the human race. There areat least ten reasons why God has done this and it isabsolutely imperative for both those who are Christiansand those who are not to know these reasons.The Bible says about itself in II Timothy 3:16-17 that"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and isprofitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, forirutruction in righteousness, that the man of God may becomplete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."The word "inspiration" in this passage literally means"God-breathed." God "breathed" the scriptures into thepens of those men who wrote the various books andepistles that we call collectively the Bible. There aresixty-six of them in both the Old and New Testaments.Each writing of each Bible author was and is inspired ofGod. They are God's Words and not man's. Man wasmerely the instrument God used to reveal His message tothe human race. Christians view the Scriptures as God'sunchangeable, unalterable revelation that is forevercompleted. And God wants the human race to read it, tostudy it, and finally to understand it. And it can be if youwill give it a chance.Have you ever considered the question, "Why did Godwrite the Bible?" Why was it written and given to theworld? Even those who do not accept the inspiration ofthe Bible have been forced to admit that it has had thegreatest influence upon the world of any book everwritten. It has done more to change civilization than anyother book. It is always the "best seller." It has beentranslated into almost every language of the world. It isquoted in speeches more frequently than any otherwritten document. lts very name, Bible, means "book."The word "Bible" is actually a transliteration of theGreek word "biblios." Again, what was - and is - thepurpose of this great book? Usually the contents of abook reveal its purpose and this is certainly true with theBible. When one reviews the Bible one will discover atleast ten reasons why it was written and why God gave itto mankind. In this first of a series of articles I want totell you the first reason. It was written and given to thehumanrace...TO REVEAL GODNow I admit that without the Bible a man could - andshould - believe in the existence of what some peoplecall a "supreme being." Romans L' 18 - 32 says that"...the wrath of God is revealedfrom heaven against allungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppressthe truth in unrighteousness, because what may beknown of God is manifest in them, for God has shown itto them. For since the creation of the world His irwisibleattributes are clearly seen, being understood by thethings that are made, even His eternal power andGodhead, so that they are without ua$a " The Biblesays we can look at the universe and see the evidences ofa great designer; the moon, stars, planets, and otherheavenly bodies are visible evidences that there is "a"God. Psalmist David was in awe of this great God whenhe wrote Psalm 8:3. "V[/hen I consider Your heavens,the work of Your fingers, The moon and the sters, whichYou have ordained. " We see the effects of a plan thattells us of a great planner. The entire universe operatesaccording to a perfect law. The sun "rises" and "sets" atprecisely the time it is supposed to day after day, yearafter year. Astronomers are able to point their telescopesat a precise time in the universe and view at a preciselocation whatever heavenly body they want to viewusing astronomical tables and charts that are functionalonly because of the precision of the movements ofcelestial bodies. The four seasons appear at theirappointed times year after year. None of this can beaccidental. It must be so because of someone who issustaining and maintaining all of these complicated andcomplex movements within the universe. And, ofcourse, for the Christian this "someone" is God and notsome invisible "force" or mystical "influence" or even'the man upstairs." And even more specifically, this"someone" is Jesus Christ Himself. The writer ofHebrews says tn Hebrews /:3 that He upholds "allthings by the word of Hk power" or by His powerfulword. Again, Psalmist David wrote in Psalm 19:I, "Thehewens declqre the glory of God; and the firmamentshows His handiwork. "There was once a traveler who crossed the desertfollowing an Arab guide. The traveler marveled at thefaith of the old man who daily took time to pray severaltimes along the way. "Why do you pray to someone(continued on pege thirty...)'The Cospel Defender Jwrnal-page twenty-nineVolume 12 - Number 2April - June 2004

(...continued from page 29: "Why Did God... Bible?)Whom you cannot see?," asked the traveler. "How canyou be sure that there really is a God?" The Arab did notanswer immediately, but the next day as they journeyedthe Arab answered, "Last night as we slept in our tents,we heard a noise. How did you know that camels passedby?" The traveler was quick to reply, "Because thismorning I saw the footprints of the camels." The wiseold Arab smiled knowingly. "Likewise, do I know thereis a God. When I see the fiery beaury of the fiery sky,when I drink from the cooling waters of the green oasis,when I behold the stars in the heaven above, I know thatthese things were created by the Master Craftsman. Iknow there is a God because I see His fooprintseverywhere." In like manner, the footprints of God havebeen recorded on the sacred pages of God's Word thatwe call the Bible. May God be able to impress uponyour heart this undeniable fact.Now all of this that I have shared with you is sufficientwithin itself to prove - or to reveal - that God trulyexists. And all of this is evident without the use of aBible. But the Bible teaches or reveals to us things aboutGod that we otherwise would never know but need toknow! The Bible reveals the character of God. Andbecause He wanted us to know who He really is andwhat He is really like, He has given us the Bible. Wecould never know anything about God - or at least, asmuch as we do know with the Bible - without the help ofthe Bible. It is the Bible that reveals to us His holiness,mercy, justice, righteousness, and love. Without theBible we could never know anything about His will forour lives. We could know nothing of His law. Andneither could we know anything about His wrath andjudgment. This is the difference between Christianityand paganism. Our God has communicated those thingsto us that He wants us to know about Himself and thatare essential for our knowledge if we are to be acceptedby Him. The Apostle Paul makes this known rn Romansl:17 when he writes that it is in the gospel of JesusChrist that "the righteousness of God is revealed fro*faith to faith. " We know about God's righteousness onlybecause it has been made known through the gospelwhich is recorded in the Bible. Paul also writes in 1Corinthians I:7 - 10 that we can know the wisdom ofGod only because it has been revealed through the sacredscriptures. "But we speak the wisdom of God in antystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained beforethe ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of thisage knew; for had they known, they would not hqvecrucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written: 'Eyeshqve not seen, nor ear heard, nor hqve entered into theheart of man the things which God has prepared forthose who love Him.' But God has revealed them to ustlvough His Spirit." Ladies and gentlemen, one of the'The Cospel Defender Jwrnal"reasons the Bible was written was to reveal God to us.No wonder Psalmist David wrote in Psalm 14:1. "Thefool has said in his heart, 'There is no God. "'The story is told of an unbelieving univenity professorwho asked his class, "Has anyone here ever seen God?"When no one responded, he blurted with great arrogantintellectualism, "See! There is no God!" Disturbed bythe visible ignorance of his professor, a courageousstudent stood on both of his feet and asked his classmatesa similar question. "Has anyone ever seen theprofessor's brain?" When no one answered he alsoblurted with great confidence and conviction, "See! Theprofessor has no brain!" Ladies and gentlemen, only afool would reject the visible evidence of God and thewritten testimony of whom and what He is. I urge you toopen your Bible and see God revealed as you perhapshave never seen Him before!The fuII text of this radio message is available oncassette tape for $5.m. This is a good message toshare with those who doubt the existence of God.Make your check or money order payable to: TheGospel Defender Ministries. Monies received formaterials like this make it possible for thecontinuance of this minisbv. Thank You!.lr.lllir.lr,lr,lr,lr ,} ,l|'ir ,lr,-;,-r,lr rlr rlr ,li ,lr,lr,} ,lr,] ,lr,} .lr .lr'lr ,l:..r.lr,lr ,l:,lrwHo cRUCrrrEo lnsus?Evangelist Ed BousmanA popular question has always been who crucified Jesus? Thereare several answers.Number One: God did. ln Revelation thirteen fohn speaks ofthe I.amb that was slain from the foundation of the world. Andwe are all familiar with |ohn 3:16. "God gtue His only begottetSon."Number Two: Jesus crucified Flimself. He deigned the wholeprocess. At the Transfiguration Luke, Moses and Elijah spake ofHis decease whic-h He should accomplish at Jerusalerru ]esusalso said" "I lay down My lile that I may tal

(...concluded from page 28: "Tabernacle Talk #15')unscripturally unorganizedsacrifice "under" the gate with him?An unscripturally unorganized congregation is onein which God's revealed plan for church governmentis incomplete in that men who are scripturallyhow would he get his sacrifice "ove/'qualified for the eldership and/or deaconate are notthe gate with him?serving in those roles for one reason or another.believe that it does fJohn I0J neitherWe urge our readers not to read into this short article thatof these harmonize with how onewe are "anti-eldership". The scripture is very clearenters the "sheepfold," i.e., throughregarding the structure of church polity that mostChrist.certainly includes an eldership. But also our readers areurged to surrender the eroneous idea that there must beSo, then, we conclude that he who brought a sacrifice toan eldership in the local church and to come out fromthe tabernacle for an offering did not go "under," "over,"among them who insist that elderships be establishedor "around" the gate of entrance but "through" the gateeven if the qualifications specified by the Holy Spirit arewhile the gate hanging wits suspended above the ground.ignored to establish them. Such an idea results in theordination of men into that function/minisury who neitherThere are those who object to this conclusion. Theare qualified for the responsibilities of that gift nor areobjection is this: by having the enffance gate rolled up asable to lead or shepherd the flock over whom they havea scroll and secured to the filaments and posts, the courtbeen appointed. In our ministry all too often we haveof the tabernacle would be exposed to everyone's sightseen congregations being "led" by men who disgraceand thus would profane the tabernacle. We dismiss thisthemselves, the local congregation that they have beenobjection on two grounds.ordained to "oversee," and the Word of God byoccupying a function to which they have never beeno Most students of this subject agree thatcalled by God. The results are tragic. We agree with H.the actual encampment of the fwelveE. Phillips, author of one of the most definitive works totribes was as far away as one mile fromdate with which we are familiar concerning the eldership,the outer curtain of (and gate ofwho states "It is not extravagant to say that ninetyentrance to) the tabernacle. Therefore,percent to all church trouble comes directly or indirectlyit is not likely that much of anythingfrom unqualified men in the eldership."twithin the outer curtain could be seenby anyone that far away.A S(nNg Nt tOO OneN nSPgAteD. Those who did see the inside of thetN t$g 0t unan oF oan IorDcourt would have been those whoapproached with their sacrifice. Theirseeing the court could not havel"?ff :i J:: trT*lT: J"H;Ji :"Perhaps this is much "ado about nothing" in the minds ofsome of our readers but for those who are as interested inand inspired by the genius of the tabernacle as we arethis is just one more of the many fascinating aspects ofthis Old Testament edifice that in every way typifiesChrist and His church.cArc&\rcArcAr(...concluded from page l4: "Church Polity: The Eldership)An unscripturally organized congregation is one inwhich God's revealed plan for church government isincomplete in that there is an unqualified eldershipand/or deaconate functioning as if it were qualified.I Scriptural Elders and Deacons. p. 8l'The Cospel Defender .Tournal' page thirty+neVolume 12 - Number 2April - June 2fi)4

THE aOSPEL DEFENDEP JOUPNALPO5T OFFTCE BOX 575cHrLucorHE. oHro 45601 -0575NONPROFITOR.G.U.S. PIOSTAGEPAIDPERI}TIT NO.46CHILLICoTIIE. OHIO 45607CHANGE SERVICE REOUESTED(...concluded from page 30: *Who Crucified Jesus?'Number Five: the Jews did it. When Pilate washed his hands ofthe whole affair the Iews said, "His blood be on us, and on ourchiMren."Number Six: I did it. Paul said in Romans that Christ died forthe ungodiy. While I don't Like to admit it, I will confess I am inthat bunch.Number Seven: You did it. Paul reminfu us that all have sirrredand fall short of the glory of God. The l,ord did not die merelyto save the people who had done the great sins such as murderand child abuse and drug pushers. It was for the ordinaryeveryday srrs that we all commit. The accumulation of all ofyour little everyday petty sins over a lifetime if not forgiven andcovered by the blood will put you weil within the perimeters ofHell fire. Even the sin of betrayal of Judas doesn t look all thatgreat when you consider how little he received. It was not fortwenty billion dollars that he sold the l-ord, but a little less thanrwenty dollars. The rewards of sin in every area of life arecorrespondingly small.Inside This fssue"lf I Were An Elder"page I"To Pluck Or Not To Pluck? -That Is The Question" - #2 page 5"'Jesus Only' Baptism" - Conclusion page 7"l Corinthians 13 dBible Love" - Part II page I I"Church Polity - The Eldership" page 14"Gospel Defender Ministries MaterialsAvailable For Your Own Personal Library" page l5"The Integrity Of The Bible" page 19"Teaching On The Tabernacle"Tabemacle Talk # 15 page 25"Why Did God Write The Bible? -To Reveal God"page29"'Who Crucified Jesus?" page 30T}IE GOSPEL Df,FENDER MINISTRYRADIO BROADCASTEve ry Thu rsday11: 30 12 :00 noonwxrc (660 AM)BE SURtr TO IJSTEN TOTHE GOSPEL DEFENDtr,R MINISTRYRADIO BRO.A.DCASTSUNDAYS: 9:15 - 9:45 A.M.Wr*.Y ( 1 04. 1 FM) - PoRTSMOUTH,(XIIOE-Mail Address:EvangeTist Rrck BreidenbaughEditoragosdef@adelphia.net 1-740-779-1046