Old Paths Advocate Volume 6 Number 6

G. C. Brewer’s Review of “The Cup of The Lord”

Answered by J. D. Phillips - Number 5

“6. One Loaf and One Cup. - The author of the tract says that in using one loaf and one cup we show the unity of Christ’s body. Christ’s body is one, of course, and Paul says that “we being many are one bread, one body: for we all partake of the one bread.” Phillips says: “‘A loaf’ (Matthew 26:26) is explained by Paul (1 Corinthians 10:17) to be ‘one loaf’ (heis arton). ‘A cup’ (Matthew 26:27) is explained by Ignatius to be ‘one cup’.” (Page 24.)”
 
Yes, “one loaf” (1 Corinthians 10:17) is a symbol of the church’s unity. “Because there is one loaf,” says Paul, “we ought to consider the whole congregation as one body.” So reads the Living Oracles New Testament One “cup” shows forth “the unity” of Christ’s blood. So taught Ignatius in the first and second centuries.
 
“It is a pity to disillusion anyone who has made such exhaustive research, but the truth of all this lies on the surface in the language of Paul and of Ignatius. A few questions will enable all to see it.”
 
If you can “disillusion” me with the truth, go to it, brother, for the truth is what I want. “The truth shall make you free,” says Christ.
 
“When Paul said, “we being many are one bread, one body,” did he mean the disciples at Corinth composed this one bread, one body, or did he mean that all Christians compose this one bread, one body? Were the disciples at Rome, at Ephesus, at Troas, at Philippi, etc., also a part of this one bread, one body?”
 
Yes, Paul meant to teach that each assembly in Corinth (if there were more than one assembly there) should have “a loaf” and “a cup,” for that is the way our Lord delivered it to him, and the way he delivered it to Corinth. See Matthew 26:26-28 and 1 Corinthians 11:23-28. Rome, Ephesus, Troas and Philippi each had “a loaf” and “a cup,” and to each assembly the loaf and the cup symbolized unity.
 
“Well, when Paul said in the next clause, “for we all partake of the one bread” - one loaf - did he mean that only the disciples at Corinth partook of the one bread - one loaf - or did he mean that all Christians partook of the one bread - one loaf? Did the children of God at Corinth partake of one bread, and the children of God at Rome partake of another bread, and the children of God at Philippi partake of still another bread; or loaf? Was the loaf that they ate at the different places a different loaf? Certainly not; they all - all God’s children then and now - partook and partake of the one bread - one loaf - and drink of the one cup. But any sane person knows that the brethren at Corinth and at Rome did not eat from the same literal loaf - same piece of bread - or drink out of the same literal vessel on the first day of the week. They had a loaf and a cup at Corinth, and a loaf and a cup at Rome, and yet they all ate the one loaf and drank the one cup. The number of literal loaves and literal cups used had nothing at all to do with it. It is now one loaf and one cup with the disciples of Christ all over the world. They may be in ten thousand different places and may use a million different literal pieces of bread and literal cups, but they all partake of one bread and drink of one cup.”
 
All Christians in an assembly should, and, in apostolic times, did, “partake of that one loaf” (1 Corinthians 10:17). Macknight pointed out the fact, a century ago, that when arton has a numeral before it should be rendered “loaf,” not bread. Thus, we read “five loaves,” not five breads; three loaves, not three breads; “a (one) loaf” (Matthew 26:26), not a bread. From the very nature of a loaf, two or more congregations, a hundred miles apart, cannot partake of the same loaf. They can, and do, partake of the same kind of a loaf, but not the same loaf.
 
“The language of Ignatius quoted in the tract shows that this is his meaning also. (See. pages 24-29.) He says: “Take ye heed, then, to have but one Eucharist. For there is one flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ, and one cup to (show forth) the unity of His blood,” etc. And as quoted on page 29: “For there is one flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ, and His blood which He shed for us is one. One loaf is broken for all, and one cup is distributed among them all.” And again: “Wherefore let it be your endeavor to partake all of the same holy Eucharist. For there is but one flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ, and one cup in the unity of His blood.””
 
Ignatius speaks of “one Eucharist.” Paul de­scribes it as “that which the Lord delivered unto” him. 1 Corinthians 11. Bro. Brewer’s “eucharist” is another, and different thing.
 
“Notice here that Ignatius speaks of one Eucharist each time, which means one Lord’s Supper. He did not want those to whom he wrote to have a different, a corrupted or divided, Lord’s Supper. All the disciples to whom he wrote ate of one bread and drank of one cup even though they were in different congregations thousands of miles apart. Notice also that he speaks of “distributing” the cup. Did they distribute a literal cup? How? By grinding it to powder?”
 
The context in which Ignatius’ language occurs indicates that he means that all in an assembly were to eat at the same table, each drinking of the one cup, and eating of the one loaf. To use loaves and cups in each assembly is the very token of division. Bro. Brewer’s interpretation destroys the literalness of the symbolism, as indicated in both the New Testament and Ignatius, and substitutes a mystical idea that leads to a nullification of all symbolism, and the necessity therefor. If a plurality of loaves and cups symbolize the “one Eucharist” and “one loaf” and “one cup,” then away with our opposition to triune immersion, and the advocacy of “one baptism.”
 
Yes, each church had “a loaf” and “a cup.” The word “church” is used in the local sense to denote a single congregation; it is used in the general sense to denote the entire body of Christ, composed of all Christians. The record does not say nor imply that all “churches of Christ” partook of the same loaf and the same cup. The Bible provides for “churches of Christ” (Romans 16:16), and it provides for “a loaf” and “a cup” for each; but it does not provide for loaves and cups, for each. This is what Paul meant, and what Ignatius meant.
 
“Regarding Ignatius, Phillips tells us that he was ordained Bishop - a capital B - Bishop - by the apostle Peter. Ordained Bishop of what, please? Was he simply one of the bishops of a local congregation - the only kind of bishop the Bible knows anything about - or did Pope Peter ordain him Bishop of a province or a metropolis? There is very little known of Ignatius, and this Peter ordaining him Big-B Bishop is a Roman Catholic fiction. But Phillips is willing to swallow the hierarchy in order to appear to sustain his hobby. What do men care for a monstrous ecclesiasticism or the usurpations and corruptions of papery when they are wedded to a silly hobby? All Pharisees in all ages will strain out gnats and swallow camels.”
 
Of course, “bishop”, when applied to Ignatius, should begin with a small “b”. This mistake was made by a copyist, who made several copies of the manuscript of the tract before it was finally printed. The printers followed one of her copies, and thus they used the big “B” when it should have been the little “b.” Bro. Brewer ought to thank my copyist for making this mistake, for about the only point he has made in his review is based on her mistype.
 
But his remarks about the big “B” proves nothing against his being an elder, bishop, or overseer. Whether it was Peter that ordained him (as history says), or someone else, amounts to but little so far as the argument is concerned. It is enough to know that he was an elder while several of the apostles were living.
 
The “Cyclopedia of Religious Knowledge,” p. 434, says, “Ignatius of Antioch, one of the Apostolic Fathers, martyred early in the second century (A. D. 107, to be exact J. D. P.), at Rome. He was bishop of Antioch for forty years.” 40 from 107 leaves 67, and hence, if he was bishop at the time of his death, he must have been ordained about the year 67. Continuing, the same work says, “He prefaced his quotations with ‘it is written’,” thus showing his love for the truth. Again, “The central idea of the Epistles of Igna­tius may be expressed in the words ‘One Faith’.” Again, “The Eucharist is with him the center of Christian worship.”
 
“But there is yet another angle to this one-bread and one- cup symbolism. The tract says that the one loaf - one literal piece of bread - and one cup - one literal drinking vessel - show the unity of Christ’s body. But Phillips and his misguided cooperants - do they break the one loaf into different pieces and put the pieces upon separate plates before they are passed to the audience? If so, does that destroy the symbol of unity? If not, why would it destroy the symbol of unity to pour the fruit of the vine into different cups before it is passed to the audience? Why? If it is necessary for all the members to sip the wine from the rim of a single cup, why is it not necessary for all the members to pinch or bite from the edge of a single piece of bread? There is one loaf, you know. If you can divide the loaf into two or more portions and still have one loaf, why can you not divide the cup into two or more portions and still have one cup? Why?”
 
The tract speaks of “one loaf,” but “one loaf” does not mean “one literal piece of bread,” as you claim. No, we do not break the loaf into sections and put each on a separate plate. This is more of your digressive foolishness. This would be the very token of division. The New Testament requires each to break the loaf. Hence, the disciples of Troas “came together to break bread” (Acts 20:7), not to watch someone else break it! “The loaf which we break” (1 Corinthians 10:16). Your idea that Jesus broke the loaf into halves, or that He broke it into individual pieces, is out of harmony with both reason and revelation. We follow the Scriptures on this, as on other matters.
 
“Here is another thought that should have great weight with the author of the tract; it is exactly on his plane. When our Lord gave thanks for the loaf, He broke it. Paul says we break the loaf. (1 Corinthians 10:16-17.) And according to Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:24 in the King James and some other translations, our Lord said, “This is my body, which is broken for you”; hence, the breaking of the loaf before it is given to the disciples is symbolical of the breaking of Christ's body. (No bone of his body was broken, but the skin was broken, and the flesh lacerated and mutilated, and in that way the body was certainly broken.) Now, when Christ gave them the cup, He said: “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many unto remission of sins.” This… which is poured out. If we break the loaf to indicate the breaking of His body, why should we not pour out the wine in order to indicate the pouring out of His blood? In fact, did not Christ pour it out to them as he uttered that sentence? Why not assume that He did and then contend for the assumption?”
 
Yes, our Lord broke the loaf, and “the breaking of bread,” like our “taking tea,” is used, by idiom, of eating. And the leading linguist of Harvard University says, “He broke” means that He ‘broke and ate,’ of the loaf. It is a form of the Hebrew idiom, paras lechem, and this from the Aramaic perith lechem, and this from the older Aramaic basac, each of which means ‘to break, and eat.’
 
A learned Jewish Rabbi, of Kansas City, told me that the Orientals, from time immemorial, have considered that to eat the same, loaf together and to drink from the same cup, in a social or religious service, signified an agreement, a compact, or covenant, and united them as one body. Christ evidently alludes to this idea in Luke 22:20 and 1 Corinthians 11:25. Paul, perhaps, alludes to it in 1 Corinthians 10:17.
 
It is true that the King James Version and a few Greek manuscripts (but not the best ones) read, “this is my body which is broken for you” (1 Corinthians 11:24), but the meaning is ‘This loaf signifies (Greek: esti) my body which is broken for you.”
 
The fact that the disciples “came together to break bread” (Acts 20:7), shows that it was not already broken into fragments, and that more than one leader “broke the loaf.” By breaking the loaf as commanded, the breaking of Christ’s body is sufficiently symbolized, and by passing it all together, to those present, the unity of His body, and of the church, is symbolized, and yet “the disciples break” it for themselves. Thus, the word of God is satisfied, by doing “that which is written” (1 Corinthians 4:6).
 
The wine in the cup signifies His blood “which is shed” - “is poured out” - and this is all the symbolism that is necessary. If the Book said to pour it out of one vessel into another, we would do it. If it said He poured it into other vessels as He said, “This my blood which is poured out,” we would do that. But this is another one of my brother’s assumptions - an assumption that lacks Scriptural support.

J. D. Phillips
(Continued)

---

Articles

---

Walking in Newness of Life - Number 2

How to walk in “newness of life?” It is just as needful to know how to walk as it is to know where to walk.
 
Walk, or walking, in this sense has to do with our manner of life, or conduct. Thus, we have the command, “By that same rule let us walk.” Philippians 3:16.
 
The foregoing indicates how to “walk in newness of life.” The above “Rule” is nothing more nor less than the New Testament which is to govern God’s sons and daughters in the teaching and practice prescribed therein. Read 1 Corinthians 2:5, 1 Corinthians 4:6, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, and Revelation 22:18-19.
 
It is said, “and as many as shall walk by this rule, (New Testament) peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel (people) of God.” Galatians 6:16. It is recorded that the children of Jehovah are to “walk by faith,” or “live by faith.” 2 Corinthians 5:7. Galatians 3:11. That is, we should believe and obey whatsoever has been taught and bound, by Christ and his apostles. Matthew 16:19, Matthew 18:18, and John 20:23.
 
This walk is to be “in love.” Romans 14:15 and Ephesians 5:2. Solomon tells us, “Love covereth all transgressions.” Proverbs 10:12. See also 1 Peter 4:8.
 
To “walk in love” means to love God and keep his commandments. 1 John 2:5 and 5:1-3. Thus, “Doing all things in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14. Hence, we are to “walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye (we) were called, with all lowliness and meekness with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.” Ephesians 4:1:2.
 
Moreover, we are to “walk as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16. Must “walk worthily of the Lord unto all pleasing, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God,” Colossians 1:10.
 
The walk must be “becomingly. toward them that are without and may have need of nothing.” 1 Thessalonians 4:12.
 
“Walk after His commandments.” 2 John 1:6. “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without redeeming the time.” Colossians 4:5. “Walk humbly with thy God.” Micah 6:8; “For the grace of god hath appeared, bringing salvation to all men, (Jews and Gentiles) instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world.” Titus 2:11-12.
 
“So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men (Jews and Gentiles) and especially toward them that are of the household of faith.”

“Are you walking in His footsteps
as He bids you daily do,
Do you follow near the Savior,
with Him constantly in view?
In the sunshine and the shadow,
in the darkness and the light,
Are you pressing in your journey
To the Land of pure delight?”

Joseph Miller

Preacher Wanted

Where? In almost every congregation of the Church of Christ there is a strong demand for a preacher - he is really wanted; but there are certain “musts” and “must nots” in the qualifications demanded by certain individuals, if not by the congregations as a whole. Here they are:
 
He must be well qualified in Bible knowledge and be ready to answer all Bible questions promptly, but he must not waste time in studying when he could be at work, for he must “earn his bread by the sweat of his brow.”
 
He must be ready to answer every call, wait on the sick, help the needy, conduct funerals, attend every church meeting or service, and preach at all the near-by places; yet while so doing he must be neat in his personal appearance - not look, like a tramp; but he must not buy good clothes, nor spend his money for a car, tobacco, coffee, nor good eats (the brethren just have to have these things).
 
He must do the work of the elders and leaders, in that he must visit all the unfaithful members to see why they were not at church, and he must visit the outsiders, talk with them and get them to attend the services; settle differences between brethren, execute discipline (if there is any); but he must not buy a car for his conveyance as that would be extravagant, especially if he should go in debt for it, for the brethren just couldn’t help pay for it, since they must pay for their car, radio, tractor, new house, etc., etc. Well, in fact, the preacher should learn to be economical anyway.
 
He must own a home of his own, for the brethren can’t be bothered with keeping him, nor furnishing him a house or paying his rent. He should make his own living, however he must not keep chickens, cows, pigs nor horses, as someone would be expected to take care of them while he is away.
 
He must be married, for if he isn’t he will be “flying at the girls”; but he must not have a wife or family as they would hinder him in his work. His wife must not go with him; she should stay at home and look after things there, but if she doesn’t go with him she is not interested in the work he is doing and is just not a preacher’s wife anyway.
 
He must not go away from home to preach and leave his wife and family, but he must not preach at home, as he knows too much about folks and will hurt someone’s feelings.
 
Moreover, he must be able to live and care for his family on hot air and hard knocks and should be very thankful for it.
 
Now, if some of the Bible colleges will set us a “tray”' of this variety of “eggs,” we guarantee there will be a ready demand for the “youngsters” just as soon as they are “hatched,” for we “old fellows” are just too old and stiff to make the grade.

Homer A. Gay

Appreciates Lessons

I have very much enjoyed some of the articles which have appeared in the columns of the O. P. A., such as “Parable of The Tobacco Seed” by Bro. Welch, the little poem, “I never Have,” and Bro. Gay’s advice to the young folk, which appeared months past. I can appreciate these lessons on the use of tobacco, since I used the weed myself for twenty years before I saw the evil effects of it. I am very thankful that I had the pleasure of associating with such men as Brethren H. C. Har­per, Homer L. King, Elbert Patterson, and J. D. Phillips, as they helped me to see the error of my way.
 
About two years ago I decided to throw off the shackles of bondage, for I then realized that I was a slave to tobacco. I can now say with thankfulness that I am free from the enslaving habit. It was quite a task, but, brethren, I have long since, learned that it takes an effort to accomplish anything worthwhile.
 
Trusting that I may pass some good on to others, I am giving the twelve reasons why a young man should not use tobacco, which I copied from the “Library of Health.”

“1. It hinders growth, injures mind and health.
2. It makes slaves.
3. It does not help a boy in his life’s work.
4. Many lines of business prohibit its use.
5. There are six kinds of poisons in cigarettes; viz., arsenic, creosote, nicotine, opium, saltpeter, and tonka flavoring.
6. It impairs the memory and prevents advancement in studies.
7. Creates unnatural thirst and may lead to the drink habit.
8. Affects the eye, ear, nose, taste, and also the heart.
9. May cause annoyance, discomfort, or distress to others.
10. It costs more than a boy can afford to pay, to have his nerves and health ruined.
11. It is useless, expensive, and does more harm than good.
12. It is filthy and defiles the body.”
​(See 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 and 2 Corinthians 7:1).

Tom E. Smith

A Peculiar Period

2 Timothy 3. “This know also that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, un­thankful, unholy; etc.”
 
Here the apostle mentions some of the things which cause perilous times but remember that Paul is writing about the church and spiritual things; not the political powers of this world. Certainly, we are experiencing these very conditions in the church of today. These very characteristics are portrayed in the membership today. The church is certainly passing through one of the most trying times of its history.
 
From the beginning until in the third century there was a great persecution against the church, but today it is persecuted from without and from the religious wizards of the church within. Some of the members are being overcome and deceived by the cunning devised fables of these wizards, who have borrowed their ungodly ideas from the religious wizards of this world.
 
In the Firm Foundation, Dec. 20, 1932, is an article, “The Local Church and Her Educational Task,” by Jesse P. Sewell. He states, “I’m writing about the church and not the Sunday School or any other kind of society.” Here is a plain admission by Bro. Sewell that the Sunday School is no part of the church but is a society.
 
In the Apostolic Way, Oct., 1932, is an article by J. N. Cowan, entitled, “Love and Fight.” Bro. Cowan says, “I am still fighting the Sunday School and the Individual cups brethren.” He further states that in his earlier days he fought the Instrumental music brethren.
 
It seems to me that these brethren who advocate the use of two or more cups in the communion would be honest about their unscripturalness, and just say that two or more cups is the fashion or custom of society, as Bro. Sewell did of the Sunday School.
 
But says one, “some of our biggest preachers say use two or more cups.” Yes, and some of the biggest preachers say use the class system of teaching, others say use instrumental music in the worship. Shall we take the big preachers for our guide? If so, why not take all? But what do you mean by big preachers? Of course, you mean men of much publicity - not scholars. For no scholars admit the early church had instrumental music, Sunday School or other societies, nor two or more cups in the communion. Can’t you see that all of these things are on a par? Still the church is enduring these grievous things. These are some of the major evils, and there are many minor evils, but all sprang from the same source, and came as a result of certain individuals possessing the characteristics mentioned by Paul for the last days.

For Christian purity,
James E. Tidwell

Cullings and Comments

The Spirit of Christ

The Spirit of Christ “reproves” and “rebukes” as well as “exhorts.” It is unsparing in its denunciation of evil. The most scathing and denunciatory things in the Bible are the words of Christ. He said the Pharisees were like whited sepulchers outside, beautiful, but inwardly full of dead men’s bones. He said they compassed sea and land to make one proselyte and made him “twofold more the child of hell” than themselves. "Compare this spirit with the sentiment against plain teaching today.
 
The Spirit of Christ is always definite arid clear and is no respecter of persons. With it no denomination is recognized and no clan or faction endorsed. It seeks no compromise with those who have gone away after the “doctrines and commandments of men.” It never plays hypocrite in a friendly pretense. Paul said, “By the grace of God I am.” Just so the Spirit of Christ will act in us today. May the word of Christ dwell in us with all wisdom and that we be filled with His Spirit.

C. M. Pullias,
in Gospel Advocate

Comment

Amen and amen.

H. C. Harper

“The women commanded to be silent in the church (1 Corinthians 14:34) were inspired women.”

J. C. McQuiddy,
in Gospel Advocate,
February 21, 1924

“Turn to 1 Corinthians 14:34. This epistle was written about the year 58 or 59. The possession of a spiritual gift would carry with it the right to use that gift. The Spirit would not work against himself by forbidding the exercise of one of his gifts. This forces the conclusion that gifts were not bestowed upon the women and that this lack of spiritual gifts is what made it ‘shameful for a woman to speak in the church,’ and ‘permitted them not’ to speak.”

Ira C. Moore,
in Leader,
June 24, 1924

Here are two opinions, and one right the reverse of the other. Both cannot be right; and both may be wrong. It is enough for any God­fearing woman to know that God has said: “As in all the churches of the saints, let your women keep silence in the churches.” To my mind, both, these brethren are mistaken as to why God so commanded, and the correct answer is more fully stated in 1 Timothy 2:12. Be that as it may, every woman that respects God will respect his command, regardless of what man says.

H. C. H.

Infant Baptism - Part 3

The 9th, 22nd, and 26th chapters of Acts record a case of conversion, but it was a man - not an infant. For those who observe I would suggest in this connection that all New Testament converts were baptized, and that only converts were authorized to be baptized. This disqualifies the babies.
 
But it is urged that in Acts chapter 16 there are two cases of baptism both including whole families, and that surely some infants were in them. This at best would be only a probability, and people should not risk their souls in eternity on probabilities. But in Lydia’s case it is not probable that she had any babies, for she, being of Thyatira, was several hundred miles from home. This distance from home, and the slow and inconvenient means of travel, and the peddlers trade knock out the probability of her having an infant. But turning to the Bible we see that those in her house were comforted by Paul, a preacher. No infants here.
 
Acts chapter 18 tells of the conversion of many, but the Bible says they heard, believed, and were baptized, verse 8. No babies here. Neither is there in the jailer's case, for to them Paul spoke the word and they - the whole household - believed.
 
Acts 19 records the conversion of, about twelve men, but no babies. They heard spoke, spoke with tongues and prophesied, Acts 19;6-7.
 
In all the cases of conversions made by the Apostles under the Holy Spirit and recorded in the New Testament (conversions numbered into the thousands) not a case of infant baptism is even hinted at.
 
17. The Holy Spirit guided the Apostles into all truth. This truth is handed down to us in the New Testament, but it does not contain a case of infant baptism, therefore infant baptism is not of the truth. And whatever is not of the truth should be discarded.
 
18. In as much as infant baptism is not in the doctrine of Christ, it is a dangerous thing to practice it. For, “Whoso trangresseth and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” 2 John 1:9.
 
19. Children who are baptized without their knowledge or consent have no belief, nor repentance, nor choice in the matter, hence do not yield themselves in it; it is forced baptism. The Lord requires us to yield ourselves to Him. Romans 6:13. Then can you not see that infant baptism does not measure up to God’s requirements? And will you persist in holding onto a thing that you see is not scriptural?
 
With all these facts before us we conclude, because we must, that infants are not Gospel subjects, cannot qualify for baptism, and therefore cannot scripturally be baptized; and our plea is to do all things according to the scriptures. To all honest hearts we extend the invitation “Come let us walk with the Lord in the light of His Word while we may, for the day passes.

L. W. Hayhurst

Missionary Work

“Lo I am with you always even unto the END of the world.” So said Jesus, and since the world is yet standing, our Lord is still with us in carrying the message of Salvation. To Ezekiel, the prophet, the Lord said, “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman” … “If thou givest him (the wicked) not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thy hand.” See Ezekiel 3:16-21.
 
The preachers of the Gospel have this spiritual responsibility, and yet it rests upon the whole church as the pillar and support of the truth. 1 Timothy 3:15.
 
Thousands upon thousands of priceless souls are hurtling into the pit of destruction without any warning: and we, the church of the Lord Jesus Christ are responsible.
 
Hundreds of preachers are preaching for congregations who support them merely because they like to hear them preach. Thousands of dollars are. spent in this way that should be devoted to spreading the Gospel in the “regions beyond.” 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10.
 
It is true that preachers have some reason for catering to congregations that pay wages. Let a man start out to carry the message of salvation to some new parts and almost immediately his support ceases! Brethren is this what God intended? The Church’s duty is to conquer the world. We are God’s nation for this very purpose. We, who are preachers have an especial task to perform, and Moses-like we grow weary. (Read Exodus 17:8-16). We may hold up our hands for a while, but for how long? When Moses’ hands were lifted up, the Israelites prevailed against the enemy. When his hands, through weariness, were down, the enemy prevailed against Israel. So Moses sat upon a great stone and Aaron and Hur held up his hands until the going down of the Sun. Thus, Israel prevailed against the enemy. In like manner, when the preachers are builded upon the Great Foundation Stone, Christ, and their hands are lifted up and supported, the Church will be led on to victory, until our day, the Christian age, is past. But when the faithful leaders’ hands are unsupported they become weary and fall to their sides: - result - Satan’s forces win the day.
 
Read the book of Acts and take note: Peter and the other apostles said, “It is not fit that we should FORSAKE the word of God and serve tables… But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the Word.” Acts 6:2-4. Now note when these men were following this course, how “the number of the disciples multiplied.” See Acts 2:41, Acts 6:1, etc. The young, uninspired preacher Timothy was told to give himself wholly (entirely) to reading, to teaching, to exhortation. 1 Timothy 4:13-15. How could he give himself wholly to this work, if he should labor with his hands? “No soldier on service entangleth himself in the affairs of this life.” 2 Timothy 2:4. What soldier on service in the armies of this life ever engage in farming, merchandising or any other profession? For a preacher to engage in any profession or business of this life is a hindrance to the Gospel. He should be giving his time to prayer and the ministry of the Word. Who supplies the shells, food and equipment for the modern soldier in the nation’s army? Even so, the nation or church of the Lord is the pillar and support of the truth. The soldier must suffer hardship in fulfilling their tasks. 2 Timothy 2:3. And in this they become an example to the rest of the church. 1 Timothy 4:12. Therefore in following their examples the whole church will suffer hardship in order that the Gospel may be spread.
 
Think of the thousands of souls perishing for want of spiritual food! ONE soul is more previous in the sight of God than all the material world. In other words, did we own the whole world and then spend it in winning one soul, the labor and cost would not be too much. I verily believe that it is impossible for a Christian to continue rich in this world’s goods and ever enter Heaven. Matthew 19:23-24 and Luke 18:18-25. It is by SPENDING his wealth in God’s service that he will gain admittance to the holy of holies. Furthermore by dispersion he will have treasure in the Eternal Home. The more anyone spends in the Lord’s work, the greater one’s everlasting reward. Many a man turns away from following Christ because of great possessions, great business opportunities, or the prospect of suffering hardship and disappointment. Many a preacher fails in his duty in the mission field for similar reasons. Through such failures leanness of soul results, (cf. Psalm 106:15).
 
On the other hand, when Peter said to Jesus, “Lo we have left all, and followed thee; what then shall we have?” Jesus said unto them, “Verily I say unto you, that ye who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man shall sit on the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And EVERYONE that hath left houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or children, or lands for my name’s sake, (and the Gospel’s Mark 10:29) shall receive a hundredfold, (here in this life. Mark 10:30) and shall inherit eternal life.” Matthew 19:23-30. We have our Savior’s example “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9. If we give in Christ’s service we have a promise that, “he that supplieth seed to the sower and bread for food shall supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the fruits of righteousness.” 2 Corinthians 9:10. Those who through weakness or inability stay at home, watch the baggage and supply the food and ammunition, inherit equal eternal reward with those in the front line trenches. This is the just law of the righteous, (cf. 1 Samuel 30:21-25 and Philippians 4:15-17). That great apostle Paul so taught that those who had sent him support had fruit increase to their account. Heaven’s bank pays the surest interest. It never goes broke. No thieves can break into it. It’s treasures never consume away. Moreover, past delinquencies may be made up. Old accounts may be reopened and added to. “By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of Jehovah men depart from evil. Proverbs 16:6.
 
Individuals and congregations have failed in their duties in the mission field in the past, but they may make up for past omissions by increasing their future gifts. The Church as a whole is falling down badly, but if she acts at once she has yet opportunity to rise before it is too late.
 
God said to Israel, “Ye are cursed with a curse; for ye rob me, even this whole nation. Bring ye the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in MY house, and prove me now herewith, saith JEHOVAH of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of Heaven and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Malachi 3:9-10.
 
Too often Christians spend practically all for their own personal desires or obligations or to please some other fleshly minded beings, and if there is a trifle left the Lord can have that. But why slave forever for fleshly self or the Egyptians and Babylonians? Now that His judgments are upon them, take God’s sword (His word) and break off their yoke. Be free to serve God and build the walls of Zion. Moses said, “Not a hoof shall be left behind.” All was for God’s service and their needs. Exodus 10:26. The first-fruits belong unto the Lord. Our first obligations and debts are to Him. In Christ - the first portions of Christian’s incomes are due to God. The Israel­ites were obliged to give a tenth. We Christians are under obligation to give how much? Why less? Why the same? Why not more? When Christians are giving as they ought and Preachers are fulfilling their calling the Gospel will be spread in the thousands of hamlets and corners of the earth where it never has been heard.
 
At most our time is short. The day of judgment draws nigh. Soon the trump will sound, and the Lord will appear. If we have faithfully performed our part to glorify God by living righteously and spreading His truth, we shall hear His welcome plaudit, “Well done.” If not, He will say, “depart.”
 
The letter of Paul to the Philippians is full of commendations. Regarding them he had little to find fault. They were faithful in sending to his need in the mission field and their hearts were with their treasure. When Christians are liberal with their means in the Lord’s work their lives usually conform toward the divine standard. When giving they are laying up treasure in heaven a useless effort if they do not live righteously.
 
The church at Smyrna was poor, yet Jesus said they were rich. If faithful unto death, they were to receive a crown of life. Who would not rather be poor on this earth and receive the Savior’s commendation, than to be rich in this world and to hear the Lord say, “Depart ye cursed? (cf. Matthew 25:31-46).

“Give me neither poverty nor riches (O Lord)
Feed me with the food that is needful for me.”
Proverbs 30:8

L. L. McGill

Christianity is more than doctrine. Christianity reaches farther than worship. Christianity is life, - that holy thing which Jehovah God breathed into man at his creation.
 
Paul tells us some of the manifestations of the Life. They are: Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Meekness, Self- control. Peter adds: Knowledge, Patience, Godliness, Brotherly Kindness, Virtue. A composite of these is a characteristic of the Life, as God breathed it into man at his creation.
 
Paul warns us against Satan’s counteractants of these Christian virtues. They are: Fornication, Uncleanness, Lasciviousness, Idolatry, Sorcery, Enmities, Strife, Jealousies, Wrath, Factions, Divisions, Parties, Envying, Drunkenness, Revelings, and such like.
 
How do these work? Take, for instance, the first mentioned in the two catalogs, - Love and Fornications. A person may have a form of Love abounding in his heart, and at the same time be a Fornicator. The sin of Fornication will counteract the virtue of Love. In fact, the mildew of Fornication will blight the whole catalogue of Christian Graces. But, contrariwise, one Christian Grace, or even all Christian Graces, cannot counteract one Satanic Disgrace.
 
Thus, it is that it is infinitely harder to live a Christian Life than to live in sin. The Christian must be clean throughout, not just in spots. Doctrine and. Worship must be backed up with a true Christian Life abounding in the Christian Graces, and entirely free from the Satanic Disgraces.

World Evangel