Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 14
August 2, 1962
NUMBER 13, PAGE 8,12c-13

News And Views

Charles A. Holt, 4662 University Dr., Wichita Falls, Texas

Notes Of Interest

James Hahn is now laboring with the Oak Grove church just out of Louisville, Kentucky.... Raymond E. Harris is soon to move to Vincennes, Indiana, to work with the church there. He has been with the church in Pekin for a good while....On Tuesday night, June 26, it was my pleasure to speak for the lath and Francis church in Oklahoma City. This church was engaged in a series of studies on current issues, using a different speaker each evening. The subject assigned me was "The Mission of the Church." A large number was in attendance at the service; in fact, I was quite surprised and pleased to see so many. Visitors came from near and far — some even from as far away as Tulsa. The people were enthusiastic and receptive and the lesson seemed to be well-received. Other men speaking on the program were: Yater Tant, Cecil Douthitt, Roy E. Cogdill, Ward Hogland, and A. Hugh Clark. The 10th and Francis church has had its problems and struggles in recent years, but they are apparently over all such now and on the way to real growth and progress. James W. Adams is the faithful and able preacher, and he has done and is doing a very fine work there. The church seems to have a mind to work, and they are determined to "build according to the pattern." The future looks bright for this good church. I enjoyed my visit with them very much....As noted in this column last time, I have recently assisted the church in Albertville, Alabama, in a meeting. It closed on the 17th of June. This church Is made up of some of the very finest people. However, for about a year they had been hindered by some petty, personal differences. This nagging situation hindered about everything they would undertake. The meeting went along fairly "lifeless" and dull until the last day — Sunday. After the morning service several of the members got into an involved discussion as to their trouble. I listened in on some of it. Well, I knew that there would be no point in my trying to preach that night (at the final service) to anyone but the members. So, I talked with them in a general way about their problems and the way they were acting. I based my remarks on 1 Peter 3:8-12. I talked rather plainly and pointedly to them. It is so wonderful to report that the lesson had its desired effect — as such lessons will where people really love the Lord and want to do right. About eighteen made confession of their wrongs in causing and keeping up the petty squabble. There was a changed group of people, and a happier one I have not seen In a long time. Apparently this rooted out all the trouble, and peace will reign among this group and they can now do what they are really capable of doing. Much of their trouble was due to personal feelings and misunderstandings — and this is a very common problem among God's people and the places are are numerous where a similar situation prevails. After it was settled, hardly any of them could tell just what all the trouble was really about and certainly all could see the folly of the whole thing. These are good people and they have a big task upon them in holding forth the word of life in that area. It is encouraging to see and know people who are not too big and too proud to admit their faults and errors. Hollis Creel is the faithful and good preacher laboring with this group of saints. Actually, it would have been good if the meeting could have continued for another week, for I verily believe that we could have then had one more like it should have been. May the faith and humility of this group serve as an encouragement to others.

Allergic To Grape Juice

Recently in this column I told about a young lady who is severely allergic to grape juice. This presents quite a problem to her, especially as it involves taking the Lord's Supper. I asked the readers for their opinion concerning what she should do. I have had several suggestions. Here are a few that have come. Sister Jones, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, recommends that the young lady go to the famous allergy clinic in Oklahoma City; and it is reported by many to be an excellent one. Bob Haddow, of Temple City, California, writes: "I would advise substituting tomato juice, which is also fruit of the vine. I know of nowhere where the scriptures demand grape juice. After all, if the symbolism Is retained, that is the important thing. 'The letter killeth but the spirit giveth life'." From Mrs. H. J. Teague, of San Antonio, comes this: "For years I've been allergic to all acid. After fooling with medical and allergy doctors a friend asked me to go to a chiropractor. After going to one for two years, I am now able to eat all fruits. Sometimes I have a little trouble, but nothing like I did. I believe if the young lady will go to a full spine chiropractor and follow his instructions closely; she, too will be able to use grape juice."

I appreciate these suggestions. However, I was more concerned with the idea which Brother Haddow puts forth than with suggestions as to how she could be cured — although this would certainly solve the problem and is of vital importance. Under such a condition, would one be justified in leaving off the taking of the fruit of the vine altogether or in using a substitute such as suggested by Haddow? While this is not likely to be a problem shared by many, if any, others; it is very definitely a problem for this young lady. How would YOU solve it?

"Reflections As Life Begins"

It is not often that I discuss myself personally in this column or otherwise, but it is hard for me to refrain from doing so in view of an important recent event! On June 25, I observed my 40th birthday, and I have heard for so long that "Life begins at forty." I feel more or less disposed to make some "reflections as life begins" relative to the church and the things that I have seen during the years that I have been preaching. However, I will spare the reader that kind of reading for this time anyway; and maybe this will be as far as it will ever get. One thing that I have noticed is that 40 does not seem nearly as OLD as it used to appear!

1 Corinthians 7:15

(Editor's Note: The following article was written by Maurice Barnett, who preaches for the church in Sinton, Texas. It appeared in the May issue of "The Sinton Review" — a very fine monthly paper published by the church in Sinton and edited by Barnett. Barnett is a faithful preacher and an able student. This is perhaps the best article I have ever read in justification of the position he advances concerning this passage. It is written in an objective and scholarly manner. It is certainly worthy of serious consideration by all. The article has appeared recently in several bulletins, and has been given a good reception. In spite of its frequent appearances in these other places, I think that it deserves a presentation here. Personally, I do not believe that the position advanced is justified by either the appeal to the Greek or by the logic employed; however, I could be wrong. I am nearly always skeptical of any effort to set aside that which appears to me to be the natural and simplest explanation of any passage; and the labors to substitute some other explanation more in keeping with our oft-times pre-conceived opinion. The article speaks for itself and Barnett has addressed "himself to the task of explanation like a scholar and a brother in the Lord should. If this be the truth, let us all learn it and accept it. — CAM

1 Corinthians 7:15

"But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace."

This passage has come under some discussion in the past few months and is an important one to consider. The discussion centers around whether the departing of the unbeliever, and subsequent lack of "bondage," means that the believer is free to remarry another person or not. Let's see if we can get that from the passage.

The word "bondage" gives us a key to the meaning, as well as other passages of scriptures. The word "bondage" here is from "douloo" which means to "make a slave of — reduce to bondage — subject to." Thayer, p.158. The word is used in other passages in this way:

Acts 7:6 — " they should bring them into bondage...."

Rom. 8:18 — " ye became the servants of righteousness...."

Rom. 8:22 — " and became servants to God, ye have...."

1 Cor. 9:19 — "I brought myself under bondage to all...."

Gal. 4:3 — "....were held in bondage under the rudiments...."

Titus 2:3 — "....not enslaved to much wine...."

2 Peter 2:19 — "of the same Is he brought into bondage."

In verse 39 of the same chapter Paul says, "A wife is bound for so long a time as her husband liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is free to be married to whom she will, only in the Lord." The word "bound" in this place is a different word from the "bondage" of verse 15. It is the word "deo," which means "to bind or tie together" "to bind — to fasten with chains." (See Thayer, p. 131) It is used in these passages this way:

Matt. 12:29 — "except he first bind the strong man...."

Matt. 13:30 — "....bind them in bundles to burn...."

Matt. 18:19 — "....Whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound...."

John 18:12 — "...the Jews took Jesus and bound him...."

Rom. 7:2 — " which hath an husband is bound by...."

1 Cor. 7:27 — "...art thou bound unto a wife?"

There are many other passages that could be pointed out that say about the same thing. It is evident that there is a difference in meaning in the word "bondage" of verse 15, and the word "bound" of verse 39, and of Rom. 7:2-3. Both of the latter passages say about the same thing. They talk about the "bond" that exists.

A person may be bound by law to another, but not serving him. The condition of alien sinners is an example. Paul returned Onesimus to Philemon because the servant was bound to Philemon, yet was not serving him. God's will is that a servant fulfill his obligations, Eph. 6:5-8.

We get these facts then about verse 15. (1) The passage does not speak of the "bond" that ties two people together, but of the servitude one of the other. (2) It does not indicate anything about remarriage, but the reaction the believer is to have if the unbeliever departs.

In 1 Peter 3:1-7 we learn that a woman who is a Christian is to be in subjection to her husband even though he is not a Christian. She is as much obligated to this as she would be if he were a Christian. This involves all the responsibilities that go with being a wife: to love her husband, render to him his due, care for him and the home, etc. With the situation reversed, the husband is to love his wife, give her what is due her, work that they might have, etc.

The point Paul makes in verse 15 then is that if the unbeliever is not content to dwell with the believer, because of their faith, then the believer is not obligated from God to fulfill their responsibilities toward their spouse. The subject is one of whether they are to serve the other, not of whether they are "bound" or not. They are released from marital responsibilities "in such cases." The statement of "God hath called us to peace" simply means that the believer is not to raise a fuss over it.

New Church In Sacramento, California

At the beginning of the year, a group of brethren living in south Sacramento, California, who had been driving to Carmichael for worship, began a congregation in south Sacramento. This was done in harmony with the elders of the Carmichael church. At present the South Sacramento congregation is meeting at 3830 "U" street, Sacramento. This is the only congregation in Sacramento proper that opposes the institutional, centralized, and recreational tendencies of the current day. We believe that this church along with the faithful brethren in Carmichael will wield a strong influence for good in the Sacramento area. Present attendance is approximately 50.

Brother Forrest D. Moyer of Sunnyvale, Calif., has agreed to work with this new church beginning sometime in July. Brother Moyer has been with the Sunnyvale church during the past four years and the Sunnyvale church will aid in his support until the Sacramento church is fully self-supporting.

We solicit the prayers of faithful brethren everywhere. If you know of anyone in Sacramento whom we might teach and encourage to faithfulness, we would appreciate knowing of such. Send all names to Forrest D. Moyer, 5140 Planet Parkway, Sacramento, Calif. When passing through, be sure to look us up.