OCTOBER 2017 | NO. 10 | VOLUME 61 THE ENTITLEMENT MINDSET

“Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ... But each one must examine his own work... For each one will bear his own load” (Gal. 6:2–5). OCTOBER 2017 | NO. 10 | VOLUME 61

Features

(ISSN 1538-0793) is published once a month by Truth Publications, Inc., 220 S. Marion, Athens, Responsibility AL 35611. Postage paid at Bowling Green, KY and additional mailing offices. by Mark Mayberry pg 4

Manuscripts should be sent to the editor: This issue of Truth Magazine focuses upon “the entitlement mindset.” Instead of Mark Mayberry ([email protected]) practicing personal responsibility, and shared responsibility, many today would shift responsibility from their shoulders to the church or the government. Subscriptions, renewals & other correspondence should be sent to: Truth Magazine “Lord, Open the King of England’s Eyes!” 220 S. Marion pg 6 Athens, AL 35611 by Kyle Pope

Book orders should be sent to: The dramatic story of how the Bible was translated into English helps us CEI Bookstore appreciate what a great blessing it is for us to be able to read God’s word in our 220 S. Marion own language. Athens, AL 35611 Phone: (855) 492-6657 truthbooks.com O Perfect Love by Sherelyn Mayberry pg 8 Online Website: TruthMagazine.com We hope and pray that our children will develop physically and spiritually, Send change of address to Postmaster at: becoming devoted disciples, marrying godly companions, and raising their 220 S. Marion children to love God and keep His commandments. Athens, AL 35611

Graphic Designer: Restoration vs. Unity: Current Controversies Kelly McCombs by Chris Reeves pg 10 [email protected] Brethren have preached, promoted, and practiced “unity” for many years, but DISCLAIMER: Books in ads are screened but an ad does not sadly, they are not united on how to be unified. mean unqualified endorsement. All books should be tested by Scripture. We appreciate readers notifying us if they find some glaring fault in ads. First Families: Faith and Failure by Mark Mayberry pg 14

pg 35 Genesis, the book of beginnings, records God’s dealings with the Patriarchs. In many ways, they were heroes of faith, but we also observe failures in their family relationships. Let us learn from both.

Question & Answers by Bobby L. Graham pg 16

I have heard from friends that Jesus intended for us to wash each others’ feet during worship. Why did Jesus wash the disciples’ feet?

Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh by Barry Britnell pg 18

Sometimes you learn things about the Bible when you are not expecting it. This time, I learned something while walking around a spice shop in the Old City of Jerusalem.

2 October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com The Entitlement Mindset

■■What is the Entitlement Mindset? ■■The Foundation of Our Rights ■■The Limitations of Our Rights by Daniel H. King, Sr. pg 22 by Kyle Pope pg 24 by Mike Willis pg 26

What is the entitlement mindset? In Our nation was built on the assertion Many expect the government to this introductory article, we define the that life, liberty, and the pursuit of guarantee and fund benefits, ranging term and illustrate its usage, comparing happiness are inalienable rights given by from providing daily necessities to the propaganda of the progressive God. Is this a scriptural principle? What is forcing businesses to provide services movement with the Biblical worldview the biblical foundation of human rights? for those involved in moral conduct that emphasizes accountability. that violates their conscience (abortion rights, gay marriage services, etc.).

■■Provision and Prosperity ■■The Right to Assistance ■■The Role of Government by Joe R. Price pg 28 by Marc W. Gibson pg 30 by Wayne Greeson pg 32

What does the Bible say about our rights Submission and gratitude to God Civil government should be a source to provision and prosperity? God has encourage the spirit of giving that of blessing for those who do good, given us the right to work responsibly, provides true assistance to those who but the misguided interventions of diligently, and honestly, with are needy. the bureaucratic state rob citizens of contentment, to provide for ourselves, personal property (through mandated and for others, as we lay up treasures in redistribution) and damage the concept heaven. of personal responsibility (leading to a sense of entitlement).

October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com 3 Editorial

Responsibility by Mark Mayberry

This issue of Truth Magazine focuses upon “the entitlement mindset.” Instead of practicing personal responsibility, and shared responsibility, many today would shift responsibility from their shoulders to the church or the government.

“The price of greatness is service concerning them” (Num. 3:28- serve one another (Gal. 5:13-15). responsibility.”—Winston Churchill 32; cf. 4:1-15). Furthermore, Eleazar, Shared responsibility means that the son of Aaron, had responsibility for each one bears his own load, doing “Enlightened people seldom or never possess a sense of “the oil for the light and the fragrant his job to the best of his ability. We responsibility.”—George Orwell incense and the continual grain offering must also help our brethren, lending and the anointing oil” (Num. 4:16). a hand, lightening their load. During World War II, Winston Churchill shouldered the burden of Personal Responsibility In the home, husbands and wives have their respective responsibilities. opposing fascism, and afterward, Each of us must manifest personal resisted the encroachments of Since the husband is the head of responsibility. I am responsible for my the wife, he cannot neglect his communism. George Orwell (the actions, just as you are accountable English novelist, essayist, and responsibility or shift it to her for your behavior. This reality calls shoulders. He must bear the burden journalist) warned against the dangers for honest self-examination (2 Cor. of totalitarian systems of government. of leadership; yet, she serves as a 13:5). Each one must bear his own “help-meet” (Gen. 2:18, KJV), i.e., load (Gal. 6:3-5). As the Lord of the Defined “a helper suitable for him” (NASB). harvest, God mandates that we As he helps her and she helps him, Merriam-Webster defines reap as we have sown (Gal. 6:7-8). they face the trials of life together. “responsibility” as “(1) the quality If we sow to the wind, we will or state of being responsible: In the same manner, spiritual reap the whirlwind (Hos. 8:7). If we as (a) moral, legal, or mental leaders must fulfill their responsibility. sow sparingly, we will also reap accountability, (b) reliability, In fighting against Amalek, Joshua sparingly; if we sow bountifully, we trustworthiness; (2) something for led the nation of Israel in battle, will reap bountifully (2 Cor. 9:6). which one is responsible: burden.” while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went If we are wise, we enjoy the up to the top of the hill. It came The American Heritage Dictionary blessings and benefits of wisdom; about when Moses held his hands of the English Language defines however, “if you scoff, you alone will up, Israel prevailed, but when he let “responsibility” as “(1) the state, bear it” (Prov. 9:12). Each one of us will his hands down, Amalek prevailed. quality, or fact of being responsible; (2) give an account of himself to God (Rom. When Moses’ hands became heavy, something for which one is responsible; 14:12). Each will receive his own reward Aaron and Hur supported his hands, a duty, obligation, or burden.” according to his own labor (1 Cor. 3:8). one on one side and one on the other. Thus, his hands were steady until the Illustrated Shared Responsibility sun set. So, Joshua overwhelmed The Kohathites, descendants of Amalek and his people with the Sometimes, we stumble under the edge of the sword (Exod. 17:8-13). Kohath, a son of Levi, were responsible burdens of life. As Simon of Cyrene for the care and transportation of carried the cross of Jesus (Matt. Ezra, the priest, had the the ark of the covenant: “Now their 27:32; Mark 15:21; Luke 23:26; John responsibility of teaching and applying duties involved the ark, the table, the 19:17), in trying circumstances, we the law of Moses, particularly when lampstand, the altars, and the utensils should bear one another’s burdens sin and shortcomings existed, but of the sanctuary with which they (Gal. 6:1-2). Through love, we must faithful Israelites were supportive of his minister, and the screen, and all the efforts: “Arise! For this matter is your

4 October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com responsibility, but righteous man shall live we will be with (vv. 5-9). The wicked you; be courageous man shall die (vv. 10- and act” (Ezra 13). The righteous son 10:1-4, esp. v. 4). of a wicked man shall live while the father As parents shall die (vv. 14-18). The lovingly provide principle of personal for their children, accountability is again spiritual leaders proclaimed (vv. 19-20). fulfill their The formerly wicked responsibilities man who repents and toward those turns to God shall live entrusted to (vv. 21-23). The formerly their care. Paul righteous man who manifested this turns aside to evil shall attitude in his die (vv. 24-29). As the preaching (2 chapter concludes, the Cor. 12:14-19; 1 principle of personal Thess. 2:9-12). accountability is In like manner, again reiterated— elders watch over the lowing of the oxen which I hear?” Shifting the blame and attempting to repentance and a reorientation of the flock, i.e., the local congregation one’s life are required (vv. 30-32). of which they are members (Acts spin his failure favorably, Saul said, 20:28; Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 5:1-3). “The people spared the best of the Let us avoid shifting the sheep and oxen, to sacrifice to the responsibility of the home to Shifted Responsibility Lord your God” (1 Sam. 15:10-23). the church. If God gives certain Consider the example of Adam Consider also the ancient responsibilities to the home, we and Eve. God gave them clear (unscriptural) proverb about eating should not shift that burden to instructions regarding the tree of the sour grapes (Jer. 31:27-30; Ezek. 18:1-4). government or the church, such as knowledge of good and evil (Gen. Jeremiah’s prohibition of this proverb social and recreational activities 2:15-17). Yet, both sinned. Yielding occurs in the context of a Messianic (1 Cor. 11:17-22), or the care of to temptation, the woman took from prophecy: “In those days they will not aged relatives (1 Tim. 5:3-16). its fruit and ate; and she also gave say again, ‘The fathers have eaten sour to her husband with her, and he ate. grapes, And the children’s teeth are Conclusion Eve was deceived, but Adam sinned set on edge.’ But everyone will die for Those with an entitlement mentality in full awareness of his transgression. his own iniquity; each man who eats refuse to accept that the problems When questioned by God, both shifted the sour grapes, his teeth will be set are of their making. All such efforts the responsibility, Adam blaming on edge” (Jer. 31:27-34, esp. vv. 29-30). to shift responsibility are doomed to the woman, and Eve blaming the Unlike the Mosaic covenant, which was failure (Prov. 1:29-31). Those who trust serpent (Gen. 3:1-13; 1 Tim. 2:12-15). based on physical birth, the new and in the Lord have One who will help better Christian covenant is contingent bear their burdens, but the wicked will Consider the example of King Saul. upon hearing, learning and obeying the face the disastrous consequences of God commanded, “Now go and strike will of God—which involves accepting their sinful choices (Ps. 55:22-23). Amalek and utterly destroy all that responsibility for one’s actions. he has, and do not spare him; but put to death both man and woman, child The 18th chapter of Ezekiel helps us Mark and Sherelyn have labored and infant, ox and sheep, camel and appreciate the goodness and severity with the Adoue Street church donkey” (1 Sam. 15:3). Afterwards, Saul of God: He deals justly with individuals. of Christ in Alvin, TX since 1998, boasted to Samuel, “I have carried “Behold, all souls are Mine,” saith the where he serves as the evangelist and an elder. The church website out the command of the Lord.” When Lord, “the soul of the father as well as is ascoc.org. His website is the prophet asked, “What then is this the soul of the son is Mine. The soul Mark Mayberry markmayberry.net and his email bleating of the sheep in my ears, and who sins will die” (1-4; cf. v. 20). The Editor is [email protected].

October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com 5 How the Bible Came to Us “Lord, Open the King of England’s Eyes!” by Kyle Pope

The dramatic story of how the Bible was translated into English helps us appreciate what a great blessing it is for us to be able to read God’s word in our own language.

Can you imagine a time when glosses—word-for-word translations priests and bishops who answered to reading the Bible in your own language written between the lines of Latin the pope in Rome. Wycliffe rejected was a crime? What would it be like to Bibles. These include two illuminated this view and began teaching that live in a place where just to read God’s manuscripts of the Gospels from the the Bible was the source of all divine word you had to smuggle Bibles across tenth century (Lindisfarne Gospels, truth. He believed it should be read the border like criminals do drugs or British Museum, Cotton MS Nero by all people to know God’s will. His guns? The next time you open your D.IV; Rushworth Gospels, Bodleian opponents called his followers Lollards Bible, stop and consider that when Library, MS Auctarium D. 2. 19) and (a name meaning “mutterers”). Wycliffe the Bible was first translated into a book of the Psalms from the time died in 1384, but his work continued. English, that’s exactly how it was! of Alfred (ca. 850) which is the oldest In 1394, John Purvey, his friend surviving translation of Scripture in and secretary, finished a complete To set the stage, let’s travel back Anglo-Saxon (Vespasian Psalter, British translation of the entire Bible from the some 600 years. English sounded Museum, Cotton MS Vespasian A I). Latin Vulgate into Middle English—the much different then. It had gradually form of English used at the time. The developed out of the older language The first stand-alone translation Wycliffe Bible became widely circulated called Anglo-Saxon, spoken by tribes that seems to have gained some throughout England. Over 200 copies in the British Isles. According to the circulation was an edition of the have survived to the present. seventh century historian Bede, Christ gospels done around 990 in Wessex was first preached in England in AD from a pre-Vulgate form of Latin. Officials of the Roman Catholic 156 (Ecclesiastical History 1.4), but Seven manuscripts of the Wessex Church in England did not like this. Bibles of that time were in Latin. No (or West Saxon) Gospels survive at It was a threat to their position and complete translation of Scripture Oxford, Cambridge, and the British authority. Very quickly a council at into Anglo-Saxon was ever made. Museum. Even these, however, Oxford issued a proclamation known were not complete translations of as the Constitutions of 1408, forbidding Any Scriptures the people had were the Bible, and none of them was translation of the Bible into English only partial. In AD 735, Bede himself made from Greek or Hebrew (the and possession of translations not had translated the gospel of John into original languages of Scripture). approved by Catholic officials. Seven Anglo-Saxon, dictating the last verse years later, the Council of Constance Letter from shortly before his death ( A complete translation of the declared Wycliffe a heretic, banned Cuthbert to Cuthwin ). Unfortunately, no Bible into English would come in his writings, and declared that his copies have survived. Alfred the Great connection with the work of John works and even bodily remains should (ca. 848-900), the king who defended Wycliffe—a professor at Oxford. be burned. Pope Martin V approved England against Viking invasions, After the development of Roman this ruling, and in 1428, Wycliffe’s translated portions of Scripture and Catholicism, the Vatican exercised body was dug up, burned, and his prefaced them onto his own laws. In his great control over the churches in ashes were scattered on the River efforts to educate the people he may England. Catholics taught that church Swift. Despite efforts to suppress the have translated some Scriptures from leaders had received authority from reading and distribution of God’s Latin to Anglo-Saxon (Aelfric, preface to God to direct the church in accordance word, it was too late—an interest in Homilies ), but if so none survived. The with their will. Common people were Scripture had been kindled in England earliest surviving examples of Anglo- not encouraged to read the Bible, but that could not be snuffed out. Saxon translations were in the form of were required to follow the Catholic

6 October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com 7 Over the next century, two traveled to the European mainland, that the Latin Vulgate was the sole developments changed the world never to return to England. Tyndale authoritative text in matters of faith and forever: (1) the printing press, and (2) quickly completed a translation of morals. Seven years later, Mary I, known Christian Humanism. In 1452, a German the New Testament from Greek into to history as “bloody Mary,” came to the blacksmith named Johannes Gutenberg English. Evading Catholic enemies, he throne. A devout Catholic, Mary once successfully developed a printing press eventually succeeded in printing copies again outlawed the reading of the Bible with movable type. At last, documents that were smuggled into England in in English and executed her opponents. didn’t have to be written by hand! Type bales of cloth and sacks of flour or Many Puritans, who followed the could be set and as many copies as the corn. Catholic officials bought as many teachings of John Calvin, fled to printer wanted could be made. At the copies as they could, only to burn them, Geneva where they produced their same time, a resurgence of knowledge but many survived, and the English own translation, incorporating Calvin’s was going on in Europe. Since the fall people, at last, had the New Testament commentary notes in the margins. of the Roman Empire, learning had in their language. In 1535, Tyndale The Geneva Bible (1557) was the most dwindled during the Dark Ages. The was arrested and three years later was popular English Bible in the world until Renaissance ushered in a renewal of strangled to death and burned at the the publication of the King James Bible. interest in the great advancements of stake. His dying words were, “Lord, It was the Bible the Pilgrims brought to classical Greek and Roman times that open the king of England’s eyes!” North America. After the death of Mary had been lost during the Middle Ages. I, her half-sister, Elizabeth I, reversed In religious studies, this blossomed The king of England was Henry VIII. what Mary had done. She objected to into a movement called “Christian Although he had been a Catholic, when the Calvinistic notes in the popular Humanism.” A Dutch scholar named the pope refused to annul his marriage Geneva Bible, and sponsored a revision Desiderius Erasmus was at the heart to Catherine of Aragon so he could of the Great Bible done by eight bishops of this. He studied Greek manuscripts marry Anne Boleyn, Henry rejected called the Bishop’s Bible (1568), placing of the New Testament looking beyond the authority of the pope, giving birth one in every church in England. the Latin Vulgate translation that to the Church of England. The British had dominated Western Europe Parliament had already rejected Near the close of the sixteenth for a thousand years. Like Wycliffe, Roman authority when Tyndale was century, the Catholic church finally he believed that the Bible should executed, but it had not yet approved conceded that an English Bible was be accessible to all, but he looked the publication of English Bibles. inevitable. In 1582, using the Latin back to the original text. In 1516, he Vulgate as its basis, the Rheims-Douay Following Tyndale’s death, two of Bible was produced and became began publication of critical editions his friends, Miles Coverdale and John of the Greek New Testament that the official Catholic Bible until the Rogers, continued his work, publishing twentieth century. Finally, when were distributed throughout Europe. Bibles that included the Old Testament: Although he remained a Catholic, James I took the throne, he reached the Coverdale Bible (1535) and an agreement with the Puritans and his work, and that of scholars who Matthew’s Bible (1537). Unfortunately, followed him, profoundly aided the assigned forty-seven scholars to make they were not able to use the Hebrew a translation (without commentary Protestant Reformation and its call text to translate the Old Testament. to follow “the Scriptures alone.” notes) to stand as an “Authorized By 1539, the tide had shifted enough Version.” Working in six groups for In 1522, using Erasmus’ Greek text, in England so that chancellor Thomas seven years, in 1611 the King James Martin Luther, the German monk Cromwell, with the approval of the Bible was produced. It became not who triggered the Reformation, king, commissioned Miles Coverdale only the most popular English Bible produced the first translation of the to revise the Matthew’s Bible, making but the most influential English book New Testament into German. Erasmus use of Hebrew texts to translate the in human history. In 1873, it was had spent many years in England and Old Testament. This work, known as revised by the Church of England and even taught at Cambridge. Not long the Great Bible was published in 1539, continues to be used by many today. after he left, a brilliant student named with a picture of Henry VIII on its cover William Tyndale came to the university. page. 21,000 copies were circulated throughout churches in England. Kyle Pope preaches for the Olsen Tyndale mastered Greek and in 1523, Park church of Christ in Amarillo, sought permission from the Catholic While Henry VIII had broken ties with TX. He has written several books bishop of London to produce an English published by Truth Publications Rome, Catholic opposition was not yet including How We Got the Bible. translation of the New Testament. finished. In 1546, a Catholic assembly, He can be reached at kmpope@ When his request was denied, he known as the Council of Trent, declared Kyle Pope att.net.

6 October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com 7 Women’s Insights O Perfect Love by Sherelyn Mayberry

We hope and pray that our children will develop physically and spiritually, becoming devoted disciples, marrying godly companions, and raising their children to love God and keep His commandments.

The song, “O Perfect Love” (Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual on love, which is the bond that causes their marriage to Songs #559), is a prayer for our children that they will be our mature and grow closer through the years (Col. 3:12-14). godly legacy as they mature and marry. Faithful Christian parents desire this for their children who have been raised To their marriage, we pray the Lord will add joy and in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. The Lord says peace. As our children live in fellowship with God the Father our offspring are “like arrows in the hand of a warrior” (Ps. and Christ the Son, they experience a fuller joy through 127:4). Our hopes for them soar into the future as they are walking in the light of the Word (1 John 1:1-4). May the Lord joined as one with their sustain them through choice of a marriage the cares and struggles partner. We wish the of life; we hope they best for them as they will lean on the Lord make wise decisions, through all sorrows (1 making our hearts glad Pet. 5:7). We ask the as they grow in love for Lord to grant them the Lord and their new peace during times of spouse. This desire for trouble and tribulation our married children will in the world—may be possible as they walk they constantly look in the footsteps of the to Jesus’ example of Lord together, so they overcoming the world may not slip (Ps. 17:5). and be of good cheer Accomplishing this (John 14:27; 16:33). As goal will be predicated they walk hand in hand on not departing with the Lord and are from the Lord while justified by faith, we treasuring God’s word are reassured of their to feed their souls. peace, and hope in their Receiving His word to direct their steps, they will not salvation (Rom. 5:1, 2). let sin have dominion over their lives (Ps. 119:133). Our In his final farewell to the Corinthians, Paul says, fervent prayer for them is that they will experience “the “Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good love which knows no ending”—now and in eternity. comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love Our hope for our children is that they will follow the and peace will be with you” (1 Cor. 13:11). We can pray example of the perfect love and life in Christ. He left us these thoughts for our married children as they seek to be a pattern of being willing to suffer, and not threaten perfected in the Lord. They can encourage each other as or revile in kind (1 Pet. 2:21-23). The love of a servant’s they walk united in Christ, at peace with each other and heart was evidenced in Jesus’ washing the disciples’ with God. Such devoted discipleship will lead to a joyous feet (John 13:12-15). Performing menial tasks will show godly life in the present and future, in time and eternity. our children’s love for their spouse. Humility of heart Sherelyn is the wife of Mark Mayberry, who labors with the will lead each to be of one mind, not being selfish or Adoue Street congregation in Alvin, TX as an evangelist and conceited, or looking out simply for his own interests, but elder. She can be reached at [email protected]. esteeming the other better than himself (Phil. 2:1-8). We long for their home to be filled with kindness, patience, and forgiveness. Like Christ, we pray our children will put Sherelyn Mayberry

8 October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com We hope and pray that our children will develop physically and spiritually, becoming devoted disciples, marrying godly companions, and raising their children to love God and keep His commandments.

October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com Doctrine Restoration vs. Unity: Present Attitudes by Chris Reeves synopsisBrethren herehave preached, promoted, and practiced “unity” for many years, but sadly, they are not united on how to be unified.

Most, if not all brethren I am to be unified. They do not all restore to Gospel-Doctrine Unity acquainted with, desire two basic the same point of restoration. All the Some brethren in the 1950s-60s principles in their lives: restoration same Bible passages are being quoted made an artificial and arbitrary and unity.1 Brethren today desire to by brethren today, from Psalm 133:1 distinction between New Testament restore the ancient order of the New to Ephesians 4:3, but not all brethren “gospel” and “doctrine” in order to Testament church and understand apply these passages in the same way. promote unity.2 They divided the that can be done by following God’s New Testament into two parts. They pattern only (Exod. 25:9, 40; Num. 8:4; 1 As a result, some brethren claim to claimed that “gospel” (preaching Chron. 28:11-12, 18-19; Heb. 8:5; 9:24). be united with others while differing Jesus) is what is done to the lost and They know the pattern for Christians with them on such matters as the “doctrine” (teaching church doctrine) is today is the New Testament pattern missionary society, instrumental music, what is done to the saved. Accordingly, (2 Tim. 1:13). They also believe it is premillennialism, institutionalism, brethren can be united on the important to follow the Old Testament centralization, the fellowship hall, the “essential,” important “gospel,” while at examples of King Hezekiah (2 Chron. sponsoring church, the purpose and the same time being divided on “non- 29-31) and King Josiah (2 Chron. 34- mode of baptism, marriage-divorce- essential,” less-important “doctrine.” 35) who both reformed and restored remarriage, the duration of hell, the deity of Christ, women preachers and God’s people back to God’s law when Men like Carl Ketcherside and Leroy elders, the days of creation, changes necessary. They realize that even God Garrett taught that there are believers in the Lord’s supper, returning to a Himself seeks to reform His people in different religious sects who can be restored earth, etc. For many years, when they are disobedient (Lev. 26:23). united on “gospel” (Jesus) while at the some brethren have held “unity same time being divided on “doctrine” Additionally, brethren today desire meetings” and “restoration forums (the church). Carl Ketcherside taught unity with other Christians. They (summits)” where they agree to this gospel-doctrine distinction in know “how good and how pleasant” disagree with other believers over Mission Messenger and Leroy Garrett unity is (Ps. 133:1). They understand certain Bible matters. First, some did as well in Restoration Review. In that Jesus prayed for unity (John brethren desired unity with members later years, some brethren modified 17:20-23) and that Paul pled for the of Christian Churches and Disciples of the gospel-doctrine distinction and Corinthian Christians to be “perfected Christ Churches, then later, they desired talked about uniting on the “core together in the same mind and in unity with members of denominations. gospel” or “bull’s-eye gospel,” and the same judgment” (1 Cor. 1:10). dividing over “doctrinal matters.” They preach about the “unity of the In this article, let us examine some Spirit” (Eph. 4:3) and the “unity of the of the erroneous approaches that faith” (Eph. 4:13). They also believe brethren have advanced in the past Grace Unity “division” to be a sin (Rom. 16:17; fifty years or so to promote a brand of Some brethren in the 1960s-70s 1 Cor. 1:10-13; 11:18; Gal. 5:21). restoration and unity which broadens taught that God’s grace covers doctrinal fellowship beyond the doctrine of differences and errors, so unity could Brethren have preached, promoted, Christ (2 John 9-11). Through the years, be had by those who differ in doctrine.3 and practiced these two principles many approaches have been made by Ed Fudge, Rubel Shelly, and others of restoration and unity for many brethren to arrive at unity, but here we advocated this approach to unity. years. However, they have done this in focus our attention on five and examine radically different ways. Sadly, reality them in roughly chronological order. is that brethren are not united on how

10 October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com 11 Continuous Cleansing Unity us to “receive” our brother even in fighting over doctrine, so they desire matters of doctrinal difference and unity with “Christians” in other sects to Some brethren in the 1970s-80s even when our brother teaches what broaden their fellowship (Rev. 2:14-15, taught that the blood of Jesus we believe to be wrong.7 According 20)? Is it because they don’t want to continuously cleanses a Christian to brother Harrell, Romans 14 be divided with close Christian friends of his sins and covers any doctrinal addresses Christians who “sometimes and family when a division comes errors that he may teach and disagree about scriptural instruction, over a matter of truth and error (Luke practice allowing him to be in even in matters of considerable 12:49-53)? Is it because they are proud unity with other Christians.4 This moral and doctrinal import.”8 and won’t admit that they or others approach to unity is like the one have been teaching and practicing previously stated above. Arnold True Bible unity cannot be found error (1 Cor. 5:1ff)? Is it because they Hardin, Bruce Edwards, and others in these erroneous approaches. There are liberal and progressive and love advocated this approach to unity. is no biblical basis for these man- their innovations more than truth, made attempts at unity. There is no so they look for ways to keep these New Hermeneutic Unity distinction between “gospel” and innovations and remain united with Some brethren in the 1980s-90s “doctrine;” rather, they are simply two others (2 John 9-11)? Is it because taught a so-called “new hermeneutic” different terms for the same body of they are not as militant as they should which allowed for greater unity truth (Rom. 1:15-16; 6:17-18; 1 Tim. be for truth and so they compromise among professed Christians.5 The new 1:10-11). God’s grace does not cover and unite with error (Jude 3)? hermeneutic (new interpretation) the teaching and practice of doctrinal was an effort to tear down the biblical error; rather, it desires that we cease Whatever the reason, God knows, teaching of commands, examples, from sin and error (Gal. 6:1, 15; Tit. but the brand of unity that some necessary inferences, silence, 2:11-12; Heb. 10:29; 12:25; Jude 4) and brethren have promoted in the past law, and patterns. In place of the that we remain within gospel truth fifty years is not biblical. Their brand “old hermeneutic,” some brethren (Gal. 1:6; 2:21; 5:4). Jesus’ blood does of unity promotes an unbiblical “unity suggested a hermeneutic that focuses not continuously cleanse a brother who in diversity” (or, as some have called 9 on God, views scripture as narrative, teaches and practices doctrinal error; it, “unity in perversity”). This is unity focuses on the Lord’s Supper, and instead, the benefits of His cleansing by over-looking doctrinal differences reads scripture as Jesus does. blood are conditioned upon ceasing (errors). They promote a type of “Scholars” among our institutional sin and error (Acts 8:22), confessing “peace-at-any-price.” They promote brethren like C. Leonard Allen, Richard it, and praying for forgiveness (1 “union” more than unity. They promote T. Hughes, Thomas H. Olbricht, John 1:7-10). There is no “new “fellowship without endorsement.” Allan J. McNicol, and Michael Casey hermeneutic”—the only hermeneutic They “agree to disagree” over certain advocated this type of hermeneutic (interpretation) that brethren are to Bible doctrines. What is next, brethren and approach to unity. A few among use is that given to them by Jesus, applying “unity in diversity” to the the non-institutional brethren like His apostles, and the New Testament practice of abortion, polygamy, Charles Holt, and those associated church. Romans 14 does not teach homosexuality, or transgenderism? with The Examiner, did the same. that brethren are to receive one another when moral and doctrinal This is not the unity that we find encouraged in the Bible. In fact, Romans 14 Unity differences are involved; instead, it teaches us to receive one another “unity in diversity” weakens the Some brethren from the 1990s to the when matters of scruple are involved Lord’s church by compromising with present have taught that Romans 14 false teaching and denominational (i.e., things that are not wrong in and 10 allows Christians to differ on matters of of themselves; see also 1 Cor. 8:8). error. A soft, tolerant approach to doctrinal belief and still be united and doctrinal differences and error places in fellowship.6 F. LaGard Smith, Rubel So, why do brethren from time-to- the Lord’s church in jeopardy (Rev. Shelly, Olin Hicks, Samuel Dawson, time seek unity in these erroneous 2:14-15, 20). And, if all that is not Don Patton, and Ed Harrell have all ways? Is it because brethren see the bad enough, promoters of erroneous advocated this approach to unity. attempts of denominational folks to unity sometimes call brethren who Brother Harrell taught this approach have ecumenical movements among differ with them, “close-minded,” in a series of articles that he titled themselves and these brethren want “sectarian,” “legalist,” “keepers of “The Bounds of Christian Unity” and unity “like all the nations” (1 Sam. the orthodoxy,” “factional,” and published in Christianity Magazine. 8:5)? Is it because they tire of being other such slanderous names. The idea is that Romans 14 teaches in a small fellowship and weary of

10 October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com 11 Restoration vs. Unity? to have unity with others. We keep 5 See “The New Hermeneutic” (Greek tēreō; lit. “to guard”) the unity by Chris Reeves (Guardian of Do we have to choose between that is already there in God’s word! Truth, Oct. 6, 1994, p. 21-25). restoration or unity? No. The plea The “unity of the Spirit” (Eph. 4:3; 6 for restoration is a plea for unity. See “Romans 14: How Readest Thou?” emph. mine) and the “unity of the True restoration that goes back to by Harry R. Osborne (Guardian of Truth, May faith” (Eph. 4:13; emph. mine) is unity God’s word will result in unity (read 3, 1990, pp. 262-264); “Romans 14 Abused belonging to the words of the Spirit 2 Kings 23:1-3; 2 Chron. 34:29-32). to Accommodate False Doctrine” by Ron and to the words of the faith. Brethren, The unity that is encouraged in the Halbrook (Guardian of Truth, Jan. 2, 1992, let us unite on these words, nothing pp. 27-32); “Romans 14: The Text” by Mike Bible is always a unity of two or more more, nothing less, nothing else. Willis (Guardian of Truth, Oct. 5, 1995, p. persons who first agree (Amos 3:3) 2); “Romans 14: Satan’s Trojan Horse For on God’s word. God’s people who will Endnotes Fellowship with Error” by Tom Roberts not be “reformed” are people who (Guardian of Truth, Feb. 16, 1995, pp. 14- 1 Good articles have appeared in this “walk contrary” to God’s word (read 17); and, “Does Romans 14 Authorized a journal in years gone by which discuss the Lev. 26:23-24). Thus, reformation (or Broadened Fellowship?” by Marshall E. proper balance between restoration and restoration) is predicated upon walking Patton (Truth Magazine, Oct. 5, 2000, p. 8). by God’s word. When people walk in unity. See the following: “The Restoration of Unity Among Divided Brethren” by 7 agreement with God’s word, unity will My father, Bill Reeves, wrote this James Adams (Truth Magazine, Jan. 1, follow. Division, on the other hand, perceptive comment 17 years ago: “Romans 1970, p. 3-6); “Unity through Restoration” 14 has become a magical wand in the is caused when someone teaches by Mike Willis (Truth Magazine, June hands of many brethren. Simply wave something “contrary to the doctrine” 9, 1977, pp. 355-357); “Unity Through it, and suddenly what is unscriptural of God’s word (Rom. 16:17-18). Restoration” by Ron Halbrook (Guardian for some becomes scriptural for others, of Truth, June 5, 1986, pp. 28-30); and The unity for which Jesus prayed in and everyone should be praying for each “Unity Through Restoration vs. Unity John 17 is founded upon an agreement other and encourage the innovator…” in Diversity?” by C. G. “Colly” Caldwell (“Perversion of Romans 14 Continues,” of the apostles’ words. Jesus said, (Guardian of Truth, Jan. 2, 1992, pp. 5-6). Truth Magazine, Sept. 7, 2000, p. 1). “believe on Me through their word” (John 17:20; see also verses 6, 8, 14, 2 See “The ‘Unity Movements’ Distinction 8 “The Bounds of Christian Unity (4),” 17, and 19, for Jesus’ emphasis on Between ‘Gospel’ and ‘Doctrine’” by Christianity Magazine, May, 1989, p. 3. “word” and “truth”). The Jerusalem Mike Willis (Truth Magazine, Oct. 24, 9 Actually, there is a true type of “unity church followed the apostles’ doctrine 1974, pp. 10-13); “The Gospel/Doctrine Differentiation” by Cecil Willis (Guardian in diversity” found in the New Testament. (Acts 2:42) and were unified (Acts Christians, for example, with a diversity 2:46). The unity that Paul pled for of Truth, Jan. 2, 1992, pp. 13-15); “The Gospel/Doctrine Distinction” by Tom of opinions over private scruples can be in Ephesians 4 is founded upon an Roberts (Guardian of Truth, June 16, 1994, united in practice (1 Cor. 8; Rom. 14) and agreement with the apostles’ words. p. 13-14); and, “The Gospel/Doctrine Christians from a diversity of backgrounds Paul wrote, “one body … Spirit … Distinction as a Basis of a Broadened can be united in Christ (Eph. 2:11-22). hope … Lord … faith … baptism … Fellowship” by Edward O. Bragwell, Sr. However, Christians with a diversity of God” (Eph. 4:4-6). Brethren can be (Truth Magazine, Oct. 5, 2000, p. 6). doctrinal beliefs can never be truly united. “one” when, and only when, they 3 10 See “The Impact of Unity Movements agree to unite upon the “one faith” of See “Loose Teaching on Sin and Grace on the Church” by H.E. Phillips (Guardian apostles’ words (the New Testament). Related to the New Unity Movement” by Ron Halbrook (Truth Magazine, Nov. 4, 1976, pp. of Truth, Jan. 2, 1986, pp. 27-28); and, Paul also wrote that “the knowledge “Where ‘Unity in Diversity’ Will Lead” of the Son of God” (Eph. 4:13) and 698-700); “The New Grace-Unity Movement’s Approach to Instrumental Music” by Johnny by Thomas G. O’Neal (Walking in “speaking truth in love” (Eph. 4:15) will Stringer (Truth Magazine, June 5, 1980, Truth, Jan.-Mar., 2004, pp. 2-11). cause Christians to be “fitly framed page, 370-373); “The Grace Unity Movement and knit together” (Eph. 4:16). Agree is Not Dead” by Mike Willis (Guardian of on God’s word and unity will follow. Truth, April 3, 1986, pp. 193, 214-215). Carefully reflect on Paul’s 4 See “Continuous Cleansing: The admonition in Ephesians 4. We are to Doctrinal Defense of Unity-In-Diversity” Chris Reeves preaches for the be “giving diligence to keep (emph. by Mike Willis (Guardian of Truth, Warfield Blvd church of Christ mine) the unity of the Spirit” (Eph. Dec. 3, 1992, pp. 706, 724-726). in Clarksville, TN. His website is TheGoodTeacher.com. He can 4:3). Brethren, unity is already there be reached at chrisreevesmail@ in the words of the Spirit! We do not gmail.com. create unity. We do not invent ways Chris Reeves

12 October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com 13 12 October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com 13 Family

First Families: Faith and Failure By Mark Mayberry

Genesis, the book of beginnings, records God’s dealings with the Patriarchs. In many ways, they were heroes of faith, but we also observe failures in their family relationships. Let us learn from both.

If our homes are built upon the Adam? Why did he acquiesce? The to all that God had commanded him, foundation of God’s word, they will fall represents a breakdown in the so he did” (Gen. 6:1-22, esp. vs. 22). flourish, and succeed; if not, they will home. We observe role reversal: Adam wither and fail (Ps. 127:1-5). What is failed to exercise spiritual leadership, However, after the flood, Noah the key to domestic happiness? Fear and Eve did not manifest proper became drunk, and acted in an the Lord and walk in His ways (Ps. submission (Eph. 5:22-33; 1 Pet. 3:1-7). undignified manner. This failure 128:1-6). While the patriarchs provide impacted others, bringing a curse upon many positive examples, we may Like any powerful opponent, Satan future descendants (Gen. 9:20–27). also learn from their shortcomings. tries to neutralize our strengths and exploit our weaknesses. He looks Abraham and Sarah Adam and Eve for the weak link. Bypassing Adam When God called Abraham, he and accosting Eve, the serpent Placing the man in Eden, the Lord obeyed, leaving Ur for Canaan, dwelling successfully deceived the woman: “it in tents with Isaac and Jacob, looking God assigned Adam the responsibility was not Adam who was deceived, but of cultivating and keeping the garden for the city with enduring foundations, the woman being deceived, fell into whose architect and builder is God (Gen. 2:8-25, esp. vv. 8, 15). He was transgression” (1 Tim. 2:9-15, esp. v. 14). also assigned the task of naming the (Heb. 11:8-10; cf. Rev. 21:10-14). Sarah beasts and birds (vv. 19-20). By all After their sin was exposed, Adam was granted the ability to conceive recorded measures, Adam fulfilled and Eve both attempted to shift the a child, even beyond the time of these physical responsibilities. blame. The man said, “The woman fertility because she considered God There is no suggestion that he was a whom You gave to be with me, she faithful; therefore, aged Abraham sluggard; rather, he appears to have gave me from the tree, and I ate.” The became the father of innumerable been a hard worker, responsible woman said, “The serpent deceived descendants (Heb. 11:11-12; cf. and trustworthy—all admirable me, and I ate.” However, both faced Gen. 17:15-19; 18:9-15; 21:1-3). qualities (Prov. 6:6-11; 27:23-24). the dire consequences of their All these lived by faith, and died disobedience and rebellion (Gen. 3:8- However, all was not perfect in in faith; despite not receiving the 24). Their descendants still feel the promises, they anticipated their paradise: danger lurked in the garden. effects of this failure (Rom. 5:12-14). Exploiting the unique and greatest eventual realization, because they desired a better country, that is, blessing bestowed upon mankind Noah and His Family (i.e., his reasoning ability and freedom a heavenly one (Heb. 11:13-16). of will), the serpent enticed Eve. Evidencing obedient faith, Noah Additionally, when God tested Maligning the commandment and constructed the ark according to God’s Abraham’s faith, by commanding him character of God, and appealing to commandment, thus condemning the to offer up Isaac, Abraham readily her appetites, the serpent enticed disobedient antediluvian world, and obeyed (Heb. 11:17-19; cf. Gen. 22:1-19; Eve through the lust of the flesh, the becoming an heir of the righteousness James 2:21-24). Paul uses Abraham lust of the eyes, and the pride of life which is according to faith (Heb. 11:7). as an example of one whose faith (Gen. 3:1-7; cf. 1 John 2:15-17). He found favor in the eyes of the Lord. was in God, not in self (Rom. 4:1-8). Noah was a righteous man, blameless in Reflecting upon this account his time; he walked with God. Noah was Conversely, when a famine of the fall, we must ask, “What’s obedient: “Thus Noah did; according forced Abram to sojourn in Egypt, he wrong with this picture?” Where was asked Sarai, his wife, to say that she

14 October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com 15 was his sister (Gen. 12:10-20). This very concept of justice (Prov. 24:23-26; Jacob met his match in Laban, the unchivalrous and shameful half-lie 28:21-23). Such behavior also destroys father-in-law being more manipulative was later repeated (Gen. 20:1-18), even the harmony that should prevail in our than the son-in-law. In the end, Jacob after Abraham had been victorious homes, stoking the flames of anger complained, “Your father has cheated in the war of the kings, in which he and frustration (Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21). me and changed my wages ten times,” demonstrated military prowess (Gen. but found comfort in the fact that “God 14:1-16). A forfeiture of spiritual As is the case with us all, each did not allow him to hurt me” (Gen. leadership occurred again when Abram member of the family had strengths 31:7). There was no greater injury that yielded to Sarai’s suggestion that she and weaknesses. The oldest child is selfish and short-sighted Laban could obtain children through Hagar, the described as a profane man, i.e., one inflict upon his daughters: through the Egyptian handmaid (Gen. 16:1-16). who did not value things of value. The jealousy that resulted from a violation youngest child evidenced a grasping of the Edenic pattern for marriage, While Abraham’s strong faith was nature from his mother’s womb and they suffered a lifetime of unhappiness handed down to his descendants (Gen. was thus named Jacob (i.e., one (Gen. 29:31-30:24; cf. Exod. 20:4-6). 18:19), so also were his shortcomings: who takes by the heel or supplants). Abraham’s failure of faith was echoed These character flaws combined Conclusion in the life of his son, Isaac (Gen. on one fateful occasion when Esau 26:6-11). Despite these momentary came home famished, and Jacob The lives of Adam and Jesus failures, Abraham is a hero of faith, (having cooked stew), offered his had opposite effects, one bringing an encouragement, and example brother a bowl of stew in exchange death, one promising life: Adam’s to all generations: “So then those for the birthright, i.e., the double- transgression brought condemnation who are of faith are blessed with portion belonging to the firstborn and the curse of death; however, Abraham, the believer” (Gal. 3:6-9). (Gen. 25:29-34; cf. Heb. 12:14-17). justification and the blessing of life were made possible through Jesus’ Isaac and Rebekah Years later, these flaws of character obedient life and perfect sacrifice and conduct are again manifested (Rom. 5:12-17; 1 Cor. 15:20-22, 42-49). When God tested Abraham’s faith, when Rebekah conspires with young Isaac not only witnessed his Jacob to deceive her husband, The lives of Noah and Abraham are father’s reaction, but also was a Isaac, and deprive her son, Esau, of noble examples of faith, but they also participant in the unfolding drama receiving his father’s primary and provide a warning. Let us walk by faith. (Gen. 22:1-19; cf. Heb. 11:17-19). prophetic blessing (Gen. 27:1-46). Let us recognize our responsibility When Isaac was old, and his eyesight of obeying God’s commandments. diminished, faith was demonstrated in Jacob and His Family Let us respect the pattern that God blessing his sons, Jacob and Esau (Gen. established for the home, involving 27:2-4; cf. Heb. 11:20). Although the Jacob gradually learned to rely upon headship and submission, and not beauty of the occasion was marred by God, beginning with his experience at reverse or repudiate these roles. Let deception, the outcome only served to Bethel (Gen. 28:10-22). After fleeing us avoid momentary lapses that may ratify the sovereign choice previously from Esau, Jacob came to Paddan- carry long-lasting consequences. made by God: “Two nations are in aram, where he quickly fell in love with your womb; and two peoples will be a beautiful maiden named Rachel. The families of Isaac and Jacob also separated from your body; and one Agreeing with her father, Laban, to teach much-needed lessons: Avoiding people shall be stronger than the other; labor seven years for her hand, the the sin of favoritism, let us do all and the older shall serve the younger” years passed quickly: “They seemed things without partiality. Manifesting (Gen. 27:27-29, 39-40; cf. 25:19-26). to him but a few days because of his undivided affection, let us remain fully love for her” (Gen. 29:1-20, esp. v. 20). committed to our marital companion, At the age of forty, Isaac took loving them, and the Lord, with all Rebekah as his wife, but she was However, after the nuptial our heart, and acting accordingly. subsequently barren. After Isaac prayed celebrations were complete, Jacob for his wife, she conceived and gave found himself on the receiving birth to twins: Esau and Jacob (Gen. end of deception: Laban pawned Mark and Sherelyn have labored off Leah, whose eyes were weak, with the Adoue Street church 25:19-26). Unfortunately, favoritism of Christ in Alvin, TX since 1998, marred this home’s happiness: Isaac upon the unsuspecting groom, who where he serves as the evangelist loved Esau while Rebekah loved Jacob was then forced to labor another and an elder. The church website is ascoc.org. His website is (Gen. 25:27-28). Partiality will corrupt a seven years for the hand of his beloved Rachel (Gen. 29:21-30). Mark Mayberry markmayberry.net and his email court of law (Deut. 1:17), distorting the Editor is [email protected].

14 October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com 15 Bobby L. Graham preaches & is an elder for the Old Moulton Rd church of Christ. He & his wife, Karen, have three children: Richard, Mary Katherine Winland (Darren), & Laura Paschall (Jeremy). His email is [email protected]. Bobby L. Graham

by Bobby L. Graham QUESTION:

I have heard from friends that Jesus intended for us to wash each others’ feet during worship. Why did Jesus wash the disciples’ feet?

In John 13, we have the record of What was Jesus doing in the instead of the proud fashion that too Jesus’ washing of his disciples’ feet washing of the feet? According to the often characterized them. By girding in verses 1 through 11. Following explanation given by Jesus, He was Himself with a towel and then stooping this account, John records Jesus’ acting in the role of a servant, though before them to wash their feet, Jesus explanation of what He had just done. He is truly Lord of all, to exemplify was illustrating humble service. He It is definitely instructive that the Lord the humility which His disciples was teaching them how they should never uttered one word concerning were sorely lacking. On this very relate to each other, though He was religious ceremony or the act of occasion of the Passover meal, the their Master (John 13:13-15). True worshiping God in His explanation. It is disciples had been arguing over who blessedness would result not from just unthinkable that the Lord completely among them was the greatest (Luke calling themselves disciples, but acting ignored such a singular purpose if 22:24-30). In other words, they had as disciples of Jesus (John 13:17). such was his intent in introducing been manifesting such pride as was this matter to His disciples. destructive of their role and work as No, Jesus had no intention of His humble disciples by making love for example being reproduced as an act Some people do teach and each other impossible (John 13:31-35), of a worship service. Rather, it was practice the washing of feet as an act as well as the unity of which Jesus later individual action in everyday life of worship. Some have explained 1 extensively taught them (John 17:11). which Jesus was here pinpointing. Corinthians 11:34 in this way. They say It is no coincidence that Jesus taught Such an understanding is entirely that Jesus meant for washing of feet to the disciples about love and oneness in keeping with the other passages accompany the Lord’s Supper because on the very occasion when they were where foot-washing is mentioned— it did so in the meeting of Jesus and His arguing out of the spirit of rivalry. individual showing of humble service disciples in John 13. They say that Paul to others (1 Tim. 5:10; Gen. 18:4). In had reference to foot-washing when Jesus’ disciples certainly needed an age when walking exposed feet he said, “The rest I will set in order to learn the love which He showed to much dirt on dusty roads and when I come.” It seems too convenient them and the oneness that He shared pathways, the washing of feet was that Paul meant foot-washing without with the Father. How then did Jesus, also a matter of practical benefit. mentioning it or explaining. Why could their teacher, react under such he not have meant singing, since conditions? By his example, he led singing a hymn also accompanied the them to understand humility, so that instituting of the Supper (Matt. 26:30)? they could then act in such a fashion,

16 October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com 17 16 October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com 17 Archaeology

Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh by Barry Britnell

Sometimes you learn things about the Bible when you are not expecting it. This time, I learned something while walking around a spice shop in the Old City of Jerusalem.

In Matthew 2:10-11, we read: Frankincense is a resin from different flour. He shall pour oil on it and types of frankincense trees. It is put frankincense on it and bring When they [the wise men] saw harvested by stripping the bark off the it to Aaron’s sons the priests. And the star, they rejoiced with tree and then collecting the hardened he shall take from it a handful of exceeding great joy. And when resin as it emerges from inside the the fine flour and oil, with all of they were come into the house, tree. In ancient times, frankincense its frankincense, and the priest they saw the young child with is mostly used as an incense and shall burn this as its memorial Mary his mother, and fell down, in perfumes. In the Old Testament, portion on the altar, a food and worshipped him: and when frankincense is mentioned several offering with a pleasing aroma to they had opened their treasures, times in connection with preparing a the Lord. But the rest of the grain they presented unto him gifts; meat sacrifice for the Lord. Consider offering shall be for Aaron and gold, and frankincense, and the following command from Leviticus: his sons; it is a most holy part myrrh (Matt. 2:10–11, KJV) of the Lord’s food offerings (Lev. When anyone brings a grain 2:1–3, ESV). I know that for many years, I read offering as an offering to the that passage, and it never occurred Lord, his offering shall be of fine to me to consider those three gifts. Most of us understand what gold is. We all probably have pieces of jewelry or family heirlooms that consist of entirely (or partially) of gold. However, what about frankincense and myrrh? Do we have either of those items lying around the house? What exactly are frankincense and myrrh? Earlier this year, I was leading my tour group through the Old City of Jerusalem. Within the Old City, there are at least five or six spice shops. The vibrant colors and fragrances are always enough to catch my attention and draw me in. This time, a couple of bowls caught my eye. Sitting next to each other, there they sat: a bowl of frankincense and a bowl of myrrh. I was thrilled to see it, and in doing so, it prompted me to learn about these two items. Spice Shop in the Old City of Jerusalem

18 October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com Frankincense and Myrrh

Similarly, myrrh is extracted from Pilate gave him permission. So have confidence in the wonderful small trees and can be used as an he came and took away his body. message contained therein. incense and in perfume. However, Nicodemus also, who earlier had myrrh can also be ingested if mixed come to Jesus by night, came I wonder what I will see the with certain liquids. In certain bringing a mixture of myrrh and next time I am in Israel? situations, this mixture can have aloes, about seventy-five pounds an intoxicating effect. While Jesus in weight. So they took the body Barry Britnell is the founder was hanging on the cross, He was of Jesus and bound it in linen of Exploring Bible Lands, LLC offered wine mixed with myrrh (Mark cloths with the spices, as is the (exploringbiblelands.com) and leads Bible Study tours to the 15:23). After He had died, we read burial custom of the Jews (John land of Israel. He also works with that myrrh was used in the process 19:38–40, ESV) Appian Media (appianmedia. of burying the body of Jesus: Barry Britnell org) to produce Biblically-sound Seeing these two items in the videos used in teaching others spice shop reminds me of several about the Bible. Barry and After these things Joseph of his wife, Tabatha, have three Arimathea, who was a disciple of wonderful facts: The Bible is real. The children and live in Athens, AL, Jesus, but secretly for fear of the people are real. Even the smallest and worship with the Capshaw Jews, asked Pilate that he might of details, like frankincense and church of Christ. He can be myrrh, are real. Knowing this, I can reached at barry.britnell@ take away the body of Jesus, and exploringbiblelands.com.

October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com 19 Title by Author

20 October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com 21 The Entitlement Mindset

What is the Entitlement Mindset? by Daniel H. King, Sr.

What is the entitlement mindset? In this introductory article, we define the term and illustrate its usage, comparing the propaganda of the progressive movement with the Biblical worldview that emphasizes accountability.

There is little doubt that the at the expense of Christianity, and the to collect the names of potential changes wrought in society during Judeo-Christian ethic generally, as people who might be added to the the last few years have brought about such virtues as moral purity, personal rolls, and the usual limitations were an enormous reconfiguration of the independence, and hard work have intentionally relaxed to enlarge these views of people generally in this been pushed into the background to lists. All of this was done with the best country. Pollsters inform us that people make way for the new way of seeing of intentions! The government has have moved away from many of the life and the pursuit of happiness. In operated under the assumption that traditional beliefs that Americans (and the popular media, Christians have such largesse handed out through the Westerners generally) have up until been portrayed as bigoted, hateful various social programs represent a recently generally embraced. There radicals who have no compassion cure-all for the perceived injustices are many reasons for this. Government for these helpless victims of their of the past and present. Hence, a actions in the form of intrusion into alleged hate crimes. This is one of large segment of the population and interference in certain aspects of Satan’s oldest tricks (cf. Isa. 5:20). believes that this is how things ought our lives may be responsible for some to be and that this is the reason that of this. Government money (borrowed “Progressive” Political government exists. The government from our grandchildren) has been Propaganda is supposed to take care of all of us! thrown at a multitude of problems in Likewise, progressives in both recent days, in an effort to buy votes The Simple Teaching political parties have hammered the for politicians, and this free money has public with the notion that certain of Scripture led people to believe that it somehow privileges which people in the past The Bible addresses this topic, “grows on trees” and that, therefore, enjoyed only if they could pay for like so many others, and Christians there will never be an end to it. them, are in reality to be seen as should know what Scripture teaches Entitlement Propaganda the inherent and inalienable rights on the matter. Simply put, it says that of one and all. Sadly, people do not government has the responsibility The constant propaganda films have the knowledge or logical facility of protecting the innocent from the from Hollywood, along with the any longer to reject these obviously criminally overbearing and punishing incessant drumbeat of liberal and foolish notions. This is the case here the wicked when they break the law socialist agenda items heralded from in the U.S., because the broken public (Rom. 13:1ff). None of this matters the left-leaning, progressive media educational system has failed to to those who have heard the siren has forced a good many people to teach our children the true nature of song of “free stuff.” Most people are rethink their belief systems. For their rights under the Constitution, unconcerned about what the Bible example, we are told that homosexual as outlined in the Bill of Rights. Most and the U.S. Constitution say. The marriage had very little approval in people these days have never read the Bible is our spiritual basis in divine the general populace only a decade Constitution or the Bill of Rights, and law. The Constitution is the written ago, whereas the numbers have risen have no inclination ever to do so. This basis in human law in the U.S.. None steadily upward with the constant is a recipe for national catastrophe. of this matters anymore. Even some barrage of media stories about the Christians have bought into this new “victims” of intimidation, harassment, Also, the recent expansion of the way of thinking, sold to them by and discrimination. Hollywood’s welfare state at the national level has the politicians and the media elites, concerted effort to “normalize” this featured the obviously destructive and so the entitlement mindset perversion has also played a part in process of putting people back has established a beachhead in the this rapid change. All of this has come “on the dole” for life. Ads were run

22 October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com American mind, and even in the else of the unfairness of an unequal made such freedoms possible! Such mentality of many in the church. system that has brought them to hypocrisy and thanklessness ought to ruin. As a result, they learn to blame be repaid with deportation to some People have become comfortable everything on something or someone other place of domicile! There “ought with the notion that the government else, and never to acknowledge to be a law” and such an entitlement ought to take care of them from the their own guilt in their consequent mentality deserves special treatment. cradle to the grave. They are especially misfortune. It is disgusting to observe comforted by the willingness of the this tendency in fully grown adults Inability to understand that Nanny state to provide them with which is typically indicative of small privileges are gifts from our Creator, a never-ending list of things paid and thus immature children! rather than the merits of the “special” for by their unfortunate fellow- individual. Society’s “privileged class” citizens who suffer the confiscation Inability to appreciate the fact that has seldom ever enjoyed a station of their wealth to “even things our actions bring about consequences. even remotely comparable to what up” and assure that there are no People are told that they cannot make is enjoyed by those of our day. Yet, inequalities in society. After all, it is it in life because they were born and many never pause even once to thank the responsibility of the All-Powerful raised in a slum, or that the racism the Giver of all good and perfect gifts State to “redistribute wealth,” is or bigotry of others keeps them from for any of His blessings (James 1:17). it not? Or, so the thinking goes. success, or that they deserved to be The Bible recognizes that we are all “socially promoted” from one grade different, but possess “gifts differing Widely-held Notions to another in school in spite of failing according to the grace that was given about Entitlement grades, or else that their grades should to us” (Rom. 12:6). “What do you have be inflated and “graded on a curve” that you did not receive? If then you Now, the upshot of this is that despite the fact that they have made received it, why do you boast as if several beliefs which are patently false no effort at all to study or prepare. They you did not receive it?” (1 Cor. 4:7). and destructive to the fabric of any are taught to be lazy and shiftless by Many such folks “spout off” about free society are now apparent in the foolish liberals who condemn them how everyone should share their thinking of a great many of our fellows. to a lifetime of helplessness, misery, twisted views of reality as if they were In fact, they have become enshrined and dependency because of their “soft intellectual giants, when in fact they in their thinking processes, and these bigotry” toward certain races and are mental midgets. The Lord does convictions are difficult to unseat. All of social classes of people, and so, their not want His people to partake in such us have become aware of this in recent unwillingness to hold them to account vaunted arrogance or haughtiness. years, because we have had to deal for their attitudes and actions. God Humility is to be preferred for the with these ideas as they are espoused will hold us responsible for our words disciples of Christ (James 4:6, 10). by our friends and neighbors, and in and deeds (2 Cor. 5:10, 11; Rev. 22:12). some very unfortunate instances, by Therefore, to help form fully-mature Inability to be answerable to stand some of our relatives and families. adults, we must teach young people on one’s own two feet and provide for self and family. Our forefathers in Despite this, ours must continue responsibility and accountability this “land of the free” were fiercely to be a biblical worldview. We cannot for their attitudes and actions. independent and self-sufficient, afford to be tainted by this omnipresent Inability to appreciate the sacrifices encouraging in their fellows self- but fallacious thinking. So, let us mark made by others. We all enjoy the sustenance and personal responsibility. in our minds the main ingredients of freedoms of an open society because They would never have sat still for a this unfortunate perspective, to avoid of the sacrifices of our soldiers, sailors, government of leaders who wanted to it, or when given the opportunity to airmen, and marines who have fought preside over and regulate every aspect do so, to correct it when we hear it and died to allow us to enjoy such a of their lives (loss of freedom) for the given voice in the mistaken sentiments blessed situation. We ought to honor sake of “cradle to grave” provision of our friends and brethren: their service and their sacrifices. Yet, (the right to eat—whether we work Inability to accept personal many are taught today to despise or not, guaranteed employment if responsibility. On every hand, the military man or woman who we prefer to work, the right to health people who have brought troubles serves in uniform because of their care, the right not to be offended, etc., upon themselves by bad choices or “militarism” and willingness to fight etc., etc., ad infinitum, ad nauseum). unhealthy and unwholesome behaviors for our way of life. They bask in the As the children of the Founders, we are told that it is not their fault. They sunshine of freedom while poking ought to reject all such creeping are victims of circumstances, or fun at the very people who have socialism with its encroaching rules

Continued on Page 34

October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com 23 The Entitlement Mindset

The Foundation of Our Rights by Kyle Pope

Our nation was built on the assertion that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are inalienable rights given by God. Is this a scriptural principle? What is the biblical foundation of human rights?

After long debate and Limitations in all Governments” discussion, when the Second (Treatise 2, § 7.10). This was why Continental Congress finally the signers of the Declaration of decided to separate the Independence employed such American colonies from the wording—they argued that the British Empire, a committee of king had deprived them of rights five was chosen to compose that should not be taken away. the declaration. Thomas Jefferson wrote the original “Among These Are…” draft, with other members Jefferson’s wording is offering editorial changes. interesting in a number of When submitted to Congress, ways. First, it assumes there it was reduced by a fourth of are other rights (not specified) its size, edited for grammar, granted by God and nature, approved on July 2, then signed of rights, it is now held that “Laws of that no one can take away. two days later on July 4, 1776. Nature” and government “entitle” The Bill of Rights, later amended to and have “endowed” us with the right the U.S. Constitution, articulated such The first sentence spoke of rights to expect these things as our due. to which, “the Laws of Nature and of rights. It did not grant these rights but acknowledged the government could Nature’s God entitle” us. The second The Concept of became one of the most well-known not infringe upon them. Second, the assertions in human history. It Inalienable Rights three things Jefferson mentioned are declared, “We hold these truths to be Jefferson’s appeal to “inalienable” significant. In 1690, British physician self-evident, that all men are created (or as in the final version “unalienable”) and philosopher, John Locke, argued equal, that they are endowed by their rights refers to something, “unable to men being “equal and independent” Creator with certain unalienable Rights, be taken away from or given away by ought not “harm another in his life, that among these are Life, Liberty and the possessor” (New Oxford American health, liberty, or possessions” because the pursuit of Happiness.” Eighty-two Dictionary). Jefferson was not the first we are “all the workmanship of one years later, these words were used to use this language. It is believed omnipotent, and infinitely wise maker” in debates over slavery. In Abraham that the Irish philosopher, Francis (Second Treatise of Government, chap. Lincoln’s debates with Stephen Douglas Hutcheson, first spoke of rights in 2, § 6). He, too, argued the right to resist in 1858, he quoted this arguing for an this way. In his 1725 work, Inquiry into injury, claiming man has, “by nature a end to the practice. Today, while our the Original of Our Ideas of Beauty power… to preserve his property, that secular world no longer considers the and Virtue, his argument was not is, his life, liberty and estate, against existence of a Creator something “self- that we are entitled to receive certain the injuries and attempts of other evident,” this assertion continues to be things. Instead, he argued that things men” (ibid., chap. 7, § 87). Locke’s used to argue for “rights” as diverse as belong to us from our creation that formula of life, liberty, and estate (or public health care, economic security, no government should take away. property) was well-known by the time immoral behavior, public indecency, When they are, he contended, it grants of Jefferson. In 1772, Samuel Adams abortion, and many other things. the “right of resistance,” claiming, affirmed these three as the “natural While God is dismissed as a source “Unalienable Rights are essential rights” of the colonists (The Rights of

24 October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com the Colonists, chap. 1). Jefferson never concept of “natural law” is only true liberty of slaves. Instead, he taught explained why he substituted “the if it conforms to God’s revealed law. proper behavior servants and masters pursuit of happiness” for “property,” should practice (Eph. 6:5-9; Col. inalienable but it may have been to avoid a purely Does God’s law grant 3:22-4:1; 1 Tim. 6:1-2; Titus 2:9-10; 1 material idea of property. Locke rights? Yes and no. There are Pet. 2:18-20). Our modern employee- probably meant more than just real obligations to God that cannot be employer relationship demands the estate. In 1792, James Madison argued surrendered to another. If human surrender of a measure of personal that “property” includes one’s personal demands require disobedience to liberty to meet our obligations on Our nation was built on the assertion that life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are inalienable rights given by God. Is this a and religious convictions and “the free God, in every case, “We must obey the job. A Christian must be willing to scriptural principle? What is the biblical foundation of human rights? use of his faculties and free choice of God rather than men” (Acts 5:29, surrender some rights for the good of the objects on which to employ them” NASB). This suggests that a higher others (Rom. 14:21; 1 Cor. 8:13), and (Papers, “Property” March 29, 1792). divine law supersedes any power endure mistreatment in certain cases We now call this “intellectual property.” that others (even civil government) (Matt. 5:39-42; 1 Cor. 6:7), although Whatever Jefferson’s motive, we must exercise over us. Each person must act in other cases he has the right to flee ask if the Bible supports this concept of based upon the dictates of personal from persecution (Matt. 10:23). “inalienable rights” and if these ideas conscience. Paul taught, “whatever we share as Americans are compatible is not from faith is sin” (Rom. 14:23b, If there is no authority except from with what it means to be a Christian. NKJV). While it is always wrong to God, civil authority does not grant act contrary to our conscience, if our or establish rights—it is its duty to The Biblical Foundation conscience is not properly trained uphold principles God has revealed by Scripture, we can condemn (Rom. 13:17). The right to life should be of Rights ourselves by acting contrary to God’s upheld by civil authority (1 Tim. 2:1-2), Scripture speaks of rights in terms law (Rom. 14:22b; cf. Acts 23:1). although evil behavior can require of the “authority” or “power” one has the forfeiture of this right (Acts 25:11). over things. God gives man “power As the Bible teaches it, liberty is a Government has the right to take life in to eat of” the labor of his hands as relative right. Paul taught, “Where the punishment for wrong-doing (cf. Rom. a “gift of God” (Eccl. 5:19). One is to Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” (2 13:4), but it must act with justice and exercise “power over his own will” Cor. 3:17) and James called the Law impartiality in doing so (Deut. 16:19). (1 Cor. 7:37). Although Paul had the of Christ, “the perfect law of liberty” “power” to have a wife or receive (James 1:25). This largely addresses As the Bible teaches it, happiness support from churches (1 Cor. 9:4-6, freedom from sin and the burdens of comes as a consequence of serving KJV), he did not “use this authority” the Old Law. If one has the right to act God (Ps. 146:5; Prov. 29:18), but any (GLT) lest he hinder the “gospel of upon the dictates of his conscience, right to pursue it must be conditioned Christ” (1 Cor. 9:12). Scripture affirms, there is an inalienable right to freewill. upon obedience to divine law. There “there is no authority except from However, that does not mean we have is no right to pursue whatever makes God” (Rom. 13:1b). This is true of civil an inalienable right to liberty in all us happy if it does not conform to authority and personal rights—true areas of our lives. Paul commanded, God’s law. God promises contentment rights are only derived from God. “Let every soul be subject to the and happiness in obedience to Him governing authorities” (Rom. 13:1a). but does not set personal happiness How are these rights known? The Bible does not teach a concept as the ultimate goal of life (cf. 1 Pet. Scripture speaks of God’s “ordinances” of individual sovereignty. All souls 5:10). As Christians, while we are over the heavens and the earth (Job have obligations to others and to the proud to live in a free nation, let us 38:33; Ps. 119:90-91), but God’s will for government that is over them. Personal always shape our view of our rights man is not inherently placed within liberty can be limited based on on God’s word—not on the popular us. Jeremiah wrote, “The way of man behavior or economic need. When Paul sentiments of our culture. is not in himself; it is not in man who was arrested, although he defended his walks to direct his own steps” (Jer. own innocence (Acts 25:7), he did not 10:23). It is by God’s word that man’s object to the right of the government Kyle Pope preaches for the steps must be directed (Ps. 119:133). to restrict his liberty. When Paul taught Olsen Park church of Christ in It is through “God-breathed” Scripture on slavery (an institution in ancient Amarillo, Texas. He has written (NIV) that one is “equipped for every several books published by times built on financial need or victory Truth Publications including good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17, NKJV). Any in battle rather than race), he did not How We Got the Bible. He can be condemn masters for restricting the Kyle Pope reached at [email protected].

October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com 25 The Entitlement Mindset

The Limitations of Our Rights by Mike Willis

Many expect the government to guarantee and fund benefits, ranging from providing daily necessities to forcing businesses to provide services for those involved in moral conduct that violates their conscience (abortion rights, gay marriage services, etc.).

The entitlement mindset perceives liberty, and the pursuit of happiness’” speech and the press, and other things that just being born gives one (docsoffreedom.org). However, they taken for granted in our United States. certain rights. The Declaration of recognized these differences in men Independence expresses the belief of would mean that the outcomes Yet, medical care, good housing, an America’s founding fathers that the of the pursuit of life, liberty, and abundance of food, stylish clothing, cell Creator endowed men with certain happiness would be unequal as well. phones, and many other things taken inalienable rights, among which for granted in the United States are not are “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit Furthermore, the framers of our divinely-given and inalienable rights. Constitution of Happiness.” Under the guise of were comfortable with Since these “rights” do not derive these inalienable rights defining a government that infringed on the from God, many look to government what it means to be a creature of the rights of some of it citizens, even to to pass legislation guaranteeing their Blessed Creator, many have included the point of taking life, as illustrated “rights” and then increase taxes to such things as women’s rights (i.e., by capital punishment of murderers fund them. The carefully worded Declaration of Independence demands of women’s liberation), rights and those guilty of treason; through and Constitution of the United States of minorities, gay and lesbian rights, incarceration, they were willing to and sometimes even animal rights. take away the liberty and pursuit of represents the founder's attempt happiness of those who stole, raped, to produce a productive, safe, and The founding founders understood and committed other criminal offences. prosperous society for its citizens. Our that governments around the world generation is the heir of their efforts. infringing on the basic human Certainly, being born does not rights of its citizens. Therefore, they guarantee one an education, or even The authors and signatories of limited the power of government the same level of education of every these documents accepted Judeo- from infringing on the “natural law” other person in society. Throughout Christian morals as the underpinnings rights of its citizens. By affirming the human history, many have not been and framework on which United “rights” of individuals to life, liberty, blessed with an education. Mere States society was based. The and the pursuit of happiness,” they existence does not guarantee one a rejection of the Christian value system had no intention of guaranteeing certain level of medical care. Obviously, has left our nation grappling with the equal outcome of every man’s those born in the twenty-first century the issue of which “rights” should pursuit of “life, liberty, and happiness.” have much better medical care than our government guarantee for its “When they wrote in the Declaration those born in the second millennium citizens. Consider how the debate of Independence that ‘all men are B.C. (Do contemporary Americans have over homosexual marriage was created equal,’ they were not ignoring “inalienable” rights that humans who shifted to a human rights issue, which the obvious differences that make lived in antiquity did not?) Nor does assured the downfall of opposition people individuals—differences in it guarantee that all who live today to homosexual marriage. On what appearance, personality, aptitude, will have the same medical care, as do human rights depend? Certainly, skills, and character. All men are is verified by anyone who reads the being born does not guarantee one equal in the sense that, since we are reports from our Filipino brethren with the right to homosexual marriage, all human, we are born with certain medical needs and compares it with for a secular or atheistic society has inherent, natural, and unalienable his experience in the U.S. The same only relative moral values and not rights. Those rights include ‘life, could be said of housing, freedom of absolutes. Also, the Creator Himself

26 October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com does not guarantee such rights, as environments, leaving its citizens evidenced by His divine proclamation without employment opportunities. that homosexuals in the newly formed nation of Israel were to be put to On what grounds can it be claimed death (Lev. 18:22; 20:13; Deut. 23:17). that one person/group is at liberty to take the earned income of another The same government that passes person/group in order to provide laws guaranteeing homosexuals food stamps, housing assistance, free the right to marriage can also pass school meals (breakfast, lunch, and laws that force those who do not after school) for children (even when believe that homosexuality is moral school is not in session), food stamps, to participate in such wedding plans unemployment income, healthy food or be subject to prosecution if they for low-income Women, Infants, and refuse to do so.1 In the same way as Children (WIC), the Low-Income Home a government can force acceptance Energy Assistance Program (LHEAP), of sodomy, it can deprive men of a cell phone (Lifeline), Pell Grants for their inalienable right to life, such a college education for low-income as occurred when Hitler decided houses, and job-training programs for that Jews should be removed from low-income people, many of whom society and that the Nazi government are not working members of society could prosecute and kill those who helping to pay for their own benefits? attempted to hide innocent refugees.2 These programs are not “human rights,” but the political and social When this occurs, civil government policies of a political party that tries has stepped beyond the boundaries to obtain and retain political power by that God established for government. promising free food, housing, medical Governments are to punish wickedness, care, education, etc. Misguided efforts as defined by God in His word (Rom. to build a “Great Society” (begun by 13:3; 1 Pet. 2:14; 3:13). Governments Lyndon Johnson in 1964-65) ultimately are also allowed to do other things, created human dependency (many such as provide for a national families have lived on entitlement defense. Though some may disagree, programs for generations) and deprived governments can redistribute wealth men of the self-esteem that comes from through taxes, with divine sanction as working to provide for themselves. occurred with the Pharaoh of Egypt, when by divine guidance Joseph taxed Endnotes the prosperity of the Egyptians to 1 prepare for the coming famine (Gen. For information on this, see the Jack 41:48). The transference of wealth that Phillips case that is working its way to resulted from that famine made Egypt the Supreme Court [http://www.foxnews. com/politics/2017/06/26/supreme-court- a country owned by its king, with its to-hear-case-bakers-refusal-to-make- land being farmed by tenant farmers wedding-cake-for-gay-couple.html]. (Gen. 47:13-26). However, what was necessary during these emergency 2 For information on this, see situations did not make good economic Adolf Hitler’s Endlösung, the German policy in the long run. One should code name for his plan to murder understand that the right to tax does all Jews within his reach. not guarantee that there will not Mike Willis served as editor of be bitter consequences befalling a Truth Magazine for forty years. nation with misguided tax laws. It He has been working with the may become so burdensome that Decatur Township church since businesses move to more welcoming 2015. He can be reached at [email protected]. Mike Willis

October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com 27 The Entitlement Mindset

Provision and Prosperity by Joe R. Price

What does the Bible say about our rights to provision and prosperity? God has given us the right to work responsibly, diligently, and honestly, with contentment, to provide for ourselves, and for others, as we lay up treasures in heaven.

More and more people seem to Prosperity Theology (aka the Prosperity (Exod. 16:14-36). If they did not work, believe they are immediately entitled Gospel, the Health and Wealth Gospel, they did not have food to eat. to all the provisions and prosperity the Word of Faith Movement, or the Instead of demanding its “rights,” a that result from years of dedication Seed Faith Movement) is preached successful work ethic is diligent. and hard work. This tendency by such folks as Joel Osteen, Joyce If the appears to have increased among Meyer, and Creflo Dollar. False teachers lazy Israelite slept in, he would not the millennial generation (those born who trade on people’s poverty and have God’s provision (manna). Yes, from the early 1980s to the 2000s). desires, greed and harmful lusts “the early bird catches the worm.” Parents do their children no favor by give false hope that leads to eternal Laziness brings poverty, but diligent giving them everything they want sorrow (1 Tim. 6:9-10; 2 Pet. 2:19). The labor supplies needed provisions (demand), when and how they want gospel promises heavenly treasures, (Prov. 20:4). The sluggard should (demand) it. Such children are likely not earthly riches (Matt. 6:19-21). learn this lesson from the ant: to grow up demanding many things “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider they think are an entitlement, instead The Right to Work Diligently her ways and be wise, Which, having of acquiring the long-term benefit We have the right to life-sustaining no captain, Overseer or ruler, provides of a work ethic that combines the provisions that result from diligent her supplies in the summer, and personal responsibility of labor with labor. Genesis 3:17-19 explains that gathers her food in the harvest. How patience. The impatient person is the ground was cursed because of long will you slumber, O sluggard? more likely to selfishly demand his Adam’s sin. Since then, we obtain When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, A little “right” to material satisfaction—right provision from the ground by the sweat folding of the hands to sleep—So now—instead of being content with of our brow. Our food does not come the fruit of responsible labor. shall your poverty come on you like a easily, but only as we overcome the prowler, And your need like an armed As homes in America have “thorns and thistles” that compete for man” (Prov. 6:6-11; cf. 24:30-34). disintegrated over the past sixty years, existence with the “herb of the field.” so has the obligation of generational The lazy person always has a ready Our daily “bread” (food) is not an excuse for why he does not work family care (1 Tim. 5:8). This factor entitlement; it is the fruit of our labor has led to more Americans becoming (Prov. 22:13; 26:13-16). Paul, on the (Gen. 3:19). True, God blesses us with other hand, did not make excuses. dependent on governmental assistance our daily bread, for which we give for living essentials. Government He worked diligently to provide for thanks. He commands us to “work with himself and others as he preached entitlement programs, once intended our own hands” to make it so (Matt. to be safety nets for the poorest the gospel (Acts 18:1-4; 20:33-35). 6:11; 1 Thess. 4:11). Labor is a gift from Similarly, we are to “aspire” (make it among us, now provide the major God, as are its results (Eccl. 2:24; 5:18). (only) source of income for many. our aim) to work with our hands, so Such programs may help calcify an We bear a personal responsibility that we “may walk properly toward entitlement mentality in our country, to labor to provide for ourselves those who are outside, and that (we) rather than promote personal and our families. God has made it may lack nothing” (1 Thess. 4:11-12). responsibility and reward of labor. very clear, “if anyone will not work, Let us not forget the value of neither shall he eat” (2 Thess. 3:10). There are also false religious honest labor. “Dishonest scales are When He gave Israel manna for 40 an abomination to the Lord, but a doctrines that advance the expectation years in the wilderness, each person that God will give you material just weight is His delight” (Prov. 11:1). was expected to gather the manna We have no right to the reward of abundance and riches if you claim each day before the sun melted it by faith that which you desire. This another person’s labor. Thus, Paul

28 October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com contrasted the sin of stealing with person to enter the kingdom of heaven, good, honest labor: “Let him who because allegiances are easily divided stole steal no longer, but rather let him (Matt. 19:23-24; 6:24); rather the hope labor, working with his hands what is of heaven becomes a reality when good, that he may have something to one sacrifices all and follows Jesus give him who has need” (Eph. 4:28). (Matt. 19:25-26, 20-22; Luke 14:33). Honest labor does not mean we will become wealthy. (Even though the The gospel teaches us to be content What does the Bible say about our rights to provision and prosperity? God has given us the right to work responsibly, apostles worked with their hands, they with “food and clothing” (1 Tim. 6:8; diligently, and honestly, with contentment, to provide for ourselves, and for others, as we lay up treasures in heaven. experienced “hunger and thirst,” and cf. Matt. 6:25-34). We must admit that were “poorly clothed” and “homeless,” we are not entitled to many of the fine 1 Cor. 4:11-12). However, it means things we possess. Being content with we will have God’s approval as we food and clothing shields us against provide for ourselves and others. believing we are entitled to riches. Without question, both poverty and The Uncertainty of Riches prosperity can bring the temptation to love money (Prov. 30:7-9). The “desire We have the right to remember to be rich” plunges many souls into that prosperity comes and goes. destruction (1 Tim. 6:9-10). We who “Will you set your eyes on that have so much more than “food and which is not? For riches certainly clothing” are given a clear command: make themselves wings; They fly “Command those who are rich in away like an eagle toward heaven” this present age not to be haughty, (Prov. 23:5). The Prosperity Gospel nor to trust in uncertain riches but has it all wrong, as it urges people in the living God, who gives us richly to believe the blessings of faith are all things to enjoy. Let them do good, measured by perishable things. that they be rich in good works, ready Even when we labor diligently, to give, willing to share, storing up we are not entitled to a guaranteed for themselves a good foundation for outcome. Thorns and thistles may the time to come, that they may lay overtake us. Time and chance hold on eternal life” (1 Tim. 6:17-19). happen to us all. Therefore, the The rights that come with provision "bread is not always to the wise" and prosperity is to trust in God, to (Eccl. 9:11). Accepting the fact that do good, and to share with others. unforeseen events can hinder our By doing so, we lay up treasures in plans, we are constrained to daily heaven that abound unto eternal life. live by faith and especially labor for Like everyone else, Christians face “the food that endures to everlasting life’s challenges, uncertainties, sorrows, life” (John 6:27; James 4:13-15). sufferings, pains, and losses. Yet, we live for heaven, not for this world and Prosperity Does Not Give its treasure (Phil. 3:20-21). Christians Lasting Fulfillment are not an entitled generation; we We have the right to know that are a “chosen generation” (1 Pet. 2:9). material things do not bring lasting Instead of demanding our “rights” to satisfaction. The works of our hands material things, let us thank God for will never satisfy the soul, because His provisions, and use them to lay up “one’s life does not consist in the heavenly treasures (Matt. 6:19-21). abundance of the things he possesses” Joe Price has preached for (Eccl. 2:10-11; Luke 12:15). Accepting the Mt. Baker church of Christ, that we brought nothing into this world Bellingham, WA, for 21 years. and will carry nothing out enables us to His teaching material is be content with food and clothing, and available at bibleanswer.com and swordtips1.wordpress. to devote ourselves to godliness (1 Tim. Joe Price com. He can be reached at 6:6-8; Phil. 4:11-12). It is hard for a rich [email protected].

October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com 29 The Entitlement Mindset

The Right to Assistance by Marc W. Gibson

Submission and gratitude to God encourage the spirit of giving that provides true assistance to those who are needy.

Not long after the people of claim that they are owed certain for a chat, but to “look in on” in order Israel left Mount Sinai on their way free benefits by society because of to see how one may help or assist. to the Promised Land, the mixed their age, race, cultural background, multitude who were among them education, religion, or lifestyle choices. There are others who suffer from yielded to intense craving (literally, This mindset takes President John F. poverty or disabilities. The U.S. welfare lusted intently). They wept and said, Kennedy’s appeal to “ask not what system was originally intended to "Who will give us meat to eat? We your country can do for you, but what furnish a “safety net” for those who remember the fish which we ate you can do for your country” and could not provide for themselves freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the selfishly twists it to “demand what due to circumstances beyond their melons, the leeks, the onions, and big government owes you because control, but it has grown into a money- the garlic; but now our whole being that’s what you’re entitled to!” pit tempting those who would game is dried up; there is nothing at all Even more troubling, this mindset the system through fraud and abuse except this manna before our eyes!" corrupts the godly spirit of charity, to feed their greed. Lazy people find (Num. 11:4-5). These complainers felt brotherly love, and thanksgiving. that getting a check in the mail is “entitled” to have meat in addition easier than looking for a job. Some to the manna they now loathed Assistance and Benevolence unmarried mothers learn that the more (cf. Num. 21:5). Their arrogant and children they have out of wedlock, the Without question, there have greater the welfare assistance. The ungrateful attitude is shocking since always been those who need the their very lives were being sustained culture of government dependence assistance and benevolence of others. and entitlement is corrupting the in a barren wilderness by a gracious Many such ones suffer through no and loving God. Their “entitlement work ethic that is the backbone of fault of their own due to age or a strong economy, as well as the mentality” had destroyed the humble, sickness, the death of family members submissive, and dependent spirit that moral ethics necessary to maintain (widows and orphans), or some other an orderly society. Paul taught that gratefully acknowledges the bountiful personal disaster. Some make unwise assistance of a benevolent God. a man should labor “working with decisions that they later regret, his hands what is good, that he may Our society has been engaged bringing suffering and hardship on have something to give him who has in a spirited debate concerning themselves and others. Christians need” (Eph. 4:28). Benevolence for “entitlements” for several years. While should not be hardhearted, but “as the needy is provided by the labor of politics has been the arena where we have opportunity, let us do good those who can work. This balance must most of this discussion has occurred, to all, especially to those who are of be maintained for the good of all. there is a need for a spiritual and the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10). biblical perspective on this issue. Widows and orphans are Old Testament “Safety Net” The “entitlement mindset” involves especially noted in scripture as David wrote, “The Lord will that belief that one is deserving of or worthy of benevolent help from maintain the cause of the afflicted, entitled to certain privileges/benefits. Christians and society. “Pure and and justice for the poor” (Ps. 140:12; Certain types of compensation, care, undefiled religion before God and 146:7). God taught the people of and protection are provided for the the Father is this: to visit orphans Israel to care for those in need. They poor, disabled, and others in our and widows in their trouble, and to must “learn to do good; seek justice, society who are less fortunate, largely keep oneself unspotted from the reprove the oppressor; defend the through government programs. While world” (James 1:27; cf. Isa.1:17b). fatherless, plead for the widow” (Isa. such programs are needed, those The word episkeptomai (“to visit”) 1:17), and “plead the cause of the having an “entitlement mindset” means more than just stopping by poor and needy” (Prov. 31:9). It was

30 October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com not a massive government program, Christians, under the oversight of This social gospel philosophy has but involved individuals looking out the apostles, is quite the opposite of led to the “institutional” concept of for the needs of their neighbors. a socialistic/communistic system of the church which has given rise to government that abolishes private church “ministries” providing for every When Israel reaped their grain fields ownership and requires by law that conceivable social and carnal need, and vineyards, they were commanded all wealth be turned over to the such as entertainment, meals, athletics, to leave some produce to be gleaned by state. Cheerful, purposeful, and child care, homeless shelters, secular the poor, the stranger, the fatherless, voluntary giving is what characterizes education, and other social, and and the widow (Lev. 19:9-10; 23:22; the people of God (2 Cor. 9:6-10). community services. Many institutional Deut. 24:19-22). These individuals churches maintain and support could not grow or easily buy what As to the care of those in need benevolent institutions (i.e., orphan they needed, so this “safety net” was in a congregation, the family is the homes, old age homes, hospitals), and provided by God to feed those truly first “safety net” for an individual. provide gymnasiums, and family life in need. Ruth and her mother-in-law, “But if any widow has children or centers for recreational purposes. This Naomi, were widows who received help grandchildren, let them first learn to desire to incorporate the social gospel as Ruth gleaned heads of grain in the show piety at home and repay their as a work of the church continues to be fields of Boaz (Ruth 2). Boaz considered parents; for this is good and acceptable a point of division between brethren. the help she received from his field before God…If any believing man or repayment and reward from the Lord woman has widows, let them relieve No one disputes that individual “under whose wings” Ruth had come them, and do not let the church be Christians can, and should, help “for refuge” (v. 12). Little did he know burdened, that it may relieve those anyone, saint or sinner, who is in that he would also be part of that who are really widows” (1 Tim. 5:4, need (Gal. 6:10), but Bible authority reward when he became her husband! 16). The church has the responsibility is lacking for the local church to to help when no family is available function as a general relief institution The Jubilee Year (which occurred to fulfill their duty. We also see local (such as the Salvation Army) beyond every fifty years) was also a time churches sending benevolence to help its responsibility to care for needy of relief for those under difficult relieve the needy among brethren in saints. Such “progressive” thinking obligations, such as debtors and other congregations (Acts 11:27-30; goes beyond (transgresses) the slaves (Lev. 25:8-55). It provided Rom. 15:25-26; 1 Cor. 16:1-4; 2 Cor. revealed doctrine of Christ (2 John a fresh start and good feelings 8-9). Such continues to be the case 9). In the end, the social gospel throughout the nation of Israel. today, especially when hurricanes, mentality causes many to wrongly floods, and other disasters overwhelm look to the church as an institution New Testament Benevolence the capacity of a congregation to of social reform rather than a body At the very beginning of the church, help its members in dire need. of believers who are to sound out the the early Christians in Jerusalem saving gospel that will save souls from had all things in common, sold their The Carnal Influence the spiritual death (1 Thess. 1:8). possessions and goods, and divided of the Social Gospel them among all as anyone had The Need for Faithful The “social gospel” movement in need” (Acts 2:44-45). This had to be Submission and Gratitude especially helpful to those Christians the denominational world arose in the who came from other places that late nineteenth century and focused Regardless of our lot in life, none of now needed assistance to stay in on labor movements and various us is in a position to arrogantly demand and around Jerusalem. As time went social injustices. There was a push his “rights.” We are blessed to possess on, the brethren made sure no one to include the social assistance of the life that is given by only by God lacked, selling their lands or houses, the poor, homeless, and other needy (Acts 17:25), from whom every good bringing the proceeds to the apostles’ individuals as the work of the church and perfect gift comes (James 1:17). feet, “they distributed to each as to improve society. Soon enough, The entitlement mentality causes one anyone had need” (Acts 4:32, 34-35). liberal-minded leaders and editors to think about what he should receive among churches of Christ became rather than how he can give to help Some believe that this example enamored with this growing and others. It contradicts the divine wisdom endorses a socialistic or communistic popular social gospel movement. of Jesus who said, “It is more blessed to system of government. The voluntary give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). It also benevolent actions of these early Continued on Page 34

October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com 31 The Entitlement Mindset

The Role of Government by Wayne Greeson

Civil government should be a source of blessing for those who do good, but the misguided interventions of the bureaucratic state rob citizens of personal property (through mandated redistribution) and damage the concept of personal responsibility (leading to a sense of entitlement).

God appointed political government Since God intended government a nation, but sin is a reproach to any and its authority (Rom. 13:1-2). This for “to serve you for good,” when it people” (Prov. 14:34). The character authority includes the power to enact serves its proper purpose, it provides of a government reflects the character and enforce laws, collect taxes to for the public good. The nature of the of its rulers, who often reflect the finance its functions, and, carry out “public good” is exemplified in God’s character of its people. God rules justice against law-breakers, including law given to Israel, which included a over and judges the nations: “The capital punishment (Rom. 13:2-7). criminal law, defining crimes and their Most High rules in the kingdom of God’s purpose giving government punishment, and a civil law, governing men, gives it to whomever He will, and its agents this authority is property rights, inheritance, marriage and sets over it the lowest of men” “for good” for those who “do what and divorce, health and sanitation, (Dan. 4:17). Again, “For You shall judge is good.” In particular, God gave relief for debtors, and national feast the people righteously, and govern governmental authority to protect and days. God gave Israel laws, but He the nations on earth” (Psa. 67:4). “praise” those who do what is good did not specify a form of government, by “the punishment of evildoers,” other than that He should reign as God uses governments and rulers, “execut(ing) wrath on him who King over them regardless of human whether righteous or wicked, to carry practices evil” (1 Pet. 2:14; Rom. 14:4). leaders or governments (1 Sam. 8:4- out His will for good: “The king’s heart 7; Acts 5:29). Through the nation’s is in the hand of the Lord, like the As God gave government its history, Israel had various types of rivers of water; He turns it wherever authority, He commands that “every human governments: one-man rule He wishes” (Prov. 21:1). God used soul be subject to the governing (Moses and Joshua), a confederacy righteous Israel to execute judgment authorities” (Rom. 13:1). This duty of tribes with judges, a monarchy, a on the wicked Canaanite nations (Deut. of obedience extends “to rulers and council of elders, an oligarchy, and 20:16-17) and the more wicked nations authorities” who are “God’s servants” a semi-democratic government. of Assyria and Babylon for the same “to serve you for good” (Titus 3:1; purpose upon a less corrupt Israel and Rom. 13:4-6). Also, we are to obey God demands that rulers and Judah (Isa. 10:1-19. Hab. 1:5-11; Jer. “every ordinance of man for the Lord’s governments provide truth, justice, 25:1-29). The Lord described Assyria sake” (1 Pet. 2:13). From the very top and equity, thus producing peace and as “the rod of My anger and the staff of government to the lowliest official, security (Prov. 29: 4, 14; 16:12; 2 Sam. in whose hand is My indignation” and we are to “Honor all people. Love 8:15; Psa. 89:14; 99:4; Isa. 9:7; Amos His “ax” or “saw,” His tool to bring the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor 5:15). This includes protection for judgment upon other nations (Isa. the king” (1 Pet. 2:17). This honor is honest commercial transactions: no 10:5, 15). God used the Persian kings in respect and submission to their false measurements (Lev. 19:35-36; Cyrus, Darius I, Artaxerxes I, and others position and authority: “Render Deut. 25:13-16); no usury, extortion, and their governments to help the therefore to all their due: taxes to or bribes (Lev. 25:36-37); no unfair Jews return from exile and rebuild whom taxes are due, customs to advantage taking from others less and restore the temple and Jerusalem whom customs, fear to whom fear, fortunate (Amos 8:4-6). Nations and (Isa. 44:28, 45:1-3; cf. Neh. & Ezra). honor to whom honor” (Rom. 13:7). governments can be righteous or unrighteous. “Righteousness exalts It is hard to avoid the radical political and social divisions in our

32 October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com country. At the core of these differences name. One with this mindset envies believed they were entitled to—if only are two very different world views: and covets what others have and he was in charge (2 Sam. 15:1-6). one with God and one without. The justifies theft by stealth or force, or consequences of these views are even by the government, taking from The rise of the socialist system of evident in the diverging positions others, because “they owe it to me.” Marxism was built upon an appeal to held about the role of government Micah described the results: “They this covetous entitlement mindset. and its limits or lack thereof. Those covet fields and take them by violence, Socialism tells one group of citizens, who view this world and all that is in also houses, and seize them. So they “workers,” they are exploited by it, as the creation of God, understand oppress a man and his house, a man “capitalists,” those who own property. that they are responsible to God for and his inheritance” (Mic. 2:2). King It urges “the forcible overthrow of their lives. This is the message Paul Ahab and Queen Jezebel illustrate all existing social conditions” by preached in Athens: “God, who made this attitude, coveting Naboth’s revolution, so that the means of the world and everything in it, since vineyard and committiing murder, thus production, that is, property, is forcibly He is Lord of heaven and earth, does abusing their positions of authority taken from those who own it and given not dwell in temples made with hands. in the government (1 Kings 21). to the proletariat or workers, who are Communist Manifesto … He has appointed a day on entitled to it ( ). which He will judge the world in Many politicians, may not righteousness by the Man whom go as far as Marxist revolution, He has ordained” (Acts 17:24, 31). but promise and use the Accountability to God in government to take property the future judgment requires from some citizens, as Ahab responsibility in the present. This and Jezebel, to “redistribute responsibility includes taking income” to others through care of one’s needs and the needs government “entitlement” of one’s household by honest programs. This commits two work. Paul wrote, “Aspire to lead wrongs: it robs some citizens a quiet life, to mind your own of their property, and it robs business, and to work with your other citizens of their sense of own hands, as we commanded personal responsibility leaving you, that you may walk properly Rulers, leaders, and politicians, them with a sense of entitlement. toward those who are outside, and with this attitude are "greedy dogs This undermines the work ethic of that you may lack nothing…” (1 Thess. which never have enough." They are all citizens: “Why should I work for 4:11-12). We are to “work in quietness "shepherds who cannot understand; something if the government will…” and eat (our) own bread” and “if they all look to their own way, every “take it from me” or “give it to me for anyone will not work, neither shall he one for his own gain, from his own free?” The result is a downward spiral eat” (2 Thess. 3:12, 10). “But if anyone territory” (Isa. 56:11). They seek power of “evil men and seducers…wax(ing) does not provide for his own, and to govern by deceiving and exploiting worse and worse, deceiving, and especially for those of his household, others, who share this same mindset. being deceived” (2 Tim. 3:13). “The he has denied the faith and is worse Peter says, “By covetousness they will prophets prophesy falsely, and the than an unbeliever” (1 Tim. 5:8). exploit you with deceptive words” priests bear rule by their means; and (2 Pet. 2:3). For “…they speak great My people love to have it so. But what Those who view this world without swelling words of emptiness, they will you do in the end?” (Jer. 5:31). God (or reject and rebel against His allure through the lusts of the flesh, … authority), reject accountability to While they promise them liberty, they God and often reject responsibility themselves are slaves of corruption; for themselves and their family. for by whom a person is overcome, Wayne has worked with the church in Connersville, IN Rejecting this responsibility results in by him also he is brought into the entitlement mindset, described since 2004. He and his wife, bondage” (2 Pet. 2:18-19). This was the Chris, have three sons, Daniel, in the song “The World Owes Me a modus operandi of the consummate Nathaniel and Joshua, and Living” Disney’s 1934 Silly Symphonies politician, Absalom, promising to two grandchildren, Elle and cartoon, The Grasshopper and the Ants, Wayne Greeson Joseph. The church website give people what they wanted and is connersvillechurch.com His based on Aesop’s fable of the same email is [email protected].

October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com 33 Continued from Page 23 Continued from Page 31 and regulations and elect men the Greeks even when they bring robs men of the spirit of faithful and women who have imbibed gifts.” Let government keep its gifts, submission and gratitude to our the spirit of the first Americans and we will keep our freedoms! God. As sinners, we are entitled and rejected this alien spirit of to nothing except the wages of dependency and irresponsibility Inability to make the distinction sin, which is death (Rom. 6:23). that so permeates society today. between the “pursuit of happiness” and a guarantee of happiness. The Instead of demanding what Inability to appreciate the fact former is what our Constitution we think we “deserve,” let us that “rights” are from God; they are promises us; the latter is a pipe remember that we are weak not the gifts of a sovereign State. dream, a “pie in the sky by and by” and pitiful creatures before our Those very wise men who wrote our piece of political propaganda. In Almighty Creator, and only by Constitution understood that God is this physical world, there is no such His grace do we enjoy any and the giver of rights, civil or otherwise. state of being. That is what heaven every blessing of life. Instead of The only thing the State can do is will be like. Progressives promise us being overcome by anxiety and recognize what God has already heaven on earth, but their promise complaining about what we need, given to its citizenry and restrict its is a lie. They give with one hand let us engage in honest labor and powers to those areas where God has and take with the other. As long as have faith that God will provide not already staked a claim. What the freeborn men are permitted to enjoy for our needs as He does for all State can grant or give to us, it also their freedoms without hindrance His creation (Luke 12:22-34; Eph. has the power to take away from us! or interference from an overbearing 4:28; Eccl. 5:18-20). Let us follow This our Founders understood, and civil State, the government can the teaching of Christ to “seek therefore they wrote our founding keep their “freebies”! Free people first the kingdom of God and His documents as they did, limiting the can provide for themselves and righteousness, and all these things power of the central government their families, but only when they shall be added to you” (Matt. 6:33). and liberating the individual. They are allowed to remain free. Submission to the Lord and to one rejected the authority of the British another humbles the heart and monarch over them because he Conclusion promotes gratitude for blessings trampled upon their God-given The Lord’s people must not be received from God and man (1 rights. This he had no right to do. tempted to fall prey to popular Pet. 5:5-7; 1 Thess. 5:15-18). This no ruler has the right to do. but false philosophies (Col. 2:8). Thank God, by their wisdom and God has provided the The entitlement philosophy is motivation and means for us their sacrifices, they guaranteed to one of those unsavory ideological us the rights and protections of the to help those truly needing approaches to life. Such “empty assistance and benevolence. The Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Our deceptions” come and go with children must be taught these rights divine motivation is love, and each passing generation. Our the means is the spirit of giving and protections, or else they will fail ideas and attitudes ought to to recognize the dark shadow of an that is cultivated in the hearts of fully conform to God’s Word men through the gospel of Christ. overreaching power-hungry State and to its sacred teaching. when it seeks to impose its will upon May we fulfill the will of God them, or else they will lose them and do good unto all men. forever. The slavery of regulation is the inevitable concomitant of Daniel H. King, Sr. preaches Marc has labored for the acceptance of government gifts. As for the Locust St. church Central congregation in explained in Virgil’s Aeneid (Book 2) of Christ in Mt. Pleasant, Tampa, FL for six years. He TN. Their website is lscoc. and his wife, Kellie, have regarding the wooden horse left at com. He can be reached at four children. He can be the gate of Troy: “Do not trust the [email protected]. reached at marcgibson@ horse, Trojans. Whatever it is, I fear Daniel H. King, Sr. Marc W. Gibson verizon.net

34 October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com October 2017 | TruthMagazine.com CHURCHDirectory

Truth Magazine The following congregations have paid for advertising in . Inclusion of To make changes to your ad, contact: churches in this list is not an attempt by Truth Magazine to certify their faithfulness to God. We do believe the vast majority are striving to uphold the Word in faith and practice. [email protected]

ALASKA ARKANSAS ARIZONA DELAWARE ANCHORAGE CONWAY GLENDALE MILTON Rose Street church of Christ Hwy. 65 church of Christ church of Christ Lighthouse church of Christ 3124 Rose Street 271 Highway 65N 6801 N. 60th Avenue 14574 Coastal Hwy. Rt. 1 Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 10 A.M. Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 10 A.M. Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 9:40 A.M. Worship 9:30 A.M., Sunday School 10:45 A.M. Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Wednesday 7 P.M., (302) 644-7379 Evangelist: David Webb (907) 350-8358 Evangelist: Bruce Reeves, Bldg: (501) 336-0052 Evangelist: Chance Ruffino FLORIDA ALABAMA CONWAY TUCSON Eastside church of Christ church of Christ DESTIN BIRMINGHAM 1540 E. Oak Street 72302 145 N. Country Club Road South Walton church of Christ Pine Lane church of Christ Sunday Bible Classes 9:30 A.M. Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 10 A.M. 64 Casting Lake Road 3955 Pine Lane Bessemer, AL Sunday Worship 10:30 A.M. Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 10 A.M. (N. side of Exit #6 at I459) Sunday Worship 6 P.M., Evangelist: Hugh Delong Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Bible Study 9:15 A.M., Worship 10 A.M. Wednesday Bible Classes 7 P.M. (520) 326-3634 or 722-3179 (850) 622-3817 Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. www.conwaychurchofchrist.org www.southwaltonchurchofchrist.com Evangelist: David Deason (205) 425-2352 CALIFORNIA CONWAY FORT LAUDERDALE BIRMINGHAM Prince Street church of Christ BELLFLOWER Northside church of Christ Vestavia Hills church of Christ 2655 Prince St., (Hwy. 60) Rose Ave. church of Christ 912 NW 19th St. 2325 Old Columbiana Rd. (near I-65 & Hwy. 31) Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 10 A.M. 17903 Ibbetson Ave. Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 11 A.M. Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 10 A.M. Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Bible Study 9:45 A.M., Worship 10:50 A.M. Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. (501) 339-6917 Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. (954) 763-1404 Evangelists: David Banning and Doy Moyer (562) 866-5615, http://www.roseavenue.org (205) 822-0018 or 822-0082 FORT SMITH FORT MYERS South 46th St. church of Christ CANOGA PARK Southside church of Christ FLORENCE 2323 South 46th Street (San Fernando Valley) 13641 Learning Court College View church of Christ Bible Study 9:45 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. church of Christ Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. 851 N. Pine St. (Next to University Campus) Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. 7054 Winnetka Ave. Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:15 A.M., Evangelist: John Hagenbuch Bible Study 9:45 A.M., Worship 10:45 A.M. Evangelist: David P. Schmidt Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Bldg: (479) 782-0588 Afternoon 2:30 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. (239) 433-2838 or 482-2158 Evangelist: Kenny Moorer (256) 766-0403 Minister: Bruce Evans (818) 795-5566 HARRISON Spanish congregation (818) 701-0112 FROSTPROOF MOBILE Capps Rd. Church of Christ Frostprooof church of Christ West Mobile church of Christ 407 Bella Vista Dr. FOLSOM 40 W. “A” St., Frostproof, FL 33483 129 Hillcrest Road Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:15 A.M. church of Christ Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. Worship 9-9:30 A.M., Bible Study 9:30-10:30 A.M. Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. 900 E. Natomas St. • P.O. Box 492 Wednesday 7 P.M., (863) 635-2607 or 635-4278 Worship 10:30-11:30 A.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Evangelist: Norman E. Sewell Sunday Bible Study 9:30 A.M., (251) 342-4144 or 342-2041 www.cappsroad.org Sunday Worship 10:30 A.M., GENEVA Ken Sils - Minister (765) 307-8048 870-741-9104 or 870-741-5151 Sunday Bible Study 4 P.M., church of Christ Wednesday Bible Study 7:30 P.M. Ave. C and 2nd St. MONTGOMERY JONESBORO Evangelist: David Posey Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:45 A.M. Ashburton Drive church of Christ StoneRidge church of Christ (530) 676-9514 or (916) 608-4866 (407) 349-9998 (formerly Southeast) 514 Airport Road www.folsomchurch.com 70 Ashburton Drive Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 11 A.M. KEY LARGO Sunday Bible Study 9 A.M., Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. LONG BEACH Key Largo church of Christ Sunday Worship 10 A.M. & 5 P.M. Evangelist: Dick Blackford (870) 933-9134 church of Christ 100695 N. Overseas Hwy. Wednesday Bible Study 7:00 P.M. [email protected] 3433 Studebaker Road 33037 m.m. 100.7 on US 1 Contacts: Kirk Moore (334) 546-3788 Bible Study 9:50 A.M., Worship 10:45 A.M. Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 11 A.M. John Humphries (334) 306-4172 LITTLE ROCK Evening 5:30 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. church of Christ JP Flores (562) 420-2363 Evangelist: William LeDent (305) 451-1194 MONTGOMERY 7115 West 65th Street Mark Reeves (562) 377-1674 Eastbrook church of Christ Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 10 A.M. www.JustChristians.org MARY ESTHER 650 Coliseum Blvd. Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. church of Christ Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 10 A.M. Evangelist: Don McClain, Res. (501) 847-6677 OCEANSIDE-VISTA 6 Lane Drive Wednesday 6 P.M. Study (501) 568-1062 church of Christ Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. Contacts: Brian Moore: (334) 279-1077 2020 Sunset Dr. Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Charles Martin: (334) 283-2983 MARVELL Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. Evangelist: Joey Rankin (850) 244-9222 Marvell church of Christ Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. PARRISH Highway 49 • Marvell, AR 72366 (760) 940-8003 MIAMI McArthur Heights Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 11 A.M. church of Christ church of Christ, 5082 Hwy. 269 Evening 5 P,M., Wednesday 6 P.M. COLORADO Eglise du Christ de Miami Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 11 A.M. (870) 714-1452 or (870) 338-1833 8343 NE 3rd Court Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 6:30 P.M. GRAND JUNCTION Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 11 A.M. (205) 686-5978 or 686-5620 PINE BLUFF church of Christ Western Slope Wednesday 7 P.M. Highway 79 South church of Christ 2923 North Ave., Unit 3 Minister: Junot Joseph (305) 244-8295 SCOTTSBORO 4341 S Camden Road Grand Junction, CO 81504 Eastside church of Christ Bible Study 9:45 A.M., Worship 10:45 A.M. Bible Study 9:30 A.M. Worship 10:30 A.M. MIAMI John T. Reid Pkwy., (Hwy. 72, 2 mi. E. of Hwy. 35) Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Evening 5 P.M. Flagler Grove church of Christ Worship 9 A.M., Bible Study 9:30 A.M. Evangelist: Clarence W. Sell (870) 879-2097 www.churchofchristwesternslope.org (Nearest to Airport), 500 N.W. 53rd Ave. Worship 10:30 P.M., Wednesday Summer 7 P.M. Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 11 A.M. Wednesday Winter 6 P.M. POCAHONTAS LOVELAND Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Evangelist: Aaron Andrews Westside church of Christ Poudre Valley church of Christ Evangelist: John Buttrick (305) 634-5924 (256) 574-1603 or 575-2664 3644 Hwy 90 West • P.O. Box 43 4202 North Garfield Avenue Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 9:45 A.M. Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. MIAMI Afternoon 1 P.M., Wednesday 6:30 P.M. Afternoon 1:30 P.M. church of Christ Evangelist: Richie Thetford (970) 667-0469 12780 Quail Roost Dr. TEXARKANA www.poudrevalleychurchofchrist.org Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. church of Christ Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. 2301 Franklin Drive MONTROSE Evangelist: Clark Pace Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:15 A.M. San Juan church of Christ (305) 233-9590 or (954) 430-1437 Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. 1414 Hawk Parkway, Unit C Evangelist: Bryan Garlock Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 11 A.M. Evening 1:30 P.M., (970) 249-8116 ChurchDirectory

OCALA VALDOSTA KENTUCKY Anthony church of Christ church Of Christ GREENWOOD 9778 N.E. Jacksonville Rd., Anthony, FL 32617 4313 North Valdosta Rd. Greenwood church of Christ AUSTIN Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 10 A.M. (Located 1 mile E. of Exit 22 off I-75) 371 W. Main Street Peter’s Creek church of Christ Wednesday 6:30 P.M. Worship 9 A.M., Bible Study 10 A.M. Sun. Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. 856 Thomerson Park Rd. Evangelist: Greg Cruz (352) 629-5505 Communion 11 A.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Evening 4:30 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. www.anthonycofc.com (229) 244-8630, www.northvaldostacoc.com Evangelists: Neil Tremblett Evening 6 P.M. (317) 888-8288 Evangelist: David Cox (270) 579-8074 or ORLANDO IDAHO www.churchofchristatgreenwood.org (270) 646-0498, www.peterscreekcoc.com Azalea Park church of Christ 6800 Lake Underhill Rd. BLACKFOOT HOBART BEAVER DAM Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. church of Christ church of Christ church of Christ Wednesday 7:30 P.M. 370 N. Shilling • P.O. Box 158-83221 300 N. Liberty Street 1235 Williams St. (407) 277-7931 Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 11 A.M. Bible Study 9:45 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. Worship 10 A.M., Bible Study After Worship Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. ORLANDO (208) 785-6168 or 681-1552 Evangelist: Jerry Cleek (219) 942-2663 Evangelist: Mike Thomas church of Christ at S. Bumby (270) 274-4451 or 274-4486 3940 S. Bumby Ave. IOWA INDIANAPOLIS Sunday Worship 9 A.M., Bible Study 10 A.M. Castleton church of Christ BRANDENBURG Worship w/ communion 10:55 A.M. (No Evening DES MOINES 7701 East 86th Street, 46256 Brandenburg church of Christ Service), Wednesday 7 P.M. church of Christ Sun. Worship 11 A.M., Sun. Bible Study 10 A.M. 612 Broadway Evangelist: Adam Willingham 1310 N.E. 54th Ave. Wed. Worship 11:15 A.M., Wed. Bible Study 7 P.M. Bible Study 9:45 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. Office: (407) 851-8031 Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:40 A.M. (317) 710-1204 Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 6:30 P.M. Wednesday 7 P.M., (515) 262-6799 Evangelist: Charles J. White (270) 422-3878 ORLANDO JAMESTOWN Pine Hills Church of Christ GRINNELL church of Christ CAMPBELLSVILLE 890 Hastings Street church of Christ Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:25 A.M. Sunny Hill Dr. church of Christ Sun. Bible Study 10 A.M., Sun. Worship: 11 A.M. 1402 Third Ave. Evening 4 P.M., Wednesday7 P.M. A.M. Worship 9:30 A.M., A.M. Bible Study 10:30 A.M. Sun. Evening Worship: 6 P.M. Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. Evangelist: David McPherson A.M. Worship 11:30 A.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Wednesday Bible Study: 7:30 P.M. Wednesday 7 P.M. (765) 676-6404 or (270) 994-4397 Evangelist: Steve Lee (270) 789-1651 (407) 293-2851 or (407) 290-8650 (641) 521-6485, (641) 236-3883 www.jamestowncoc.com [email protected] www.grinnellcoc.com www.sunnyhillcoc.com PALMETTO OOLITIC Palmetto church of Christ ILLINOIS church of Christ CANEYVILLE 1575 14th Avenue W. 400 Lafayette Ave. • P.O. Box 34 Caneyville church of Christ Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 10 A.M. CHICAGO Bible Study 9:45 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. 103 N. Main St. • P.O. Box 233 Wednesday 7 P.M. church of Christ Evening 6 P.M. Wednesday 7 P.M. Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 10:45 A.M. www.palmettochurchofchrist.com 1514 West 74th Street (812) 279-4332 Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. (941) 722-1307 Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 10 A.M. Evangelist: Jarrod Jacobs (270) 589-4167, Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. PEKIN (270) 274-3065 or (502) 724-2231 PANAMA CITY BEACH Evangelist: James E. Scott church of Christ Beach church of Christ Bldg. (773) 224-9279, (708) 339-6126 (First St. & Karnes Ct.) DANVILLE 8910 Front Beach Rd. Bible Study 9:45 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. church of Christ Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 11 A.M. DOWNERS GROVE Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. 385 E. Lexington Ave. Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. church of Christ Evangelist: Jeremy Goen Worship 10 A.M., Bible Study 11:15 A.M. (850) 234-2521 1236 63rd St., (1 and 1/2 mile E. of I355) (812) 967-3437 or 967-3520 Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 9:55 A.M. www.pekinchurchofchrist.com Evangelist: Scott Vifquain (859) 236-4204 SEFFNER Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. church of Christ (630) 968-0760 • www.dgcoc.org PLAINFIELD FRANKLIN 621 E. Wheeler Rd. church of Christ West 31–W North church of Christ Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 10:50 A.M. GLEN ELLYN 2028 Stafford Rd., Ste. C.,(Marsh Shopping Cntr.) 1733 Bowling Green Road Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Glen Ellyn Church of Christ Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 9:50 A.M. Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 10 A.M. Evangelist: Bobby Witherington (813) 684-1297 796 Prairie Ave. Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. www.seffnercoc.org Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 Evangelist: Johnie Edwards Evangelist: Steve Monts, (270) 586-3978 Sunday Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. (317) 964-9404 or (317) 839-1769 www.31wchurchofchrist.com GEORGIA Sunday Evening 5 P.M. www.churchofchristwest.org Evangelist: Keith E. Brown HODGENVILLE CENTERVILLE (630) 858-2290, (630) 377-3990 SAINT LEON, IN Hodgenville church of Christ Centerville church of Christ Church of Christ 613 S Lincoln Blvd. 250 Collins Ave. (Near Robins AFB) MATTOON 7140 Hyland Rd., Guildford, IN 47022 Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 11 A.M. Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 11 A.M. Southside church of Christ I74 exit 164 1 mile south on SR 1 Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. 1100 S. 17th Street Bible study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. Evangelist: Don Brady (270) 358-6053 Evangelist: J. Wiley Adams (478) 922-1158 Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. Evening 6:00 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. [email protected] Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. 812-637-1252 or 513-367-7871 COLUMBUS (217) 234-3702 LEITCHFIELD River City Church of Christ SALEM Mill St. church of Christ 3900 River Road, Columbus GA 31904 SOUTH HOLLAND Westside church of Christ 733 Mill Street, Highway 62 E. Bible Class 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. Southeast church of Christ 2000 West State Rd. 56 Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 10:55 A.M. Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. 16224 S Vincennes Ave. Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 10:45 A.M. Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Evangelists Jeff McCrary & Bo Couchman Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 10 A.M. Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Evangelist: Michael Hardin (205) 451-9028, rivercitychurchofchrist.com Evening 4 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. (812) 883-2033, www.westsidechurchofchrist.net (270) 259-4968 or (270) 300-3239 [email protected] Evangelist: Donald Hawkins, (708) 339-1008 www.millstreetchurchofchrist.org www.southeastchurchofchrist.com TRAFALGAR CONYERS Spearsville Rd. church of Christ, 6244 S. 500W. LOUISVILLE Rockdale church of Christ INDIANA (1.2 mi. S. of Hwy. 135) Valley Station church of Christ East Metro Atlanta, 705 Smyrna Road Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 11 A.M. 1803 Dixie Garden Drive Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. CLARKSVILLE Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. Evening 5:30 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Clarksville church of Christ Evangelist: Ed Rangel. (317) 878-5969 Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Building (770) 929-3973 407 W. Lewis & Clark Parkway, 47129 www.trafalgarchurch.com Evangelist: Dudley Ross Spears (502) 937-2822 Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. PINE MTN. VALLEY Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. KANSAS church of Christ Evangelist: Brian Anderson (812) 944-2305 LOUISIANA Route 116 (near Callaway Gardens) or (812) 948-9917 TOPEKA GONZALES Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 11 A.M. www.clarksvillechurchofchrist.org 17th Street church of Christ Southside church of Christ Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. 5600 SW 17th St. 405 Orice Roth Road, 70737, (Baton Rouge area) Evangelist: Tommy W. Thomas Bible Study 9:15 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. Bible Class 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. (706) 628-5117 or 628-5229 Wednesday 7 P.M. Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. www.pmvchurch.com (785) 235-8687 or 273-7977 Evangelist: R.J. Evans (225) 622-4587 www.17thstreetchurchofchrist.org [email protected] SAVANNAH Coastal church of Christ Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 11 A.M. (912) 344-1687 [email protected] ChurchDirectory

MANY MERIDIAN FRANKLIN Lakeside church of Christ 7th St. church of Christ NEBRASKA Franklin church of Christ 12095 Texas Hwy. (Hwy. 6 W.) 2914 7th Street BEATRICE 6417 Franklin-Lebanon Rd. 45005 12 miles west of Many Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 10 A.M. church of Christ • 7th and Bell Sun. Bible Study 10 A.M. Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 11 A.M. (601) 483-3101 Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 10 A.M. Sun Worship 10:45 A.M. Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Evening 6:30 P.M., 233-4102 or 228-3827 Tues. Bible Study 6:30 P.M. (318) 256-9396 SOUTHAVEN www.churchofchrist7bell.com Evangelist: Josh Lee (937) 789-8055 church of Christ or (937) 746-1249, www.franklin-church.org STONEWALL 2110 E State Line Rd. (Exit I-55), (Memphis area) N. DeSoto church of Christ Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. NEW JERSEY FREMONT 2071 Highway 171 (South of Shreveport) Wednesday 7 P.M. VAUXHALL church of Christ Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 10 A.M. Evangelist: James A. Brown church of Christ 3361 W. State Street, 1 mi. W. of Fremont Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. (662) 342-1132 – church Building Milbourn Mall Suite 6., 2933 Vauxhall Rd. on U.S. Rt. 20 (318) 925-2733 Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 11 A.M. Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 10:45 A.M. MISSOURI Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. MARYLAND Contact: Harry Persaud (419) 849-3340 or 849-2980 BLUE SPRINGS phone: (908) 964-6356 • cell: (908) 964-8570 www.fremontchurchofchrist.com SEVERN Southside church of Christ Southwest church of Christ 4000 SW Christiansen HAMILTON 805 Meadow Rd. Worship 9 A.M., Bible Study 10 A.M. NEW MEXICO Westview church of Christ Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 11 A.M. Worship 11 A.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. ALBUQUERQUE 1040 Azel Ave. Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Evangelist: Brett Hogland (816) 228-9262 Heights church of Christ Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 9:45 A.M. Evangelist: Brandon Trout 7801 Zuni Road, S.E. Evening 6:30 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. (410) 969-1420 or (410) 551-6549 CAPE GIRARDEAU Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. Evangelist: Eugene Ford (513) 856-9288 www.swcofchrist.com North Cape church of Christ Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. 121 S. Broadview St. Suite 2, Evanagelist: Darrel Yontz (505) 266-7577 HILLIARD MAINE Cape Girardeau, MO 63703 www.heightschurchofchrist.com church of Christ Sunday Bible Study 9:15 & 10 A.M., 4840 Cemetery Rd. PORTLAND Worship 11 A.M., No Evening Service Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. church of Christ • 856 Brighton Ave. Wednesday 6 P.M./CST, 7 P.M./DST NEVADA Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Leave Maine Turnpike at Exit 48 Evangelist: Jerry Lee Westbrook (573) 334-9673 RENO (614) 876-4089 (Breakwater School) Central church of Christ Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 11 A.M. DONIPHAN 2450 Wrondel Way, Stuite A MANSFIELD Second service immediately following morning Southside church of Christ Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 10 A.M. Southside church of Christ worship. Mid-week Bible Study. Please call for Hwy. 142 E. ½ mile (P.O. Box 220) Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. 687 Mansfield-Lucas Road times & places. (207) 839-3075 or 839-8409 Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. (775) 786-2888 Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 10:45 A.M. Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 5 P.M. MICHIGAN (573) 996-3251 or 996-3513 James Bond: (419) 526-2868 NORTH CAROLINA Leon Bond: (419) 525-3684 CEDAR SPRINGS FAIR GROVE CHARLOTTE church: (419) 522-8982 W. Michigan church of Christ church of Christ Charlotte church of Christ Sr. Citizen Center, 44 Park Street 217 N. Orchard Blvd. 5327 S. Tyron Street NEW LEBANON (Grand Rapids Area) Bible Study 9 A.M., Bible Study 10 A.M. Worship 9:30 A.M., Bible Study 10:30 A.M. New Lebanon church of Christ Worship 11 A.M., Bible Study 12:30 P.M. Worship 11 A.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Worship 11 A.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. 1973 W Main Street Wednesday 7 P.M. Evangelist: Walter Myers (417) 830-8972 or (704) 525-5655 Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M., Evangelist: Joseph Gladwell, (616) 975-2778 (417) 736-2663 Evening 5 P.M., Wed. Bible Study 7 P.M. [email protected] Evangelist: Bruce Hastings (937) 687-7150 KENNETT OHIO or (937) 478-0367 MINNESOTA church of Christ BEAVERCREEK 703 Harrison St. Knollwood Creek church of Christ MARIETTA-RENO DULUTH Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 11 A.M. 1031 Welford Drive Marietta-Reno church of Christ church of Christ Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:20 A.M. 80 Sandhill Road 4401 Glenwood St. (573) 888-6778 or (870) 650-1648 Afternoon 3 P.M., Wednesday Afternoon 1 P.M. Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 10 A.M. Nolan Glover, Preacher Wednesday Evening 7 P.M. Evening 6:30 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Bible Study 5:30 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. www.westsidechurchofchrist.us (937) 426-1422 Daniel Ruegg: (740) 222-9160 or Evangelist: Taylor Ladd (218) 728-3233 www.knollwoodchurch.org Steve Foutty: (740) 473-9028 LILBOURN ST. CHARLES church of Christ CINCINNATI NORTHWOOD church of Christ P.O. Box 270 • 211 Benton St. Blue Ash church of Christ Frey Road church of Christ 939 Whitewater Avenue Bible Study 9:45 A.M., Worship 10:45 A.M. 4667 Cooper Road 4110 Frey Rd. (Toledo Area) Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 11 A.M. Evening 5:30 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 10:45 A.M. Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 11 A.M. Bible Study 2:15 P.M. Evangelist: Shane Williams, (573) 688-2234 Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Wednesday 7 P.M., call for location or 748-5204 Evangelist: Russell Dunaway, Jr. (513) 891-3174 Evangelist: Donald Jarabek FREE Bible correspondence studies www.blueashchurchofchrist.com (419) 893-3566, (567) 694-5062 Evangelist: Robert Lehnertz (507) 534-2905 RAYTOWN Sterling Ave. church of Christ CLEVELAND UHRICHSVILLE MISSISSIPPI 5825 Sterling Ave. (Near Sports Complex) Lorain Ave. church of Christ church of Christ Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. 13501 Lorain Ave. 638 Parrish Street BOONEVILLE Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 11 A.M. Bible Study 9:45 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. Oakleigh Dr. church of Christ Evangelist: Jerid Gunter Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Evening 6:30 P.M., Mid-week 6:30 P.M. 101 Oakleigh Dr. (816) 356-3096 or (270) 585-4331 (330) 723-0111 or (330) 590-0227 Bible Study 9:45 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. www.sterlingavechurchofchrist.org or (216) 322-9392 OKLAHOMA Evening 4 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. www.lorainave-churchofchrist.com Building: (662) 728-1942 ST. JAMES MCALESTER church of Christ COLUMBUS North A St. church of Christ CLINTON 685 Sidney St. Laurel Canyon church of Christ 2120 No. A Street McRaven Rd. church of Christ Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:15 A.M. 409 McNaughton Road Bible Study 9:45 A.M., Worship 10:45 A.M. 301 McRaven Rd. (I20, exit 36) Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Bible Study 9:45 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. Evening 5:30 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 10 A.M. Evangelist: Lynn Huggins (573) 265-8628 Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Evangelist: Rob Lungstrum, Cell: (918) 931-1362 Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. (614) 868-1375, www.lccoc.net Office: (918) 423-3445 Evangelist: Leonard White ST. JOSEPH (601) 925-9757 or 924-2645 County Line church of Christ DAYTON OKLAHOMA CITY 2727 County Line Rd. West Carrollton Seminole Pointe church of Christ MERIDIAN Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 9:50 A.M. 28 W. Main Street, 45449 16300 N. May Avenue Grandview church of Christ Wednesday 7 P.M. Early Worship 9 A.M., Bible Study 9:30 A.M. Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. 2820 Grandview Ave. (816) 279-4737 Worship 10:25 A.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 11 A.M. www.countylinechurchofchrist.com Evangelist: Michael Grushon (937) 866-5162 Evangelist: John M. Duvall (405) 340-3189 Sun. Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 6:30 P.M. or 848-3779, www.wc-coc.org or (405) 513-6691, www.seminolepointe.church (601) 482-0543, (601) 479-3394 or (601) 934-3675 Contacts: Ron Cooper & Jim Young [email protected] ChurchDirectory

MT. PLEASANT EDNA OREGON Locust St. Church of Christ TEXAS church of Christ SWEET HOME 108 Locust Street • Mt. Pleasant, TN 38474 ALLEN 301 Robison Street Church of Christ 931-379-3704 or 931-964-3924 West Allen church of Christ Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. 3702 E. Long Street, Sweet Home, OR Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. 1414 W. Exchange Blvd. (2 miles west of Hwy. 75) Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 11 A.M. Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 9:50 A.M. (361) 782-5506 or 782-2844 Evening 7 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Evangelist: Daniel H. King, Sr. Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Elders: J. Mercer & S. Mercer Building: (541) 367-1599 www.lscoc.com Evangelist: Jerry King (214) 504-0443 Building phone (972) 727-5355 EL PASO KINGSPORT Eastridge church of Christ PENNSYLVANIA Kingsport church of Christ ALVARADO 3277 Pendleton Road 4938 Fort Henry Dr. • P.O. Box 554 Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. PHILADELPHIA Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. I-35 church of Christ church of Christ E. Service Rd. off I-35, N. of Alvarado Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Evening 5:00 P.M., Wednesday 7:00 P.M. (915) 855-1524 7222 Germantown Ave., 19119 Evangelist: Tom Kinzel, Bldg.# (423) 239-3979 Bible Study 10:00 A.M., Worship 11 A.M. Bible Study10:15 A.M., Worship11:15 A.M. or (423) 579-2002 • www.kptcoc.org Evening 6:00 P.M., Wednesday 7:00 P.M. Tuesday night 7 P.M. (817) 295-7277 or 790-7253 FORT WORTH Evangelist: James H. Baker, Jr. (215) 248-2026 West Side church of Christ MARYVILLE www.mtairychurchofchrist.org ALVIN 6110 White Settlement Rd. 76114 Smokey Mt. church of Christ Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. 2206 Montvale Road Adoue St. church of Christ 605 E. Adoue St Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. SOUTH CAROLINA Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. (817) 738-7269 Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. COLUMBIA Harold Tabor (865) 977-4230 Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Lower Richland church of Christ Evangelist: Mark Mayberry (346) 216-1707 GRANBURY Lon Spurgeon (865) 388-8749 church of Christ 3000 Trotter Rd. (Hopkins, SC) http://tinyurl.com/smchurch www.ascoc.org & www.markmayberry.net Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 11 A.M. 4313 Old Granbury Road Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. MEMPHIS AUSTIN (803) 730-0452, http://lowerrichlandchurch.org Schultz Lane church of Christ Evening 6 P.M. , Wednesday 7 P.M. Rocky Pt. Road church of Christ 817-913-4209 or 817-279-3351 516 E. Rocky Point Rd., Cordova Faber Rd. & Schultz Ln., Pflugerville, TX 78660 SUMTER Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 10A.M. HOUSTON Woodland church of Christ Wednesday 7 P.M. Evening 2 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. 3370 Broad St. Extension Evangelist: Ron Lehde Fry Rd. church of Christ [email protected] 2510 Fry Road (77084) Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. www.rockypointchurch.org Evening 5:30 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. BAYTOWN Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:20 A.M. Evangelist: A.A. Granke, Jr. (803) 499-6023 church of Christ at Pruett & Lobit Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. MURFREESBORO Bob Pulliam: (281) 832-4633, www.fryroad.org Cason Lane church of Christ 701 North Pruett Street WEST COLUMBIA 1110 Cason Lane Bible Study 9:45 A.M., Worship 10:40 A.M. Airport church of Christ Evening 6:30 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. HOUSTON Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 10 A.M. Spring Woods church of Christ 4013 Edmund Hwy. (Hwy. 302) Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Evangelist: Jesse Flowers (281) 515-8939 OUR WEB SITE DISPLAYS OUR Building: (281) 422-5926, Weldon: (713) 818-1321 9955 Neuens Rd. at Witte Road (615) 896-0090 (Building) Worship 9 A.M., Bible Study 10 A.M. CURRENT ASSEMBLY SCHEDULE. www.casonlanechurch.org Evangelist: Seth Mauldin, Bldg. (803) 834-6978 BEAUMONT Worship 11 A.M., Evening 6 P.M. Dowlen Rd. church of Christ Wednesday 7 P.M. http://airport-church-of-christ.com MURFREESBORO 3060 Dowlen Road Evangelist (713) 419-1750 Northfield Blvd. church of Christ Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. www.springwoodschurchofchrist.com 2091 Pitts Ln. at Northfield Blvd. TENNESSEE Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. Evangelists: Max Dawson & Benjamin Lee IRVING COLUMBIA Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. (409) 866-1996 Westside church of Christ Mooresville Pike church of Christ Evangelist: David Bunting (615) 893-1200 417 Mooresville Pike 2320 Imperial Dr. (closest to DFW Airport) CONROE Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 9:50 A.M. (.8 mi. N. of Hwy. 50/Jas. Campbell) NASHVILLE Woodland Hills church of Christ Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. Hillview church of Christ 410 Woodland Hills Dr., 77303 Evangelist: Mark Roberts (972) 986-9131 Evening 3:30 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. 7471 Charlotte Pike Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. www.JustChristians.com (931) 388-5828 or (931) 381-7898 Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 10 A.M. Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. www.mooresvillepikecoc.com Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. phone: (936) 756-9322 LANCASTER (615) 952-5458 or (615) 356-7318 www.conroechurch.com Pleasant Run church of Christ COSBY Evangelist: Lee Wildman Cosby church of Christ 831 W. Pleasant Run Road CLEVELAND Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:20 A.M. 489 Hooper Hwy., 37722 NASHVILLE church of Christ Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. (15 mi. E. of Gatlinburg on Hwy. 321) Perry Heights church of Christ 310 E. Houston Street (972) 227-1708 or 227-2598 Bible Study 10A.M., Worship 11 A.M. 423 Donelson Pike Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 10 A.M. Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday Bible Study 6:00 P.M. Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 9:55 A.M. Evening 5 P.M. , Wednesday 7:30 P.M. LUBBOCK Evangelist: Olie Williamson Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Evangelist: Robert Davis (281) 592-5676 Indiana Avenue church of Christ (423) 487-5540 or (423) 748-0844 Evangelist: Johnny Felker (615) 883-3118 www.clevelandchurchofchrist.org 6111 Indiana Avenue http://perryheights.faithweb.com Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. JACKSON CORPUS CHRISTI Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Sunset View church of Christ PIGEON FORGE Hwy. 9 church of Christ (806) 795-3377 3618 Hwy 70 East King Branch Road church of Christ Worship 10 A.M., Bible Study 11 A.M. www.lubbockchurch.com (Exit 87 off I-40, 7mi. @ Spring Creek) 560 King Branch Road Worship 12 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 10 A.M. Worship 10 A.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Call for location: Keith Kalies (361) 776-2304 LUFKIN Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Facilities available for Sunday evening services Evangelist: Steve Wilkerson (731) 967-0590 or Patrick Frazier (361) 235-1990 Timberland Dr. church of Christ upon request. 912 S. Timberland Drive or 968-9851 Evangelist: Roger Williams (865) 430-5980 DICKINSON Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 9:50 A.M. www.KingBranchRoadchurchOfChrist.org Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7: P.M. JOHNSON CITY church of Christ 2919 FM 517 Road E. Evangelists: Harold Hancock & Reagan McClenny Brookmead church of Christ SHELBYVILLE Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 10:50 A.M. (936) 634-7110 or 632-7070 2428 Lakeview Drive El Bethel church of Christ Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 9:45 A.M. Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. 1801 Hwy. 41-A North Wednesday 7 P.M., (281) 534-4870 MANSFIELD Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 9:50 A.M. Evangelist: Kevin Kay (423) 282-6251 or 426-1836 www.dickinsonchurchofchrist.org Northside church of Christ Evening 5:30 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. 1820 Mansfield-Webb Road Evangelist: Donnie V. Rader (931) 607-9099 Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:20 A.M. JONESBOROUGH [email protected] DALLAS 11-E church of Christ Methodist Street church of Christ Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 5:30 P.M. 211 Methodist St. • Red Oak TX, 75154 www. northsidecoc.us 240 Headtown Road SHELBYVILLE Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. Evangelist: Tom Roberts (817) 466-3160 Bible Study 10:30 A.M., Worship 11 A.M. Shelbyville Mills church of Christ Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Evening 5 P.M., Evangelist: David Wheeler 1222 W. Jackson St. Evangelist: D. LeRoy Klice NACOGDOCHES (423) 557-9119 or (423) 948-6464 Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. (972) 576-3119 or 363-7672 Stallings Dr. church of Christ www.christianadmonisher.jigsy.com Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. www.methodiststreetchurchofchrist.com 3831 N.E. Stallings Drive Evangelist: Jeff Curtis (931) 607-9118 Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:20 A.M. KINGSTON SPRINGS [email protected] Kingston Springs church of Christ DUNCANVILLE Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. 350 North Main Street Whispering Hills church of Christ Evangelists: Randy Harshbarger & Jay Taylor Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 10 A.M. 2126 S. Main (South Dallas) Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. Evangelist: Steve Walker, www.kscoc.com Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. (214) 874-5701, [email protected] ChurchDirectory

PLANO RIDGEWAY Spring Creek church of Christ church of Christ 2100 W. Spring Creek Pkwy., (North Dallas 2970 Old Leaksville Road Suburb) Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 11 A.M. ADVERTISING RATES Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 10 A.M. Evening 5:30 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. (276) 956-6049 ON CHURCH AD PAGES (972) 517-5582, www.planochurch.org www.churchofchristatridgeway.com

SAN ANTONIO ROANOKE Grissom Rd. church of Christ Blue Ridge church of Christ Rates are $25 per 5470 Lost Lane at Grissom Rd. 929 Indiana Avenue N.E. (5 min. from Roanoke San Antonio, TX 78238-2700 Convention Center) quarter or $95 per year. Bible Classes 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. 1st Lesson 9:15 A.M., Bible Study 10 A.M. Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday (Ladies Class) 10 A.M., Worship 11 A.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. (when paid in advance). Wednesday (Bible Class) 7:30 P.M. (540) 344-2755 Terry Starling, Evangelist www.grissomroadcoc.org VIRGINIA BEACH The ads are run once Southside church of Christ SAN ANTONIO 5652 Haden Road each month–12 times Pecan Valley church of Christ Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 11 A.M. a year. 268 Utopia Avenue, (I-37 S.E. Exit Pecan Valley) Robert Mallard (757) 464-4574 Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. WASHINGTON Help travelers find your Evangelist: Clyde W. Carter (210) 337-6143 BELLINGHAM place of worship! SHERMAN Mt. Baker church of Christ Westwood Village church of Christ 1860 Mt. Baker Hwy. Toll-free: 855-492-6657 314 N. Tolbert Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Evangelist: Joe Price (360) 752-2692 or 380-2960 Evangelist: Jim Smelser www.bibleanswer.com/mtbaker

TEMPLE WEST VIRGINIA Leon Valley church of Christ 4404 Twin City Blvd. CHARLESTON Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. Oakwood Road church of Christ Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. 873 Oakwood Road Evangelist: Jason Garcia Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 10:50 A.M. [email protected] Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. www.biblemoments.org Evangelist: Jonathan Chaffin (304) 342-5637 [email protected] WACO www.orcoc.org Sun Valley church of Christ 340 E. Warren St. (In Hewitt, a suburb of Waco) CLARKSBURG Bible Class 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. Westside church of Christ Wednesday 7 P.M. Davisson Run Road Evangelist: Marc Smith Sunday Morning 9:30 A.M. (254) 666-1020 or 420-1484 (304) 622-5433 www.westsidechurchofchristwv.net THE WOODLANDS Woodlands church of Christ FAIRMONT 1500 Wellman Road • P.O. Box 7664 (77380) Eastside church of Christ Bible Class 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:20 A.M. 1929 Morgantown Avenue Evening 5 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 10:45 A.M. (281) 367-2099 Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. www.woodlandschurchofchrist.org (304) 363-8696 or (304)844-2437

VIRGINIA GLADESVILLE Gladesville church of Christ CHESAPEAKE 2906 Gladesville Rd., Independence, WV 26374 Tidewater church of Christ Sunday Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 10:45 A.M. 217 Taxus Street Sunday 7 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 11 A.M. (304) 864-3078 Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Evangelist: Steve Schlosser (757) 436-6900 MOUNDSVILLE Moundsville church of Christ CHESTER 210 Cedar Street Chester church of Christ Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. 12100 Winfree St.,(Central to Richmond, Evening 6:30 P.M., Mid-week 7:30 P.M. Hopewell, Petersburg, & Colonial Heights) Evangelist: Tony Huntsman (304) 845-4940 Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. Evening 5:30 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. PARKERSBURG church Building: (804) 796-2374, (804) 385-2725 Marrtown church of Christ or (804) 271-0877 825 Marrtown Road Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10 A.M. NEWPORT NEWS Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7:30 P.M. Harpersville Rd. church of Christ (304) 422-7458 or 893-5227 315 Harpersville Road Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 11 A.M. WYOMING Wednesday 7:00 P.M. RANCHESTER RICHMOND (METRO) Ranchester church of Christ Courthouse church of Christ Hwy. 14 West, Ranch Mart Mall Courthouse Rd. at Double Creek Ct. Bible Study 9 A.M., Worship 10 A.M. (2.2 miles S of Rt. 288) Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 6:30 P.M. Bible Study 9:30 A.M., Worship 10:30 A.M. Contact: Bob Reich (307) 655-2563 Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday 7 P.M. Evangalist: Gene Tope (804) 790-1629 CANADA www.courthousechurchofchrist.com CALGARY, AB RICHMOND Northside church of Christ Forest Hill church of Christ 803 20A Avenue NE 1208 W. 41st Street Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 11 A.M. Bible Study 10 A.M., Worship 11 A.M. Evening 6 P.M., Wednesday Bible Study 7 P.M. Evening 6:00 P.M., Wednesday 7:00 P.M. +1 (403) 452-5116 Evangelist: Jack Bise, Jr. (804) 233-5959 www.churchofchristcalgary.com 220 S. Marion Street • Athens, AL 35611 Change Service Requested