(Decently & In Order, continued from page 1)

do this. From the Acts of the Apostles to the book of Revelation the principle of orderliness can be seen. Problems were handled and disputes were settled in orderly fashion when apostolic admonitions were followed.

Take, for example, the murmuring of the Hellenists (the Jews who lived outside of Palestine but spoke the Greek language) about the neglect of their widows in the “daily administration” (Acts 6:1). The apostles saw the situation, recognized the need to act quickly and correctly, and appointed brethren to handle the case. The result? The problem was solved and growth continued.

Then the Judaizers who came down from Judea and taught the brethren that circumcision was needful to be saved (Acts 15). This was a doctrinal matter and the apostles, elders, and perhaps some others came together in Jerusalem to consider the matter (vs. 6). After much discussion their decision was reached: Circumcision is not binding on New Testament Christians (vs. 19). They then composed letters and sent them by messengers to the various churches to inform them of the truth of the matter (vv. 23-29). This matter was also settled decently and in order.

Noah Hackworth
Visalia, Ca.

(Evolution, continued from page 7)

who does not believe in evolution in one form or another, and it is also difficult to find anyone who does not believe in a creator in one form or another. This hybrid belief has given reprieve to those not wishing to make a total commitment to either side?”

One can see how this might appeal to those who do not believe the Scriptures more than they believe men. It is the safest “out” from having to defend the Bible as the God-breathed Word that is literally true with regard to the Creation. What is more than amazingly dumbfounding to those faithful Christians who understand the importance of the literal accuracy of the Scriptures is that these brethren cannot (or refuse to) see the contradiction of their position.

Johnny Oxendine
San Mateo, Ca.

(Young People Need..., continued from page 9)

6. Young people really need each member of the church (their brothers and sisters) to encourage them and treat them kindly! Too often the young people of the church are looked down upon as if they were “sub-Christian,” and they are often referred to as “the church of tomorrow.” Yet, the Bible never makes a distinction between a Christian that is forty years old and a Christian that is thirteen years old. It simply says “ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28). If there are any members who need extra support (cf. Gal. 6:2), good done to them (Gal. 6:10), kind and encouraging words spoken to them (cf. Eph. 4:32), it is certainly our young people who struggle daily “against the wiles of the devil” (Eph. 6:11).

Do not be discouraged by the media or the politicians. Their “goals” and “answers” are short sighted and short lived. God created man and He knows what our young people really need. Moms and Dads, brothers and sisters in Christ, step up; and make a difference in the lives of our youth!

David Sproule

(Security, continued from page 4)

Christian and accept Jesus as their personal savior, yet fail to obey the Gospel and put it in to practice is just as foolish as the person who would simply buy a sticker for their house window that identifies a particular security system, yet they never purchase the system and use it. Philippians 2:12 says to, “...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling”, and in Acts 2:40 Peter told the Jews to, “...save yourselves from this untoward generation.” This does not mean that salvation comes by man (Jeremiah 10:23), but we must act upon the Gospel in order to be saved.

Since the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night (2 Pet. 3:10), have you taken measures (the Gospel) to secure your most valuable possession (your soul), or are you simply hoping a sticker will deter the impending judgment?

Ted Parks
Vacaville, Ca.