Gossip, (continued from page 2)

sinful activity (the purpose of which, we should not forget, is to destroy the church) in several scriptures which are "for our learning" ( Romans 15:4): (1) we are not to be "busybodies in other men's matters"; (2) we are to count these erring brethren (busybodies) not as enemies, but to admonish them ( II Thess. 3:15). The hope is that they will see the error of their ways and refrain from "wandering about from house to house" (I Tim 5:13). If they will not desist and repent, there must be discipline administered and supported for full effectiveness.

Let us encourage each other to edify (to build up, not tear down). Solomon wrote that "pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul" (Proverbs 16:24). Paul says, “let your speech be always with grace" (Colossians 4:6). Whenever there is the hint of a rumor that is critical or damaging (and is not correcting error), we should be reminded of the inherent dangers of "the gossip process". Even to listen is to encourage, and to pass the information along is to sin. May we not be completely ignorant of Satan's devices.

Johnny Oxendine
San Mateo, Ca.

Abrahamic Covenant, (continued from page 4)

necessitated seed. Though Abram had no children, God nevertheless promised, “I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered” (Gen 13:16). Finally, the promise of land is inferred in the latter part of chapter twelve and verse one by the statement, “... unto a land that I will shew thee;” and was apparently understood by Abram (Hebrews 11:8). After God had brought Abram into the land of Canaan, He told him, “Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever” (Gen 13:14-15).

In the next issue of the Fruit Of The Spirit, this article will be continued by examining the immediate and ultimate fulfilments of this three-fold promise given to Abraham.

Ted Parks
Vacaville, Ca.

WHY, (continued from page 7)

Uniform Laws of Nature

The law of gravity is neutral, and if someone jumps off a twelve story building, the law will be in force even if he did not know what he was doing. What if this were not so? Consider what that would do to much scientific experimentation, to say nothing of baseballs and space travel. The principles of nature that govern our daily weather patterns were set in motion by God centuries ago (Genesis 8:21) and they are totally neutral in their application.

The Soul-building Argument

Having made a scholarly study of the relationship of pain and achievement, Dr. Marie Ray concluded, "Most of the shining lights of history were made so by some responsibility that seemed too great. No one succeeds without a handicap." Suffering and pain often bring out the highest qualities in man such as generosity, sympathy, compassion and tenderness. Ask the people in New York. Athletes know that before they are ready to compete at the highest level they must first go through a painful series of workouts. Pain can also build the soul as well as the body.

Makes Us Examine Self

Lying in a hospital bed gives a person time to think more soberly than ever before. For some of us, that may be the only thing that will motivate us examine our souls in light of the judgment. When things are going well it is easy for us to forget God and His blessings, but standing by an open grave forces us to meditate upon things bearing eternal fruits.

God did not cause the terrorists’ attacks of September 11th; nor does it please Him for such to occur. The only solution for such evil is the blood of Jesus Christ, and God has paid that price.

Carl Garner
Dripping Springs, Tx.