As previously noted, the minds of God's people should be disciplined to think on a high, spiritual plain - on things that are. true, honest, just, pure, lovely and of good report. The call for a disciplined mind involves far more than an ideal concept, or a recommendation; it is an ORDER!
    Paul sets a very high standard.
    1) "If there be any VIRTUE" - whatever tends to enhance one's spiritual value and moral excellence. The term is used of God (I Pet. 2:9), and of moral excellence as viewed by Him, (2 Pet. 2:3, 5).
    2) "If there be any PRAISE" whatever is praiseworthy or commendable, (Lk. 16:8). The word is used: a) Of those through whom praise and glory are ascribed to God, (Eph. 1:6, 12, 14). b) Of praise bestowed by God upon His people, (Rom. 2:29; I Cor. 4:5; I Pet. 1:7). and c) Of the church's approval of faithful laborers in the Gospel, (2 Cor. 8:18).
    3) "Think on TRESE things" - such things as are becoming objects for Christian consideration and emulation; they will have a practical, profitable and spiritual

    For some time it has been a matter of deep interest and growing concern to observe the intellectual "twisting's and turnings" of men whose salvation I have no reason to question. But, ISN'T IT STRANGE that so many are dogmatically committed to the defense of technical distinctions that God has NOT made? And that they often viciously denounce the teaching of much He HAS clearly set forth in His unerring Word of truth?
    ISN'T IT STRANGE that brethren who zealously oppose the manipulations made by many modern translators (to substantiate their own philosophies) can actually REJECT the clear language in which their "accepted translation" sets forth certain divine truths? That those who insist on the "all-sufficiency" of the "inspired Word of God", and the "perpetuity of the New Testament church" will actually seek assistance from the "harlots of Protestantism" to avoid accepting what God HAS SET FORTH, with all simplicity, in His Word?
    Where, for instance, does the word of God clearly distinguish between Christ's coming "for" His saints, and a later coming "with" His saints? - the two "comings"

being separated by a number of years? Do not the Scriptures, rather teach that "to be absent from the body" is to be "present with the Lord", (2 Cor. 5:8; comp. Phil. 1:23)? Is it not also true that when Jesus returns He will bring "with Him" (I Thes. 4:14) the spirits of all those who "sleep" in Him - to be reunited, "in the air", with their bodies, which are raised AT THAT TIME? Is not this also the time when living saints will be "translated" - changed into His likeness? And WHO is meeting WHOM? Do £he Scriptures anywhere clearly state that the saints are going off somewhere with Jesus (away from the earth, for a number of years) to await a DIFFERENT COMING for Him to establish His kingdom? Then, why do men preach it? Why teach it?
    Is it not true that the Scriptures DO LOCATE the resurrection as taking place "at the last trump" (I Cor. 15:52)? Is there any Biblical reason for rejecting the idea

that this "last trump", and the "trump of God" (I Thes. 4:16 - both connected with the resurrection) are the same as the "seventh trumpet"; the last of a series in the book of Revelation (11:15-19); which also locates the resurrection? And, is it not clear that His coming, under this trumpet, is to BEGIN HIS UNIVERSAL REIGN ON EARTH - raising and rewarding His saints, pouring out His wrath on all ungodliness and exercising righteous judgment in the earth? But, how very FEW seem willing to believe God's Word - simply comparing Scripture with Scripture?
    Why will men INVENT distinctions God did not intend to make? Why will they REJECT those He HAS MADE?
    Enroute to the Garden of Gethsemane, following the institution of the Lord's Supper, Jesus spoke to the representatives of His little flock, saying: "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth WITH you, and shall be IN you", (John 14:16-17). But how many people are willing to teach that the Spirit is dwelling "IN" the New Testament church, and those connected with it as body-members, in a sense that is NOWHERE said to be true of ANYONE OUTSIDE THAT RELATiONSHIP? How long since YOU heard, or preached, a sermon on this distinction that Jesus CLEARLY DID MAKE?
    ISN'T IT STRANGE that entire systems of prophetic interpretations

have been built around superficial distinctions that God has NOT MADE? And that the superstructure of the doctrine of assurance, as held by many, rejects a distinction - clear as the sun- that He DID MAKE?
    And, ISN'T IT STRANGE that so many who appear so sincere are so lazy they will not seriously STUDY God's Word and allow the Spirit of truth to make it real to them? What a contrast with John the Baptist, who spent 30 years IN PREPARATION for a ministry that lasted ONLY SIX MONTHS! But, His was a powerful effective and LASTING ministry! He prepared the way for the Lord! He was "A VOICE" - not an "echo". E.G.
(A CLARION HERALD reprint, from
(Vol. 2, No. 8, May 12, 1971)


    It was this editor's distinct privilege, on October 17-19, to participate in the Second Annual Pillar Bible Conference, at the Hallmark Baptist Church of Simpson-ville, South Carolina. The agenda for these nine discussion sessions, seeking unity in the word of truth, dealt with "the Nature of a New Testament Church".
    Though attendance was far below what such a subject should have produced, there was a broad representation of backgrounds and viewpoints. Issues were freely, and sometimes rather vigorously, discussed in an atmosphere of Christian love and mutual respect. When concepts were introduced that were not generally understood; instead of REACTING emotionally, without

appeal to the Scriptures, it was suggested that special study be made of these concepts (based on the whole word of God) and that they be discussed at the next conference.
    All-in-all, the week was such a rich blessing that to have missed it would have been a great loss of opportunity. This is true even though the late night "dormitory sessions" left little time for rest and relaxation. But, THANK GOD for brethren who still ENJOY looking into the precious Word of God!
And, a special THANKS to Hallmark Baptist Church, her pastors and the PILLAR for making this conference possible. E.G.


impact on one's living.
    Such a high standard is made more attainable when one has a good example to follow, (Phil. 4:9). Paul's principles were not in conflict with his LIVING; he preached what he practiced. From him the brethren both learned and received something. He not only gave practical instruction; he set a worthwhile example in both word and conduct. And, given a right heart, the Holy Spirit will so help OUR infirmities as to bring every thought into conformity "to the obedience of Christ".
    A disciplined mind will know the inexplicable blessing of God's fellowship and peace. That peace will be expressed in the hearts and lives of such disciplined individuals. It will also be manifested

in a harmonious relationship of fellow-body-members within New Testament churches. Such a peace will "garrison" the hearts and minds of those who are "IN CHRIST JESUS".
    Because it is POSSIBLE for us to BECOME so vain in our imaginations that our "foolish hearts will be darkened" (Rom. 1:21), it is of great importance that we "gird up the loins of our minds" - so as to think safe, sane and sober thoughts. This will require: 1) DILIGENCE in the study and meditation on God's word - feeding our minds on what is good and wholesome. 2) SURRENDER to Christ - so as to make ourselves absolutely AVAILABLE and responsible to the control of His transforming power. 3) Grateful APPROPRIATION of His sustaining grace from day to day.

    As our minds are disciplined to right thinking we will know the JOY of walking in HIS PEACE! E.G.


    This will be our last opportunity to remind our readers of the Fellowship Meeting, scheduled for November 23-24, at the Landmark Missionary Baptist Church of Rockford, Illinois.
    It appears that this meeting will be better attended than any we have had for a number of years. We sincerely hope that many of you will be able to SHARE THE BLESSINGS which our Lord always bestows through these meetings. So long as we gather in a spirit of love, mutual respect and earnest desire to honor His worthy name, we may expect His blessings to freely flow.
    If you will let us know of your plans, we will do all within our power to make your visit with us a pleasant and comfortable one. So long as space permits, we will provide for you in our homes. When this runs out, we will endeavor to provide for your comfort in a nearby motel.
    COME! Expect great things in which our hearts may REJOICE TOGETHER E.G.


    In seeking the right there is wisdom in counsel, in the consideration of various viewpoints and the consequences of different courses of action. But, having found the right, one must abide by it whatever others say, or whatever the consequences to which it leads.