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September 16, 2011

SIMPLE AS CAN BE
by Cornelius R. Stam

Have you ever heard some preacher say: "There are many things in the Bible which are hard to understand but, thank God, the plan of salvation is as simple as can be."

Well the plan of salvation is simple IF we obey II Timothy 2:15, "rightly dividing the Word of truth." Otherwise it is far from simple.

The Apostle Paul wrote: "We conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law" (Rom. 3:28 ). Yet James wrote: "By works a man is justified, and not by faith only" (James 2:24).

Again, at Sinai God said to Israel through Moses: "If ye will obey My voice indeed, and keep My covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me above all people ..." (Ex. 19:5). But our Lord said, as He sent His apostles to witness for Him that, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved... and these signs shall follow them that believe: in My name shall they cast out demons, they shall speak with new tongues..." etc. (Mark 16:16-18 ). Thus, according to their "great commission" water baptism was required for salvation and miraculous signs were the evidences of salvation.

Confusing? Contradictory? Not if we "rightly divide the Word of truth." It was after "the law was given by Moses," after our Lord's earthly ministry, after the commission to the twelve, that God raised up another apostle, Paul, and sent him forth with "the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24).

It was Paul who was sent to declare: "But NOW, the righteousness of God without the law is manifested..." (Rom. 3:21). "To him that worketh not, but believeth on Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness" (Rom. 4:5). "Therefore, being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom. 5:1).

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September 17, 2011

GRACE, FAITH AND SALVATION
by Cornelius R. Stam

The largest segment of the organized Church has long opposed the teaching that salvation is by grace, through faith alone. She teaches that it is by grace, through faith and good works, protesting that we do not place the proper stress on good works, and that she does place as much emphasis upon grace and faith as we.

One advocate of this religious denomination agrees that men cannot be saved without Christ or faith or grace, but objects that the grace of God, accepted by faith in Christ, is not enough to save.

He says: "All men are born in original sin, and all must be cleansed by Baptism. In Baptism, Grace is implanted in the soul by God and confers the right to heaven."

But what about the thief on the cross, who looked to Christ in his dying moments and never had an opportunity to be baptized? Was he not saved? (See Luke 23:42,43).

If, according to Heb. 10:4, it is not possible for the blood of bulls and of goats to take away sins (even though required by God), could this writer explain to us how any amount of water could possibly wash away one sin or right one moral wrong?

But one might gather from the above quotation that the baptized soul at least is safe and secure, since the grace implanted by God "confers the right to heaven." But not so. "The Church" never gives her devotees true peace or assurance; never sets them free. "The right to heaven," conferred upon the baptized person, is the right to strive for it! This writer goes on to say, "We worship God by the practice of our religious duties in order to obtain our salvation."

How satisfying and reassuring is the Word of God itself on this subject:

"Now to him that worketh [i.e., for salvation] is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
"BUT TO HIM THAT WORKETH NOT, BUT BELIEVETH ON HIM THAT JUSTIFIETH THE UNGODLY, HIS FAITH IS COUNTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS" (Rom. 4:4,5).

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September 18, 2011

CHRIST AND POLITICS
by Cornelius R. Stam

Astronaut John Glenn in politics -- running for the U. S. Senate! It seems odd to think of him in a political role, but evidently he feels he can serve his country best in politics.

But did you ever think of Christ's relation to politics? He came into this world, remember, as a King. The very opening words of the New Testament are: "Jesus Christ, the Son of David..." (Matt. 1:1). This emphasizes the fact that He came from the royal line. John the Baptist had gone forth as the King's herald, to prepare His way, and the twelve apostles proclaimed His royal rights as they preached "the gospel of the kingdom." This was all in fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy:

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David..." (Isa. 9:6,7).

Instead of crowning Him King, however, they nailed Him to a cross and wrote over His head His "accusation": "This is Jesus, the King of the Jews."

Actually our Lord had come especially, this first time, to be rejected and crucified for the sins of men. Psalm 22, Isaiah 53 and other Old Testament passages had predicted that at His first coming He would be despised and rejected. Matt. 20:28 says of this coming: "The Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister and to give his life a ransom for many."

Our Lord did not die an untimely death; the cross was not a useless sacrifice. He knew that man's greatest need is moral and spiritual -- that his sins must be paid for if he is not to be condemned forever before the court of eternal Justice. So in love He came to be rejected and suffer and die "the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God" (I Pet. 3:18 ).

He will come again to judge and reign as all prophecy indicates, but for the present He deals with mankind in grace. Eph. 1:7 says that "in [Him] we have redemption, through His blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace" and Rom. 3:24 declares that believers are "justified freely by [God's] grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."

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September 19, 2011

RESURRECTION POWER
by Cornelius R. Stam

How comes this flower to bloom so fair,
With loveliest fragrance to fill the air?
A short time ago the seed lay dead,
The cold, wintry ground its desolate bed.

But now, behold, from the dampened earth,
Without a sound to betray its birth,
This thing of beauty has blossomed and grown
To possess a loveliness all its own.

And as we view it, standing there
With a majesty quite beyond compare,
A mighty conviction grips the heart:
This beautiful flow'r has a counterpart.

Our Savior once suffered and died for sin.
Though no one so righteous as He had been.
It seemed that the devil had sealed His doom
As they buried His body in Joseph's tomb.

But what is this wonder that greets our eyes
As the rays of the third morning's sun arise?
Behold, He is risen! The grave could not hold
The Author of Life; the Anointed of God!

And now the dead who have trusted in His name,
Though sleeping in Jesus, will rise again
With bodies more glorious than this flower
--Sown in weakness, but raised in power!

C.R.S.

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September 20, 2011

PARDON vs. JUSTIFICATION
by Cornelius R. Stam

Did you read, recently, about the man, named Zimmerman, who spent nearly twenty-five years in prison for a murder which, it is now clear, he never committed! The mistake was discovered two years ago, and he was released, of course, but only after spending almost a quarter of a century in prison for a crime he did not commit!

This was a grim mistake, but even at that, it must be wonderful in such a case, to be free -- and to have people actually sympathize with you! Yet, after two years of liberty, Zimmerman says he still feels a bit numb. Waking up mornings he still imagines he hears the harsh sound of the prison bell, and looking about he still thinks he sees bars on the windows.

Things could be worse, though: Suppose he were guilty of the crime, merely pardoned and released. Then everyone would be saying: "There goes that murderer. They pardoned him. Don't get too friendly with him." The stigma would always remain - -as long as he lived.

Let us thank God that believers in Christ are not merely pardoned. Rom. 3:24 declares that we are "justified freely by [God's] grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." Christ died for our sins and satisfied the just claims of the Law, and more: through the Holy Spirit He revolutionizes our lives and makes new creations out of us, for "If any man be in Christ," says II Cor. 5:17, "he is a new creation."

"For by grace are ye saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: not of works lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them" (Eph. 2:8-10).

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September 21, 2011

GOD'S JUST JUDGMENTS
by Cornelius R. Stam

"We are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth..."

The first 15 verses of Romans 2 always make me think of our Lord's dealings with the rich young ruler of Luke 18: 18,19. "Good Master," the ruler had said, "what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"

The Lord answered in effect: "Why do you call Me good? There is none good but God, so if I am good I must be God. But do you want to know what to do to inherit eternal life? Simply obey the Law, the Ten Commandments."

Our Lord, of course, was trying to show the young man that it was impossible to earn salvation by doing good. To keep the Law was impossible for any child of fallen Adam, and breaking the Law could only bring condemnation. Now this absolute justice is the basis for the believer's confidence in God.

It is wonderful to know that God does not merely pity sinners and smuggle them into heaven if they are sorry. If He did, someone in heaven could point an accusing finger at this writer and say: "What, you here!" Thank God, He has rather taken us before the bar of justice, pronouncing us guilty, but has stepped down, as it were, to pay the penalty for our sins Himself, then justly declaring us righteous! This is why salvation, in Scripture, is based upon Christ's payment of our just debt. This is why Rom. 3:24 declares that believers are "justified freely, by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."

"That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness, unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom. 5:21).

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September 22, 2011

ONE THING
by Cornelius R. Stam

Referring to the great Temple of God, which King David so earnestly hoped to build, he said:

"ONE THING HAVE I DESIRED of the Lord; that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in His temple" (Psa. 27:4).

Similarly, when Martha of Bethany complained to Jesus that Mary "sat at [His] feet and heard His Word" while she was left to serve alone, the Lord answered:

"Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things, but ONE THING IS NEEDFUL, and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her" (Luke 10: 41,42).

Today, with regard to the message of grace from the ascended, glorified Lord, the Apostle Paul exhorts us: "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly" (Col. 3:16). Wonderful results follow such a determination to know Christ through the Word.

When the Lord Jesus opened the eyes of the blind beggar, the poor man was immediately persecuted by the religious leaders of the day. He could not answer all of their questions but he could answer the one most important to himself:

"ONE THING I KNOW, that, whereas I was blind, now I see" (John 9:25).

The rest of the narrative relates how the blind beggar also received spiritual sight as, face to face with the Son of God, he exclaimed: "Lord, I believe! ...and...worshipped Him" (Ver.38 ).

But what about our conduct after spiritual sight has been bestowed? The most consecrated believer will acknowledge that he often fails to live up to the light he has received. St. Paul, by inspiration, gives us the solution to this problem also, saying:

"THIS ONE THING I DO: forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press [strain] toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3: 13,14).

[nChrist]

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September 23, 2011

How to Have Boldness
by Paul M. Sadler, President

Scripture Reading:

"And [pray] for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."
-- Ephesians 6:19,20

In our modern day there is a great demand for instant success. We read frequently of how many have risen to fame and fortune practically overnight. Seldom, however, do we hear of the hours of labor, practice, sacrifice and discipline it took to build that career. Most times we only hear and see the end result. Many have been deceived and disillusioned to think that they can have fame and fortune with little or no effort.

In these days in which we live, the world seems to have a powerful influence over the lives of many believers. For this reason many members of the Body of Christ are looking for that book, conference or seminar that will be a shortcut to spiritual maturity. When it comes to our spiritual lives and having boldness of faith we want instant results with little or no effort put into it. As a Pastor, I would have to say that to have boldness in the faith as the Apostle says, there must be three key ingredients.

Time:

Just as physical growth takes years, spiritual growth also takes time. As we come to spiritual maturity we become more and more confident to speak out for the Lord. It takes time to learn that we have to take our eyes off of ourselves which causes us to be reluctant to speak because of the fear of men.

Discipline:

It takes discipline to sit down with the Word of God and study to acquire a knowledge of the Scriptures. We don't mean just reading the Bible devotionally. It is said that we retain only about 20 percent of what we read. But, if we read and study, we retain about 60 percent when comparing Scripture with Scripture. The better equipped you are in the Word of God the more comfortable you will be to share the truth, rightly divided.

Consistency:

If we are to gain the respect of others in order to more effectively minister the gospel, we must be consistent with the truth. Don't sound an uncertain trumpet, be able to substantiate what you teach with the Blessed Book. Not only should we speak the truth in love consistently, we must also live the truth. Our lives are the only Bibles some men see. That's why the Apostle Paul warns us to put "away lying, [and] speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another" (Eph. 4:25). True boldness in the faith does not come naturally, it is something we grow into as we increase in the knowledge of Him Who has called us into the glorious light.

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September 24, 2011

CHRIST'S DEATH FOR US
by Cornelius R. Stam

Three times in Chapter 5 of Paul's letter to the Romans we read that Christ died for us.

Ver. 6: "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." Ver. 8: "But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Ver. 10: " ...when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son...."

Thus, in our helplessness, in our sinfulness, even in our willfulness, Christ loved us and gave His life to save us. But why does the Apostle say that Christ died for us "when we were yet without strength," "while we were yet sinners" and "when we were enemies"? Did not Christ die for us before any of us were even born? Yes, but here the Apostle writes historically of the whole human race. The rest of the chapter bears this out.

In Verse 12 he refers to Adam, the "one man" by whom sin and death entered into the world. This rendered man truly helpless. In Verse 20 he refers to Moses, by whom "the law entered, that the offence might abound." Thus by the law men were condemned as sinners. Finally, in Verses 20, 21, he refers to Christ, "[who] died for all" (II Cor. 5:14,15), that helpless sinners might be saved, yea that even God's enemies might be reconciled to Him by grace, through faith. By Adam we have the entrance of sin, by Moses the condemnation of sin and by Christ the forgiveness of sins.

Only gradually was the importance of Christ's death for mankind revealed, but now we know that the saints of all ages have been saved on the basis of our Lord's vicarious death alone. No one else could have paid a debt so great. Thus, in our helplessness, in our sinfulness, yes, thank God, in our willfulness, the Lord Jesus Christ died to save us.

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:31).

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September 25, 2011

THE DEATH OF THE CROSS
by Cornelius R. Stam

There are four words which every one of us should consider in connection with Christ's death at Calvary if we would fully appreciate what our Savior did for us there.

CRUCIFIXION

It is doubtful whether man has ever conceived a more cruel and humiliating way to execute even the vilest criminals. The physical agony alone must have been horrible beyond comprehension. The criminal was nailed to a tree and left to hang there, writhing in the most intense pain until, fevers wracking his body, he died. And then think of the humiliation as he hung there, stripped and naked, to suffer shame and disgrace before the public gaze. Little wonder Phil. 2:8 says that Christ humbled Himself to become obedient "unto death, even the death of the cross."

SUBSTITUTION

We have not even begun to understand the cross if we do not understand that Christ died there as our Substitute, paying for our sins.

"Christ died for our sins" (I Cor. 15:3). "His own self bare our sins in His own body on the tree" (1 Pet. 2:24).

REPRESENTATION

But Christ was more than our Substitute; He was our voluntary Representative at Calvary. He had taken on Himself human form that He might represent man before God and die as Man for men.

"As it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment, so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many..." (Heb. 9:27, 28 ).

"[He] was made... lower than the angels... that He by the grace of God should taste death for every man" (Heb. 2:9).

IDENTIFICATION

It follows from this that if Christ represented me at Calvary, He became identified with me there, and I am identified with Him as I accept this by faith. Hence Paul exclaims:

"I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Gal. 2:20).

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September 26, 2011

THE RIGHTNESS OF GOD
by Cornelius R. Stam

There are many theological words which most people -- even most Christian people -- do not understand. Among these is the Bible word "righteousness". Actually, though, this word is very simple and we ought to understand about God's righteousness even before we learn of His love.

Righteousness is simply an old word for rightness. When we say that God is righteous, we simply mean that what He does is always right; that He will not and cannot do anything that is not right. This is why Paul declares in Romans 1:16, 17:

"I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth...FOR THEREIN IS THE RIGHTEOUSNESS [rightness] OF GOD REVEALED..."

We are proud to proclaim the gospel of the grace of God because it emphasizes God's rightness. The gospel does not tell us that God will overlook our sins or wink at them and smuggle us into heaven. It doesn't tell us that He will forgive us if we are sorry enough or do enough good deeds to counterbalance our sins. By no means.

The "gospel of the grace of God" is based on His rightness. It is the wonderful message that "Christ died for our sins", that He paid for them Himself so that He might justly offer us forgiveness and declare us righteous.

Romans 3:26 puts it beautifully. There the apostle declares that since our sins were paid for by Christ at Calvary, God can now "be just -- and the Justifier of him who believes in Jesus".

For centuries religious people have said to each other: "We must be truly sorry for our sins and do all the good we can and surely God will forgive and accept us". But this is not the gospel. The gospel gives us more solid ground to plant our feet upon. It says to every man, woman and child: "Your sins were PAID FOR by Christ at Calvary. Trust in Him and you will be saved". This is gospel [good news] indeed, for it is based on the just payment of the penalty for sin.

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September 27, 2011

THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY; PAST OR FUTURE?
by Cornelius R. Stam

Did our Lord actually ride in triumph into Jerusalem to become King of the Church? Or is His true triumph still to come?

True, the townspeople cried: "Hosanna! Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord" (John 12:12,13). But Jesus responded by entering the city, riding "an ass's colt" (Verses 14,15). Surely this was not a very regal sight! Once before, when He knew that they "would come and take Him by force to make Him a King, He departed...into a mountain Himself alone" (John 6:15).

He knew that it was not yet time for Him to reign. First must come the cross, then the throne. Zechariah had prophesied of this entry into Jerusalem, saying: "Behold thy King!" Look at Him! and then he describes His entrance: "Lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt, the foal of an ass" (Zech. 9:9).

At this entry, "When He was come near, He beheld the city, and wept over it" (Luke 19:41). At this entry He entered into the temple, looked about and went out again (Mark 11:11). It was His Father's house, but He could not worship there. It had become a den of thieves. No, this was no triumphal entry. Look at Him, meek, lowly, riding on an ass's colt, and then see Him coming again as Revelation 19:11-16 describes it. How different the symbolism!

Once meek, lowly, and "having salvation." Now, "in righteousness doth He judge and make war." Once, riding "an ass's colt." Now, "Behold! a white horse!" And those eyes, once filled with tears are now "as a flame of fire."

Our Lord's true triumphal entry is still future. According to prophecy He will come again, put down all rebellion against Himself, and reign in glory and power. Thank God He has not yet done so! In love He still points to Calvary, where He died for our sins and offers us the riches of His grace.

"Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification" (Rom. 4:25).

[nChrist]

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September 28, 2011

FAILING CHRISTIAN LEADERS
by Cornelius R. Stam

Have you been disappointed in your pastor or the officers of your church or perhaps in Christian leaders in general? Have you placed great faith in some spiritual leader only to be disillusioned and to find out that your faith has been misplaced? Have you observed the growing popularity of some evangelist or Bible teacher whom you "know" to be insincere, while noting that another, whose fidelity and sincerity are beyond question, seems to get nowhere?

How it helps, in such situations, to be able to "rightly divide the Word of truth," and to enjoy "the full assurance of understanding" that comes with "the full knowledge [Gr., epignosis] of the mystery"! (Col. 2:2).

In "this present evil age" we are living under "the dispensation of the grace of God."

God is not saving good people today, nor even people who will repent and "do works meet for repentance." Rather, He is saving poor sinners who will come to Him with all their sin. This is God's gracious response to man's rejection of the King and the kingdom as offered at Pentecost.

Look at the way believers lived together in love and harmony during the Pentecostal era and you are apt to exclaim: "Why can't we live that way today? Let's get back to Pentecost." But look at the way believers lived together after the raising up of Paul, even among his beloved Philippians, and you will say: "It is no different today." This is because the believers at Pentecost were all filled with the Spirit in fulfillment of a prophetic promise, while today He has in grace committed His message to failing men and women, who indeed possess the Spirit, but often grieve Him.

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September 29, 2011

NOT ALWAYS SO BAD!
by Cornelius R. Stam

Have you heard the story of Honus? Honus was a wicked old renegade who lived in a small country town. When he died his body lay in the funeral parlor for three days without anyone even taking notice. Finally, on the day of the burial, a few of his old cronies did stop by to at least pay their respects.

As they gathered, the funeral director said: "Now fellows, we can't bury Honus like a dog. We've got to have some kind of service for him. Won't somebody here take charge?" But the silence was profound, so finally the funeral director himself agreed to take charge.

He began by asking whether there wasn't someone who had some good word to say for Honus before they buried him. Again there was a deep silence, until finally one old man stood up and said: "Well, I can say this much for Honus; he wasn't always as bad as he sometimes was."

To be honest, isn't this true of all of us? Some people take offense at Rom. 3:22,23, which says: "For there is no difference, for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." They think there is a difference, and that they have not been as sinful as others. Ah, but while there may be a difference in the nature or the degree of our sins, Romans 3 is right when it says that there is no difference in this: that "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." A person may put up a good front, feeling that he is not nearly so great a sinner as others, but whether a bridge is ten feet or a hundred feet short of spanning the chasm, it is still useless, so don't try crossing it.

This is why we all need "the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of [God's] grace" (Eph. 1:7). And we may have this by trusting in the Christ who died for our sins (1 Cor. 15:3). "For by grace are ye saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" (Eph. 2:8 ).

[nChrist]

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September 30, 2011

THE FOLLY OF WORLDLY WISDOM
by Cornelius R. Stam

Has not the world made great progress, intellectually, since Paul's day? Is this not evident on every hand? Of course! For one thing, our physicists have taught us how to kill each other much faster now. Moscow, London or Washington could be wiped out in a few minutes, and this is a considerable saving in time!

And think what has been accomplished in the field of electronics! We can now keep intelligent people glued to their TV sets for hours on end, their eyes riveted to shows which are often unwholesome, but sometimes at least entertaining and occasionally even informative. And think of the many time-saving devices in our homes! We are all saving so much time that we cannot even be hospitable to each other and our mental institutions are overcrowded with patients who have collapsed from enjoying all this leisure time.

Then consider our achievements in transportation! Our thoroughfares are crowded with automobiles whose drivers are getting jangled nerves in traffic jams and choking in the deadly carbon monoxide fumes, or else racing at high speeds, which is great fun until suddenly some object looms up ahead as if from nowhere. And the airplane! This is really something! We can now fly through the air with so much noise and commotion that innocent people for miles around our larger airports are kept awake nights. Of course, the minority should be willing to suffer cheerfully for the majority and it is important that great numbers of people get places fast, fast, fast.

But all this is nothing compared with what is going on in outer space. We now have all sorts of things orbiting around out there -- and it's not all debris. It includes some very sensitive instruments, serving us faithfully from day to day. Indeed, men from our earth have actually landed on the moon and have brought some of its rocks and dust back with them. Soon, maybe, we will have people from beautiful New England, or the breathtaking Rockies, or the lovely shores of Oregon, living on its barren wastes. Wonderful prospect! And we can always get the necessary billions from the taxpayers.

But the best of it is that while we have aspired to reach the moon, and even Mars, we've got a Great Society going on earth; a Society whose wild pagan music has all but replaced the beautiful melodies and harmonies of the classics, and whose twisted "art" reflects the bewildered confusion of our times; a Society in which children and young people are corrupted, women are robbed and raped, and men, women and children are murdered in the streets. Oh, it's wonderful! The young people demonstrating at our universities for the right to use filthy language if they want to, and demanding a greater voice in running our institutions of learning; the minority groups marching to protest their various grievances, the rioting and bloodshed, the burning and looting! And meantime, ever so quietly, our most sophisticated mob syndicates are running fine motels and other business organizations -- and pouring an ever-increasing flow of narcotics, pornographic literature, etc., into our enlightened community, judges and juries doing what they can to favor the criminals and, should any of them land behind prison bars, the parole boards are there to help get them released as soon as possible, so that our happy society may benefit from their experience and our mental and penal institutions may be further enlarged. Surely we've never had it so good.

Thanks be to God for the truth of Gal. 1:4:

"[Christ] gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world
[or, "age"] according to the will of God and our Father."