Truth Magazine

By Jimmy Tuten, Jr.

Evolutionists argue that since there are similarities between the ape and man, man either descended from the ape, or from a common parent. Hence, resemblance between animals and man, and between animals and plants, form the basis for argumentation in favor of the theory . of evolution. In my presence recently, one argued that since man and the ape have a spinal column, they must have come from a common ancestor! Such an absurdity hardly needs refutation, but since there are those who believe that similarities of certain features of man and the ape show identity, a few comments would be in order along this line.

No one denies that there are similarities between man and the ape! They have much in common. After all, God did form both in the same environment. In that God said of these creatures, “Let the earth bring forth living creatures after their kind,” it is obvious that the ape came from the earth. “Jehovah God formed man of the dust of the ground” (Gen. 1:24; 2:7). The fact that man is a separate creation, separating him from the animal creation, does not deprive him of his animal characteristics. They have many likenesses and similarities because both are of the animal kingdom, and both are of the earth! The difference between man and the ape lies in the fact that man alone is a special creation, endowed with peculiar privileges, which in this respect separates him from animals. Instead of showing identity, similarities manifest a creative plan.

Ignore Differences

While there are indeed certain characteristics that are similar, there are major differences between the ape and man. These tend to show that they are not a common parentage. Since my friend used the spinal column in his effort to uphold evolution, let us make this observation: the ape walks with a stooping posture, while man walks in an up-right position. The ape depends upon very powerful neck muscles to carry his head in a horizontal position. Man has no such muscles in the back of his neck. To walk up-rightly, the ape is under great strain for the spinal column is not designed to carry the head in this position. Since man’s spinal column is designed to support the head, he is able to walk about with ease. The up-right position is natural with man, but such posture is unnatural with the ape (Christianity And False Evolution, by A.S. Zerbe; p. 82). There is, therefore a radical difference in the structure of the backbone of the man and that of the ape. In man, the spinal column fits into an opening in a centrally located spot in the back of the head. This balances the head on the vertebral column (Modern Science And Christian Faith, p. 175). Such conditions do not exist in the bone structure of the ape. In addition to this, it has been stated that there are over “150 major differences between the body of an ape and body of a man” (Witnesses Against Evolution, p: 17). The distinguished evolutionist, Huxley, said “every bone of a gorilla bears marks by which it might be distinguished from the corresponding bone of a man . . . no intermediate link bridges the gap” (Zerbe, op. cit.). There are similarities, but the differences are so great and marked that the chasm thus far has not been bridged.

Absurdity of the Position

If similarities between man and the ape show that at one time they ultimately were the same, then with little effort one could show the similarities between the common rat, the elephant and the horse. Were these ultimately the same? Absurd! Just because one has thick lips and curly hair, does that make him an African? If I had a Roman nose, would that make me a Roman?

“It has beets proven that of the milk of animals, human milk more nearly resembles ass’ milk. `Here the resemblance is marked not only by quantitative analysis, but by the fact that human milk, like ass’ milk, leaves no residue of nuclein or paranuclein on digestion and the casein of both produces an alkaline reaction.’ If one were inclined to treat so serious a matter ironically he could say that man is more nearly an ass than an ape” (Zerbe op. cit., underscore mine, jt). I think enough has been said along this line.

Conclusion

In order to live upon the earth, man naturally resembles the animal in that he must eat, breathe, etc. It is no great surprise to see therefore, common traits between man and animals. There is some connection, but this in no way supports the probability that one is a descendant of the other. A careful study of the facts points out that evolution has not a chance. It is still an unproven hypothesis!

Truth Magazine XXII: 24, p. 386
June 15, 1978

By Earl Robertson

Man is a creature of need. Man is a two-fold being: flesh and spirit. His inward man has moral and spiritual needs and God complements them. The outward man is physical and has sociological, biological, and economic needs. His economic needs may be met without marriage; he may labor either for others or himself and thereby earn his living. One does not have to married to do this. However, the sociological and biological needs of man have their answer within the home-marriage.

The “gay” world of our day offers varied and manifold answers to our problems, but their answers are not true and they do not really satisfy. Their program of liberation spans the gambit from “common-law” live-ins to sodomy, and this is neither the will of God nor what any morally conscious person can do. The Bible is ignored by many seeking happiness. The substitution of man’s ways for God’s ways in meeting one’s needs leads to disappointments and unbearable heartaches.

Man’s Help Meet

God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him” (Gen. 2:18). This “help meet” for Adam was Eve. God made only one Eve for one Adam-one man and one woman. Dwight M. Pratt says, “Whatever interpretation the latest scholarship may give to the story of woman’s formation from the rib of man (Gen. 2:21-24), the passage indicates, most profoundly, the inseparable unity and fellowship of her life with his. Far more than being a mere assistant, `helper’ (ezer), `help,’ `helper’ (Gen. 2:18), she is man’s complement, essential to the perfection of his being. Without her he is not man in the generic fulness of that term” (ISBE, p. 3100).

Man emphasizes his sociological needs and longings for a matrimonial companion in that he leaves his father’s house and cleaves to his wife (Gen. 2:24; Matt. 19:5). When he does this, he is to love her even as his own body (Eph. 5:28). If one does not so love, there should be no marriage! The formation of this union is in recognition of the fact that “the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man” (1 Cor. 11:8, 9). These verses are not saying that the woman has no social needs, but are showing “Adam was first formed, then Eve” (1 Tim. 2:13). Adam existed with his needs-“not good to be alone”-before Eve was created. When she was created she also had sociological needs. “Nevertheless, to avoid fornication… let every woman have her own husband” (1 Cor. 7:2).

The experience one has in losing a companion or that a person has in solitary confinement is most difficult and in some cases unbearable. Marriage is designed by the Lord for companionship. Man is a social being.

God made both man and woman and he knows the needs of both. Human life and living processes are known in applied biology. The biological needs and responsibilities of man and woman are complemented and discharged in the unit of marriage. The Bible teaches the husband and wife to “be fruitful and multiply” (Gen. 1:28). No other relationship (than husband and wife) may scripturally bear children. Paul says, “Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge” (Heb. 13:4). The sexual needs of both men and women are met only in marriage, and any other arrangement is identified and called fornication by the Lord. Both the husband and the wife must recognize their blessings and responsibilities in the marriage relationship. The New Testament says, “Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not the power of his own body, but the wife. Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency” (1 Cor 7:3-5). These verses state the possession of power and the need to exercise it. “Incontinency” is want of self control, intemperance.

Abuse of Blessings

Many of the marriage problems stem from a failure in this area. Some fail to live as the Bible instructs and, consequently, problem after problem is experienced in that home. If the home survives these failures and problems it is, through this period, a most miserable and unhappy relationship. In some cases it leads to fornication, which, if tolerated by that one’s companion, leads to further evil and unhappiness in that home. Marriage, designed and established by the Maker of man, is for man’s happiness and well-being; it preserves purity and chastity and prevents immorality (1 Cor. 7:2, 5). In the establishment of a home (marriage), both parties solemnly promise to so live as the word of God teaches, but often when the infatuation is passed, the solemn promises are forgotten. Do not forget the vow you made before God!

Love Is Not Cheap

Marriage is for man’s benefit and he should appreciate and honor it with deep reverence for Him who established it. “The institution of marriage is founded on the requirements of man’s nature, and dates from the time of his original creation …. Man, as an intellectual and spiritual being, would not have been a worthy representative of Deity on earth, so long as he lived in solitude, or in communion only with beings either high above him in the scale of creation, as angels, or far beneath him, as the beasts of the field. It was absolutely necessary, not only for his comfort and happiness, but still more for the perfection of the divine work, that he should have a `help meet for him,’ or, as the words more properly mean, `the exact counterpart of himself -a being capable of receiving and reflecting his thoughts and affections” (Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature, Vol. 5, p. 772).

Marriage, therefore, involves God; He established and sanctified it. He did so out of His own wisdom and for the betterment of man. The love which the husband should have for his wife is not the cheap passionate compulsion the Greek philosophers often used, eros; but it is as Aristotle defined, “friendship in a superlative degree.” If such love be true, it can be for one person, and for one person only. Paul uses the same word commanding the husband to love his own wife that he uses telling of Christ’s love for the church. “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Eph. 5:25). This love is not cheap! The wife must see that she reverence her husband (Eph. 5:33): Too many times wives do not consider the position of the husband; he is the head, and she should respect him as such.

The Permanency Of Marriage

Marriage is to be as permanent as the life of those who enter into it. Make sure you marry because you love, and then guard that love with diligence. Only two things in God’s sight can sever one’s marriage and give one the right to another companion: death and fornication. “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder,” says Jesus (Matt. 19:6). Furthermore, Jesus says, “Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication. and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery” (Matt. 19:9). I am persuaded that many do not know what marriage is when they contract it; that they do not know its permanency and sacredness. Many are abusive and beastly in their behavior, and live like an alley cat committing adultery at will. God promises to condemn each one who so lives! Usually, such marriages produce life-time suffering for little children. They grow up without love, care, and understanding. They deserve better treatment than this! However, it will only be when husbands and wives live like God teaches that the whole family will enjoy the best of life. If churches would teach and practice what the Bible says about marriage the homes would be better and so would the churches!

Truth Magazine XXII: 23, pp. 378-379
June 8, 1978

By Jeffery Kingry

Approximately fifty million people in America gamble. Gamblers in America bet an estimated $50 billion annually -more than is spent on education, religion, or medical care. The annual profit of professional gambling interests is estimated to be greater than the combined profit of the one hundred largest corporations in the United States (Lycurgus M. Starkey, Mr. Money, Mania, and Morals, Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1964, p. 15, 29).

The jingle of the Maryland State Lottery is “You Have To Play To Win!” Coupled with the smiling faces of happy winners, the advertisements sell an average of $90 million worth of lottery tickets annually. But, behind the bright posters and television ads, carefully hidden from public view, is the corruption which gambling brings to individuals and to society. Gambling’s danger, like fornication, is compounded by the fact that it is not only harmful, but also alluring. The two, with alcohol, are often intertwined as “the good life” promoted wherever we turn.

Crime and Gambling

Nevada, which has had legalized gambling since its origin as a state, has had the highest crime rate of any state in the Union. Its per-capita crime rate is double the national rate, and its number of suicides triples the national average. Reno, Nevada, a gambling mecca for millions, has the highest crime rate of any city its size in the nation, according to FBI statistics. The report on gambling and organized crime prepared by the Senate Committee on Government Operations states that, “the chief source of revenue for organized crime is illegal gambling.” The report further states “The huge profits from illegal gambling are the primary source of funds to finance the other activities of organized crime: drugs, prostitution, fencing, and loan sharking” (Gambling And Organized Crime, Senate Report, March 28, 1962, p. 2).

Further, an article by Milton R. Wessel in The Nation (October 22, 1960 declares, “Fully half of the syndicate’s income from gambling is earmarked for protection money paid to police and politicians. Approximately 4.5 billion dollars annually goes from professional gambling interests to public officials as bribes.” The Senate Crime Investigation Committee commented, “In states where gambling is legal, the alliance of gamblers, gangsters, and government will yield only to the spotlight of publicity and the pressure of public opinion. But where gambling receives a cloak of respectability through legalization there is no weapon which can be used to keep the gamblers and their money out of politics” (Estes Kefauver, Crime In America, Garden City: Doubleday and Co., 1951, p. 126).

In the state of Maryland, a legalized lottery has been in existence since 1973. This state has had a legal numbers game since 1976. Before this, the state had legal slot machines and pin-ball machines. The corruption became so great, that these were made illegal by law, but soon replaced by the “numbers” game. Every year, organized gambling / crime politicians introduce bills to return slot machines and money paying pin-balls to the State. Last year these interests were defeated by only a small margin. Legalized lotteries are now flourishing in 15 other states.

Between 1973 and 1977, the state of Maryland took in $428.5 million dollars from gambling citizens. Of that figure, $198.4 million was paid out in prizes, $169.9 million went to the state as income, and $160.2 million went for “expenses.” Legalized parimutuel betting at racetracks also swells the state’s and politician’s pockets. The governor of Maryland and three of his associates, former legislators, were convicted of racketeering, bribery, and fixing of race dates to provide themselves with more days to make money. The governor and his friends were found to have purchased a majority of the stock in two racetracks, providing an interesting “conflict of interest.” Special Federal prosecutors have already convicted former county executives, state’s attorneys, and state legislators on similar charges.

Gambling and the Economy

Most successful efforts to eliminate gambling from communities have been led by business and labor leaders. One labor spokesman said, “Our labor organization opposes commercialized gambling because of its drag upon the community and economy, diverting purchasing power from job-producing industries” (R.P. Edgar, The Push For Legal Gambling, Pulpit Digest, May, 1965, p. 15). Along with an increase in gambling goes an increase in unpaid bills, embezzlement bankruptcy, and absenteeism from jobs. Gambling centers have great difficulty in attracting .industry. After gambling was legalized in Great Britain, bad debts increased 20%. Gambling produces nothing, adds nothing to the economy or society, or nation.

Gambling and Character

Gambling corrupts the character of man in several ways. The “something-for-nothing” crave which gambling stimulates undermines character. Gambling appeals to the weakness of the soul that the Christian hopes to control and put to death in his life: covetousness, greed, selfishness, recklessness, callousness, etc. Gambling excesses promote theft, irresponsibility, neglect of family and leads to such personal and social evils as divorce and delinquency. Often, the gambler hurts innocent people like his own family.

Seen in its true light gambling is selfish, destructive, harmful and irresponsible. While the Bible contains no “thou shaft not” in regard to gambling, it does condemn the spirit and consequences of gambling. Solomon said, “They lad in wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives. So are the ways of every one who is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof” (Prov. 1:18, 19). While gambling does not necessarily destroy ones body, “greed for gain” certainly corrodes and destroys the soul. It dehumanizes the one who is caught in its grip. Covetousness is self-slaughter.

“He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house” (Prov. 15:27). One is reminded of Achan, who, in his greed for that which he had not labored for, appropriated some of the spoil of the banned city, Jericho. He brought down destruction upon his whole house. In another sense, the man who, deprives his family of comfort and support in order to pursue his chronic losses, hurts, not only himself, but all who depend on him.

Jeremiah had a word which applies to modern lottery winners. “As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so is he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall lose them in the midst of days, and at his end shall be a fool” (Jer. 17:11). Several recently written newspaper articles on those newly rich lottery winners demonstrate vividly that suddenly winning a million dollars is not the dream that it is cracked up to be. Their gain, gotten at the expense of thousands of others brought no happiness to the winners. Hounded from their homes, living in isolation and loneliness, alienated from friends and family, these “lucky” winners quickly find that the joy and happiness promised in the lottery ads is a cruel lie.

Conclusion

Because the desire to get something for nothing and an opportunity to gamble go hand in hand, an :attack on one, requires an attack upon the other. It is a matter of record that as gambling becomes more and more accessible more people gamble. Thus legalization is not an answer to the gambling problem. The Christian should oppose legalization of gambling as a citizen and as a voter.

Among the arguments advanced to justify gambling is one that claims that all of life is a gamble or a risk. But, risk-taking in the normal routine of life is different than the risk of gambling. Gambling makes an artificial risk which rewards some at the expense of others. Risks taken in life are a creative process, like the contractor who risks his capital to build a home that he then sells to someone who needs a place to live. All profit in the transaction, and get what they want. More than chance is involved in developing a profit.

Another argument offered is that one individual buying an occasional lottery ticket, or dropping a quarter into a slot machine, or spending “recreation” money on the horses is a legitimate way to have fun. Gambling may be fun (most temptations are), but the cost to the individual, to his family, the economy, and society is too high to justify it. There is no scriptural or moral way to justify gambling. The Christian must therefore “eschew evil.”

Truth Magazine XXII: 23, pp. 377-378
June 8, 1978

By Jerry Parks

One of the most important factors in spreading the gospel is to get people interested in studying God’s word. We are living in a day and time when this is easier said than done. There are distractions on every hand. People have more and can do more in this generation than at any other time in the history of man. There has been a great surge in recreational and sports activities. Often, in order that these activities might be pursued, husbands and wives must work one or two jobs, which makes the pace of life even more hectic. Young people are involved in a thousand and one school activities. All of this tends to make people overly concerned about the material things of life and to minimize the importance of being concerned about the soul.

What this means is that to get people to study their Bible is becoming progressively more difficult. This is a problem that is obviously being felt in the religious world in general and within the Lord’s church in particular. Many have resorted to all sorts of gimmicks and carnal prizes to try to interest people in spiritual matters. Certainly, we should not become so frustrated that we resort to unscriptural methods to try to win souls to Christ. We should, however, be aware of every legitimate method and use them to their fullest potential. I firmly believe that an effectively run Bible Correspondence Course has great potential. The church in Bancroft Canada started as a result of a number of people learning the truth through a Bible Correspondence Course that was offered by another congregation 225 miles away. In two years, over 50 people were baptized and phenomenal growth has continued in that area. Certainly the course was not the only thing that led to the conversion of these people. There were follow-up visits, home studies, etc., but the Correspondence Course method played an important part in leading these people to Christ. This illustrates the potential we are talking about.

Success or Failure?

There are a number of factors that Will help to determine whether a Correspondence Course will be successful or not.

1. It is imperative that you know how to organize and conduct every phase of the work at the time it is started. There is more involved than simply ordering some lessons from the supply house. When a Bible Correspondence Course Program is started without some forethought arid preparation, costly mistakes will be made, students will be lost, and usually the program will die within a few weeks.

2. If a Bible Correspondence Course is to be successful, there must be someone capable and willing to take the helm. When the responsibility for the course is left to everyone, usually, the responsibility is fulfilled by no one. The church in Kettering has a very successful Correspondence Course. At the present time, we have enrolled approximately 1800 students. This has been done in less than three years. There are at least 25 people, members of the Kettering church, who assist alternately with the grading and mailing of these lessons; but without the dedicated efforts of one man (Brother Aubrey Measel) who has taken the responsibility to run the program, it simply would not have been successful. Brother Measel has been very systematic. His responsibilities are manifold. He takes care of such things as:

a. Ordering lessons.

b. Preparing form letters that are mailed with various lessons.

c. Purchasing envelopes and stationary.

d. Advertising (evaluating various forms.

e. Arranging the grading and mailing system so that it is efficient.

f . Maintaining a list of helpers.

g. Motivating others to become involved in the program.

h. Training helpers.

i. Double checking all graded lessons.

j . Presenting monthly reports to the congregation.

k. Answering all questions that are received from B.C.C. students.

1. Putting students in contact with churches in various parts of the country.

m. Seeing that the mail is picked up every day.

n. Seeing that records are kept for all students.

I am sure there are many other things that are involved in the directors’ duties, but these are sufficient to show what an important job it is.

3. The cooperation of the congregation is also important to the success of the Correspondence Course. The program must fit the overall program of the church. If it is simply viewed as a passing novelty rather than a valuable teaching medium, it will not last. When members cooperate, talk it up etc., it will help to recruit new students. The course can and should be used in connection with the personal work program of the church. Following up the leads from the course is imperative. Those who have taken the course make excellent prospects since they have received first principle instruction through the course already. Many who would never come to the building to receive instruction are willing to study through this method.

How To Get Started

When we become convinced that a Bible Correspondence Course is an effective means of spreading the gospel, and determine that we want to be successful with such a program, the neit logical question is “Where do we begin?” “How do we get started?”

1. Secure material. There are a number of good courses available for your use, such as:

a. Visualized Bible Correspondence Course by Jule Miller (5 lessons).

b. Know Your Bible by Gene Tope (6 lessons). This is published by Cogdill Foundation.

c. Studies in the Bible by Monroe Hawley (30 lessons).

d. Foundations in Faith by Monroe Hawley (30 lessons).

These are just a few of the many courses that are available through various book stores. You might prefer to prepare your own material. We use the John Hurt, eight-lesson course and have had good results with it. This course is very popular and does a fine job of presenting first principle truths.

2. The Congregation Can Help. While such courses are thought of as being for those outside the church, the easiest way of getting started is by enrolling as many of the local members as possible and asking them in turn, to enroll at least three others who are not members of the church. This will automatically generate far more interest in the program than would otherwise be possible. Usually, members of the congregation are more than willing to cooperate in this matter when it is made clear that their help is really needed in order to make the program effective. By involving the members in the course, they will be more familiar with the material and the procedures involved. Being familiar with the course makes it a lot easier to tell others about it. By having personally taken the course, you will be able to confidently recommend it to others. You might circulate a paper in the adult and teen classes and let interested people sign their name if they are willing to take the course. With this nucleus the course will soon pyramid. Continue to emphasize the program through bulletins, etc. Keep people informed as to the results that are being achieved. Remember, enthusiasm is contagious!

3. Advance preparation. In addition to the ideas thus far presented, there are a number of other things to do before initiating your Correspondence Course. You need a room or corner where the supply of materials can be properly arranged. Perhaps a rack on the wall or a shelf to hold the various lessons and form letters. This way you can see at a glance if you are running low on any particular lesson or letter. Also, a desk or working area is needed so that those volunteering to help will have a place to do the work with all the supplies at hand. If the materials and supplies are shuffled around from house to house and no standard procedure for grading and mailing is followed, the whole thing will be a hopeless mess in a few short weeks.

Check with the Post Office regarding mailing procedures, weights and restrictions. A good knowledge of postal regulations will save a lot of headaches. Keep plenty of stamps on hand as well as envelopes and other standard supplies. Decide on a convenient mailing address and have a rubber stamp made so that envelopes, etc. may be quickly addressed. In most cases it is best to have the stamp say “Bible Correspondence Course” rather than “church of Christ” to avoid any possible prejudice to the first lesson.

Mailing the Lessons

The following procedure has proven very successful for the church in Kettering.

1. Mail Lesson One and Lesson Two together with a letter of introduction and a small return envelope so that the test sheet can be mailed back to you. Be sure to stamp your address in the center of the return envelope. We also put the postage on the return envelope to try to get a maximum return. It is usually very important to pay the postage both ways on all lessons since many people will otherwise lay the lessons aside, intending to mail them when they get some stamps.

2. We include in the form letter, instructions for the student to finish Lesson One and send it in with the enclosed envelope. While Lesson One is in route, they have Lesson Two in hand. This keeps their interest at a maximum and speeds up their completion.

3. When we receive Lesson One, we grade it and send it back to the student along with Lesson Three and so on. Before we send it back, however, we record the following information on their enrollment card:

a. Date last lesson was received.

b. Grade.

c. Mailing date.

This information is important in order that delinquent students may be contacted before they become completely disinterested. One other helpful hint along this line; give each student a number. Put this number on the enrollment card and also on each lesson mailed out. This eliminates the problem created when students forget to put their names on the test sheets.

4. When we mail Lesson Four we also include another form letter and three enrollment cards requesting the names of other prospective students. This has proven very effective for enrolling new students.

5. When the student has finished the course, a completion certificate is filled out and either sent along with the last graded test or else delivered to the student in person. This personal contact is extremely important for the program to be really effective.

One somewhat discouraging note that needs to be mentioned is that often when we mail the name and address of a student to a local church or preacher in the same area as the student., we find that little effort is made to contact and study with these people. This is sad indeed! We ought to be thrilled to receive the names and addresses of these potential prospects. Some of the students have even indicated a desire to be baptized. I will take a thousand leads like that any day!

Advertising

Without a doubt, the best advertising for a correspondence course is word of mouth. That is why it is so important for the members of the local congregation to get behind the effort and to tell their friends about the “free home Bible study course.”

1. Cards. Encourage members to carry advertising cards with them. You would be surprised how often you will have an opportunity to give someone a card or enroll them in the course. One great place to try to sign up people for the course is at “Garage Sales.” These sales have become as “American” as “Apple Pie and Ice Cream.” If you have a garage sale, why not keep a stack of cards handy? If you are spending an afternoon and all your extra money going to garage sales, why not take along some cards and give them to people that you converse with? This is just one example. There are many ways that you could inform people of such a course. Let us be “fishers of men” and use the many opportunities to evangelize the world.

2. Newspapers. Another form of advertising is through newspapers and magazines. This is a great deal more expensive, but it can be very effective. The church I mentioned earlier in Bancroft, Canada resulted from an ad placed in the local paper. We have received many names from placing an occasional ad in Grit Magazine.

3. Door-to-door. Another method of advertising such a course is door-to-door canvassing. In some areas, this method is probably more effective than in other areas, but usually several interested people can be found.

4. Others. There are a number of other promotional possibilities, such as radio and television, fair booths, Dia1A-Prayer, etc.

What About Cost?

Probably the nicest thing about a Bible Correspondence Course is that you can regulate the cost. As you increase your advertising, your number enrolled will also increase. At Kettering, we try to maintain a budget of $100.00 per month for our course. Having begun the course three years ago, we now have spent approximately $3500.00 total on the course. We have enrolled students in 45 states and also Canada.

Results

While we have not had the phenomenal results such as in Bancroft, we have baptized five and restored one as a direct result of the course. There have been fourteen requests for home Bible studies. Scores of tracts have been sent, several books have been sent as well as dozens of Bibles. Hundreds of letters and notes of encouragement have been written. It is difficult to say how many hours have been spent in answering questions raised by the students, but there have indeed been many. We have a yearly goal of 600 new members.

Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel.” A good, effectively run Bible Correspondence Course is truly a wonderful way to reach the lost with the gospel which Paul said is the power of God unto salvation.

Truth Magazine XXII: 23, pp. 374-376
June 8, 1978