When spiritual blessings, endowments and privileges go unappreciated and unused they are often forfeited. God withdraws them -- to the eternal impoverishment of the careless and indifferent.
    The privilege of being a "kingdom people" was taken from the nation of Israel and given to a people who would accept its responsibilities, (Matt. 21:43). In the parables Jesus told, the single talent and pound were taken from the timid, careless, slothful and indifferent servants and given to those who had proved their loyalty in the faithful use of that committed to them, (Matt. 25:28 Lk. 19:24). The husbandmen who abused their privileges -- defrauding the Lord of the vineyard -- are destroyed, and the vineyard given to others, (Lk. 20:16). Even the church that leaves its first love, and neglects to do the first works, is threatened with the removal of its "candlestick" -- except it repent, (Rev. 2:5).
    Surely the abundant blessings that have been bestowed on a New Covenant people, by the Lord Jesus Christ, requires of us a loving devotion and faithful loyalty that joyfully abandons our lives to Him as "Lord of ALL".

    The Word of God is rich in beautiful paradoxes which speak of spiritual "gain" through temporal "loss". The loss, to self, or earthly treasures (in giving to the poor) assures "treasure in heaven", (Matt. 19:21). Self - sacrifice is a profitable investment if it is made "unto the Lord", (Matt. 19:29; Mk. 8:35). True humility leads to exaltation, (Mk. 9:35); and the grain of wheat that falls into the ground and dies "bringeth forth much fruit" (John 12:24).
    Every child of God would do well to abandon himself absolutely to do the will of God as did the apostle Paul, who wrote: "But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ, Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God, by faith", (Phil. 3:7-9).
    Whoever forsakes the world, and its cherished relationships to follow Christ, will be richly blessed.

    It was a real joy, and blessed encouragement, when Bro. Robert Beale publicly declared his faith in Jesus Christ and asked for baptism "into Christ and into the church" - in our morning service on June 10. On Saturday evening, June 16, Bob and our oldest daughter, Ricky, were united in holy matrimony. Then, on Sunday morning, June 24, he was buried in the waters of Christian Baptism.
    WELCOME, Bob!! We look forward to sharing many of the Lord's blessings together in the days ahead.

    It will be the privilege of this editor to preach in two meetings in California from August 29 thru September 9. Beginning August 29, I will be speaking for the Bethel Baptist Church, in Sacramento, each

evening through August 2. (A fellowship meeting will be held during the day.) Then, September 5-9, I will be speaking twice each day for the Faith Missionary Baptist Church of Salinas -- Bro. Jim Burks, Pastor. It has not been my privilege to meet Bro. Burks yet, but I look forward to doing so -- having heard nothing but good reports of his life and work. Faith Church is a relatively young church with a far reaching vision. They are very much MISSION MINDED --- evidenced by recent offerings, of $250 each, to the transportation funds for the Potter's and Sullivan's.
    Pray with me, that the Lord will enable me to be a blessing to these churches and brethren. I hope to see several brethren from California at one of these meetings. E.G.

    According to Pastor James A. McCoy, the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, of Greencastle, Indiana, has now raised a sufficient amount to assure the passage of Missionary Edgar D. Sullivan & Family back to Japan. They raised, with the help of other churches and individuals, the $l200 needed for tickets, but fell considerably short of their desire to provide a vehicle for his use on Okinawa. Also, there is still a need for something like $500 that will be required to ship their goods. If you want to get in on this you may still do so by writing: c/o Bro. James McCoy, Rt. 4, Greencastle, Indiana.
    The Sullivan's are now making their way toward the West Coast and a late August departure.

    Reaching back to a principle clearly set forth in the law, Paul urged: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest live long on the earth", (Eph. 6:1-3). No child has ever suffered any real loss by faithfully heeding the Word of God, and lovingly, willingly, joyfully giving to his Christian parents the kind of respect that is pleasing to God.
    Many have suffered tremendous personal and eternal loss by failure to heed the divine admonition -- living in such a way as to bring dishonor upon those who have, often at great cost, nurtured and cared for them -- loving them even when their response was heartbreaking.
    There are various ways whereby children may dishonor their parents. No doubt, some indulge in such practices without stopping to consider that they are SINNING -- both against their parents and the One whom they call their heavenly Father. That all may be alerted to the fact that such "dishonor" may come through various actions, note the following six things.
    Children may dishonor their parents by: (1) STUBBORNNESS, (Deut. 21:l8-20; I Sam. 15:23). (2) DESPISING THEIR MOTHER, (Prov. 15:20; 23:22). (3) CURSING THEIR FATHER (Lev. 20:9; Prov. 30:11-12). (4) LACK OF RESPECT, (Deut. 27:16). (5) CAUSING STRIFE AT HOME, (Micah 7:6). (6) DISOBEDIENCE, (Col. 3:20;

2 Tim. 3:2; Prov. 6:20).
    In view of the seriousness of every form of rebellion, it is of vast importance that both children and parents be aware of certain corrective measures that are laid down in the Word of God. Whoever rejects God's counsel, be it child or parent, must face the eternal consequences.
    "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction will drive it far from him" .... He that spareth his rod HATETH HIS SON: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes (diligently)", Prov. 22:15; 13:24.
    Father, do you really LOVE your children? or are you just sentimental about them?
    And do you, children, appreciate loving parents who will discipline you faithfully -- desirous of helping you to develop such strength of character as will enable you to stand against the wiles of the devil and to honor the Christ Who gave His life for you, at Calvary??
YOU SHOULD!!              E.G.

    Our regular Business Meeting has been postponed, from July 7 to July 21, due to the fact that so many of our members are vacationing.
    Be sure to make a note of this change on your calendar and plan to be present. The business of the church is ALWAYS YOUR BUSINESS! EG

HAVE YOU PRAYED FOR THE PASTOR TODAY?

    The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down", (Psa. 145:14).
    God never seems to tire of helping His children learn the necessary lessons of life. No matter how often we fail, He seems willing to give us another chance. When we fail a lesson, He does not hastily dismiss us from the class; rather, He encourages us to TRY AGAIN.
    Were it not for our Father's great patience we should never, no

NEVER, be like Christ. But He never wearies of our slowness. He is pleased with our efforts to walk by faith -- however imperfect; He always has a word of encouragement for those whose hearts desire only to know and do His will.
    Oh, that we might learn such patience in dealing with each other -- especially those who are weak in the faith. It would be good for us all; and it would glorify our Father Who is in heaven.