No work on earth is more honorable, and no position more responsible than that of the Gospel Minister. That we may better evaluate the Gospel Ministry, it is important to consider the identity, qualifications and duties of the Gospel Minister -- as set forth in the inspired Word of God.
    First, THE GOSPEL MINISTER IS IDENTIFIED BY THE VARIOUS TITLES USED TO DESIGNATE HIS OFFICE AND FUNCTION.
    1. He is a Servant of the Lord, and even of his brethren "for Jesus' sake". Having obtained a like precious faith through the righteousness of God & our Saviour Jesus Christ, he abandons his own self will and personal, fleshly desires to joyfully accept the yoke of Jesus Christ as a willing "bondservant". Giving heed to the commandment and example of his Lord, he will gird himself and serve his brethren,(2 Tim. 2:24; 2 Pet. 1:1).
    2. He is a "Worker" and "Laborer"; the call of the Gospel Ministry is NOT the granting of a leave of absence from responsibility, nor is it designed to send the one so

called on an extended vacation. It is a call TO EARNEST ENDEAVOR which will require strenuous spiritual exertion. In answer to prayer, the Gospel Minister is called and sent forth as a laborer into a field that is "white unto harvest", (Matt. 9:38). He is called to be God's "fellow laborer"; and whether, under God's direction, it is his lot to lay the foundation, or build upon that laid by another; he must "take heed how he builds", (I Cor. 3:9-10). As God's fellow workman, the faithful minister will beseech others that they "receive not the grace of God in vain", (2 Cor. 6:1). In Christ's stead, he will call upon the alienated -- urging them that they "be reconciled to God", and testifying that such is possible through DIVINE INITIATIVE. God has made His own Son to be sin for us, though he had no sin of His own -- that we might be made the righteousness of God IN HIM, (2 Cor. 5:20-21).
    3. He is a STEWARD, (I Cor. 4:1-2). Divinely endowed, he ministers to his brethren as a good steward of the manifold grace of God, that God may in all things be glorified through Jesus Christ who is worthy of eternal praise and dominion,

    In the midst of a world of anxiety over the diminishing supply of food, fuel and various resources, it is most comforting to remember that the reserves of an omnipotent God are ever undiminished. In the midst of distressing shortages, the apostle Paul wrote to his Corinthian brethren long ago: "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispensed abroad: He hath given to the poor: His righteousness remaineth forever. Now He that ministereth seed to the sower, both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness) being enriched in everything in all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God", (2 Cor. 9:8-11).

    Rightly related to Jesus Christ, we are partners in plenty; we share all things common with Him. But if we are alienated from him, through the rebellion of sin, we become the victims of spiritual scarcity. Our nation is stampeded by alarmed -- almost panicky -- economists; what would be more profitable is for the professed Christians of America to become CONCERNED ABOUT SPIRITUAL THINGS! Our materialistic age must learn that "Man doth not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4).
    Is it not high time that we began, seriously, to "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness"? Then we would find the sufficiency of our Father's undiminished reserves; ".....all these things shall be added unto you".
    The secret of deliverance from spiritual famine, into divine bountifulness, is beautifully expressed in the lines of William Sleeper's great hymn:

(1 Pet. 4:l0-ll). The faithful and wise steward, in our Lord's parable, is made ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season, (Lk. 12:42) -- rightly dividing the word of truth. And blessed is that servant who is obedient to his Lord; he will be made "ruler over all that he hath".
    The apostle Paul charged that those who rule well be counted worthy of double honor (that is, double pay) especially those who labor in word & doctrine, (I Tim. 5:17-18).
    4. He is designated an "Angel" (or messenger) of the church, who receives the word of God and distributes it to others through teaching and preaching. As a TEACHER, he must follow the pattern set by his Lord who "began both to DO and teach". It is much easier to teach what one practices than by mere theoretical instruction. As a PREACHER, one holds forth the Word of life in such a way as to appeal to the heart, conscience and will of the hearer. Faithfulness and truth must ever characterize the manner in which the messenger of God handles the Word. Nor should he ever be ashamed of the testimony of the One who has saved him and called him with a holy calling -- not upon the basis of meritorious deeds, but according to His own purpose and grace that was given us IN CHRIST JESUS before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light thru the Gospel where-

unto He appoints PREACHERS & TEACHERS.
    5. He is a Bishop, Overseer or Watchman. Whoever desires the office of a bishop desires a good work. As from a watchtower, he surveys the surroundings; he considers and analyzes the danger, and when appropriate SOUNDS AN ALARM as one who watches and must give account for the souls of men. Thus, he prays as he watches with perseverance and supplication for the saints.
    6. He is also designated (in his role as shepherd over one of His Lord's little flocks) by such terms as Pastor, Elder, or Presbyter. This is a role requiring wisdom and spiritual maturity; the Greek term for "elder" suggests a "sharp chinned" person. Though this does not necessarily require a man of advanced age, it does suggest the necessity of a mature mind and an understanding heart. A Good Shepherd CARES for his sheep -- both loving them and earnestly endeavoring to TAKE CARE of their needs.

    To brethren Bob Melancen and Hubert Lee, who conducted the services at Landmark in my absence, want to express my sincere THANKS. And, to Landmark Church ANOTHER "THANKS" for permitting my ministry in other places when receiving an invitation for special services.
    May the Lord bless each of you for making this possible.

    The week of August 6-12 was a delightful one for this editor. It was spent with Pastor Homer L. Bryan and the Clear Lake Missionary Baptist Church of Pioneer, Louisiana. We thank God for a good church revival, fellowship meeting and ordination service there.
    Both morning and evening services were held except for Saturday. On Friday we enjoyed a full day of fellowship -- hearing messages from brethren: Willard Spilman, Sam Arnold, James Danley, Douglas Sanford; Leonard Garlington, Edward Byrd,

James McCoy, Mike Rogers and Wayne Ruff. It was my pleasure to bring the ordination message for Bro. Bryan -- especially since he has gone out from Landmark Church to bear the testimony of Jesus.
    The previous weekend was spent with Corinth MBC at Dry Prong, La. In addition to the fellowship with that fine church, I was blessed to enjoy the fellowship of my sister; Lavella (who drove in from Dallas); and the Richard Kamerman family, from Pueblo, Colorado.
    Both of these Louisiana churches have the prospect of a bright future before then.

    The first piece of mail received by the CLARION HERALD with regard to the appeal for funds for a printing press for Bro. Don Ross was most gratifying. It came from this editor's brother, Dr. Albert Garner, recently elected President of the American Baptist Association. He sent a nice offering "because I have faith in the worth of his 1abors".
Thanks!! and may others follow this fine example. E.G.