Missionary Carlton Elkins & Family plan to return to the States for a brief visit (3 months) in June of this year. They have been laboring - with the Bethel MBC of Kunitachi, Japan.
    According to a letter from Pastor Willard Spilman, the Bethel MBC of Arvada, Colorado (Bro. Elkins' sponsoring church) has started a Travel Fund for the purpose of providing passage for the return of this missionary family. Those wishing to share in this great task may send their offerings designated for the "Elkins Passage Fund" to: Bro. T. 0. Richardson, 5990 Garland St., Arvada, Colorado 80002.

    This is the first commandment of God recorded in the Scriptures -- a creative commandment. Before the created universe could sustain life it was necessary that darkness be overcome by light. At God's command light appeared. Darkness fled. And God saw the light that it was good.
    More than 4,000 years later Paul wrote: "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us", (2 Cor. 4:6-7).
    It was as a "Light" that Jesus Christ came into this sin darkened world. He came down from the Father of Lights (Jas. 1:17) to "lighten the Gentiles" (Lk. 2:32) -- the "Glory of Israel", His people. So long as He was in the world He remained the "Light of the world". Through Him the hearts and minds of men were enlightened to understand something of the Father's purpose & provision of salvation for all who would willingly yield themselves under His divine direction.

    Before His return to the Father, Jesus designated His church to be the "light of the world". His people are the "children of light" (I Thes. 5:5) who are to walk in the light of the Lord -- reflecting the brilliancy of divine glory in a world increasingly darkened by abounding iniquity.
    Positive guidance for such a walk of uprightness and fellowship with God is to be found in His Word -- divinely inspired, faithfully transmitted and providentially preserved through the passing centuries. A "lamp" for our feet, it lightens the path before us. Hidden in our hearts, it secures us against sin and will ultimately bring us to the Eternal City where the Lamb is the Everlasting Light (Rev. 21:23).
    Now, as in the ancient past, God commands: "Let there he light!" But this time he means us -- as individuals and churches. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and

glorify your Father which is in heaven", (Matt. 5:16). But we must remember that the "light" is not REALLY ours; it is a BORROWED LIGHT that glows only as we walk in such intimacy of fellowship with God as to behold the light of His countenance.
    The manner of our response to God's call for light-bearers will determine the extent of our ultimate participation in the "glory" -- radiant brilliance, praise, honor, and supreme worthiness -- that our Lord purposes to share with His faithful servants in the age to come. So, let us seek His face, that we may go from His presence, with the glow of divine love, to rescue perishing souls from the dark bondage of sin -- leading them to light, liberty, and the LIFE THAT IS REAL!

    According to a new law passed by our wise (?) legislators, the nation will be going on year round Daylight Savings Time this coming Sunday. So, DON'T FORGET TO RUN THOSE CLOCKS FORWARD ONE HOUR next Saturday night.
    Though none of us will especially like the idea of getting up an hour earlier (and it is doubtful whether there is actually any fuel-savings involved), the nation will be moving on a new time schedule.
    Why not purpose in your heart RIGHT NOW that your presence at the services of your church, ON TIME, is just as important as your arrival (on time) at your daily job. Let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves together. THE LORD IS COMING SOON!

    Most everyone seems aware that our nation has been overtaken by a fuel-energy crisis. Few, however, seem aware of the spiritual energy crisis' that has crept upon our hearts, homes, churches and nation. Perhaps we are willing to acknowledge the spiritual peril of the nation; but when it comes to considering the coldness of our churches, our homes and our own hearts, we are ready to change the subject.
    How very relevant to our times is the word of Isaiah: "The ox knoweth its owner and the donkey its master's feeding rack: Israel does not understand: my people show themselves lacking in discernment", (Isa. 1:3). Or as written in Jeremiah 3:11-13: "But my people have exchanged their glory for something that does not profit. Be awestruck, O Heavens, at this! Bristle with horror and be exceeding desolate, says the Lord, because my people have committed two evils: They have forsaken me, the Fountain of living waters, and they have hewn out for themselves cisterns, broken cisterns, which cannot hold water". From whence comes YOUR spiritual nourishment? From a broken cistern of your own making? or from God and His Word? Jesus said: "Blessed are those who are hungry and thirsty for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied", (Matt. 5:6).
    All that we have has been given to us of the Lord THAT WE MIGHT GLORIFY HIM! Are our minds cluttered with thoughts that are a reproach to Him? Or, in obedience to the Biblical injunction, do we put

our minds on things that are "true, honorable, just, lovely, kindly spoken, lofty and praiseworthy", (see Phil. 4:8)?
    Are our days over-crowded with our own plans before we ask God's blessing on them? Or do we allow Him to direct them? We need to seek God's direction with hearts like that of the Psalmist: "0 that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes", (119:5)! "As wise people", we must learn to make the best use of our time because these are evil days.
    The Lord has blessed us with homes and children that, therewith, we might honor Him. Are we REALLY training our children in His way? HE IS FAITHFUL! The resources He provides are bountiful if yielded to His direction. Paul assured the Philippians: "My God will fully supply ALL your needs according to His abundant wealth so glorious in Christ Jesus", (4:19).
    There is no shortage of the spiritual resources available to faith. But our unwillingness to recognize, confess and forsake our sin often stops the flow. Let us not be like ancient Israel in saying "We are not sinning". Rather, let us draw near to God that our sins may be clearly exposed; then confess & forsake them. This is the sure remedy for our SPIRITUAL CRISIS. It is necessary before the blessings of God can flow through us, to others.
    "Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God", (I Cor. 10:31).

    Our hearts have been encouraged by the many evidences of God's work in our midst here at Landmark during the past few months. Many visitors have attended the services, and there has been evidence of a renewed interest in things that are spiritual.
    We are happy to WELCOME the Easterline Family (Delmar, Marcella, Christopher & Tori) into our church family. And our hearts rejoiced to see Mrs. Cindy Jacobs come professing her faith in Christ last Sunday evening. Pray that other hearts max respond in the near future. EG

    1. It arouses interest in the future, (Matt. 23:39; Lk. 21:25-28; 2 Thes. 1:10; Heb. 9:28; I Pet. 1:7, 13).
    2. It alerts to deception, (Matt. 24:23-27; 2 Tim. 4:1-5).
    3. It calls for WATCHFULNESS, (Matt. 24:42; 25:13; Lk. 13:33-37;Lk. 12:35-37; 21:34-36; I Thes. 5:4-6; Rev. 16:15).
    4. It requires constant READINESS, (Matt. 24:44; 25:1-13).
    5. It requires ministerial fidelity, (Matt. 24:45-57; I Thes.2:19-20; I Pet. 5:1-4).
    6. It encourages "joy & peace", (Jn. 16:16-33; I Thes, 1:10).
    7. It promotes brotherly love within the church,(I Thes. 3:12-13).
    8. It encourages steadfastness, (2 Thes. 2:1-2; I Tim. 6:14).
    9. It calls for suitable PREPARATION on the part of all, (Acts 3:19-21; Rev. 3:3; Heb. 9:27-28).

    Some have asked about the editor's "Outline Studies in the Covenants". They have been out of print, but are now available again. These studies were designed for use in the Sunday School at Landmark Church. Price is $1.00 each, or $8.00 per dozen -- postpaid.
    It is hoped that during this New Year we will be able to get other studies into print. E.G.

    It is really great to be alive in 1974! NEVER has the opportunity for Christian service been greater!