The words of Jesus to His twelve apostles were not always addressed to them as "individuals"; He sometimes addressed them representatively. This may be illustrated by the Great Commission and by His words at the institution of the Lord's Supper, (Matt. 25:18-20; Lk. 22:19-20; I Cor. 11:24-26).
    It was not possible that the Twelve should fulfil either of these commands. They were all men -- appointed unto death, (Heb. 9:27). They would not live "unto the consummation of the age"; nor would they be permitted to continue among the living unto the Second Coming of their Lord. Jesus Himself had repeatedly warned them of certain rejection and death -- both theirs and His. And the New Testament no-where gives the slightest hint that Jesus ever intended to perpetuate His New Covenant purpose through a "succession" of apostles.
    The real question is: "Of what were the apostles REPRESENTATIVE?" of Israel, as a nation? or of the New Testament church which Jesus had already set in motion?
In Matthew 13:10-17 Jesus very clearly distinguishes between the

Jews and His own disciples, who inquired concerning His purpose in teaching by parables: "Because it is given unto YOU to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to THEM it is not given. Jesus addressed the "chief priests and Pharisees" as representing the Jewish nation, (Matt. 21:42-45). Beside this, the nation had already been severed from the position of covenant fellowship with God because of its unbelief -- rejected, and no longer usable as an instrument for effecting His righteous purpose in the earth, (Jer. 6:19, 30; 7:25-29, etc.).
    With a small "remnant" of faithful Jews that were found in the nation Jesus established a new witnessing institution which He called "my church", (Matt. 16:18). The 12 apostles were ordained and set IN the church as the very first of the spiritual ministry-gifts -- designed for the maturing of His body, (I Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11-16). They were ordained of the Lord to devote their lives to the "rooting and grounding" of the church in eternal truth -- as they were directed by the Holy Spirit.
    It is interesting to note that, at the close of this age, while the

nation is in unbelief (not yet restored to the covenant-position) the church is referred to as "the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ", (Rev. 12:17).
    Thus, it should be clear that Jesus addressed the 12 apostles as representative of the New Testament church -- whose responsibility and privilege it is to "hold forth the word of life" as it goes forth, in Jesus' name, to make disciples of all nations "baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things" whatsoever the master has commanded. As this commission is faithfully executed, the people of God may claim His faithful promise: "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the CONSUMMATION of the age!"
    "To Him be glory IN THE CHURCH" declared the apostle to the Gentiles. Are YOU giving it? E.G.

    With emotional appeals that verge on hysteria many professed teachers of God's Word pressure ignorant souls for a "decision" -- "Because" they say, "Jesus may come AT ANY MOMENT and forever close the door of opportunity for salvation". This "any-moment" idea is what is here meant by "imminency".
    This theory was never set forth by Jesus -- or any of His apostles. Had He not warned them of certain rejection and death -- even showing Peter the very manner of his death? Thus, PETER certainly could never have taught his hearers to expect an "any-moment" return of His Lord, (2 Pet. 1:13-14; Jn. 21:18-l9).
    What about other New Testament writers? Could any of Jesus disciples have taught such a thing before the fulfillment of the intervening things predicted by their Master in Matthew 24? Did any of then live long enough to see these things fulfilled?
    Could the apostle Paul have set forth such a doctrine -- while constantly awaiting the fulfillment of some specific promise the Lord had given for His encouragement? (See Acts 23:11) Was this, in fact, his expectation while imprisoned at Rome? (See: Phil. 1:23; 2 Tim. 4:6-8) In fact, is there a single passage in the entire Word of God that specifically teaches the idea of "imminency" with regard to Christ's return?
    If there is no Scriptural foundation for such a teaching, is it not UNSCRIPTURAL? Does the preaching of such a thing constitute what

some brethren call "heresy"? Is it not dangerously presumptuous to hold and propagate teachings that are not true to the revealed Word of God?
    Through a faith-submission to His Word, ALL men ought to prepare for our Lord's return. But let no one imagine himself immune to such trials, afflictions and tribulation as have been experienced by faithful men of GOD in EVERY past age. This is especially important since the apostle Paul clearly declared that "we must THROUGH MUCH TRIBULATION enter into the Kingdom of God", (Acts 14:22).
    A false sense of security, in the face of danger, can be most disastrous! Such as submit themselves to God IN LOVING SERVICE may rest securely in the sufficiency of the "everlasting arms that are underneath. They will sustain thru every trial. But a false hope, rooted in phantom dreams, leaves one ill-prepared in face reality.
    Better stick with the "sure word" of divine revelation; the Scriptures cannot be broken.    E.G.


    Many there are who "sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron; Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most high", (Psa. 107:10-11). In His providence their hearts were brought low; they fell down and found no one to help. "Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of all their distresses. He

brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder. Oh that men would PRAISE THE LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!!" (Psa. 107:12-15).
    There are many in our day who constantly cry out for "liberation" -- with little idea as to what they actually desire. For the most part they are endeavoring to escape from the ORDER that God has established for the common welfare of mankind. It is a yearning that springs from the "flesh" -- the craving of SELF to be recognized, appreciated, honored, etc. It is little wonder that such people are never satisfied; they are looking in the wrong direction.
    True "liberation" is through the SPIRIT -- the Holy Spirit. It is His office work to point men to the real LIBERTOR -- Jesus Christ. He came to preach deliverance to the captives", (Luke 4:18). Such as commit their lives into His hands experience a spiritual liberty that cannot be known apart from Him.
    By His atoning death Jesus liberates from sin's penalty, (I Pet. 2:24). By His risen LIFE He liberates from its power, (Rom. 6:4-5, 10; 8:34; Heb. 7::5; I Jn. 2:1). By His indwelling presence He liberates from sin's pollution, (Jn. 15:4-5; I John 2:3-6). By the riches of His grace He liberates from its poverty, (Eph. 2:7; Col.2:3; 2 Cor. 8:9). By the pleasures "at His right hand" He liberates us fromc the deceptive enticements of sin, (Ps. 16:11; 17:15; 21:1-7; 36:7-10; 46:4). And by His glorious second coming He will liberate us from the

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very presence of sin, (Phil. 3:20-21).
    Not only does Jesus Christ liberate the trusting soul from SIN; He liberates from "self" and from "the world" that we may joyfully and voluntarily surrender our ALL to His benevolent care and direction. This alone is TRUE liberation!
    HAVE YOU BEEN LIBERATED ??

    Landmark Church was richly blessed by the recent visit of Bro. Don Ross. Our hearts were challenged, encouraged and strengthened by his messages and the fellowship we enjoyed together.

I heard a voice, the sweetest voice
    That mortal ever heard;
Oh! how it made my heart rejoice,
    And every feeling stirred!
'Twas Jesus spoke to me so mild;
    He called me to His side,
And said, although with heart
    defiled,
I might in Him confide.

I saw His face, the fairest face
    That mortal ever saw;
I longed the Saviour to embrace,
    From Him new life to draw.
"Come unto me", He kindly said,
    "And I will give thee rest;
The ransom-price I fully paid --
    Repent! be1ieve! be blest!"

I felt His love, the strongest love
    That mortal ever felt;
Oh! how it drew my soul above,
    And made my hard heart melt!
My burden at His feet I laid,
    And knew the joy of heaven,
As in my willing ear He said
    The blessed word, "FORGIVEN!"


    Although we have had no direct word concerning his arrival there, it is our understanding that Bro. Steve Montgomery & Family are now back on the mission field in Brazil.
    Correspondence may, at least temporarily, be sent to his previous address: