For a number of years Bro. James A. McCoy pastored the Lokahi MBC, on Oahu-Hawaii. About two years ago, under the sponsorship of the Mea Hou MBC, he organized a new work. With his wife, Patricia, he has labored faithfully and zealously - concerned for perishing souls and the blood-purchased church of his dear Lord.
    House rent and rental of a meeting place are costing well over $1,000.00 monthly. Bro. McCoy has expressed a desire for help in raising funds sufficient for a down payment on a house that may serve both as a home for the missionary-pastor and as a meeting place for the little flock.
    Landmark MBC, of Rockford, Illinois, will be taking a special offering for this purpose on March 31. It is our prayer that others will help in this worthy undertaking. Let us give liberally, as unto the Lord. -- Eugene L. Garner

    For the first time in 21 years of publication, YOU (the readers of the CLARION HERALD) have sent funds sufficient to cover the full

    In setting forth the transforming nature of the New Covenant to those who believe, Paul used an Old Testament illustration, (Exodus 33:18-23). Moses had been in God's school at Mt. Sinai, taking a couple of "crash courses" of 40 days each. During this time, he was not only "instructed"; he was "transfigured". When he came down from the mountain, he not only handed Israel the tables of stone; he also reflected the very glory of God in his face.
    On his second trip to the mountain, Moses made a request of God (Ex. 33:18); a request that was partly granted, (Ex. 34:28-29, 35). He also desired this benefit for his beloved people, (Ex. 34:9). In answer, God gave to Moses a transient glory. His prayer has now been answered in a more glorious way, (Jn. 1:14). Since God has sent His Son to walk among us (Heb. 1:3), we have everything necessary to live the changed, transformed and glorious life!

    Not only has God dwelt among us; the Holy Spirit, in a very special way, dwells WITHIN His church, (Eph. 2:21-22). Thus, with unveiled face, we may now behold, as in a mirror, the glory of the Lord - being progressively transfigured from one degree of glory to another.
    Paul tells how this may become a reality in our lives, (Eph. 1:17- 21). By the illuminating presence of the Holy Spirit, we may look upon Jesus with such a clarity of vision that He becomes precious to our souls. If we have Christ, the old veil is done away; if we do NOT have Him, or are failing to look to Him, there will be no glory-light on our faces!
    It is only BY FAITH that we may look upon the person of our glorious Lord. Through the saving experience we may look on WHAT HE HAS DONE. Through the testimony of the Scriptures, we may look back to what He was with the Father before the

world was made. We behold the mystery of His self-emptying love, whereby He voluntarily humbled Himself to become one of us. We observe His sinless life, the manifestation of His Messianic credentials, His love and compassion for sinners. Then, we see Him taking our sin upon Himself - bearing it in His own body on the tree, and finally yielding up His spirit to the Father.
    But the grave could not hold Him! Following His resurrection, we see Him instructing His disciples concerning His coming kingdom, commissioning His church to make, baptize and instruct disciples in the way of His appointment. Then He was caught up into the clouds of heaven - exalted to the right hand and throne of His Father, the great High Priest over the "house of God", Who presently intercedes for His people. Nor is that all, He is also pictured as coming again to establish His Messianic Kingdom on earth and to reign gloriously, FOREVER!
    As we lovingly, appreciatively and joyfully gaze upon the broad sweep of His power, work and ministry, we are transfigured "from glory to glory" by the Spirit of the Lord.
    The light reflected on Moses" face was BORROWED; when he could no longer meet face-to-face with God, the glory faded. So it is with us. The more intensely and longingly we gaze upon Christ, the brighter will be the evidence of Christ - likeness in our character. But, if we cease to look to Him, we will

then cease to reflect His glory to those around us. By God's grace this divine cosmetic may lighten the faces of all His people. It was something that Moses sought again at the close of his life, (Psalm 90:16-17).
    As Moses descended the mountain, where he had communed with God, he was NOT CONSCIOUS of the glory- light upon his face. Nor did Peter and John realize that Christ was being reflected in their lives, (Acts 4:13). The courageous Stephen, standing before the Council, would have been surprised to know what others were seeing: they saw his face "as it had been the face of an angel", (Acts 6:15). No cosmetic of man's making can begin to compare with the unconscious beauty and unsought loveliness of the person whose heart takes its delight in constantly gazing into the face of Jesus - delighting in the beauty of His divine holiness!
    The glory-light on the faces of God's people should be IRRESISTIBLE. The light on Moses' face struck fear in the hearts of his brethren. Nor will an ungodly world show any deep gratitude for the light of Christ reflected in the faces of His people today, (Jn. 3:19-21). The transfigured face will bear silent witness to the radiance of a holy life, (Col. 1:27). At the same time, it will sharply pierce the conscience of those who are living in revolt against God, (Acts 7:51-60).
    The word "changed" (2 Cor. 3:18) is the same as "transfigured" in Matthew 17:2. There we find:

"transfigured", "shine", "sun,", "white", and "light". Here is a powerful accumulation of words describing the change that Jesus Christ effects in those who, with obedient and thankful hearts, set their gaze upon Him.
    Without seeking it as an end in itself, as we look to Jesus, the people of God are becoming more and more like each other - as each becomes more like the Master. He is not ashamed of this resemblance, (Heb. 2:17-18). This likeness is only partial, but it is progressing. Those little wintry seams and wrinkles that so soon begin to appear in our faces are only SUPERFICIAL! In reality, we are being transfigured from one degree of glory to something far more wonderful - in spite of those apparent marks of imperfection and decay!
    Secretly, silently and persistently the Holy Spirit carries on a transforming work deep within the recesses of our souls. He is working within us the "spirit" of faith, truth, sonship, power and glory - the very "spirit of Christ" Thus, we come to renounce doubt as dishonoring; despise all sham pretense; no longer question our standing in Christ; enjoy a sense of confident assurance; and eagerly anticipate the privilege of sharing our Lord's very nature, glory and deity in the age to come. Yet, we know it is ALL OF HIS OWN DOING, (Phil. 2:12-13).
    This transformation will be complete when, in the resurrection, we are conformed to the image of God's dear Son, (Rom. 8:29). We

know that "when He shall appear WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM, for we shall see Him as He is", (I John 3:2). But, EVEN NOW, any local, New Testament church that functions harmoniously, and in proper order, manifests "the fulness of Him that filleth all in all", (Eph. 1:22-23).
"Christ, the transforming light,
    touches this heart of mine;
Piercing the darkest night,
    Making His glory shine.
Oh, to reflect His grace,
    Causing the world to see;
Love that will glow 'til others
      shall know
    JESUS REVEALED IN ME!"
-adapted from J.G. Miller, E.G.


    It was the editor's privilege, on March 12 - 14, to participate in the 20th Annual Bible Conference sponsored by the Pinehaven (Strict and Particular) Baptist Church of Columbus, Mississippi.

  The conference theme was "Declaring All the Counsel of God".
    I deeply appreciated the kind and brotherly spirit manifested by Pastor Wayne Gregory and his people, felt great liberty in holding forth the word of life, and established new friendships that I expect to be lasting. Altogether, it was a very joyful week.
    Though a wide spectrum was covered, by brethren of diverse viewpoints on various doctrines, a spirit of gracious considerateness largely prevailed. Such ought always to characterize the people of God. E.G.


    On Sunday, March 3, Bro. Matt Hodges came professing his faith in Jesus Christ as his Saviour. Our hearts were made glad. It is our prayer that he will follow on to know the Lord in all His glorious fulness and be an effective witness of His saving grace to others E.G.


    It is a real blessing to have Bro. Perry Goebel home from a tour of duty with the Air Force in Germany. After a month's leave he will be heading for California.     It is our prayer that the Lord will lead him to a New Testament church in that area where he will be able to worship regularly with a people who are true to God's order E.G.

THANKS! ..... Continued
cost of publication for a period of SIX MONTHS! For this token of support, WE THANK YOU! E.G.