"How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" So wrote the ancient psalmist in setting forth a precious and enduring principle regarding the relationship that God ever designs for His covenant people.
    What a joy it was, on June 17-19, to have so many of our beloved brethren share in the Fellowship Meeting commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Landmark Missionary Baptist Church, here in Rockford, Illinois. As the only pastor the church has ever had, I want to thank both my local brethren and those who travelled far to make these services such as enriched the lives of all who came.
    Challenging and spiritually enriching messages were brought by the following brethren: Matt Tauscher, Fernandina Beach, FL; Edgar Sullivan, Kilauea, HI; Willard Spilman, Arvada, CO; Richard Reynolds, Rockford, IL; Melvin Gray, Garnett, KS; Jim Clark, Indianapolis, IN; Terry Wilson, Elgin, IL; Bill Belcher, Greencastle, IN; Nathan McCoy, Elgin, IL; Edward Byrd, Harrison, AR; Lonnie Ford, Kailua-Kona, HI; Terry MacDowell, St. Louis, MO; John Coleman, St. Louis, MO; James McCoy, Aiea, HI; and Wayne Ruff, Avondale, CO.
    A special 'Thank You" to the members of Landmark church who labored so hard

    It is commonly agreed among Bible students that the title "Son of Man", as used by Jesus Christ in expressing His right to command the ancient covenant people (Israel), finds its roots in Daniel 7:13-14.
    Anyone who makes a serious study of the term will recognize His preference of this title, over all others, to indicate His role in the Father's Theocratic purpose to rule the earth in righteousness.
    If one would avoid unnecessary confusion, he must clearly distinguish between:
    1. The Divine Sovereignty that Jesus Christ exercises now, by virtue of His divine nature, (Jn. 1:3; Col. 1:15-16; Phil. 2:9-11; 1 Cor. 8:6; Rom. 11:36; Rev. 1:5-6), and
    2. The Kingdom of covenant promise which is His inheritance, by virtue of His relationship:
    3. To David, as his son, (2 Sam. 7:12-13; Psa. 2:6-12) and
    4. To man, as the Second Adam, (Luke 22:29; I Cor. 15:45-47).
    The Theocracy, once established in Israel, but withdrawn because of the nation's disobedient unbelief, flagrant idolatry and

persistent rebellion against God's commandments, will be re-established! From its throne, in Jerusalem, will reign One Who is both human and divine; "made of the seed of David according to the flesh, And declared to be the Son of God with power, by the resurrection from the dead", (Rom. 1:3-4). When the Theocracy is restored, God, in and through the person of David's Son, will condescend to act in the capacity of an earthly Ruler - just as He did in the days from Moses to the fall of David's throne.
    This Theocratic Dominion will be given to Jesus Christ, as the Son of Man, in recognition of His "obedience unto death, even the death of the cross", (Phil. 2:9; Rom. 14:9). No condition was ever attached to His right to exercise Divine Sovereignty, for He is co-equal and co-eternal with the Father! And He is, even now, exercising that sovereignty as He sits with the Father in His throne - awaiting the lime appointed for the glorious manifestation of His Messianic authority over the whole earth. However, His kingship, as "the Son of David", is inseparably connected

with His perfect submission to the Father's will and His obedience to the Father's command.
    "Son of Man" is the peculiar, distinctive, prophetically bestowed title of the Messiah - bestowed upon Him in view of His covenanted relationship to the Kingdom purposed from the foundation of the world.
    1. He is "the (pre-designated and preordained) Man", of the seed of David, to whom the kingdom, on the basis of that relationship and descent, rightfully belongs, (2 Sam. 7:1-16; Matt. 1:1; etc.).
    2. This title was adopted by Jesus in obvious recognition of its usage by Daniel and the Psalmist, (Dan. 7:13; Psa. 80:17).
    3. He invariably linked His reception of the kingdom with this title, (Matt. 25:31-34; 16:27-28; etc.).
    4. Nor is it without deep significance that, in the New Testament, the Kingdom is always promised to Him as "the Son of Man"; NEVER as "the Son of God"! Those passages which refer to Him as David's Son emphasize His humanity. As the Representative Man, He will redeem and fulfill the role forfeited by the first Adam in his rebellion and fall. The most common error, which leads to a misinterpretation of the very NATURE of the promised kingdom, is that of failing to recognize Who it is to whom it is covenanted. By covenant, it is the rightful possession of Him Who is both the "Son of David" and the "Son of Man"! It is not, however, in His humanity alone that our Lord is destined to rule in the age to come; in the Messianic "Son of Man" there will be a perfect blending of the human and divine.
    5. Applicable as the title was to Jesus Christ at His first coming, His second coming: to establish His kingdom and sit, as King, upon the re-established throne of David, is the

pre-eminently emphatic, coming of the Son of Man", (Matt. 16:27; 26:64; 25:31; 19:28; Mk. 8:38; 13:36; Lk. 9:26; 21:27; John 5:27).
    This coming of the "Son of Man" (Matt. 24; Luke 21) will immediately follow a period of Great Tribulation brought upon His people by the Man of Sin. His coming will be accompanied by a "gathering" or "harvesting" of His elect people, (comp. Rev. 14:14-16; Matt. 13:30, 39-41; Joel 3:13).

    There is nothing in the Scriptures to indicate that the reign of the "Son of Man" will be anything other than such a literal and visible reign, on the earth, as was the expectation of Israel and Jesus' own apostles, (Rev. 1:7). The main point of the Davidic Covenant is that the Christ, as "the Son" and promised "Seed of David", would sit on David's throne and rule over his kingdom!
    1. Such a relationship will require a personal, visible, bodily presence of the Son of Man ON EARTH! Such passages as Acts 3:19 require a PERSONAL PRESENCE. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence {face} of the Lord". Compare: Mark 1:2; Luke 1:76; 11:10; 7:27; Matthew 18:10; I Corinthians 13:12). If one insists on rejecting this concept, should he not submit at least ONE clear and unequivocal Biblical reference to substantiate a transfer of David's throne and kingdom to some other sphere?
    2. Unless the Messiah rules among His people on earth: Abraham can never receive that which was promised him, (Gen. 17:7-8; Acts 7:4-5); David's Seed cannot inherit his throne; nor can "the meek" inherit the earth!
    3. So far as the Biblical record is

concerned, its final testimony is such as pictures the "Son of David" (and "Son of Man") ON EARTH, and in possession of His covenanted inheritance and kingdom!

That the Son of Man will be personally present on earth, following His second coming, is necessitated by the biblical teaching concerning His "Judgeship".
    1. The prophets describe this Judgeship and its exercise as a matter of congratulation and rejoicing - which would not he the case if it were limited to a judicial investigation of character and handing down of a sentence, (Psa. 67:4; 96:10-13; 98:5-9).
    2. The Holy Spirit represents this judgeship as such a cause of exultation and joy as is understandable only if we regard it as embracing the reign of Jesus Christ in His kingdom.

    If one accepts the biblical concept of "Judge", it will become apparent that it involves nothing less than an exercise of supreme power, or kingly rule, (Acts 17:31; Matt. 24:30; Rom. 14:9-10; Acts 10:40; Matt. 25:31).
    1. The ancient Judges of Israel were mediatorial rulers over Israel, under God, (Judges 2:16-19).
    2. When Moses judged the people, he acted as Ruler - making known and executing the righteous laws of God. So also, when he appointed judges to assist him, (Ex. 18:24-26).
    3. When the Jews asked for a king, they referred to His ruling as "judging", (I Samuel 8:5-6; 6:20)
    4. Therefore, we need to understand that, in the Biblical sense, a Judge is one

who, with sovereign power, exercises rule over a state or nation: administering justice, making war or peace, and leading the armies of the people over whom he presides.
    5. A number of things point to this understanding of such judging".

1. It is linked with Christ's coming and kingdom - a coming in "glory", (2 Tim. 4:1; Matt. 25:31; comp. Matt. 16:27; 26:64; Mk. 8:38: Lk. 9:26; Isa. 60:1-3, 19; 2:19, 21; 40:1-5; 62:1-3).
2. It is united with the covenant and made synonymous with reigning, (I Chron. 16: 14-19, 31-33).
3. The word for the "judgment seat" upon which our Lord is to sit (2 Cor. 5:10) is translated "throne" in Acts 12:2 1. (Comp. Rev. 3:21)
4. Many prophetic passages unite Judgeship with the exercise of governmental power, (Psa. 9:7-8; 96:10-13; 82:8).
5. Judging is also united with the predictions of Christ's sitting on David's throne, (Isa. 9:6-7; 16:5; Jer. 33:15).
6. It is associated with the restoration of the Jewish nation, with which the Throne of David is united, (Jer. 23:5-8).
7. Our Lord will share this judgeship with His faithful people.
In fact, there is no act ascribed to the Kingly office of the Son of Man but that is also identified with His Judgeship!

    Why so much stress on the "Judgeship of the Son of Man? I emphasize it because, if He is our rightful Lord, King and Judge, we OUGHT to be yielding our hearts, lives and minds to His control RIGHT NOW!
    The "Day of the Lord", "Day of Christ" and "Day of the Son of Man" ALL refer to the millennial day! (Luke 17:24,

28-30). The "Judging" that He does in that day will also involve the bestowing of REWARDS for deeds done in the body - whether they be good or bad, (Rev. 6: 12-17; 22:12)! I like the way that Charles Wesley put it in one of his great hymns:



    Last month I stated that Bro. Edward Gilbreath was employed by Christian Life Publishers. It was not a wise thing to trust my memory. He is, rather, employed by Christianity Today, Inc., of Carol Stream, IL. E.G.

Because the people of Judah "played the harlot with many lovers", in turning from Jehovah unto idols; Jeremiah said: "Therefore the showers have been withholden, and there hath been no latter rain", (Jer. 3:1-3). A sinning people have no right to expect God's blessings! (Isa. 59:1-8)
    Throughout the Scriptures God may be seen bestowing blessings liberally upon those who, in the obedience of faith, are at peace with Him. But when His people rebel against Him, to chart their own courses and to walk in their own ways, the "showers of blessings" are withheld, (Deut. 11:13-25; 18:15, 23-24; I Kings 8:35-36; 17:1; 18:1-41; 2 Chron. 6:26-31; 7:11-18; Isa. 5:1-7; Jer. 14:1-10; Amos 4:7-8).
    God is not obligated to bless His people when they rebel. His blessings may, rather, be upon their enemies! (Luke 4:25-26; James 5:16-18; Ezek. 34:23-31).
    Even during the millennial era, those who do not honor God will receive no rain! (Zech. 14:17).
    A careful examination of these passages will show how vastly important the choice we must make with regard to who will rule in our hearts and lives. We may try to "play god" and go on to utter ruin! or We may acknowledge and yield to Jesus Christ the reins of our hearts as our rightful Lord and Master - following Him in loving, loyal and obedient service until the glad day in which we hear His welcome words:
    "Well done, thou good and faithful servant! Thou hast been faithful in a few things; I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the JOY of thy Lord!"
    I like the words of Isaiah 55:10-11: "For as the rain cometh down, and the snow

from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and make it bring forth and bud. . . . So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereunto I sent it".
    Consciousness that God's "showers" are being withheld ought to drive the people of God to our knees in confession, repentance and renewed devotion to Him without whom we perish! What utter folly to perish in a dry and thirsty land when waters of refreshment and renewal only await the turning of hearts back to Him from whence, they come! E.G.

    Prayer is essential to a proper understanding of the Scriptures. Without moral preparation one will never be able to appreciate their power or beauty, (Jn. 8:47; Psa. 119:12, 18, 26, 64, 68, 108, 124, 135, 171).
    When we recognize the fact that God is indeed teaching us, through the Holy Spirit, we ought to sound forth His praise! (Psa. 51:15-17; 63:3-7). And God actually invites us to bring our requests to Him, (Lk. 11: 13). Nor will He rebuke us in anything that we ask for His glory, (Jas. 1:5).
    Prayerful study of the Word will manifest itself in the fruit of spiritual understanding - not in a boastfulness of how much TIME one has spent in prayer. It is not enough to ask God's aid; we must also "search the Scriptures"! Prayer, and an assumption that we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit must never become substitutes for actually applying ourselves to a serious study of God's Word, (Jn. 5:39; Acts 17:2; 18:4).If we would go on to spiritual maturity, we must earnestly employ the faculties God has given us in giving

consideration to the oracles He has given, (Heb. 5:14; I Tim. 4:6-8). We must HEED the instruction of His Word as understanding is given us, (2 Pet. 1:19). And there is a daily need for attention to God's Word, (Acts 17:11). If, through that Word, we are to be "thoroughly furnished unto every good work", we must employ both heart and mind to receive and act upon it, (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
    The Holy Spirit reveals Himself, and the truth He is commissioned to impart through the Word already given, in direct proportion as that Word is pondered, studied, received and appropriated in daily living. In that same proportion will true enlightenment follow; love for the word be aroused (2 Tim. 3:15; Lk. 24:32; Phil. 1:9-11); and spiritual growth be promoted, (I Pet. 2:1-3; Eph. 4:15; 6:10-11).
    In answer to expectant prayer, the Holy Spirit aids our understanding, but only in the line of revealed truth; never through any

    Othing apart from, or contrary to, the revealed Word of God! (Eph. 6:17)
    It is right that God's people pray for each other in this matter of spiritual understanding and maturity, (Eph. 1:15-19; I Cor. 12:7-11; I Kings 3:9-13). Without it we will never come to a "unity of the spirit" or "of the faith".

BLESSED FELLOWSHIP .... Continued
in preparing for this meeting; to Pastor Richard Reynolds, and the Sovereign Grace Baptist Church, who dismissed their services to meet with us on Wednesday evening, and who also assisted in the entertaining of our guests; to Vetria (and Dewey) Rexroad, who provided an entire meal for those who were at the pastor's home on Wednesday evening; and to all who had a part in making our 40th Anniversary meeting such a delightful experience!