The Bible condemns drunkenness in Gal. 5:19-21, 1 Cor. 6:9-10, Prov. 20:1; Habak. 2:15, and a host of other passages. Those who are guilty "shall not inherit the kingdom of God." That is, one cannot go to heaven. Drinking alcohol as a beverage is likewise condemned. You can't be drunk without taking that first drink!

Ephesians 5:18 is very clear. "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess...." The word "drunk" in this verse means to "make drunk or grow drunk...marking the process of" being drunk. The very first drink marks the process of being drunk. One could actually say he who drinks one drink is one drink drunk. He who drinks ten drinks is ten drinks drunk, and so on. Drunkenness is simply a matter of degree, not amount.

Even one drink impairs one's mental judgment and physical movement. This is recognized by every state in the blood-alcohol content while behind the wheel of an automobile. One can be arrested for being "under the influence" long before he visibly shows any signs of being drunk.

Some argue that it is alright to drink as long as you don't take it to excess--drink too much. The word "excess" in Eph. 5:18 is defined as: "incorrigibleness, debauchery, dissipation, profligacy, an abandoned, dissolute, life." One who is excessive has abandoned all principles of right conduct. Drinking encourages and promotes such conduct. This text is obviously not saying that drinking alcohol is only wrong when one drinks to excess. One is wrong when he drinks period, because it begins the process of an abandoned, dissolute life! Social drinking, any drinking is included is these verses. There's certainly no room here for anyone to say that drinking alcohol in moderation is alright as long as you don't drink too much. Such thinking is nonsense!

"Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging...whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise." "Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness!" "Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink..." (Prov. 20:1; Hab. 2:15; Isa. 5:22).

--Garland M. Robinson

The recent postponement of Timothy McVeigh's execution has generated more controversy over the death penalty issue. The revelation that the FBI withheld about a thousand pages of documents dealing with the case has certainly given ammunition to those who oppose the death penalty. If McVeigh had been executed on May 16^th as originally planned, questions would have lingered as to whether his execution was just or not. Accusations could have rightly been leveled against the government that McVeigh was denied a fair trial. Claims of a cover up would abound.

Granted, there are concerns like this in every case of capital punishment. Righteous people do not want an innocent man sent to jail nor put to death. Unfortunately, errors occur even when the best efforts are put forth. Occasionally, innocent people are found guilty in the courtroom and years later are freed and their convictions overturned because of new evidence. On the other hand, more than a few criminals have escaped earthly justice because of the lack of necessary evidence or some legal technicality.

However, for the sake of this article, let's consider the abstract concept of capital punishment apart from complicating factors. Those factors vary from case to case and need to be judged individually. Does the Bible teach that governments have the right to execute convicted criminals as a penalty for their misdeeds? Yes.

Perhaps the passage which shows this best is found in Paul's letter to the church at Rome. In the thirteenth chapter he discussed the Christian's relationship to human government. Keep in mind that the Caesars were the ultimate human authority in Rome at the time. Many date the writing of Romans at about A.D. 58. Nero was the emperor from A.D. 54-68. He was far from a saint! In fact, he was quite despotic, immoral and unjust. Nevertheless, Paul told the church at Rome "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God" (Rom. 13:1). Then, in the fourth verse he said of the rulers "But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil."

This same Roman government was responsible for putting many innocent people to death. Jesus was clearly deprived of a fair trial when Tiberius was Caesar (Isa. 53:8; Luke 3:1). Paul was executed in approximately A.D. 67 during Nero's reign for the offense of being a preacher and an apostle (2 Tim. 1:11,12). Still, he recognized the right of this unjust government to execute those who had committed deeds worthy of death. Here is how he expressed his conviction in this matter: "I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you very well know. For if I am an offender, or have committed anything deserving of death, I do not object to dying; but if there is nothing in these things of which these men accuse me, no one can deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar" (Acts 25:10,11; NKJV).

Yes, innocent men have been wrongly executed. Sometimes, corrupt governments deliberately killed the innocent (John 19:4,6; Acts 25:25). At other times honest mistakes have been made and the truth was learned too late. However, government does bear the sword in vain if it is never used. God designed capital punishment to induce a healthy respect for the law and remove evil doers from society.

--Douglas Hoff

The greatest challenge does not always come from without! Yes, it is true that this world and its agents can serve up persecutions and hurts in double portions. This is one reason we are warned to "love not the world, neither the things that are in the world..." (1 John 2:15). Satan is always busy using worldly things in an attempt to "devour us" (1 Peter 5:8). "Ungodliness and worldly lusts" certainly have to be denied by the child of God on a daily basis. The impression must not be left that this world and Satan are not formidable foes. They will, as long as this world stands, present a continuous challenge to every living soul.

The greatest challenge, however, facing the child of God may very well come from within. It is not easy to crucify the old man (Rom. 6:6), die to self (Gal. 2:20) and be content for the "old things to pass away" (2 Cor. 5:17). Unless a transformation takes place the "old man" will never become a "new creature."

Our Lord admonishes, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me" (Matt. 16:24). Luke adds the word "daily" (9:23). It is a daily and not weekly or monthly task of taking up one's cross as a Christian. The cost of discipleship is self-denial! The comforts, pleasures and conveniences that are so prevalent in this life must take a back seat when it comes to serving God. Many choose not to bear a burden, make a sacrifice, or give up a comfort for the cause of Christ. It is easy to see that one who possesses such an attitude has not mastered the art of "denying self."

One question is of paramount importance. Are you a willing child of God? Think about it seriously, because it is indeed serious! What are you willing to do for the Lord and His church? What sacrifice would you gladly make so you can go to Heaven? Before you begin your list let's ask two penetrating questions. What are you doing now for the Lord and His church? What sacrifices are you now making for the cause of Christ? Do you see that the greatest challenge may indeed come from within?

Let us ask other questions that perhaps will cause even the blind to see! Can the local congregation where you are a member count on you to be present each Lord's Day? Can they count on your contribution so the Lord's work might continue? Can they count on your help and service in needed areas? If you never attend services again, would the local congregation need to make immediate adjustments to fill the void -- or would there be no void to fill?

If you and I miss heaven, it will be because we have chosen to do so. Yes, the greatest challenge often comes from within!

--Marvin L. Weir

STOP LECTURESHIP: July 22-26, Traditions of Men--Vain Religion. Interest is continuing to build. We are hearing from people in New Zealand, India and Jamaica as well as many different states.

STOP is scheduled to be mailed on Thursday, June 7. Come and join in the fun. We have a wonderful time together getting it ready.

FOOD ITEM: Tea

r SHUT-INS: Pauline Irvin, Nellie Wallace, Annie Nauman, Faye Jackson, Clydie Morrow, Frances Massengill, Doug Kimbrough, Sula Perry, Harry Prater, Lucille Leatherwood, Dorothy Johnson.

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Your life lies out before you, like a field of unbroken snow; be careful how you tread it, for every track will show. "...Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps" (1 Peter 2:21).