Truth Magazine

By Kyle Campbell

In Acts 20:35, Paul reports one of the only sayings of Jesus outside of the gospel. Our Lord said, “It is more blessed to give than receive.” Part of being a Christian is knowing about not only our responsibilities, but also the acts that we perform which make us grow. On the Tuesday before Jesus’ crucifixion, Jesus was at the temple and made an observation regarding giving (Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4), which is of great benefit to us to examine.

It is helpful for all of us to be shown how we can be a better steward of the graciousness of God. Romans 8:32 says, “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”

Every person has an order of priority which he works around. Most Christians probably respect their relationship with God first, their family second, and their money and possessions third. If we understand our duty to God to be his servants and our duty to try to teach our friends and family, then what is our duty toward our money and possessions? The lessons at the temple teach us about the importance of our giving.
 
There Is A Treasury In God’s House

Some have erroneously tried to prove that church treasuries are unscriptural. However, the Scriptures support the fact that there was an established treasury for money given to the Lord. Jesus and his disciples had a treasury. They used their funds for their survival and to help those who were poor. John 12:6 states that Judas was the treasurer and Luke 8:1-3 states that various women contributed to the support of Jesus and the apostles

Furthermore, the saints at Jerusalem had a treasury. The funds collected for the help of needy saints were laid at the apostle’s feet (Acts 4:34-35). Barnabas, Ananias, and Sapphira all contributed to this need, although Ananias and Sapphira did so with a deceitful and covetous heart and were punished (Acts 4:36-37; 5:2). In Peter’s reply to Ananias and Sapphira, he made a distinction between church funds and the individual’s funds (Acts 5:4).

Other churches had treasuries also. The church at Corinth had a treasury (1 Cor. 16:1-2). The collection was to be made on the day when the church assembled, which was the first day of the week. This commandment would make no sense if the “laying by him in store” were to be done at home. The church at Philippi had a treasury (Phil. 4:15-17) and Paul took church funds to work at Corinth (2 Cor. 11:8; Acts 18:5). The Lord’s work takes money. Providing a place to assemble, paying a preacher, and helping the needy saints requires funds.

The Lord Watches The Treasury

At the temple, there were thirteen trumpet-like chests placed at intervals around the walls of the court of the women in the Herodian temple where worshipers could walk by and drop in their contributions. The phrase indicates that the Lord was continually observing the different people doing this. We cannot escape the fact that the Lord knows what we are doing (2 Chron. 16:9). The Lord is by no means indifferent to our actions.

It seems hard to believe, but when we assemble the Lord knows what is in your heart. He knows exactly what you think when you sing, pray, listen to a sermon, partake of the Lord’s supper and give. He knows it as well as he could watch those people contribute at the temple.

The Lord Knows Our Circumstances

The adjective “poor” in Mark 12:42 meant that this woman was in extreme poverty. It was used to describe a person who literally had nothing and was in imminent danger of starvation.

Just like the Lord knows our thoughts and actions, He also knows our circumstances. He knows when we are giving to our full potential. He knows when our heart is right.

The widow was in very different circumstances than her wealthy predecessors. The wealthy had given what they did not need. In so doing, they demonstrated no self-denial. But Jesus saw that she gave “all that she had.” He did not measure what she gave with what the others gave. The Lord will not measure what you give with what I give. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 that we reap what we sow.

Don’t you love the fact that God is fair? He will only judge us according to how we have “prospered.” However fair and equitable that system may seem, it can also be a double-edged sword. If we are greedy and do not have the trust of God in our heart (Matt. 6:33-34), we will be judged and held accountable for that attitude.

The Lord Knows Our Contributions

For the benefit of his Roman readers, Mark states that the woman put in “two mites, which make a farthing” (v. 42). Later versions say, “two small copper coins, which amount to a cent.” The word “mite” came from a word signifying “crumb” or “morsel.” The coins she contributed were the smallest forms of Jewish monetary denominations. Her entire contribution was worth about a quarter of a cent.

It is so tempting to measure the value of our actions quantitatively rather than qualitatively. Moreover, we are better judges of actions than of motives, and can see the outward conduct much clearer than the inward character. But the Lord reveals that he looks upon the inward rather than the outward man.

One of the most important aspects of giving which we must learn is that God loves a cheerful giver, not necessarily a big giver (2 Cor. 9:6-7). Our contributing to the Lord’s work must be given from a willing heart (Matt. 10:8).

Sometimes we are tempted to think that we give and sacrifice, but no one can ever recognize our effort and commend us (Matt. 6:1-4). However, our Father knows what we give. The commending will be done by God.

The Lord Teaches Us To Give

The functions of the church are financed and carried out by our contributions, but is that all there is to giving? Is there any deeper meaning to the contributing of our prosperity which God has given?

In 2 Corinthians 8:7-9, Paul taught of the deeper significance of giving. He said that giving demonstrated their graciousness (8:7), love (8:8), and the graciousness of Christ (8:9). The grace of God is manifested in giving. When we give something that means a lot to us, we come a little closer to understanding the grace of God as he gave his only begotten Son (John 3:16).

Giving also allowed the brethren to have equality (2 Cor. 8:13-15). There are many brethren all over the world who are desperate for funds because of physical and economic hardships. Let not their pleas fall upon deaf ears!

Paul commended the Corinthians as he observed their principles of giving. First, they gave liberally (2 Cor. 8:3). They were not ones to withhold their contribution from a good cause. Those brethren had a genuine concern. The saints in Judea needed to be cared for, and the Corinthians were willing to give what they really could not spare. Is this not what the widow did? Second, they did not have to ask or be asked (2 Cor. 8:3). Many Christians have to be “arm-twisted” to give. Can we not let go of what needs to be let go of? Third, they gave themselves first to the Lord (2 Cor. 8:5). If you are not willing to give yourself to the Lord, you will not find any joy in giving to the church, helping your brethren, or helping your neighbor.

Conclusion

The need to examine giving is constantly reflected in the need to examine our own devotion to God. How do you treat those possessions which are most valuable to you? What kind of attitude do you have toward them?

Giving to God of our means involves a lot of self-sacrifice in a society which tries to take a little more  every year. Unfortunately, many times we tend to let what should be a “priority” fall to a point of contributing out of our overflow. We divide what is left over after all the bills are paid. God deserves more than that. God has been so good to us. We need to be good to him! 

In Mark 10:28-31, Peter commented on the cost of discipleship but the Lord responded with the true cost of being a disciple. The widow had that attitude and she was not even under the New Covenant. Although she did not have the words of Jesus and Paul, she understood her duty to God. Perhaps she could teach us a few things.

If we know of brethren in certain parts of the world who are suffering, such as in the Philippines or elsewhere, then let us display the love of Christ and honor the example of the poor widow and sacrifice for their equality and well-being.

2326 Centertree Dr., Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37128

By Bobby Graham

From January 13-27 I was in Corozal Town, Belize, Central America, working with the congregation resulting from the work of Jesse Hightower and Dana Whisler. Both of these men have sacrificed much in family associations, conveniences, and security in order that they might do the work of the gospel in an area needing it.

The principal purpose of this second trip was to work with the men of the congregation desiring to grow in preaching the Word. For ten sessions, the men came at some sacrifice of time and energy, because most of them faced an early wake-up the following day for work in the sugar cane fields or on the trucks. We hope that the next class can be set up during November, when the cane work is idle. Attendance was quite good, ranging from nine to twelve. Interest on the part of most was high, with discussions nightly manifesting such interest and concern.

The study this time centered on Paul’s Letters to Preachers — 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. Materials used included outlines of the letters, translated into Spanish, along with other motivational material related to the letters. The final session made use of a sheet compiling material studied, providing the basis for self-evaluation through a series of questions raised concerning matters that will be mentioned later.

The method employed was a textual study of Paul’s three letters. Special emphasis was placed on the preacher’s work, attitude, manner of carrying out his responsibilities, example, handling of the Scriptures, dealing with error and errorists, and facing temptations. The material studied was made more practical by a nightly discussion by the men of their own concerns relating to that night’s study and issues raised regarding it.

The final sessions’ consideration of a inductive compilation of material from the three letters was for the purpose of each man’s evaluating himself in significant areas:

•  N.T. designations for preachers were used to show the general kind of work done by a preacher. The focus of this emphasis was upon one’s willingness to do what the Lord desires. 
• Other points from the letters were used to demonstrate the importance of preaching. In this area the focus was on why one is preaching. Does he preach for the reasons suggested by the importance of the task.
• Divine qualifications for preachers, contrasted with human expectations, were then noted from the letters to stress who should preach and how he should proceed. The questions then asked were whether each man should preach and whether he was doing his work as God expects. 
• The preacher’s duties to the gospel were finally examined, in order to scrutinize each man’s view of the message and his valuing of it in the work done.

Planning for a future class in November has already begun, based on the expressed desire of the men for another one. It will probably focus on Bible history and geography, as it relates to understanding the historical development of God’s plan to save the world in Jesus Christ. Of course, this study will involve the entire Bible story. It is hoped that this material also can be provided in the Spanish language, making it more useful for some of the men, though English is the official language of this former British colony (British Honduras).

This brief review is provided in the hope that it might provide some insight and motivation for similar work on the part of others. There is much that so many can do to assist in the work of evangelism. 

24978 Bubba Tr., Athens, Alabama 35613 bobbylgraham@juno.com

By Jarrod Jacobs

The Lord’s blood was shed on the cross by the Roman soldier who pierced his side over 2000 years ago (John 19:34). Yet, it still has the same power it has always had. It has cleansing power, the likes of which has not been equaled by man. Let us study about our Lord’s shed blood and what it means to people today. Certainly this is a subject worthy of our study.

Christ’s Blood Was Shed For the Remission of Sins

Perhaps we are aware of this, but it would do us good to consider some pertinent passages on this subject. First, Jesus himself said his blood would be shed “for many for the remission of sins” (Matt. 26:28). The word “remission” means, “freedom; (fig.) pardon: deliverance, forgiveness, liberty” (Strong’s). Can we think of anything more wonderful than liberty? More important than political liberty, we have liberty or freedom from sin because of the shed blood of Christ! This is truly a gift from God.

Read Paul’s words as he stated the importance of Christ and his shed blood. “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus” (Rom. 3:21-26). 

Put simply, Paul was saying that there is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for “all have sinned.” This being true, our Lord justified all and became the “propitiation” (sin offering) for all mankind through the shedding of his blood. Therefore, as we believe in Jesus Christ, doing what he has said to do in order to be saved (Rom. 10:16; Acts 2:36-38), we can have forgiveness of sins (liberty) because he shed his blood for us! What a wonderful thing for men to consider! Without the blood of Christ, there is no salvation. Paul also made it clear that Christ’s blood brought about the forgiveness of sins when he wrote to the Ephesian (1:7) and the Colossian brethren (1:14).

Peter told the “strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia” that they “were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Pet. 1:18-19). This same truth applies today. Our redemption did not come through physical power or prowess; nor could we “earn” our way into Heaven. Rather, Christ’s shed blood made it possible for us one day to see Heaven! 

Another text worthy of our study is John’s words in the book of Revelation. “John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood” (Rev. 1:4-5). Truly, we cannot say enough about what the blood of Christ means to every man and woman!

Christ Purchased the Church With His Blood

We know that Christ promised to build his church in Matthew 16:18. Paul declares that Christ’s church was purchased when he shed his blood on the cross. This fact is recorded in Paul’s meeting with the Ephesian elders at Miletus. He said, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). Paul later wrote to the Ephesians and told them that Christ “loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Eph. 5:25).

After learning this, how can anyone belittle the importance of the Lord’s church with a clear conscience? Jesus Christ thought the church was so important that he died and shed his blood to purchase it (John 19:33-34). If it was that important to Christ, it must be that important to me! If the Lord saw the church as a prized possession, I am not going to belittle her! Let us make sure that we hold the Lord’s church in high regard. Something that is this precious, this valuable, deserves our honor and our respect!

Seeing that these things are true, I see it as no coincidence that when one becomes a Christian, and is washed in the blood of the Lamb, that he is also added to the Lord’s church at the same time (Rev. 1:5; Acts 2:47)! 

Christ’s Blood Can Be Counted Unholy

After Christ has done so much for us, we see that there are some who would count Christ’s blood as “unholy” or common (Heb. 10:29). Who are these people? They are the ones who would “sin wilfully” after receiving “the knowledge of the truth” (Heb. 10:26). The word “wilfully” is defined as “voluntarily; willingly” (Strong’s). Therefore, when one will voluntarily forsake God’s laws, whether it be in forsaking the assembling of ourselves together (Heb. 10:25, this is in the context); whether it be in filthy language (Eph. 5:4); whether it be in lascivious actions (Gal. 5:19-21); etc. When we leave the commands and precepts of God, we are guilty of counting Christ’s blood as unholy or common.

This is why we need to be reminded daily to stay faithful to the Lord God (Rev. 2:10). We need to be “steadfast and unmovable” (1 Cor. 15:58). We need to continue to “walk in the light, as he is in the light” (1 John 1:7). One way we do this is by remembering who we are, and remembering where we once were. Paul reminded the Ephesians of this, telling them they were once “dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1). At one time they were “without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, . . . having no hope and without God in the world” (Eph. 2:12). He then reveals that it was the blood of Christ that made them “nigh” to God (v. 13)!

Since we were once in the same position as the Ephesians, let us never consider Christ’s blood unholy or common through willful sin; but let us live according to the will of God as Christ did (John 12:49-50) so that one day we can be with our Lord in Heaven for eternity! How wonderful is the power of the blood of Christ!

2155 Sunset Dr. White Bluff, Tennessee 37187

By Steve Willis

In a previous article I had a few ideas prompted by the ABC TV show “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” I hope you read it. In this I was thinking about some of the questions on that show and wondered how far we might go if all were Bible-related questions. I’ll use dollar amounts only to indicate possible difficulty, but no money prize is given (and beware of greed). However, what you know and what you do with what you know may affect the “prize” you receive from the Father in Heaven (see 1 Cor. 9:24-27). Do them as best you can from memory and in as short a period of time as possible. You can have one each of these three “life lines”: (1) check your Bible; (2) ask a friend in the family; (3) ask someone who attends where you do! They must answer from memory, and not look it up. NOTE: I used the NASB to prepare these questions. “Walk away” when you must, but at least try the other questions. How much did you “win”?

$100: Where in the Bible do you read of the life of Jesus: A. The Book of Jesus, B. The Gospels, C. Genesis, D. Galatians?

$200: Who was betrothed to Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus: A. Elizabeth, B. Salome, C. Mary, D. Tabitha?

$300: Which is NOT a reference to the Apostle Peter: A: Barjona, B. Cephas, C. Simon, D. Barnabas? 

$500: Complete the following, which was thought by others to identify Jesus, “Some say John the Baptist; some Elijah, and others, Jeremiah or . . .” A. “one of the best,” B. “one of one,” C. “one of the prophets,” D. “one of the two”?

$1,000: Which is NOT a son of Adam and Eve: A. Enosh, B. Abel, C. Cain, D. Seth? 

$2,000: From the “Beatitudes” in the Sermon on the Mount, who “shall see God”: A. the poor in spirit, B. the peacemakers, C. the pure in heart, D. those who mourn?

$4,000: The name “Jesus” means: A. Jehovah listens, B. Jehovah is God, C. Jehovah provides, D. Jehovah saves?

$8,000: Which book does NOT have “beginning” in its first verse: A. Mark, B. John, C. Luke, D. 1 John?

$16,000: Which is among the seven things of which Paul wrote “there is one” in one of his epistles: A. Bible, B. Lord’s Day, C. peace, D. baptism. 

$32,000: Who is “our Passover”: A. Christ, B. Moses, C. David, D. Aaron. 

$64,000: Complete the following idea from Proverbs: A father who “spares the rod” from his son: A. hates him, B. loves him, C. does not care for him, D. has no son?

$125,000: Which is NOT listed as among the “fruit of the Spirit”: A. godliness, B. goodness, C. gentleness, D. faithfulness.

$250,000: In the Bible, which expression describes Jesus: A. the lily of the valley, B. the bright and morning star, C. the fairest of 10,000, D. heaven’s best.

$500,000: “Melchizedek” means: A. “father of a multitude,” B. “king of Salem,” C. “king of righteousness,” D. “milk and honey”?

$1,000,000: Complete: “Little children, guard yourself from”: A. “idols,” B. “the Devil,” C. “Hell,” D. “sin”?

Answers: “Millionaire”
$100 — B
$200 — C
$300 — D
$500 — C
$1000 — A
$2000 — C
$4000 — D
$8000 — C
$16,000 — D
$32,000 — A
$64,000 — A
$125,000 — A
$250,000 — B
$500,000 — C
$1,000,000 — A

18 Rossmere Court SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1B 2M3