Truth Magazine

By Jarrod Jacobs

One of the most stirring statements in the Bible is found in John’s third epistle as he wrote of the joy he had when he heard of Gaius and his faithfulness to God. John knew he was not long for this earth. Therefore, it encouraged him to know of others who would be left that stood for the truth. He rejoiced in the fact that Gaius was walking in the truth. Let us read 3 John 1-4: but to have peace with myself, to be content in difficult circumstances.

The elder unto the well beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

At this time, John simply refers to himself as“The elder.” He was the only apostle still living at this time. And, as mentioned, he knew he was about to leave this earth. With this in mind, he writes to Gaius and tells him how much he appreciates all that Gaius has done. This article will not deal with all of the third epistle of John, but I wish for us to simply consider John’s attitude at this time, and measure ourselves accordingly.

What Brings Us Joy?

In reading these few verses, we note that it brought John “no greater joy” than to hear about “his children” still walking in truth. “Children” has reference to people he had taught and converted to the Lord. Paul used similar terms in his letters (1 Cor. 4:15; Tit. 1:4; 1 Tim. 1:2). No doubt, the fact that Gaius was still standing for the truth in a time of hardships from without and within meant a great deal to the elder apostle. In like manner, it means a great deal to know of those today who, after suffering difficulties, still stand for “the faith once delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). Brethren, what brings us joy?

Do We Rejoice When We Know Of Faithful Brethren?

Are we happy to know of brethren in different parts of this country or different parts of the world that are stand- ing for the truth? Or, does our joy come from physical pursuits, such as our work or recreational activities? Do we “rejoice greatly” when we hear about our fellow-heirs and fellow-laborers still doing what they ought? Or, are we the kind that only rejoices when we have some juicy “tidbit” to spread about the brethren?

John said he “rejoiced greatly,” and that he had “no greater joy” than in hearing of the faithful life of Gaius, as well as other brethren. In saying he had “no greater joy,” he was saying that there was nothing that produced greater joy for him in this life than knowing of his “children” walking in truth.

I have seen this same attitude especially in older breth- ren. They ask about the brethren in different places, not out of spite, nor malice, looking for something that is wrong; but in genuine concern, wishing to rejoice with brethren over the good work that is going on for the Lord in various parts of this country and the world. What about us? Do we have the mind set of John and Gaius, or of Diotrephes, who “loveth to have the preeminence” (3 John 9)?

Sources Of Joy

What are sources of joy for us? Are we like John, Paul, and the other apostles, who drew strength from Christ and from their brethren? Are we the kind who must always find fault in others, or can we look for and see brethren who stand for the truth, and say that they cause us to “rejoice greatly”?

In like manner, can we say as John that we “have no greater joy” than to hear about brethren walking in truth? Or, are there other things that bring us a“greater joy”? Per- haps we are guilty of placing more emphasis on our boat, car, vacations, etc., than the Lord (see Matt. 6:33). Perhaps our “joy” is found in placing our family before God (see Matt. 10:34-37). Unfortunately, many today are guilty of covetousness. Paul calls it “idolatry” (Col. 3:5). Have we ever considered how idolatrous this country really is? You see, idolatry is the religion of sight in opposition to that of faith. Because this is true, whatever you wish to place before God becomes your idol, regardless of whether or not you physically bow down to it. Whatever you place before God becomes your “joy.”

Now, what is your joy? David said the blessed man “delights” in God’s word (Pss. 1:2; 119:35, 92). In what do you delight? John said he rejoiced greatly in Gaius, as well as his “children” because of their stand. Are we rejoicing in the right things? Do we remember why we are here upon this earth (Eccl. 12:13)? Do we appreciate what it means to be a Christian?

The earliest signs of trouble seemed nothing very much out of the ordinary. Whenever I bent my neck down I felt a tingling sensation in my right arm and both legs. Originally, I felt little concern about it. However, it persisted and other problems started to appear. After several weeks I finally went to the doctor. The first series of tests did not show anything. The doctor diagnosed it as a bruised spinal cord that should clear up within a few months. I accepted his conclusion and decided to get on with my life. However, instead of getting better, my condi- tion only got worse. Eventually I went to another doctor who did a more thorough series of test. His diagnosis hit me very hard — multiple sclerosis.

At first, I felt completely devastated. I could not get out of my mind the many horror stories about the disease and its end result — death. I remembered a teacher whose disease had progressed to the final stages. She sat in a wheelchair as she taught class. Her speech and mental abilities made it very difficult for her to communicate. She believed she did not have long to live. At only 25 years old, I believed that my life was soon to be over; I would not live a normal, productive, long life. The doctor reassured me when he said in most cases the disease is not terminal. However, he could not do that much for me — there is no cure. He could only allow the disease to run its course.

The first few months were very hard. When I woke up mornings, I tried believing it was all a bad dream, only to be brought back to reality with the first step that I took. I tried walking every day to keep in shape. After I had walked only a short distance, the pain started in my legs and my coordination grew worse. It became more and more difficult with each step. The more I walked the more frustrated and depressed I became. Often I stumbled and fell, each time it took more courage to get back on my feet. Working in the garden for only 20 minutes left me completely exhausted. Gradually, more and more problems with my vision appeared. Simple everyday things I had taken for granted, getting dressed or taking a shower became difficult and strenuous tasks. My emotions became harder to control. The feelings of helplessness, frustration, and self pity grew stronger ev- ery day. I asked God over and over, “Why me?” It did not seem fair that I suffered such an ungodly disease when I wanted so much to serve him. Why was I having this problem when there were so many who had no desire to serve God who seemed to be doing so well?

Like many people I believed that Christians should not encounter problems like this. Surely the God I served would not make things so hard for me. After the initial shock wore off I then faced the biggest challenge, how do I deal with it? How do I face life when my body grows ever closer to death? I knew deep down the answer must lie in Christianity.

True Christianity is not just a system of beliefs and ceremonies but a way of life. A way to face and overcome the difficult challenges that life presents by a true faith in God. I began at that time to look for answers, to un- derstand. I know that I still do not have all the answers, but dealing with it becomes easier with each new day. Looking back, dealing with my fear of death has become the greatest challenge of life.

These passages of Scripture helped me to understand a little better how I, as a Christian, should face an incur- able disease. First of all, my ability to deal with difficult situations should not be based on my understanding of all the answers. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and he will direct thy paths” (Prov. 3:5, 6). Many times, I have tried to understand everything about my world and my life when that is not always possible. Placing my faith in God when I do not understand, at times seems almost impossible. However, it is an absolute necessity, not only to be pleasing to God, are spiritually. That’s something that no disease can take away from me. Paul gloried in weaknesses that the power of Christ might shine forth. He realized that persecutions, shortcomings, and illnesses would make him depend upon God that much more. In the same manner, when- ever I am faced with a difficult problem, I should realize that I can use that situation to draw myself much closer to God. I remain determined not to simply survive, but to glorify God through this adversity.

Finally, we must keep in mind at all times Paul’s thought in Romans 8:18: “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present world are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us.” All the problems and difficulties in this life will seem insignificant when com- pared with the glory of heaven. I now believe I can use this disease to glorify God. I intend to use whatever amount of time and strength I have left to be God’s servant. To the true Christian, there is no such thing as an incurable disease because our hope does not lie in a mortal body, but an immortal soul. And for my brothers and sisters in Christ who face similar problems, this passage seems to be tailor made for us, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with.

By Matt Allen

Change. This has been the beacon call of numerous social agendas throughout the years. Get rid of the old hard line thoughts/ideals and bring in a more non- judgmental and tolerant atmosphere. Rational thought and reason behind one’s actions is tossed out and his decisions and opinions tend to be based upon emotion. This change, from the rational to the emotional, has now crept into the politics and religion of the day. While we lament the change in the social and political arena, we are most concerned with the change going on around us in the religious world. The change going on in the religious world is now creeping into the Lord’s body. Christians — be aware!

The trend in modern American religion is now point- ing away from biblical proof and reason toward a better felt than told experience. One does not have to look very far to see this. That the confusion by many so-called “Christians” concerning the workings of the Holy Spirit has come about is due largely to the false teaching of men who claim to have spoken personally with God or the Holy Spirit. Perhaps some will recall the story from a few years back of Oral Roberts being instructed by the Holy Spirit to go up into his prayer tower and stay there until a certain amount of money was raised. The popular television evangelist of the 90s, Benny Hinn, claims to speak with God regularly. But it is not just the televangelists that make such claims. The number of men and women now claiming that God himself or the Holy Spirit speaks to them is continually growing — especially among those who are charismatic in religion. Perhaps you know someone who claims that God speaks to him. Some claim that God personally tells them what clothes to wear, what to say, what to believe, and what to do in matters of religion.

What does the Bible say concerning such? In all reli- gious matters one must be governed by the precepts contained within the Bible. Colossians 3:17 says, “What- ever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” The Bible means what it says and says what it means. No Scripture can be interpreted in such a way as to put it in contradiction with any other passage. All things in religious matters can be ascertained if one will approach the subject with an open mind and a honest heart. Does the Bible teach that God still speaks personally to men today?

If God speaks to men personally today, God is a re- specter of persons. What makes the men that claim to have personal conversations with God more special than the rest of us? Why can’t every believer have the same access to the Father as these men do? What exactly does God sound like as he imparts the information to the hearer? Is it a voice? A gentle breeze? Could it be through the rustling leaves of a nearby tree? How is one to distinguish these messages from nature? If the claims of many of our religious friends are true, then God shows partiality toward a selected few and neglects all others. This would contradict the plain teaching of Paul found in Romans 2:11. Here he writes, “For there is no partial- ity with God.” Peter spoke words to the same effect in Acts 10:34-35. Observe: “Then Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘In truth I perceive that God shows no partial- ity. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.’” God treats all men the same, everywhere. It is understood that in the past, God communicated with the prophets and apostles to impart his word and will to men. This was done during the giving of the Law of Moses (Exod. 19:3), warnings to Israel and prophecies concerning the Messiah (major/ minor prophets), and during the first century as the New Testament church was being established. The mission of those men was simple: ‘In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.’” God treats all men the same, everywhere. It is understood that in the past, God communicated with the prophets and apostles to impart his word and will to men. This was done during the giving of the Law of Moses (Exod. 19:3), warnings to Israel and prophecies concerning the Messiah (major/minor prophets), and during the first century as the NewTestament church was being established. The mission of those men was simple: to impart the message of God to the masses. They sought in no manner to bring honor, fame, and popularity upon themselves (contrary to many today) but rather chose to esteem God as being worthy of the glory. For God to show favor on one person by speaking to him personally would cause him to show partiality — which the Scriptures plainly deny.

If God speaks to men personally today, the Scriptures are inaccurate. How is this? The Scriptures teach over and over again that one may be made complete through the Word of God. The passage found in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 perhaps is the most explicit concerning this matter. Paul writes, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” From this passage, one finds that through his application to the Word of God — he may be made complete — ready for the work of the Lord. Paul told the Colossian brethren that they were complete in Christ. They had received and adhered themselves to the gospel preached to them by the Apostles. We can become well pleasing to God when we adhere to the teaching of the gospel found in the word of God! Since one can be made complete through the Word, why then would God speak directly to men today?

Is there something new and different that God now wishes to impart to men? If that be the case, Paul taught us not to believe this “new revelation” because there is only one gospel, and that is the one of the apostles, given by inspiration, found in the New Testament (Gal. 1:6-9)! Psalm 19:7 teaches us that the law of the Lord is perfect, making wise the simple. James 1:22 echoes this. If what we have received (the Bible) is perfect, what else needs to be added?

If God speaks personally to men today, then the word is not our final authority. This, I believe, is the root cause of the claims of many men today. A principle being taught or some particular practice does not fit into the pattern of Scripture, so one simply makes up his own declaration from God. This is usually the convenient thing to do, and when the supposed revelation from God is portrayed in some mystical manner the masses overwhelmingly accept it. The Scriptures plainly teach that they are the final authority in religious matters. Jesus said that his words would judge the world at the end of time. John 12:48 says, “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him — the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.” If God still speaks to men today, how could the New Testament be the final authority? There is no doctrine according to Oral Roberts! There is no doctrine according to Benny Hinn! There is only one doctrine and that is found in the gospel of Christ given to us by the apostles (1 Tim. 1:3). Let us seek to apply it!

If God speaks personally to men today, then he is contrary to his word. God speaks to men today through the Word of Christ, the gospel. Hebrews 1:1-2 says, “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds.” Paul wrote that the things he wrote were not from him, but from God (1 Cor. 2:9-13). Prophecies and gifts of the Spirit have ceased (1 Cor. 13:8-12).

Let us not fall for the religious emotionalism of the day! While we may be intrigued and entertained by the claims of men, we must remember that God speaks to.

Adam Christopher Lanphear was killed in an automo- bile accident on Sunday evening, September 19, 1999 as he was returning from his home in Bowling Green, Ken- tucky to Bloomington, Indiana where he was a student at Indiana University. Adam had been worshiping with the Ellettsville, Indiana church of Christ for the past two years. He was 21-years-old and a junior at IU. I was asked to speak at his funeral on Wednesday, September 22, 1999 to over 700 people, many of them young people, in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

There are some timely lessons from this tragic death that I would like to call to your attention.

Death Is Not A Respecter of Persons

All ages die, infants, young school children, teenagers, early 20s, the middle aged, and those who are older. Paul wrote the Romans,“For there is no respect of persons with God” (Rom. 2:11). This applies to physical death as well as everything else. The wise man said, “For the living know that they shall die” (Eccl. 9:5). The Hebrews were told, “And it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Heb. 9:27). The Psalmist informed, “What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death?” (Ps. 89:48). Adam was smart, good looking, a good student with a bright future, but death comes to all.

Life’s Plans and Dreams May Be Altered

Adam had planned to finish IU and then attend Duke University, get a job in finance, save his money, buy a Porsche and travel. These plans and dreams were cut short. I am reminded of the story a rich man in Luke 12:16-21 whose ground brought forth plentifully. He decided to build greater barns to bestow his fruits. The use of the word “I” in the story tells us he was selfish and left God completely out of his plans as he said, “And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take then ease, eat, drink, and be merry” (Luke 12:19). Now notice how his plans were altered. “But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (Luke 12:19-20). This man’s plans were cut short and so can ours! We must plan, “If the Lord wills” (Jas. 4:15).

We Never Know What A Day May Bring Forth

Little did we know when Adam led the closing prayer on Wednesday evening, September 15 at the Ellettsville church that would be his last one here or when we in- vited him with some of our other students for dinner on Sunday, September 12 that we would never eat with him again. As a number of us got together for a pitch-in, on an individual basis for our young students on a recent Sunday evening, little did we know that was Adam’s last get together like that. As Adam left home to return to IU, his parents had no idea that they would never see again see him alive. It is as Proverbs 27:1 says, “Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not a day may bring forth.” James said it this way, “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow” (Jas. 4:14). We all need to live everyday as if it were the last. One of these days will be!

Life Really Is Short

Adam was 21 on August 13, 1999. By the way, how old are you? The Lord’s description of the brevity of life should be read by all. He said, “Life is short” (Ps. 89:47), “a handbreadth” (Ps. 39:5), “a step” (1 Sam. 20:3), “a flower that is cut down” (Job 14:1-2), “of few days” (Job 14:1), “as a tale that is told” (Ps. 90:9), “as grass” (Ps. 103:15), “as a shadow” (Job 14:2), “swifter than a weaver’s shuttle” (Job 7:6), “removed as a shepherd’s tent” (Isa. 38:12), “a vapour” (Jas. 4:14), and “a moment” (1 Cor. 4:17).

Your earth life has just been described!

The Young Die Too

Adam was only 21! All ages die. Pick up your local newspaper and notice the ages of those in the obituary list. By the way, when do you plan to die? None of us has a lease on life.

Must Be Ready, At All Times, To Meet God

The parable of the wise and foolish virgins teaches us that, “. . . they that were ready went in and the door was shut” (Matt. 25:10). Didn’t the Lord say, “. . . be ye also ready”? (Matt. 24:44). Paul said, “I am ready . . . to die for the name of the Lord Jesus”(Acts 21:3). We must live so we can say as did the apostle Paul when it came time for his departure, “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Tim. 4:6-8).

If you would like to write Adam’s parents and broth- ers, you may do so: David & Debbie Lanphear, Kyle and Colin, 350 Hillwood Dr., Bowling Green, KY 42101. David Lanphear serves as one of the good elders of the West End church of Christ in Bowling Green, Kentucky.