Truth Magazine

By Jarrod Jacobs

In our last article, we discussed the fact that people needed to change their character if society is to truly change for the better. We learned that this was the only true way to stop so much of the sinful behavior that is prevalent today. Jail terms and tougher sentences may have an effect (and there is no question that there are those who belong in jail, never to return to society; and others who rightfully deserve to die for their crimes, Rom. 13:4), but at best we are merely treating the symptoms of society’s problems, and not the real cause of the problem. Thus, a change in character is needed. When people change their character, what God says will be enough. They will respect and follow God’s word both morally and doctrinally. They will respect God’s will and will follow it as closely as possible, not asking “where’s the line?” In this article, we wish to discuss developing the proper character in our children.

Why is this study necessary? Consider the fact that this last school year, a teacher had her students do a role play. In order for them to better understand about society and our economy, etc. she had her students use “pretend” money to “buy” certain things as needed. They would learn to budget, and learn that once the money is gone, then it is gone (just like in the real world!). Before they began, one little girl asked if there was going to be any “child support” for them (keep in mind, this is a young girl, 7-8 years old!). When the answer was an emphatic “No!” she then asked if there would be any “welfare.” Again, the answer was “No!” While we may chuckle at this at first, the question is, where did this young girl come up with the idea for “child support” and “welfare”? Answer this question and you’ll see why it is so important that we discuss developing character in our children! One would have to be blind and deaf to not know about the shootings that have gone on in schools all over this country in recent months. What is the problem? Is it the guns? No, sir! The problem is character! There have been many people in this country who have grown up with guns in the house (this author being one) who would never have thought about using a gun to kill another person! Parents and grandparents are shirking their responsibilities, and are allowing others to teach and train their children! (This includes the schools, peers, and even the TV!) This just furthers the problem.

What does the Bible say? God teaches that parents have a God-given responsibility to teach and train their children (especially fathers, Eph. 6:1-4). Timothy was a man who knew the Scriptures “from a child” thanks to the training of his mother and grandmother (2 Tim. 1:5; 3:15). Teaching right from wrong is not only the responsibility of parents to children, but also older men and women must teach the younger. Please read Titus 2:1-8 and see that the elders among us have a responsibility to teach the younger, not just anything, but holy and good behavior, speaking sound words, doing good works, being obedient, sober minded, etc.

In truth, this has always been God’s plan. Adam and Eve had to teach their children to love and respect God (Gen. 4:1-3). Moses told the Israelites: “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates” (Deut. 6:5-9). Believe it or not, this is practiced today by all parents, and truly they are teaching their children when they are walking, resting, rising up in the morning, etc. The question is what are they teaching their children? Many are not teaching children the values and standards laid out by God!

Friends and brethren, what are your children being taught? Are they being taught that revenge is acceptable, or are they being taught “Whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also” (Matt. 5:39)? Are they being taught “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Rom. 12:19)? Are we taking responsibility, or are we shirking our responsibility by allowing others to teach and mold these young minds who will take our place in the future? Keep in mind that if we are guilty of shirking our responsibilities, what do you think our children are learning to do?

Are our children being taught that there is punishment for wrong doing? So many, including Christians, refuse to reprimand and discipline their children. Some are more worried about harming their self-esteem, than they are about that child losing his soul! Where are the boundaries/ barriers that children need? When do you tell your child “No!”? God, as a Father tells us, his children, that there are boundaries and barriers. We cannot do “anything” (not even in the “free” USA!). God tells us that we are “fenced in” by his word, and cannot go beyond what he has said (2 John 9). It is acceptable and reasonable to expect a parent to spank a child at times for his unruly behavior. God says that it is necessary for him to “spank” (i.e., reprimand/ correct) us at times (Heb. 12:5-12). Therefore, physical parents also have this responsibility toward their children (Heb. 12:9-10). God says: “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him” (Prov. 22:15). “He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes (i.e., diligently, promptly, early)” (Prov. 13:24). When parents correct their children (through spanking, scolding, depriving of privileges, etc.) then the children learn how to behave in civilized society. Parents need to show love for their children, not only through positive reinforcement, but also though negative actions which show that they love their children too much to just let them go and “sow their wild oats.” (Remember: Gal. 6:9; Hos. 8:7.) “The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame” (Prov. 29:15). “He that wasteth his father, and chaseth away his mother, is a son that causeth shame, and bringeth reproach” (Prov. 19:26).

Developing character in children does not start when they are fifteen or sixteen years old. It doesn’t start when they are five, six, or seven years old, either! It starts from day one! It is said that the way a child behaves when he is nine or ten is a direct result of how he was brought up from ages one-five! I believe that. It is not enough to “sire” a child, you must be a parent as well! Too many, even among our brethren are shirking this great responsibility. Children cannot be left to themselves to raise themselves. When this happens, we end up with adults who are unruly, who do not know how to follow rules, are selfish, and will not respect any type of authority (including God’s authority)! Why should they? They didn’t have to respect authority when they were growing up; why should they respect authority now that they have become adults and are on their own? I understand that there are some exceptions, but they are too few and far between for someone to say, “See, this works.”

Conclusion

Brethren and friends, what are you doing to help develop the character of the younger generation? Have you already given up? I hope not! There is much work to do, and we must not be lax in our duties. Neglect is what has gotten us into this situation today. Let us do what we can to remedy the situation!

For all that has been said, it is clear that people will make their own choices. We are all free-moral agents, so some may turn away from that which is right because they want to do so despite what has been done for them. At the same time, doesn’t it make sense that if you train up a child in the right ways of the Lord, when the time comes, he will make the right decisions (Prov. 22:6)? Of course, this is true. Let us be found doing all we can to develop the proper character in our children, not by following pop-psychology or other foolish things, but by going to the Bible, and letting God tell us how to raise our children. God, our Father, has told us the best way to raise our children if we will just listen to him. Will you listen to God?

Must Number One: Jesus “Must” Die On The Cross

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:14, 15).

In order for man to be saved, Jesus had to die, for “with- out shedding of blood is not remission,” no forgiveness of sins (Heb. 9:22). Hence, he “must” be lifted up on the cross. It was only by being lifted up that he could draw all men unto himself (John 12:32). Indeed, he “was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification” (Rom. 4:25).

Must Number Two: “Ye ‘Must’ Be Born Again”

Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3). Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God (John 3:5). Ye must be born again (John 3:7).

To be born again is to be saved, to be delivered from the power of darkness (Col. 1:13). To be born again is to be obedient to the gospel, baptized into Christ (1 Cor. 12:13; 1 Pet. 1:22-25; 3:21). The Colossians were in the kingdom, hence, they had been born again (John 3:3, 5; Col. 1:13). They had been “baptized into Christ,” having been “buried with him in baptism” and made alive in the forgiveness of their sins (Col. 2:12, 13).

We “must” obey the gospel in order to be saved, for God shall take vengeance on them “that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thess. 1:8; cf. Rom. 2:8, 9). If you are not in the kingdom of Christ, you are in darkness (Col. 1:13). If you die in that condition, you will be cast into “outer darkness,” into everlasting torment (Matt. 25:30, 41,

46). Therefore, “Ye must be born again”!

Must Number Three: Worship “Must” Be In Spirit And In Truth

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).

God, the right object of worship, must be worshiped with the proper attitude in accordance with his word. This has always been true (Josh. 24:15). Man cannot determine his own way (Jer. 10:23). The ways of man are not God’s ways (Isa. 55:8, 9). Though man’s ways of worship may appear holy and devout, they are the ways of death (Prov. 14:12; Matt. 7:22, 23; 15:9, 13, 14).

We are not under the law, the fleshly covenant and kingdom, of Moses; rather, we are under the law of the Spirit, the gospel of Christ (Rom. 1:16; 8:2). We walk not in the shadow but in the substance (Col. 2:14-16). In the true tabernacle, the sure and certain sanctuary of God, we “must” worship  Jesus Christ (Matt. 17:5; 28:18-20; Heb. 1:1, 2).

Bible baptism and the blood of Christ go together. They are so closely related that one is of no value without the other. This writing is designed to help us see the connection between Bible baptism and the blood of Christ.

1. For The Remission Of Sins. In instituting the Lord’s supper, Jesus declared, “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Matt. 26:28). Why did Jesus shed his blood? For the remission of sins. On the day of Pentecost, Jews convicted of sin asked, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts

 2:37). They were instructed, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins . . .” (Acts 2:38). Why be baptized? For the remission of sins.

2. Washes Away Sins. Revelation 1:5 records, “Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.” How is a person washed from his sins? In the blood of Christ. On the road to Damascus, the Lord told Saul of Tarsus, “Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do” (Acts 9:6). In the city, Saul was told, “And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). According to this verse, how is a person washed from his sins? By being baptized. Therefore, in order for a person to have his sins washed away by the blood of Christ, it is absolutely essential that he be baptized. If not, why not?

3. Saves. Bible baptism and the blood of Christ are both said to have saving power. Paul wrote, “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him” (Rom. 5:9). The blood saves. But, baptism is also said to save. Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). The apostle Peter penned, “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us . . .” (1 Pet. 3:21).

4. Connecting Bible Baptism With the Blood of Christ. Paul reminded the Romans, “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?” (Rom. 6:3). It was in his death that Jesus shed his blood (John 19:34). Bible baptism puts us into contact with the blood of Christ by putting us in his death where he shed his blood. It is in Bible baptism that a person reaches the blood of Christ and receives the remission of sins, has his sins washed away, and is saved. See the connection?

A failure to see the connection between Bible baptism and the blood of Christ has caused some to overlook the importance of Bible baptism. Have you been baptized?

By Connie W. Adams

Jesus taught that there are some who are unteachable. They have imposed certain obstacles in their own way and until they remove them, the truth will not be appreciated by them. “Therefore speak I to them in parables: because seeing they see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophesy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see and shall not perceive: For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed: lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them” (Matt.13:13-15).

With stopped ears, closed eyes and hardened hearts these were un- teachable. They had the capacity to learn, but not the willingness. It is unfortunate that we yet have unteachables.

1. Prejudice has so blinded the minds of some that they will not be taught. Through campaigns of misinformation which dwell upon themes which are known to trigger definite reactions against those who preach the truth, the minds of some are closed. During the period of rapid growth of the church in this country in the decades from 1820-1850, the advocates of denominational error coined a term which automatically incited an adverse reaction with some. “Campbellite” was the term. A further prejudicial appeal was made to the religion of the “fathers.” Some could not hear the sound of the truth for thinking, “This man condemns my parents.”

In the present hour prejudice is yet incited by some within the church by the use of epithets and the circulation of rumors which distort what honest brethren believe. The fear of being called “anti” has prompted some to align themselves with popular movements or causes among brethren. Have you closed your eyes to truth because of prejudice?

2. A conglomeration of errors and half-truths has congested the minds of some. Until these can be removed, such people are unteachable. Some of our brethren become unduly exercised over what they call too much “negative” teaching. Of course, all negative teaching would leave no time or occasion for impressing the positive elements of the gospel. Before a field can be plowed, planted and cultivated, it must be cleared of trees, roots, stumps, or rocks. I have tried to talk with Jehovah’s  Witnesses or others whose minds were filled with such an abundance of misinformation or such a hodgepodge of half-truths that very little was accomplished.

Through the years an ignorance has beclouded the minds of many brethren and the minds of some are cluttered with concepts of denominationalism. Even basic principles, such as the way to establish scriptural authority, the realm of generics and specifics, the difference between collective and individual action, and elementary rules for the interpretation of Scripture, are commonly misunderstood. In order to teach some the truth it is necessary to start from “scratch,” lay again the foundation and step-by-step build thereon.

3. Know-it alls are unteachable until they decide that wisdom will not perish with them and that there just might be some truth they have not perceived or some truth which they have not fully comprehended. As one matures in Christ, his appreciation even of truths he has already known should be deepened and enhanced. Anytime we think we have no further need of study, and that we have a corner on truth, we need to study once again what humility is. “For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself” (Gal. 6:3).

We all need to study the Bible with open and honest hearts that the full light of truth may guide our feet. Let us not be of the number who are “ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2 Tim. 3:7).

(This article first appeared in The Enlightener, May 1968)