Truth Magazine

By Bobby L. Graham

The following brief meditations were prompted by experiences the writer had in a recent fifteen-day trip to the Central American country of Belize, the former British Honduras. The Lord’s work is going well there, guided by Dana Whisler and Jesse Hightower, its pioneer who soon will move to Guatemala to proclaim the gospel to its people. Dana and his family remain there as dedicated and beloved servants of God. Remember them in prayer and in financial support as you can.

Fear of Exile

One of the early contacts with whom we studied after arriving in Corozal, Belize, was Felipe Cruz. Felipe is from Guatemala but lives near Orange Walk, which is south of Corozal. His little abode is quite humble compared to our American style of residence. It consists of numerous tree- trunk poles gathered from the bush and placed side-by-side with a thatch roof overhead, making a quite cool residence for those hot Belizean days.

Quite content with his meager possessions in this foreign land, to which he had brought his family to escape an earlier Guatemalan conflict, Felipe was very much concerned about a threatened exile of non-citizens to their native countries. In his latter years such an upheaval in life could be quite upsetting and unsettling. It should be reported to his credit that Felipe, not yet a Christian, did not allow this fear of exile to hinder his study of the Bible and his travel to the meeting place of the Corozal congregation to study more.

The Christian is not unlike Felipe in his unsettled condition in relation to this world and to his own country. Here he has no permanent abiding place; he is an alien, a stranger, and a pilgrim. He looks for a city, whose builder and maker is God. All of his hopes and confidence relate to the heavenly land, not to this passing scene. He must abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul (Heb. 11; 1 Pet. 2:11). When the child of God does have to dis- embark in death (for such is nature of his departure, 2 Tim. 4:6), he can loosen his grip on this earthly existence in the confidence that a better one awaits.

Rejection of Jesus’ Deity

Late on a hot Sunday afternoon we stopped at a roadside store to buy soft drinks and found Ernest Will the proprietor sitting outside, interested in talking. He immediately made known his belief in “Jehovah” but not in Jesus as divine. He made confusing reference to some of the tenets of Islam, but he also betrayed non-Islamic convictions. Ernest did refer to Isaiah’s majestic description of Jehovah in Isaiah 44:6: “Thus saith Jehovah, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, Jehovah of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; besides me there is no God.”

After his confusing statements, which made it clear that he was unclear in his beliefs, I asked him about Isaiah’s at- tribution of deity to Jesus in 7:14. Did not Jehovah call the Messiah here Immanuel (God with us) through the prophet? Could not the prophet speak credibly concerning Jesus, just as he did about Jehovah? If we can believe his testimony about one of these matters, why can we not also accept it on the other matter? Think about this matter, friend, and understand that your faith in Christ is well supported by the testimony of God himself, who knows better than the skeptic, the agnostic, or the atheist. He also is the One who thundered from heaven, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him” (Matt. 17:5). Ernest said that he would study this passage. Will you?

Divorce — A Serious Matter

Gregorio Huerera seemed anxious to find Dana Whisler after seeing his car along the side of the road. He located him in a nearby house, where some of us were studying the Scriptures with some new converts. He was happy to be able to ask about a marriage that the Adventists were advising him to finalize to the woman with whom he had been living. Gregorio knew enough of the Bible to be skeptical of their advice, for he wanted to know more about marrying this Adventist woman who had been previously married and divorced.

When Dana referred him to Matthew 19 and he read some of the verses for himself, particularly verse 9, he seemed to chuckle a bit and remarked, “This is serious.” It is dead serious, so much so that Jesus advised becoming a eunuch for the sake of the kingdom a bit later! Is it a serious matter to you? Would you ask about marriage before planning it? Does it make a difference to you that God has declared some people ineligible for marriage? Are you that concerned about pleasing God? God has spoken on this matter, and doing right demands pleasing him, not just going through some forms or observing some externals. We serve God and honor Christ only from the heart (Matt. 22:37).

Security

Johnny Mash is not a Christian, but he and his wife have shown some interest in God’s will and Word. During a study in his tiny, elevated house I noticed a deadbolt lock on the front door. He obviously wanted to secure his residence as much as possible in a country where thievery abounds. Jose Morales slept in his unfinished, one-room, concrete-block house to guard what he already had.

Protecting one’s investment, keeping what one has: it sounds familiar, doesn’t it? For this reason people insure their houses, cars, voices, and other things valuable to them. Ought we not to exercise even more care for our spiritual possessions?

Our faith, hope, and salvation far outweigh any earthly belonging, but we frequently disregard them in the decisions and choices we make. Warnings to take heed, beware, and hold on are sounded in the Bible to urge people to protect their spiritual security. Salvation can be lost (1 Cor. 9:27; 10:12). The Lord also admonished such spiritual guarding in Revelation 3:2 and 11. “Establish the things that remain, that were ready to die.”

“Hold fast that which thou hast, that no one take thy crown.” Which do we value more highly, as reflected in our spiritual alertness and diligence — our material possessions or our soul’s salvation?

The Day When Everything Went Right

On our first trip into Mexico from Corozal, just nine miles from the border, we experienced the typical hassle of border crossings on a hot and sultry day, bumpy and dusty roads part of the way, a car filled with passengers, poor driving, the distrust of the moneychangers who waited at the border to give us pesos for our dollars, and a traffic ticket in Mexico for making an improper turn. All of this was but a precursor of what was coming — no Little Debbie products at the Chetumal grocery store, which is supposed to have those American products that so many of us want. On the way home there were additional problems — a locked gas cap which would not come off at the gas station (it had to be forced off back in Corozal), forcing us to drive some 15 miles with little gasoline in the tank, and then locking the car keys in the trunk after getting back close to home. The thought did occur to me that nothing was going our way on that day.

Upon further thought, I realized that no one/nothing had really been hurt, lost, or stolen. The problems all related to things that didn’t matter very much. Things that matter the most went right that day. In reality, a day when much seemed to go wrong was a day when everything went right.

After refusing to become a judge in an inheritance dispute between two brothers, Jesus warned us all: “Take heed and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life does not consist of the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). If we keep ourselves from this and other excessive material concerns, we will be able to focus on what really counts in life — God, his Word, our faith and practice, and helping others along the heavenly journey (Matt. 6:33).

Recently, a preacher who was invited to hold a gospel meeting was asked by the preacher of the congregation inviting him what he thought about having the meeting in a neutral place and not mentioning the name of the church due to prejudice on the part of denominational people. Is such a method boldly preaching the gospel of Christ to a lost and dying world as Jesus and his apostles did? Consider this:

“What shall we say then?” If a Jew is in the audience; shall we avoid preaching “Jesus Christ and Him crucified” because of the prejudice of Jews (1 Cor. 2:2)? “God forbid” — Mark 8:38; Romans 1:16; 9:33; 2 Timothy 1:12.

“What shall we say then?” If a Muslim is in the audience, shall we avoid teaching the Deity of Christ because of the prejudice of Muslims? “God forbid” — Matthew 10:32, 33; Acts 8:37; Romans 10:17; 1 John 4:2, 3, 15; 5:1.

“What shall we say then?” If members of denominations are in the audience, shall we expect the preacher to avoid preaching on the identity and purpose of the Lord’s church because the denominational world teaches, “one church is good as another,” or for fear of “embarrassing our visitors” or being accused of “blasting denominations”? “God forbid” — Matthew 16:18; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 2:21, 22; 4:1-16; 5:22-33.

“What shall we say then?” If we have evolutionists or atheists in the audience, shall we avoid teaching that God exists and that He is the creator of all things, because of the prejudice of evolutionists and atheist? “God forbid” — Genesis 1-2; Psalms 8:3, 4; 40:5; 74:17; 95:5; 100:3; 104:24, 30; Isaiah 40:28; 43:7; John 1:3; Acts 17:24-29; Romans 1:19, 20: Colossians 1:16.

“What shall we say then?” If immoral people are in the audience, shall we avoid preaching “repentance for the remission of sins” because they may be prejudiced regarding certain moral issues such as adultery, fornication, homosexuality, polygamy, abortion, drinking alcohol, stealing, etc.? “God forbid” — Matthew 5:32; 19:9; Romans 1:21-32; 1 Corinthians 6:9-20; 7:1, 2; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 4:28; Colossians 3:1-10; 1 Peter 4:1-4.

“What shall we say then?” We must declare “all the counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). We must “preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke and exhort with all long suffering and doctrine” (2 Tim. 4:2). If we seek to please men, we will not be the servants of Christ (Gal. 1:10). We must “speak the truth in love” and teach all things commanded by God for man to do (Eph. 4:15; Matt. 28:19, 20; John 14:15, 21; 15:10; 1 John 5:1-3; Rev. 22:14). Now, what will you say then?

By Donnie V. Rader

How can I tell if I am indifferent? Furthermore, how can I see that there is indifference within the local church? Let’s consider four signs that point to apathy.

1. A loss of zeal. Dedicated people have a burning zeal. They are fervent in spirit (Rom. 12:11). Their hearts burn within then as the two who were on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:32). However, it is possible to lose that fire of enthusiasm. The church at Ephesus had left its first love (Rev. 2:4-5).

Judah, both before and after the exile, let their service deteriorate into a weary routine that demanded no real effort. Isaiah said their fear toward God had become “tradition learned by rote” (Isa. 29:13, NASV). Malachi rebukes the remnant for offering inferior sacrifices (blind, lame, and sick) to God (1:6-2:17).

When a church has some members who have either lost or never had zeal, it has a problem with indifference. Some Christians are not excited about the salvation they have in Christ. Some are not enthused about worshiping the Almighty. Some are not fired up about the hope of eternal life. When your service to God is a “ho-hum, no big deal” thing, your fire has gone out!

In C.S. Lewis’ Screwtape Letters (a fictional account of one devil’s instructions to another on how to destroy a Christian) Screwtape instructs Wormwood: “If you can once get him to the point of thinking that ‘religion is all very good up to a point’, you can feel quite happy about his soul. A moderated religion is as good for us as no religion at all.”

2. A loss of spiritual interest. Waning interest in spiritual matters easily follows a loss of zeal. There are several indicators that our desire for the spiritual has decreased.

A lack of desire for the word. All Christians ought to have the same thirst for the word that babies have for their milk (1 Pet. 2:1-2). David wrote at length about his love and desire for God’s word (Ps. 119). When Christians have no real interest in studying and learning, make little or no effort to come to Bible study, don’t care to know what the text means or how it applies, indifference is a problem. Every person that I have talked to who has quit serving the Lord, has said that they quit studying their Bibles long before.

Not bothered by sin. Those who fear God hate sin (Prov. 8:13) and depart from it (Prov. 16:6). When Christians are not disturbed by sin in their own life or that of others, indifference is indeed a problem.

Not bothered by false doctrine. David said that rivers of waters ran down his eyes because some had not kept the law of God (Ps. 119:136). God’s people, who love the law of God, are bothered when false doctrine is taught. How- ever, there are Christians who are not bothered by uncertain sounds being given. Furthermore, they don’t want to hear any warning about it. Indifference indeed!

Not concerned about the lost. When we care little about approaching the lost about the gospel of Christ, apathy is well under way in our lives (cf. Mark 16:15).

3. Missing services. It may begin with an occasional absence. Maybe we start with allowing our work schedule to keep us away. It may bother us at first, then we adjust to the idea. Later we may miss once in a while to do something else we want to do. It is now becoming easier to miss even more. It may start with missing Bible study or Wednesday evening, then Sunday night and so on.

Every service we miss, we miss out on that much spiritual growth. Thomas missed what the other disciples gained when he was not there (John 20:20-28). If by being present we are built up and edified (Heb. 10:25; Eph. 5:19), then if we miss, we are made that much weaker.

Do you forsake the assembling (Heb. 10:25) for reasons that are within your control? If so, you are indifferent.

4. Consumed with secular interest. This life is merely a land we are passing through (Heb. 13:14). That means that secular things are temporary and rank far below spiritual matters.

When our secular concerns overshadow and crowd out the spiritual, it indicates that we have a problem with indifference. When we don’t have time to worship or study our Bibles, we are plagued with indifference. When making money is more important than spiritual concerns, we have a problem. When having fun is pushed ahead of serving the Lord, indifference is taking its toll.

These principles will help us as we examine ourselves (2 Cor. 13:5).

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?