Truth Magazine

Recently, we were informed of the tragic news of two boys in Colorado entering their high school and shooting thirteen people, including a beloved teacher, and then themselves. Now, investigations are showing that these boys may have had accomplices, as well as having a plan to “blow-up” the school building! These boys were not the first to do such a horrible thing, and I am afraid that they will not be the last.

Why has such a thing occurred? Why has tragedy and death visited such a town as Littleton, Colorado, a seemingly quiet and peaceful town? People are blaming many things for the terrible actions that have occurred. As I watched news reports concerning the shooting in Colorado, I noticed that there were three basic conclusions that people came to as they tried to figure out the answer to the question, “Why?”

The three reasons given for this shooting are: (1) A lack of gun control. Teens and others can obtain guns too easily. (2) The exposure to violent video games, violent movies, TV shows, etc. People watch this violence and then act it out. (3) Some said that the boys in Colorado, as well as teenage shooters from other areas in recent years, lashed out and shot others because they were being teased. They were being made fun of, and the teens couldn’t handle it. Therefore, they implemented a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Perhaps you heard other “reasons” for the shootings, but these three were the main ones that kept creeping up every time an “expert” or psychologist was asked “Why?”

I am by no means an expert, nor a psychologist, but I believe I understand why the shooting in Colorado, as well as the other school shootings occurred. It was not be- cause of the three reasons we listed above. Those are mere symptoms of the problem. It is like a cough associated with bronchitis or pneumonia. A doctor may prescribe medicine for a person’s cough, but until he prescribes medicine for the bronchitis or pneumonia, the problem will remain within the body of the sick person. In like manner, gun control, violent video games and movies, and teasing are symptoms of the problem. If someone was able to “cure” these symptoms, the problem would still remain in this country.

What is the problem? Why these shootings? Put simply, it is because God has been removed from the home and from people’s lives! Too many in the U.S. are like the Gentiles who “did not like to retain God in their knowledge” (Rom. 1:28). Seeing that God is not allowed into the homes of people, it follows that his word is not respected. His law for marriage, his law for raising children, his law for dealing with others, has been pushed away completely in too many cases! When people are not brought up with a love and respect for God and for his word, then what is there to hold these people to a higher standard? What is there that reminds people, both young and old, that they are account- able to One higher than them (Eccl. 11:9-10; 12:13-14; Rom. 2:16; 2 Cor. 5:10; Acts 17:30-31)? When we push God aside, we push his will aside as well!

We are inundated with messages teaching the false theory of evolution, that we are descended from monkeys and other lower forms of life. It is proclaimed in schools, on TV, in the newspaper, and in magazines that man is nothing more than a glorified monkey. Friends, if we are telling our children day in and day out that we are nothing more than glorified apes, don’t be surprised when they act like apes! By proclaiming the false theory of evolution as fact, we are saying that human life is on an equal plane with the life of any animal from slug to salamander, from monkey to mammoth, from elephant to iguana! If this is true, then truly human life has no value, and you could shoot a person down just like you’d shoot an animal, or step on an ant!

In truth, human life has value because man has been created in the image of God (Gen. 2:7). Human life has value because God said it has value (Gen. 9:6; etc.). Humans are greater than animals, for Christ died for man’s salvation, not the monkey’s (Matt. 16:26; 20:28; Heb. 2:9)!

Now, when we put God back in his rightful place (first place, Matt. 22:37-39; 6:33!), then the symptoms we dis- cussed earlier will go away. Just like when a doctor treats a person’s bronchitis or pneumonia, the coughing will cease! When God is in his rightful place, people will treat others as they want to be treated, and the teasing will cease (Matt. 7:12). For those who do endure some teasing, when they respect God’s word, they will realize that the prophets, Christ, the apostles, and others endured far worse. They endured “trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment” (Heb. 11:36). Read 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 and learn what the apostle Paul endured. If he endured it, you can be sure others did as well! When God and his word take first place in our lives, we can endure others teasing us, and do so without resorting to violence against others (Matt. 5:39)!

When God is brought back into our homes, we will not want to watch violent video games, TV shows, etc. When God is first in our lives, we will want to think upon “whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report.” We will want to think on things that have “virtue” and are “praiseworthy” (Phil. 4:8). Why will this be a voluntary act? Why will we want to think on pure and upright things rather than the debased, defiled, and violent things? It is because when God and his word are put first, we will realize that “those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man . . .” (Matt. 15:18- 20). We will not want to play violent video games, for they are not conducive in any way to our going to Heaven (Col. 3:1-2)!

Finally, the subject of gun control is a symptom many in this country think is the end-all to school problems. This country was founded by those who owned guns. In fact, our founding fathers fought and killed others in order to bring about freedom in this country. What about the following generation? Were there historical records where the sons and daughters of these people brought their muskets and muzzleloaders to their one-room schools? No. Why? Because of the very principles we have established thus far. That is, respect for God and his word. In times gone by, the people of this country had a respect for God and for their Creator that is not seen today. At least it is not the “norm” as it has been in times past. When God is put back into the homes, and his word is respected, people will respect guns as well. Guns can be used in hunting, in certain recreational sports (ex: skeet shooting/target shooting), and other things. Guns can be used for protection, such as the policemen wear. In all of this, guns have their place, and would not be used to intentionally, mercilessly, cold-heartedly, shoot and kill another for no reason. Why? Because with a respect for God comes a respect for his creation. You cannot say you respect and love God and then destroy the greatest of his creation for no other reason than your feelings were hurt, or you wanted attention, fame, glory, etc.!

Brethren, it is high time we stopped taking the “cold medicine” and administer the cure for the problem! How much does your son or daughter know about God’s word? Is God respected in your home? Is he even invited in? These are the questions that ought to be asked at such a terrible time as this. Our hearts, prayers, and sympathy are extended to those who have lost their loved ones. It is a tragedy to see teenagers killing each other. Yet, for all of this, the answer to our problems is not found at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The answer to our problems is not found in federal, state, or local legislatures. The answer to our problems is not found in how many bombs we have aimed at our enemies, nor how many puppet regimes we can stomp down. The answer to our problems is not found in a psychology book. These things do not give us the answer, nor is this where the strength of our country is found. The answer to our problems is found in the Book of Books, the Bible! It is high time we realized this and started back on that road that leads to everlasting life (Matt. 7:13-14)! So long as we are satisfied to treat “symptoms,” the shootings will continue and get worse, the immorality in our society will get worse, and respect for life will continue to fall. When will we learn?

By Connie W. Adams

What’s His Name?

My wife lived in Cleveland, Ohio for 28 years where she still has many friends. Recently we were in a meeting at Lorain Avenue in Cleveland. The last night, one of the men was called on just before service time to make opening remarks. He had some nice things to say about Bobby and how long they had known and appreciated her. Then he said, “And we’ve been glad to have her husband. Let’s see, what is his name?” Well, that’s not all bad. Paul said man is not to think of himself “more highly than he ought to think” (Rom. 12:3).

No Way to Win

We returned home from the Philippines on February 15. Since that time I have written 85 letters to brethren there. At present I still have 50 unanswered letters on my desk from that land. Because of our meeting work we are away from home more than half the time. It is nearly impossible to handle much correspondence during meetings. When we come home there is much to do and a short time to do it since we have to be ready to leave again in a few days. Some days I answer five letters from the Philippines and pick up the mail the same day with eight or ten more! I am not complaining for we love to hear from those dear brethren. But it did sting a little when we got a second letter from a brother before I could answer his first one in which he said it was plain that we did not love them and that if we did we would answer their letters. I have now answered his two letters and explained some of these things to him. Job said his days were “swifter than a weaver’s shuttle” (Job 7:6) and James said life is even as “a vapor” (Jas. 4:13). How true.

On Growing Older

I heard a fellow say not long ago that it was not too bad to get older except that it sure was inconvenient at times! I used to think that when I reached my present age that life would slow down a great deal. Instead I find it speeding up with more things to do than ever before. Either that, or else it just takes a little longer to get it done. At any rate I take some comfort in the admonition, “Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head” (Lev. 19:32).

The Effects of Truth

The hearing of the truth does not affect all people the same way. For instance, on the day of Pentecost, when Peter convicted his audience of having slain the Son of God, “they were pricked in their hearts and cried out to Peter and the rest of the apostles ‘Men and brethren, what shall we do?’” They were told to “repent and be baptized” and that same day about 3,000 souls did that very thing (Acts 2:36-41). Sometime later, Stephen preached the same truth to the Jewish council (Acts 6:15). “When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth” and then stoned him to death (Acts 7:54-60). In one case the message produced genuine repentance. In the other, they killed the messenger. And so even today, the truth stirs some to obedience and others to opposition. We should not be surprised at either reaction.

Making Havoc of the Church

Those who tell us that we ought to preach Christ and not the church would do well to remember that “Saul made havoc of the church” (Acts 8:3), yet when Jesus spoke to him on the road to Damascus, he said “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” (Acts 9:4). Whatever Saul was doing against the church was against Christ. Would it not follow that what is done in favor of the church is also done in favor of Christ? Maybe that is because Christ is the head of the body, the church, and it is not seemly that heads and bodies should be separated from each other. Would it not also follow that to minimize the church would be to minimize Christ?

Whose Church?

More and more I hear Christians speak of “our church,” or “her church” or “their church.” Sometimes I suppose reference is simply made to the local church one attends. But something needs to be said for distinct speech. Paul told Titus to “speak thou the things that become sound doctrine” (Tit. 2:1). Later, in the same context he said we ought to use “sound speech that cannot be condemned” (v. 8). A generation is growing up which has a blurred concept of the uniqueness of the church of the Lord. In their minds it is one among many denominations. In this case, it happens to be “our church” in contrast to the Baptist or Methodist Church. When Jesus said “upon this rock I will build my church” he used the possessive form. If it is his, then it not mine. Nor yours. Of course, identify the congregation of which you are a voluntary part but remember that all such congregations are “churches of Christ” (Rom. 16:16).

Why Don’t We Learn?

In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul reviewed the history of the wilderness wanderings of Israel and explained why they had to wander so long before entering Canaan. He said God was not well pleased with them. Then he said, “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play. Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:6-12). It occurs to me that many do not learn because they are determined to do what they want to do. On the other hand, it may be that they have not heard much teaching based on these examples of disobedience with their dire consequences. Yes, I know, people ought to study these Old Testament accounts on their own. But those of us who teach classes and preach sermons need to instruct our hearers of these events and sound the same warning that Paul did in 1 Corinthians 10. Preachers, are you running out of something to talk about? How about redigging these old wells. I can see at least four sermons right away in this text. “Oh but that would be negative preaching!” Yeah, I know. Isn’t that great!

What to Do With Song Books You No Longer Use

Do you have some song books stored in a closet or work room where you worship that have been there ever since you bought new books? Are they in good condition? What are you going to do with them? Those of us who have preached in the Philippines are continually asked to help them get some song books that still have some wear left. Brethren there love to sing from English song books. We saw places where there were only a few song books and they were in rags. We visited places where three different books were being used and the song leaders would have to announce three different numbers so all could be ready to sing the same song. I have several letters on my desk right now appealing for 25, 50, or 100 song books. Maybe you could get a crew of young people together and tape the spines of books that have no loose pages but a worn spine. Ron Halbrook, Jim McDonald, Earl Mitchell, Jerry Parks, or Danny McKibben (not to mention a number of other good brethren who have visited there in recent years) can supply names and addresses to which these can be sent. M-bags are the cheapest way to ship these. The Post Office can supply them along with instructions on how to prepare them for mailing. You can send as much as 66 pounds in one bag. I had a letter the other day from a good brother who said that the previous Sunday they had 400 present and had 75 song books. That is more books than most places have. Could you help relieve this problem? Thanks. I knew you would if you only knew about it.

There are a number of figures of speech by which the Lord identifies his church. It is referred as the following: (a) the Temple of God (1 Cor. 3:16); (b) the House of God (1 Tim. 3:16); (c) the Vineyard of the Lord (Matt. 20:1); (d) the Kingdom of the Lord (Matt. 4:17); etc. Each of these figures tells us something about the Lord’s church and is worthy of one’s study.

In Revelation 1-3, the church is compared to a candlestick. Jesus is seen standing in the midst of the candlesticks (Rev. 1:12-13). The candlesticks are specifically identified as the churches of the Lord (Rev. 1:20). The “candlestick” is something that can be removed by the Lord (Rev. 2:5). Let’s consider the things taught about the church under the figure of it being the Lord’s candlestick.

The Church Gives Off Light to the World in Darkness

The world is filled with darkness. “Darkness” is the situation of being void of light. It is used to describe one’s spiritual condition when the “light” of the revelation of God’s word is not shining. Consider some of these verses that describe the world as lying in darkness and the gospel as bringing light to that darkness:

The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up (Matt. 4:16).

To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace (Luke 1:79).

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil (John 3:19).

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life (John 8:12).

When the devil’s influence reigns one is under the power of darkness (Luke 22:53).

God is the source of true light. He is described as light (1 John 1:5),  as also is Jesus (John 1:4-5; 8:12). When Jesus came into the world, men saw the light of his star and went in search of the Messiah (Matt. 2:2). Jesus came as a light to those in darkness (Luke 2:32). The gospel reveals that light (2 Cor. 4:4-6; Eph. 5:13). The Bible reveals the way from darkness to light (Acts 26:18). It reveals the path of light, exposing what is sinful and what is righteousness (Rom. 7:7). Psalm 19:8-12 expresses how the word of the Lord enlightens the eyes and shows men what is light and what is darkness.

Christians are “lights” in the same sense as the moon gives light. The moon is not a source of light; it merely reflects the light of the sun. We are mirrors reflecting the light of the Son. Individually, we are lights (Eph. 5:8; 1 Thess. 5:5-8; 1 Pet. 2:9). As a congregation, we are God’s light in the world (Rev. 1:12-13; 1 Tim. 3:15).

Not All Candlesticks Are Equally Bright

In the book of Revelation, the candlesticks are used to describe the seven churches of Asia. The Lord was fully aware of the condition of each church. The Lord was in the midst of the candlesticks (Rev. 1:13; 2:1). Each letter begins with Jesus saying “I know” the condition of the church (2:2, 9, 13, 19; 3:1, 8, 15). The Lord just as certainly knows what is going on in the church of which you and I are members as he did the churches of the first century. If the Lord were to write to the church where we are, what would he say?

Of the seven churches of Asia, not all of the candlesticks were equally bright. The church at Ephesus was in danger of losing its candlestick because it had lost its first love, albeit it was doctrinally sound (Rev. 2:1-5). The church at Smyrna shined brightly in the midst of persecution (2:8-11). The church at Pergamos allowed its light to be dimmed by their on-going fellowship with those who taught the doc- trine of the Nicolaitans (2:12-15). If they did not repent, God promised to fight against them with the sword of his mouth (2:16). The church at Thyatira tolerated the immoral teaching of those who believed one could commit fornication and eat meats sacrificed to idols (2:18-29). The church at Sardis was basically dead, although a few in that dead church were still alive (3:1, 4). The church at Philadelphia was clinging fast to the Lord in the face of bitter persecution (3:7-12). The church at Laodicea was lukewarm and needed to repent (3:14-21).

Which of these churches more nearly resembles the light that we emit? In some cases our light shines brightly. In some cases it flickers. In some cases it may be altogether dark.

What are some things that darken one’s light? At Ephesus, the loss of one’s first love (2:4-5). At Pergamos, the acceptance of false teachers (2:12-15). At Thyatira, the acceptance of worldliness (2:18-29). At Sardis, spiritual deadness (3:1). At Laodicea, lukewarmness (3:15-17). There are many different things that can cause the church’s light to flicker or be vanquished. Bitter, in-fighting (Gal. 5:15) and division (1 Cor. 3:1-4) cause churches to lose their light. I attended a wedding the other day in which the families went through a ceremony of lighting a “unity candle.” Two families were come together to begin one new family. Perhaps we need a “unity candle” service in some places.

What are some things that make one’s light bright? At Ephesus, doctrinal loyalty (Rev. 2:2). At Smyrna, faithfulness in the face of severe persecution (2:9-10). At Pergamos, not denying the faith (2:13). At Thyatira, love, service, faith, patience, and works (2:19). At Sardis, a few names that had not defiled their garments (3:4). At Philadelphia, continued works of obedience in the face of many trials (3:8, 10). At Laodicea, opening the door to the Savior who wanted inside their lukewarm hearts (3:20). There are many different things that can cause this church’s light to shine brightly: (a) Intense brotherly love for one another (John 13:34-35); (b) A commitment to work through problems together. In our family we have had problems. There have been times when we have sat down together and expressed our differences. Not once have we asked someone to leave the family and go away from us. Rather, we have had a commitment to work through our differences, respecting each other in spite of the differences we have, and maintaining our family. (c) Active programs of work, such as converting the lost, edifying the saints, helping those who are hurting, and lifting the spirits of those who are down and depressed.

Conclusion

Jesus said, “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:13-16).

One of my first remembrances of church services is the learning of “This Little Christian Light of Mine.” The little children’s song is based on this text. Let’s think about the important message that is included in its words.

This little Christian light of mine, I’m gonna’ let it shine.
This little Christian light of mine, I’m gonna’ let it shine.
This little Christian light of mine, I’m gonna’ let it shine.
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine.

Hide it under a bushel, No! I’m gonna’ let it shine.
Hide it under a bushel, No! I’m gonna’ let it shine.
Hide it under a bushel, No! I’m gonna’ let it shine.
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine.

Don’t let Satan “puff” it out.
I’m gonna’ let it shine.
Don’t let Satan “puff” it out.
I’m gonna’ let it shine.
Don’t let Satan “puff” it out.
I’m gonna’ let it shine.
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine.

All around the neighborhood, I’m gonna’ let it shine.
All around the neighborhood, I’m gonna’ let it shine.
All around the neighborhood, I’m gonna’ let it shine.
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine.