Faith Abuse

By Don Wright

Any claim of faith in something that has not been revealed in the word of God is a false faith.

Faith is required of all those who would please God (Heb. 11:6). To have faith is to believe in something that you cannot see with the physical eye (Heb. 11:1).

While faith is indeed important and crucial for the salvation of the soul, some have abused the idea of faith which has led to some erroneous and harmful conclusions. You see faith must be based on the word of God. Paul said, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). Any claim of faith in something that has not been revealed in the word of God is a false faith. Allow me to give you a few examples:

1. Faith and healing the sick. There have been some tragic stories of parents who have watched their children die, not willing to give them proper medication because of their belief that God would heal them miraculously. That misplaced faith comes from not understanding the scriptural teaching on miracles. The Bible affirms that miracles were set forth for specific reasons, the primary one being to confirm the word of God (Mark 16:19, 20; Heb. 2:3, 4). That was very necessary before the perfect revelation of God was delivered in written form; but once the Bible was complete, miracles ceased (1 Cor. 13:8-13). The Bible does not affirm that miracles were to be permanent. Instead it affirms, in the passage cited above, that they would cease sometime before hope and faith would vanish. In this way hope and faith are superior to miraculous gifts. Now since hope and faith will exist until this world ends, miracles must cease sometime before that point. Again, that time was with the completion of God’s perfect revelation. So, when one stands by, in the name of faith, and watches one die of some physical illness when it can be prevented, it is certainly an abuse of faith.

2. Faith and God’s providential care. Certainly God provides for his children. Jesus taught us not to worry about the future and what we should eat and with what we should be clothed (Matt. 6:25-34). God does take care of us providentially. But we must remember God’s will on providing for ourselves too. We cannot in the name of faith just sit back and wait for God to feed and clothe us. Paul said, “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat” (2 Thess.3:10). In many passages of Scripture we are commanded to work. For a man not to work and then say, “But don’t worry God will take care of us,” is to have faith in something that God has not revealed. That is faith abuse!

3. Faith and salvation. Some people abuse the idea of faith when it comes down to salvation. If one obeys the gospel as set forth in the Scriptures, he has the right to have confidence in the fact that his past sins have been forgiven by God. Obeying God’s plan of salvation results in obtain- ing the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). But when one follows the doctrine of man, i.e., some plan that originated with man and cannot be found in the Bible, he has no right to hope for salvation. He might say, “I am sure about my salvation because I have faith in God.” But did not James remind us that even the devils believe and tremble (Jas. 2:19)? It is not everyone who believes that is going to be saved, but everyone who does the will of God (Matt. 7:21-23). When one has not followed the instructions of the Spirit as revealed in the word of God, but believes he is saved nevertheless, it is a misplaced faith. Jesus is only the author of salvation to those who obey him (Heb. 5:8, 9).

Don’t abuse faith. Don’t have a misplaced faith. We can only have real faith in those things that are revealed in the Bible. When one thinks that God is impressed with a faith that has no scriptural foundation, he is sadly mistaken. For again, “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Editorial Left-overs

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.

The Church: The Lord’s Candlestick

By Mike Willis

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.

Some Things No Man Knows

By Weldon E. Warnock

There are many things we can know. We can know the doctrine of Christ (John 7:16), what is truth (John 8:32), whether we know God (1 John 2:3) and if we have passed from death unto life (1 John 3:14) to name a few. On the other hand, there are some things we cannot know. Let us notice some of them.

1. No man knows when Jesus is coming again. While on earth Jesus said, “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father” (Mark 13:32). As the year 2000 draws near, preachers are saying that Jesus is coming shortly, within the next several months. Well, they are just “whistling in the dark” because they don’t know.

2. No man knows the length of his life. We read, “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow for what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away” (Jas. 4:14). Yesterday is only a memory and tomorrow a dream. We have only today. In view of the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death we need to get ready for death and the judgment, and stay ready!

3. No man knows he will have a second chance to be saved. When Jesus comes he will take vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thess. 1:8). Now is the day of salvation (2 Cor. 6:2), not after Jesus returns. At the second coming of Christ all in the graves shall hear his voice and come forth. They that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation (John 5:28-29).

4. No man knows that he can be saved without accepting Jesus. The apostle Peter said, “Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). No other can give salvation. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. No man cometh to the Father but by him (John 14:6). Jesus is not one of the ways to God, but the way. If we believe not that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, we shall die in our sins (John 8:24).

5. No man knows that a person can be saved without water baptism. Every place where baptism and salvation or forgiveness of sins appear together, baptism always precedes salvation. Note the following Scriptures: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). “And now why tarriest thou? Arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us” (1 Pet. 3:21). In the preceding texts, faith, repentance, and baptism come before salvation or the remission of sins. Each one is just as important as the other. We just as well may say that an alien sinner could be saved without faith or repentance as to say he can be saved without water baptism.

Yes, there are some things that no man knows! Many think they know but they do not.