Truth Magazine

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.

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.

By Daniel H. King

We often take for granted the good things which we enjoy.

We as Americans are blessed exceedingly, savoring a political and economic system which encourages independence, self-reliance and a capitalistic entrepreneurial spirit. The resultant structure of both government and society has led to our knowing such freedom as few have ever known before us. We enjoy a level of prosperity that is seldom experienced by those of other modern nations.

Some of us are fortunate enough to have been born into a family with good reputation for virtue and hard work. We have done nothing whatsoever to deserve it, but we are nevertheless favored by this fortuitous circumstance also. The quality of our lives is the better for it, and the ambition and work-ethic which we have inherited gives us both satisfaction from our labors and success from our efforts at useful enterprises.

But those of us who are Christians are blessed most of all. Like those who dwell in a rich land, endowed by God with all the good things of life, we are pleased to know a level of spiritual blessing which few others can even imagine. This is what Peter declares of our estate in his second epistle:

Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust (2 Pet. 1:4).

Peter does not address the issue of the Christian’s blessed condition with an inappropriate modesty. Instead, he speaks palpably and conspicuously of the “exceeding great and precious promises” of God which are ours to enjoy. This conveys a picture of lavish profusion, of opulent richness, even of superabundant blessing.

And, when one investigates the Word of God in search of the regal blessings which are bestowed upon the child of God in a proper relationship with the Father through his Son Jesus Christ, he is impressed with the extravagant bountifulness of those gifts. Let us make note of but a few of those “exceeding great and precious promises”:

1.There Is The Promise of Safe Retreat. Christians hymn the glory of this wonderful blessing in the beautiful song Rock of Ages: “Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee.” All of us experience times in our lives when we feel that the world is closing in around us and it appears that there is no one to go to for help, no place to retreat. Another line from one of the famous hymns comes to mind here: “Where could I go? Oh, where could I go? Seeking a refuge for my soul?”

The crushing problems, turbulent storms, and daunting tasks of life cause us to long for a spiritual retreat from it all. The Lord offers this to his faithful children: “And a man shall be as a hiding-place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest, as streams of water in a dry place, as the shade of a great rock in a weary land” (Isa. 32:2). In God there is promise of a safe retreat. In the world there may not seem to be such a place, or such a condition. But for the child of the King, the resplendent promise provides confidence that there will never be a time or place or circumstance where he cannot withdraw into the Everlasting Arms and feel the spiritual comfort of God’s enfolding embrace.

2. There Is Promise of Deliverance. God wanted the  people of old Israel to call upon him in their day of adversity: “And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me” (Ps. 50:15). Why would it be any different today? We need God in every trying circumstance of life, so it is only appropriate that we admit it and call out to him for help. The Bible says that God will respond in the day of adversity: “The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment unto the day of judgment” (2 Pet. 2:9).

Yet how often have we endured the difficulties and turmoil of our lives without calling out for God’s help? Too often we attempt by our own enterprise or imagination to come up with a way out without contemplating our need for God’s help. We fancy ourselves intelligent enough, or inventive enough, or courageous enough, or even strong enough to escape the clutches of disaster by our own means. We forget that God has taught us to “call upon me in the day of trouble,” not only in order that he might deliver us, but also because it is evidence of our faith and dependence upon him as our Father and our God. Can you imagine an earthly father standing helplessly by as his child struggles and suffers with a problem which he could and would be willing to solve for him, if only he would ask? He does not want to barge in or intrude where he is not wanted, but stands by frustrated that he is not asked for help. Surely this is how God must view our occasional problems which he is ready and willing to alleviate, if only we would ask!

3. There Is Promise That He Will Never Forsake Us. We read in Hebrews 13:5, “I will in no wise fail thee, neither will I in any wise forsake thee. ”W. Herschel Ford comments on this passage as follows: “Paul had enough troubles to break anyone’s heart. Now he was in jail, and he realized that false teachers were arising. Many of his comrades had forsaken and left him. He was old and feeble and knew he would soon die. He said, “No man stood with me, all men forsook me.” Note that he said, “No man.” What else do you have to say, Paul? He says, “Notwithstanding, the Lord stood with me and strengthened me.” There’s the secret right there.

The troubles may come, the clouds may be dark and heavy, but “If the Lord be for us, who can be against us?” (Sermons 209). God has promised us that he will never forsake us. If all of our friends have forsaken us, God says he never will. If our family forsakes us, God promises that he never will. If even our brothers and sisters in Christ were to forsake us on some mistaken or perverse ground, God yet will stand by us. Jesus said, “I will be with you always, even to the end of the world” (Matt. 28:20).

4. There Is The Promise of Strength To Endure. This is a common theme in the book of Psalms, as is evident by the following quotations: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?” (27:1); “The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart hath trusted in him, and I am helped: Therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; And with my song will I praise him” (28:7); “The Lord will give strength unto his people; Jehovah will bless his people with peace” (29:11).

On your own strength you may not be able to make it, but remember that there is Another upon whom you may lean! Putting one foot ahead of the other in life is often the answer to most every problem. Facing one more day, just one day at a time, is the only solution that we may be able to come up with in many circumstances. But where do we gather the strength to take that next step or face that new day. The Psalmist concludes that “the Lord is the strength of my life,” and we ought to do likewise.

5. There Is The Promise of Everlasting Love. In the Old Testament God made this promise to his children: “Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee” (Jer. 31:3). Their comprehension of God’s love was nothing in comparison to that which is enjoyed by the children of God through Jesus Christ: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). We have the additional revelation of God’s love in and through his Son. Such love is never-ending!

Prisoners of war have told interviewers after their return home that the only thing they had to hold on to during captivity was the knowledge that their families loved them and were praying for them daily. They endured the seemingly unendurable because love sustained them. But, dear friend, you need to know that the love of God is able to sustain you through every trial and test of life. If you can only come to believe that your Father loves you beyond measure, and that he is longing to enjoy your company in the heavenly spheres someday, world without end, then you will be able to finish your earthly course without fail.

6. There Is The Promise That God Will Give Us The De- sires of Our Hearts. The truly important spiritual requests which we ask of our Father will not be denied, when they are asked according to his will: “Delight thyself also in Jehovah; And he will give thee the desires of thy heart” (Ps. 37:4); “And this is the boldness which we have toward him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he heareth us: and if we know that he heareth us whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions which we have asked of him” (1 John 5:14-15). Too often we concentrate our thoughts upon the occasional “wait a while yet” or “that is what you want but not what you need” answer to our prayers. And that is most unfortunate. For God does most often give us the desires of our hearts, if we are careful about asking for the right things, and are concerned to ask according to his will. Very seldom do we count our blessings, and too infrequently do we number the prayers which he has answered in the affirmative — or even answered without our asking!

7. There Is The Promise That Someday Our Sorrows Shall End. We all recognize that this sin-scarred and sorrow-plagued world is sometimes a miserable place in which to live. Evil and wickedness, war and bloodshed, crime and injustice have be speckled human history and left their stains upon the face of the very earth itself. One might gain the impression that evil is greater than good and that ultimately it may triumph over God. These are only temporary victories that we occasionally witness, however, and the end is predetermined and unalterable. It is as sure as the Word of God.

The plain promise of God is that there will come a time when our Father will pull down the curtain upon all human misery and wipe all of our earthly tears away: “And he shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death shall be no more; neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more: the first things are passed away” (Rev. 21:4). God’s children must take heart and have courage through all of the bad times, for we know that better times are coming! God has promised us that someday all of our sorrows will end.