Truth Magazine

By Dennis L. Shaver

What is the national pastime? You think it’s baseball, football, basketball, golf? Would you believe it is none of these? As a matter of fact the national pastime is no longer a sport, unless you consider complaining a sport. That is right; we are a nation of complainers, and it has become the nation’s number one activity. We complain about the weather, health, politics, taxes, financial problems, etc. The real problem is that this is not just the national pastime. It is now the church’s number one work!

Yes, brethren have allowed complaining to infiltrate the church of our Lord, and many brethren have decided their work in the local church is to complain about what the rest of the brethren are or are not doing. These individuals will find fault with the plans the church makes to carry out it’s responsibilities, and they are always certain not enough is being done. If we would only follow their course of action, we could accomplish everything we desired. Of course when they are given the opportunity to work we find the best work they can do is complain! That is right, when it comes to doing they are at a loss, for the only part of their body which works is their mouth, and it never stops. I sometimes wonder when such brethren ever eat or sleep.

Well, I am going on record as of now that I for one am tired of hearing complaining brethren. It is not only aggravating to me personally, but it hinders the work of the local church. My advice to complainers is this. If you do not like the work the church is doing, and your desire is to complain, don’t. Keep your complaints to yourself. That is right, you have a right to object on Scriptural grounds, but if this in not the case you have nothing to say. You do have to like what the group, or elders, have decided but you could at least keep your mouth shut so everyone else can work. There are times when, in my opinion, or in the opinion of another brother, things will not be going according to “our better judgment.” However, unless that thing is unauthorized by the will of God we can keep our mouth shut and make the best of the situation.

Did you ever stop to notice the Bible teaching concerning complaining and complainers. (Read Ex. 16:7,8; 15:24; 17:3; Num. 14:2, 7, 36, etc.) Notice God’s reaction to the constant murmuring and complaining of the children of Israel. “And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron saying, How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me. Say unto them, As truly as I live, with the Lord, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you: Your carcasses shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, which have murmured against me” (Num. 14:26-29). If God was not pleased with murmuring and complaining then, what makes us think He is now?

The answer is, He is not! Jesus said. “…murmur not among yourselves” (Jn. 6:43). This is a simple statement from the lips of our Lord. Could we dare call it a command? I believe so! Therefore, when we complain and murmur we have violated a direct command of our Lord. Now, where does this leave us? Paul wrote: “Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer” (1 Cor. 10:10). Speaking of complainers, Jude said, “These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaking great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage” (Jude 16).

Yes, complaining is dealt with in the word of God, and God will, in the end deal with complainers. It is a serious matter to violate the will of God, and many Christians today are seemingly unconcerned about living their lives as complainers. Complainers, take heed!

Truth Magazine XXII: 15, p. 253
April 13, 1978

By Keith Pruitt

In 1886, Edward Smith Ufford was looking at the waves pound an old hulk of a ship. He began to think of those who possibly drowned when the ship sank. He changed it into a spiritual message and titled it, “Throw Out The Life Line.” The song tells how Christ has thrown all sinners a life-line and that we, as Christians, extend that life-line when we tell someone about Christ. Thus, the song is encouraging Christians to throw the life-line and help save someone.

Elizabeth Payson Prentiss wrote many poems which were made into hymnal-style songs; but, unfortunately only one of those songs still lives today. That song was written at first in 1853, but not finished; it was shelved. Then 13 years later in 1869, she was urged by her husband to complete the words. It told of her desire to have an increasing love for Christ. She said, “This all my prayer shall be.” The song is “More Love To Thee, O Christ.”

In 1870, William Howard Doane asked Lydia Baxter to write a song; but Mrs. Baxter was such a busy person. She spent much of her time counseling people. Mrs. Baxter was an invalid and thus was very courageous in just continuing to battle. At the age of 61, she wrote the song Doane had requested. The title was, “Take The Name Of Jesus With You.” The song relayed the message of companionship with Christ. It also told of the blessings one has by holding to Christ.

“God Will Take Care Of You” was written by Mrs. C.D. Martin, as she signed her maiden initials, in 1904. Mrs. Martin was sick, and her husband was thinking of canceling a preaching engagement due to her illness. But as Mr. Martin picked up the receiver to cancel the engagement, their nine-year old son asked, “Won’t God take care of mother while you’re gone’?” Thus the song had its beginning. The meaning rings through clear: God will take care of us!

“I Love To Tell The Story” was written by a bed-ridden lady named Catherine (Kate) Arabelle Hankey. Miss Hankey had written this song, originally titled “The Story Told,” in 1886. The poem was read at a Y.M.C.A. convention in Montreal in 1867. There several people began writing music for it. The song has a deep conviction of praise for Christ and tells of the love this young lady for telling others about Christ.

A cotton patch worker rarely comes up with a song as beautiful as “Jesus, Hold My Hand” that is, unless he is Albert E. Brumley. In 1933, Mr. Brumley wrote this song telling about the wonderful relationship that we can have with Christ.

In 1886, Dr. Robert Lowry wrote the words and music of “Christ Arose.” Although Lowry never cared much for the songs he had written, the message of these songs still impress the minds of all that sing them. In “Christ Arose,” Lowry emphasized the point that the grave could not hold our blessed Savior.

Fanny Crosby has been responsible for writing many songs. Perhaps one of the greatest was written by her in 1873. The song is called, “Blessed Assurance.” The song tells of the great assurance we have in Christ. Fanny Crosby was relaying the message of her story and her song about how Christ had blessed her. (Even though Fanny Crosby was practically blind, she felt very blessed.) Today the song reminds us of the freedom from sin and the other blessings we can and do have through our Savior.

Immediately following the Civil War many of the Negroes began to build small buildings in which to worship God. In these buildings they would take a Biblical reference and turn it into a Spiritual song. Although we do not know the author, the date; nor the place where “Roll, Jordan Roll” was written, we do know that it was one of the most sung and liked songs in American life. The song tells of the longing they had to “see Jordan roll.” In other words, they were looking forward to the time when they would be with Christ.

Truth Magazine XXII: 15, pp. 252-253
April 13, 1978

By Roland Worth, Jr.

When people finally realize that baptism is essential to salvation, they often react with excuses to avoid acting on their new knowledge. The excuses are invalid but it is always useful to consider in detail what is wrong with them.

1. “If I accept that, then my parents went to hell when they died.” First of all, if they are dead nothing can be changed- for them-for either better or worse. There is no Purgatory. Their eternal fate is sealed. Secondly, if the fate of our parents were the deciding factor in everything religious, how could there ever be a change for the better? The Jews, in their idolatry, could have pleaded, “If we tear down our idols, that means God has condemned our parents!” Would we have left our idols intact if such an objection had been raised? Then consider the children of those Jews who-killed Christ. (Surely some were converted as the years went by.) Did not they feel upset about the fate of their parents? And we all know the fate of murderers! Should the children have sacrificed their own salvation because of the foolishness of their parents?

Thirdly, rejection of something that is true does not change the truthfulness of what is rejected. The earth is round no matter how much the Flat Earth Society of Britain insists otherwise. The earth revolves around the sun no matter how many Medieval theologians branded it heresy. Works that are commanded by God are still essential no matter how much radio ministers rant and rave against them (cf. James 2).

Fourthly, those who argue from the non-belief of their parents are horribly inconsistent. Do we wear the same type of clothes as our parents? Do we insist on the same means of transportation enjoyed by our parents and our parents’ parents? Do we ride horses (or walk) and reject the modern conveniences (cars, trains, planes)? Logically those who argue non-obedience from the inaction of their parents should be flocking to Pennsylvania to join the Amish, since that sect is about the only one left that consistently tries to implement this type of thinking in all its consequences!

We could mention yet other areas where we do not imitate our parents-indeed, would often vehemently react against them. May we suggest politics? May we suggest contemporary music? Is there a family left in our nation that has not been divided one generation against the other over one or both of these matters? Yet you have the gall to say that in regard to the one area of life that will decide your eternal destiny-your religion-that you will imitate your parents? Come on now, just who do you think you are kidding?

Fifthly, the scriptures teach that we stand before God independent of our parents. Every person who dies faces the judgment of God (Heb. 9:27). Our parents cannot take our place nor we theirs. We escape the Divine judgment that may be on our parents only if we ourselves do what is right in the sight of God (Ezek. 18:14-18).

Sixthly, if your parents went to punishment at their death-as you fear-the greatest hope they have for you at this very moment is that you do not make the fatal mistake they did. We read of a similar case in chapter 16 of Luke. A rich man died and went to punishment that could not be escaped (v. 26). He begged, “Send him (the dead Lazarus) to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place” (vs. 27-28). This plea was rejected, “They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them” (v. 29). The rich man repeated his plea and it was again rejected, “If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if some one should rise from the dead” (v. 31). Yes, those in Punishment wish you would listen to the warnings you hear lest you join them. The voices from Hades cry out for you not to join them.

If your parents are there — and we sincerely hope they are not — then their voices join those of the anonymous rich man of old, begging you to heed the warnings, found in scripture, of Moses and the prophets. They loved you while in this life and their love for you in death warns you away from their destiny. Will you not listen to their cries?

2. “I don’t want to believe that.” Look at Peter. Peter did not want to believe that Jesus would die and he was confident that if He did he would be His companion to the bitter end (Matt. 26:30-35). His refusal to believe in his own human weakness resulted in disgrace when he denied his Master three times.

Look also at Pharaoh. He did not want to believe that Moses was a genuine spokesman for God. As a result, he lost the firstborn sons of all his citizens. What a price for refusing to believe the word of God!

Look at Jesus’ enemies. They did not want to believe that He was a King and they mocked Him for making the claim (Matt. 27:35-44). Because His claims were legitimate and were vindicated by the resurrection, they stood condemned as murderers and the apostles bluntly reminded them of that fact (Acts 2:29-36). What was the solution for their evil? They were told it was repentance and baptism (Acts 2:37-38). If baptism will save the souls of murderers, how much more will it save us, who are guilty of so much less! Baptism is like an open door leading to redemption and peace with God. If we will not walk through it the blame belongs on our shoulders, not on God’s. He has given the opportunity to be saved, but we have rejected it.

3. “What difference does it make if the scriptures teach it?” First, notice the apostles. They spoke by inspiration (John 16:12-15) and they taught that baptism was essential and will save us just as much as water saved Noah while at the same time condemning to death the rest of the world (1 Pet. 3:20-21). Dare we reject the testimony of inspiration? Dare we give our personal prejudices a higher value than the revelation of the Divine Oracles?

Secondly, notice the words of Jesus. Those words will judge us if we reject them (John 12:47-49). Jesus clearly taught the necessity of baptism (Mark 16:16). Hence, if we refuse baptism then Christ’s Words will stand in judgment on our eternal fate.

True love of Jesus means obedience (John 14:23). Men loudly cry, “I love Jesus” and then they have the audacity to look at His words in Mark 16:16 and insist, “baptism doesn’t matter!” Baptism is a test of true love. Baptism for the purpose Jesus set (forgiveness) is a test of true love. Obviously, most people do not have such a true love dwelling in their hearts though they loudly proclaim it with their lips!

4. “I’m a good moral person.”So was the apostle Paul. He was raised in the strict morality and restrictions of the Pharisees (Acts 26:4-5). What he did, he did sincerely, out of conviction (v. 9) and what he did was to persecute the church (vs. 10-11). In all of this evil he was acting out of a good conscience (Acts 23:1). A good conscience only proves how you feel not how you should feel!

Also a good moral man was the young person who wanted to become a disciple of Jesus. From his youth he had been extremely moral but his unwillingness to obey Jesus in other matters resulted in him deciding not to become a disciple (Mark 10:17-22). He would not give up his money; today good moral men will not give up their pride. Have times really improved? Morals are important and vital once a person is saved, but a person can be redeemed regardless of his past character. Titus 3:5 makes plain that even a person who performs “works of righteousness” cannot be saved unless he is baptized. Alone, good morals are insufficient.

5. “But I believe!” So do the devils (James 2:19)! So do most people-way over 90% of all Americans. When you merely believe in God what have you done more than others? Are all Americans going to heaven? (God forbid! How perverse a place they would make it!) God wants men to go beyond belief, to prove their faith by their conduct. As James writes of himself, “I by my works will show you my faith” (James 2:18b). When we have accepted baptism for the purpose prescribed by scripture we can begin to say the same.

Truth Magazine XXII: 15, pp. 251-252
April 13, 1978

By Jeffery Kingry

Ira Y. Rice does not have me on his mailing list since I wrote him a letter a few years back, but he certainly has the church’s address where I preach, so I still get his newsletter. It is characteristic of Brother Rice’s paper his name is always set in the largest type; even his signature at the end of the thing is ten lines of type tall. Another characteristic of Ira’s paper is that he is always begging for money from churches to feed his grandiose human schemes.

I thought that Brother Rice made an interesting observation in his July 25th newsletter (Downtown San Francisco Church of Christ presents Ira Y. Rice, Jr.’s Far East World Evangelism Newsletter). “The DTSF church sponsors not just one effort – but three – in addition to the work of the local congregation.” Yes, children, he did say that. Above and beyond the work that the Lord has given to all churches (and limited all churches) to do, the Downtown San Francisco church, at Ira Rice’s dedicated prompting, has assumed three other works that all admit cannot be found in the Bible.

He is quite unabashed about it all, “We are well aware of the contentions of some that a church should attempt no more than it can pay for all by itself without any help beyond its own local membership. . .But, be it understood, in the outset, that (this) congregation is a self-sustaining congregation making no appeals in its own behalf!” That is right, Brother Rice. The appeals you and the DTSF church make to other churches are to support human institutions you thought up, planned, and put into operation. I encourage you and all the good brethren in San Francisco to read Matt. 15:7-9,12,13.

What are these “extra-curricular” activities this noble, submissive church assumed for all the Lord’s churches to support? Brother Rice listed them as follows:

“We were approached, in 1969, relative to accepting the sponsorship of Four Seas College of Bible and Missions, in Singapore. We knew then that the only way we could accept this responsibility would be with the implicit help of . . . congregations beyond the borders of our own local membership.”

“We took it on.”

“In 1970, when it was clear that the cause of truth was being undermined by . . . false teachers practically brotherhood-wide, the DTSF Church was approached to accept the sponsorship of a periodical-Contending for the Faith …. We knew that we were not strong enough financially to do this without rather a lot of outside help. It was with this clearly in mind that ….

“We took that on too!

“We were approached to establish a college of World Evangelism . . . .Our facilities were entirely inadequate . . . .We knew that the necessary property purchase. . .was “way yonder” beyond our local capacity . . . .Nevertheless, by sheer faith, we sold our old building. . .so we could have the college.”

“And we took that on too!”

Shades of Rome! Why not take it all on by “faith” Brother Rice? There is a local McDonald’s Hamburger Haven franchise available in Baltimore. Do you think that the good brethren in San Francisco would “take that on too” if I “approached” them? Just think, we could feed the starving masses of Baltimore, give them a room for the night, shave them, clean them up, and then convert them! But of course, you already tried that in California a few years back did you not, Brother Rice?

Completely aside from the fact that there is absolutely no authority for the church to be engaged in promoting, running, or funding human institutions like colleges and paid subscription papers, I wonder if any of the brethren in San Francisco (or throughout the United States that send money to such cock-eyed schemes) ever read Paul’s words concerning the work of the local church? `Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have”(2 Cor. 8:11). Paul was encouraging Corinth to do its work as a church in caring for needy saints. But God never required the church to assume a responsibility that was beyond its means to support: “For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath and not according to that he hath not” (8:12).

The Lord must have had someone like Ira in mind when he limited the church to its own sphere of work and responsibility. If we left the work of the church up to such “Popes” as this they would soon have the salt of the earth gathered and boiled down into one massive block to hulk on the West Coast for all the world to lick at their leisure!

Truth Magazine XXII: 15, p. 250
April 13, 1978