Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

“And the sixth angel poured out his bowl upon the great river, the Euphrates; and its water was dried up, that the way might be prepared for the kings from the east. And I saw coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast sad out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs; for they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them together for the way of the great day of God, the Almighty. (Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his garments, lest he walk about naked and men see his shame.) And they gathered them together to the place which to Hebrew is called Armageddon” (Rev. 16:12-16).

The passage quoted above contains the only mention of the word Armageddon in the Bible. Inasmuch as it is found in the Bible, it does have significance for those of us who are Christians. We cannot be content with only telling the world what the Battle of Armageddon is not; we need to tell the world the true meaning of the term.

The word Armageddon is derived from the Hebrew word har meghiddo which means “mountain of Megiddo.” The allusion to Megiddo means very little to those who have little or no knowledge of the history of the Old Testament. Yet, to those who have a good background of Old Testament history, the area of Megiddo has significance for the many battles that were fought there. Deborah and Barek defeated Sisera and his host here (Judg. 5:19). Saul and Jonathan fell near here in their battle against the Philistines (1 Sam. 31:13). When Josiah went out against Pharoah-Necho, he was slain on the battlefields of Megiddo (2 Kgs. 23:29; 2 Chron. 35:22). Hence, John has chosen this battlefield to discuss the great conflict which will occur between Christ and the forces of Satan. The allusion is not so much to a literal, physical, geographical location as to a great battlefield.

The usage of the word Armageddon is somewhat similar to the modern usage of Waterloo. Although few of us know the location of Waterloo, we have all heard about Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo. Hence, the word “Waterloo” has become symbolical of the place or time of a great defeat. The word “Armageddon” was of similar significance in John’s time to those who were familiar with Old Testament history. It referred to the scene of a great conflict, regardless of where that conflict might be fought.

The Context of the Battle of Armageddon

The Battle of Armageddon cannot be understood without a consideration of the context in which it is set in the book of Revelation. The book of Revelation was written by the exiled apostle John to the saints of the seven churches of Asia somewhere around 96 A.D. The book concerned itself with the things which were shortly to come to pass (Rev. 1:1-3). No interpretation of the book of Revelation or the Battle of Armageddon can have any significance unless it can be understood so as to have meaning to those first century saints to whom the book was addressed.

The saints in John’s day were in the throes of a horrible persecution. The Roman Emperor, in an effort to unify the Empire, demanded that every loyal citizen confess that he was “lord.” The Roman Emperor was to be worshiped as divine. Although some Emperors treated this as exaggerated attempts to exalt the Emperor, Domitian delighted in being looked upon as divine and in being so worshiped. The Christian could not conscientiously worship the Emperor as divine; he knew but one Lord, Jesus Christ. To the Christian, such homage was idolatry and an utter denial of faith in Christ. To the Roman, the refusal to worship the emperor was a sign of disloyalty to the State and an act of treason. A great conflict was inevitable.

Emperor worship was forced upon the Christians as a test of their loyalty to the State. Those who refused to worship the Emperor were persecuted. The forms of punishment w_ ere many. Some were put to death, some were exiled, some were tortured into a confession of the divinity of the emperor, some had their property confiscated, some received combinations of these measures.

The book of Revelation was written to reassure the Christian that God had not forgotten His saints and that the victory would ultimately belong to them. No doubt, some reached the conclusion that God did not care what was happening on the earth below. Yet, John wrote to reassure the Christians of the first century that God would not be defeated by Rome and its evil forces.

Beginning in chapter 12, John, as it were, lifts the curtain that the Christians who were suffering the many forms of persecution at the hands of the Roman Empire might see what was going on behind the scene. What was happening was nothing less than a struggle between God and Satan. Beginning in chapter twelve, we read of the birth of Christ and Satan’s unsuccessful attempts to defeat Him. When Satan saw that he could not defeat the Christ, he vented his anger against the church. Consequently, he turned his forces toward the destruction of the followers of Christ.

The things which Satan used against the disciples of Christ were as follows: (1) The First Beast (13:1-10). The first beast represents political governments. The imagery is the composite picture of the four beasts mentioned in Daniel 7 in which text the four different beasts referred to four separate governments. Here the four beasts are put together to refer to political government in general which Satan uses to destroy saints. (2) The Second Beast (13:11-18). This beast is identified as a false prophet or false religion. Satan uses false religions to destroy the children of God. There is little doubt that the specific form of false religion which is intended in this passage is the emperor worship to which I have already referred. (3) Babylon the Great, the Great Harlot. This refers to the city of Rome, the capital of the Roman empire.

As the scene unfolds, God and Satan assemble their forces for conflict. Satan gathered all of his forces together against God (16:12-16). Then, the Bible tells the outcome of this great battle. Babylon the Great is destroyed (16:17-18:24). The two beasts were destroyed (19:17-21). And, finally, the Great Dragon, Satan himself, was defeated by God (20:7-10). In the Battle of Armageddon, the great conflict between God and Satan, God was altogether victorious.

Hence, the Battle of Armageddon refers to the great conflict which occurs between the hosts of Satan and the hosts of God. Its meaning for those of the first century is quite clear: God will defeat the forces of Satan. Hence. to that saint which was suffering at the hands of Rome, the knowledge that the victory would ultimately belong to God would give him the necessary strength to endure the persecutions which he was suffering, even if they cost him his life. He knew that the ultimate victory belonged to God.

The Battle of Armageddon does not describe some literal, earthly conflict between Russia, Egypt, Europe and China which might occur in the twentieth century. That would have had absolutely no meaning to the saints in the first century who were suffering at the hands of pagan Rome. This concept of the Battle of Armageddon is part and parcel of premillennialism, a system of interpretation of Bible prophecy which is a system of infidelity.

Rather, the Battle of Armageddon was a symbolical method of revealing God’s ultimate victory over Satan. Hence, though Satan may rage and the earthly scene appear as though Satan was in control and God was completely defeated, the Christian knows that the ultimate victory belongs to God. In the conflict the victor has already been decided. God will defeat Satan and completely destroy him in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone. That being the case, we who are Christians should never take sides with the Loser, Satan; we should always stand with the great Winner, Jesus Christ our Lord, the victor at the Battle of Armageddon.

Truth Magazine XXII: 16, pp. 259-260
April 20, 1978

By Leslie Diestelkamp

There is usually an atmosphere of crisis almost everywhere today. Pick up the daily paper and notice the headline. It is intended to stir deep interest as it appeals to consideration of some crisis. Watch the news on television and there will be an appeal to the dramatic, the sensational, and the alarming. Our behavior is largely or at least significantly influenced by the crisis attitude. Danger lurks about us, misfortune may befall us, trouble is prevalent; war, famine, pestilence, riot and disaster are everywhere. This is the crisis psychology we have learned to expect. Even in the advertising world the same tactics are used. We are told in screaming headlines and banner announcements that we have the opportunity of the “sale of the century” or “once-in-a-lifetime event” or that it is “Now or never”!

We may indeed tire of the kind of emphasis mentioned above, and we may actually become hardened and calloused against it so much so that we do not readily respond to it. For this reason we may need to deliberately project our minds into consideration of the spiritual and moral crisis that is the subject of consideration for this entire series of essays on “The Family Circle.” In other words, one of the gravest features of this very real crisis may be that most people, even most Christians, do not really recognize the nature and the extent of this crisis. Forgetting the various forms of a crisis that prevail in the secular world-political, economic, social-we do need to be motivated to react with excitement, with haste and with strength, to the deplorable conditions that do really constitute a crisis at the crossroads.

As long as hearts were broken by divorce, it did not prevail, significantly, but now that it has become an accepted and rather normal pattern-of life and now that it is viewed without much alarm, it is destroying the very fabric of the family circle. Furthermore, as long as parents were shamed by rebellious children, permissiveness was uncommon. Now that rebellion is everywhere, parents have given up and have yielded to disobedience. Such conduct no longer constitutes a crisis to many parents!

Wake-Up

But there is indeed a crisis, whether you realize it or not! We could well appropriate the words of Paul when he said, “It is high time to awake out of sleep” (Rom. 13:11). Beginning in the home, and then reaching out into the community, into school life and social affairs, as well as into spiritual activities, parents must realize the significance of the emergency that does exist and that may determine the eternal destiny of many.

The family circle must be made secure against separation. Perhaps no one factor can disturb the maturing process in children more significantly than the fear they may have that their parents may separate. It is not enough to simply endure each other and stay together, but, for the serenity the children need and deserve, they must lie down at night without fear that one parent will be gone tomorrow. There used to be a comic strip that portrayed the father and mother frequently engaged in quarrels, and the little child would say, “Papa love Mama?” (or was it, “Mama love Papa?”). And that is what every little child deserves: parents who do indeed love each other.

Children need the sense of security that can come only through exercise of proper oversight, direction and discipline by the parents. Permissiveness never produces security! A quivering, vacillating attitude on the part of the parents will produce only fear, uncertainty and/or distrust on the part of the children. Children need to know who is in command!

But children need affection, too. I am not enthused about the idea of fathers becoming buddies to their sons or mothers being pals to their daughters. I doubt that fathers should act like brothers to their sons or that mothers should act like sisters to their daughters. The fondness of a child for his parents should be of a different nature and quality than that which he has toward his brothers and sisters. And this attitude which I now describe and which I like to see in children may be cultivated by the parents through careful, wise and effective oversight of the children, and through a demonstration of love that includes firmness with kindness, perseverance with patience, reproof with humility, rebuke with gentleness and punishment with justice.

In the secular world about us people may be quite complacent unless they are aroused by some sense of urgency, but in times of crisis they may respond enthusiastically and agressively. Today, in the spiritual and moral realm, God’s people must be made aware of the crisis conditions that usually exist. We are engaged in a life and death struggle-a warfare that is much more important than that which would destroy human lives, for in this effort we deal with immortal souls! And, most importantly, this warfare is not being waged on some far-away field of battle, but right there in your own family circle-or right there where your family should constitute a real circle! Next: “Home: The Vestibule To Heaven.”

Truth Magazine XXII: 16, p. 258
April 20, 1978

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