Truth Magazine

By Dennis C. Abernathy

I am persuaded in my own mind that the use of tobacco is sinful. I know there are many, many, Christians who do believe that it is (or at least they will not admit it). But surely most will admit that the use of tobacco in any form (smoking, dipping, sniffing, chewing, etc.) by the Christian, to say the least, is a questionable practice. Do you know of any good that comes from it? It is a filthy and expensive habit. It injures the body of the user (although many will not admit it-they know more than all those medical doctors you know (Romans 12:1; 1 Cor. 6:1920). It enslaves the user (1 Cor. 6:12).

Is it not rather sad to see a person, seemingly not knowing where the next breath is- coming from, continually puffing on a cigarette? Even some gospel preachers are addicted to the habit. I surely agree that it is no worse for a preacher to use it than any one else (both should quit it), but it does cripple his influence for good. It does set a bad example before others (the same is true for elders).

But what about our children? Brothers or sisters who smoke, chew, dip, etc., do you want your children to do it? If you do, why? If not, why not? (Be honest now!) But how can you effectively teach your children not to use tobacco when you yourself use it? How can we teach our children not to use tobacco, if the elders, preacher, and fellow Christians use it? Well, it can be done, but it makes the task much more difficult.

Many who read this are going to call to memory someone they know who is 110 years old, who has smoked all his / her life and is still around (and still smoking too!). Presto! Justification for tobacco use. No matter what or how many scriptures are used, or medical facts cited, “if it is good enough for that 110 year old man/ woman (after all it didn’t kill them), it is good enough for me.” Others who read this are going to continue to smoke until the day they die! They “wish” they could quit, but will not exert the will power to do it. Many others are going to read this and make up their minds that I am just trying to criticize, hence, they will simply put it out of their minds. Some may even get angry: Perhaps one will even try to refute it with some intelligent argument. So be it. Hopefully, some will read this and ponder (honestly) this habit and resolve to put it away from among them. That is my hope, and my aim in writing this in the first place. Think on these things.

Truth Magazine XXII: 13, p. 216
March 30, 1978

By Earl Robertson

The apostle Peter affirms the absolute lordship of Jesus to the Jews gathered in Jerusalem at Pentecost, saying, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). Jesus had said, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matt. 28:18). The word “power” is authority-authority possessed by the Lord himself. Peter says God made Jesus Lord and Christ. We understand the term “made” to be used as it is in Rev. 5:10-to constitute or appoint one anything.”

Religious problems and divisions would not exist if people knew and respected the lordship of Jesus Christ. Men want their way and are willing to set aside the authority of Christ to have it, too. The human Creeds subscribed to by churches attest the truthfulness of this statement. Common practices within many churches of Christ, for which no Bible authority can be found, further prove my contention.

Christ has every right to lordship! He has right as creator (John 1:1-3; Heb. 1:2 and redeemer (1 Cor. 6:20; Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 1:18,19). His right to lordship was by inheritance (Heb. 1:4) and was appointed to him in the indefinite past (Eph. 3:11; Heb. 1:2). Paul says this lordship is above all dominion (Eph. 1:21). His lordship is predicated on sonship (Psa. 2:7; 89:28; Rom. 8:17; Gal. 4:7). The fact that He is the Son of God, He was made lord! His lordship and heirship depend upon His sonship (Acts 10:36; Gal. 4:1). The lordship of Christ benefits one only as he sets Christ apart as the Lord Christ in his heart (1 Pet. 3:15).

As Peter affirms that Christ “is Lord of all” (Acts 10:36), we understand that He is not subject to the enemy. His invitations to come (Matt. 11:28) are meaningless if He is not really Lord. He bruised Satan’s head (triumphed in power) (Gen. 3:15), and enjoys His victorious conquest over Satan having bound Him (Matt. 12:22-30). This is illustrated in His temptation (Matt. 4:1-11).

His having all authority in heaven and in earth (Matt. 28:18-20) is duly recognized in heaven (1 Pet. 3:22). We approach the Father through Him (1 Tim. 2:5; John 14:6; 6:43-45). He is the head of the church (Eph. 1:22). His authority is seen from the river to the ends of the earth (Psa. 72:8). He is Lord to the house of Israel (Acts 2:36), and is reigning over the Gentiles (Rom. 15:12). He reigns over both alike (Acts 10:34, 35; 15:711). Make Him your lord by obeying Him!

Truth Magazine XXII: 13, p. 216
March 30, 1978

By Johnie Edwards

Walk Worthy Of The Lord

Paul told the Colossians, “That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Col. 1:10). Paul expressed the same thought to the Thessalonians. “That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory” (1 Thess. 2:12). To walk worthy of the Lord and God is to walk in a manner which corresponds to the high standard set by God, respecting what the Lord has done for us.

Walk Circumspectly

Paul admonished the Epheisans, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Eph. 5:15-16). To walk circumspectly is to walk carefully, being cautious and attentive. A Christian must walk strictly according to the Word, using his time wisely.

Walk In Wisdom

“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without redeeming the time” (Col. 4:5). Christians must constantly remember that outsiders are watching the walk of God’s people. Someone has well said that outsiders “watch our walk more than our talk, and measure our talk by our walk.” So, Christians must walk wisely.

Walk in Honesty

“Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantoness, not in strife and envying” (Rom. 13:13). A Christian must be honest and practice such in his daily walk. Paul also admonished the people in Thessalonica to “walk honestly toward them that are without and that ye may have lack of nothing” (1 Thess. 4:12). Honesty is still the best policy!

Walk In Love

An essential characteristic of the Christian’s walk is to walk in love. Paul told the Ephesians, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and bath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor” (Eph. 5:1-2). One of the things which is lacking in the walk of so many of my brethren is love one for another. During the last few years while there has been so many things slipping into the Lord’s church which are not authorized by the Word of God, brethren have been alienated because they fail to walk in love.

Walk After His Commandments

“And this is love, that we walk after his commandments” (2 Jn. 6). To walk after God’s commands is to seek after and obey His will. This all Christians must do. The results of such walking can mean much to a Christian. If we will walk as God desires that we walk here on this earth, we someday can walk with Him in white. As we read the letter written to the church at Sardis, we can learn the results of such walking. “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy” (Rev. 3:4). Look over your life and see if you need to make some changes in your walking.

Truth Magazine XXII: 13, p. 215 
March 30, 1978

By Leslie Diestelkamp

That parental discipline is necessary is so obvious that it need not be argued in this paper. When Paul said to train up a child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, he certainly included giving direction to the younger lives. Without discipline a young dog or a young horse would develop into a useless, unruly animal. Unless someone gives direction to its development, a grape vine may produce much foliage and little fruit. Only by rigid discipline of its growth is the delicate orchid brought to maximum beauty. Almost everything must be disciplined!

So, without arguing the need for discipline, let us proceed to consider ways and means that are good and bad, that are productive or counter-productive. And even in this very personal, intimate family problem the Bible becomes our guiding light:

1. First, consider some negatives: Solomon said, “He that spareth his rod hateth his son” and “A child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame” (Prov. 13:24; 29:15). Many parents may have loved their children much, but they may have loved them unwisely. Some seem to think they show their love by permitting almost anything the child desires and by granting almost every request. They seem to think that love for the child requires that the parent overlook all wrong-doing and ignore every misdemeanor. But in God’s sight, such parental conduct is a demonstration of hatred for the child, not love.

2. Next let us consider some positives: Again Solomon said, “He that loveth him ahasteneth him betimes” (Prov. 13:24). “Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying” (Prov. 19:18). Then he said, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Prov.22:6). We must not decline our obligation to correct the course of a child’s life.

We have passed through a permissive time in which many tried to avoid strict discipline for children, both in the home and in the school, especially anything resembling spanking. But it seems there may indeed be a change of attitude today — at least there are signs that a change may be coming. Not only has the Bible continually taught us the proper attitude in this regard, but surely we will have seen the havoc wrought by the permissiveness of the last three decades. Rebellion against fathers, rejection of mothers, hatred of home and disregard for all authority is demonstrated everywhere. Many of the youth have become obsessed with selfishness, arrogance and mad-at-the-world attitude.

Application Principles

Punishment, including spanking, is not very beneficial, in and of itself, unless it is administered with the right attitude and accompanied with the right action by the parents. For instance:

1. Punishment should be, as nearly as possible, immediate. A child, especially a small one, will not benefit by a delayed action. It is quite vain to delay the punishment and expect the child to get the lesson just because you remind him of what it is for.

2. Punishment needs to be certain. That is, a child needs to know what to expect if he is disobedient. If the parent is vacillating, sometimes punishing and sometimes ignoring the matter, then the real benefits of discipline are mostly lost. A spirit of risk–of the thrill of risking-may indeed develop if the child thinks he may disobey without punishment.

3. Of course punishment must be fair and reasonable. A child may be “provoked to wrath” (Eph. 6:4) if he is punished unjustly and if he is abused. (I hasten to add he needs to be hurt. If he is laughing all the while, you have failed to punish at all. But this hurt must not be cruel, inhumane treatment.) Most of all, he must be made to see that he deserves such punishment!

4. Yes, if he is disobedient, spank him, good! It ought to hurt him worse than it does you! Then, do not apologize for what you have done. Rather, let him have time to cry-and to submit. Then, when he shows remorse, as he surely will if he has been trained properly, smile with him or cry with him if the circumstance demands such, and take him into your arms in reconciliation.

We must recognize that each child is an individual and each one must be handled in the wisest way for him. We have all heard of the mother who told the teacher, “Don’t spank my child; spank the child next to mine and mine will get the lesson!” But that will not work. Among children in a family, while still recognizing individual natures, fairness demands that all be treated equally. What a pity it is to see several children grow up with excellent guidance and then see the last child, the baby, spoiled rotten! And sometimes when this occurs, even the older ones are “turned off” by the pampering of the baby brother or sister.

Finally, remember that an ounce of punishment is worth a pound of threats. Actually, threats only serve to harden the children and to instigate more trouble. I can remember when my children were young and the family traveled long distances, sometimes they became too noisy or quarrelsome while confined to such close quarters so long. Then I would say, “If you don’t get quiet, I’ll let you walk a while.” Of course they knew that I wouldn’t put them out on the highway! So my threat was an empty, useless one. Usually it was better to get them involved in some travel game or otherwise divert their attention from the little problem that caused the turmoil.

Meaningless Rules

Every discerning parent knows that there must be some rules in every family circle. And parents must have the ability and the wisdom to make the rules and to enforce them. But rules that are made but not enforced become counter-productive-they do harm, not good. If you tell Johnny, “No, you can’t watch- that horror show on T.V.” you should be prepared to require his obedience. If he can throw a tantrum and get by with it, and turn the T.V. on while you cry and whine and scold, you have lost that much of his respect. Do not make rules you do not intend to enforce.

Love your children; love them with a pure heart, but with a strong will that does not yield to childish rebellion. With sincere love, bind up the wounds in their bodies and in their hearts. Love them instantly and constantly, love them openly and affectionately, and then love them with the integrity and strength that will produce the kind of children that will be altogether loveable even long after they are no longer toddlers beneath your feet. Next “Goals.”

Truth Magazine XXII: 13, pp. 214-215
March 30, 1978