Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

As Paul drew to a close the book of First Corinthians, he gave a list of five imperatives which somewhat summarize many of the things which he had said in the entire book. He wrote, “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity” (16:13-14). I want to discuss only one of these commands in this article and that is the one which appears first on Paul’s list: “watch ye.”

The word gregoreo means “to watch, i.e. give strict attention to, be cautious, active:-to take heed lest through remissness and indolence some destructive calamity suddenly overtaken one” (Thayer, GreekEnglish Lexicon of the New Testament, p. 122). When Paul admonishes us to watch, there is an implication that there are certain dangers which confront us of which we must be wary.

Watch Out For False Teachers

Certainly one of the most useful tools which Satan has used to overcome Christ’s disciples has been false teachers. When Paul prepared to depart from the Ephesian elders who had journeyed to Miletus to talk to him, he warned,

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shay men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch . . . .” (Acts 20:28-31).

We have to be on the alert lest we be taken in by the Devil. What a cunning opponent he is! He and his disciples disguise themselves as angels of light, pretending to be for Christ as they assault the faith (2 Cor. 11:13-15). We have to be constantly on the alert lest we be deceived by the devil.

Watch For the Second Coming

By far, the greater number of New Testament passages which tell us to watch admonish us to do that because Jesus is coming back again. Jesus Himself repeatedly warned His disciples to be on the watch for the second coming. Speaking of the second coming, He said,

“But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only . . . .Watch therefore; for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for In such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh” (Mt. 24:36, 42-44).

We who are Jesus’ disciples need to be continually on the alert lest our Lord return at the moment that we do not think that He will and we be caught unprepared.

Because we do not know when Jesus will return, we must always be ready. We cannot wait until we see Him in the air and then get ready for His return; that will be too late. We must get ready now and stay ready if we expect to be prepared at the Lord’s second coming. This is so for these reasons: (I) The Lord’s coming will be sudden. The events which transpire at the second coming will occur suddenly, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. Hence, there will be no time for preparation since things will happen so quickly. (2) The time of the Lord’s return is unknown. Jesus has promised that He will return and there is no doubt whether He will return or not. However, He has given us no warning signals that we might know when He is coming back again. “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” (Mt. 24:36). Hence, we cannot wait until the day before He returns to get ready since we do not know on what day He will return.

There is a very real danger which faces Christians. It is the danger of taking for granted that Jesus will not return today. We have the tendency to say that the Lord has delayed His coming; therefore, I can live as I please. One of Jesus’ parables remind us of this danger; He said,

“And the Lord said, Who then Is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when be cometh shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. But and if that servant say ht his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; the lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers” (Lk. 12:42-46).

Some begin to think that they have plenty of time to do what they want to do and then get ready shortly before death strikes them or the Lord returns. This passage teaches the danger of such an attitude. Christ will return unexpectedly and catch these servants in the midst of committing their deeds of wickedness.

One of the things which is missing in twentieth century Christianity which was so vividly present in first century Christians was the expectation of the Lord’s return and the avid desire that it would occur very soon. As John concluded the book of Revelation, he said, “Come, Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:20). As Paul concluded First Corinthians, he wrote, “Maranatha,” an Aramaic word meaning, “O Lord come.” The earnest desire to see the second coming of Jesus is nowhere more easily seen than in the apostasy that developed at Thessalonica. There, the Christians were so anxious for the Lord’s return and were so convinced that His coming was to occur within their own lifetime that they just quit working and gave all of their time to getting ready for His return. Although they acted incorrectly in doing this, their conduct certainly shows us the expectation of the Lord’s return in the minds of first century Christians.

The anxiety for the Lord’s return is missing among us. We are content with our nice homes, fine cars, luxurious clothing, and sumptuous meals. Because we have so many luxuries in this life, we tend to forget that we should live in earnest anticipation of the Lord’s return. We should try to have the same burning desire to see the Lord’s second coming as those disciples had who were privileged to witness His ascension into heaven and who heard the angels promise, “This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). So long as this desire is absent from us, we shall lack the fervency of zeal which motivates a person to live the godly life, to spread the gospel and to pray without ceasing. Hence, Paul’s admonition is appropriate for those of us who are Christ’s disciples today; he said, “Watch ye.”

Conclusion

In the book of Revelation, John wrote, “Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame” (16:15). The man who is watching is the man who is prepared for the second coming of Jesus Christ.

The one who has not obeyed the gospel is not prepared for the second coming. Instead, he is under the ban (anathema) of God. Paul wrote, “If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be anathema” (1 Cor. 16:13). The man who has never shown enough love to Jesus to step forward in obedience to His commandment to repent and be baptized is surely not prepared to meet his Lord. He is accursed of God, lost and without hope in this world.

Nor is the man prepared who, having been baptized, has wandered back into worldliness. Whether his worldliness has led him into gross immoralities or just neglect of his responsibilities before God, he is nonetheless unprepared for the second coming of Jesus Christ. Should Jesus return this day, such a person will be lost-doomed to dwell forever in the torments of Hell fire.

Knowing of the awful consequences which await the soul which is unprepared to meet God and knowing the everlasting bliss that is prepared for the faithful, I am resolved to live in such a way that I shall be constantly prepared for the Lord’s second coming. I am resolved to watch and pray for the Lord’s return. Watch ye!

Truth Magazine XXI: 40, pp. 627-628
October 13, 1977

By Larry Ray Hafley

The nature and character of opposition to the truth is “without variableness, neither shadow of turning.” A study of sacred scenes and the observation of similar situations today proves this to be true.

“Boss,” “Pope,” and “Church Savior”

Let a man contend for the faith by contending against popular errors and “isms,” and he will be abominated and denominated, “Boss,” “Pope,” and “Savior of the church.” Moses, the meekest man of his era, was accused of attempting to “make (himself) altogether a prince over us” (Num. 16:3). He had heard the charge before (Ex. 2:14). Each time it emanated from one full of the spirit of Egypt. It is an ancient refrain. More stanzas have been appended, but it is the same song, twentieth century verse. L. C. Utley charged that “he (Foy E. Wallace, Jr.) would boss the church if we would take it” (Bible Banner, July 1971). Romulo B. Agduma has been called “Boss” and “Pope” by his enemies in the Philippines. Cecil Willis was charged with trying to head up his own church of Christ by William E. Wallace a few years ago in the “Gospel Guardian.”

Are there, then, no usurping bosses and potential Popes? Unfortunately, the spirit of Diotrephes did not all go to hades with him. However, reference here is made to slurring slander slingers whose mouths are muckmongers against those who prosecute false teachers and persecute their doctrines. Let a man achieve a portion of notoriety as a defender of the faith and a pretender of the same is sure to call him a “self-appointed Savior of the church.” Opposition tactics are unchanged.

“Troublemaker”

Elijah stood against the digressives of his time in bold words and daring deeds. Apostasy abounded as idolatry surrounded Israel in Samaria. Ahab abhorred Elijah. When the two met, Ahab vent and vomited his vile, verbal feelings thusly, “Art thou he that troubleth Israel?” Imagine that! It is like a pig complaining about how nasty chickens are! He who had forsaken the Lord and followed Baalim calls Elijah a troublemaker. Same tune, another century, and the tactics remain the same. Men and a movement may espouse the rudiments and elements of Calvinism, sing and play with their “instrumental brethren,” and otherwise fellowship some of the unfruitful works of denominationalism, but let men and a magazine oppose these acts and the troublemaker tune is heard in the background. Ahab does not reign in Israel today, but his song is still being played, and there are dancers on the floor.

Character Assassination

Paul was debased by being depicted as frivolous and flighty (2 Cor. 1). His enemies said he wrote like a lion from a distance, but that he purred like a kitten in person. In other words, the man is unreliable, unstable, and all for his own personal advantage. They even found a way to demean his character when he refused financial aid. Against such foes, even the good one does is charged with having an ulterior motive. So, today, all who write, teach, edit, preach, and debate are open to the vain jangling of jealous snipers. How many promising young literary proponents of truth have been laid in the shade of inactivity because some careless critic condemned their first published article as an attempt to “gain recognition?” How many analytical minds, alert and keen with the ability to penetrate and puncture error quickly and concisely, have been lost to the arena of debate because some envious brother charged them with trying to “ape” Campbell or Porter? The manual of opposition tactics has been repeated and reprinted, but the latest copy reads like the first edition.

Cloak and Dagger

“And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor” (Lk. 20:20). Our Lord’s most-likely-to-succeed opponents were these spying hypocrites. They were not concerned with truth but with “his words” and how they might “take hold” of something he said so they could have him convicted and condemned by civil authorities. Their sinister efforts were used during the trial of Jesus (Mk. 14:55-59). The apostle Paul faced the same guile garbed in the garments of the gospel. He spoke of being “in perils among false brethren” (2 Cor. 11:26) and “of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage” (Gal. 2:4).

Any modern conflict brings spies into the camp. They “feign themselves just men,” speaking as though they, too, are on the side of the apostles’ doctrine. They implant themselves into the bosoms of those who carry the fight so they might “take hold” of words and arguments to wind and wrest. It is a dirty business. If this sin has not survived the apostolic age, it is the only sin that ever “died out.” Animals may become extinct but sins do not.

Truth Magazine XXI: 40, p. 626
October 13, 1977

By Irvin Himmel

IT IS ENCOURAGING that there are Christians who study the Bible carefully and regularly. They delight in the law of the Lord. They take advantage of Bible classes; no one has to beg them to attend. In this group one will find some splendid teachers. To them the Bible is more than a book “traditionally” esteemed and often quoted; it is food for the soul.

IT IS ENCOURAGING that many of God’s people give generously of their money to support the Lord’s good work. They realize that inflation means rising costs in areas that pertain to the church and its functioning. When they are given an increase in salary, they remember to increase their contributions. They are cheerful givers — the kind God loves.

IT IS ENCOURAGING that a sizeable number of members of Christ’s body can be depended upon to attend all the meetings of the church in the locality where they reside. Nothing keeps them from the assemblies of the saints unless it is the sort of hindrance that would keep them home from work. They do not whimper, whine, and make flimsy excuses. To them it is a joy to meet with others of like faith.

IT IS ENCOURAGING that a lot of people in the church expect a preacher to do the work of an evangelist as outlined in the New Testament. Unlike a few who want him to be a sort of “pastor” like the denominations have, they know that he has more important things to do than coaching a ball team, sponsoring a scout troop, running errands for people, ringing the doorbells of church members to feel their pulse, or hold their hand, or humor them, and more important work than to be a kind of public relations man for civic projects in the community.

IT IS ENCOURAGING that so many Christians genuinely appreciate good elders and deacons. They look at the good which these men do in harmony with God’s plan. They want to work with them, not against them. They have warm praise rather than constant criticism. They realize that such men are only human and God does not expect elders and deacons to be super-human.

IT IS ENCOURAGING that many brethren have a solid grasp of the difference between New Testament Christianity and denominationalism. It makes no difference to them what the denominations are doing; they know that Christ’s church is not a sectarian setup, and they have no ambition to ape their neighbors who are tied to sectarian concepts. They want the church of Christ to be what Christ wants it to be, nothing more and nothing less.

IT IS ENCOURAGING that many in the kingdom of God appreciate sound preaching and teaching. They do not mind if a sermon really hits home. They want to know the truth and the whole truth, and they do not mind a lesson that points up some of their shortcomings. And there are some outside of the kingdom who respond favorably when the gospel is presented to them.. I rejoice that there are still people on earth who want to know God’s will.

IT IS ENCOURAGING that a lot of Christians take religion seriously. They want to go to heaven. They love God more than athletic events. They believe the Bible means what it says and that its message is relevant to every generation. They are not ashamed to let their convictions be made known. They demonstrate that one can be a Christian and not be a hypocrite.

IT IS ENCOURAGING that there are so many things to cheer us up and give us added zeal!

Truth Magazine XXI: 39, pp. 621-622
October 6, 1977

By Dennis Abernathy

Do you realize that being a Christian involves doing something (James 1:22-25)? Have you ever given serious consideration as to how much you really do for the Lord? I am sure many would list attendance to the services. But a great many could not even do that! There are some who will not come to the Bible classes. Surely we need to realize the need for attending all of the services (Heb. 10:25). But, is that all that you can do?

How many have you visited and talked to about their soul? How many have you invited to the services? How many Bible studies have you had or been instrumental in arranging? Would it embarrass you if you had to write on a piece of paper the names of those to whom you have talked about the Bible over the past year? Is it that you have not had the opportunity to do the aforementioned things? Surely not. I am afraid we want a little bit of religion as long as it is convenient!

It is easy for brethren to get in an air-conditioned car and come to a comfortable building for about an hour (many sleep through half of that). For many brethren it is easy to make the decisions in the Lord’s work. They simply do not come to the business meetings and reply “whatever you decide is alright with me.” Of course, this is fine as long as you do not decide something they do not like if you do, then look out! It is not too difficult to plan work for the church (we are good planners) and then not show up to carry out all the plans. It is a very easy thing to criticize when one is doing nothing himself (I have found that to be the ones who do the most of it).

What do you do? You know what you do and I know what I do and the Lord knows what we both do. Let us all strive to do more and criticize less. I am sure that if we work as we should we will grow more (as a congregation and a Christian). But just maybe we are content to just remain as we are. God forbid! Many times though, actions speak louder than words. Much louder!

Sleepers

When we assemble together to worship God, our worship is to be in Spirit and in Truth (John 4:24). In spirit, of course, means with sincerity or from the heart. In truth means in accordance with God’s Word, which is truth (John 17:17). God has always demanded respect and reverence from those who are His (Psalms 89:7). It seems to this writer that surely such is the case with the periods of worship. Also, whether we realize it or not, others are watching our example in worship to God (visitors, our children, weak, etc.) Am I setting the proper example (one that shows reverence to God)? By

this I mean doing what we do in sincerity and from the heart (not just to be seen of men).

But what about brethren sometimes? Ten minutes into the sermon and some are sound asleep. To my way of thinking, this surely does not manifest worship in “spirit;” they sleep so much that they don’t know whether things are done in “truth” or not! The truth of the matter is that it shows a lack of respect for God and His word to habitually sleep during the periods of worship. Not only does it show a lack of respect for God but for the preacher or teacher as well. But can’t you just imagine the impression made on the visitors and the young when the one who conducts the song service and waits on the Lord’s table goes back to his seat and goes sound to sleep? What do you think God’s attitude is toward such irreverence?

My dear brother or sister in Christ, maybe you need to go to bed a little earlier on Saturday night or take a short nap before service time or just maybe you need to examine your attitude and outlook toward worship to Almighty God! Brethren, wake up and think on these things!

Truth Magazine XXI: 39, p. 621
October 6, 1977