Truth Magazine

By P. J. Casebolt

Introduction

For the past several years I have watched the Lord’s work in the Philippine Islands with special interest, since I spent several months there at the close of World War II. About three years ago I began making plans to return,. after having received an invitation from brethren there to preach the gospel in their country. During the month of April, 1977, those plans were translated into reality. Others will make a more detailed report, but I would like to share my impressions of the work there with all who may be interested.

Originally, Brother Wallace Little and I planned to go this year. Later, he had the opportunity to go for an extended stay, so preceded tme by about two months. Keith Burnett also decided to go, but had returned to the U.S. by the time I arrived in the Philippines. Meantime, Brother James Puterbaugh was invited to teach some classes designed especially for preachers, and decided to spend about one year with the Filipino brethren for this purpose.

“I Lie Not” (2 Cor. 11:31). I have often wondered why Paul had to make this statement several times in his epistles. Would not the brethren believe an apostle of Christ? I think I understand his position a little better now. I hesitate to tell brethren some of the things which I saw, heard, felt, did, and some of the things done to me, for fear they will not believe me. If I tell in detail about some of the hardships experienced by Filipino brethren and the Americans who go there to preach, some will think I am complaining. If I tell about the remarkable growth of the Lord’s work in that country, some may think I am boasting. All I can say is, “I lie not.” Those who know me will believe me; those who do not will just have to go and see for themselves.

“We Thanked God, And Took Courage” (Acts 28:15). Regardless of how self-disciplined one may be, there is always a feeling of loneliness when loved ones are left behind, and the uncertainty of a venture lies ahead. There is nothing quite like a Filipino welcome to make one feel that his efforts are not in vain. Even when we know the Lord is with us as He has promised, the sight of faithful brethren brings a lump to the throat and tears to the eyes. With all our conveniences here in America, we feel so self-sufficient that the companionship of good brethren is not appreciated, I fear. Maybe a few hardships would cause us to depend on God and our good brethren a little more.

“I Know Thy Poverty” (Rev. 2:9). I only know of one brother in the Philippines who owns an automobile, or has access to one. It is an old model (1962), and the good brother put it at our disposal while we were in the Manila area. Most places of worship I visited were of bamboo or rough wood frame, open at the sides, with thatched roof and dirt floors. But, the brethren are rich in faith, zeal, and self-sacrifice. Their main concern, and ours, is not for comfortable places of worship, but for the well-being of the inward man. Both we and they are emphasizing the preaching of the gospel above all else. Let those of us in our comfortable buildings make certain that some do not “rise up in judgment” and condemn us (Mt. 12:41,42).

“Fellowship In The Gospel” (Phil. 1:3-7). May God bless those who have had fellowship with us in the preaching of the gospel. In my own case, I did not have to beg brethren to support the gospel. They asked me to let them participate in the work, when they heard I wanted to go. There are many places where the gospel needs to be preached, but I can say to those who have had a part in the Philippine work that they have done well to communicate with those who preach the gospel there.

“God That Giveth The Increase” (1 Cor. 3:7). There are many able preachers of the gospel in the Philippines. Two of these, Brethren Tibayan and Hayuhay, traveled with us extensively, Others prepared the ground, helped to sow the seed, and watered that which had been sown. About two hundred and thirty souls were baptized into Christ as a result of our combined efforts. I say about because people are obeying the gospel and congregations are being established at such a rate that it is impossible to keep an accurate count. Several liberal brethren confessed error, including one preacher. One debate was conducted, and arrangements are being made for two more. We made a special effort in our sermons to strengthen the brethren in the faith. It is a wonderful experience to lose track of the number being baptized, and not to wonder who is responsible for their obedience. God gave the increase, so give him the glory through Christ and the church. (Eph. 3:21).

“I Have Somewhat Against Thee” (Rev. 2:4). The Filipino brethren are not perfect. Neither were the Ephesian brethren. Nor, are we American brethren perfect. Some American preachers are not without fault in matters of doctrine and morals. The same standard applies to all. We tried to apply this same measure to our Filipino brethren (2 Cor. 10:13, 14). They want, and for the most part, appreciate our help. We learned of some who had sinned in word or in deed, and tried to help them make corrections. But, these were few in number indeed, compared to those who are making a sincere effort to save their souls and go to heaven.

“A Second Benefit” (2 Cor. 1:15). Many are benefitted directly and indirectly by their involvement in the Philippine work. The Filipino brethren are encouraged. The preachers who go are better because they went, and should be of more benefit to the brethren when they return home. Congregations and individuals who have fellowship in the work are encouraged. Others may be provoked to good works by these examples, and God is glorified (2 Cor. 9:2, 13).

But, I believe there is a second benefit if we will pursue it. I was personally able to make several contacts on the plane while traveling to and from the Philippines, that resulted in prospects to be pursued here in the United States. Many Filipinos or their relatives live in America, and many of our fellow travelers on these flights were in the process of going home or visiting friends and relatives. Most will gladly give you their own name and address, or that of a friend or relative. They seem to appreciate a tract or any other information concerning the Lord’s church. Maybe we can convert our neighbor through contacts that began ten thousand miles away.

“I Give My Advice” (2 Cor. 8:10). Having spent several months in the Philippine Islands, I was not a complete stranger to the people and their customs. I feel I know them better now, and am better acquainted with the situation there pertaining to the Lord’s work. Others also have valuable information and advice, including the Filipino brethren themselves. Here is mine:

The day has passed when American preachers can visit all the churches in the Philippines on one trip. We need to try concentrating on definite areas, which generally would mean islands. We need to emphasize the training of Filipino brethren to carry on the work, which is being done. Not every American preacher is suited for this work. Any who would think it is a vacation, or a short-cut to fame and prominence will do themselves and the work there a favor by staying home. One needs to be prepared mentally and physically for this effort. To those who are faithful, able, suited for this kind of work, and invited by the Filipino brethren, I say “Go.” If I can be of any help to those who would contemplate going, or to congregations interested in sending someone, I will do what I can. May the gospel have free course, and be received in all the world, as it appears to have been in the Philippines.

Truth Magazine XXI: 31, pp. 492-493
August 11, 1977

By Ron Halbrook

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (Jn. 3:16). We must understand God’s great love and how to receive it. We must understand that grace, faith, and obedience save. Even those who are already saved need reminding (2 Pet. 1:13-15; 3:1-2). We either will remember or else neglect the great principles of our salvation. Neglect spells disaster. “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip” (Heb. 2:1). Under Moses’ law, “every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward;” but we live under a far better covenant with better promises. Does that mean God will be more lax with our neglect? To the contrary, if those under a less perfect covenant were surely punished, “how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation” under the perfect law of liberty (Heb. 2:23)?

God said of Israel, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge . . seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children” (Hos. 4:6). We, too, will be destroyed as the distinctive people of God if we forget the great principles of our salvation! “Ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls” (Jer. 6:16). Truth must stand out clearly from error. God’s truth must be preached and practiced in its distinctive nature in order for people to be drawn unto Himself. Both for our own sake and the sake of others, we must demand nothing less than the sound doctrine of the certified Gospel. “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Tim. 4:16).

God’s grace saves in that the Father purposed or planned salvation, the Son died on the cross for our sins, and the Holy Spirit revealed the message of grace. Our faith saves as it activates obedience. How does obedience save?

Grace, Faith, and Obedience Always Necessary

In every age of God’s dealings with man, grace, faith, and obedience have been necessary for salvation. In the Patriarchal Age, “by faith Abraham . . . obeyed” (as did all the characters of great faith listed in Heb. 11). When Abraham brought his son as an offering according to God’s command, God said that not only would He “multiply thy seed,” but also “in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.” Notice carefully the next words: “because thou hast obeyed my voice” (Gen. 22:15-18). Had Christ not come, not even Abraham could have been saved. Thus, Abraham’s obedience was necessary for his own salvation, as well as necessary for the unfolding of the divine plan to save us all. In Genesis 26:1-6, God reminded Isaac of these promises given “because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.” In this context, God had just told Isaac not to go into Egypt but to remain in Gerar. Following the reminder concerning Abraham, the text records Isaac’s obedience to God’s command: “And Isaac dwelt in Gerar” (Gen. 26:6). That is the nature of true faith.

During the Mosaic Age, God constantly pled with the nation of Israel to obey Him. Obedience was NECESSARY! Moses warned the people near the close of his life that they must obey God’s covenant-making no change in it at all (Dent. 4:1-2). Even if they should disobey and be sent into captivity, if they will turn back to God “and shalt be obedient unto His voice,” God would show mercy again (4:29-31). This shows God’s mercy is conditional on obedience, yet obviously shows as well that His mercy does not depend on a record of sinless perfection. If it did, there would be no hope of a return to His mercy on any conditions. It also shows God would not continue to show mercy to those who continued in sin-they had to meet the conditions, had to obey to obtain mercy. Mounts Ebal and Gerizim were appointed as perpetual witnesses to the conditional nature of God’s blessings: “Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse; A blessing if ye obey the commandments of the Lord . . . And a curse if ye will not obey the commandments of the Lord” (Dent. 11:2629).

The necessity of obedience may be traced throughout Israel’s history. God chose Saul for king when he would obey, rejected him when he would not; this was then recorded as a constant lesson to later generations. Saul tried to excuse his disobedience as “pious.” He spared some of what should have been destroyed, but spared it “to sacrifice unto the Lord.” Such false piety will not excuse disobedience: “Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice . . . Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king” (1 Sam. 15). God sent prophets with this constant plea: Obey! Isaiah pled for the people to be “willing and obedient” in order that “your sins . . . shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isa. 1:18-20). God reminded His people through Jeremiah that He had sent many prophets “rising early and protesting, saying, Obey my voice” (Jer. 11:1-8).

Obedience is still required in “the day of salvation,” the Gospel Age (2 Cor. 6:2). “The just shall live by faith” (Rom. 1:17). We must enter our relationship with God by obedient faith. We must maintain our relationship with God by obedient faith. Jesus taught, “He that doeth the will of my Father” shall enter “the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 7:21). Paul was sent out as an apostle “for obedience to the faith among all nations”; through such inspired men, God gave “the revelation of the mystery . . . to all nations for the obedience of faith” (Rom. 1:5; 16:26). Paul thanked God for all who “obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you,” but regretted that among the Jews “they have not all obeyed the gospel” (6:17; 10:16). Through the Gospel, God seeks to bring “into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5). Those who have been saved by grace are “created in Christ Jesus unto good works” (Eph. 2:10). In the end of time, Christ will return “taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thess. 1:8); in the meantime, God’s people must continue to “obey . . . our word by this epistle,” Paul warned (3:14). Peter said to Christians scattered in many regions, “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth,” and he made it plain they were to conduct themselves “as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts” (1 Pet. 1:22,14).

Everywhere the New Testament makes plain the necessity of obedience. It is necessary in order both to enter and maintain a proper relationship to God.

How Obedience Saves

How or why does obedience save? How does it fit in God’s eternal purpose? In the first place, obedience saves because salvation is conditional. This principle can be seen in the Mosaic Age. When Israel came into the Promised Land, God gave them Jericho as a gift (Josh. 6:2); yet to receive it, they had to march around the city as God required. “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days” (Heb. 11:30). Reception of the gift was conditioned on obedient faith. When Israel settled in the land, God appointed Mounts Ebal and Gerizim as perpetual reminders of this principle. He promised a blessing “if ye obey” and a curse “if ye will not obey.” That word ‘Ff” makes the promises conditional. In the Gospel Age, sinners are commanded to believe and be baptized to be saved (Mk. 16:16). Christians are “created in Christ Jesus unto good works”-thus they must continue to walk “as obedient children” (1 Pet. 1:14). Meeting the conditions for a gift does not earn, deserve, or merit anything. That is a primary point missed by denominations and brethren who have drifted into denominational thinking.

Secondly, obedience coupled with faith demonstrates our reliance on God. The majority of the religious world believes obedience to God is an effort of man to rely upon himself-which completely misses the point! When Israel obeyed God’s command to march around Jericho for seven days, Israel demonstrated reliance on God. They did not attack the city and fight after the normal manner (Josh. 6:lff). When Naaman dipped in the Jordan River seven times, he demonstrated his reliance on God’s command and will and wisdom; therefore, “his flesh came again like unto the flesh of a little child, and he was clean” (2 Kgs. 5:1-14). When Naaman obeyed God, he was not relying upon himself. So today, “we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7). God’s ways and thoughts are far above ours (Isa. 55:89). To lay aside our opinions, ways, and desires, to obey God’s word, demonstrates reliance on Him.

Thirdly, obedience glorifies God. When Nadab and Abihu offered strange fire on the altar which God had not commanded, fire from heaven destroyed them. Why? God said, “I will be sanctified . . . I will be glorified” (Lev. 10:1-3). Men may be very pleased and impressed with their own efforts to serve God, but such does not glorify Him. In Numbers 20:7-12, Moses not only spoke to the rock to bring forth water as God commanded, he also struck it with a rod. He intended no disrespect to God, but did it in “pious indignation” at the rebelliousness of Israel. Still, God charged him with unbelief in this instance and pronounced punishment upon him. God said Moses did not “sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel.” Had Moses obeyed exactly, God and His word would have been glorified in the sight of Israel. Anytime men accept God’s way and set aside their own ways, God is glorified. It is the nature of the Gospel to glorify God through the obedience of men. 1 Corinthians 1 argues that when men searched for God by their own wisdom and could not find Him, God revealed the Gospel as His own wisdom and power unto salvation. “That no flesh should glory in his presence . . . according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord” (vv. 18-31). Likewise, Ephesians 1 presents the eternal purpose of God for salvation. That purpose is “according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace . . .” (vv. 5-6).

Obedience saves because salvation is conditional, because it demonstrates reliance on God, and because it glorifies God. If there is any salvation without obedience, it is unrevealed, unknown, and unknowable to man.

Some Things Not Involved In Salvation By Obedient Faith

The subject of obedience has been so badly misunderstood that it might help to point out some things not involved in salvation by obedience. (1) We are not saved by virtue of our never sinning. Abraham lied, Moses struck the rock, and David committed adultery. Coming to God as sinners (not as men who never sinned), they knew the blessedness of forgiveness (Rom. 4:1-8; Ps. 32). They came by faith and in obedience. God forgave. As many times as they sinned, they could come to God by obedient faith for forgiveness. The point is that we must meet God’s conditions for forgiveness when we sin.

(2) No one is saved by any magical power in the act of obedience. There was no magic in the waters of Jordan nor in the act of dipping when Naaman’s leprosy was cleansed (2 Kgs. 5). Had there been such, every leper in the Middle East would have dipped for cleansing in Jordan or hawkers would have bottled up and sold the water for a fortune! The same water that destroyed the wicked in the days of Noah, saved Noah-neither case involved magic incantations or actions. Since Noah had obeyed God in building the ark, the water lifted the ark above all the death and destruction: ” . . . eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us” (1 Pet. 3:20-21).

(3) Men are not saved by any merit or goodness in the mere form of outward obedience. The prophets constantly rejected such an approach. “When ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood” (Isa. 1:15). John, the forerunner of Christ, in preparing the hearts of men for Christ, rejected all such attempts to fool God. “But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance” (Matt. 3:7-8). Paul warned against such thinking in the Gospel Age, “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him . . .” (Tit. 1:16). Some are described as “having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (2 Tim. 3:5).

(4) Obedience does not save on the grounds that it earns, merits, or deserves God’s favor in any way. Salvation is conditional, but we could never repay the debt of love we owe. After we meet every condition God gave, we still cannot make ourselves worth the price paid: the blood of Christ! “When ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do” (Lk. 17:10).

(5) We cannot be saved by obeying just anything. God’s own plan, including its commands, excludes every thing else (Eph. 2:8-9). Some people are more meticulous in keeping “the commandments and doctrines of men” than God’s people are in keeping His will. Often, the ordinances of men “have indeed a show of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honor to the satisfying of the flesh” (Col. 2:22-23). Salvation is not promised by God in such practices; rather, Christ Himself warned in regard to such practices, “Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up” (Matt. 15:13). Men cannot create for themselves a ground of righteousness, no matter how “pious” they may be in it; “but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost” (Tit. 3:5).

Every sinner needs to face this question, “Are you obeying God?” Every Christian needs to face this question, “Are you continuing to walk ‘as obedient children’?”

Truth Magazine XXI: 31, pp. 489-491
August 11, 1977

By Norman P. Smith

On the nights of March 7, 8, 10, and 11, 1977, Brethren J. T. Smith and Bob Melear engaged in a debate on the divorce-remarriage question. The following is my personal opinion of what transpired and is based upon personal observation.

The debate was held in Costa Mesa and Santa Ana, California and drew the poorest attendance of any debate I have attended. Brother Smith had debated Brother Glen Lovelady and Brother Lyle McCollum in two previous discussions on this subject. From statements made by some in attendance and some who did not attend, I am confident the poor attendance can be attributed to the fact that many had attended one or both of the previous debates and did not desire to sit through another four nights of listening to the false doctrine espoused by Brethren Melear, Lovelady and McCollum.

As he did in the two previous discussions, Brother Smith very boldly and forcefully proclaimed the teachings of the scriptures on this subject. Brother Melear attempted to prove on the first two nights that the Scriptures teach that even the put away fornicator can remarry without sin: and the last two nights taught that if a person is put away for any cause other than fornication, if he remarries, his first mate may then put him away (a second putting away) for fornication and everyone be free, thus putting a premium on sin. In his efforts to uphold this false doctrine he appealed to human reasoning, emotionalism and a perversion of the scriptures.

Brother Smith utterly destroyed every argument presented by Brother Melear by simply presenting the passages of scripture that deal with divorce and remarriage. Brother Smith’s arguments were presented so clearly that anyone who wants the truth could understand the plain teaching of the Bible on this subject. Even with Brother Melear’s desperate efforts to “help” the listeners misunderstand Brother Smith’s arguments it was obvious that Brother Meleax failed miserably in this attempt also! In what was supposed to be his affirmations on the last night, instead of affirming his proposition, Brother Melear resorted to the tactics used by all those who know they can not meet the force of the opponent’s arguments and defend their position. He made fun of, ridiculed, belittled, misrepresented and falsely accused Brother Smith of making statements he never made. These brethren bemoan the fact that it is difficult to find men who will debate them. I am convinced that one of the reasons is because of the way these brethren use the aforementioned tactics when they realize their erroneous teachings can not be substantiated by the scriptures!

When the debate was over, I asked Brother Ken Cheatham (moderator for Brother Melear), “When are you brethren going to give up your false doctrine and start preaching the truth on this subject?” His answer was (and I paraphrase), “If what you brethren are teaching on this subject is the truth, you can have it!” That statement confirms what I have believed is their attitude about this issue since I first learned of their position; i.e. even if he admitted we have the truth on the subject under consideration, he wants none of it!! It is my earnest prayer that those who hold and espouse this false doctrine will renounce it, repent and ask God’s forgiveness and make their stand on the teachings of God’s holy word.

Truth Magazine XXI: 31, p. 489
August 11, 1977

By Jeffery Kingry

Anger, like other emotions, is God given. Anger is not sinful or damaging. It is a motivating emotion that God has given us for good. God is angry continually with the wicked (Psa. 7:11; 79:5). God is recorded to have been angry with Moses (Deut. 1:37, 4:21), Aaron (9:20), Solomon (1 Kings 11:19), and Israel (1 Kings 17:18). Jesus was angry – hotly angry – in fact his anger “ate him up” (Jn. 2:17) yet without sin. Jesus was once recorded as instantly angry, as when he turned on the hardhearted priests in anger at their malice and unbelief (Mk. 3:5).

But Jesus and the Father kept their anger within controlled bounds and directed it at the problem that elicited the anger. Anger, like all other emotions, uncontrolled is sinful. “Uncontrolled” does not just mean the unsubdued explosions of wrath we commonly associate with anger, but includes any undisciplined and unbiblical use of anger (i. e. boredom, resentment, bitterness, or chronic sarcasm). Anger can become sinful. Desire can become lust. Concern can become anxiety. Happiness can become hysteria. Sorrow can become despair. God has given us our emotions to be used within the framework of his revelation to our good.

When Is Anger Evil?

Anger is caused by something. People bring out anger, but usually it is what people do, rather than the people themselves (or what they do not do). Jesus’ anger was brought forth by the hard hearted unbelief of the Jews (Jno. 2:17; Mk. 3:5). God’s anger is provoked by those who presume on his mercy and longsuffering. Jesus directed his anger at the Jews, not in an emotional outburst, but in correcting the problem: He drove the moneychangers out of the temple with the teaching “You shall not make my father’s house a den of thieves.” He healed the cripple in the presence of the disapproving Jews with the words, “Is it right to do good or evil on the Sabbath?” His anger was directed in overcoming the problem-unbelief.

God’s anger was demonstrated in his delivering the Jews into calamity after repeated warnings-to discipline them and teach them. He did not utterly destroy them, but preserved a remnant that they might find repentance.

Neither the Father nor the Son “blew up” in their anger (if they had, I could not have written this article, and you would never had read it for God was angry with Adam and Eve in the garden). They did not withdraw in sullen silence, harboring bitter anger deep in their heart. On the contrary, they directed their hot anger, concentrating their passions upon the problem that a solution might be found.

Consider a practical example for illustration: Your tire blows out on the freeway. As you flop over to the shoulder, you are seething in anger at the expense, delay, and inconvenience. Slamming the door, kicking the tire, shaking your fist at the car or at the sky accomplishes nothing. Sitting in your car gripping the wheel till your knuckles turn white, biting your lip till it bleeds, or pounding the dashboard does not attack the problem-it only hurts yourself, and makes a biblical fool out of you (Prov. 12:16; 14:17; Eccl. 7:9). But, jacking up the car, and changing the tire does deal with the problem. (Inanimate things often are used as a brunt of anger when one is accustomed to concealing anger. Swearing at stop lights, kicking things that get in the way, slamming doors, etc. Why? Things cannot respond. Demonstrating that suppressed anger at people would be wrong. What makes demonstrated anger wrong and suppressed anger “right”? “As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.”)

More appropriately, consider an example of a newly converted family falling away from the truth. The bad example of the brethren has discouraged them. The preacher has lost their confidence and esteem because of malicious and hurtful speaking on the part of the brethren. They announce that they are not returning to services. The message is borne by the very ones who discouraged them to start with. Their tone of voice and sarcastic comments demonstrate that they hold you responsible. Anger is a natural, God-given response to this problem. But, how will that anger be directed? Do you react by blowing up? Do you dress down those who have come to you, venting your rage upon them? Or, do you say sullenly, through clenched teeth, “Thank you for the information” then go home seething in anger, silently hating them, the church, your work, and the unfaithful under your breath? Anger is not controlled either way, and is not directed at the problem. The bad example of the one responsible for discouragement of the weak must be pointed out, rebuked, and changed. The hateful talk must be confronted and dealt with as sin, and either repented of, or brought to the attention of the church. The weak must be visited as soon as humanly possible, preferably the same day, that their lack of faith might be rebuked, and the righteous way shown to them. Anger was felt and demonstrated to them, but was biblically directed at the problem and its solution.

Sinful Anger

Today, there is a great deal of encouragement for people to freely express themselves and their emotions. It is called ventilation, or concious raising. Group therapy, sensitivity training, and encounter groups encourage free expression of all emotions. People supposedly will relieve their anxieties by openly expressing their hatred and anger, resentments, and grudges.

But God says that uncontrolled anger is sin. “He that hath no rule over his spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls” (Prov. 25:28).

“He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly” (14:17a).

“The prudence of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression” (19:11).

“Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God” (Jas. 1:19, 20).

Anger can become sinful in a variety of ways. One way is to bottle up anger within. “Internalizing” anger is self destructive and leads to greater sin. Paul told us that the way to be angry and sin not was not to permit the sun to go down upon our wrath. This simple command from God would solve most of the problems facing brethren today.

Example: A notable brother is rebuked publically in a gospel paper. Instead of seeking righteousness and reconciliation, he strikes back at a totally unrelated (for his sin) problem, the “attitude” and motives of those who rebuked him. He then silently withdraws in silent anger and contempt. He cuts off all contact with those who have rebuked his behavior, cancels his subscription to any paper that rebukes him, and withdraws in hurt. His anger spurts now and then like steam from a pressure cooker in hatefully worded articles or “private” diatribes against those who “persecute” him.

Example: A brother feels he is wronged by another. Instead of seeking reconciliation, he withdraws completely, assuring all “I bear no ill-feeling or grudge” all the time while burning with repressed anger and resentment at his mistreatment. He continues to show his anger by his severed relationships, and his continual attacks on other’s motives and character.

Example: A brother is angry with another’s behavior. “He is too uppity” or “Who does he think he is, rebuking me?” While “all smiles” in the other’s presence, in other relationships, he never loses an opportunity to downgrade him in every way. If asked to recommend the other for a meeting, he will pull a wry face and say reluctantly “Well-1-1-1 . . .” leaving the impression that the other is unworthy or unable.

There are many examples that could be used; but they all demonstrate the same ,thing. Suppressed anger and resentment, and an unwillingness to submit to God’s method of repentance and reconciliation.

“Few things are sapping the strength of the church of Christ more that the unreconciled state of so many Christians. So many believers have matters deeply imbedded in their relationship like iron wedges forced between themselves and other Christians. They can’t walk together because they do not agree. When they should be marching side by side taking men captive for Jesus Christ, instead they are acting like an army that has been routed and scattered and whose troops in their confusion have begun fighting among themselves. Nothing drains the church more of her strength as these unresolved problems, those loose ends among brethren that have never been tied up. There is no excuse for this sad condition, for the Bible does not allow for loose ends. God wants no loose ends” (Adams, Christian Counselors Manual, p. 363).

There is no place in the church for a Christian sitting in silent hurt, or self-righteous resentment waiting for the other to come to him to talk. Matt. 5:23, 24 talks to the one who has wronged someone else. ‘Reconciliation with the one he has wronged must take precedence over any other religious service unto God. All service dedicated to God is vain till an attempt is made to reconcile with the one wronged. Matt. 18: 1517 on the other hand, is addressed to the one who has been sinned against. He must seek out his brother and convince him of his error and seek reconciliation (“Thou hast gained thy brother . . .”). Therefore it is always the responsibility of the child of God to go and seek reconciliation and righteous relationships. You can note whether you are the mature Christian by whether you go or someone had to come to you. True followers of God meet on the way to see each other There is no place in .the Kingdom of God for one who refuses reconciliation with a brother for whom Christ died. God demands that reconciliation must be sought before the sun goes down on the matter.

Evil Speaking

Anger can become sinful when it is allowed to be expressed other than to resolve a problem-when it is directed at a person or the situation. Paul said, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Eph. 4:29). Paul is talking about more than just “foul language” though that is certainly included. More accurately Paul is contrasting speech which “builds up” with speech that “corrupts” or rots, tears down.

Many believe “evil speaking” to be speaking lies or slander against another (Eph. 4:31; 1 Pet. 2:1; Tit. 3:2). But this is not all there is. Evil speaking is hurtful speaking. Speaking that tears down, destroys, hurts, or damages. Literally it means “to speak against” and is often translated “blasphemed.” Evil is that which is “injurious, destructive, baneful, pernicious” (Vine, p. 50). The young call it “cutting up” and the adults call it “putting down” or “one-upmanship.” Often brethren cut up, slice, cube, and dice their brethren with no mercy under the guise of humor (cf. Eph. 5:4; Jas. 3:5-10; Gal. 5:15). Indeed, the scriptures refer to it in the same way: “There is that speaking which is like the piercings of a sword . . . the words of a talebearer are as wounds which go down to the innermost parts of the belly” (Prov. 12:18; 18:8).

It is not socially acceptable to “blow up” in public. So uncontrolled anger is often demonstrated under the guise of wit or sarcasm.

Example: Observe the couple who continually cut one another in public and private. Nothing can be said that is not met with a sarcastic riposte. Surly, belligerent words meet any effort to talk to them.

Example: Consider the brother who is constantly making such righteousness as preaching, marriage, child raising, sobriety, temperance, or benevolence the brunt of hurtful jokes and cutting comments. All sober godly effort is met with flippant and inappropriate jesting. Often he takes one person in gathering and singles him out out to be made the brunt of sarcasm and scorn (Eph. 5:4; Prov. 26:18).

It is a common thing to demonstrate suppressed anger by saying and doing hateful cutting things, and when hurt is registered to reply, “I wasn’t serious! I meant no harm! Surely you did not take me seriously?!” God’s reply is “Yes.” God takes every word we say seriously, for it is out of the mouth that the abundance of the heart springeth. We will be judged by our every idle word. “As a madman who casteth coals, arrows, and death, so is the man that deceiveth his neighbor and with, Am I not in sport” (Prov. 26:18, 19)?

Truth Magazine XXI: 31, pp. 486-488
August 11, 1977