Truth Magazine

By Ron Halbrook

As we struggle with the challenges of life and death, the most challenging question of all is this: What does God want of us in this life? God answers that question in the Bible. He has made it clear from the beginning until now that he wants our love, trust, and obedience.

Adam and Eve were commanded to care for the Gar- den of Eden, to enjoy its fruit, but not to eat “of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil” — a tree which drew the boundary between good and evil. When they ate of that tree, they were driven in shame from the Garden and suffered the ravages of death (Gen. 2-3).

Later, God commended Abraham as one who “will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment” (Gen. 18:19). That is what God wants of all men.

The Bible is full of passages summarizing what God wants of us. “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Eccl. 12:13). Our love, trust, and respect for God are shown by obeying his Word. Though God commands formal worship, he also teaches us to translate our worship into daily action.

At all times and in all situations, we are to “hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate. . . . let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream” (Amos 5:15, 24).

When God taught the Jews to bring animal sacrifices for sin, he made it clear that “thousands of rams” were no substitute for sincere, daily submission to his will. “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Mic. 6:6-8). Life is brief and uncertain, filled with “labor and sorrow.” Knowing our time is short, our prayer should be, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Ps. 90:10-12). We find God’s wisdom in God’s Word.

Jesus summed it all up in these words:

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets (Matt. 22:37-40).

Knowing we have sinned and yet wanting us to be saved, God desires all men to hear, believe, and obey the gospel of Christ. Christ died as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. On the basis of that faith, we must repent of all sin, confess Christ as God’s Son, and be immersed in water to receive pardon through his atoning blood. Truly, God “is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9; Acts 2:38;

8:37-38).

When we obey these first steps of the gospel, God adds us to the church of Christ and then teaches us how to worship him and how to live for him each day. Thus, he redeems us from the destiny of hell and leads us to an eternal home in heaven. Ultimately, that is what God wants — for us to spend eternity with him in heaven!

I became a member of the Methodist Church at Charlotte, Tennessee, at the age of twelve. This was the result of being brought up in a Methodist family. I had been taught that one should believe in Christ and then join the church of his choice, and his choice as a rule would be the one of his parents. On June 5, 1948, I obeyed the gospel of Christ, thus leaving the Methodist Church. Since that time I have often been asked, “Why did you leave the Methodist Church?” I will try to answer this question as briefly as possible in this article.

I Did Not Leave Because . . .

First, I will state some of the reasons why I did not leave the Methodist Church:

1. I was not made to leave. There was no pressure from within the Methodist Church for me to leave.

2. I did not leave because of the people in the Methodist Church. There are some of the finest moral living people in the Methodist Church that you would ever want to know.

3. I did not leave the Methodist Church because it was not a popular church. The majority of people were Methodists in my home town.

After my discharge from the Navy in 1946, I had again made my home in Charlotte, Tennessee. In 1947, Grover Stevens moved to Charlotte. I was attending many of the services of the church of Christ where he was preaching, and became very angry at some of the remarks made by brother Stevens. During this same time, brother Leonard Tyler conducted several meetings in this area which I at- tended and at which I was made angry. I became so mad at some of their remarks that I began to study my Bible to try to justify myself as a Methodist and at the same time to find error in their teaching, which I would have been happy to expose.

Finally, I saw that I was fighting a losing battle and I either had to obey the gospel or stay with the Methodist Church. I must say that it was a very difficult battle, knowing that I would be leaving that which I had been taught from childhood up, knowing that my personal friends would turn their backs upon me, and knowing the heartache that it would cause my mother to see her only child leave the family religion. I made up my mind to put God first and obey his will.

The results of my leaving the Methodist Church were due to the fact that error was exposed and truth was taught in a plain manner of speech and yet with love. I am deeply grateful to such preachers.

1. Name. The first impression that was made on my mind was that the Methodist Church was wrong in name. Such a name could not be found in the Bible. I was called a Methodist, but yet no one in the Bible was ever called such. I was taught that they were called Christians (1 Pet. 4:16; Acts 11:26). I immediately saw that I could not scripturally justify the use of the name Methodist.

2. Wesley, the founder, not Christ. It was made clear that John Wesley was the founder of the Methodist Church and not Jesus Christ. If I wanted to be a member of the church that Jesus built, then I could not be a Methodist. Such preaching stirred up my spirit to the extent that I became dissatisfied with being a member of the church that John Wesley built.

3. Faith only salvation. I had always believed that one was saved by faith only. This is exactly what the Methodist Church teaches about salvation. However, when I was told to read James 2:24, I was made to see in words that none could misunderstand that “faith only” was wrong. I began to read more and found out that Jesus required faith and baptism (Mark 16:16).

4. Choice of baptism. I had always been taught in the Methodist Church that there were three ways to be baptized — (1) sprinkling, (2) pouring, (3) immersion. I was led to believe by Methodist preaching that it was up to the individual to select his own choice. To become a member, I selected sprinkling. The preaching that I heard exposed this error. I was told to read Colossians 2:12 and then Ephesians 4:5. Even with a mind as weak as mine, I could see that according to God’s teaching there was but one baptism; but by Methodist teaching, there were three. I believed God.

5. Instrumental music. We had the instrument of music in the services of the Methodist Church, and were led to believe that it was only an aid in the worship. It was plainly proven to me that such was not an aid but an addition to the word of God. I then was reminded of John 4:24, that one must worship God in truth. I was told that my worship would be in vain if done by the doctrines of men (Matt. 15:9).

6. How to raise money. In the Methodist Church, we would have ice cream suppers, rummage sales, etc. to raise money for the church. The preaching that I heard by brother Stevens and others brought to my attention 1 Corinthians 16:1-2. This as God’s plan of having the church members raise its money; and the pie suppers, etc., were the ways of men.

These were a few of the things that caused me to see the way of my error. Of course, since that time I have studied and found out many other errors within the Methodist Church. I have never regretted my leaving the Methodist Church. I wish all would see their errors. 

Thank God for Christ, his gospel and his church!

There is much misunderstanding centering around the kingdom of Christ. Too many people are getting their information on this subject from popular preachers rather than the holy Scriptures.

Kingdom Not of This World

When Jesus Christ was asked by Pilate, “Art thou the king of the Jews?” the affirmative answer was qualified with this explanation: “My kingdom is not of this world. . .” (John 18:36). The kingdom of the Messiah is not of this earthly realm; it is not a political kingdom; it was not granted by earthly power; it is not advanced by carnal fighting.       “. . . if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.” Christ’s kingdom operates in the world but it is not “of the world.”

When asked by some of the Pharisees when the kingdom should come, Jesus answered, “The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:20, 21). The kingdom comes not with outward show such as armies marching, horses prancing, banners waving, crowds cheering, and music playing. It has no physical boundaries; the heart of man is the territory of the king.

The general expectation among the Jews was that the coming kingdom would be the restoration of national Israel. They anticipated a kingdom comparable to that over which David and Solomon reigned. They looked for some manifestation of the rule of God in the realm of the civil and external.

Many today have the same mistaken concept. Not recognizing the spiritual nature of the kingdom, they yet look for national Israel to be restored with the Messiah ruling over it.

Christ on David’s Throne

It was foretold in the Old Testament that David’s seed would be given an everlasting kingdom. “And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever” (2 Sam. 7:16). “Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David. His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me” (Ps. 89:35, 36).

The angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she would conceive and bring forth a son to be called by the name Jesus. “He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end” (Luke 1:26-33).

Christ has occupied the throne of David since ascending back to the Father. The Holy Spirit revealed through Peter that Christ was raised up from the dead to sit on David’s throne (Acts 2:29-31). Sometimes the throne of David is called the throne of God. Solomon sat on the “throne of David” (1 Kings 2:12). In doing so, he sat on the “throne of Israel” (1 Kings 8:20) or the “throne of the Lord” (1 Chron. 29:23). Jesus, in being raised to sit on the “throne of David,” was elevated to the “Father’s throne” (Rev. 3:21). Just as David ruled over God’s people long ago, Christ (descended from David according to the flesh) rules over God’s people in the present age.

Kingdom In Existence

The Messiah’s kingdom foretold in the Old Testament began when Jesus returned to heaven and the gospel in its fullness began to be preached and obeyed on earth. While on earth, Jesus foretold: “Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power” (Mark 9:1). The kingdom did not come with “observation” or “outward show,” or “signs to be observed,” but it came with power. Some of those addressed by Jesus would not experience death prior to the coming of the kingdom; they would live to see that marvelous day.

Paul made statements acknowledging the existence of the kingdom. He wrote to the Colossians that God has de- livered us from the power of darkness, “and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Col. 1:13). Compare this statement with Hebrews 12:28. John referred to him- self as a brother “in the kingdom” (Rev. 1:9). Clearly, the apostles understood that the kingdom had come following the events of Pentecost in Acts 2.

Kingdom To Be Delivered Up At Christ’s Coming

In 1 Corinthians 15:22-26, Paul said, “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the first fruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father . . .”

It is a serious mistake to suppose that Christ is coming back to “set up” the kingdom. It is in existence now. He reigns now. The rule of Christ on David’s throne is a present reality. “For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” When Christ returns and the dead are raised, death will be no more. The King “delivers up” the kingdom to God. Having abolished all rule and authority and power that is in opposition to God, thereby putting all enemies under his feet, the King hands over the kingdom to the Father “that God may be all in all.” The kingdom does not end but stands forever. Hence, Peter referred to it as “the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 1:11). Daniel prophesied that the kingdom of God “shall stand for ever” (Dan. 2:44).

Everyone who wants to be blessed eternally must put himself under the royal reign of Christ. To enter the kingdom one must be “born again,” that is, “born of water and of the Spirit” (John 3:3-5). Citizens in the heavenly kingdom are expected to honor the King, loyally serving and submitting to his laws. We who belong to Christ must never forget that our citizenship is in heaven.

A common problem that always seems to surround sin and sinners is the need for people to come to their defense. We see this clearly in the controversy surrounding President Clinton and we see it in churches and homes. Often times, people will soften the blows of truth to comfort those they deem afflicted. Too often, people will condemn the righ- teous while comforting the sinner. Many times, excuses are made for sin and error. Is this God’s wisdom or is it man’s? Is this what the Bible teaches we should do or do we have things backwards? What does the Bible have to say regarding the defense of sin and error?

Exposing Error

When one is steeped in sin and error, the last thing they want is someone to expose their error, even though it is what they need (Eph. 5:11-12). In John 3:20-21, it is written, “For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”

Clearly, when a person has sin in his life, his eternal soul is in jeopardy. We know sin separates man from his God (Isa. 59:1-2). Therefore out of love, both for God and man, friends and loved ones must seek to expose those who are in error and save them from hell. In Galatians 6:1, the Bible says, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, you who are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering yourself, lest you also be tempted” (see also Jas. 5:19-20; Jude 22-23). These are the commands of God. Yet, this becomes extremely difficult when men come to the defense of sin and error.

Softening the Blows of Truth

Under the guise of love, defenders will seek to soften the chastisement of men who are speaking the truth in love. They themselves neglect to affirm the truth. Rather than admonish those in error, they comfort them. Rather than save them from eternal destruction, they let them fall headlong into it. This is tragic!

What defenders of error and sin fail to realize is that when a man speaks the words of God, it is the chastisement of God they reveal. In Revelation 3:19, the Bible says, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent” (read also Heb. 12:5-11). This is what the word of God, which is sharper than any two-edged sword, has the power to do (Heb. 4:12; Rom. 1:16).

Yet, men dull the blades of truth by softening the blows of God. Defenders of sin and error use words like humbled, broken, crushed, distressed, and contrite to describe the sinner and pull emotion and pity from the hearts of those who must expose their error. Sometimes, such words are fitting and true and manifest themselves in godly sorrow and repentance (2 Cor. 7:8-11). However, more often than not the sinner — when confronted and exposed — becomes angry, upset, puffed-up, prideful, and defiant. These are not the fruits of humility. These are the fruits of a man lost in sin. These are the signs of a man who does not need watered down medication to cure the woes of his soul, but strong doses of truth to humble and heal him (Jas. 4:4-10; 1 Pet. 5:6-9).

Condemning The Righteous

Another problem with those who defend sin and error is that they condemn those who are standing for truth and righteousness. Those who justify wickedness attribute names and motives to those who seek to uphold the word of God (1 Kings 18:17-18). They are called mean-spirited, evil, unloving, and unkind. They are likened unto bulldogs, vultures, and carnivores. They are accused of attacking innocent people, making a big deal out of nothing, hit- ting men when they are down, and focusing on trifles and small vices of others. All of this, whether intended or not, clouds the waters of righteousness and diverts attention from those in sin.

Why can’t men understand how God feels about such evasive and unrighteous maneuvering? The wise man wrote in Proverbs 17:15, “He that justifies the wicked, and he that condemns the just, even both are abomination to the Lord.” Again, in Proverbs 28:4, the Bible says, “They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.” The apostle Paul asked of the Galatians in Galatians 4:16, “Therefore, have I become your enemy because I tell you the truth?”

This attitude needs to be likened unto one who despises a doctor for saving their life or a child who says, “I hate you” when he does not get his way. In a very physical sense, would I be despised of you for breaking your arm by pulling you out of the way of an oncoming car? It is the same thing as condemning the righteous.

Never Make Excuses

Sin and error do not need excuses, they need exposure. They do not need defense, they need truth. There is no excuse that will make sin and error right in the sight of God. For that matter, there will be no excuses or defenders in the judgment — only the Lord, yourself and the life you have lived. There will be no loopholes, gray area or confusion — only a righteous and just examination of your life and a speedy judgment.

When we make excuses for sin and error, we do a grave disservice to the guilty. The Bible says, “Let favor be showed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness; in the land of uprightness will he deal wrongfully, and will not behold the majesty of Jehovah” (Isa. 26:10). Again, in Jeremiah 23:14, the Bible says, “I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness: they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.” Excusing sin now prolongs justice until the end, when it is too late.

Conclusion

It would be unfair to say that there are not cases of people suffering “unrighteous judgment.” It happens often. There are many false accusers who will give account of themselves before God. But, the apostle Peter gives the righteous man the correct attitude to bear in such cases (read 1 Pet. 2:19-20).

Overall, in Ecclesiastes 8:11, the Bible summarizes the danger of defending sin and error in one statement: “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” Next time we decide to take up the fight for those who commit sin and teach error, let us think hard on these words.