Speaking Smooth Things

By Johnie Edwards

We are warned by apostolic teaching that there will be those, “. . . that serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple” (Rom. 16:18).

The trend today, among a lot of brethren, is to preach and teach in such a way as not to make one feel uncomfortable in the pew and that everybody should be able to leave the assembly only feeling good about themselves!

It is not uncommon to find, in some churches of Christ, the same attitude that prevailed in the thoughts of Israel of old: “Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits” (Isa. 30:10).

We hear such things as, “Just preach Jesus and forget about the church”; “we must minister to the whole man; our main focus ought to be grace-righteous and not our own works-righteousness”; “if thou marry, thou hast not sinned” (unqualified); and other such statements.

It is time we get back to, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Tim. 4:2).

It is to this end that this Special Issue is dedicated. We pray that you will take your Bible, read and study, and if these things be so, get busy obeying and teaching them.

I want to thank all of the writers of these good articles for taking the time to write that all of us might be aware of the “smooth things” which are being taught today!

Quips & Quotes

Notable Quotes

“Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen: Nothing is more destined to create deep-seated anxieties in people than the false assumption that life should be free from anxieties.”

“David J. Wolpe: An old saying has it that there are three things we should not discuss in polite company: sex, politics and religion. We don’t follow this advice when it comes to sex and politics. Sexuality, especially in the context of relationships, is an everyday topic of conversation. Office and national politics are discussed constantly. The third theme alone is missing.

“Next time you’re at a party, try sidling up to someone, drink in hand, and ask, ‘So what do you think about God, anyway?’ You will quickly find yourself alone. Everyone has his or her own ideas about God, we are told. But that is equally true of sex and politics. The truth seems to be that most of us have lost the knack for talking about the deepest issues of life. This lack impoverishes our conversation and, ultimately, our lives as well” (Reader’s Digest [November 1994], 212).

Study Says Faith-healing Caused Untimely Deaths “Chicago — Parents who refuse to seek medical care for their sick children because of religious reasons are essentially dooming the youngsters to untimely deaths, suggests a new study by members of an advocacy group.

“Researchers found that the majority of such children who died could have survived if they had received conventional treatment.

“The report in the April issue of the journal Pediatrics is designed as ammunition for lawmakers opposed to efforts by religious groups to exempt parents who practice faith- healing from laws against homicide and child neglect.

“‘A lot of people believe that this is a freedom of religion issue, but it’s not,’ said Dr. Seth M. Asser of the department of pediatrics at the University of California, San Diego. ‘You can’t be allowed to abuse your children based on your reli- gious beliefs’” (The Indianapolis Star [April 7, 1998], A7).

Jury: Abortion Foes Guilty of Conspiracy

“A jury in Chicago put anti-abortion groups in the same category as mobsters Monday, ruling they violated federal racketeering laws by conspiring to close abortion clinics through violence nationwide.

“The ruling, which critics say could endanger free speech, may cost the movement millions of dollars. “. . . . The lawsuit, filed by the National Organization for Women, was the first nationwide class action suit to use the Racketeer-Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Law, of RICO, against the anti-abortion movement.

“That law, passed in 1970, has been used primarily as a weapon against organized crime. But jurors in this case found that anti-abortion activists Joseph Scheidler, Timothy Murphy and Andrew Scholberg engaged in 21 acts of extortion, including threats of physical violence, to shut down clinics.

“They ruled that Operation Rescue and the Pro-Life Action League played a role.

“The defendants were ordered to pay $85,962 in dam- ages, which will be tripled under RICO. It will go to clinics in Milwaukee and Wilmington, Del., to cover the costs of increased security after they became targets of violence.

“‘They want to bankrupt us,’ said Scheidler, head of the Pro-Life Action League.

“Critics warned that the verdict could affect other groups like environmentalists, labor unions and civil rights activists.

“‘The decision in this case effectively equates freedom of speech with racketeering,’ said Cardinal Francis George of the Chicago Archdiocese. Defense lawyers said the verdict will be appealed” (Carrie Hedges, USA Today [April 21, 1998], 1A).

Rate of Teen-age Births Declines 6th Year in Row “Washington — The percentage of teen-agers having babies declined for the sixth year in a row, falling in every state and the District of Columbia, and among every major racial and ethnic group for the first time, the federal government reported Thursday.

“Although nearly a half-million American teen-agers still give birth every year, the overall rate has fallen 12 percent since 1991. The birth rate for black teen-agers is down 21 percent since the beginning of the decade to the lowest level ever reported.

“The rate for Hispanics, the nation’s fastest-growing minor- ity group, remains the highest, but the new statistics show it falling for the first time, by 4.8 percent from 1995 to 1996” (The Indianapolis Star [May 1, 1998], A16).

Truth Unites

By Steven F. Deaton

The Lord Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth . . . Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” (John 17:17, 20-21). From this we learn: (1) The word of God is truth; (2) Jesus desires unity among believers; (3) Unity comes through believing the word of God — the truth.

Truth

Earlier in the book of John, the Savior gave comfort to his disciples by informing them of things to come. He told the twelve apostles that he was to leave them, but he would not leave them without help (John 13:36; 14:1-4, 26). They were told that the Spirit of truth, the Holy Spirit, would come and guide them into all truth (John 15:26;

16:13). This truth was recorded and now exists as “the word of truth” — the New Testament (Eph. 1:13; 2 Tim.

2:15; Jas. :18).

Unity

God desires and demands unity among his people. “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Cor. 1:10). When men are united in the service of the Lord, there is tranquillity and happiness (Ps. 133:1). Likewise, unity sends a strong message to the unbelieving world (John 17:21, 23).

Unity In Truth

Though God desires and demands unity, he does not want it at any price, but in truth (John 17:20-21). Men can be united in error, but this will do them no good concerning their relationship with God. Ananias and Sapphira were united in their deception (Acts 5:1-2, 9). Yes, God mandates that men are to unite, but it is to be based upon the one standard of truth — his word (Phil. 3:16).

Do you desire unity in the truth? If so, won’t you believe, repent of sin, confess Christ, be baptized, and unite with us upon God’s word alone (John 3:16; Acts 3:19; Luke 12:8-9; Acts 2:38)?

What Does the Bible Say?

By Clarence Fell

Anger

  • Be slow to anger (Prov. 16:32).
  • Warps understanding (Prov. 18:13, 17, 19).
  • Overlook mistakes sometimes (Prov. 19:11).

Assembly

  • Not to be forsaken (Heb. 10:24-25).

Baptism

  • Christ commanded (Matt. 28:19; Mark 16:16).
  • Rejection of baptism is a rejection of God (Luke 7:30).
  • Baptism is into Christ (Gal.3:27).
  • Baptism is unto remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16).
  • Baptism is part of the plan of salvation (1 Pet. 3:21).
  • Baptism is a burial (Rom. 6:3-5; Col. 2:12).

Belief and Obedience

  • Saving faith obeys (Rom. 10:16; Heb. 3:18-19; 5:9; Jas. 2:14-26; 1 Pet. 2:7).
  • Love obeys (John 14:15, 21, 23; 15:10, 14).

The Bible

  • God’s final and complete word (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:3; Jude 3; John 15:15).
  • It will judge all men (John 12:48).
  • It will never pass away (Luke 21:33).
  • Reveals salvation (John 8:31-32; Rom. 1:16).
  • Man not to alter (Gal. 1:6-9; 3:15; Rev. 22:18-19).

Bible is the Pattern

  • Avoid those who change (Rom. 16:17; Gal. 1:6-9).
  • Follow apostles’ example (Phil. 3:17; 4:9; 2 Thess.  2:15; 3:6; 1 Tim. 1:3; 4:6; 2 Tim. 1:13; Heb. 6:12;
  • Jas.1:25; 1 John 2:24; 2 John 9-10).

Blood of Christ

  • Blood saves (Rom. 5:9; Eph. 1:7; 2:13; Col. 1:20).

Boasting

  • No grounds for boasting (Luke 17:7-10).
  • Is foolishness (Jas. 4:13-17).

Calling of God

  • Is through preaching of the gospel (Rom. 10:14-17; 2 Thess. 2:14; John 6:44-45).

Celibacy (1 Tim. 4:1-5).

Children

  • Are a blessing (Ps. 127:3-5).
  • Are to obey parents (Eph. 6:1-3).
  • Are to be taught (Eph. 6:4).
  • Are to be imitated (Matt. 18:4-10).
  • Jesus enjoyed them (Matt. 19:13-15).

The Church

  • Jesus established one church (Matt. 16:18; Eph. 4:4).
  • He purchased it with his blood (Acts 20:28).
  • He is the only savior and head (Eph. 1:22-23; 5:23).
  • The church is reproduced only by planting the pure word of God (Luke 8:11; 1 Tim. 3:15).
  • Denominational division is contrary to God’s plan (John 17:21; 1 Cor. 1:10).

Confession

  • Essential (Matt.10:32-33).
  • Of faith in Christ (Acts 8:37).
  • Unto salvation (Rom. 10:8-10).
  • Confession alone is not enough (Matt. 7:21-23; Luke 6:46).

Death

  • Christians not to fear (Matt. 10:28).
  • Like a sleep (John11:11; Acts 7:60; 13:36).
  • A rest for saints (Rev.14:13).
  • Not the end (Luke 16:19-31).
  • We carry nothing out (1 Tim. 6:7).

Divorce

  • Forbidden (Matt. 5:31-32; 19:1-10; Mark 10:1-12; Luke 16:18; Rom. 7:1-3; 1 Cor. 7:1-16).

Elders and Deacons (1 Tim. 3:1-13; Tit. 1:5-9).

Faith

  • Comes by hearing (Rom. 10:17).
  • Obeys (Rom. 10:16; John 6:26-29).
  • Is essential (Heb. 11:6).
  • Can be worthless (Jas. 2:14-26).

 

Forgiving Others

  • Is to your glory (Prov. 19:11).
  • Required (Matt. 6:14-15; Col.3:13).
  • God is our example (Eph. 4:32).

Good Intentions

  • Alone not enough (Matt. 7:21-23; Rom. 10:1-2).

Government (Rom. 13:1-7).

Heaven

  • Home of the faithful (Rev. 21:1-27; 22:1-5).

Hell (Matt. 25:46; Rev. 14:11; 20:10, 15; 21:8).

Homosexuality

  • Forbidden (Lev. 20:13; Rom. 1:27; 1 Cor. 6:9).

Husbands (1 Cor. 7:3; 11:3; Eph. 5:25-33; Col. 3:19; 1 Tim. 5:8; 1 Pet. 3:7).

Judging Others

  • Judge righteous judgment (John 7:24; Matt. 7:15-20).
  • Restore the fallen (Gal. 6:1).
  • Avoid evil men (1 Cor. 5:11; 15:33).

Kingdom of God

  • Not visible (Luke 17:20-21).
  • Not of this world (John 18:36).
  • Established in the first century (Mark 9:1; Col. 1:12- 13).

Law of Christ (1 Cor. 9:21).

Love

  • Obeys (John 14:15, 21, 23; 15:10, 14).
  • Brotherly (Rom. 12:9-21; 1 Cor. 13:4-7).

 

Obedience

  • Required of all (Matt. 7:21-23; John 14:23-24; 1 Cor. 7:19; 2 Thess. 1:7-9; Heb. 5:9).

Once Saved Always Saved

  • Unfruitful cast out (John 15:5-6).
  • Fear of being disqualified (1 Cor. 9:27).
  • Take heed (1 Cor. 10:5-12).

Parents (Deut. 6:6-9; Prov. 13:24; 29:15; Eph. 6:4).
Peace (Phil. 4:6-7).

Persecution (2 Tim. 3:12).

Prayer

  • Brings peace (Phil. 4:6-7).
  • God answers (Jas. 5:16).
  • No need to fear in prayer (Heb. 4:16).

Repentance

  • Required (Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 17:30).
  • Is a privilege (Acts 11:18).
  • God desires all to repent (2 Pet. 3:9).

Resurrection (John 5:28; 1 Thess. 4:13-18).

Riches

  • Desire for can cause pain (1 Tim. 6:6-19).
  • True riches are in Heaven (Matt. 6:19-21).
  • Can’t serve two masters (Matt. 6:24).
  • Your soul is priceless (Matt. 16:26).

Salvation

  • Hear God’s Word (Rom. 10:14-17).
  • Believe in Jesus (John 3:16; Heb. 11:6).
  • Repent of your sins (Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30- 31).
  • Confess Jesus as Lord (Rom. 10:9-10; Matt. 10:32-33).
  • Be baptized for the remission of sins (John 3:5; Mark 16:16;Acts 2:38; 22:16; Rom. 6:3-5; Gal. 3:27; 1 Pet. 3:21).

Silence of God

  • We are to respect God’s silence (Lev. 10:1-2; Deut. 29:29; 2 Sam. 7:7; Isa. 55:8; Jer. 14:14; 23:21; Ezek. 13:7-8; 1 Cor. 2:11).

Singing (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16).

Speech

  • Let your yes be yes (Matt. 5:37).
  • Every idle word counts (Matt. 12:36).
  • No corrupt speech (Eph. 4:29; 5:4, 12).
  • Seasoned with grace (Col. 3:8; 4:6).

Study

  • Complimented (Acts 17:11).
  • Commanded (2 Tim. 2:15; 2 Pet. 3:18).
  • The way of growth (2 Pet. 1:5-11).

Trust

  • Absolute (Job 13:15).
  • In the face of danger (Dan. 3:16-18).

Wisdom of Man (Prov. 14:12; Isa. 55:8-9; Jer. 10:23; 1 Cor. 1:25-27).

Wives (Eph. 5:22-24; Col. 3:18; 1 Pet. 3:1-6).

Working (Eccl. 3:12-13; 1 Tim. 6:1-2; Tit. 2:9-10; 1 Pet. 2:18-21).

Works (Gal. 5:6; Eph. 2:10; Jas. 2:14-26).

Worry (Matt. 6:25-34).

Zeal

  • Zeal alone is not enough (Rom. 10:1-2).
  • God’s people are zealous (Tit. 2:14).