Truth Magazine

By William C. Sexton

During the months of May and June each year many young men and women graduate from High School and College. Such is quite an accomplishment, and each person who passes this mark should be the recipient of just praise. However, I would like to raise two questions relative to graduating and comment on another.

1. What It Means: It usually means a great deal to the young person graduating. He or she has successfully reached a high land-mark in fife. It means many hours of study, discipline, and a denial of some things that one wanted; and it means that each has done some things that he did not really want to do at the moment. Yet most can look back with a sense of appreciation and self-esteem that they have reached this plateau in life.

Possibly however, it means even more psychologically to the parents of the young person than it does to the person graduating. I am a father that recently saw his daughter receive her high school diploma. It is a thrill; it brought a lump into my throat. Five years ago I saw my son receive his high school diploma, and two years ago he received his Associate Degree from Florida College. Soon I hope to see him receive his Bachelor Degree. I find a sense of satisfaction, as do most all parents who have such experiences.

At times the psychological strength for the parents comes as the result of seeing accomplished in their children what they were unable to accomplish themselves. They feel that their children are having a better chance than they had. This is natural and good. God fearing and children loving parents always desire that their children have things better than they had.

2. What Does the Future Hold: Various things are in store for the graduates. Shall they use the knowledge and experience to serve God and their fellowman? Hopefully, but not necessarily. There remains the need to set priorities, endure self-denial, and properly evaluate and apply discipline. There is no assurance that each will do this. Very likely many will not.

One can be lifted up in his own eyes, also, feeling that he knows more than he actually does; feeling that he has more power than he does indeed have, he may act foolishly; feeling that he does not need to depend on God as in fact he does, he may live undisciplined. Likewise, one can set his eyes on material wealth, now that he feels that it is within his reach. Or he can set his eyes on political power, now that it seems within reach, and make that his first love. Yet another danger: he may feel that fame is his goal, and forsake reality.

We pray that those who are graduating in 1972 are truly educated: recognizing that God, the Maker, deserves and demands mans first and best! He must be placed “first” (Matt. 6:33). He must be allowed to govern the persons life and activities and direct his energy and employ his talents.

It is my conviction that only those who recognize the power of God and submit willingly and zealously shall ultimately be successful. Be thankful for all that you have accomplished, graduates, and be mindful that it is with Gods help that you succeeded. Remember, too, parents, to constantly pray for and exhort regarding their spirituality as you have their materiality. May all remember that with Gods help we can be victoriously triumphant on, that day of days; but without His assistance, each of us is sure to fail in the end.

3. Disappointments Relative to Graduating: At times there are serious disappointments — both to the parents and to the graduating young person. Both may have labored with somewhat of a misconception. Parents who have missed an education may feel that if their children can have a high school diploma, they can face the world with a valuable product that will assure them a fruitful harvest. They may have overlooked the changes that have taken place in the world over the last generation, relative to education. What may have been a great potential a generation ago, may be necessary to barely survive today.

I have seen some disappointed parents: a few years ago in Kansas City, I saw a girt come to work fresh out of high school. Her parents were very proud of her, having labored under the misconception that with this high school diploma she would be assured a place in the business world. She came ill-prepared for the work that she was required to do, and she was terminated after a week. She expressed her sorrow to me — mostly because she felt that she was “letting her parents down.”

At times the disappointment comes to the graduate too. He or she has been laboring under the delusion that an education is the answer to all the problems of finding a job! May I never sell short the true value of an education; but may you never labor under the delusion that such is everything either. It isnt!

Yet there is another factor relative to education that concerns me more. As I have said, it is good for one to have successfully completed the achievement — to get a diploma, be it high school or college. However, such is just one plateau in life. There are many mountains to climb. If education has prepared one to be a successful participant in lifes game, good. Yet, there is no assurance that such is the case much of todays education does not equip one to participate successfully in life. It appears to me, that some may even hinder one in such an endeavor. My point: understand that there are many types of education; some of what goes under the heading of “education,” would be more accurately labeled “Propaganda.” Beware! Know what you are graduating with, and from, also to! Remember your Creator, (Ecc. 12: 1). Be educated in His will and your duty (Ecc. 12:13-14).

TRUTH MAGAZINE, XVI: 27, pp. 7-8
May 11, 1972

By Donald Willis

A young New York Life Insurance salesman, a member of the Methodist Church, recently responded in a home study, “I can see that the Lord ordained immersion, but how does one know that sprinkling is not acceptable?”

After due consideration, I recalled a statement often written into insurance policies, “This Company is not bound by the statements of the salesman, only by the inclusions within the policy itself.” I responded to the young mans question in the same manner. “God is not bound by every statement made by preachers. God has given us the inspired word. God will keep every promise made within the Bible. He is not bound by my statements, nor those of any other preacher.”

The point was well taken!

TRUTH MAGAZINE, XVI: 26, p. 13
May 4, 1972

By C. D. Plum

1. What do we mean by the model Church of Christ?

(1) We mean that one body, the church Jesus established, the pattern (Ps. 127: 1, Matt. 16:18, Eph. 4:4, Col. 3:15).

(2) We mean the God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, New Testament style church, without human frills or fancies added by men, which corrupt its worship, work, and the lives of its members. (2 Jno. 9-11, Rev. 22:18-19, Tit. 2:11-12). This “true -tabernacle” of our Lord (Heb. 8:2) does not object to being fenced in by gospel limitations.

IL What do we mean by the modern Church of Christ?

(1) We mean the human, the man style church, with all her “tacked on affairs” which the New Testament does not authorize.

(2) The modern church no longer follows the “model,” the pattern, the copy. She has “departed” from the faith (I Tim. 4:1-3), apostatized, fallen from grace, refuses to respect gospel boundaries, and sings her song regarding this: “Don’t Fence Me In. ” This modern church drinks “liberally” from the cups of Catholicism and Protestantism, thus quenching her thirst for liberalism. There never was a modern church of Christ (a liberal church of Christ) until after there had been a “departure” from the faith.

III. The model Church of Christ, and the modern Church of Christ, contrasted: What is the practice of the model Church of Christ?

(1) Singing in church worship is the praise practice. “In the midst of the church will I ‘sing’ praise.” (Heb. 2:12). Jesus and the apostles ‘sang’ when they praised. (Matt. 26:30). Christians are commanded to sing (Eph. 5.19, Col. 3:16).

But in contrast to this, the modern church has “tacked on playing” in church worship. The chart says “MM” (mechanical music).

(2) Preaching the gospel to the world through the church is the practice of the model church in evangelism. The church is said to be the “pillar and ground” (support) of the truth. (I Tim. 3:15). Take, for instance, the “local” model church of Christ at Philippi sending directly to Paul at Thessalonica to support him in preaching the gospel there. (Phil. 4:15-17). Paul received this evangelistic support “direct.” And Paul said, “What ye have seen in me, do; and the God of peace shall be with you.” (Phil. 4:9) It gets the work done safely. You cannot beat this. In about 31 year’s time, this direct handling of the Lord’s money in preaching the gospel “preached the gospel to every creature under heaven. (Col. 1:23). Every cent out of every dollar goes for preaching.

In contrast to this the modern church of Christ has tacked “MS” (missionary society) on the church, to preach the gospel through it. On the right side of the chart we show two such societies: “UCMS” (United Christian Missionary Society); and “HoT” (Herald of Truth). These are both “human organizations”, and each has a “salaried personnel” to pay for the support of men in a human organization which God did not organize, did not authorize — and does not recognize. Both of these societies collect from the churches (keep MUCH of what they collect) and preach a little gospel to the world, of what little is left. The Herald of Truth collects from about 3000 churches. Truly, brethren, which suits you best — the model or modern style? The God or the man style?

(3) Giving as prospered on the first day (I Cor. 16:1-2) is the model church practice for collecting revenue to run the church.

In contrast to this the modern church shows its displeasure to the divine plan by “tacking on (SSS) suppers, sales, and shows to raise money for the church. Some have gone even further and tacked on parking lots to the Lord’s treasury, also resorted to “rentals.”

(4) Communing, the Lord’s Supper, breaking bread (whichever term you wish to use) is the divine practice of the model church on the first day (Acts 20:7).

Displeased with this, the modern church of Christ has in some places tacked on TNC (Thursday Night Communion).

(5) Helping the “needy poor” who scripturally qualify is the practice of the model church of Christ. Widows, for instance, if they be Christians, and are old enough, followed every good work, and no relatives able to support them may be helped by the church. (1 Tim. 5:4, 16; Acts 6:1-4; 1 Tim. 5:8-10). Poor saints may be helped. (Rom. 15:26) Individual Christians may help both saint and sinners (Gal. 6: 10, Jas. 1: 27). But to use the Lord’s treasury to help sinners is something we do not read in the word of God. No sinners were helped in 2 Cor. 9:1, 12-14 as liberals teach, for the ones that were helped were “glorifying God and praying.” Christians do that in the church. (Eph. 3: 21)

Notwithstanding all this, and contrary to this, the modern church has tacked on a human organization called call “BS” (Benevolent Society), and the modern church supports this human society.

(6) Godly Exercise is practiced and urged by the model church of Christ (I Tim. 4:7-8). The model church does not oppose bodily exercise, but teaches that parents should look after this matter.

But in contrast to this the modern church has tacked on “C S R” (church supported recreation). Some modern (liberal) churches spend thousands and thousands of dollars of the Lord’s money, from the church treasury to build gymnasiums (play houses for the liberal brethren’s children to play in). This may be considered nice, but it is not Scriptural. I’ll stay with the model church.

(7) Self edifying is a practice of the model church of Christ. This church contends for “the effectual working in the measure of every part, unto the edifying of itself in love” (Eph. 4:16). “Faithful men who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2: 2). The model church does not condemn colleges as such, or a college education, but we do oppose making a college education a “must” to be qualified to preach. We do not believe that the church could not exist without the college.

We oppose the efforts made by the modern church to put the college in the church budget. Personal gifts to colleges, the paying of tuition to colleges, yes, gifts from the church treasury to colleges, “no”! “Never”! But the modern church of Christ, with her liberal members, stands in a bold contrast to the model church respecting church support of colleges. But our liberal brethren seem to be determined to tack the “BU (Bible College) to the church treasury.

(8) “T” speaking, that is (tongue speaking in a miraculous way) as is being claimed by some liberals in the modern church today. Ever since “T” (tongues) has been tacked to the church, the model church opposes this fallacy. The contrast here is strong and clear.

(9) Not only does the model church stand in opposition to all these tacked on affairs of the modern church that we have already named, but the interrogation mark M in the chart indicates that all the other questionable things that may yet be tacked on to the modern church will likewise be opposed. The modern church is not yet through adding. The departure from the faith will continue.

What should each individual Christian’s attitude be toward this departure from the faith, this leaving the old parts — APOSTASY?

The Scriptures say:

(1) “Come out from among them … touch not the unclean thing.” (2 Cor. 6:17).

(2) “Mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine … and avoid them.” (Rom. 16:17).

(3) “Not to think of men above that which is written.” (I Cor. 4:6).

(4) “He that biddeth him Godspeed is partaker of his evil deed.” (2 Jno. 9-11)

(5) “There be some that trouble you, and would pervert (change) the gospel of Christ … let him be accursed.” (Gal. 1:6-9).

(6) God said of such like people: “They have rejected me.” (I Sam. 8:5-147).

Which do you choose the model or modern church? Do your friends mean more to you than does Christ? Would you prefer to break with Christ than with friends? Have you associated so long with evil practices that they actually look good in worship and work? Remember the words of the poet.

“Vice is a monster of such dreadful mien,

To be hated needs but to be seen:

When seen too oft, familiar with her face;

We first endure, then pity, then embrace!”

TRUTH MAGAZINE, XVI: 26, pp. 7-9
May 4, 1972

By Hoyt H. Houchen

In a recent column of the Denver Post, there was an account of a Daytona Beach, Florida couple who had interviewed some children 5-7 years of age about their religious concepts, namely, who God is. Some of their replies are most interesting, some fantastical, others reasonable. Such responses about God were: “He gives parties,” “a ghost, a millionaire,” “a magician,” “the smartest person in the world,” and “me.” Although these concepts of God, formed in the imaginative minds of small children have the humorous aspect, most of them also reflect an obvious lack of teaching upon the part of their parents or guardians. The child is only left to his own little dream world of fantasy to “make believe” what he can about God.

One little boy who was being interviewed was asked if he went to Sunday school and if his parents went to church. His reply was “nope.” When asked if he had heard of God, he said that he had heard of Him from some of the “kids.” What he heard from the “kids” was the use of Gods name in such language that should not be repeated here or elsewhere.

Homes are legion that are without a consciousness that God even exists, much less a teaching upon His attributes and a respect for His divine authority. It is no wonder that we have a society that is corrupt with drug addiction, alcoholism, mob violence, and every vile deed. “As the twig is bent, so is the tree.”

Following the death of Joshua, “There arose another generation after them that knew not Jehovah . . .” (Judges 1:10). The children of Israel forsook Jehovah and followed other gods; they served Baal and the Ashtaroth (vv. 11-13). It should well be remembered that God does not leave man but man leaves God, and when he does he is left to his own reasoning, which results in every imagination of the heart-the identical condition which existed in the time of Noah (Gen. 6: 5).

Paul enumerated the pernicious sins of the Gentiles in Romans 1. They had once known God, but they “glorified him not as God, neither gave thanks; but became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless heart was darkened” (vs. 21). Having left God, they 16 refused to have God in their knowledge” (vs. 28). A. T. Robertson comments on this last phrase: “Like an old abandoned building, the home of bats and snakes, like the night clubs of modern cities, the dives and dens of the underworld, without God and in the darkness of unrestrained animal impulses” (Word Pictures in the N. T., Vol. 4, p. 331). When men do not have God in their knowledge, they are left to “do their own thing” without restraint and man becomes a senseless being with no goal but to satisfy his every sinful lust.

On the more optimistic side, all the answers from the children interviewed were not fanciful. A little girl said that she was like God because she was made in His image. Another said that God is “a Spirit” and that he does “everything. – – He runs the world … He makes it work.” When asked what about making things die, she responded: “Thats not really bad because people dont die forever.” These answers are not bad from anybody and they indicate some idea of what is revealed about God in the Bible.

Unless people learn that God exists and mans proper relationship to Him, we are destined to become a society of criminals, characterized by bate, plunder, and abuse. Children must be taught that God is, that He must be respected, that the Bible is His inspired and revealed word, and that His laws must be obeyed.

Parents, what do your children know about God?

TRUTH MAGAZINE, XVI: 26, p. 6
May 4, 1972