Truth Magazine

By Joe R. Price

Harry S. Truman is quoted as saying, “If you can’t convince them, confuse them.” Jesus was accused of using confusing language: “If you are the Christ, tell us plainly,” to which Jesus replied, “I told you, and you do not believe” (John 10:24). Our Lord spoke the word of God openly and clearly to the people (John 18:20). He commissioned his apostles to do likewise (Matt. 28:19-20). The purpose of gospel preaching is to convince and to persuade men of the Christ and his salvation (Acts 19:8; 2 Cor. 5:11). The Word did not come to confuse men. The Light of the World shined, and people who sat in darkness saw a great light (John 8:12; Matt. 4:16).

A tendency which has developed in our preaching is to avoid clarity of speech and decisiveness of doctrine (2 Tim. 4:2-5). Some brethren appeal to the complexity and difficulty of a doctrine as a reason for tolerance of and unity with opposing (and even contradictory) teachings and practices (cf. Eph. 5:8-11; 2 Cor. 6:14-7:1). Some try to convince us that those who boldly preach the gospel on the controversial topics of the day (i.e., divorce and remarriage, fellowship, the role of women in the church, morality, etc.) are making themselves the standard to which compliance must be given. Is every man a law unto himself when it comes to these questions? Or can we know and obey Christ’s will, even on controversial topics (Eph. 5:17; cf. 1 John 4:1, 6; 1 Thess. 5:21-22)?

The “convince or confuse” approach preaches an uncertain gospel. For instance, what passes for gospel preaching on divorce and remarriage appears at times to be an exercise in confusing the audience. Can we not speak plainly and persuasively on this Bible topic? Jesus did (Matt. 19:3-9). He spoke with conviction on the origin of marriage (from God, 19:4-5). He plainly taught that what God joins together (the man and woman who are free to marry and who agree to marry) man is not to put asunder (Matt. 19:6). He was persuasive in clarifying a difference between the teaching of Moses and God’s intention on marriage from the beginning (Matt. 19:7-8). Without confusion he taught that anyone (“whoever”) who divorces his wife for a cause other than sexual immorality (fornication) and then marries another person is guilty of adultery (Matt. 19:9). There is no confusion in his words that “whoever” marries a person who has been put away (divorced) commits adultery (Matt. 19:9). The confusion does not lie with Christ and his word. He is not the culprit of any confusion which exists on the topic of divorce and remarriage.

Some scoff at the notion that Christ’s teaching on divorce and remarriage is simple, straightforward, and can be consistently applied by men to their lives. They strenuously labor to convince us that the Bible teaching on the subject is confusing. They attempt to prove a complexity in God’s word which exonerates their fellowship with those who violate Christ’s teaching and with those who have not heretofore repented of their sin (2 Cor. 12:20-21; 2 John 9-11).

One’s marriage affects his eternal salvation (Heb. 13:4). Therefore, we can be sure that Christ has given us a clear message on the subject. The standard by which we must live and by which we shall be judged is within our ability to read, understand, believe, and obey (Rom. 10:17; John 6:44-45; 8:31-32; Matt. 7:21; Eph. 3:3-5; John 12:48; 2 Cor. 5:10).

At the same time, God expects man to use his intellect in learning the truth: “. . . how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)” (Eph. 3:3-4). Just as reading a newspaper requires the use of our reasoning capacities in order to understand it, God requires that we apply our ability to reason, comprehend and understand when it comes to his word of truth. God has revealed his will to convince us, not confuse us, but we must give our- selves to learning it. To be convinced rather than confused by the word of God, there are several things we need:

1. A good and honest heart (Luke 8:15). The heart that is closed off to truth will not be convinced to walk in truth regardless of the cost (Luke 8:11-14).

2. A desire to do the will of God (John 7:16-17). The person who wants to know and obey truth will be convinced by it, because its evidences of authenticity are adequate (John 20:30-31).

3. Diligence in our study of God’s word (2 Tim. 2:15). Some may be confused by the Bible because they have not adequately learned how to study it. Or, perhaps they have failed to diligently pursue an accurate use of it. Effort is required to come to a proper use of God’s word.

4. Spiritual growth through being nourished by the word of God (1 Pet. 2:2; 3:16-18). Rome was not built in a day, and our journey toward spiritual maturity is a daily quest to press onward to the goal of heaven (Phil. 3:13-14). As we do so, we must commit ourselves to “walk by the same rule” of truth which was revealed by the apostles and prophets of Christ (Phil. 3:15-16; 2 Thess. 2:15).

The gospel convinces us of heaven’s reward. Let there be no confusion!

By Steven F. Deaton

The Gospel Call

“Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtain- ing of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thess. 2:14). Those at Thessalonica, and all others, are brought unto the “glory of our Lord” by the gospel call! Note that the Bible nowhere says . . .

1. The personality call. One is not made a Christian by some man’s personality, no matter how sharp and witty it may be. The personality of the preacher or anyone else does not save souls (2 Sam. 15:2-6)!

2. The prestige call. Some men have college degrees with initials that would choke a horse following their names. Others are well known among brethren. However, every initial and all the fame in the world will not redeem one man (1 Cor. 1:26-27)!

3. The eloquence call. At times brethren think because a man is eloquent, that he will draw people to the water. They put stock in the sweet tongued man who can turn a phrase or spout big words, but this is not what saves a man (Rom. 16:18; 2 Cor. 10:10).

4. The youth call. Some have the fantasy that if they hire a young preacher or if they have a lot of young people, it will attract young members of the community. Yet, youth has not saved one person (Phile. 9).

5. The ethnic call. There are those who are attracted to religion because of their ethnic group. However, ethnicity does not wash away sins (Gal. 2:11-14).

6. The relative call. We all know of people who associate with a certain group because their family is in it. Catholics are famous for this. Still, not one person has been forgiven because of family relations (Matt. 10:34-37).

7. The social call. The liberals bought into this one. They, and many others, think that if they have a kitchen or a sports complex or a day care center, that men, women, boys, and girls will come to salvation. But, the fact remains, not a single solitary soul has been saved by social events (Eph. 4:17-19; 1 Pet. 4:3-5).

All of that leads us to this: It is the gospel that draws sinners to God! It is the gospel that saves sinners! It is the gospel that redeems sinners!

Plant & Water

Having allowed the above to sink in, we realize that we must plant and water. “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase” (1 Cor. 3:6-7). We are commanded to plant (Matt. 28:19-20). We are commanded to water (Eph. 4:12-16). However, it is God who gives the increase. We work with God, not in place of God (1 Cor. 3:9). Therefore, we cannot promise numbers. We cannot say that we will baptize five, ten, or fifteen people this year, that is up to God. Remember Noah? Only eight people were saved on the ark (Gen. 7). What of the perfect preacher, Jesus? Many turned their back on him (John 6:44-45, 66). More people will reject the gospel than will accept it (Matt. 7:13-14). All we can do is plant and water!

There is nothing mystical, magical, or mysterious about conversion and growth — preach the word! It is the sword (Heb. 4:12). “And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily” (Acts 16:5). Being grounded in truth led to being increased in number! We may need to remove sin from within the camp (Josh. 7-8). However, we can never compromise with error (Eph. 5:11). Fellowship with error only leads to corruption (2 Tim. 2:17; Gal. 5:7-10). Brethren, “let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Gal. 6:9). Rather, let us speak “the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31)!

By Larry Ray Hafle

We have all been “a few minutes late” for appointments. It generally is “no big deal.” However, because those who arrive late may disturb others, some schools, companies, corporations, and movie theaters let it be known that they will not tolerate tardiness.

Personally, I would rather be tardy to worship services than not be present at all — “better late than never,” I suppose!

Does our tardiness show a lack of interest, a lack of concern?   Probably not.   But, on the other hand, does chronic tardiness display an eager, fervent spirit?  “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.” Reckon David was late for services the day he wrote those words (Ps. 122:1)?

When we arrive late, we have missed something. Some part of the worship — an uplifting song, an introduction to the lesson, an opening prayer — all these we have missed. And, to some degree at least, we distract the attention of others when we rush in at the last moment.

Greeting one another, looking for visitors to meet, encouraging others with a pleasant, “How’re ya’ doin’, good to see ya,” — these and many other things go undone when we are late for services. Perhaps, for the sake of the weak and visitors who are looking for a friendly welcome, we should try to be a few minutes early. Your good influence, kind attitude, and friendly spirit are too much for us to miss! Don’t be late! We need you!

Arrive early! Stay late! I can’t get you here on time, but with the length of my sermons, I can see to it that you stay late!!

By Connie W. Adams

The Preacher Training Program conducted by the Ellettsville, Indiana church of Christ will be held July 27-August 7, 1998. The program will include instruction in: Doing the work of an evangelist; Preaching in today’s world; Carrying out the great commission; Overcoming stage fright; Finding and putting sermons together; Conducting weddings and funerals; Radio Preaching; Building a good library; Publishing a church bulletin; Teaching home Bible studies; Writing effective articles; Conducting gospel meetings; Studying and understanding the Bible; Learning to be a good listener; Bible history and geography; Combating false doctrines; Working with a local church, and other related matters.

As before, these classes will be taught by Johnie Edwards and Johnie Paul  Edwards with guest speakers to address special subjects. Lodging and meals will be provided by local Christians for those who wish to stay in the area. Some have already registered and space is limited. Those interested should register soon. Write to:

Ellettsville Church of Christ

303 Temperance Street

Ellettsville, Indiana 47429

Phone: (812) 876-2285 or (812) 336-2085

For the last two years it has been my privilege to speak once to these eager students. In my opinion, great good is being done by this concentrated period of studies. In addition to all-day classes, there is much work assigned to be done each evening. The approach is practical and militant.

Interestingly, this program inspired Paul Williams of Eshowe, South Africa to plan a similar two-weeks program patterned after this one in Ellettsville. I to assisted Paul Williams in this program January 5-16. The remaining time was spent in the White River area and in Johannesburg area in preaching and teaching the word of God.