Truth Magazine

By Clarence Johnson

“If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8-9). This passage clearly shows that no one is sinlessly perfect, but it does not brand all as hypocrites. The word hypocrite comes from a Greek word meaning “play actor.” The word denotes one who either (1) pretends to be something he isn’t, or (2) pretends to believe something he does not really believe. The fact that a person sins, does not prove him to be a hypocrite devoid of conviction. Good people sin and make mistakes.

 We will illustrate our point from several incidents from the life of Simon Peter.

 1. Good people make mistakes in judgment. After being with Jesus day and night for three and a half years in prepa- ration to fish for men, Peter contemplated going back to fishing for fish (John 21:3-17). Choosing one’s occupation is a matter of judgment, but in this case, Peter was using extremely poor — perhaps sinful judgment.

 2. Good people sometimes make careless mistakes. Numbers 35:23 pictures a scene where a man brought harm to another in an unguarded moment, by not being care- ful. Many auto accidents and similar matters fall into this category. Even though such carelessness may be sinful, it seldom involves hypocrisy.

 3. Good people make mistakes through ignorance. No one has all knowledge, therefore we are subject to make mistakes that would be avoided if we were better informed. And sometimes our ignorance stems, not from being un- informed but by being misinformed. Sometimes we know things that aren’t true. Peter was there when Jesus gave the great commission “to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” But Peter (and evidently the other apostles as well) assumed that Jesus meant every Jewish creature. After all, they knew they were not to associate with Gentiles (Acts 10:28). And even though the Holy Spirit inspired Peter to preach that the gospel promises were to you (Jews) and to your children, and to all who are afar off (the Gentiles, Eph. 2:17), neither Peter nor the other apostles fully understood that until after the events of Acts 10 and 11. Had they know sooner, they would have preached to Gentiles sooner. Their failure to carry out that part of the commission was not due to hypocrisy, but to their failure to completely understand.

 The sins of Saul of Tarsus against the early church were prompted by a similar lack of understanding. He did it ignorantly in unbelief (1 Tim. 1:13).

 4. Good people sin through the weakness of the flesh. Peter’s denial of Jesus was such a sin. Peter succumbed to the fear and/or shame that attached itself to Jesus’ crucifixion (Matt. 26:65-74). What Peter did was a sin, but it was not a deliberate sham. He was a good man, making a mistake through weakness of the flesh (Matt. 26:41).

 These things are not said to excuse sin. Sin is still sin, and it must be confessed and forsaken. But let us take care that we do not brand one as a hypocrite simply because he has erred. Though the good person will make mistakes, he will also acknowledge his sins. And God is faithful and just to forgive” his sins. The blood of Jesus Christ will cleanse him from all sin and unrighteousness.

 The hypocrite will insist that he has not sinned, that he has been misunderstood, or that someone else is re- ally at fault. He thus relinquishes the benefit of having an Advocate with the Father, by denying his need for such (1 John 1:8-2:6).

 “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us” (1 John 1:8-10).

By Connie W. Adams

My wife and I had planned to spend the month of January working in South Africa. Instead, we had to return after completing two weeks of the scheduled work because of a heart attack suffered by Bobby’s mother. She passed away while we were in flight back to the States and we were greeted by that news at the airport in Louisville. 

But we were able to form some impressions of the work we saw and thought our readers might have some interest in these observations. South Africa is a big country, and we would not have been able to visit several areas where there are congregations even with the full schedule which had been set for us. The part of the country we saw is a mix of industry in the larger cities along with tribal traditions in the suburbs and villages in the more remote areas. The landscape is diverse with mountains, valleys, high plains, and bush country. Johannesburg is a large, sprawling city with elevation of over 5,500 feet, higher than Denver. We saw corn in abundance, some wheat and sugar cane in lower Natal. Even in small towns like Eshowe, the stores are well stocked with supplies. 

Unemployment is high in the nation, over 40%, we were told. Crime has reached major proportions and every house we visited had barred windows and doors. One of the preachers with whom we worked, Robert Buchanan, has had two cars stolen and his home burglarized. There is still some friction among the various tribes. The minority whites are of British and Dutch descent. There is a growing number of Indian and Pakistani people. 

Preacher Training School 

We were met in Durban by Paul and Helen Williams and Basil and Gloria Cass. It took about two hours to drive up the coast of the Indian Ocean and turn slightly north to reach the small town of Eshowe (about 5,000) which is home for the Williamses. I spoke here on Saturday night and two times on Sunday to this congregation of about 60-65 Zulus. Funda was the excellent interpreter. A two-weeks preacher training school had been planned for Monday-Friday of each week. Teachers were Paul Williams, Basil Cass, Scott Tope, and the writer. The second week brethren Cass and Tope could not come and Robert Buchanan came to help, joined also by David Ngonyama, a Zulu preacher supported by the church at Eshowe. Paul Williams gave practical instructions about study habits, tools, public reading and speaking, and offered critiques of assigned efforts by the students. Scott Tope taught five sessions on sermon preparation and delivery. Basil Cass taught from 1 and 2 Timothy about the preacher’s work under the theme “Take Heed to Thyself and to the Doctrine.” The first week I taught classes on premillennialism, the covenants, and institutionalism. The second week I taught classes on the preacher and his work and on divorce and remarriage. Paul Williams continued his theme with more time allowed for the students to speak and use what they had learned. Robert Buchanan enlarged upon the theme of sermon prepara- tion and also assigned students speaking duties. David Ngonyama taught an interesting class on how to conduct tent meetings, something which he does often and usually with much success. 

The first week we had up to 18 in attendance with some coming from Johannesburg and Durban. The second week these were not able to come and we had five or six most days. These men were there for both weeks and their ability seemed more evident with each day’s work. A couple of these men have great potential. Ashley Goosen came all the way from Port Elizabeth where he does a good amount of preaching. He is a mature man of 48 who is ready to devote himself to fulltime preaching when support can be arranged. Classes ran from 8 A.M. to 4 P.M. with a one hour break for lunch. Lunch was provided at the Williams’ home thanks to the work of Helen, Bobby, and Esther (the first week). While we had the training school at the build- ing in town, Bobby taught classes for the women in the Williams’ home for eight days dealing with a number of subjects ranging from godly womanhood to moral issues to learning how to teach other women. 

Durban 

After classes the first Friday, we went home with Basil Cass who lives in Pinetown, a suburb on the northwest side of Durban. He works with several congregations in the Durban area. On Saturday night I spoke to the Shallcross congregation. These brethren are Indians. They meet in a school and we had about 40 present. They have two elders. On Sunday morning I spoke to a small group (12-15) of Zulus meeting in a private home. A brother who is a school teacher works with them, a brother Manzini. Then on Sun- day night I spoke at Pinetown where Doug Bauer preaches. The building was filled. They have a nice building. We had good singing at each place we visited. Paul and Helen Williams were there that night and drove us back to Eshowe to begin the second week of the training school the next morning. I spoke 30 times in two weeks and Bobby taught eight classes for women. 

White River 

We arrived Friday night at White River after a seven hour trip with Robert Buchanan. We spent the night in his home and were graciously received by him, his wife, Cheryl, and sons, Jacque and Graham. Early the next morning we received an E-mail from Harold Byers of Louisville telling us Bobby’s mother had suffered a heart attack and was in a Louisville hospital. Of course, we began to make immediate plans to come home. Rob drove us the four hours to Johannesburg where we caught a plane at 9:00 P.M. 

We had been scheduled to preach Sunday-Wednesday nights at White River where Robert Buchanan, Hendrik Joubert, and Sakkie Pretorius work. They each preach for several congregations in that area. We were then scheduled to go with Johnny Scholtz up into Zimbabwe for a few days of preaching in villages in the bush country and then were to end our visit by speaking the last week-end in congregations in the Johannesburg area. That part of the work remains unfinished and we hope that someday in the future we may be able to finish that and also visit brethren in other areas besides. That remains to be seen. Leslie Maydell and Gene Tope were both in the States and we missed seeing them. 

I will not forget the last thing Scott Tope said to me when we said goodbye. He said, “Tell the brethren that we are spread very thin here and could use more help.” We had good impressions of the work and workers we met. We spent more time with the Williamses than anyone else because of the training school. Their knowledge of the work there and dedication to it is obvious. They have now spent over 30 years in South Africa. 

Indeed, “the field is the world” and I hope you have enjoyed this snapshot of a small part of the work in South Africa. One thing which stood out was the fact that the native churches have been taught to stand on their own and support their own men as they are able. With such men as Funda and David at Eshowe, brother Manzini in Durban and the Indian work at Shallcross, I believe the work in these places will grow and keep the light of truth burning. We are thankful for the invitation to have a small part in this work and for those who helped us to go.

 

By Mike Willis

My generation is the last generation to know what life was like with- out a television. I was eight years old before we had our first television. My Uncle Jim was the first one in our neighborhood to have a television and on Friday nights, my father would take us over to Uncle Jim’s house to watch the Friday night fights. Uncle Jim would fall asleep in his chair, but the rest of us enjoyed the fights. Since we did not have a TV, we listened to Roy Rogers on radio, when the radio signal was clear enough to hear.

When we finally got our first TV, we were able to receive only one station, channel 9 that beamed from Lufkin, Texas (30 miles away). On an especially clear day, we might receive a poor picture of some of the Houston channels.

In those early days, some gospel preachers warned of the dangers of television. As I recall, they warned of two dangers: (1) Television was a sinful waste of one’s time; (2) Television would make the morals of Hollywood the morals of America. The preachers were right on both counts. However, members joked that when our preacher visited in their home, his eyes were glued to the TV, so they thought it hypocritical for him to be preaching to them about TV.

Let me freely confess my enjoyment of TV. I enjoy watching movies, a limited number of sit-coms, the news (I am almost addicted to the news channels), Discovery programs, sports, and many other things on television. I have not to responded to the dangers of television by ridding our house of TVs, although some very conscientious Christians think that is the better approach (and they may be right). Having admitted that I watch TV, let me now warn of some of the dangers that some programs on television present:

1. Some television programs contain nudity and explicit love scenes. The things that are presented in prime-time programing and the afternoon soap-operas leave little to the imagination. Every season the TV producers push the limits of what is acceptable for prime-time programming a little further, this year televising nudity in some scenes. Jesus warned of the danger of lust saying, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matt. 5:27-28). The ratings say that certain presentations are for “mature audiences.” What is “mature” about lusting after the nakedness of someone other than his marriage companion?

We especially need to speak a warning about MTV and VH1, both channels playing videos of the latest hits. Most of the videos feature immodestly clad actors dancing while the song plays. If we understand that the sin of dancing is stirring up lust, why would we want to fill our hearts with lust by watching these channels?

2. Some television programs are full of profanity. Filthy language permeates prime-time programming. Some characters cannot speak a sentence without throwing in profanity. Some comedians are so filthy mouthed that one cannot enjoy their humor. When I was a child, my parents would not allow me to watch the movie Gone With The Wind because Clark Gable used a curse word. Look how far we have moved in one generation! Paul wrote, “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). If we shouldn’t be talking like that, we don’t need to be listening to it either. Listening to such speech is how one learns to speak the same way.

3. Television has been used as an instrument to re-shape the moral values of America. Programming has been used to re-shape our thinking about capital punishment, sex outside of marriage, abortion, homosexuality, divorce and remarriage, the feminist movement, and many other things. Programs such as Dr. Quinn openly press the feminist agenda. Ellen promotes homosexual “rights” and is de- signed to re-shape our thinking to accept homosexuals as “normal.” Three’s Company portrayed three young adults (two females, one male) living together, laying groundwork for live-in arrangements for the unmarried. Mrs. Doubtfire was designed to teach us how to have a civil divorce with equitable visitation for both parents. The person who is not aware that Hollywood is trying to shape his moral values is naive indeed. Paul warned, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Rom. 12:1-2).

Are we conforming ourselves to Hollywood’s morals? Who can deny that Hollywood has influenced the moral changes that have occurred in this generation?

4. Television desensitizes us toward sin. Jeremiah spoke of a people that could not blush saying, “Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? Nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the Lord” (Jer. 6:15). Men had become so hardened by sin that they could commit it without feeling shame. Those who use profanity used to be embarrassed to speak that way in front of a lady. Fornicators hid their sin. Pornography was only available in illegal outlets. Divorce was rare. Homosexuals were “in the closet.” No longer is that true. We have become desensitized to sin; our sense of shame is eroding.

5. Television presents false religion. The religious channels are full of false religion, and these are probably the cleanest channels on TV. These channels portray begging preachers fleecing the poorest of their money and charlatans performing “miracles” to a gullible audience. Other programs portray women preachers, teach salvation by faith only, teach a “feel-good” message without substantial doctrinal content, and many other doctrines contrary to the revealed word of God. Christians should not be supporting false religions with monetary contributions (2 John 9-11). Christians must “try the spirits” to see if they are from God (1 John 4:1). We must be careful not to have our religious convictions shaped by the false religions of the world that are portrayed on TV.

6. Watching too much television is a sinful waste of time. What our forefathers warned about TV has become true. Men who don’t have time to read their Bibles, visit the sick, attend Wednesday night Bible class, and other activities that Christians should do have plenty of time to watch 4-5 hours of TV every night (from the time they come home at 5:30-6:00 until 11:00 p.m.). Remember Paul commanded that Christians should be “redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Eph 5:16). Are we redeeming time or wasting it?

Conclusion

I still have not sold my TVs. I am not advocating that others do differently. However, I am calling our attention to some of the dangers of TV. The wonderful devices that have been invented have potential for both good and bad use. I use the telephone, but try not to use it for gossip. I have preached the gospel on the radio, although much that is broadcast on radio is filthy. I use the Internet every day, although there is pornography available. We need to be aware of the dangers of the misuse of any of the things we have. Perhaps this article will help us to remember the dangers of the misuse of television.

By Richard Boone

More people typically worship on “Easter” Sunday and the Sunday(s) before/after Christmas than at any other times during a normal year. While no one would say that these two Sundays are more important than others, their actions state otherwise. One fails to see the numerous benefits of regular attendance and participation in the worship of God by the people of God for himself, and even for his family as this may apply. When one regularly assembles with God’s people, he . . .

Comes into the presence of God — the Creator, Sustainer and Ruler of the universe (Acts 17:24-28). This helps us to put ourselves in the proper perspective — we are mere human beings with needs and frailties, yet God was mindful of us (cf. Ps. 8)! God is, therefore, worthy to be praised (Rev. 4). 

Receives the company and encouragement of brethren which is needed. God created us as social beings, not hermits. Regular worship helps us to share joy, and even divide the burden of sorrow (Rom. 12:15).

 Has the opportunity to learn of good news about others (Acts 14:27). This may be in seeing a young Christian grow, or hearing some encouraging report about a spiritual accomplishment in another’s life, maybe even telling about one in his own life. One can also learn about the recovery of the sick, a sinner being converted to Christ, an erring Christian being restored to faithful service, the faithful service of God by brethren elsewhere, etc.

Has an opportunity for his faith to be confirmed. Sound Bible teaching — in classes, bulletins, handouts, from the pulpit — reaffirms principles already known, opens understanding of a Bible passage or topic, or reveals better applications of Bible principles (cf. Luke 24:27, 44-45). The person who does not regularly worship God with his people misses this vital benefit.

Provides an example for others to follow (Phil. 3:17).

I heard once about a man announcing the sick in a particular church who started reading the list and then said, “Aw, you know; it’s the same old bunch!” This suggested that there were those who developed the habit of “not feeling well.” What an impact they had; what a sad legacy they were leaving

For a biblical example of all these points (and maybe others), consider Thomas who “was not with them when Jesus came” (John 20:19-31; cf. v. 24).