Truth Magazine

By Larry Ray Halley

Feminists, liberal politicians, and others say they are for abortion, in part, because they do not believe in an “intrusive government.” The government, they say, should not intrude upon a woman’s right to choose to surgically re-move (kill) the unwanted child. I heard this very argument made by the Democratic candidate for governor in the state of Montana.

I suppose no one would say he is for an “intrusive government” However, government, by definition, must be intrusive to some degree. When a government tells some employers how much they must pay their workers (mini-mum wage), is that “intrusive government”? When government dictates the amount of time off (family leave) that a company must grant to certain employees, is that a case of government intrusion?

There is another facet of government that justifies an element of intrusion. It is the inherent duty of government to provide protection for its citizens (Rom. 13:1-4). To this end, many individual actions are restrained, curtailed, or specifically forbidden. While it is true that unborn children are not citizens in the strictest sense of the word, their life deserves protection. If government can decide that enviable life in the womb is not worthy of protection, what shall we say when government decrees that an enviable life out of the womb (the severely retarded, the aged, and the infirmed) is not deserving of the protection of government?

“Abortion rights” have spawned Dr. Jack (Assisted Suicide) Kervorkian and his murder machine. We have not yet seen the end of it  “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Tim. 3:13). If a woman has the right to take the life of her unborn child, why does not killer Kervorkian have the right to help an-other take his own life? He says he has that right. How do we deny him his “right”? Sounds like some form of intrusive government may be necessary to stop him. But, of course, it is better to tolerate death in the name of freedom than to save life in the name of “intrusive government”!

And what next  a panel that will sit in judgment, deciding which patients shall live and which shall be terminated? This is not new to our day. It has been done before. We called it Nazi Germany. The form of government, the rationale, and the means of death differ, but the result is the same. Living beings are put to death with government sanction.

Guardian of Truth XLI: 17 p. 8
September 4, 1997

By Jarrod Jacobs

Could my worship keep me from an eternal home in Heaven? Is the worship I offer so important that I could spend an eternity in Hell for “vain” worship? Many today will say, “No, it does not matter how you worship as long as you are honest and sincere.” Others try to play down this subject as being unimportant. My friends, this question is very important. We are duty-bound to make sure we worship God in a way that pleases him! It matters not what opinions I have on this subject. Rather, the deciding factor is “What saith the Scripture?” Let us see what the Bible says about my worship. As we think about this subject, I would like us to take an “overview” of the Bible and notice God’s attitude toward those who were not worshiping acceptably.

Exodus 20

Exodus 20 records the giving of the Ten Commandments to Moses. I find it very interesting that the first seven verses have to do with the Jews’ actions and attitudes toward God. God told the people not to have any other gods, not to bow down to any graven images, nor serve them, and not to take God’s name in vain (Exod. 20:3-7). As God placed these Ten Commandments into effect, he let the Israelites know that there was only one way that they could please him. At this time, we see a God that expected his people to follow his commands to the letter without variation. Why do we think that God has changed his mind concerning his worship? Yes, the Law has changed, but the fact that God expects us to obey him to the letter has not.

Jeremiah 10

At the beginning of this chapter, we read how God did not want the Israelites to become as the heathen in their idolatry. God, in the first five verses, shows the folly of the heathen for worshiping idols, and how the heathen have fooled themselves. God said, “The customs of the people are vain” (Jer. 10:3). As God continues to show the foolishness of these people, He says, “They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it move not. They are upright as the palm tree, but speak not: they must needs be borne, because they cannot go. Be not afraid of them; for they cannot do evil, neither also is it in them to do good” (Jer. 10:4-5). Jeremiah says something that we need to learn and learn well, “0 Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (10:23).

Why study this chapter? It is be-cause during this time, the idolatrous cultures were known for worshiping whichever gods they chose. There were so many gods at this time, you could choose to worship whichever god you wanted. Those living in Jeremiah’s time were truly trying to “direct their own steps.”

If it did not matter how you worshiped God, why was God “legislating” these cold, impersonal commandments to the people? Was God not wanting these people to do what seemed to be the best? Was God condemning the practices of an honest and sincere group of heathens? Why did not God simply teach them how to “get along,” and “love” one another, despite the “petty” differences these idolaters may have had with the Jews?

The Book of Malachi

This final book of the Old Testament is entirely devoted to the people’s rejection of God’s law. These people rejected and refused to worship God as he commanded. This is evident in the first chapter of the book. God charges these Jews with offering polluted bread, and offering the blind and lame as a sacrifice (Mal. 1:7-8). Why would God waste his time on this subject if it does not matter how the people worshiped him?

God continues to plead for the people to come back, and said in Malachi 3:10-12, “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.” The Lord obviously wanted them to come back and receive that great blessing. However, if it did not matter how they worshiped, why was God pleading for them to repent in Malachi 3:7?

From these three Old Testament references, we can see that God expected his people to worship him in a certain way. When they refused, they were met with the deadliest force. You may doubt my word, but ask Nadab and Abihu about worshiping God. Ask them what God thinks of people operating in the silence of God’s word (Lev. 10:1-2).

John 4

Looking to the New Testament, we read that Jesus had encounters with those who were worshiping God in vain. John 4 is but one example. This chapter records Jesus’ meeting with the Samaritan woman at the well of Jacob. The Samaritan woman thought that it did not matter how or where you worship. You can see this when she told Jesus, “Our fathers worshiped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship” (John 4:20). She gives the impression that it does not matter how one worships. “You worship in Jerusalem, and we worship here, what is the difference?”

Jesus tells her that it does matter, and in fact, there will soon be a change. True worshipers will no longer have to go to Jerusalem to worship God. Jesus said, “Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:22-24).

Is it not amazing that the excuses we hear day by day concerning worship were present during the time of Jesus. “You worship where you want to, and I will worship where I want to,” would be the Samaritan’s reply today. Why would Jesus spend so much time with this Samaritan if she was worshiping in an acceptable way? Certainly, Jesus did not think that she was doing wrong, did he?

We hear a lot about how we (preachers) need to be like Christ, and not concentrate on the “petty” differences, but “preach on love” as Jesus did. Those who believe that standing on the truth is done without confrontation, and without hurt feelings at times, do not know my Lord.

“In Spirit and In Truth”

What did Jesus mean when he said, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24)? These words have significant meaning, and must be understood if we wish to please God with our worship. The word “in” means “in connection with.” It does not mean “inside of.” Jesus was literally saying that we must worship in connection with the spirit, and in connection with the truth.

What is the “spirit”? It is those things related to the spiritual realm. Jesus shows that the true worshipers need to be focused on spiritual matters, not physical. Paul tells us, “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Rom. 14:17). That is why we do not have pie suppers, bingo, etc.! The church and its worship is not to cater to the physical needs, but the spiritual.

We have another responsibility. That is to worship “in connection with the truth.” What is the “truth”? Let Jesus answer, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). In order for our worship to be acceptable to God, we must worship with our focus on things spiritual, and worship in connection with what the Bible says! Peter said, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Pet. 4:11). The only truth we know is what has been revealed in God’s most Holy Word. Our worship must come from what has been revealed. For anyone to try to worship God based on what has not been said, or for anyone to teach others to worship God in that way, is to condemn yourself to an eternity in Hell. To deviate from God’s plan of worship is to jeopardize your soul, and the souls that follow you!

1 Corinthians 11:20-30

Here Paul is recorded as rebuking the Corinthians for not partaking of the Lord’s supper as they should. Paul declares (v. 23) that the things he is saying are from the Lord. He appeals to the right authority. He then proceeded to correct these brethren for their unfaithfulness in taking the Lord’s supper. Here Paul tells these men and women that if they do not partake in a worthy manner, they are guilty of the body and blood of Christ and are eating and drinking damnation to themselves (1 Cor. 11:27, 29). Does this sound like it does not matter how we worship? Does this sound like our partaking of the Lord’s Supper will not effect our eternal salvation? Paul ends this by telling the Corinthians that some of them are weak as a result of their unfaithfulness, while others sleep (spiritually dead while they live, 1 Cor. 11:30).

Conclusion

Yes, the worship we offer must please God, else we stand to lose our home in heaven. How sad indeed to know that you could have made it to heaven if you had only worshiped God as he commanded. Brethren, can we see the importance of teaching others this same truth? Can we see that there is a lost and dying world that needs to know that “honesty” and “sincerity” will not save a single soul from the burning fires of hell? Yes, friends, our worship does make a difference, and it will affect our very soul! Please bear these things in mind as you strive to live for God from day to day.

Guardian of Truth XLI: 17 p. 12-14
September 4, 1997

By Mark Mayberry

Introduction

The following article appeared in the Nashville Banner on Friday, May 9, 1997 and was printed on page A-10. This story, written by Frances Meeker, the Banner Religion Editor, and entitled “Communion Bread a Blessing to Hungry Man,” is a perfect illustration of political correctness run amuck. Read it and laugh. Read it and wonder. Read it and weep.

“Communion Bread a Blessing to Hungry Man”

By Frances Meeker

We am told that man does not live by bread alone. But a few Sundays ago, a street person found what he must have thought was bread from heaven. It was the Holy Communion bread at the historic Downtown Presbyterian Church on Church Street. On this particular Sunday, communion stewards had customarily placed the communion bread on a silver tray along with an empty silver communion cup on a table in the vestibule. When the communion service was about to begin, communion steward and church elder Jim Kelley hurried to get the bread and cup for the Rev. John Hilley, who was waiting at the altar. But the bread was gone. Kelley hurried back into the sanctuary and whispered his dilemma to Hilley. “John told Jim to go back out there and look very carefully,” said Luann Pilkington, who provides the communion bread. But it still wasn’t there.

Kelley frantically started down the stairs to the kitchen and met steward Kevin Haw carrying oatmeal cookies to serve with coffee after the worship service. “And in a lightning stroke of genius, Jim just took the cookies, put them on the silver communion tray and marched down the aisle,” Pilkington said.

Nobody could explain what had happened to the loaf of unsliced bread that should have been on the communion tray until that night, when choir member Tom Ashley ran into his friend, Mike Esslinger.

Esslinger said that he was bicycling down Church Street that morning and saw a street person coming down the church steps eating a loaf of bread “folded in half’ under his arm. The church steps come down to the Church Street sidewalk, making the tables in the vestibule visible to passersby.

“Mike said the man was really chowing down,” Ashley said.

The congregation was happy to learn that somebody who was hungry got the bread, Pilkington said.

“At least he got a loaf of bread for breakfast,” she said.

The next Sunday after worship services, the minister and his son, Aaron, 5, went to pick up the minister’s wife, the Rev. Janet Hilley, who is serving as interim preacher at Trinity Presbyterian Church.

It was communion Sunday at Trinity (the Downtown church observes communion on the first Sunday of the month and Trinity church observes it on the second). Aaron noticed the remains of the communion bread being taken out of the sanctuary.

“At our church,” he announced somewhat smugly, “we have oatmeal cookies.”

O.K., I’ll admit the story contains a certain amount of humor. The punch line delivered by five-year old Aaron Hilley is genuinely funny. However, the article is replete with politically correct errors and modern misconceptions. It would be an interesting exercise for us to play “Count The Errors” with this article, but for the sake of brevity, let us focus on just three. This article reflects a politically correct and totally erroneous view of homelessness. It reflects the widespread denominational view of the Lord’s supper. Finally, it manifests an acceptance of women preachers, which is also in direct opposition to the word of God.

The Issue of Homelessness

This article reflects a politically correct view of the problem of homelessness. “The congregation was happy to learn that somebody who was hungry got the bread,” Pilkington said. “At least he got a loaf of bread for breakfast,” she said.

Certain people are beggars because they suffer from a handicap or illness. For example, in the New Testament we read of beggars who were blind (Mark 10:46-52; John 9:1-9) and others who were lame (Luke 16:19-23; Acts 3:1-6). This reminds us that some people are destitute because of circumstances beyond their control. Such persons are de-serving of compassion.

The Bible also speaks of those who are beggars because they are slothful (Prov. 6:6-11; 20:4; 24:30-34). This re-minds us that some people are destitute because they are too lazy to work. There is a huge difference between those who cannot work and those who will not world

Many who are homeless suffer from alcoholism and drug addiction. A person does not go to bed one night as a normal person and wake up the next morning as a gutter drunk. A person certainly doesn’t plan to live on the street with only a cardboard box to protect him from the cold. How, then, do they reach that sad condition? In many cases, homelessness results from a succession of bad choices. They choose to drink. They choose to use drugs. They choose to be lazy and irresponsible. They run rather than face up to problems. Before too long, another life is irretrievably mined.

Thus the apostle Paul admonished the Thessalonians to work with their own hands so they would have need of nothing (1 Thess. 4:11-12). We should labor so we can support the weak (Acts 20:35) and help those in need (Eph. 4:28). However, if anyone is too lazy to work, he should not eat (2 Thess. 3:10-12).

The Issue of Worship

This article reflects a politically correct view of the issue of Christian worship, especially as it relates to the Lord’s supper. Many today would argue, “Worship at the church of your choice in the manner of your own choosing.” Thus substituting oatmeal cookies for unleaven bread was called “a lightning stroke of genius.” However, this was not the only error in this article relating to the Lord’s supper. It does not appear that they were going to use unleavened bread in the monthly communion service. The missing bread was described as “a loaf of unsliced bread.” A street person was seen coming down the church steps eating a “loaf of bread folded in half under his ann.” This doesn’t sound like a wafer of unleaven bread to me. Furthermore, note that the Downtown Presbyterian Church observes communion on the first Sunday of the month while the Trinity Presbyterian Church observes it on the second. This is another departure from the pattern of the early church, who met to break bread on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7).

Authority for the Lord’s supper can be traced back to Jesus’ admonitions on the night of his betrayal, when he celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread with his disciples (Matt. 26:17-18; 26:26-29). Unleavened bread was used in the Passover Feast (Exod. 12:15). This prohibition against leaven was given in part because the Jews were to be ready to march out of Egypt at a moment’s notice (Exod. 12:11). It also reflected the idea that leaven represents the defiling influence of sin (1 Cor. 5:6-7).

Bible authority is established by direct command, approved example, and/or necessary inference. Furthermore, Bible authority falls into two categories: general authority and specific authority. At times, God has left the actual method of obedience to the judgment of Christians. When God has not specified what he wants us to do or the method by which we are to obey, we may use any action or method which comes within the realm of the general command or example. General commands and examples include all that is necessary to the carrying out of that command.

At times, when teaching by command or example, the Lord would specify the particular aspects of obedience he required. When God specifies what he wants us to do, or the method by which we are to obey, we are limited to what he says. In such cases we are not free to use any other methods. Specific statements or examples exclude anything out-side the scope of that which is specified (Num. 24:12-13; 2 John 1:9; Rev. 22:18-19). We must learn to respect the silence of God’s word. The silence of God often prohibits rather than permits.

This principle applies toward singing. The New Testament specifies singing as the type of music God desires in Christian worship (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). This excludes other types of music, such as instrumental music.

It also applies toward the elements of the Lord’s supper. Through the example of Jesus Christ, we understand that the Lord’s supper is to be observed with unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine (1 Cor. 11:23-25). This excludes any other element, such as coke and oatmeal cookies.

The Issue of Women Preachers

This article reflects a politically correct view of the role of women, especially as it relates to the ministry. It manifests an acceptance of women preachers, speaking matter-of-factly about the minister’s wife, the Rev. Janet Hilley, who is serving as interim preacher at Trinity Presbyterian Church. Such expressions of feminism, although widely popular, are in direct opposition to the word of God.

The Bible clearly limits the role of women in the public worship of the church. Women are to keep silent in the churches (1 Cor. 14:34-35). They are not permitted to teach or exercise authority over a man (1 Tim. 2:11-15).

This is not to say that women are inferior to men, but it is a reflection of the roles that God intends for men and women. Within the relationship of marriage, the Bible teaches that the man is to exercise loving headship, and the woman is to manifest a spirit of respectful submission (Eph. 5:22-33).

Despite the limitations expressed in Scripture, there are many ways for a woman to serve God. First and foremost, she can labor together with her husband to raise her children up in the Lord. She can instill faith, love, holiness and self-control in the hearts of her children (1 Tim. 2:15). She can also actively teach other children in the Bible classes at church. She can follow the example of Aquila and Priscilla who took Apollos aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately (Acts 18:26). Older women can teach the younger women (Tit. 2:3-5). Like Lydia, she can show hospitality by opening her home to other Christians (Acts 16:14-15). Like those women who labored with Paul in the gospel, Christian women can assist evangelists, pastors, and teachers in countless ways (Phil. 4:2-3).

Conclusion

In this lesson, we have considered a rather humorous example of political correctness run amuck. However, the subject is not really all that funny when you consider the sad consequences that befall those who reject the authority of Scripture (John 12:48). It is unacceptable for us to simply do what is right in their own eyes (Deut. 12:8). It is unacceptable for us to follow the crowd in doing evil (Exod. 23:2). Realizing that we must stand before the judgment seat of Christ and give account of our doings, let us be faithful to the will of God (2 Cor. 5:10-11).

Guardian of Truth XLI: 17 p. 6-8
September 4, 1997

By Connie W. Adams

The imagery of battle with Christians as soldiers appears often in the New Testament. We are challenged to “put on the whole armor of God” in Ephesians 6:11. Near the end of Paul’s life he said, “I have fought a good fight” (2 Tim. 4:7). He called on Timothy to “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Tim. 6:12). In that vein he wrote:

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier…. Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel, for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they may obtain salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory ( 2 Tim. 2:3-10).

Preaching the gospel has its own rewards. To see lives changed by the power of the gospel is fulfilling. To see congregations grow from the teaching of the word is most satisfying. But it is not always easy. The Lord never promised it would be easy. There are hardships to be borne and one who is not willing to endure these things should never start. Take a look at some things which must be endured.

We have to endure inconvenience. There are times when personal plans must be set aside in order to attend to some pressing need of the moment related to the work of preaching “in season and out of season” and trying to be “a good minister of Jesus Christ” (1 Tim. 4:6). A man, or his family, with a “me first” attitude will not fill the bill.

We must learn to endure criticism. Sometimes we have it coming. But whether we have it coming to us or not, you can be sure it will come. Our Lord was not exempted from this and neither were the apostles and early preachers of the gospel. Some just won’t like plain preaching of the truth. They will not “endure sound doctrine” but prefer fables (2 Tim. 4:3-4). If a hearer does not have a love for the truth in his heart, you will never be able to say it to please him. He may lecture you on how you should have said it when all the time it was not how you said it at all but what you said. That is not to discount the importance of gracious words, seasoned with salt (Col. 4:6). Gospel preachers may have motives questioned. He and his family may seem to live in a fishbowl. The simple remedy for all of this is to faithfully teach the word the best you can and “be an example of the believer.” Preach the truth and then practice what you preach. You will have a conscience void of offense before God and those who love the truth will hold up your hands and help you in the work.

We may have to endure opposition. Those bent on following some error in doctrine or personal ungodliness will not always take kindly to reproving and rebuking. Their efforts may go beyond criticism. They may work to create an element of opposition to put pressure on elders or some of the men who sit in business meetings. Sometimes the real issue remains unstated. I know of one man who went to the elders and told them that if they did not stop the preacher from preaching against Masonry that he would see to it that the Masons in the congregation (and he claimed there were several) would withhold their contributions so they would not be able to pay the preacher or do the other work they had planned. Sometimes the opposition comes from without. Powerful community figures may rise up in arms against faithful preachers of the word because they have affected cherished beliefs or practices. I know of one preacher who awoke one morning to find his yard full of beer and whiskey bottles because he had preached on the radio against legalizing liquor in the county where he lived. Carl McMurray was recently arrested in Russia for preaching the gospel. Details are sketchy but we will have a fuller report later.

We must be willing to suffer financially. Paul said he knew how to “abound” and to “suffer need” (Phil. 4:12). Notice that Paul was not always hungry. Sometimes he said he was “full.” Sometimes he abounded. But in either case he was able to carry on his work. Whether the brethren sent enough for him to “abound” or he had to work with his hands making tents, he was willing to work night and day that the gospel might be preached. He said, “Woe is me if I preach not the gospel” (1 Cor. 9:16). All of us must live within our means. But if a man does not know that he can earn more money in the world of secular business, given his education and experience in dealing with people, than he can as a preacher of the gospel, then he is probably not bright enough to preach anyhow! In all this a preacher needs the loyal support of his wife and children.

All of us have to suffer discouragement. Sometimes we preach for months at a place, or in meeting after meeting and see very few, if any, obey the gospel. Ungodly attitudes and practices in the lives of some remain unchanged. It is easy to seek Elijah’s cave and have a genuine pity party. Or to be like Jeremiah who grew weary of preaching to people who paid no attention to what he said. The Lord sustained Elijah, and Jeremiah had that fire “shut up in my (his) bones” so that he could not refrain from speaking. And God will take care of us too. We look at people who have heard enough gospel to change the world and who remain in their sins. We want to take hold of them and ask, “Why? Why don’t you obey the Lord?” We reexamine the content of our preaching. We ask, “Lord is it I?” “Am I just not cut out for this work?” “Should I quit trying to preach and let someone who can do it better go on with it?” You say, “brother Adams, have you ever felt that way?” Oh yes, many times. Then my wife, or an elder, or a close personal friend jars me to reality by reminding me that we can only plant and water but that God gives the increase. So, I’ll just keep on planting and watering and leave the rest to the Lord and to the hearts of those who hear.

Is it worth it after all? Oh yes! Paul said, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Rom. 8:18). Paul added that these hardships are only temporary and “light afflictions” when weighed in the scales of eternity.

The world needs to hear what we have to say and so do our brethren. We will just have to toughen up and endure hardships. We can’t afford to quit and the world can’t afford for us to quit either, whether the world knows it or not.

Guardian of Truth XLI: 17 p. 3-4
September 4, 1997