Truth Magazine

By Norman Midgette

False hope! It abounds everywhere. For those who do not want to obey the gospel of Christ and still hope to be saved they have company, both ancient and modem.

God does many good things for the heathen who are lost but woe be unto them if they mistake this goodness for salvation. Here are some examples.

Jesus said. “… for he maketh the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust” (Man. 5:45). God does this for the unjust. When he has done it they are still as unjust as before. They may have the sun and the rain but they still have their sins. Paul confirmed the same thing in Acts 14:17 when he said, “And yet he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave you from heaven rain and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness.” Even if you have a bountiful crop in your garden or you have a good job and can buy all the good food you want that does not mean you are saved. The heathen have gladness and joy and life often go their way and the obstacles are so few. Woe to the man or woman who interprets this to mean they have the fellowship of God and are saved.

There are those who think God has answered their prayers and because of this falsely believe God has saved them. Such would be a tragic conclusion to draw. I may not always know how God works but I do know this: “We know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshiper of God, and do his will, him he heareth” (John 9:31). In Proverbs 28:9 God said, “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.” The prayers of Cornelius had gone up “for a memorial before God” (Acts 10:4), but even after the an-gel of God told him this, Cornelius would have been a very mistaken man if he had concluded he was a saved man. We know this is true because shortly thereafter the Holy Spirit told Peter to go to the house of Cornelius and speak to him “words” by which he and his house would be saved (Acts 11:14). What God does with your prayers has nothing to do with how he deals with your sins.

And finally the greatest thing God has done for you while you are an alien sinner is to have Christ die for you. “But God commendeth his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). Just because he died for you does not mean you are saved else we have universal salvation.

Many good things have come from God to the alien sinner. Do not mistake any of these as signs of your salvation. There is only one thing that will save you. That is your faith in and obedience to the gospel of Christ (Rom. 1:16; 2 Thess. 1:7, 8). Until you obey the gospel, all the rain, sun, fruitful seasons, and gladdened hearts will not save you. You are still lost. It is time you let go of these false hopes and obey the gospel where there is real hope. Confess your faith in Christ, repent of your sins, and be baptized for the remission of those sins (Man. 10:32, 33; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). You will be lost no longer and you will still have all of these blessings plus many more. Take your stand with Christ today not just with his blessings.

Guardian of Truth XLI: 16 p. 5
August 21, 1997

By Mike Willis

Many, 0 Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered (Ps. 40:5).

In this Messianic psalm is found this wonderful expression of praise to God. The psalm reminds us of God’s wonderful works toward us. As David meditated on God’s wonderful works he soon realized that they could not be counted because of how numerous they were. The children of God would do well to remember God’s kindnesses toward us.

God’s Work in Creation

As one reads the creation narrative, he is impressed with God’s kindnesses toward mankind. He created man in his own image (Gen. 1:26) and gave him a position as ruler over all of his creation (Gen. 1:27). When creation was completed, every physical, emotional, and spiritual need of man was supplied.

We are impressed with the God’s wonderful works every time we are exposed to his creation. We see the design that exists in the things that are made, how the creatures are fitted to the habitat in which they live, and how they depend upon each other for their existence. All of these point us to a De-signer who created a perfect environment for his creation. The psalmist exclaimed, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork” (Ps. 19:1). Paul wrote, “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse” (Rom. 1:20). Every time we breathe God’s air, drink his water, or eat his food, we enjoy the benefits of his wonderful works.

God’s Work in Creating the Family

We are also see his wonderful work in his providing man and woman as companions to one another. Adam experienced the loneliness of having no companion before the Lord created a suitable helper for him (Gen. 2:18-25). The husband/wife relationship was created for mankind’s good. The wise man acknowledged this in such statements as the following: “Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord” (Prov. 18:22). “House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the Lord” (Prov. 19:14).

In addition to the companionship that husband and wife provide each other, God also provides us children. The psalmist wrote, “Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward” (Ps. 127:3). He viewed children as one of God’s rich blessings to man: “Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord” (Ps. 128:3-4).

God’s Work in Controlling the World

God’s providential direction of the nations of men is some-thing about which we know relatively little. However, the Scriptures are clear in teaching that God governs the world according to moral principles. Jeremiah revealed,

O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in mine hand, 0 house of Israel. At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it; If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them. And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it; If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them (18:6-10).

The wise man spoke, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov 14:34). Paul added that God “hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath deter-mined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation” (Acts 17:26).

We enjoy the benefits of God’s wonderful work in providing governments for man’s good to punish the wicked and reward the righteous (Rom. 13:1-7). We are blessed in God’s government of the affairs of the nations to limit the powers of wicked nations, destroying them when the cup of their iniquity overflows.

His Wonderful Work in Christ

One cannot and should not ignore God’s wonderful work in giving his Son as a sacrifice for sins. John said, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Paul spoke of this wonderful work when he said, “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God” (1 Cor. 2:9-10). No one could have imagined that the marvelous grace of God would make such abundant provisions for our salvation  to give his only begotten Son! As he summarized God’s wonderful work in redemption, Paul said, “Now to him that is of power to establish you ac-cording to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: to God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen” (Rom. 16:25-27).

God’s amazing grace in the gift of his Son is the crowning work of his goodness toward us.

His Spiritual Provisions For His Children

When we begin to catalog the blessings that God’s children have, we immediately can see that they cannot be numbered. Ephesians 1:3-11 lists such blessings as: (a) God chose us before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame; (b) God predestinated us unto the adoption as children; (c) God made us accepted in the beloved; (d) God gave redemption through his blood; (e) God gathered together all men (both Jew and Gentile) in Christ; (f) God gave us an inheritance through Christ.

We have the privilege of prayer, God’s fatherly chastening, his providential protection and provisions. Indeed, we cannot number all of the blessings God has for his children.

His Provisions For Heaven

No doubt our appreciation of his marvelous works will never be complete until we enter the gates of heaven and see the eternal home God has provided for his children. As one reads the description of heaven given in Revelation 21, he is awed by God’s wonderful works.

Conclusion

We close as we began with the words of Psalm 40:5  “Many, 0 Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.”

Guardian of Truth XLI: 16 p. 2
August 21, 1997

By Johnie Edwards

The phrase, “Be Not” is two words designed to teach us some valuable spiritual lessons. Please look at these “be not’s”:

1. Be Not Conformed To This World. The apostle Paul sets the stage for our study when he said, “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. 12:2). The trend, even among a lot of members of the church of Christ, is to be like the world. This worldly attitude has done much to retard the spiritual growth of the Lord’s church in a lot of God. We must not let our places. We are admonished opinions override what the by John, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15). To go where the world goes, do what the world does, drink what the world drinks, dress like the world dresses, talk like the world talks, act like the world acts is but to make one conform to the world.

2. Be Not Unwise. The Lord divides folks into two groups, the wise and the foolish. Paul admonished the Ephesians, “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:17). We are taught to study that we might understand God’s will to us. By the way, the will of God can be understood! “Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ” (Eph. 3:4). Remember the “foolish virgins” of Matthew 25? They were a people who failed to make adequate preparation to meet God. Do you consider yourself wise or foolish?

3. Be Not Drunk. The Bible condemns both drinking and drunkenness. The wise man said, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise” (Prov. 20:1) The Holy Spirit wrote, “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but ye filled with the Spirit” (Eph. 5:18). Even drinking parties are condemned in the New Testament. Peter refers to “. . . banquetings” in 1 Peter 4:3. “Banquetings” were nothing but drinking parties. Is social drinking a sin? Absolutely!

4. Be Not Wise In Your Own Conceits. The Roman Christians were admonished to, “Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits” (Rom. 12:16). No one Christian is superior to another Christian in the sight of God. We must not let our opinions override what the Scriptures have to say. We must learn, as Paul said, “. . . to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think” (Rom. 12:3). Some try to be wiser than God himself, yet the Lord said, “For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself” (Gal. 6:3). We must not let our “. . . faith stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God” (1 Cor. 2:5).

5. Be Not Many Masters. Every teacher needs to read and re-read this passage, “My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation” (Jas. 3: I). The word “master” in this passage refers to Bible teachers. Every teacher needs to know that he will give account for every word he teaches. Yet, some teachers run into a class room without studying, being only half prepared to teach. The future of our boys and girls is in the hands of our Bible teachers. Bible teachers need to be like Ezra in Ezra 7:10.

Guardian of Truth XLI: 16 p. 1
August 21, 1997

By Harry R. Osborne

What would you think of a preacher whose sermons offended people and were taken as insulting by the hear-en? What if a preacher caused the audience to be filled with anger because of the hard things that he said? What if he went so far as to mock false beliefs? Regardless of his intent, many would denounce such preaching as wrong. Even if he did not intend to insult people, but merely sought to preach the truth boldly and show the fallacy of error, many would condemn him for offending others. In fact, a growing number of preachers in recent years have been fired by those who seek a more soothing and less strident message from the pulpit.

However, the Bible is filled with cases of those who preached the truth boldly in an effort to bring sinners to repentance, only to see those addressed react with anger and offense. Preachers of the truth in Bible times were not men of timidity preaching a totally “positive” message which was pleasing to the hearers. Their message had elements which were not always appreciated by all who heard it. They did not preach in order to intentionally offend or enrage their audiences, nor should we. They did not use preaching as a cloak of maliciousness, nor should we. Yet, those preachers of righteousness in Bible times were not always well received by the hearers, nor will we be.

As those proclaimers of ancient truth sought to declare the will of God in boldness and clarity, so must we seek to do in our time even though some will react adversely. This article is not meant as a defense of anyone who intentionally sets out to mistreat or enrage anothersuch is indefensible. Yet, proper teaching of truth may unintentionally bring those responses.

Preaching of Jesus

Surely no one could dare claim the ability to improve upon the manner and approach of the perfect teacher, Jesus Christ. But look at the effect of his teaching upon others. In Matthew 15, Jesus reproved the Pharisees for their replacing of the law of God with their human commands and traditions. This reproof was in forceful terms as he said,

You hypocrites, rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying, “This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from me. But in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men” (Matt. 15:7-9).

How did the hearers take this reprimand? Did they accept it gladly? No, that is made clear by the disciples who came to Jesus about the matter. “Then the disciples came and said to Him, Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this statement?” (v. 12). Jesus did not apologize for offending the hearers, but rather rein-forced his rebuke as he answered his disciples in the next verse. Did Jesus do anything wrong?

In a rebuke found in Luke, Jesus brought a similar reaction from the audience. After he finished exposing the hypocrisy of many who heard him, we read of one man who responded to Jesus. “And one of the lawyers said to Him in reply, `Teacher, when You say this, you insult us too” (Luke 11:45). Jesus did not apologize to the insulted lawyer, but proceeded over the next seven verses to pronounce “woes” upon the lawyers of that time because they deceived people by leading them into error. Did Jesus make a mistake in his approach?

In another case, Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath and then taught about the proper use of the Sabbath. The hearers did not appreciate Jesus’ teaching. In fact, the Bible says, “But they themselves were filled with rage, and discussed together what they might do to Jesus” (Luke 6:11).

We read nothing about Jesus seeking to mollify their wrath at that time or any other. Was Jesus at fault for their reaction?

When Jesus did the same thing on the Sabbath later in his ministry, there was a mixed reaction from the crowd. The record says, “And as He said this, all His opponents were being humiliated; and the entire multitude was rejoicing over all the glorious things being done by Him” (Luke 13:17). The same message which put some to shame caused others to rejoice. The difference was not in the approach of the preacher, but the attitude of the hearers towards the truth.

Mocking Idolatry

Long before the time of Jesus, Elijah reproved the prophets of Baal (a false god) and challenged them to a contest on Mount Carmel to prove who was the true God. When the prophets of Baal prayed for their god to bring fire down upon their sacrifice, nothing happened. After this continued from morning until noon, Elijah began to emphasize the folly of the prophets’ actions as is recorded in the Bible:

And it came about at noon, that Elijah mocked them and said, “Call out with a loud voice, for he is a god; either he is occupied or gone aside, or is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and needs to be awakened” (1 Kings 18:27).

Clearly, the statements of Elijah were meant to mock the foolishness of believing in Baal and bring rational people to reject such error. His statements were not soothing to the prophets or to those who put their faith in Baal. They were no doubt humiliated as a result of the experience. Yet, Elijah’s sarcasm help to point out the absolute powerlessness of Baal and the foolishness of believing in such a god. Though it was a hard way to learn, those who learned from that humbling experience ended the day believing in the true God and forsaking the worship of Baal. A little shame for a time kept them from continuing to follow Baal and suffering the eternal consequences. Was Elijah wrong for so mocking that error and openly exposing its folly?

In Isaiah 44:14-17, the folly of idolatry is ridiculed by the prophet. He notes that the wood of one tree is used partly to make a fire for warmth or baking food while the remainder is used to form a god to which people bow down. The practice was ridiculous! Though these words were not easy for the idolaters to hear, they could help idolaters be moved to reexamine their practice because of its irrationality. There was no kind way to humble the foolish practitioner of error then, nor is there today. Did Isaiah do wrong by trying to turn the sinner from error rather than speaking soothingly to them on their road to hell?

Conclusion

We could look at many more cases where teachers of truth in the Bible were not well received by their offended, humiliated, or enraged hearers. In every case, the attempt of the teacher was to boldly declare the truth, not to maliciously mistreat or intentionally anger the hearer. However, the sinner who refuses to repent of sin will not react positively to being exposed as a sinner. God desires those who have first been humbled (Isa. 57:15; Jas. 4:10). The opportunity for humbling oneself at the exposure of truth came as teachers of truth declared the will of God which “cut to the heart” (Acts 2:37; 7:34).

It was the heart of the sinner which determined whether that opportunity turned them to humbly repent or rebelliously react in anger refusing to obey the truth. Those same teachers who sought to reach people in ways which did not leave human pride intact instruct us that we are to follow their example in teaching (1 Cor. 4:16-21). As long as sin and error remain, there will always be the unpleasant task of showing its folly in order to point the sinner to the path of righteousness which must be traveled in humility.

Several years ago, brother Roy Cogdill made a statement about the unpleasantness of the sinner accepting the fact of his sins. He said, “You know, there must be a hundred ways to skin a cat, but from a cat’s point of view, there’s not a good way.” When we are tempted to condemn the preacher because we do not like the message, let us examine ourselves to see if we are reacting properly. It may not be pleasant, but the lesson is needed if it is the truth.

Guardian of Truth XLI: 16 p. 8-9
August 21, 1997