Truth Magazine

By Carl McMurray

Action usually represents attitude. Have you noticed that? I believe we all keep a little bit of child within us all our lives. What we really want to do, we do! What we don’t want to do, we always have excuses for. What has this to do with the title, you ask? Have you noticed the same things that I have noticed over the years about our Bible classes? There is in most congregations, a noticeable difference between the number attending worship and the number attending Bible class. Of course, some of that number consists of visitors, and latecomers, and some elderly and those recovering from illness that just cannot sit for long periods. But when those numbers are taken into account, there is still a consistent number of people that are absent from class. And that’s not all .. .

The number in classes drops even more dramatically when the class is scheduled anytime outside of Sunday or Wednesday evening. Evening classes, daytime classes, or studies in homes of the members can seem almost desolate for the lack of interest shown, even in large congregations. And have you noticed anything that adult classes in different places have in common? In many adult classes participation is rare and preparation even more so. Auditorium classes have the worst reputation in this regard.

It occurs to me that perhaps the reason that we don’t seem to take our Bible classes seriously, the reason we don’t seem to have any qualms about not attending or taking part in the study is we don’t really understand what Bible classes are. To that end, I am here to say to Christians that a Bible class, any Bible class is .. .

Motivation to Study

2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) teaches us to “study” in order to show ourself approved unto God. Let’s be honest. Most of us do a better job of studying when we have something specific to prepare for. Vague, general study, without goals is usually useless study.

Opportunity to Learn

In 2 Peter 1:12-15, Peter appeals to the most basic principle of learning, i.e., repetition. The apostle implied that they needed reminders. Even if you know it all (and the onewho gives that impression usually doesn’t), you need to hear different viewpoints and refresh your own memory.

Opportunity to Grow

2 Peter 3:18 states this as a command. There can be no growth “in the knowledge of Jesus Christ” without study and learning. Bible class gives one another opportunity to fulfill the Lord’s wishes in this respect. As a personal observation, I have never seen a Christian spiritually, knowledgeable, and mature who made it his practice to be absent from the Bible classes.

Opportunity to Teach

There is an alarming lack of elders, preachers, and teachers in the church today, including older women, who will accept the responsibility to teach the younger. In many areas there is a lack of spiritual maturity. There is also the problem of so many children of God returning to the world and being lost to the Lord. I believe Hebrews 5:11-14 ties all three of the above problems together. All three are fired and fueled by members of the church who continue to need elementary teaching because they have not tried to become teachers themselves. They refuse to have their senses trained by practice. They continue, year by year, to need milk and in so doing they are often the source of petty strifes, quarrels, and doubtful disputations. The great need and number of Bible classes give anyone desiring to grow and exercise himself an opportunity to teach.

Opportunity to Stimulate

Hebrews 10:24 teaches us to “consider one another” and “stimulate one another to love and good deeds.” Being present and listening closely often gives one a chance to hear and give consideration to their feelings or attitudes. Insightful, thought-provoking comments can go a long way toward stimulating them to greater works in the kingdom.

Opportunity to Encourage

Hebrews 10:25 is the oft-quoted passage that so plainly teaches us to not get in the habit of “forsaking the assembling” of Christians together. The context of the passage does not limit this to just Sunday morning or “communion services” as some have erroneously done. Bible classes are another opportunity for saints to assemble together, and the writer ties this directly to encouragement. Far too many of us have the idea of “what do I get?” out of various assemblies (Sunday evening, Wednesday evening, meetings, classes) rather than “what can I give?” Your presence says a great deal!

Fellowship

Acts 2:42 says that the early Christians were “continually devoted” to fellowship (i.e., sharing together in the Lord’s work). They were doing this weekly and even daily (Acts 2:46). Our Bible classes are part of the work here, of the congregation as well as individual brethren. Participating is one way that New Testament Christians follow the New Testament example and work together in growth, encouragement, edification, and study.

Correction and Instruction

2 Timothy 3:16-17 teaches us that this is one purpose of the Scriptures. When we study and talk and discuss and listen, then our attitudes and actions, sooner or later, are addressed. Wrong actions and attitudes can be identified while proper and acceptable attitudes can be encouraged. It is so sad that most often, the one who needs the word of God working on his heart, who needs God’s correction and instruction, is the very one who won’t attend.

Evangelism

This is the purpose for the church. Everything we do should ultimately look toward this goal. Whether you bring a friend and introduce him to Bible study in the various classes available or whether I bring one and you help to make him feel comfortable and welcome  we all can work in this regard. John 1:40-42 illustrates this with Andrew and Peter. The Baptist denomination illustrates this by re-leasing some figures a few years ago that said that over 90% of their converts were introduced to the church through their Sunday School. Who is doing so much evangelistic work that he can afford not to use this opportunity that we have in front of us every week. And home Bible classes are even more effective as soul-winning situations!

These are just a few of the things that Bible classes are. Make these studies an important part of your service to God.

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 22, p. 8-9
November 21, 1996

By Gary L. Coles

Arnie was suddenly awakened by a terrifying wail. As the fog of sleep began to lift from his mind, he immediately became aware of his surroundings. The first thing he noticed was he was wringing wet with perspiration. He could never remember being as hot as he was now. In fact, the heat had a smothering effect. The intense heat made each breath an act of agony. He also became aware of a parched throat and swollen tongue. At that moment he would have given a million dollars for drink of water.

He then began to notice screams of anguish. There were people all around him. Millions and millions of people. Perhaps, even billions. What was going on? Where was he? Suddenly he knew. But it couldn’t be. He had always laughed at anyone whoever spoke of Hell. He must be dreaming. That’s it. It’s just a dream. But something deep down inside told him otherwise. Pain and remorse began to envelop him. This was not a dream. This was for real, and even worse, it was for all eternity. Suddenly, he heard a blood curdling scream. A scream of terror and panic. A scream that came from Arnie’s throat.

Although the illustration is fictitious, the Bible indicates that it will be the ultimate fate of most people. How about you? Do you really believe Hell exists? Many in the church say they believe in Hell while their actions indicate otherwise. It is quite obvious that those Christians who refuse to regularly attend the worship services, study their Bibles with any degree of consistency, maintain a life of moral integrity, or display an attitude of love and compassion to others do not really believe in hell. If they did, their lives would reflect it.

One encouraging sign is that more Americans seem to believe that there is some type of Hell. According to a 1991 Gallup Pole, 60 percent of Americans believe in hell, up from 54 percent in 1965. The down side is that most Americans do not believe in the hell that is described in the Bible.

Recently, I ran across an interesting quotation made by Augustine DiNoia, a theologian for the National Conference of Catholic Bishops: “The popular image of hell has next to nothing to do with the doctrine of it. Not only is it flame-free, but people who go there do so by choice. God isn’t some vindictive judge sending humans to a place of punishment. If that were the case, he would be a monster.”

The March 25, 1991 issue of U.S. News and World Report devoted several pages to the subject of hell. A few important quotations are listed below:

Kenneth S. Kantzer, a former Christianity Today editor confessed, “he hadn’t preached a sermon on hell in more than three decades.”

Martin Marty, University of Chicago professor said, “Hell had disappeared and no one noticed . . . If people really believed in hell, they wouldn’t be watching basketball or even the TV preachers. They’d be out rescuing people.”

C.S. Lewis was quoted as saying, “Hell was not made for man.”

Mary Krus, pastor of Dumbarton Methodist church in Washington, D.C. said, “My congregation would be stunned to hear a sermon on hell.”

Avery Dulles, professor of theology at Fordham University in New York said, “It’s quite possible that no one will really go there.”

The Justice of Hell

Is God a monster? Is condemning a person to hell for eternity unfair? To answer these questions, there are a few things we need to consider. If you were God, what would you do with all of the wicked disobedient people of the world? Keep in mind that you have done everything possible to deter these people from their destructive path. You even sent your only son to die an unimaginable death on the cross. Yet, these people stubbornly refused to live a Godly life. Do you give them a second chance via a thousand years and then give them time off for good behavior? When I begin to consider all of the possibilities, there is one thing I am certain of: I have no desire to be in God’s place!

If God failed to punish the wicked and disobedient of the world  he could no longer claim to be a just and fair God. In Psalms 89:14 we can read, “righteousness and justice are the foundation of Thy throne; Loving- kindness and truth go before Thee.” It is impossible for God to be anything but just and fair.

God’s ultimate desire is for every-one to be spared the pain and anguish of hell. “. . . not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9). Yet, the next verse speaks of God destroying the earth and its works. Matthew 7:13,14 in-forms us that the majority of people will find themselves on the broad way leading to destruction. The Bible does not portray God as an evil sadistic monster just waiting to torch his people. God is represented as a Being who cannot coexist with sin and will eternally punish any of his people who spurn and reject his offer for salvation. Is that unfair?

 Hell is Eternal (Matt. 25:46)

 Lake of Fire (Rev. 20:14)

 Extreme Anguish (Matt. 13:42)

 The Second Death (Rev. 20:14)

 Eternal Separation from God (Matt. 25:41)

 Loathsome Inhabitants (Rev. 21:8)

Hell is for Real

The preceding illustration gives a brief overview of what the Bible says about hell. If you believe in God, Jesus, and the Bible, you must also believe in hell. Hell is for real! It does exist!

It is unfortunate that many people live a life that reflects a complete disbelief in hell  including some Christians.

How many of us would turn an oven up to the maximum temperature, and then place our head in the oven. We would all admit, anyone doing this would be considered abnormal. Yet, there are many today, including Christians, who are doing the same with their soul. It is quite evident that many Christians lack any fear of hell. One of the reasons for this has been the neglect of preachers and teachers to speak of this topic. It is time for preachers and teachers to let their listeners know what God has said on this vitally important topic. God chose to inform us of hell through his written word. God wanted us to be so frightened of hell that we would do anything to avoid it. Unfortunately, many of us banish any thought of hell from our minds. We would rather consider more pleasant thoughts. We feel as if we have plenty of time to bring our lives into conformity with God’s will. However, James tells us that life is like a vapor that appears for a little while and then disappears. Life is uncertain. A person should take not chances with his soul.

The choice is yours. What will it be? If you awaken and find yourself in hell  you will have no one to blame but yourself.

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 22, p. 6-7
November 21, 1996

By Donnie V. Rader

Worldliness is eating us alive. Like cancer that destroys the organs and then the whole body, worldliness is destroying God’s people. Oh, I’m not talking about the “ugly” worldliness that involves the forbidden things like drinking, cursing, lying and immorality. There is also worldliness that involves things that are not wrong within themselves. That makes it “respectable.” As long as what we are doing is not forbidden, we feel comfortable in doing it. Let’s explore the thought.

Demas had a problem with worldliness. Paul said, “Demas has forsaken me having loved the present world” (2 Tim. 4:10). There is nothing in this text to suggest that Demas loved anything that was sinful in and of itself. It was just that his love for the present life (the temporal over the spiritual) was misplaced. His priorities were wrong.

More and more I’m seeing Christians who wouldn’t think of participating in the forbidden worldliness like dancing, drinking, or immodesty, but are being consumed with another form of the same problem. Maybe the parable of the sower would help us better appreciate the point. Some seed fell among the thorns which represented those who are “choked with cares, riches and pleasures of life” (Luke 8:14). The cares, riches, and pleasures are not wrong in themselves, but they crowd out spiritual things in our lives.

The rat race we live in has robbed families of time that they need together just to be families. Our involvement in sports, school activities, our jobs, and our care for our-selves at times crowd in on our service to God. Evidence is seen in attendance. We miss for things that wouldn’t keep us from work or school. As I travel in meetings I see more and more occasions when the local members don’t show up during the meeting. They have other things to do.

Minor aches and pains keep us away from the service. If we are tired or have a slight sniffle that’s enough to not be at worship. When we keep our children home for “sickness” that they themselves know is minor or not contagious, they are learning how to be worldly.

We see this spirit displayed in the apathy that some have. When our care and concern for material things like cars, clothes, houses, and money exceeds interest in the gospel and spiritual things, worldliness has already taken its toll. When greater preparation is given to see that our children have their homework than to learning their Bibles, worldly minded.

In meetings I’m disappointed to see that members think nothing of taking their vacation time during the meeting and miss most, if not all, of the services. We allow our teenage children (whose working is for extra spending money) to work and miss services during meetings (to say nothing of the regular times on Sunday and Wednesday).

In some places it is difficult to find to a good time to schedule a meeting or VBS. If it conflicts with ball games or other personal plans, attendance may be slim or some of the young folks and their parents may be frustrated.

Learning to get our priorities straight would go a long way toward solving our problem. Jesus said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matt. 6:33). Peter told his readers to “sanctify the Lord God in your heart” (1 Pet 3:15). May we grow in our fear of God. As someone said long ago, “The main things is to keep the main thing, the main thing!” I say, “Amen!”

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 22, p. 5
November 21, 1996

By Dick Lambert

The term “Politically Correct” today appears to carry the same connotation as the philosophy of “situation ethics” from the seventies. The end of both ideologies is that there are no absolutes. Everything is said to be relative dependent on the person and the circumstance. What is wrong for one person may be right for an-other. Society in general is expected to tolerate and accept most anything that is sincerely believed or practiced at the moment .

There are churches that are embracing the “Politically Correct Idea” and abandoning the absolutes taught in the Bible. For example, the government has endorsed homosexuality and other acts of perversion and calls them alternative life styles. This politically correct idea has crept into some churches. Instead of teaching what the Bible says about this they have not only accepted homosexuals into the church but have appointed them as priests and to other leadership rolls. The Bible teaches us that this deplorable practice is an abomination to the Lord God of heaven. It also says it is an unnatural act, it is lust, it is sexually immoral, it is unclean and dishonorable. The Bible further teaches that if one doesn’t repent of homosexuality they will not inherit the kingdom of God but will have their place in the lake which burns with fire and brim-stone (1 Cor. 6:9-10).

As another example of being politically correct the government rewards laziness and calls it welfare. There are churches that do the same and call it a ministry to the disadvantaged. The Bible teaches that the church is to help the needy saints, however if able bodied folk won’t work, neither should they eat (2 Thess. 3:10).

It isn’t politically correct to call people what the Bible calls them. Society says that alcoholism is a sickness or an alcohol problem. The Bible calls such people drunkards. It is sin and such will not inherit the kingdom of God. Many churches choose the politically correct approach which is to ignore it and not teach on drunkenness.

Jesus wasn’t politically correct to the chief priests, the scribes, or the Pharisees and he certainly wouldn’t be in our day. He told the Pharisees that they honored him with their lips but their hearts were far from him. Their worship was in vain because they were teaching the commandments of men instead of the commandments of God. His disciples came to him and asked him if he knew that this had offended the Pharisees? Jesus didn’t apologize for teaching the truth but told them they were like blind guides leading the blind and both would fall into a pit (Matt.15:8-9, 12-14).

On another occasion he told the scribes and the Pharisees that they were serpents, a generation of vipers and asked them how they thought they would escape the judgment of hell. He did not take the politically correct approach and tell them what they were teaching and saying was their freedom of expression. I wonder what Jesus would say if he visited many churches today?

The philosophy of political correctness idea is a determent to society and will certainly destroy the church. Instead of solving problems it intensifies them and creates more. The church needs to call Bible things by Bible names and teach the precepts of God from Scripture. God’s word spans the bridge of time and gives solutions to our problems as well as the problems of society.

God so loved the world (people) that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Therein lies the hope, the peace, the contentment and salvation for those who believe and obey the gospel. Churches need to preach and teach “Thus saith the Lord” and forget about what man thinks is politically correct!

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 21, p. 5
November 7, 1996