Truth Magazine

By Larry Ray Hafley

When we face problems, we ask the Lord to help us overcome and solve them — “casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Pet. 5:7). 

The same is true of a congregation of God’s people. “Prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for” the apostle Peter when he was imprisoned (Acts 12:5). Certainly, we may pray for deliverance from those kinds of problems. However, there are a few problems we might ought to pray for. 

1. Parking Problems: Our parking problems are not as big as they could be. It would be good if we could have difficulty finding a parking place when we come to worship. 

2. Undersized Nursery: It would be great if our nursery room needed to be enlarged. Let us pray that we will have so many young families that our nursery facilities will become a real headache for us. 

3. Inadequate Seating Space: May the Lord help us to grow to the point that we will hear many folks complain about being unable to find a seat, even when they arrive early. 

4. Classrooms Needed: Of course, we must ask the Lord to help us have a problem with not having enough classes and classrooms. 

5. Too Many Teachers: In conjunction with the previous point, may it be a constant challenge to assign a class to all those who volunteer to teach. Due to the great number who seek to be Bible class teachers, let us trust that many will complain about not being able to find an opening. 
6. Sermon Length: Lord, please increase the number of those who complain about the preacher’s sermons not being long enough. 

7. Singing Disturbs Neighbors: Without creating tension, it would be good if some in the neighborhood were to complain about our singing being too loud as we praise God. 

8. Not Enough Front Row Seats: Pray that due to the large number of young people who sit on the first few rows, our elderly brethren will complain that they cannot find a seat close enough to hear and see.

9. Home Studies: Let there be more home Bible studies than can be filled, though teachers abound. 

10. Overpaid: Let it be glaringly obvious that they are right who complain that this preacher is grossly overpaid! 

By Connie W. Adams

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day (Gen. 1:1-5).

Before God brought form and life to the earth, darkness hovered over the waters which covered the earth. In God’s wisdom, it would require light for life to be sustained. Light was a good thing. It dispelled darkness. 

Light and Darkness

It is no accident that the Holy Spirit chose light and darkness to stand for good and evil. There is something ominous about darkness. What lurks in the blackness? Light unfolds the mystery. What can be seen can be understood.

Prophecy — a Light in a Dark Place

New Testament writers described the Old Testament period as a mystery, something not fully revealed. Paul spoke of his role in that mystery. It was “revealed” to him in words which could be read and understood. His work was “to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ” (Eph. 3:2-9). Peter identified prophecy as “a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts” (2 Pet. 1:19). The dawning of the day was the arrival of the gospel age and the “day star” was Christ. Malachi referred to the coming one as “the Sun of righteousness” who would “arise with healing in his wings” (Mal. 4:2). The fulness of that divine plan was not comprehended even by those prophets who emitted these bursts of light in this dark place. Peter said these prophets wondered “what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow” (1 Pet. 1:9-12). Even as there was light divided from darkness before God made the sun, moon, and stars, even so prophecy was divine light shining in a world that anxiously awaited the rising of the Sun of righteousness.

Christ, the Light of the World

When Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, prophesied after the birth of John, he pointed to the one for whom John came to make preparation. He said, “Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, into the way of peace” (Luke 1:78-79). If you want to know what great darkness engulfed the world when Jesus came into it, you have but to read Romans 1:18-32. The  Gentile world had abandoned the knowledge of God, pursued their own will and degenerated into unspeakable spiritual and moral darkness. Paul said their “foolish heart was darkened” (v. 21). The Jews at least had their prophets with their light shining in the dark place of Old Testament history, but they had ignored God’s law and were in darkness also. “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23).

It was time for God to say “Let there be light.” And there was light. John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way for this light. “The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:6-9).

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 1:12). The process of coming to Christ is described in terms of being “delivered out of the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Col. 1:13). “But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of affliction” (Heb. 10:32). The eyes of the Ephesians were said to have been “enlightened” (Eph. 1:18).

The lost are yet in the darkness of sin. “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the God of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Cor. 4:3-4). All who reject Christ are yet in darkness. Those who believe and obey him have been “called out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Pet. 2:9).

“This Little Light of Mine — Let It Shine”

The world in which we live is filled with the darkness of sin and error. People are fumbling and groping about, frustrated, perplexed, wondering what life is all about. Some have sought light in human reason thinking that “man is the measure of himself.” Others have turned to hedonism thinking that light may be found in fleshly gratification. Some have lost themselves in materialism thinking that life consists in the abundance of things. Nations continue to make war with each other. Within our own nation there are serious polarizations between rich and poor and between races. Moral standards have shifted, crumbled and sometimes become non-existent to many of our people. In the face of all this darkness it is time to say “let there be light.” Christ is still the light of the world. But he is now in heaven at the right hand of God. Still, his light is revealed not only in the Scriptures but in the hearts and lives of Christians.

Jesus said of those who would follow him: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:14-16). The words, attitudes and deeds of Christians must be clearly seen by those who sit in darkness. It is not just a better way, it is the only way. “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world” (Phil. 2:15). It is imperative that Christians not dim their light or obscure it altogether. A clear difference must be seen between the lives of those who serve Christ and those of the world about us. That is why Paul said, “Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness” (1 Thess. 5:5). He also said, “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light . . .  And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Eph. 5:8-11).

Brethren, there is no place for hand holding between darkness and light. There must be a clear distinction for all the world to see. Those who compromise with the world of sin and error have blurred or dimmed the light which that very world must see clearly in order to be delivered from its power. Let there be light.

P.O. Box 69, Brooks, Kentucky 40109

By Larry Ray Hafley

The following editorial, by Taylor B. Camp, appeared in the Baytown Sun, April 27, 2000.  Please read it and our editorials below which satirically paraphrase and parallel Mr. Taylor’s views. Now, the Taylor editorial, “Vermont law lets people decide for themselves.”

“The state of Vermont appears ready to grant gay and lesbian couples all the benefits of marriage.  It will be the first-ever legislation giving such rights to gays and lesbians.  

“Tuesday, the state House approved a bill on the issue by a 79 to 68 vote.  Last week, the state Senate also approved the bill.  The governor on Wednesday signed the legislation, which will go into effect July 1.

“When it goes into effect, gays and lesbians will be able to engage in civil unions similar to marriage, and will have state rights and responsibilities similar to those enjoyed by married heterosexual couples. Those rights will include such things as health insurance and tax benefits.

“The federal government and other states do not recognize the unions, but they are nonetheless a first step toward a more open society, one where discrimination and exclusion are pushed just a bit further into the corner.

“Certainly, everyone won’t approve of gay and lesbian marriages, and that’s fine.  It’s not a matter that everyone need agree with, nor is it a matter to be decided on moral grounds.  It is a matter, just like a traditional marriage, that should remain between two people.

“Predictably, many churches have opposed Vermont’s new legislation and 31 states have passed laws restricting marriages to male-female unions. 

“The federal government also forbids same-sex couples from receiving federal marriage benefits.  It also has said that states can ignore same-sex marriages allowed by other states.
“Who’s to say, though, whether two people should be married?  It seems a throwback to the days of discrimination, of rights for a few, if we prohibit people from pursuing life, liberty and happiness.

“It’s also judgmental, and much of that judgment comes from factions who say they want the judging left to a higher moral authority.”

At least Vermont is willing to let people decide for themselves.      

Vermont Law Lets Pedophiles Decide 
For Themselves
Taler B. Nonjudgmental

The state of Vermont appears ready to grant pedophile and child couples all the benefits of marriage.  It will be the first-ever legislation giving such rights to pedophiles and children.

Tuesday, the state House approved a bill on the issue by a 79 to 68 vote.  Last week, the state Senate also approved the bill.  The governor on Wednesday signed the legislation, which will go into effect July 1.

When it goes into effect, pedophiles and their love-child will be able to engage in civil unions similar to marriage, and will have state rights and responsibilities similar to those enjoyed by married heterosexual couples.  Those rights will include such things as health insurance and tax benefits.

The federal government and other states do not recognize the unions, but they are nonetheless a first step toward a more open society, one where discrimination and exclusion are pushed just a bit further into the corner.

Certainly, everyone won’t approve of pedophile and child marriages, and that’s fine.  It’s not a matter that everyone need agree with, nor is it a matter to be decided on moral grounds.  It is a matter, just like a traditional marriage, that should remain between two people.

Predictably, many churches have opposed Vermont’s new legislation and 31 states have passed laws restricting marriages to male-female unions. 

The federal government also forbids pedophiles and love-child couples from receiving federal marriage benefits.  It also has said that states can ignore pedophile-love-child marriages allowed by other states.

Who’s to say, though, whether two people should be married?  It seems a throwback to the days of discrimination, of rights for a few, if we prohibit people from pursuing life, liberty and happiness.

It’s also judgmental, and much of that judgment comes from factions who say they want the judging left to a higher moral authority.

At least Vermont is willing to let people decide for themselves.    

(Before he comments [in a non-judgmental fashion, of course], we should like for our inclusive, non-discriminating editor to read another editorial designed to  aid others who, like him, are “pursuing life, liberty and happiness.”)
Vermont Law Allows Both Man And Beast 
To Decide For Themselves
Taler B. Willing

The state of Vermont appears ready to grant gay and beast couples all the benefits of marriage.  It will be the first-ever legislation giving such rights to gays and animals.  

Tuesday, the state House approved a bill on the issue by a 79 to 68 vote.  Last week, the state Senate also approved the bill.  The governor on Wednesday signed the legislation, which will go into effect July 1.

When it goes into effect, gays and goats will be able to engage in civil unions similar to marriage, and will have state rights and responsibilities similar to those enjoyed by married heterosexual couples.  Those rights will include such things as health insurance and tax benefits.

The federal government and other states do not recognize the unions, but they are nonetheless a first step toward a more open society, one where discrimination and exclusion are pushed just a bit further into the corner.

Certainly, everyone won’t approve of lesbian and sheep marriages, and that’s fine.  It’s not a matter that everyone need agree with, nor is it a matter to be decided on moral grounds.  It is a matter, just like a traditional marriage, that should remain between one person and his love-beast.

Predictably, many churches have opposed Vermont’s new legislation and 31 states have passed laws restricting marriages to male-female unions. 

The federal government also forbids gay-billy goat couples from receiving federal marriage benefits.  It also has said that states can ignore gay-animal sex marriages allowed by other states.

Who’s to say, though, whether two species should be married?  It seems a throwback to the days of discrimination, of rights for a few, if we prohibit people and their pets from pursuing life, liberty and happiness.

It’s also judgmental, and much of that judgment comes from factions who say they want the judging left to a higher moral authority.

At least Vermont is willing to let people and man’s best friend decide for themselves.      

(We should like to know if editor Camp now will convert and become a judgmental, discriminatory, moralistic fellow who will deny men, children, and their dearly loved animals the right to seek “inclusion” in “a more open society.”  Even if he opposes us, he should remember that a wise man once said, “Certainly, everyone won’t approve of gay and lesbian (adult-child; gay-animal marriages), and that’s fine.  It’s not a matter that everyone need agree with, nor is it a matter to be decided on moral grounds.”)   

By Heath Rogers

“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few” (Acts 17:11-12). This passage is a testament to the noble minded Bereans. They heard the word of God spoken by an apostle, yet they were not satisfied with his message until they first investigated it in light of Scripture. They weren’t taking anything for granted. It was only after a careful examination of the word of God that they came to believe.

To assume means to take something for granted, to suppose something to be a fact. We make assumptions about things every day. But we also realize there are times when an assumption just will not do. If we start having chest pains, we don’t assume it is heartburn and that it will go away. We seek medical attention. If we have car trouble, we don’t just assume it will be all right. We don’t want to be stranded somewhere. We climb under the hood or take it to a mechanic. If we get overcharged on a bill, we don’t assume it is correct and pay it. We call the company, find out what the charge is for, and get it corrected. 

How much more important are our eternal souls than these things? Yet many people are satisfied with what they have heard someone say about the Bible, and have taken it to be the truth, though they have never searched the Scriptures for themselves. They are resting their faith, and their fate, upon dangerous assumptions. What are some of these assumptions?

I’m A Good Person

Some people think they don’t need religion, church or the Bible because they are good people. I’m glad they think they are good. But the fact is that all of us can find people worse than ourselves to make ourselves look good.

The Bible is concerned with our sin. Whether good or bad, all of us have sinned (Rom. 3:10, 23). And there’s not a thing our goodness can do to save us (Tit. 3:5). In Acts 10 we are introduced to Cornelius. He was devout, feared God, was generous to the poor, and prayed always — certainly a good person by our standards today. Yet he was told to send for Peter and he would be told what he “must do.” Despite his goodness, he was lacking something. When Peter came to his house, he commanded them to be baptized (Acts 10:48). Cornelius teaches us that being good is not good enough, we must be a Christian. 

I’ve Been Too Bad

This next assumption is to the opposite extreme. When talking to some about becoming a Christian, they will say, “You don’t realize what I’ve done. God would never have me. I can never be forgiven for what I’ve done.” They feel that they have been too bad to be saved. This is the biggest lie that the devil has ever told. God is the one who does the saving, why don’t we let him decide who he will and will not save? 

When one responds this way I ask them to consider what the Jews on Pentecost had done. Peter told them that  they killed the Son of God (Acts 2:23, 36). When they asked what they should do, Peter didn’t tell them that they couldn’t be saved. He told them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). If God was willing to forgive the very men who were responsible for the murder of his Only Begotten Son, why wouldn’t he forgive you?

The first group of people that we looked at believe that Christianity is for bad people. These folks believe it is for good people. The fact is that the gospel is for all. 

God Has Already Chosen Who Will Be Saved and Lost

When I was in college, there was one day each semester that the Gideons would be on campus handing out their New Testaments. I was sitting in a lecture hall awaiting the beginning of a class on one such day and I heard a couple of young men sitting behind me flipping through their New Testaments. One said to the other, “You know, it says in here somewhere that God has already chosen who will be saved or lost. So, what’s the point?” Then I heard him close it and put it away. I have often thought about that young man. He closed his Bible because of an assumption, something he had heard someone say about the Bible. 

The Bible does teach that we are predestined or chosen by God. The question is “How?” Are we chosen strictly as individuals without regard to our faith or obedience (as the young man assumed)? Or are we chosen as a group of individuals who meet specific qualifications based upon our faith and obedience? I believe it is the latter. 

Ephesians 1:4 tells us that we were chosen by God in Christ. God determined before the world began that he would save those who have entered his Son through faith, repentance, and baptism. He left the choice of believing, repenting, and being baptized up to us. 
There are some serious consequences to face if God has chosen us as individuals. For one thing, it would make him a respecter of persons, which the Bible says he is not (Acts 10:34-35). And it would make God cruel. Why was the gospel to be preached to all if not everyone could be saved by it (Mark 16:15)? Wouldn’t it be cruel to offer eternal salvation to someone you had no intention of saving? The Bible says that God wants everyone to be saved through a knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:3-4). Heaven’s invitation is extended to “whosoever” (Rev. 22:17). That includes you. Open your Bible.

Doesn’t Matter What You Believe,  As Long As You Are Sincere

This assumption is dangerous because it is half true. We have to be sincere — but it does matter what we believe! Paul shows us that it is possible to be sincerely mistaken (Acts 23:1). Jesus said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 7:21). 

Many want to see God as a kind, gentle, grandfather figure who loves everyone, will only condemn the “Hitler” types, and is tickled to death that anyone would do anything for him. This is not an accurate representation of God. True, God is loving, merciful, and forgiving. But he is also a righteous God who has always required obedience. It is dangerous to make assumptions about God. 

Once Saved/Always Saved

This assumption is dangerous because it gives one a false sense of security. It teaches that all one has to do is become a Christian and he is saved forever regardless of what he does. We can see why this doctrine would be embraced by so many. It is a license to sin!

Galatians 5:4 says, “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.” Heaven is not guaranteed to us the moment we are saved. Heaven is a promise based upon the condition that we remain faithful until death (Rev. 2:10)! 

Conclusion

Our soul is the most important thing that we have because in the end it is the only thing that we will have. We have our lifetime to secure a resting place for our soul. Heaven and hell are just too important to be satisfied with assumptions. We don’t have to take anyone’s word for what the Bible says. Ephesians 3:4 tells us that “when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ.” Jesus said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Search the Scriptures for yourself and find the truth.

23 S. Margaret St., Joliet, Illinois 60436 heathrogers@mindsprind.com