Truth Magazine

By R.J. Evans

W.E. Vine defines “patience” as “an abiding under.” Thus, patience can be thought of as “uncomplaining endurance.” We are told by the inspired apostle Peter to “add . . . to temperance patience” (2 Pet. 1:6). This grace must be added to our lives if we are going to be successful in living the Christian life. But by so doing, much effort and diligence on our part is required. The so-called patience of some can best be illustrated by the one who prayed: “Lord, give me patience and give it to me right now!”

Patience is needed in every phase and aspect of life. It is needed in youth where there is a tendency to be overly zealous and eager; it is needed in adulthood when it is so easy to lose control of the temper; and it is also essential during old age when periods of gloom can be so prevalent. The Bible has much to say about patience. But in this article we shall focus our attention primarily on situations wherein patience is needed. They are as follows:

In Well Doing

“To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life” (Rom. 2:7). This verse emphasizes the fact that we must continue on or persevere in good works if we are going to be saved in the end. The idea of being patient in well doing is also expressed in Galatians 6:9: “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Much opposition will be encountered when we do good, but we must “keep on keeping on!”

In Tribulation

All faithful Christians suffer persecution (2 Tim. 3:12). Hence, during these times of affliction, we must patiently endure it. Paul instructs us to be “patient in tribulation” (Rom. 12:12). Christ is our perfect example of one who exercised patience in tribulation (see 1 Pet. 2:21-23). The apostle Paul commended the Thessalonian brethren in this regard: “So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure” (2 Thess. 1:4).

In Dealing With All Men

“Now we exhort you brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men” (1 Thess. 5:14). We must be longsuffering or patient when dealing with perverse views, defects, and the sins of men. Being “patient toward all men” involves our not being easily offended. We must bear long with all: with the lost – in hopes of seeing them led to obedience through our teaching efforts; with the lukewarm – in meekness, considering ourselves (Gal. 6:1); and with the disorderly – admonishing him as a brother (2 Thess. 3:15).

In The Race That Is Set Before Us

In the Scripture, the Christian life has been likened to a race. It is a continuous race that must be run to the end. Running this race involves hardships and difficulties which must be met. Therefore, patience is needed! “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1).

In Waiting For Our Reward

“But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it” (Rom. 8:25). The farmer best illustrates this point. “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain ” (Jas. 5:7-8). Also, we must consider the fact that “the Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness, but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9).

Conclusion

We must heed God’s counsel concerning patience. By so doing, we have a good influence on others, and most importantly, it prepares us for the eternal reward in the hereafter. “For we have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise” (Heb. 10:36).

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 4, p. 101
February 16, 1989

By Olen Holderby

During forty-five years of preaching I have found it helpful, in beginning my labors at any new place, to begin with a good understanding between the local brethren and me. To accomplish this, in my first sermon I normally would offer both explanations and expectations. My personal limitations are fully explained; and my own methods of getting acquainted with everyone are clearly set forth. I comment upon the values of optimism and enthusiasm; and express my contempt for pessimism. I have come to work with (not for) the local church. I will preach to both saint and sinner; though my main focus will be regarding the basic duties of the local membership. In doing this I shall be careful not to show any respect of persons (Jas. 2:9).

In Acts 2:36-42, we witness a local church of the Lord coming into existence, we see how people became members of it, and the text ends by showing that local church at work. We often speak of the beginning. Here it is! Since we are concerned with our working together, we surely are interested in the question:

What Is A Working Church?

A working church is a teaching or preaching church. A fine example of this is found in 1 Thessalonians 1:8. Paul said, “For from you sounded out the word of the Lord” and , they were so persistent in this that the news of their faith was spread abroad. We need to do, as they did, turn from our “idols to serve the living and true God.” What we normally refer to as the teaching program of the church needs to be a planned one, an organized one, observed carefully, evaluated properly, and changed when and where necessary. An inadequate teaching program makes for failure and should not be long tolerated. Apart from the salvation of souls the church would have no reason to even exist; thus, we recognize the mission of the church – preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ in order that souls might be saved (Rom. 1: 14-17). This does not overlook the fact that each individual member is to be involved in the teaching of this same gospel (Matt. 28:19-20; 2 Tim. 2:2). Here is one area in which the function of the local church and the individual Christian overlaps; and neither can rule out the other. There can be no dodging of responsibility in either case!

A working church will be a church with all of her officers at work. 1 Timothy 3:1, clearly shows that such officers have a work, a good work, to do. They are overseers of a flock which they are to feed (Acts 20:28); they watch for the souls of the flock (Heb. 13:17), and must give an account for the job which they do. Their oversight is limited to the local church; and their motives are regulated (1 Pet. 5:2-3). Their examples, in work and conduct, will prove to be the most powerful tool at their command.

A working church is a church with her evangelist at work. I am told to be an example to believers in word, conversation, charity, spirit, faith, and purity (1 Tim. 4:12). I shall endeavor to do just that, to practice what I preach! I hasten, however, to add that an example is set to be followed (1 Cor. 11:1). You have the right to expect me to be just what God’s Word teaches me to be.

A working church is a church with all her members at work. In addition to the individual teaching, already noticed, members are to cooperate and to show enthusiasm. Your functions are to be governed by a knowledge of God’s Word (Rom. 10:1-3). Wherever you are, you are to function as the Savior would have you to do (Acts 8:4); you are to be laborers in his vineyard (Matt. 20:1ff). Just as you have the right to expect me to be just what the Lord would have me be; I have a right to expect you to be what the Lord would have you to be. Let neither of us disappoint the other.

A working church is a giving church. Individual members contribute to the work of the local church (1 Cor. 16:1-2); and the local church must spend those funds doing what the Lord has told the church to do. In addition to her mission of preaching the gospel, the local church may spend her funds in assisting needy saints (2 Cor. 8,9). Because her work is so important, and because an accounting must be given, great wisdom must be utilized in using such funds. However, let us not use wisdom as an excuse for not using those funds.

A working church will be a church bound together by love for one another and for the Lord. This is obvious from such passages as Matthew 22:37-39; 1 John 3:18; and John 15:12. No one argues as to whether or not we should love one another; we all know this. But, what is often overlooked is how that love functions. Love can be known only by the action which it prompts. Many passages reflect upon this, but the traits found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, will suffice for this lesson. Let us not forget what it is that proves our love for one another – Action! Action! Action!

This, in my view, is a working church; if the church is not thus functioning, she is operating at a direct loss to the Lord. In such a case, let us not forget Romans 2:16.

Now that we know what to expect of each other, let us all go to work! Let us patiently and persistently give to the Lord the best of what we are and the best of what we have. If we all do this we shall have a happy and successful work together.

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 3, p. 78
February 2, 1989

By Luther W. Martin

The first book of the New Testament, was written by Matthew, a resident of Capernaum. At this time, the Roman government had established a custom-house at Capernaum, and Matthew, a publican, had been appointed as a resident deputy (portitor), a collector of taxes, for the Romans. Portitors were not popular among their own people; they seemed to have “sold out” to their conquerors by collecting taxes for Rome from their own kinsmen, the Jews. Alexander the Great through his military conquests several centuries before Christ, had spread the Greek language throughout the Mediterranean World. Now, Rome had conquered the “civilized” world, and had forced Roman laws (civil and military), as well as politics, throughout its territories. And, although the koine Greek, was the language of politics, commerce, and even religion; it would be several centuries before the Latin Language would begin its ascendency.

Matthew Wrote To Convince The Jews About Christ

It is not known whether Matthew’s biography of Christ was the first to be written, or not. Some scholars have thought that it preceded Mark and Luke. In any event, Matthew, Mark, and Luke’s biographies of Christ are called “synoptic gospels,” because they generally cover the same sequence of events in the life of Christ, while John’s biography of Christ approaches the subject from a different perspective.

As a tax collector under Herod Antipas, Matthew possessed a fluent ability in Aramaic or Hebrew Languages, as well as the commonly spoken koine Greek. Like most of the Jewish people, Matthew eagerly awaited the coming Messiah and King; and anticipated the establishment of a kingdom, that would be military, and political; and would possess such strength, that it would conquer all of its neighbors.

The Book of Matthew serves as a vital connection between the Old and New Covenants. Beginning with the very first verse, it is designed to interest the Jews: “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham” because the Jews had long heard and read from the Old Testament prophets, how their King would be a descendant of King David . . . harking back to the “glory days” of Israel and Judah, in their expectations!

The Gospel according to Matthew, would also provide a relationship between the Law of Moses and the Gospel of Christ; and this would prove to be particularly applicable to the Jews. Mark’s biography of Christ, would be written in a style and manner to appeal to the Romans, and Luke’s biography would be directed toward the Greeks. This would leave John’s “spiritual” biography, with its different approach from the other three biographies, to bring to completion, the Heaven-inspired record, described as: “these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (Jn. 20:31).

Matthew’s Record Has Some Peculiarities

One unusual aspect of Matthew’s biography of Christ, will be listed: although there are some others.

Of the four biographical books, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, only Matthew uses the expression “Kingdom of Heaven” and it is used in thirty-one verses! Neither Mark, Luke nor John make use of the expression “Kingdom of Heaven! “

Matthew does use “Kingdom of God” five times; but the term “Kingdom of Heaven” emphasizes a connotation that had a special appeal to the Jews . . . for whom Matthew’s biography, was especially written!

Ever since the prophet Daniel had written: “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed” (Dan. 2:44); the Jewish people had been looking for, and longing for, the prophetic kingdom! In fact, the very last question asked by the Apostles of Jesus, just before he ascended into heaven, was: “Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6)

The expressions “Kingdom of Heaven” and “Kingdom of God,” are synonymous, they refer to the same thing; but specify some different aspects and characteristics concerning this “kingdom” that would also be designated as the Lord’s ekkiesid. the called-out assembly, community, or church (called out of the world; called away from carnality qnd worldliness).

May I suggest that by using the term “Heaven” to the Jews, who were so all-wrapped-up in their thoughts of an. earthly, political kingdom, that inspiration was stressing the heavenly or spiritual make-up of this kingdom! Jesus said: “If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?” (John 3:12) So, it appears that the “Kingdom of Heaven” was used in contrast to earthly kingdoms.

A kingdom, possesses several attributes: (a) A king, as its ruler and law-giver – Christ! (b) The subjects; citizens who are obedient to the King – Christ I (c) The statutes or laws, as issued by the King – Gospel of Christ, contained in the New Testament! (d) The territory (scope) of this kingdom; the minds of men! “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or, ‘See there!’ For, indeed, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:20-21), rather than a geographical realm.

Christ also proclaimed: “My kingdom is not Of this world! If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews” (Jn. 18:36). Thus, Christ left no question as to the nature of his kingdom! It was spiritual or heavenly! This, I believe, is why Matthew exclusively used the expression “Kingdom of Heaven” in writing to these earthly-kingdom-anticipating Jews!

Matthew’s biography of Christ’s life, was specifically for instructing the Jews of the first century, A.D. In the 24th chapter of Matthew, the destruction of Jerusalem was predicted and described. This event took place in 70 A.D., when the Roman Legions over-ran Palestine.

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 3, pp. 84-85
February 2, 1989

By Hoyt H. Houchen

The above question is often asked by members of the church. Those who are sound in the faith will ponder upon this question, not from the standpoint of numbers alone, but as to what will make the church grow spiritually what will make a strong church, one that will be pleasing in the eyes of God. While we are interested in seeing as many souls in the church as possible, if we shall center our attention upon the following points that will be considered, and make a sincere effort to see that they are accomplished, the numbers will take care of themselves. What are some of the things that will make the church grow?

Faithful Teaching

The church is the fulfillment of God’s eternal purpose (Eph. 3:10-11). It is a spiritual institution with a spiritual message (Jn. 18:36; Rom. 14:17; 1 Tim. 3:15). The church is the agency through which God’s will is preached, and in the accomplishment of this work it makes known “the manifold wisdom of God” (Eph. 3: 10). God’s many-sided wisdom is seen in the church, its arrangement, its all-sufficiency to do the work that God requires it to do.

The local church, then, with Christ as its head, elders as its overseers, deacons as its servants, evangelists and saints (Phil. 1:1), is assigned the task of preaching the gospel (1 Tim. 3:15), caring for the needs of its saints (Acts 6:1-6), and edifying (Eph. 4:11-13). When the congregation, the local church, meets these responsibilities, it is faithful to the Lord in these matters. A church that will not discharge its obligation to teach the truth, or any other duty that God has enjoined upon it, cannot be considered a faithful church.

When a congregation fails to teach the truth upon any subject, the disastrous results will soon be seen. Its elders, preacher, and all others who are placed in the position of responsibility in teaching must someday stand before God and give an account for not “declaring the whole counsel of God.” The Lord said to the church at Sardis, “I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and thou art dead” (Rev. 3:1).

A growing church is one that is faithful in its teaching.

Steadfast Prayer

A growing church is one whose members are devoted to prayer.

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in prayers (Acts 2:42).

The Jerusalem church was a praying church. When Peter was released from prison, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John “where many were gathered together and were praying” (Acts 12:12). The Lord’s people should be a praying people. “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17). Prayer is essential to the growth of the church.

Spiritual Emphasis

Numbers have too often become the center of attraction. Elders, preachers, and many other members of the local church are too often influenced by the flashy appearance of numbers. It is supposed too often that numbers reflect bigness, popularity, and prestige. Elders are too often absorbed by the material building improvements, details and errands that can be assigned to others, than by their main line of work, which is watching in behalf of souls (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2; Heb. 13:17). When the work of benevolence had been assigned by the apostles, they said, “But we will continue steadfastly in prayer, and in the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4). The material did not deter the apostles from their main line of work.

Preachers may be so absorbed by clerical work, social activities, and details in general, that they do not take the time to study, read, meditate, and “preach the word,” the real work of an evangelist (1 Tim. 4:13; 2 Tim. 4:2-5). Members in general are too often so swayed by the world, television, pleasure trips, business, and other enterprises, until they become disinterested in spiritual things and become unfaithful in attendance at services. Worldliness is the attitude that is basically responsible for our problems within the church; it destroys spirituality (see Col. 3:1-2; 1 Jn. 2:17). Spiritual emphasis is necessary for the growth of the church.

Perseverance in Persecution

Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:12, “Yea, and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” Members of the church who stand for the truth “shall” suffer persecution. It is not “maybe” or “perhaps,” but “shall.” Persecution defined is “the act of persecuting; cruel oppression. Any period of systematic oppression, infliction of torture, death, etc., on account of religious belief. Persistent petty annoyance. A persecution” (Funk & Wagnall’s Standard Dictionary).

Who would be better qualified to know that the godly shall be persecuted than the apostle Paul? In verse eleven, preceding the verse quoted above, Paul refers to some of his hardships when he writes of “persecutions, sufferings; what things befell me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: and out of them all the Lord delivered me.”

There are different ways by which the godly are persecuted. (1) By being inflicted with injury personally and even bodily. It has always been true that if a man’s message cannot be answered, then destroy the man. (2) By being placed in some unfavorable circumstance or light. This is illustrated today when brethren are charged with not believing in caring for the orphans, not believing in cooperation, and in being opposed to “mission work.” These accusations are made for the purpose of placing us in an unfavorable position so that the unscriptural projects can be better perpetrated. (3) By being shunned, isolated, and boycotted. As was true in the battle over mechanical instruments of music in worship and the missionary society, ways and means are found to limit the influence of those who oppose the innovations today. These are but a few of the many ways persecutions come to those who stand up for the truth and live godly.

Persecution is certain to come upon those who will fight to maintain the right. Since it is to be expected, we are not to pull out the “crying towel,” but rather to rejoice that we can be “counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name” (Acts 5:41). Jesus said in Matthew 5:11,12,

Blessed are ye when men shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you.

Perseverance in persecution will make the church grow. Following the stoning of Stephen, “there arose on that day a great persecution against the church which was in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles” (Acts 8: 1). We are told in verse four, “They therefore that were scattered abroad went about preaching the word. ” Persecution will weed out the weak, and it will make the strong stronger. Indeed, it will separate the “men” from the “boys.”

Liberality in Giving

The early church was liberal in its giving. Possessions were sold by the early Christians in order that needy saints could be relieved (Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-35)., Such liberality was manifested, as in another case of such, because “first they gave their own selves to the Lord” (2 Cor. 8:5). God’s people have been taught to give by God their Father, who sent and gave his only begotten Son, that through him the world might be redeemed (Jn. 3:16). The world’s redeemer and the Christian’s advocate gave himself.

When people are truly converted to the Lord, they will give. They know that the Bible teaches them to give, and they are happy because they are able to give. Paul wrote:

Let each man do according as he hath purposed in his heart: not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver (2 Cor. 9:7).

When the Lord’s people give their money, their time, their service, and all that they can toward the advancement of the Lord’s cause, the gospel will be preached, souls will be saved, and more work will be done that the Lord expects the church to accomplish, than by all of the promotional schemes that man can devise.

Liberality in giving will make the church grow.

Purity in Living

It is not enough to know the truth, believe the truth, and preach the truth. Living pure lives is also essential to the growth of the church. Jesus told his disciples in Matthew 5:13-16,

Ye are the salt of the earth; but if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Niether do men light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shineth unto all that are in the house. Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

A few years ago, a preacher was in a Japanese compound, telling a little Japanese girl about Jesus and how his disciples are the salt of the earth. The little girl looked up into the eyes of the preacher, and, with tears in her eyes and with an expression of confidence, said, “I know why Jesus said that his disciples are the salt of the earth.” The preacher asked her why. She replied, “So the world will be thirsty for Jesus! “

The old adage, “I had rather see a sermon than hear one any day,” still remains true. Paul wrote to Titus that “denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world” (Tit. 2:11-12).

These are six things that will make the church grow. The church that will please the Lord is the one that is sound in the faith, its members following the teaching of Jesus Christ, and living out the principles that he taught. A church of this kind will grow, and will grow in the way that the Lord wants it to grow.

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 4, pp. 97, 119-120
February 16, 1989