Truth Magazine

By Lewis Willis

Art Linkletter, noted author, lecturer and television personality, gained much of his fame telling the funny things that kids said and did. His name became a household word. Most people readily identified the source of many of those funny things kids said and did. They came from parents! For some reason the silliness of the parents was funny when coming from a child. The kids haven’t been talking about it on television yet, but their parents have recently done something silly and it would be funny if it did not reflect a deteriorated sense of values in our country.

A few years ago the Coca-Cola Company changed their soft drink formula and started marketing the “new Coke.” The sweeter formula, their research showed, was just the thing the American people wanted. However, the change created national indignation. Across the country protest groups formed in an effort to change the company’s decision. Petition signing campaigns were instigated in most cities. It was urged that those that were dissatisfied call the company to protest their change. Hundreds of thousands of telephone calls were made. The ABC television program, 20/20, reported that one man spent $50,000 of his personal funds in an effort to get the company to bring back the old Coke. The 20/20 reporter did a taste test with this man and his volunteer staff, using the new Coke, Pepsi and the Old Coke that he wanted the company to bring back. He flunked the test. After spending $50,000 of his money, he and his staff preferred the new Coke and Pepsi over the old formula!

After all the furor was over, the Coca-Cola Company caved in and has now brought back the old Coke. The critics won! Behold, how great a victory hath been achieved for the people of the nation and the world!

This entire situation will be viewed by people on a scale of funny to stupid, depending upon their preference regarding the soft drink. It seems to me that there is a note of tragedy that is also involved. All around us we see the startling inroads of sin in our lives which literally threaten our national existence. Murders, rapes, thefts, abortion, homosexuality, alcoholism, drugs, fornication, child abuse and scores of other things too numerous to mention are tearing at the heart and fiber of our great nation. Yet, few people will open their mouths to say anything about these sins and it is unthinkable that we would spend any money to curb their rise in our country. But, change the formula of Coca-Cola and we lift our voices in a mighty scream of protest that is heard all the way to corporate headquarters.

Have our values sunk so low that morality is less important to us than a taste? How can we explain the silence of so many while society, the home and the church are being systematically destroyed because of the prevalence of immorality in our society? How can we explain the attitude and actions of God’s people in such matters? Have we forgotten what God expects of his people – what he expects the influence of the church to be?

Do we not recall that the people of God are a peculiar people (1 Pet. 2:9-10)? Are we not supposed to be separate from the world, touching not the unclean thing (2 Cor. 6:17-18)? And what is this responsibility to shine as lights in the world (Phil. 2:15-16)? And what of all of those passages dealing with the world (Phil. 2:15-16)? And what of all of those passages dealing with that special moral conduct that typifies God’s people (1 Tim. 4:12; 5:22; 2 Cor. 5:17; Rom. 12:1-2; 1 Jn. 3:13; 2 Tim. 2:19; 1 Pet. 4:4, Jas. 1:27; Tit. 2:11-12)?

I was just thinkin’. the values of a people which historically have championed goodness and moral uprightness have indeed “lost their fizz.” However, a protest letter or telephone call to Coca-Cola will not change this situation. It could easily be changed with repentance in obedience to God!

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 2, p. 39
January 19, 1989

By Hoyt Houchen

Question: Please explain 2 Peter 3:10. Is it literal? If literal, then heaven will also pass away.

Reply: 2 Peter 3:10 says: “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up.”

The “heavens” mentioned in this verse are not to be confused with “heaven,” the holy abiding place of God. The “heavens” in 2 Peter 3: 10 refer to the atmospheric heavens, the visible portion of the universe above us in which the birds fly (Gen. 1:20). Mark 4:32 refers to “the birds of the heaven.” Peter declares that “the heavens shall pass away with a great noise.” This is a description of what will take place at the second coming of Jesus. The sky will pass away and the earth will be burned up. The “heavens” include what was necessary for the dwelling place which God prepared for man – the “heavens and the earth.”

In verse 13 of 2 Peter, a figurative description is given of what will exist after the literal “heavens” and the literal “earth” will have passed away. Peter tells us that we look for “new heavens and a new earth, where in dwelleth righteousness.” This must refer to heaven where the righteous will dwell. So, in contrast to the old literal heavens and earth which will be dissolved, there will be “new heavens and a new earth.” The word “new” is translated from the Greek word kainos which has reference to quality. It is defined: recently made, fresh, recent, unused, unworn (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon of the N. T., p. 317). It is not, therefore, a contrast of the young with the old, but it is “unused,” “unworn.”

The present “heavens and earth” are man’s present abode, and they symbolize a better place – “new heavens and a new earth.” When Jesus ascended he left the earth and went to his Father’s dwelling place. God’s throne is in heaven (Psa. 11:4). He went to prepare a place (Jn. 14:2). He is now in heaven, and when he returns he will take his faithful back to heaven where they will dwell with him forever.

Heaven, the abiding place of God and the future abode of the righteous, will not pass away at the conflagration mentioned in 2 Peter 3:10. Christians long for a better place than what the present literal heavens and earth offer. They look forward to heaven, that eternal home for the soul – “new heavens and a new earth.”

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 2, p. 37
January 19, 1989

By John A. Smith

In the beautiful and poetic instructive prayer of Jesus in Matthew 6, disciples are called upon to use prayer in their fight against temptation: “And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (v. 13a). We may not always easily discern the relation between prayer and our ability to say “no” in the face of temptation. Understanding the statement of Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:13 (“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it.”) and relating it to our struggle with temptation may help us clear our spiritual vision.

Commonality of Temptation

First, Paul tells us that we will not face an uncommon temptation. That should help us in at least two ways. We are not alone and we are not the first person to face the situation in which we find ourselves. That takes away the “Why me?” lament. If others have gone through what we are facing, we have in them a rich resource of strength and encouragement. If others can conquer temptation and recover from failures, then so can I! Take heart.

Satan is said to tempt us in one of three ways: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 Jn. 2:16). He does not have new tricks at his disposal. If I know how I will be attacked and tempted, I ought to be prepared to fight, surmounting every stumbling block put in my way.

What effect should this knowledge have upon my prayers? I believe that everyone striving to live above sin should pray for encouragement from their spiritually-minded brethren and for the vision to discern clearly the temptations put in his way. Thus prayer is a valuable tool in living above sin.

Not Beyond Our Ability

Second, Paul tells us that we will not be tempted beyond our ability to resist. Satan is limited as to how far he can push us and how severe the temptation can be. We need to pray that we will recognize this and not try to excuse ourselves easily. Rather than praying that they will properly use the strength given them by God, I fear that some prefer to absolve themselves by attributing the sin to “human weakness,” circumstance, or the “can’t-help-its.”

Prayer can be a powerful and welcome ally in our fight against sin. We need to beseech the Lord for his aid in not allowing Satan to deceive us With his “weakness dribble.” Rather than excusing ourselves, let us pray that, with the Lord’s help, we will see and use our ability to flee, fight, and triumph.

The Way of Escape

Third, Paul explains that there will always be a way of escape. Satan can not back us into a comer in which we have no other choice but to succumb and sin. The way of escape will for the moment seem to be the more difficult of our options. If this were not so, it would not be called temptation.

The way out may be preemptive. The escape may be the avoidance of certain situations, places, or people. The person who has difficulty being temperate with donuts might be wise to avoid bakeries. Others may have to deny themselves certain types of activities in order to avoid the arousal of lusts. At times the most expedient approach to a temptation is planned avoidance.

At other times we will not be able to anticipate the arrival of temptation. Some situations demand that we stand and fight while others call for flight. We need wisdom to determine the difference.

Armed with effective fervent prayer, the sin-fighting disciple can keep his spiritual eyes open for the escape. We need to pray for vision, understanding, and wisdom. “Lord help me to see the escape and earnestly desire it.”

Conclusion

The soldier of Christ is not fully dressed unless he takes up prayer (Eph. 6:18-19). Let each of us determine to add prayer to our apparel using it in our continuing struggle with temptation. We can pray when we are tempted and pray when we fail. With prayer on our lips, let us set our sights on the celestial city.

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 2, p. 38
January 19, 1988

By Dan Binkley

Remember the commercial a few years ago that said; “You’re not getting older, you’re getting better”? Don’t feel bad if you don’t remember it; it’s an old commercial. It is a nice sentiment though, isn’t it? But is that all there is to it? It certainly is true that without exception we are all getting older. The myth of the “fountain of youth” has fooled men and women for generations. But try as you will, you cannot stop the aging process. Someone said, “About the time your face clears up, your mind gets filmy.

Let’s not be content with just accepting the fact that we are growing old. Let’s plan and work at becoming better. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:16, “Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.” Then there was the fellow who took a different approach, “If I had known I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself.”

The book of Ecclesiastes talks about life here on earth, and in chapters eleven and twelve describes the aging process. Not only does Solomon tell what happens to us as we get older, he also tells us how to grow old gracefully.

Enjoy Life By Giving (Eccl. 11:1-2)

The idea of these verses comes from planting rice, sowing the seed on the water that would later produce food. The best way to happiness and true meaning to your life is to share with others. Become involved in the lives of other people. Look beyond yourself.

Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Paul writes in Ephesians 4:28 that a person should work at his job rather than steal so that he will have honestly earned a living for himself and have something to give to those who are in need.

As you get older and look back, the knowledge that you were generous with what God gave you gives you much comfort – not just money – but also your time, abilities and energy. Give yourself to teach those who are younger and to set a good example for them to follow.

Adapt Willingly (Eccl. 11:34)

In verse 3 Solomon is showing us the inevitabilities of life. Clouds will pour out rain and trees will fall in the forest. And many other events will transpire which are inescapable.

The counsel comes in verse 4; “He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.” If you keep watching, occupying yourself with those inevitable events, that’s all you will amount to. You’ll never get around to sowing the seed because you are waiting for ideal conditions and therefore you’ll never reap. When you adapt to the inevitable changes in life as you get older, then you can be productive in any given situation. Dr. James Dobson states, “The first principle of mental health is to accept that which cannot be changed.” So instead of reaching a point in your life that you cease being productive and think that the only thing you can do is sit in the rocking chair, you must remember that anyone at any age has worthwhile things he can accomplish and contribute to the world around him. Look around and see how you can be a benefit to others.

Trust God (Eccl. 11:5-6)

“As you do not know what is the way of the wind, or how the bones grow in the womb of her who is with child, so you do not know the works of God who makes all things. In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand; for you do not know which will prosper, either this or that, or whether both alike will be good.”

Many things are beyond our comprehension. But even so, that doesn’t mean you can’t try something just because you don’t know or understand everything about it. Being unable to understand all that is involved in reproduction certainly hasn’t stopped people from having children. Therefore, be busy sowing (that is doing whatever needs to be done and is good to do), and trust God to raise it up.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.”

Rejoice Daily (Eccl. 11:7-8)

We are never too old to rejoice. It is good to be alive and to see the beauties of God’s creation. “Truly the light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to behold the sun.” Psalm 118:24 says, “Today is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.” And the apostle Paul urges us to, “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I will say, Rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4).

We are not being encouraged to rejoice in the wrong things, or just make having fun our goal in life. But see in all that you do there is reason to count your blessings and be thankful.

Remember Your Creator While You Are Young (Eccl. 12:1-2)

Remember him while you are young lest you look back and say, “I have no delight in them.” Few people are more bitter and lonely today than those who have grown old alone, that is, apart from the Lord. The picture of verse 2 is that instead of clearing after rain, the old person who in bitterness, has closed himself in, and the clouds, instead of refreshment, bring one storm after another. Therefore, lest you find yourself cynical and bitter in your old age keep the Lord in focus throughout your entire life. You won’t regret it.

Guardian of Truth XXXIII: 1, p. 21
January 5, 1989