Truth Magazine

By David J. Halter

I. Introduction:

A. A perfect analogy for the church.

1. “Winning isn’t everything, it is the only thing”?

2. Society today places too much emphasis on winning at the cost of spiritual values.

3. If an athletic coach does not win, he loses his job.

4. “Quitters never win and winners never quit!”

B. Our lesson:

1. Old and New Testament winners and quitters.

2. Attributes of a winner and a quitter.

3. Applications for Christians and the church.

II. Discussion:

A. Bible quitters:

1. Lot’s wife (Gen. 19:26; Lk. 17:31).

2. The unfaithful spies (Num. 13:31-33).

3. Some of Jesus’ disciples (Jn. 6:60-66).

4. Demas (2 Tim. 4:10; Col. 4:14; Phile. 24).

5. Judas (Jn. 13:18-27; Matt. 26:14-16,20-25; 27:3).

B. Bible winners:

1. Joshua and Caleb (Num. 13:30; 14:7-10).

2. David (1 Sam. 17:45-51).

3. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Dan. 3:14-19,25,27).

4. Paul (2 Tim. 4:6-8).

5. Apostles (Acts 4:18-20; 5:28-29).

C. Characteristics of a loser, quitter:

1. Always negative, can’t be done attitude (Num. 13:31).

2. Excuse hunters (Prov. 20:4; 26:13; Lk. 14:15-24).

3. Blames failures on others (Gen. 3:12,13; 1 Kgs. 18:17-18).

4. Refuses to face problems (Jon. 1:1-3).

5. Cannot make up his mind, hesitates (Gen. 19:15-16).

6. Procrastinates and puts off (Acts 24:24-25).

7. Wilts under pressure (Matt. 13:20,21).

D. Characteristics of a winner:

1. Always positive, can be done attitude (Num. 13:30; Phil. 4:13).

2. Never hunts an excuse, sees what needs to be done and sets about to get it done (Gen. 42:1,2).

3. Is not afraid to fail, does not blame mistakes upon others, accepts full responsibility for own actions (Prov. 24:16).

4. Faces up to problems, does not run away from them (Psa. 11:1).

5. Does not hesitate when knowledge of the truth is his (Acts 8:36-38).

6. Does not procrastinate and put off, recognizes that today is the day of salvation (2 Cor. 6:2).

7. Comes shining through when under pressure, persecution (Acts 21:11-15).

E. Applications for the church, Christians:

1. Many who quit going to church or who change congregations every few years manage to blame someone in the church.

2. Many who do not attend the services of the church faithfully are excuse hunters:

a. I was too tired, we got in late last night.

b. Company came to the house, and I did not want to embarrass them by leaving for church.

c. I don’t like the way the preacher preaches, he steps on my toes all the time.

d. The seats are too hard (I actually heard this one! – DJH).

e. The building is too cold, hot, etc.

f. I’m too ashamed to go, I know I am in sin and my conscience bothers me because I know I’m I wrong.

3. Many are like the prodigal son who wasted his substance in riotous living, too busy in pleasure.

4. Winners, however, plan their time around the Lord’s kingdom:

a. Such as company coming; wonder why company never come between some folks and church (Jn. 1:45)?

b. Never too tired to go to worship (2 Pet. 2:2).

5. Winners are always the ones to be depended on to support meetings, church discipline, visiting, teaching, etc.

F. Conclusion:

1. What are you? A winner or a quitter?

2. Truly winners never quit, and quitters never go to heaven!

Guardian of Truth XXXII: 21, p. 660
November 3, 1988

By R.J. Evans

How many times have you reasoned, “I’d be happy, if only. . . “? And then the dream usually continues with “if only I had more money,” or “if only I had married someone else, ” or “if only I had more friends, a better education, a better job,, a bigger house, better health, etc. The breakthrough into happiness for many hinges upon those two words, “if only.”

What Is Your Concept?

Most of those of the world have little trouble coming up with their own formula for happiness. It usually consists of wealth, status and power, and freedom from frustration of any kind. If this is similar to what you have conjured up in order to be happy, then you need to consider whether this is a worthwhile goal or not. The best way to find out is to consider others who have lived in such conditions. King Solomon is a prime example of one who “had everything.” According to 2 Chronicles 6-9, Solomon had enough wealth to make some of our modern-day “tycoons” seem like paupers.

Consider Solomon’s Wealth

On a yearly basis, Solomon received six-hundred sixty-six talents of gold (2 Chron. 6:13), “besides that which chapman and merchants brought. And all the kings of Arabia and governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon” (2 Chron. 6:14). Six-hundred sixty-six talents of gold would be about 960,000 ounces. Comparing that with today’s standards (say at $300 per ounce) it would amount to something like $288,000,000.

There was no need for Solomon to purchase certain items. He made two hundred targets of beaten gold and three-hundred shields made of beaten gold (2 Chron. 9:15-16). His throne was made of ivory, overlaid with pure gold – “There was not the like made in any kingdom” (2 Chron. 9:17-19). All of the drinking vessels of King Solomon were made of gold, in fact, “none were of silver; it was not any thing accounted of in the days of Solomon” (2 Chron. 9:20).

In 2 Chronicles 9:21-22, we read of Solomon importing finery from all parts of the world. Then, those who visited him, seeking his wisdom, brought “vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and raiment, harness, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year” (2 Chron. 9:23-24). When the Queen of Sheba came “to prove Solomon with hard questions,” she brought spices, gold in abundance, and precious stones (2 Chron. 9:1-2).

But wealth was not everything. The Bible says that Solomon “loved many strange women” (1 Kgs. 11:1). Of course, this is an understatement, for “he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines” (1 Kgs. 11:3). A total of a thousand women!

But Was Solomon Happy?

Being king, Solomon could do just about anything he desired, and that is precisely what he set out to do. He wrote about this in the book of Ecclesiastes. He experimented with almost everything under the sun, but this non-stop entertainment grew tiresome (Eccl. 2:1); he mentions drinking wine (Eccl. 2:3); he built elaborate houses, temples, vineyards, gardens, etc. (Eccl. 2). He stated, “So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me. And whatever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labor: and this was my portion of all my labor” (Eccl. 2:9-10).

In consideration of the aforementioned, one would be almost certain that Solomon was a very happy man. But was Solomon genuinely happy? Unfortunately, Solomon was miserable. “Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit” (Eccl. 2:17).

Consider Paul

At this point another man comes to mind who, to some, would have had every right in the world to be miserable. This man is the apostle Paul. At times he had to go back to his old trade of tent making. He did much traveling under adverse conditions by foot or by ship. His life was one of constant danger. Paul catalogs many of his sufferings, perils and anxieties in 2 Corinthians 11:24-28. Also, there was a great deal of worldly honor given up by Paul “for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:4-11). Then, on top of all that, Paul had what he referred to as a “thorn in the flesh” (2 Cor. 12:7).

Yet Paul Was Happy

True abiding happiness is not derived from earthly wealth, position, sexual freedom, or unlimited power. Paul was a contented man. A “contended” man is a “happy” man! “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content” (Phil. 4:11). “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice” (Phil. 4:4).

Did Paul know something about happiness that Solomon didn’t? No, Solomon knew the basic formula for happy living, but he ignored it and it literally ruined his life. As an old man, reflecting over the wasted years, he gave wise advice to the young “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw night, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them” (Eccl. 12:1). Then his closing words, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Eccl. 12:13). And these same principles, if you obey them, can make you happy, no matter what your situation in life may be. If you choose to ignore these principles, then the results will be otherwise.

Conclusion

Christians can be happy! Christians should always be happy! What an occasion for rejoicing a Christian has with all the joys and blessings that are ours as children of God. We enjoy all the spiritual blessings which are in Christ Jesus (Eph. 1:3). We enjoy the peace of God which passes all understanding (Phil. 4:4-7). Happiness is obeying and faithfully serving God. If you have not yet obeyed the gospel of Christ, we encourage vou to do so now.

Guardian of Truth XXXII: 20, pp. 627-628
October 20, 1988

By Larry Ray Hafley

Due to a misunderstanding of Romans 6:14, some conclude that Christians are not under any kind of law. We are not under law for justification (Rom. 6:14; 10:1-5; Gal. 2:11-3:29). Does the grace and truth Christ brought contain laws which we are bound to obey (Jn. 1: 17)? Is grace incompatible with law as light is to darkness?

(1) Absolutely not, for without law there would be no need for grace. “Where no law is, there is no transgression” (Rom. 4:15), “for sin is the transgression of the law” (I Jn. 3:4). And without sin there would be no need for grace (Rom. 4).

(2) “Do we make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law” (Rom. 3:31). True grace, true justification by faith, establishes law, Hence, false grace, phony faith, voids law.

(3) We are to “look into,” “be under” (subject to) and “fulfill” (obey) the law of Christ, because by it we shall be judged (1 Cor. 9:21; Gal. 6:2; Jas. 1:25; 2:12).

(4) One cannot receive the crown of life “except he strive lawfully” (2 Tim. 2:5). How can one strive lawfully without law?

(5) “Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Lk. 6:46) The very concept of “Lord,” its essential nature, implies law. “The things which I say,” equals Christ’s commandments (Matt. 28:20), and they are law (Rev. 22:14; Heb. 5:9).

(6) All agree that Luke 24:44-49 refers to the New Testament system of salvation by grace. “It is written, ” Jesus said (Lk. 24:46). Where was it’ 4 written” “in the prophets” that salvation through Christ would be “among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Lk. 24:44,47)? One place is Isaiah 2:2,3 – “all nations . . . from Jerusalem.”

Further, note: “And he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths, for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem” (Isa. 2:3). The terms, “ways,” “paths,” “the law,” and “the word of the Lord,” are equivalents. So, the law went forth, “out of Zion … .. beginning at Jerusalem” (Isa. 2:3; Lk. 24:47). Salvation by grace, repentance and remission of sins in the name of Christ, is the law that went forth out of Zion, beginning at Jerusalem. It is the gospel (Mk. 16:15).

(7) Isaiah 42:1-7 refers to the Christ. It, among other things, describes his nature, mission and ultimate success. Isaiah says, “and the isles shall wait for his law. ” Matthew says, quoting the same passage, “and in his name shall the Gentiles trust” (Matt. 12:21). Have Gentiles received “light,” “salvation” and “eternal life” (Acts 13:47,48; Isa. 42:6; 49:6)? If so, they have received his law, or trusted in his name. If Gentiles are not under law, they have not trusted in his name, nor have they received light, salvation or eternal life.

(8) Christ now reigns on “the throne of his father, David” (Lk. 1:32,33; Acts 2:29f.). Does a king reign without law?

(9) Jeremiah prophesied of the New Testament (Jer. 31:31-34; Heb. 8:8-13; 10:15-18). The Holy Spirit said, “This is the covenant that I will make with them I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them” (the laws). To those who say we are not bound by laws, we inquire, are we bound by the new covenant?

Also, the “word of God,” “the word of the kingdom” (Matt. 13:19; Lk. 8:11), is sown in the heart (Lk. 8:12). That word in the heart is the law written in the heart (Lk. 8:11,12, Heb. 8:10; 10:16).

(10) “The law of the Spirit” is the gospel of Christ (Rom. 1:16; 8:2). Are we under the gospel, subject to it?

Law cannot justify, for all have sinned. Grace through Christ provides forgiveness to all who have sinned. Under law for justification, sin reigns unto death. Under Christ, grace reigns through righteousness which it provides. This the good news of the gospel (Rom. 5:21).

By Edward O. Bragwell, Sr.

“. . the genuineness of your faith, being more precious than gold that perishes” (1 Pet. 2:7).

The Christian’s faith is too precious to be either destroyed or misdirected. Without it, it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6). We must keep it and try to pass it on to our children (2 Tim. 1:5). Satan, through his agents, works day and night to weaken and destroy it. He abuses various legitimate disciplines of thought – science, philosophy, education and even religion – to try to undermine our confidence in the word of God, the source of our faith.

Many institutions in society (educational, literary, broadcasting, theological, political, etc.), influenced by false philosophies, overtly and covertly attack our faith. This should challenge every saint, be he parent, teacher, preacher, elder or otherwise, to guard his faith and the faith of those under his influence. Only by diligent study and skillful use of the word of God can we counter these flagrant attacks upon our faith.

The immeasurable power of the testimony of God, unadorned by human wisdom or fleshly might, is sufficient to create and sustain genuine faith. Paul, knowing this, determined to present the testimony of God in a way so that our faith “should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” Notice 1 Corinthians 2:1-5:

And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness and fear, and in much trembling. Any my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

He not only warns against corrupting the word itself, he cautions against presenting it in a way that would focus one’s faith on the wisdom of this world, rather than on the intrinsic power of the gospel message. The testimony of God, of itself, even presented by “uneducated and untrained men” (Acts 4:13), is powerful enough to counter all adverse influences of the wise, mighty and noble of this world.

Paul, unlike some of the other apostles, was neither uneducated nor untrained (cf. Acts 22:3). He possibly had as good an education as was available to a Jewish lad of that day. When it came to fleshly credentials and attainments, he could hold his own with the best. Read what he wrote in Philippians 3:4-8:

If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. But indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ.

However, the “excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus” meant more to him than all his fleshly credentials. His preaching and teaching were designed to draw attention to his knowledge of Christ rather than his fleshly wisdom, relationships and attainments. He encouraged others to do the same. He did not cater to those who desired wisdom, though he was capable of doing so had it been appropriate (1 Cor. 1:22). He even concedes that “not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble,” were called by his preaching (1 Cor. 1:27). The bare testimony of God, without carnal enhancements, just did not appeal to their carnal minds. Yet, he showed no indication to wrap it in carnal enticements in order to make it more appealing.

If Satan cannot keep us from speaking the testimony of God, he will undermine the effectiveness of the gospel in a more subtle way. He will cause us to promote the truth in a way as to produce a misdirected faith. Carnal incentives are dangled before the public to do just that. It. is easy to convince ourselves that such means are justified because of the end we believe they will produce. We tell ourselves that we can not get their attention with just the gospel unadorned by fleshly incentives. So, we will draw them in by carnal means, then give them the testimony of God.

Churches use a variety of ways to appeal to carnal interests. Social and recreational activities are featured to impress and draw those who love organized parties and recreation. Well-known “Christian entertainers” are brought in to impress and draw fans of the entertainment world. Outstanding “Christian athletes” are featured to draw and impress sports fans. “Christian scientists” (not members of the Christian Science denomination) are used to impress and draw the scientifically minded. They may even feature a “Christian philosopher” to draw and impress those interested in philosophy. Speakers’ high academic credentials are advertised to impress and draw the academically minded.

What is wrong with all of this? Is it wrong for the church to use a speaker or teacher who is also an entertainer, or an athlete, or a scientist, or an educator? Should we avoid using one with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctor’s degree? No, on all counts, if he is a faithful Christian who speaks the “testimony of God.” His message is neither weakened nor strengthened by his fleshly credentials per se. I have good friends who fit into some of the above categories who are outstanding teachers and preachers of the word. It is when such fleshly credentials are displayed before the public in an effort to enhance one’s acceptability as a speaker of the gospel that causes us concern. This produces a subtle shift of emphasis away from faith in the divine revelation to faith in human wisdom.

We are seeing more and more brethren emphasizing the fact that their speakers and teachers are scientists, educators, engineers, politicians, criminologists, sociologists, physicians, psychologists, sports figures and holders of various academic degrees. Is this not an effort to attract the carnally minded? If it is not then pray tell me why advertise the fleshly credentials of speakers and teachers? It seems not to be enough anymore for one simply to know and be able to speak the truth in love on the subject under study. This has little appeal to carnal minds in and out of the church. One must be academically or technically trained and degreed in some field that the audience can at least remotely (sometimes very remotely) relate to his subject.

A wiser and older preacher gave me some pretty good advice when I was a very young preacher still going to school. He told me to get all the higher education that I had sense enough to use. Then when I went out to preach to forget that I had it and try my best to keep the brethren from finding out. I still like that advice.

If one will hear and accept biblical truth on any subject from a Ph. D., a scientist, engineer, or an educator when he would not otherwise do so, his faith is misdirected. It stands in the wisdom of the men and not in the testimony and power of God. It stands in the carnal credentials of the messenger rather than the credibility of the message. This is the very thing that Paul sought to avoid in his preaching. Why? “That no flesh should glory in His presence” (1 Cor. 1:29) and “that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of god” (1 Cor. 2:5).

Guardian of Truth XXXII: 21, pp. 643-644
November 3, 1988