Truth Magazine

By Larry R. DeVore

Hospital! It is a word that brings apprehension even to the most macho individual. Until the late 19th century, those seriously ill were treated at home. It was considered a one-way trip to go to the hospital. Only the indigent and terminally ill went there. With the advent of modem drugs, surgery and aseptic techniques, hospitals became a place where you would go and recover from even critical, life-threatening illnesses.

From September 1986 to February 1987, I spent 58 days in the hospital. Being in the hospital gives a person a lot of time to think, to pray, to meditate. For a Christian, this can be time well spent, profitable from a spiritual standpoint. It is no fun to be sick. You know that and I know that. It is no fun to be hospitalized! But it can be profitable. I (re)learned some things I already knew while in the hospital. It is not my intention to recite my symptoms or show you my scars. Suffice it to say I had three major surgeries; the final one was a six and one-half hour operation to remove my stomach on February 2, 1987, at University Hospitals, in Cleveland, Ohio.

God Answers Prayers

The first lesson I (re)learned is that God does indeed answer the prayers of Christians. With some people, if God doesn’t answer their prayers immediately, and in just the way they demand it be answered, then they say, “There is no God,” or “God doesn’t love me,” or “God doesn’t care about us or answer prayer.” That is just as wrong as it can be! God does care! God does answer prayer (1 Pet. 5:6-7; Jas 5:16b).

With regard to our prayers, God may react in one of three ways. He may say “yes” (Mk. 11:24; 1 Jn. 5:14-15); he may say “no” (2 Cor. 12:7-9, Paul; Matt. 26:39, Jesus). If the apostle Paul didn’t get his prayers answered “yes,” and if the Son of God didn’t get his prayers answered “yes,” then who am I to pout or rage against God?

But God may say “wait” (Isa. 40:31; Mic. 7:7). Perhaps that is the hardest of all; we don’t like to wait for anything. We are used to instant gratification! Instant meals (McDonalds or the microwave). Instant news: radio, TV, CNN. Instant travel: just hop a jet to somewhere far away. Instant good weather: Head that jet toward Florida or California. We live in a “I want it now” society. Get your new car now! Pay later! We need to learn or relearn the lesson that the godly must wait in faith. We walk by faith (2 Cor. 5:7); we live by faith (Rom. 1:17). How do we get this faith? See Romans 10:17.

Fervent Prayers of Brethren Accomplish Much

James 5:16b says, “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. ” God answers prayer and he hears the prayers of righteous brethren when they pray for others (1 Tim. 2:1). We can (and should) intercede before God on behalf of others. The apostle Paul always desired the prayers of brethren (see Rom. 15:30; 2 Cor. 1:11).

Brethren, pray for yourself (Jas. 5:13) and pray for others. “Brethren, pray for us” (1 Thess. 5:25). I thank God for dear brethren who prayed for me when I desperately needed their prayers! Prayer is powerful (Jas. 5:17-18)! Elijah set aside the laws of nature for three and one-half years by prayer. Our prayers can be answered by God manipulating the laws of nature to heal us of our infirmities. When you pray, pray with: (a) a pure heart (Psa. 66:18-19); (b) faith (Matt. 21:22); (c) in Jesus’ name (John 14:13); (d) according to God’s will (1 Jn. 5:14).

The Human Body Is A Marvel Of God’s Design

The Psalmist said in Psalm 139:14 “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” The human body with its many systems of nerves, veins, arteries, organs, etc. is a marvel of design that should leave us in awe at the wisdom and foreknowledge of God. There were days when I laid in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit at $1,400 a day hooked up to monitors and machines which were designed to return me to normal, back to the way God made me originally at no charge! Medical science has spent millions of dollars on research to develop artificial hearts, kidneys, etc., that at best work only imperfectly and temporarily. We must marvel and praise God for the beauty of function and design of the human body that he created (Gen. 1:26).

There Is Much Suffering In The World

I don’t mean to imply that I am the only one who has ever suffered or had to spend extended time in a hospital. Just look around at the hospitals and nursing care facilities! I have known many faithful children of God who have suffered pain and infirmities for years on end. Many people are suffering physically, mentally, and emotionally. I don’t understand all I know about human suffering, except it is common to man, the human family. The book of Job suggests the devil is the author of sickness, disease, suffering, etc. Sickness can be caused by many factors, such as: (a) approaching death (Gen. 48: 1); (b) accident (2 Kgs. 1:2); (c) sin (Hos. 7:5; Mic. 6:13); (d) natural laws, or the consequences of them. But we know that Jesus has power over disease (Lk. 4:38-39) and sin (Matt. 9:2-6).

Jesus Died On Calvary So That We Need Not Suffer (Die) For Sin

As a child of God, I was able to face serious illness, major surgery, anything with a peace of mind that only comes from being “in Christ” (Eph. 1:3,7). Even in the face of the valley of the shadow of death (Psa. 23), I can “walk through” the valley, with Jesus. I know he will pull me through! And if he wills that I should not “pull through,” then it will still be all right (Phil. 1:21). The promises of God are great and wonderful and true. I would not want to face major surgery being outside of Christ. If you are “out” of Christ, then get “in” Christ now (Gal. 3:26-27).

We Must Have The Courage To Win!

We must have faith! We must persevere (Psa. 27:14). “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart.” You can’t do it alone. When we are laid low, weak and ill, our courage falters. That happened to Elijah when’ he was under the juniper tree (1 Kgs. 19:4). He was tired and depressed. When we are ill, we need God’s help. We need our family, and our brethren. When I was hospitalized, my wife was a great source of courage (and encouragement) to me. It lifted my spirits to see her coming to visit me. It changed the bleak atmosphere of a hospital room to a little bit of “home.” My wife became a courageous woman by my suffering. Her faith in God sustained her (and by her, me) when all seemed helpless and hopeless. It is so encouraging to have faithful family members concerned for you and praying for you. There will be no tears in heaven. The pains, suffering, diseases, accidents, etc., that cause us such great hardships here will be absent from heaven. That is one more reason why I want to go there (Rev. 21:2-4). Don’t you want to go? God will take you home, away from all pain and suffering, if you do his will (Heb. 5:8-9). Do it today!

Guardian of Truth XXXII: 20, pp. 621, 623
October 20, 1988

By William C. Sexton

I have lived nearly 60 years, and in the last 24 hours I have learned a lesson that I never did grasp before: sick people cause others to worry, be anxious, be troubled more than the sick.

Yesterday I was told that I have a tumor on my intestine, and tomorrow I shall enter the hospital for exploratory surgery. Later, according to present plans, I shall have 4 or 5 weeks of radiation treatments with the aim of decreasing the size of the tumor, and then the removal of it.

I am not all that anxious – believing that we have good doctors, equipment, a lot of knowledge relative to the body, etc. and a wonderful God in heaven watching over us. I recognize that one day, too, either shortly or in some years, I shall pass from this life – into eternity! I feel that I am ready to go, if this is the time; if it is not, I’ll gladly try to live the rest of the years, days, months, etc. which the Lord allows me. Certainly, I don’t mean to demean fife and suggest in anyway that I do not enjoy life.

Yet, it has been impressed on my mind that my loved ones – wife, son, daughters, mother, sisters, brothers, etc. are having a lot of mental anguish. Each is taking time, making effort, and spending his resources to act in the way that seems appropriate. I can and certainly do appreciate their concern. Yet, it has just dawned on me, that this is the way it is: sick people, even those dying and knowing it, if they are faithful Christians don’t suffer as the surviving!

This is a lesson that I have failed to grasp, as I now do, all the thirty plus years that I’ve been working with people.

Possibly, you, brothers and sisters – seeking to help others, may consider this point: The surviving, well people, possibly need more help than the sick, even the terminally ill . . . if they are Christians!

Is this in line with what Paul said, “For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith” (Phil. 1:23-25).

I have read, meditated on this passage, and quoted it many times, but I believe that I have a greater understanding and appreciation for what it is saying, now – as I experience this present situation in my life.

May God bless us with the state of mind to learn from all our circumstances in life! He is truly great and good! Life is short, death is sure, and eternity is long! Let us remember what John was caused to write:

“And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them” (Rev. 14:13).

Guardian of Truth XXXII: 19, p. 582
October 6, 1988

By Larry Ray Hafley

Jonah was told by Jehovah to “arise, go unto Nineveh, . . . and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee” (Jon. 3:2). From this brief book and our terse text we can learn a few facts regarding the nature and character of true preaching.

First, Jonah was sent and so are we. Every Christian is a teacher in some form. Whether by word or deed, whether by exposition or example, we are all expounders and exponents of the word of God. Our very lives are sermons that are watched by the world (cf. 1 Tim. 6:1; Tit. 2:5, 10). This is a frightening thought, an awesome contemplation. Someone somewhere rates and evaluates the gospel by your life! Therefore, “only let your conversation (manner of life) be as it becometh the gospel of Christ” (Phil. 1:27).

However, one’s teaching is not limited to life, to example. “They that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). There is a famine, a drought of teaching. Very few Christians ever attempt to “make disciples” of their friends, neighbors, and relatives. Not everyone can teach publicly, but most of us have opportunities that are never used. It takes but little effort to plant the gospel seed.

Jonah had a larger task, but ours is no less necessary. The church has many needs, but none are greater than the need for members who will teach others also. It is not necessary to be able to teach a formal home study, though that is good. But what we need is more quite, simple, humble, informed efforts to encourage a lost soul to contemplate eternity.

Yes, Jonah was sent, and he paid dearly for attempting to evade his duty. We, too, are sent. Will we be held a !iy less accountable for our refusal to at least talk to an acquaintance about his soul?

Second, Jonah had a specific message. Preaching that is not attuned to the needs of the people is as useless as hunting squirrels with a squirt gun. There is a great emphasis today toward meeting “the felt needs of the whole man.” Well, I am all for it – to a degree. I have always “felt” that the “Whole man” “needs” the gospel to save him. If all we do is give people more “awareness” of their “personal potential” and make them “smiling” projectors of a positive lifestyle, we are certain to send a lot of people to hell, but at least they will go in a good humor.

Preaching must be pointed and pragmatic. It must fit the needs of its hearers, but be sure the needs are scripturally defined and that they are confined to the gospel’s purpose and power. Philip did not begin his study session with the eunuch by denouncing idolatry in Athens. Paul did not open with the promise to Abraham on Mars hill when he addressed the idle idol worshipers.

Jonah’s message was blunt. His manner, his demeanor and personal decorum are not elaborated. We are not informed of his charm, nor do we know whether his personality was pleasing, or even if he smiled often. Being a foreigner and recently expelled from a fish’s belly, he may have lacked a certain social respectability, but his audience responded. No, they were not made to “feel better” about themselves. In fact, they evidently felt worse as they quit eating and wore itchy sackcloth. Even their king left his throne, if such he had, to sit in ashes (Jon. 3:5-7).

John the Baptist was not a candidate for “Gentleman’s Quarterly,” either. His diet was reserved for joggers, marathon runners and others today who are given to self torture. His message was no less palatable. He called people “chaff” and a “generation of snakes.” He warned them of the wrath to come, and generally broke every rule known to positive preaching. He alienated the rich and powerful and lost his head for offending a tetrarch, which certainly did not enhance his future.

We, too, have a specific message. Boiled down it is this: sin, damnation and salvation. Dare we be any less plain about it? “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men” (2 Cor. 5:11). “Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech” (2 Cor. 3:12).

Third, Jonah’s preaching was authorized of God, i.e.; “the preaching that I bid thee.” The apostles were troubled by those who taught things “which we commanded them not” (Acts 15:24). Gospel preaching must be God-bidden. When addressing any topic, whether baptism, worship, the church, the Lord’s supper; we must “speak as the oracles of God” (1 Pet. 4:11).

Preaching is not easy, but it is made more difficult when one strives to improve on the New Testament system. Stick and stay with the Bible; “preach the word.” It is easier, for example, to preach what the Bible says about the Lord’s supper than it is to arrange an Easter sunrise service. It is easier to immerse a penitent believer than it is to try to explain just how and why an innocent child is somehow a depraved child of hell who needs a few drops of “holy water” dabbed on his forehead to do away with his devilish goat nature and transform him into a sheep, especially if he squalls and squirms like he’s still demon possessed.

Now, admittedly, it is sometimes easier to appoint a Pope in Rome than it is to ordain elders in a church of Christ, but that does not detract from the truth. It is easier to preach the organization of the church in Philippi than that of present day Roman Catholicism. Error makes preaching more difficult. It is not necessary to amend or alter the word of the Lord. In fact, it can be fatal (Rev. 22:18, 19). Like Jonah of old, all are better off when preachers present the preaching that God has sent.

Once, while in a debate with a Baptist preacher, several of us were wrestling with an argument that had been made. After several minutes of eyebrow knotting, James P. Needham smiled, put his finger on a familiar text and by simply reading it, false doctrine was overthrown. Brother Needham shook his head and said, “The truth is too simple.” That is a powerful statement, properly considered.

Fourth, and finally, Jonah did not like the results of his preaching (Jon. 4:1). Perhaps from a different view, we will not always enjoy the reaction of others to the truth that is preached, but let us rejoice that it is preached. A sermon on discipline may appear to cause more sin in a congregation than it was designed to stop, but the truth, rightly divided, handled aright, must be proclaimed. One can rejoice in the truth, if not in its results. That is often a hard lesson to learn. You may suffer, as Stephen and the brethren did in Acts 7, because truth is preached, but let this response seep and sink into your worn and torn heart, “and they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ” (Acts 5:41, 42).

Guardian of Truth XXXII: 19, pp. 588-589
October 6, 1988

By Jimmy Tuten

Introduction:

1 . The first epistle of Peter is known, loved and read for its attractiveness, and charm. It is richly filled with affection and tenderness.

2. It also consists of difficulties. The most controversial section is contained. in our text.

3. While some theologians have frankly confessed that they lie- do not know what the apostle Peter meant, other students (with more zeal than reason) have used this text as a springboard for speculation.

4. Many false doctrines and much confusion exist as to the meaning of these words. When carefully studied with an open mind this passage is not too difficult to understand.

Body:

I. Christ suffered for sins once (v. 18).

A. While “suffered” is not in the better manuscripts that contain “died” instead, no injustice is done since Jesus suffered in death.

1. “Once” is translated from hapav, meaning “once for all” (W.E. Vine; cf. Heb. 9:26-27, no repetition needed). This same word is found in:

a. Heb. 9:28 – Christ’s death.

b. Jude 3 – Deliverance of the faith.

c. Heb. 9:12,26 – Offering Christ’s blood.

d. Heb. 9:27 – Appointment to die.

e. Heb. 12:27 – Shaking the earth and heavens to remove them.

2. The suffering of Jesus:

a. Began in Gethsemane (Matt. 26:36-42).

b. Intensified by scourging (Matt. 27:26).

c. Constituted the righteous for the unrighteous (Rom. 5:6-8; 1 Cor. 15:3).

B. Christ’s sufferings were penal (for sins), vicarious (for the unjust) and propitiatory (to bring us to God).

II. Put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit (v. 18).

A. The contrast is between “flesh” and “spirit.” We all understand that the first part refers to the crucifixion and “flesh” means that death affected only his fleshly body.

B. To what does the term “spirit” refer? The three possibilities are:

1. The Holy Spirit.

2. The eternal part of man given at birth and which returns to God at death (Eccl. 12:7).

3. That inner principle which stands in contrast with flesh.

C. While Christ died physically upon the cross, his spirit continued to live (Matt. 27:50; Lk. 23:46).

1. “Made alive” refers to the resurrection, not to maintaining or prolonging life.

2. “In the spirit” refers to the spirit of holiness (Rom. 1:4; Heb. 9:4).

III. In which he went and preached unto the spirits in prison (v. 19).

A. The preaching was done “in the spirit.”

1 . “In which,” i.e., through the spirit already referred to.

a. Done outside the corporeal body.

b. Before his incarnation.

c. Through Noah (cf. v. 20).

d. To the antediluvians (1:10-11), i.e., O.T. Prophets through Christ (Gen. 6:3, striving done through Noah, 2 Pet. 2:5).

B. There is no stress to be placed on “he went.” He simply “preached.”

1. Not while dead and buried as erroneously concluded.

2. Jesus preached to the Gentiles (Eph. 2:17), but he did so through human instruments (1 Cor. 1:21). If Paul could speak of Christ preaching through the Apostles, then why not Peter referring to Christ through Noah?

C. Furthermore, there is no Scripture that even suggests that anyone had the gospel preached to them except in life. “Preached” is from kerusso which means an official announcement, not the gospel of salvation (Rom. 1: 16-17).

D. The “spirits in prison” meant:

1. The disembodied state at the time Peter spoke.

2. They had been disobedient (1 Pet. 3:20).

3. The disembodied spirits were awaiting the judgment (2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6).

IV. The who and the when of the preaching is clearly stated.

A. By Christ, i.e., the spirit of Christ in the prophets (1 Pet. 1:9-11).

B. In the days of Noah (2 Pet. 2:5), while the ark was preparing (Gen. 6:3).

C. Antedeluvians had their punishment delayed to allow repentance. When no repentance was forthcoming, the flood destroyed the world (Gen. 6:5-7).

D. Death seals our destiny eternally (Lk. 16:26; Heb. 9:27-28).

E. Only Noah and seven others were saved as the result of this preaching (Heb. 11:7; 1 Pet. 3:20-21).

Conclusion:

1. The text does not teach that Jesus descended into hell between the period of his death and resurrection to preach to the antediluvians as the Roman Catholic church dogmatically affirms.

2. Nor does it teach that at this time he descended into Tartarus and preached to fallen angels.

3. The text does not say that Christ personally preached in hades to disembodied spirits.

4. 1 Pet. 4:6 is unrelated to the text for those mentioned in that verse accepted the gospel.

5. Advocates of post-mortem gospel theories have difficulty in explaining why the preaching was restricted to the antediluvians. Is God a respecter of persons?

6. Why would Christ preach to disembodied spirits since death seals the eternal destiny of men (Lk. 16:26)?

7. There is no second chance, for after death comes the judgment (Heb. 9:27-28).

Guardian of Truth XXXII: 19, pp. 595, 597
October 6, 1988