Truth Magazine

By Lewis Willis

It has long been evident that modern religion has little concept of the truth. Religious leaders demonstrate that they do not know the function of the Bible in establishing conduct. They do not know what the church is. They seem to have no idea how it is to be organized.

When you listen to their teaching, it is obvious that they do not even know what a person must do to become a member of the Lord’s church. They do not seem to realize that the terms of pardon for the sinner are the same terms upon which entry or membership in the church is realized. All of these things are clearly defined in the Scriptures but, for some reason, religious leaders have been unable to discover them or they have been unwilling to implement them in the organizations they have founded.

With the rampant error that has been introduced regarding the simple truths referred to above, it should not surprise us that error would be introduced regarding what the church can and cannot do. It is not that modern religions are inactive. To the contrary, they are extremely active. Unfortunately, the problem lies in the fact that their activities are as erroneous as in the case of those items mentioned above. The masses, who depend upon religious leaders for knowledge and direction, have been so deceived that it never occurs to them to pause and ask, “Is the Church authorized by Christ to do these things we are doing?”

In Churches of Christ we have sought to exercise care in both our teaching and our practice. We have carefully investigated the teaching of God’s Word to discover what he desires the church to do. We found out that one of its obligations is to assemble and worship God (Heb. 10:25; Jn. 4:24). We also learned that it was assigned a work to do (Eph. 44:12). That work consists of three things:

1. In its work, it is to edify its members. This is the process by which Christians are grounded and established in the Truth. This would include such things as teaching in classes and from the pulpit (Col. 1:23; 2:7).

2. God assigned to the church the benevolent work of caring for other brethren who are in need (Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-35; 6:1-6; 11:27-30).

3. It is the responsibility of the church to evangelize the world (1 Tim. 3:15; Acts 13:1-3; 8:4).

Everything the Church does must fall within the heading of one of these God-assigned functions. If it is not worship, if it is not edifying in the faith, if it is not fulfilling benevolent responsibility and if it does not evangelize the world with the gospel, then the Church has no right to engage in it – no matter what the activity is! The Akron Beacon Journal (9-18-85) reported that the United Methodist Church has given $37 million dollars, between 1981-83, to support the following organizations: Coalition For New Foreign and Military Policy; lobby efforts for the Equal Rights Amendment; National Conference of Black Lawyers; Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility; Planned Parenthood World Service and the lobby for the Law of the Sea treaty.

Now take that list of organizations supported by the United Methodist Church and determine into which category of the church’s work each of those things would be placed. Which ones are evangelistic, which ones are benevolent, which ones edify the saints, etc.? I was just thinkin, the evidence is in, and the religious world really does not know what the church is supposed to do. This little reminder should help us guard ourselves against making the same mistake.

Guardian of Truth XXXII: 12, p. 371
June 16, 1988

By Ken Weliever

There are many terms in the New Testament to describe the Christian. He is a disciple, a child of God, a brother or sister, a branch, a sheep, a lively stone, a believer, a light, leaven, a watchman, a sower, a soldier, and even a saint. All of these expressions reflect some quality or characteristic that should identify a Christian. From the standpoint of the new birth, a new Christian is a babe in Christ as the following passages indicate. “For everyone that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe” (Heb. 5:13). “As new born babes desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby” (1 Pet. 2:2). “But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cheriseth her children” (1 Thess. 2:17).

The Christian is like an infant that is weak, young, inexperienced, but growing through the nourishment of milk. Just as we see growth in the physical development of a baby that becomes a toddler, then a preschooler, then grows to childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, we should witness Christians experiencing growth. But what are some things that growth involves?

Growth Involves Change

Infants seem to change almost daily right before our very eyes. There is a change in their physical appearance, eating habits, moods and abilities. Our hearts are touched by children whose growth is retarded. We know this is not natural. We expect our children to grow, and this involves changes.

As a Christian grows, he also changes. His new birth brought about a change of relationship from serving Satan to serving Jesus Christ (Rom. 6:17-18). He then begins to change his attitudes (1 Cor. 13:11) and his actions (Eph. 5:22-24). His faith grows (2 Thess. 1:3). Growth also brings about a change in knowledge and understanding. The Hebrews were rebuked because they had not grown as they ought to have grown (5:12-14).

As a church grows, it will also change. There is change in leadership as individuals develop in this capacity and desire the work of a bishop (1 Tim. 3:1). As a church grows and changes it abounds in love, develops in knowledge and displays a keen insight into the needs of its members and those in the community who are lost in sin (Phil. 1:9-11). And while the gospel certainly does not change, the means and methods of presenting the gospel will change as a church grows. Improvement in Bible class teaching, use of radio and television, the printed page, audio tapes, video tapes and computers, all reflect a change in methods in presenting and preaching the old Jerusalem gospel. Many brethren are slow to change, but change in the right ways reflects growth.

Growth Involves Challenges

Are there challenges as children grow to maturity? Are there challenges in dealing with four and five year olds? Twelve year olds? Teenagers? What’s the answer? Just keep them babies? Obviously not. Growth brings on challenges.

Spiritual growth involves challenges. The five talent man in Matthew 25 had more responsibility than the one or two talent man. He also had a greater challenge. Growth doesn’t mean that life gets easier; the challenges just get bigger, but the rewards are better! Eating meat is harder than drinking milk.

Remember when the children of Israel crossed from one side of the Red Sea to the other? When they changed sides, they became free, but they had new challenges to face in the wilderness. Some cried, “Let’s go back to Egypt! Back to the flesh pots!” May we learn from them and not yearn. to return to the days of slavery. Growth means marching forward and meeting every challenge.

Growth Involves Pain

What child has not experienced pain in growing up? A baby tries to walk, but falls down and skins its knee. Does the parent say, “I don’t want my baby’s knees skinned, so I’m not going to let him walk.” Children get their share of bumps and bruises while learning to swing or ride a bike, but it’s part of growth.

Spiritual growth may also involve some pain. Hebrews 5:14 teaches that we must exercise our senses in order to discern both good and evil. The word “exercise” refers to the rigorous training and discipline of the body in which Greek youths engaged. The apostle Paul said such exercise had some profit, but it is limited in time and in results. Spiritual training develops the whole man in body, mind and spirit and will not only affect time, but eternity as well (1 Tim. 6:8). Paul also said that he had to beat or bruise his body into shape so that he might not be disqualified from the Christian race (1 Cor. 9:24-27). Someone has said, “There is no gain without pain and no victory without struggle.” This is true physically; it is true spiritually.

Growth Involves Joy

Is there any joy in a parent whose children have grown up and become successful in life? We take justifiable pride in seeing our children grow in body and in mind. It’s exciting to see them learn new things and develop new skills.

Likewise, spiritual growth is joyous! The apostle John said, “I have no greater joy than to hear my children walk in truth” (3 Jn. 4). Eighteen times in the short book of Philippians, Paul speaks of his joy or that of his growing brethren at Philippi. There is joy in a growing faith that walks in the truth of God! There is joy in serving Christ! There is joy in seeing a babe in Christ grow and develop into a mature, full grown spiritual man or woman. There is joy when we overcome and out grow our childish thoughts, actions and manners! Remember, happiness comes not to those who wait, but to those who create. You must grow.

Conclusion

Goldsmith once wrote, “People seldom improve when they have no other model but themselves to pattern after.” We have Christ as our model and example. Thus we cannot be content to dwell in the mists of the valley of Hinnom, when the mount of Transfiguration awaits! Let us “grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18).

Guardian of Truth XXXII: 12, pp. 370-371
June 16, 1988

By Dr. W.H. Compton, Th.D., Pastor

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; 1 Corinthians 15:23, 51-58; Philippians 3:20-21; John 14:1-3; Luke 21:34-36; Colossians 3:4; Titus 2:13. (“Rapture” is not mentioned in the Bible. However, the words, “catching up” are, so it is permissible to use the word “rapture.”)

First let us call your attention to two expressions, “rapture” and the “second coming” of Christ. These two expressions are not the same. First, the Rapture is a time when the living Christians and those who are in the graves will be caught up to meet Christ in the air. The wicked dead will not be raised at that time. There is no such thing as a general resurrection. This is confirmed in First Thessalonians 4:13-18. These verses clarify the qualifications of those remaining in the graves and those who will awaken at the time of the catching up of those qualified to meet the Lord in the air.

There are so many who confuse the Scriptures related to the Rapture and the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. For instance, in Matthew 25:31-46 so many contend that this has reference to the white throne judgment day. If you will read it carefully, you will see that this refers to the judgment of the nations and has nothing to do with the rapture or a general resurrection, but refers to a judgment of the nations as to their treatment to the Jewish nation and its people.

Friends, the rapture will take place at least seven years before the Second Coming of Christ. First the rapture will take place and the second coming will be Christ coming back to earth with ones he caught up to be with him. Again, if one has studied Dispensational Truth he or she will not get confused in the different periods, however, we will have to properly divide his Word relative to different things mentioned in his Word. So many are going to be surprised when these events begin to take place. I can remember when I was just a boy, I would try to picture just how it would be at the coming of the Lord. I could imagine the Lord coming before I could get home from school. Or that the Lord might come before we could get home from church.

The rapture of the church could happen just anytime, but the Second Coming of Christ with the church could not happen just anytime. This event of the Rapture of the church, the people of God, might just happen any moment. However, the Second Coming of Christ could not happen just any moment. Christ comes for his saints first and he comes the second time with them. The church houses are not filled these days but after the rapture, it will be noised abroad and many will be interested in accepting the Lord Jesus Christ then.

Oh, try to imagine how it will be when millions of people will leave this world miraculously. They will just disappear from this earth. There will be many who will remember the messages they have heard about the translation of the saints that will be living when the catching up of the saints transpire. This event will cause many, many people to accept the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour. It is not a second chance but a continuation of the first chance to be redeemed by the blood of Christ.

There will be many preachers as well as many church members who will miss the translation as referred to in First Thessalonians 4:13-18. Really churches will be crowded, packed out after the disappearance of millions of people. The newspapers, TV and radio will be flooded with news of the happening of the Rapture of those who will be ready at the time of the event. You talk about screaming, crying disappointments, asking questions, searching the Bible for answers. This will be a time of honest soul searching, it will not be such arguments as, “which church did you belong to?”

People will not be asking if you are Church of God, Baptist, Church of Christ, Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Catholic, Jewish, Nazarene, Pilgrim Holiness, Jesus Only, Independent, etc. The great concern will be, “what must I do to become a child of God?”

Revivals will break out everywhere. Church buildings will be crowded with people who miss the rapture, preaching will be everywhere, people confessing, professing to becoming a Christian. This will happen immediately after the translation of the Christians from this earth.

If anything is clear in the Bible, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 is.

Can you imagine what a time of soul searching it will be when the trumpet sounds for the saints to meet the Lord Jesus in the air? Churchanity will not be the issue then. The conclusion will be or should be, have I been born again?

People will at that time see.

By Gary Bagwell

Just imagine a young boy or girl being lost. Think of all the sleepless nights of the parents and the kinfolks. It is frightening isn’t it? Oh, but what a great jubilation when you find that child and he is all right. One can’t begin to imagine the thoughts, despair, concern of losing a child or the joy, happiness or elation of finding that child, unless he has experienced it for himself. I have friends who did experience this, so I can relate to it on a small scale. There are some lessons we can learn from the parable of the prodigal son – let us look at those.

The very first lesson I learn is that young people (teenagers) many times want their freedom. The attitude is, “I know what is best for me, so I want my own way. I want to have my freedom. Mom and dad, I no longer need you or want you telling me what to do. I am old enough now to make my own decisions.” Please notice in this parable though he wanted his freedom and he never needed his father anymore he asked his father for the portion of goods he had coming (money; the share of his estate). “I want my money (what is mine). I am leaving home for greener pastures.” That was the prodigal son’s first mistake. In Proverbs 1:8-9, Solomon said, “Heed the instruction of thy father and forsake not the law of thy mother. For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.” The first lesson to be learned then is that young folks should listen to their parents!

The second lesson I learn from this parable is that parents are not always to blame when children go astray. There is nothing within this parable that places the blame on the Father. Another example of this is Samson’s parents. Manoah and his wife (as far as we know) brought Samson up right and yet he went into sin. Judges 13-16 tells us of Samson’s evil ways. When godly parents, those who fear the Lord, bring their children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord and still their children go astray, it is not the fault of the parents. Children have volition and even the right kind of teaching and training does not take this away.

The third lesson I see, is that sin is not as beautiful as it appears. The prodigal’s attitude was, “I am leaving home; I have to have my freedom.” But, one day he came to himself. After he had spent all his living and the famine came, he then realized for the first time what it meant to be in want, hungry and destitute. He had too much month left at the end of the money. He said, “My father has plenty, even the servants are taken care of and I perish with hunger.” Sin is expensive. “The wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23).

Fourthly, I see true forgiveness in this parable. The boy’s father was willing to forgive him even though this young boy had brought shame and reproach to the family name.

Notice verse 20 – “the father saw the son coming home yet a great way off. He had compassion on him, he ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.” The son made his confession to his father – how he had sinned against heaven and against his father and how he was no longer worthy to be called his son. “But the father said to his servants, bring forth the best robe and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet: and bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat and be merry: for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found. And, they began to be merry.” None of this ever would have happened if the prodigal son would have only listened to his father and heeded his advice.

The father in his parable is like God our Father who stands by at all times waiting to receive us if we have sinned and if we will confess our sins and then repent of them. He will pardon us and treat us as though we have never sinned – as he did his son in this parable.

In conclusion (a word of caution to the young people), make sure you “honor your father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth” (Eph. 6:2-3). Be friends with your parents, get to know them, love, them, respect them. If they are Christians, you have two of the most wonderful blessings God could have given you. Do not take them for granted and hurt them by doing things that would cause them heartache and grief. As you grow older and have your own family, you will realize what it means to be a parent and what a tremendous responsibility it is. Be grateful for godly parents; obey them and tell them you love them often. The prodigal son had to live with the mistakes he had made and the memories even though he had been forgiven. Be respectful to parents and heed their advice. God will bless you for it.

Guardian of Truth XXXII: 12, p. 363
June 16, 1988