Truth Magazine

By Bobby Graham

From January 13-27 I was in Corozal Town, Belize, Central America, working with the congregation resulting from the work of Jesse Hightower and Dana Whisler. Both of these men have sacrificed much in family associations, conveniences, and security in order that they might do the work of the gospel in an area needing it.

The principal purpose of this second trip was to work with the men of the congregation desiring to grow in preaching the Word. For ten sessions, the men came at some sacrifice of time and energy, because most of them faced an early wake-up the following day for work in the sugar cane fields or on the trucks. We hope that the next class can be set up during November, when the cane work is idle. Attendance was quite good, ranging from nine to twelve. Interest on the part of most was high, with discussions nightly manifesting such interest and concern.

The study this time centered on Paul’s Letters to Preachers — 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. Materials used included outlines of the letters, translated into Spanish, along with other motivational material related to the letters. The final session made use of a sheet compiling material studied, providing the basis for self-evaluation through a series of questions raised concerning matters that will be mentioned later.

The method employed was a textual study of Paul’s three letters. Special emphasis was placed on the preacher’s work, attitude, manner of carrying out his responsibilities, example, handling of the Scriptures, dealing with error and errorists, and facing temptations. The material studied was made more practical by a nightly discussion by the men of their own concerns relating to that night’s study and issues raised regarding it.

The final sessions’ consideration of a inductive compilation of material from the three letters was for the purpose of each man’s evaluating himself in significant areas:

•  N.T. designations for preachers were used to show the general kind of work done by a preacher. The focus of this emphasis was upon one’s willingness to do what the Lord desires. 
• Other points from the letters were used to demonstrate the importance of preaching. In this area the focus was on why one is preaching. Does he preach for the reasons suggested by the importance of the task.
• Divine qualifications for preachers, contrasted with human expectations, were then noted from the letters to stress who should preach and how he should proceed. The questions then asked were whether each man should preach and whether he was doing his work as God expects. 
• The preacher’s duties to the gospel were finally examined, in order to scrutinize each man’s view of the message and his valuing of it in the work done.

Planning for a future class in November has already begun, based on the expressed desire of the men for another one. It will probably focus on Bible history and geography, as it relates to understanding the historical development of God’s plan to save the world in Jesus Christ. Of course, this study will involve the entire Bible story. It is hoped that this material also can be provided in the Spanish language, making it more useful for some of the men, though English is the official language of this former British colony (British Honduras).

This brief review is provided in the hope that it might provide some insight and motivation for similar work on the part of others. There is much that so many can do to assist in the work of evangelism. 

24978 Bubba Tr., Athens, Alabama 35613 bobbylgraham@juno.com

By Jarrod Jacobs

The Lord’s blood was shed on the cross by the Roman soldier who pierced his side over 2000 years ago (John 19:34). Yet, it still has the same power it has always had. It has cleansing power, the likes of which has not been equaled by man. Let us study about our Lord’s shed blood and what it means to people today. Certainly this is a subject worthy of our study.

Christ’s Blood Was Shed For the Remission of Sins

Perhaps we are aware of this, but it would do us good to consider some pertinent passages on this subject. First, Jesus himself said his blood would be shed “for many for the remission of sins” (Matt. 26:28). The word “remission” means, “freedom; (fig.) pardon: deliverance, forgiveness, liberty” (Strong’s). Can we think of anything more wonderful than liberty? More important than political liberty, we have liberty or freedom from sin because of the shed blood of Christ! This is truly a gift from God.

Read Paul’s words as he stated the importance of Christ and his shed blood. “But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus” (Rom. 3:21-26). 

Put simply, Paul was saying that there is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for “all have sinned.” This being true, our Lord justified all and became the “propitiation” (sin offering) for all mankind through the shedding of his blood. Therefore, as we believe in Jesus Christ, doing what he has said to do in order to be saved (Rom. 10:16; Acts 2:36-38), we can have forgiveness of sins (liberty) because he shed his blood for us! What a wonderful thing for men to consider! Without the blood of Christ, there is no salvation. Paul also made it clear that Christ’s blood brought about the forgiveness of sins when he wrote to the Ephesian (1:7) and the Colossian brethren (1:14).

Peter told the “strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia” that they “were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Pet. 1:18-19). This same truth applies today. Our redemption did not come through physical power or prowess; nor could we “earn” our way into Heaven. Rather, Christ’s shed blood made it possible for us one day to see Heaven! 

Another text worthy of our study is John’s words in the book of Revelation. “John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood” (Rev. 1:4-5). Truly, we cannot say enough about what the blood of Christ means to every man and woman!

Christ Purchased the Church With His Blood

We know that Christ promised to build his church in Matthew 16:18. Paul declares that Christ’s church was purchased when he shed his blood on the cross. This fact is recorded in Paul’s meeting with the Ephesian elders at Miletus. He said, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). Paul later wrote to the Ephesians and told them that Christ “loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Eph. 5:25).

After learning this, how can anyone belittle the importance of the Lord’s church with a clear conscience? Jesus Christ thought the church was so important that he died and shed his blood to purchase it (John 19:33-34). If it was that important to Christ, it must be that important to me! If the Lord saw the church as a prized possession, I am not going to belittle her! Let us make sure that we hold the Lord’s church in high regard. Something that is this precious, this valuable, deserves our honor and our respect!

Seeing that these things are true, I see it as no coincidence that when one becomes a Christian, and is washed in the blood of the Lamb, that he is also added to the Lord’s church at the same time (Rev. 1:5; Acts 2:47)! 

Christ’s Blood Can Be Counted Unholy

After Christ has done so much for us, we see that there are some who would count Christ’s blood as “unholy” or common (Heb. 10:29). Who are these people? They are the ones who would “sin wilfully” after receiving “the knowledge of the truth” (Heb. 10:26). The word “wilfully” is defined as “voluntarily; willingly” (Strong’s). Therefore, when one will voluntarily forsake God’s laws, whether it be in forsaking the assembling of ourselves together (Heb. 10:25, this is in the context); whether it be in filthy language (Eph. 5:4); whether it be in lascivious actions (Gal. 5:19-21); etc. When we leave the commands and precepts of God, we are guilty of counting Christ’s blood as unholy or common.

This is why we need to be reminded daily to stay faithful to the Lord God (Rev. 2:10). We need to be “steadfast and unmovable” (1 Cor. 15:58). We need to continue to “walk in the light, as he is in the light” (1 John 1:7). One way we do this is by remembering who we are, and remembering where we once were. Paul reminded the Ephesians of this, telling them they were once “dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1). At one time they were “without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, . . . having no hope and without God in the world” (Eph. 2:12). He then reveals that it was the blood of Christ that made them “nigh” to God (v. 13)!

Since we were once in the same position as the Ephesians, let us never consider Christ’s blood unholy or common through willful sin; but let us live according to the will of God as Christ did (John 12:49-50) so that one day we can be with our Lord in Heaven for eternity! How wonderful is the power of the blood of Christ!

2155 Sunset Dr. White Bluff, Tennessee 37187

By Steve Willis

In a previous article I had a few ideas prompted by the ABC TV show “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” I hope you read it. In this I was thinking about some of the questions on that show and wondered how far we might go if all were Bible-related questions. I’ll use dollar amounts only to indicate possible difficulty, but no money prize is given (and beware of greed). However, what you know and what you do with what you know may affect the “prize” you receive from the Father in Heaven (see 1 Cor. 9:24-27). Do them as best you can from memory and in as short a period of time as possible. You can have one each of these three “life lines”: (1) check your Bible; (2) ask a friend in the family; (3) ask someone who attends where you do! They must answer from memory, and not look it up. NOTE: I used the NASB to prepare these questions. “Walk away” when you must, but at least try the other questions. How much did you “win”?

$100: Where in the Bible do you read of the life of Jesus: A. The Book of Jesus, B. The Gospels, C. Genesis, D. Galatians?

$200: Who was betrothed to Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus: A. Elizabeth, B. Salome, C. Mary, D. Tabitha?

$300: Which is NOT a reference to the Apostle Peter: A: Barjona, B. Cephas, C. Simon, D. Barnabas? 

$500: Complete the following, which was thought by others to identify Jesus, “Some say John the Baptist; some Elijah, and others, Jeremiah or . . .” A. “one of the best,” B. “one of one,” C. “one of the prophets,” D. “one of the two”?

$1,000: Which is NOT a son of Adam and Eve: A. Enosh, B. Abel, C. Cain, D. Seth? 

$2,000: From the “Beatitudes” in the Sermon on the Mount, who “shall see God”: A. the poor in spirit, B. the peacemakers, C. the pure in heart, D. those who mourn?

$4,000: The name “Jesus” means: A. Jehovah listens, B. Jehovah is God, C. Jehovah provides, D. Jehovah saves?

$8,000: Which book does NOT have “beginning” in its first verse: A. Mark, B. John, C. Luke, D. 1 John?

$16,000: Which is among the seven things of which Paul wrote “there is one” in one of his epistles: A. Bible, B. Lord’s Day, C. peace, D. baptism. 

$32,000: Who is “our Passover”: A. Christ, B. Moses, C. David, D. Aaron. 

$64,000: Complete the following idea from Proverbs: A father who “spares the rod” from his son: A. hates him, B. loves him, C. does not care for him, D. has no son?

$125,000: Which is NOT listed as among the “fruit of the Spirit”: A. godliness, B. goodness, C. gentleness, D. faithfulness.

$250,000: In the Bible, which expression describes Jesus: A. the lily of the valley, B. the bright and morning star, C. the fairest of 10,000, D. heaven’s best.

$500,000: “Melchizedek” means: A. “father of a multitude,” B. “king of Salem,” C. “king of righteousness,” D. “milk and honey”?

$1,000,000: Complete: “Little children, guard yourself from”: A. “idols,” B. “the Devil,” C. “Hell,” D. “sin”?

Answers: “Millionaire”
$100 — B
$200 — C
$300 — D
$500 — C
$1000 — A
$2000 — C
$4000 — D
$8000 — C
$16,000 — D
$32,000 — A
$64,000 — A
$125,000 — A
$250,000 — B
$500,000 — C
$1,000,000 — A

18 Rossmere Court SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1B 2M3

By Sam Csonka

In the record of 1 Kings 17:8-16, we read of a woman who was commanded to make a cake for the servant of God, and then afterward for herself and her son. We then see the outcome of her obedience to God and the subsequent blessings that were afforded her. In providing for the “man of God” whom the Lord sent there, she was in essence ‘making a cake for the Lord.’ As a result of her faith in God, she made a cake for the Lord, first.

What does it mean to “make a cake for the Lord, first”? It means to put God and his business before our own. In Haggai 1:2-11, the prophet came for the express purpose of delivering a message from God concerning the people’s neglect of his house. In verses 6-9, the Lord says, “You have sown much, and bring in little; You eat, but do not have enough; You drink, but you are not filled with drink; You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; And he who earns wages, Earns wages to put into a bag with holes. Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Consider your ways! Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the temple, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified,’ says the Lord. ‘You looked for much, but indeed it came to little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why?’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘Because of My house that is in ruins, while every one of you runs to his own house.’” These people were admonished to “make a cake for the Lord, first.”

I believe that there is a great deal that we can learn from this passage. First, let me begin with a question. Do we believe in God’s providence? Could God have actually blown away (v. 9) their income and sustenance? Well, of course! But, can God still do the same today? If the Lord tells us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matt. 6:33), does he really mean that? Is he actually capable of doing that? If we are thinking to ourselves “No,” then we either have a dead faith or we serve a dead God! Which one is it? If your God is not dead, then are you concerned about his message?

Second, What is God’s house today? It is not a literal temple, but it is his church (1 Tim. 3:15). Now, since we are called upon to do our part (Eph. 4:16) in the upkeep and maintenance of the Lord’s house (supporting the Lord’s work), will God be well pleased if we fail to do it? Notice the disposition that God had towards his people in Haggai 1:2-11. In these passages, we find that Israel was offering to the Lord their leftovers — the sick, lame, and blind. God told them that he would rather someone shut the doors to his house (v. 10) than they go on offering their profanities. How about today? When we bring our contribution to the Lord’s house and offer our sacrifices on the altar of giving, do we offer God our leftovers? 

Do we give him second best, or worse? Is this not evil (v. 8) in God’s sight? Should God accept this from us (v. 10) and be pleased? One area in which I see Christians not “making a cake for the Lord, first” is in their giving to the Lord’s work. With all of the need that has arisen lately amongst us, especially in the Philippines, God’s children should be able to rise up right along with that need, as the saints did in Jerusalem (Acts 4). We are blessed with the means to abundantly satisfy that need. But, I see even another area in which we have become very lax — in supporting gospel preachers.

1 Corinthians 9:14 says, “Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.” Somehow I get the feeling that when brethren read this verse they see it as meaning that preachers should merely eke out their existence from the gospel. I can’t count the number of preachers that I have known or seen lately who are begging for support. 

And there are many others, who because of their own pride (self-esteem, not arrogance) live from day to day with close to nothing. I have either personally known, or known of, some brethren who have said in business meetings, or even to the preacher’s face, that he ought to be able to make it on whatever they (the brethren) determined — despite what that preacher had calculated for his budget. Does God give the brethren the inherent right to stipulate that the preachers will be the poorest of all the church? Now, you might be saying to yourself, “Well, I know some preachers who make a lot more than I do.” Does that mean a few? One out of a hundred, or a thousand? Let’s get real, brethren, and stop being stingy. “If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things?” (1 Cor. 9:11).

I wonder if we realize just how many preachers have to do without health insurance for their wife and kids; how many have to drive a junky-clunker around town. Should a preacher be ashamed to invite someone over to the house for a Bible study, for fear that his visitor might wonder why all of the furniture looks like it came from the neighborhood garage sale or flea market? Should the preacher have to dress his kids in clothes that came from the local Goodwill store? Should the “men of God” have to go around, like Elijah, begging bread from those whom the Lord has made rich in the blessings of this life?

God may have had a part in your current welfare so that you might be able to liberally support his messengers! Think about it. Are you willing to let God work through you; or will you deny him that blessed privilege? 1 Timothy 6:17-19 says, “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” I realize that being “rich” is a relative term. But, have we become spoiled with our abundance? Has our comfort level increased at the expense of others who have little? I feel that in many cases we have rationalized away the fact that we do indeed have well beyond what others do; and that we can do without much of what we have just lying around.

Let us truly be storing up for ourselves for the time to come; not in a heap, like the rich fool (Luke 12:13-21), only to have it stripped away. Share with your brethren in the work of preaching, like the Philippians did with Paul (Phil. 4:14-19), that God may smile upon you and supply all your spiritual needs. “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Heb. 13:16). “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Heb. 6:10).

Do we believe that God still blesses today? He could do it back then, can he do it now? “‘Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,’ Says the Lord of hosts, ‘If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it’” (Mal. 3:10). Surely blessing will come to those who trust in their God. So, let us follow the apostle-recorded example of the churches of Macedonia who “first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God” (2 Cor. 8:5). 

“Make a cake for the Lord, first.” Support a gospel preacher. Help lighten his burden. Take the load of worrying about financial problems off his mind, so that he can concentrate on the things of the Kingdom. And, heap up for yourselves treasures in Heaven (Matt. 6:20-21), where they need to be.

109 Stanley Church Rd., Logansport, Louisiana 71049 slcsonka@worldnetla.net