Truth Magazine

By Bill Fling

From Vancover, British Columbia, a church bulletin carried this announcement:

“It is requested that no equipment or furnishings such as typewriter, coffeemaker, etc. be taken from the building without permission from the building committee.”

The Lord’s church in many places is using some strange pieces of equipment. Of course the church has a legitimate need of communion trays, a meetinghouse, a place for teaching Bible classes, a baptistery and other things to carry out the commands of the Head of the church. These have been used for years by faithful churches.

Within the last few decades, however, some unusual pieces of chattel have been acquired by various churches. A church in San Francisco has ping pony tables; one in Long Beach has a gymnasium; and others have baseball bats. Several churches now have recreation rooms (sometimes called “fellowship halls”) with coffeemakers, double-door refrigerators, restaurant-type gas ranges, and drawers of silverware.

My question is, What command of the Lord do these things contribute to? What authority do churches have with these things and the activities they represent7 As an individual Christian, I can serve coffee to friends, play on a ball team, or buy a stove; because they come within the scope of my personal responsibility. But the church has no authority from Christ to do such things. Or is there a Bible command for congregational socials, “entertaining yourselves in pies, punch and playful songs?” Did Paul write, “when ye come together to take tea, tell tales’ and joke jestingly?” Did Jude say to “earnestly root for the church ball team?”

What church in the New Testament had a “chariot racing team” or “playtime schedule for persecuted saints?” Did Jerusalem have a “Fun, Fellowship and Frolic” program? If not, how can a church, which claims to follow their pattern, have coffeemakers, ping pony tables, and such like. IN THE ABSENCE OF A COMMAND TO EXPEDI TE, WE CANNOT ARGUE FOR EXPEDIENTS. They must abandon the pattern if they want things which are not in the pattern.

Many grownups are wanting to play like children and expect the church to subsidize and supervise it. One of the sins of Israel was –“They rose up to play.” (1 Cor. 10:7.) Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, p. 188, says “play” is PAIZO (Gr.) “properly, to play as a child, hence denotes to play as in dancing and making merry.” This was connected with idolatry and methinks fun and pleasure have become idols to some. (II Tim. 3:4.)

During the digression of 100 years ago, a little old lady protested the bringing into the church building of the first piano. They put it in, but she took an axe to it one night and chopped it up. She said it had “no business there.” We need some little old ladies to chop up some other things today “which have no business” in the Lord’s church.

Truth Magazine VI: 11, pp. 23-24
August 1962

By O. Fred Liggen, Jr.

How much would you be willing to sacrifice for the Lord and His work? Jesus told us in Luke 14:27; “If a man cometh unto me and hateth not his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yea, and his own life also he cannot be my disciple.” To people who never have to worry about being called upon to give up such things or who are secure in their country free from religious and physical persecution, these words may seem far less important. Yet in a country where you must be careful not to do things that might bring the wrath of the governing party upon you, these words have more meaning. Here in Africa one must be very careful what he does and must do all he can do not to conflict with the thinking of the governing party. Yet when the Bible and such a group contradict, one must stand fast for the Faith. Such was the case here in Nyasaland not too many weeks past.

Upon our return from Tanganyika, we learned some very disturbing news. The churches at SIzokoto, along with many denominations, were scared out of worshiping God on Sunday. A certain Malawi Congress Party man — the local governing party– had been going around the area announcing, “Do not go to church to worship God. All people must worship Dr. Banda (the leader of the party) until we gain our freedom, then we will worship God.” Brother Calvin Nyirenda who preaches at Mzokoto was with us in Tanganyika at the time; therefore nothing could be done about it until he returned. Immediately upon his return and upon learning of this, he did a very brave thing and began to take action. He didn’t run to us to see what we could do about it. Instead, he went straight to the Mzokoto branch head and discussed it with him, demanding to know the reason for it. Then, he went to Rumpi, 17 miles, to the District office to inquire into the matter. He was told that no one had authority to do such speaking and received a letter from the chairman of the party stating this. For this brave action, he is to be commended highly. We know that many Christians would have gone in hiding just as the denominations did. But brother Nyirenda met the problem head on being prepared to lose his house and possessions in order to stand fast in the Faith. Let me add here that not all of the Mzokoto Christians obeyed this announcement. About five of them, including brother Nyirenda’s wife met secretly at 10:00 p. m. on that Sunday to break bread.

We thank the Lord for those faithful Christians and the courage of brother Nyirenda. We are also thankful that the governing body here in Nyasaland has not reached the point where they will forbid the people to meet in peace and worship God.

The Lord has continued to greatly bless our work here in the Northern Province. The work moves forward but leaves much to be done. Since March of this year 74 have been added to the Lord’s Body and 42 restored. Still we need to do more in order to strengthen the churches here. In order to do this more help is desperately needed. The Leon Clymores will be leaving the work in October of this year and no one has yet responded to the call. Who is willing to accept the challenge? The Lord needs workers in the field. Truly, the harvest is ready and the laborers are few. “

We are glad the Doyle Gilliam family reached the Central Province of Nyasaland safely. They are now on their second missionary Journey and are working with the Pressnell Higginbothams.

Brethren, we continue to ask your prayers and financial help. Should you desire to help please send your contribution to me here, P. O. Kumpi, Nyasaland, Africa or to my bank account at the Citizens and Southern Bank of Albany, P. O. Box 140, Albany, Georgia. Your contribution will be gratefully accepted and recorded in our monthly newsletter. Send whatever you can. Remember the poor widow and her two mites. God bless you all and cause His light to shine upon you.

Truth Magazine VI: 12, p.1
September 1962

By P. J. Casebolt

There is such a thing as an unapproved example. Jude says that Sodom and Gomorrah “are set forth for an example? Suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.” (v. 7.) The Israelites set s o m e poor examples for anyone to follow. They lusted, committed idolatry and fornication, and tempted God. Paul says that these were punished for doing such things, and that we are not to follow their examples. (I Cor. 10:6-11.) The Pharisees of Jesus’ day were poor examples of righteous living, and Jesus exhorted his disciples: “…but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.” (Mt. 23:3.)

The Example of Christ

Peter said that Christ left us an example, and that we should follow in his steps. (1 Pet. 2:21.) Many of the things which Jesus did are recorded in the first four books of the New Testament. John said that there were many other things which Jesus did which are not recorded, but that a sufficient number had been put on record to establish the identity of Christ as the Son of God. (Jno. 20:30,31.)

The Example of the Christian

Paul told Timothy to be an example of the believers. (1 Tim. 4:12.) When people see us, they should see Christ. (Gal. 2:20.) When people see our good works, they should glorify God. (Mt. 5:16.) Peter said that if wives have husbands who are not Christians, that they should live before them in such a way that the husbands would be won to Christ. (1 Pet. 3:1, 2.) The example of the Christian is so powerful that a person may be won to Christ without the word, i.e., people can see the word as well as hear it.

Apostolic Examples

These, likewise, must be approved. We cannot follow the one set by Peter which is recorded in Gal. 2:11-13. It will not be difficult to determine whether an example is approved or disapproved if we will observe the text and the context.

Jesus sent the apostles forth and charged them to teach the people “to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” (Mt. 28: 19, 20.) We are told that the early church “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in the breaking of bread’ and in prayers.” (Acts 2:42.)

The true followers of Christ have always sought authorization for a practice by (1) direct command, (2) necessary inference, and (3) approved apostolic example. This is not a new procedure introduced by the principals of the Restoration, but a practice which is as old as the church itself. The apostles were commanded to go and to preach the gospel. It was necessarily inferred that they use some means of transportation. The approved examples which they set before the early church were binding then, and are just as binding now.

But, a concentrated effort is being made in our time (even as it has been made in other times) to destroy the power of an approved apostolic example. The proponents of this movement claim that an apostolic example alone is not binding–that it must be accompanied by a direct command. What is the purpose of this effort? There must be a reason. There is.

The only way that we know elders should be ordained in “every church” is by an approved apostolic example. (Acts 14:23.) Paul charged Titus to ordain elders in “every city,” but how would we know that each congregation in “every city” should have elders were it not for the apostolic example of Acts 14:23?

The only way we know that spiritual gifts could only be imparted by the laying on of the apostles’ hands is by the apostolic examples given concerning it. (See Acts 8:14-18; 19:6; 2 Tim. 1:6.) The only exception to this is the receiving of the Holy Spirit by the Gentiles. (Acts 10:44-46.) Still, this is an example, not a command.

We would be left in the dark completely as to the time we should observe the Lord’s supper, were it not for the apostolic example of Acts 20:7. We are commanded to observe the supper, but we are not told when to observe it. The lone example of Acts 20:7 tells us when, or how often we are to observe the supper. I have proved for years, and can still prove, by apostolic example alone, that we should break bread “on the first day of the week.” You may find a command telling us to break bread, but you will never find a command telling us when to do it. Thank God for this apostolic example set by Paul in Acts 20:7!

Now, I have a question for those who think that an apostolic example alone is not binding. Since you place more emphasis on a command than you do on an apostolic example, what are you going to do if the apostles command us to observe an example as binding? The apostle Paul commands: “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example.” (Phil. 3:17.) “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do; and the God of peace shall be with you.” (Phil. 4:9.) Yes, we are commanded to do not only the things we have learned, received, and heard, but also to do the things which we have seen.

Now, why would anyone want to minimize the importance of an approved apostolic example? Especially, why would brethren want to do it? Is it because they don’t want to observe the Lord’s supper on the first day of the week? No. Is it because they want to teach that spiritual gifts were imparted by someone other than the apostles? No. Is it because they don’t think we should have elders in every church? No. The answer is found when you begin reading at Phil. 4:9 and read the next seven verses, especially vv. 15, 16. The approved apostolic example of sending support directly to the place where it is needed instead of through some sponsoring church or human organization is what these anti-apostolic-example-advocates are trying to escape.

No, it is not because of disrespect for the Lord’s supper or opposition to elders in every church that causes brethren to reject an approved apostolic example as binding upon the church today, but rather because of their love for some humanly devised arrangement of raising, contributing, and receiving money. But, it is inexcusable for brethren to abandon the only method possible of proving that we should commune on the first day of the week and that we should have elders in every church just because they want to send their contributions through some “sponsoring agency” instead of sending it directly to the preacher, the church, or the individual in need. Yet, Paul commands in Phil 4:9 that we observe his example in Phil. 4:15,16.

May God help us to quit weakening the influence of approved apostolic examples before the sectarians see our weakness and jump on us with both feet. Even if we escape the wrath of sectarianism, such a practice will lead us into it eventually, and ultimately into the wrath of God.

Truth Magazine VI: 11, pp. 17-18
August 1962

By Earl Robertson

In Hebrews 1, the apostle says, “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of al1 things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding al1 things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they…. But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom…. Sit on my right hand, until I make shine enemies thy footstool…”

The apostle declares that Christ was “appointed” heir of al1 things. This is in the indefinite past. He was appointed such in purpose. God purposed from eternity that Christ should be heir to al1 things. (Eph. 3:11.) “I wil1 declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.” (Psa. 2:7.) From this passage it can be seen that Christ’s heirship is made to depend on His Sonship. Both His heirship and sonship are the result of God’s eternal purpose. The inheritance God promised Christ through sonship, he granted. (Psa. 89:28.) God’s plan is inheritance on the basis of sonship. (Rom. 8: 17; Gal. 4: 7. ) The inheritance received of Christ came from God. Christ is “heir of all things” in their totality. He is the “heir” and “Lord of all.” (Gal. 4:1; Acts 10:36.) Macknight says, being “heir of all things denotes supreme dominion over angels and men.” Christ heired a place above all “dominion.” (Eph. 1:21.) Paul says, “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.” (Col. 1: 16.) Indeed he has the dominion; he is Lord of all. He is “both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36); we must sanctify him as Lord in our hearts. (1 Pet. 3: 15.)

Jesus Christ has become Heir of all things spoken by the prophets. The prophets truly testified of Christ and his heirship. (John 5:39, Acts 10:43.) The writings of the apostles abound with the facts that he possesses “by inheritance” the blessings vouchsafed to him by God Almighty through his plan. (Heb. 1:4) “All things” were fulfilled that were written in the Law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning Christ. (Luke 24:44.) Let us notice some of the “all things” planned by God, and spoken by the prophets that Christ became the heir of.

Called a Nazarene

“And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.” (Matt. 2:23.) There is no specific statement in the prophets’ writings where this can be found. Matthew says this was spoken by the “prophets.” This is plural. The real point can be seen regarding this verse in Nathanael’s statement to Philip. Philip had said, “We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Then Nathanael answered, “Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:45,46.) Jesus was poor. (Isa 53:2; Luke 9:58.) Isaiah testified, by the Spirit, that Christ “is despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our grieves, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.” (Isa. 53:3,4.) This is what is involved in Matthew 2:23. You may compare Psa. 69:9 to this. Regarding this verse, Peter says, “But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.” (Acts 3:18.) This same message Paul preached. (Acts 26:22, 23.)

The point involved in these passages is that Christ, being called a Nazarene, would be poor, despised, rejected; that he would suffer, bleed, and die in shame. (2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 12:2.)

A Savior

Concerning David, Paul says, “Of this man’s seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus.” (Acts 13:23) Matthew gives us this statement of an angel to Joseph regarding this Saviour: “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” (Matt.1: 21.) As Paul says, God hath kept his promise. The angel of the Lord announced to the shepherds, “unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11.) He came to seek and save. (Luke 19:10.) This salvation is sent to all who fear God. (Acts 13: 26.) Christ came to the sick, not the whole. (Matt. 9: 12; Mark 2: 17. ) Christ entered Satan’s house, bound him and spoiled his goods. (Matt. 12:29; Col. 2:14, 15); thus, his conquest over the devil and death was complete. (Heb. 2:14,15.) He now says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28.) “Whosoever will,” may come to the Master and live. (Rev. 22:17.) Indeed, he hath by inheritance become the Saviour of the world! There is no salvation in any other. (Acts 4:11, 12.)

A Prophet

Moses said, “The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken.” (Deut. 18:15.) This is a part of the “all things” that Christ should be heir to. Peter associates this promise of Moses with God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 22:18, saying: “And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.” Further, Peter says, “Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers….” (Acts 3:22-26.) Moses said “God will raise up… a prophet;” Peter says “Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.” (Acts 3:26.) Thus, by inheritance Jesus Christ is that Prophet. We must hear him. (Deut. 18: 15; Acts 3: 23. )

Priest on Throne

Zechariah said “Even he shall build the temple of the Lord; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.” (Zech. 6:13.) Thus, he was to be a priest upon his throne. From Psalms 110: 1-4 we learn also that he was a “priest forever after the order of Melchizedek,” and that he was to “Sit” on the right hand of God until his enemies were made his footstool. From these passages we see that this one was to be a Priest, a Priest upon his throne, a Priest to sit and rule upon his throne. Christ is that Priest; he has a throne. (Heb. 4:14; 1:8.) Peter shows, by inspiration (Acts 2:4), that Christ is the fulfillment of this promise. (Acts 2:30-35.) Christ says that he overcame and sat down on the throne. (Rev. 3:21.)

The angel of God spoke to Mark about Christ saying: “And the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David.” (Luke 1:32.) It was promised earlier through Isaiah. (Isa. 9:7.) God fulfilled this promise as affirmed by Peter in Acts 2:30, 31.

The throne of Christ is in heaven. David said “The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.” (Psa. 103: 19.) Keep in mind that Jesus Christ was to rule while he was a Priest on his throne. (Zech. 6:13.) His throne was not, is not now, never will be on earth. His rule is a spiritual one. There is no way for this throne and ruling to be on the earth. The apostle says, “For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest.” (Heb. 8:4.) “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my foot stool” he tells us. (Isa. 66:1; Acts 7:49.) Christ’s reign is spiritual, and not physical. Paul says of Christ our priest, “yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.” (2 Cor. 5:16.) Knowing that Christ is not reincarnated, but yet is ruling as priest on his throne (which throne is in heaven), he is therefore ruling in heaven. Paul says that we will “henceforth” — from here on -know Jesus Christ in the flesh no more. This should, to any honest person, be enough to show that Christ’s–our priest’s–throne is not on earth but in heaven.

Daniel, the prophet “saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.” (Dan. 7:13, 14.) This word “dominion” means rule or authority. The word throne is used by metonomy of one who holds dominion or exercises rule and authority. Christ is the one Daniel saw ascend to the Ancient of days (God Almighty) and receive dominion. “To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever.” (1 Pet. 5:11; 1 Pet. 4:11.) These two passages prove Christ to be the possessor of the dominion that the Son of man was to receive from the Ancient of days. Christ himself testified: “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” (Matt. 28:18.) The apostle Peter says that Christ “is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.” (1 Pet. 3:22)

The Psalmist said “He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth” (Psa. 72:8); and Christ said that he had been given this dominion “in heaven and in earth” (Matt. 28: 18); therefore, he is both “Lord and Christ” to the house of Israel (Acts 2:36), and is “reigning over the Gentiles.” (Rom. 1 5:12.) He is, by virtue of the fact that God gave him dominion, ruling and reigning over the Jew and Gentile alike. (Acts 10:34,35; 15:7-11.) Jesus Christ by his sovereign right “broke down the middle wall of partition” between Jew and Gentile, established his kingdom and gave his law which applies to “all nations” alike. (Eph. 2:14-16.) God spoke to Christ saying “Thy throne,” “thy scepter,” “thy kingdom.” (Heb. 1:8.) These belong to Christ!

Christ Given a Kingdom

Ezekiel speaking of the one nation that would be made of all nations under the rule of Jesus Christ said, “And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them.” (Ezek. 37:24.) Of course the prophet did not have reference to David himself, but to his seed. David was dead when the prophet said this, and has remained so. “Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.” (Acts 2:29.) Ezekiel by the Spirit of God was restating the same promise regarding David’s posterity that God told David would happen. “And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build an house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever.” (2 Sam. 7:12,13.) Thus David must be dead when God would do with his posterity the things promised!!

Daniel says he saw the Son go to heaven and stand near before the Ancient of days, “And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom.” (Dan. 7:13, 14.) This means the Son became king. Kings possess kingdoms. The “dear Son” has a kingdom. (Col. 1:13.) In the parable of Luke 19:12-15, a “nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.” The citizens of this kingdom realized the king could reign over them. (vs. 14.) But verse 15 says, “And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom,” thus proving the fact of his possessing a kingdom, his kingdom. (Emphasis mine, E. R.) So he went to heaven to receive a kingdom says Daniel and the parable; but the parable also shows that he returned having received it. Further, the Hebrew writer tells us this: “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.” (Heb. 12:28.) In Acts 1 and 2 we learn this same thing, that Christ went to heaven to receive a kingdom, which he did with great power. Thus he is king over this kingdom.

By having inherited the kingdom and kingship, Jesus Christ has a right to command in his name. Since Christ is the only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords” his name (authority) alone is high. (1 Tim. 6:15.) His citizens are to preach repentance and remission of sins “in his name” among all the nations. (Luke 24:47.) Peter said “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38.) Having become the “heir of all things,” God put “all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all” (Eph. 1:22, 23.) Therefore, whatever this kingdom, body, or church may do it must do it in his name or by his authority. (Col. 3:17.) We must remember it is “His throne,” “His scepter,” “His kingdom.” He is head over all things to it. He “heired” it; God gave it to him; God made him King; therefore, we should be highly pleased to be citizens and subjects of his in this glorious kingdom knowing that he will cause “all things” to work together for our good. (Rom. 8:28.)

Truth Magazine VI: 11, pp. 19-22
August 1962